Binder1 05 september, 2014

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS Friday, September 5, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 199

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AMCON sells 12.5% stake in Ecobank for $200m lQatari National Bank now second-largest shareholder Ayodele Aminu

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n a bid to redeem its N800 billion bonds, which matures in October, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has

sold its 12.5 per cent stake in Ecobank Nigeria Plc to Qatar National Bank (QNB) for about $200million.

Managing Director, AMCON, Mr. Mustapha

Chike-Obi, who confirmed the deal to New Telegraph yesterday, said he was pleased with the transactions, adding that it was very rare for a government institution to sell its shares

at a premium.

Although as at the close of business yesterday, Ecobank share traded at N17.01 per share, the lender’s shares were sold to QNB at N20.01, indicat-

ing a premium of N3 gain per share.

The AMCON boss, who stressed that the process for the sale was transparent, said several experts CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Chike-Obi

US warns Jonathan against Boko Haram

lSays sect will soon become deadlier lSenators, Reps to meet president over terrorists' activities

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Quick Read

UK probes Christ Embassy over N941m payments }6 Ebola: WHO considers eight treatment methods, two vaccines }5

Chukwu

Jonathan targets 17m new jobs via SMEs L-R: Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam; President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji RamalanYero and Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, during a meeting of the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Court freezes Dangote's accounts in 20 banks LAGOS

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T

he Federal High Court, sitting Lagos, yesterday barred 20 banks from allowing Dansa Foods Limited (DFL) and Bulk Pack Services Limited (BPL) to operate any

of their accounts pending the finally determination of a suit before it.

The companies, all owned by Alhaji Sani Dangote, a younger brother of the President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, were sued by Union

Bank of Nigeria (UBN) for their alleged refusal to repay a N5billion loan they took about six years ago.

Justice Okon Abang, while delivering a ruling in the suit, said the order, effective from September 11, was necessary to pre-

serve the substantive matter before the court.

He ordered the banks to halt transactions on the accounts belonging to the two companies until the subsisting matter was finally disposed of.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

President Jonathan yesterday expressed the desire of his administration to create 17 million jobs through MSMEs. }5

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

US: Boko Haram will soon become deadlier

Philip Nyam, Yekeen Nurudeen and Ahmed Miringa

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he United States yesterday warned President Goodluck Jonathan against the deadly activities of Boko Haram, which has killed about 4,000 this year alone.

It also expressed concerned over increasing Boko Haram violence and territorial gains in Nigeria, warning that the deteriorating situation threatened the African giant’s future.

This came as senators and members of the House of Representatives are proposing a meeting with the president over the sect's deadly activities.

US Assistant Secretary of State, Ms. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is on a visit to Nigeria said in Abuja that given its renewed onslaught during which the terrorist group has overrun some towns in Borno and Yobe States, Boko Haram would soon grow into a big monster that the Federal Government would not be able to tame.

A report by the Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Thomas-Greenfield as saying that Boko Haram has now constituted a serious threat to Nigeria.

“We are very troubled by the apparent capture of Bama and the prospects for an attack on and in

Maiduguri, which would impose a tremendous toll on the civilian population,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

She spoke against the backdrop of the land grab that Boko Haram has done in Bama, Bunu Yadi, Gamboru-Ngala, Banki, Bara and Gwoza towns in Yobe and Borno States.

On Monday, the militants reportedly took over Bama, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, amid denials from the military.

Thomas-Greenfield, who leads Washington’s African Affairs team, told delegates at a bilateral meeting on regional security that the upsurge in violence “constitutes a serious threat” to Nigeria.

According to her, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau’s claim that Gwoza

was now part of an Islamic caliphate “only adds to the perception that the security situation is steadily worsening.”

“All of these developments are deeply disturbing and increasingly dangerous with each passing day,” she added.

In one of the encounters between Boko Haram militants and troops, 480 soldiers had crossed the border into Cameroun, although the military said they had not fled but were conducting “tactical manoeuvres” that crossed the frontier.

Thomas-Greenfield said the stakes were high after experts warned that the government risked losing control of the North-East and the violence could spread across borders.

“The reputation of Nigeria’s military is at stake.

But more importantly, Nigeria’s and its children’s future is in jeopardy. Failure is not an option,” she stated.

The United States was one of a number of countries that sent intelligence and surveillance specialists and equipment to Nigeria to help locate more than 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, in Borno States 143 days ago.

Thomas-Greenfield said Washington would soon announce the launch of a major border security programme, which will include Nigeria and its neighbours, Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

A top US official said the US was preparing to launch a "major" border security programme for Nigeria and its neighbours to combat the increasing number and scope of at-

tacks by Boko Haram.

Yesterday's warning from Thomas-Greenfield came amid reports that the militants have begun attacking villages in Cameroun.

However, despite the military denial of the situation in Bama, a report yesterday by the BBC said bodies remain littered the streets of the town two days after it was seized by Boko Haram.

Senator Ahmed Zanna told the BBC that Boko Haram fighters were patrolling the streets of Bama, preventing people from burying the dead, said.

Zanna, who is from the beleaguered town, said the humanitarian situation in Bama was “terrible” and there had been a “lot of killings” in the town.

“So many bodies litter CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

29o C 21oC Storms

PORT HARCOURT

22o C 17oC Thunder Storms

KANO

32o C 22oC Isolated Storms

ENUGU

31oC 22oC Partially Cloudy

IBADAN

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CALABAR

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MAIDUGURI

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FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

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L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Professor George Obiozor; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and programme convener, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, at the 15th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture in Lagos...yesterday.

Court freezes accounts of Dangote's firms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The financial institutions affected by the order are: Access Bank, CITI Bank, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, Enterprise Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Heritage Bank.

Others are: Keystone Bank, Mainstreet Bank, Skye Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Unity Bank, Wema Bank and Zenith Bank.

Justice Abang ordered the banks to file affidavits to show cause on the details of Dangote's companies' accounts within five days.

Besides, the court ordered Union Bank to file an undertaking to indemnify the defendants in the event that the freezing order ought not to have been made.

Justice Abang said: "In line with Order 28

Rule 2 of the rules of this court, an interim order is hereby made restraining the banks from allowing the defendants to operate their accounts with them, especially honouring withdrawal of funds.

"I think the dictate of justice demands that a preserving order should be made to preserve the res of this suit.”

Union Bank had sued Dangote and his companies over an alleged failure to liquidate about N5 billion debt despite repeated demands.

The bank, had in separate suits last week asked the court to grant an order of mareva injunction, barring the banks from allowing the companies and their director, Sani Dangote, to withdraw funds deposited with them pending the final determination of the suits.

The bank alleged that the order became imperative as the companies and their director “have been

making frantic efforts to deplete the funds in the accounts of his companies with a view to evading liquidation of the facility even as the defendants had started diverting the funds to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada and Switzerland.”

According to affidavits in support of the suits deposed to by Olufunmilola Ayoola, a Union Bank official, the alleged failure by the defendants to liquidate the debt had negatively affected the nation’s economy, especially as it had become difficult for Union Bank to extend credit facilities to boost small-scale businesses as a result of the alleged debt.

The bank had in September 2008, granted the defendants the N5.2 billion facility which had become the subject of litigation.

The alleged facility, according to the bank, include a N500 million overdraft, N500 million advert loan, $2.5 million

equipment lease, $2.5 million sales, and $30 million import finance.

Although the facility had been reduced to N3.477 billion, the bank accused the companies of ignoring repeated demands to liquidate the debt.

Till date, the bank said Dansa Foods’ indebtedness to it stood at N4.003 billion as at November 29, 2012 while Bulk Pack’s indebtedness was N745.145 million.

However, when the matter came up yesterday, the motion could not be heard as the defendants had filed objection challenging jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

Of the 20 banks, only Diamond Bank and Zenith Bank appeared before the court.

They also alleged that Dangote was equally indebted to them.

Zenith Bank specifically told the court that Dangote was indebted to it to the tune of €7 million.

ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Jonathan targets 17m new jobs via SMEs lSeeks easy access to N220bn intervention fund

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed the desire of his administration to create 17 million jobs through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The president, at the inauguration of the National Council on MSMEs in Abuja, said there was nothing stopping the country in taking advantage of the potential of its MSMEs to generate 17 million additional jobs for youths.

According to him, the target is realistic as all the

Federal Government needs to do to achieve the goal is to create the environment for the nation's 17.2 million MSMEs with a workforce of 32 million to employ one more person each.

The council, chaired by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, has members from various sectors of the economy and many key ministers. Its membership also includes one governor from each of the six geographical zones.

Governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue) represents

the North-Central; Ramalan Yero (Kaduna) NorthWest; Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) North-East; Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) South West; Theodore Orji (Abia) South-East and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) South-South.

The president added that a 2010 survey carried out by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria has 17.2 million MSMEs which employ

over 32 million people and over 95 per cent of registered businesses in the country are small-scale businesses.

"If each of these businesses employs one more person, we would create over 17 million extra jobs, which would indeed be a revolution in Nigeria's job markets. This is the unexplored power of small businesses," he stated.

Jonathan tasked the council to ensure easy access by small and medium scale businesses to the

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Devakwmar Edwin and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Olakunle Alake, during the company’s Facts Behind the Figure in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

AMCON sells 12.5% stake in Ecobank for $200m CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

were consulted before the deal was consummated.

AMCON had acquired the Ecobank stake when the pan-African lender merged its Nigerian operations with Oceanic Bank Plc, which was among the failed lender that AMCON helped recapitalised.

Three other financial institutions, Mainstreet Bank, Keystone Bank and Enterprise Bank, were acquired by AMCON following the inability of the trio to recapitalise within a specified timeframe set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Mainstreet Bank was formerly known as Afribank; Keystone Bank was previously known as BankPHB while Enterprise Bank was before its acquisition, known as Spring Bank.

AMCON had injected N679 billion into the hitherto sick banks to meet the minimum capital base of N25 billion and the minimum capital adequacy ratio of 15 per cent, as stipulated by the CBN. By the end of October, AMCON is expected to

redeem the N800 billion bonds it issued to finance the transactions with the $200million proceeds realised from the sale of its stake in Ecobank; through its loan recovery drive as well as proceeds from the impending sale of Enterprise Bank and Mainstreet Bank. The corporation has promised to announce buyers for the two banks by September 15.

QNB, which injected $200million in Ecobank, has become the secondlargest shareholder in the pan-African lender after South Africa's stateowned Public Investment Corporation Ltd. QNB’s investment in Ecobank is its latest purchase in a drive to be the biggest bank in the Middle East and Africa by 2017.

It is the Qatari lender's second African purchase in the past two years. In March 2013, it bought Societe Generale's Egyptian business for $2 billion and the bank is also present in Libya, Mauritania, South Sudan, Sudan and Tunisia.

Ecobank spokesman

Richard Uku also confirmed the AMCON share sale.

Stockbrokers also told Reuters $200 million of Ecobank shares were transferred to QNB yesterday at N20.01 naira each.

A source familiar with the matter said Morgan Stanley had advised QNB on the deal.

"This deal is much bigger than a Qatar bank taking a stake in Ecobank. We could see a wave of Middle East money coming into African banks," said Akinbamidele Akintola, Africa Equity Sales executive at Renaissance Capital.

QNB has said it wants to become the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa by 2017. At the moment, it is second in terms of assets to South Africa's Standard Bank.

The Qatari bank's Chief Financial Officer, Ramzi Mari, told Reuters in February it was looking for acquisitions in Turkey, Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa to help achieve that goal.

Foreign lenders are keen to tap into the growth potential in Af-

rica. Less than a third of sub-Saharan Africans have bank accounts, and an even lower percentage of firms hold a loan or line of credit.

As well as huge untapped markets, margins are attractive, with the spread between borrowing and lending rates more than 10 per cent in many countries, compared to 2 per cent or less in many Western countries.

Ecobank, which has a presence in 36 African countries, expects its capital adequacy ratio to hit 18.7 per cent of assets by the end of 2014, after debt conversions to equity, up from 17.5 per cent in the first half, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Albert Essien, said.

The minimum capital adequacy ratio in Nigeria is 16 per cent.

Essien said last month he expected South Africa's Nedbank to convert a $285 million loan into shares in Ecobank before the end of the year and top up the conversion amount with $206 million to give it a 20 per cent stake in Ecobank.

N220 billion MSME funds domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He also urged the council to strive in addressing the challenges facing small and medium businesses.

Jonathan also urged the council to develop a detailed financing value chain intervention strategy for MSMEs to facilitate their access to finance.

He added that his administration was making MSMEs a central part of national policy and ensuring that everyone in the 774 local governments in Nigeria was covered by the initiative.

"This coordination will extend to the state level, for which state MSME councils have already been instituted in 10 states and it is my hope that MSME structures will become operational in all the 36 states and the FCT before long.

These councils are chaired by the state governors and will directly report to the national council.

"We have successfully taken the Federal Government's support for MSMEs to all Nigerians by decentralising SMEDAN from only 13 states to all the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT

NEWS

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in just five months.

"We have also identified and are supporting at least one product in all 774 local governments in Nigeria based on each local government's areas of competitive and comparative advantage, he added.

Responding on behalf of the council members, Sambo told the president that they would not fail in the national assignment.

Also, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, said the inauguration of the council was a game changer to boost the Nigerian economy.

"Three out of four people employed in this country are from this sector but we have never in the history of his country treated the micro, small and medium enterprises as a sector.

"What we are doing today is saying first of all let's get organised, which is about developing institutional framework to focus only on that sector, bringing together all federal and state government-related agencies and development institutions together as members of that council to address the problems of SMEs. We put them into seven pillars, these are cross cutting measures," the minister stated.

Ebola: WHO considers eight treatment methods, two vaccines Appolonia Adeyemi, Emmanuel Masha, Clement James and Charles Onyekwere

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n a bid to curb the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday assembled 200 health experts in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss how to end the world’s worst-ever outbreak of the killer virus.

Eight experimental treatments and two vaccines for Ebola were on the table for consideration.

No fully tested and approved treatments or vaccines exist for Ebola, which has killed more than 1,900 people in West Africa since the beginning of the year.

In a bid to stem the epidemic, the World Health Organization has condoned the use of experimental drugs, and experts in Geneva were discussing which treatments were in the pipeline and how quickly they could be made available to the public.

In a working document for the closed-door meeting, the UN health agency listed eight potential therapies, including the experi-

mental drug ZMapp, which has been given to a handful of frontline health workers who have contracted Ebola, three of whom have recovered, and two of whom have died.

Two experimental vaccines for Ebola, which transmits through contact with infected bodily fluids, were also listed.

“None are clinically proven,” WHO stressed in its working document, adding that “while extraordinary measures are now in place to accelerate the pace of clinical trials, new treatments or vaccines are not expected for widespread use before the end of 2014.”

“Until then, only small quantities of up to a few doses/treatments will be available,” it said, pointing out that in normal circumstances, the clinical evaluation period for new drugs and vaccines can take up to a decade.

The experts meeting Thursday, including policy makers, ethicists, clinicians, researchers and patient representatives from affected countries, also aimed to facilitate contacts between countries affected by the disease CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

UK agency suspends Christ Embassy board, probes N941m payments

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he United Kingdom Charity Commission has launched a probe into the transfer of at least N941 million (£3.6 million) by the Christ Embassy church to overseas entities between 2008 and 2012, according to Premium Times.

Already, the commission has appointed an interim manager to take over the management of the UK branch of the church.

The founder of the church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and his wife, Anita, are currently in a UK court for divorce.

Mrs. Oyakhilome accuses her husband of “adultery” and “unreasonable behaviour”. Pastor Chris has denied the charges.

The Charity Commission, according to the online platform, said it has opened a statutory inquiry to investigate Christ Embassy over “a number of serious concerns relating to the use of charitable funds, in particular large connected party payments and the potential misapplication of grant funding.”

The inquiry is to “de-

termine whether there has been any mismanagement or misconduct on behalf of the charity trustees; to establish whether charitable funds have been properly applied and take appropriate remedial action if necessary.”

The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales, snd only opened to investigate “the most serious” regulatory breaches.

According to the online medium, the investigation was initiated in July 2013, but after interviewing members of the board of trustees and perusing the records and books of the church for a year, the commission was still not convinced that the church has been prudent in managing its finances.

Subsequently, the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs, has withheld N711.4 million (£ 2.7 million) due to the church in donation between 2008 and 2012 until the conclusion is resolved.

On August 11, the commission effectively sidelined the church’s board of

Ebola: WHO considers eight treatment methods, two vaccines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

and countries producing treatments.

These developments came as the two Ebola Isolation centres in Bayelsa, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital yesterday dismissed as "a dangerous" rumour the claims that four deaths recorded in the state from the dreaded Ebola virus, saying abandoned corpse in the state capital was a hit and run case.

Also, France yesterday said it would send about 20 specialists in biological disasters to West Africa to help stop the spread of Ebola after international health organisations lamented the lack of aid from the West to tackle the epidemic.

France said it was sending the experts from the EPRUS Institute, which specialises in responding to health emergencies.

The experts would be based in Guinea for the next three months to coordinate with local authorities.

Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities are monitoring nearly 400 people for signs of Ebola after they came in contact with a Port Harcourt doctor who died of the disease but hid the fact that he had been exposed, a senior Nigerian health official said on Thursday.

Dr. Abdulsalami Nasidi, project director at Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, said there was a sense of "hopelessness" due to the lack of proven drugs or vaccines to treat Ebola that has infected 18 people in Africa's most populous nation.

The Rivers State Government has declared that it has covered 98 per cent of both primary and secondary contacts of those suspected to have come in contact with Oluibukun Koye, a Nigerian protocol officer with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the late Dr. Iyke Samuel Enemuo, who treated him.

The government also said that it was not having any problem with all the 360 people under surveillance, noting that they have been provided with thermometers to check and monitor their body temperature regularly and under monitor by medical experts.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samson Parker, who disclosed this to reporters, also dispelled rumours that Enemuo’s wife who is currently being treated at the national treatment centre in Lagos, has died.

He said that Enemuo’s wife was fine and stable and was still receiving treatment in Lagos.

trustees and appointed an interim manager to take over the management of the church.

Subsequently, the commission has appointed Rod Weston of the international audit and accounting firm, Mazars, to take over the running of the church in what the charity regulator described as a “temporary and protective measure.”

Weston is expected “take over the management of the charity, including its staff, assets, interests, and relations

with third parties” until investigation is concluded.

Also, Weston is expected to discharge the functions of the church’s trustees and take steps necessary to secure and take control of the assets of the church.

The commission, however, added that the activities of the church would not be suspended by the appointment as the Interim Manager is expected to work with the pastors of the church to ensure its religious and charity activities continue as before.

The online medium stated that a study of the churches financial statement from 2009 to 2012 posted on the Charity Commission’s websites, show that approximately N403 million (£1,572,047) was paid to Love World Limited from the transmission of the church’s broadcast.

The church also paid an estimated N538.5 million (£2.1 million) as grants to mostly Nigerian partner organisations between 2008 and 2012.

For instance, between

2010 and 2012 a total of N320.4 million (£1.24 million) was paid to Love World Television Ministry, LTM. Also, in 2009, N9.6 million (£37,785) was paid to the church’s healing ministry known as Healing School. In 2010, N20.5 million (£97,850) was paid to the same school. However, the amount paid to the ministry dropped drastically in 2011 to N346, 072 (£1,350). Then the payment to the ministry shot up astronomically to N25.6 million (£100,000) in 2012.

L-R: Head, Corporate Affairs and Media Management, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Louis Ibe; Managing Director, SPAR/Park n Shop Nigeria, Mr. Haresh Keswani and Senior Manager, Head Office Branch, FCMB, Mrs. Rafat Mohammed; at the Nigerian Retailers’ Forum in Lagos.

Senators, Reps to meet president over sect's activities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the streets, and people are not allowed to even go and bury the dead ones. So the situation is getting worse and worse,” Zanna told the BBC’s Newsday programme after speaking to a resident who fled the town.

He said it would be “catastrophic” if Boko Haram launched an assault on Maiduguri, which has a population of more than two million.

“I’m begging the government to send more troops and armoury to Maiduguri,” he stated.

Also yesterday, Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who cut short his foreign trip to Maiduguri, assured the people that the security situation in the state would soon improve.

According to him, the president has promised to send more troops and equipment to the state to fight Boko Haram.

He spoke during a visit to internally displaced people (IDPs) from Bama, who are camped in Maiduguri.

He assured the IDPs that the state government will continue to play its role in catering for them,

adding that funds have been released to a committee set up by the state government under the chairmanship of Alhaji Usman Jiddah Shuwa to cater for the welfare of the IDPs at the two camps.

Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly have resolved to meet with Jonathan to find a lasting solution to the ongoing insurgency ravaging the North-East.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator George Sekibo, told reporters in Abuja that they took the decision at the end of a close-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, on the progress of the ongoing state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

Sekibo, however, said Nigerians should not despair as the military was winning the war against the insurgents.

He said based on the briefing, they would get back to the two chambers and subsequently meet Jonathan on the matter to see if more progress could be made.

"We met here from

10.am this time, about 3.pm, that's about five hours. The purpose is to follow up on the approval of the state of emergency for the third term so that they will brief us on their achievements. We've heard several stories from the media, with locals and our colleagues contributing, while the military is reacting.

"We've heard stories of towns being captured and our armed forces being withdrawn, that is why we invited the CDS to get first hand information. From this meeting, it's not as speculated. We have one or two places that the insurgents have a stronghold, but within few days, the Nigerian Armed Forces will take them back," he said.

Also, Chairman, House committee on Defence, Hon. Bashir Adamu, said there was need to allocate more funds to the military, especially with the security challenges facing the country so that it could tackle insurgency head on.

Also yesterday, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uriel Paltil, said Israeli was helping Nigeria with intelligence to fight Boko Haram.

Paltil, who spoke with reporters in Abuja after participating in a media outreach and interactive forum on gifted and talented people, however, did not elaborate on the nature of intelligence his country offered Nigeria in combating insurgency.

Retired military and para-military personnel as well as hunters and vigilante groups have appealed to the Federal government to give them the permission to pursue Boko Haram insurgents to Sambisa and other hideouts with a view to ending the ongoing crisis.

Members of the groups who stormed the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, urged him to talk to Jonathan to give them the go-ahead to pursue the terrorists.

The Coordinator of the rally, Abba Aji Kalli, said they were ready to sacrifice their lives for the restoration of peace in the state and the country.

Responding, El-Kanemi urged them to always abide by the rule of law in the course of discharging their civic responsibilities.

7

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

AMBASSADORS Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) may actually be campaigning ahead of elections Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

H

ope Democratic Party (HDP) yesterday dragged President Goodluck Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, asking it to stop the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) from organising rallies.

Also joined as defendants are the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Broadcasting Commission, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the InspectorGeneral of Police.

The party had alleged that TAN's nationwide

2015: HDP sues Jonathan, INEC, others over early campaign ...Asks court to stop TAN's rally

rallies are aimed at drumming up support for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The party in a suit filed through its counsel, Ipunu Isaac Emmanuel, at the court registry also asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants from further canvassing, campaigning, promoting and publicising/ advertising in any form by TAN. The plaintiff is also seeking an order restraining TAN from canvassing for votes and holding political rallies for candidates and encouraging the unwholesome violation of the provision of the constitution relating to Section 221 and undue wastage of public funds for

development and engendering insecurity, sycophancy, lawlessness, militancy and youths’ unrests in Nigeria.

The party further prayed the court for a declaration that any campaign or political rally under any guise by any association other than a political party, not following the laid down rules, seeking to lure citizens to vote or directly canvassing for votes for any proposed candidate for any election is unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional and an abuse of the laws of the land.

The plaintiff, however, asked for determination whether by virtue of the provisions of sections 221,229 paragraph 15 of the third schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended,

the defendants are not under a constitutional duty to protect and enforce the law, to ensure that no association in lauding TAN defendants violates the law to canvass for votes for any candidates for the purpose of an election in Nigeria?

It also asked whether the continued violation and lack of protection of the constitution by the defendants does not weaken the fabric and structure of the federation and encourage insecurity, lawlessness, looting of the treasury and federal resources under shady guises and through unlawful means to the detriment of nation's economy and political stability and respectability of the Nigerian nation by its citizenry and beyond endangering

L-R: Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Ferdinand Agu; Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Mr. Kunle Awobodu and President, National Association of Block Moulders, Alhaji Rasheed Adebowale, unveiling the prototype of the new cement bag in Abuja …yesterday

Bankole, Kashamu unite Kunle Olayeni

ormer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, yesterday urged warring groups in the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to close ranks to enable the party secure resounding victory in the 2015 general elections.

Bankole spoke when he visited the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta as part of his consultation for his governorship ambition.

He was accompanied by a former Minister of State for Agriculture, Chief Nojeem Awodele, former House of Representatives member, Dave Salako, a House of Assembly member, Job

F

Akintan, former Chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government, Alhaji Abeeb Ajayi, former House of Assembly member, Johnson Olu-Fatoki, and a party chieftain, Chief Wale Egunleti.

The former speaker's visit seemed to have put to rest the alleged feud between his camp and the state PDP executives loyal to the party's financier, Prince Buruji Kashamu.

Kashamu, who is the chair man, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of SouthWest PDP, had publicly tackled Bankole's gubernatorial interest in the party, warning him to desist from dropping President Goodluck Jonathan's name.

APC: How PDP ruined South-West in 15 years Sola Adeyemo

Ibadan

L

eaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West, yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that it had done more harm than good to the people of the zone in the past 15 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

The leaders, among them: Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; Deputy Governorof LagosState,Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; National Vice-Chairman in the zone, Chief Pius Akinyelure, the APC chairmen in the South-West states, members of the National Assembly,

among others, said this after the maiden South-West Assembly of the party held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

According to them, the zone had seen the decline in its cherished values, the tradition of egalitarianism and age-long culture of ‘the highest good for the highest number of people’ due to the PDP misrule in the country, they claimed.

In the 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Vice-Chairman in the zone, Chief Pius Akinyelure, the leaders said: “The PDP does not have the capacity or the political will to salvage the awful situation of the country and lacks the vision to deal with the pitfalls the party has created."

good governance and an orderly and law abiding society.

The party also wants the court to determine whether the violation and lack of protection of sections 221 of the 1999

Constitution by the defendants is not an abuse of power and office and orderly means of political campaign and vote seeking by candidates at an election through their political party's platform.

Vote us out, if we don't perform, says Fashola Kayode Olarenwaju and Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday charged the electorate to use their voting power to sack elected public office holders found to have performed below expectation.

The governor said every electioneering year presents a golden opportunity for the electorate to remove less performing candidates and return performing ones or their party, urging Nigerians not to take their voting power for granted in the 2015 general elections.

Fashola spoke at the 15th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, held at Shell Hall, Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos.

He wondered why people, especially registered voters, hardly turn out to vote during election period, saying another opportunity has come for eligible voters to decide how they want to be governed.

He said: “When you look at the result of our elections, you will struggle to see that 35 per cent of registered voters come out to vote. Another opportunity now beckons; it is a one-in-four-years

G

opportunity.

“Whether you like it or not, election has started already because permanent voters’ cards are being issued. Are you busy at work, stay at work?

Those who wish things to happen stay away from them, those who want things to happen, get involved with them. Someone will probably collect your card or return it if it was not used.

“What is happening in February 2015 is balloting out of the whole process of election. After balloting, disputes are resolved.

When all that is finished, it is to return the valid candidates and remove the unsuccessful ones.”

Emphasising that the time to sack non-performing government has come, Nigerian should reject bad governance and head of such government.

"Election is a process and it has begun. When you pick a coach and he does not give you result, what we do is sack the coach. When I employ a driver and he drives me badly, what I need to do is sack him. So, we are your servants, you should not be struggling for the job with us. If you think we have not done the job well, sack us," he added.

Oduah: Onitsha market generates N3.6bn daily

F

ormer Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday said the popular Onitsha Main Market generates economic trade value of at least N3.6 billion daily.

Oduah, who stated this at the Anambra North Development Forum held at Sharon Hall, Onitsha, said the market which is the 12th largest market in the world, would need to be improved and upgraded to an international market to serve the entire West African sub-region.

Presenting a paper entitled; “Anambra North: Perishable Agriculture Produce - The way to go for rapid rural development,” Oduah said she is currently working on a model blueprint not only for Onit-

sha Market, but for the revamping of the potential of Anambra North zone that would be unveiled soon.

She said with the approval of cargo terminals in various airports across the country, including Asaba and Owerri, by the Federal Government, people in the seven local governments in Anambra North district known as the food basket of the state, would begin the export of perishable agricultural products to different parts of the world.

She said the people of the area have comparative advantage in agriculture through crop farming, fishery, business and education, but regretted that those skills and potential remained largely untapped.

8

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

9

10

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com; otuntise@yahoo.co.uk

0802 393 8212

300 shanties gutted by fire at Ajah SEASON OF FIRE In less than 24 hours after fire gutted a police barracks at Obalende, about 300 shanties were razed at Ajah in Lagos Muritala Ayinla

A

n early morning fire yesterday destroyed about 300 shanties in Ajah area of Lagos.

This came barely 24 hours after fire outbreak destroyed about 24 rooms, properties and valuable items and rendered hundreds of people homeless at Ijeh Police Barracks at Obalende, Lagos.

File picture of burnt house

It was learnt that hundreds of residents were also rendered homeless by yesterday’s inferno which consumed over 300 boltup buildings in the community known as “Small Kuramo” at Jakande area of Ajah.

The incident occurred when most of the residents were asleep.

It was also gathered that angry residents attacked men of the Lagos State Fire Service, who rushed to the scene, over what they called “slow response” of the firefighters.

Confirming the incident, the Director, the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, said the unfortunate incident occurred overnight, adding that valuable properties were saved from the inferno.

He said: “A serious fire outbreak ravaged a place called Small Kuramo, Jakande, Ajah. Over 300

How applicant duped Dutch woman of N42.6m Juliana Francis Nigerian, posAcan,31-year-old ing as 41-year-old AmeriOpeyemi Michael Adio,

has disclosed how he defrauded a 75-year-old woman of millions of naira via internet.

Adio, now in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was said to have duped the Dutch woman, Jeanet De Jonge, of 200,000 euros, about N42.6 million.

The Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspect, who graduated from Yaba College of Technology in 2007, with an OND certificate in Business Administration, was jobless.

Adio told the victim, while they were chatting, that he was a chef, working in a res-

taurant in Nigeria.

But EFCC operatives are suspecting that Adio has been defrauding other victims through similar front.

Adio said he met the victim on the ‘Net log’ dating site and pretended to be a 41-yearold American citizen, working as a chef in a Nigerian restaurant and needed a wife.

The profile attracted Jeanet and in no time they connected and soon started to chat. They became so closed that she began to send Adio money via Western Union and Money Gram.

“She was sending me money monthly, ranging from $800 to $900 from June 2012, through Western Union Money transfer and Money Gram to the extent that Western Union blocked her from send-

ing money to me in Nigeria.

“She requested that I should go to London to enable her send me money there. I contacted a friend of mine in London called Osas Odiah, so that he could receive the money and send to me here in Nigeria.

“She first sent €2000 to my friend’s account in London, and later to my Keystone Bank account, which was actually a Forex Trade account. We started using this account when we discovered that my friend was not remitting all the money sent

by Jeanet to me,” Adio said.

According to Uwujaren, investigations further revealed that the suspect collected the various sums under the pretext that he was going to use the money to perfect his travel plans and obtain the required documents that would

he lawmaker representTNational ing the Lagos East in the Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, once again presented empowerment tools to over 2,000 residents of Bariga and Shomolu areas of Lagos.

Ashafa had last week, while presenting multimillion naira items to over 1,000 residents and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibeju-Lekki, called on Nigerians, regardless of their academic qualifications, to engage in vocational skills to effectively address the problem of unemployment in the country.

As early as 8am, the residents, mostly APC members,

had thronged the Shomolu Local Government Secretariat, venue of the presentation ceremony to receive the items in the weekly empowerment programme, which began in 2013.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ashafa said the beneficiaries were drawn from Somolu Local Government and Bariga Local Council Development Area, adding that the gesture was meant to alleviate poverty in the communities.

He said: “Why I’m embarking on weekly empowerment is to contribute my quota to the poverty alleviation crusade. The only way to fight poverty in the face of unemployment challenges in the country is to empower our

Makurdi

rominent sons of Dzev in Shangev-ya Pment community of Kwande Local GovernArea of Benue State, yesterday ap-

Adio

enable him travel to Holland to join or visit Jeanet.

He said: “But his inability or refusal to honour the invitation from Jeanet prompted the petition to EFCC. The suspect will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Some of the donated items

people to make them self-reliant. Nigerians are not lazy, what they need is empowerment to carry on with their trades; people want to be selfdependent if they have some of these items.

“For instance, a good fash-

Killings: Benue community seeks police intervention Cephas Iorhemen

2,000 benefit from Ashafa’s empowerment programme Muritala Ayinla

bolt-up buildings were consumed by the fire. But we were able saved other valuable properties.

“We deployed three trucks containing 10,000 litres of water each to battle the fire. The trucks were sent from Eti-Osa, Onikan and Sari-Iganmu stations.”

Fadipe, however, appealed to the residents to always respect and cooperate with firefighters, saying while many were running away from fire, the fire service personnel were running after the fire with a view to putting it out.

The director added that people should desist from attacking personnel of the service before, during and after emergency situations.

“Our men were manhandled by hoodlums at the scene of the fire at Ajah,” he told New Telegraph in a text message.

ion designer needs sewing machines and other equipment to operate effectively.

He or she cannot also function well without a good generator to power the machines when there is no electricity power.

pealed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, and the state government to immediately deploy security operatives in the area.

The deployment, they said, was necessary to bring to an end the killings and destruction of property in the area allegedly by the Mbakyaa people.

The people, through a statement signed

by Joseph Ibyar and Ter Iyar, among others, called on Governor Gabriel Suswam to quickly intervene in the crisis which has already claimed some lives and rendered thousands of people homeless.

They also called on the Federal Government to direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to rescue the people displaced as a result of the crisis, many of whom, according to them, are taking refuge under trees.

The people, who expressed worry over the destruction caused to crops and other economic trees in Dzev, wondered why there had not been any police intervention in the area since the violent clash started a week ago.

The statement reads in part: “We are shocked to the marrow over the level of destruction caused in the area. Our people’s houses are burnt down, properties looted, farms destroyed and the people left at the mercy of their neighbours.

“How can this continue to happen without security stationed in the affected community to maintain peace? Government should, as a matter of urgency, do something to maintain peace in the affected communities.”

About a week ago, violence broke out between Mbakyaa and Dzev over communal strife which led to the killing of two farmers with thousands of others rendered homeless.

METRO

Friday, September 5, 2014

Policemen dismissed for killing UNICAL student, others Clement James Calabar

A

fter an orderly room trial, the police hierarchy in Cross River State has dismissed 11 policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad after finding them guilty of extrajudicially killing of a 300 level Accounting student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

The policemen, who were dismissed along with three senior officers (names withheld), were indicted for killing Derek Maurice-Enang and five others, whose bodies were eventually traced to the Anatomy Department of the university.

Although the three senior officers have been indicted, they have to wait for their own disciplinary actions to be handed down by the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Maurice-Enang and five others were killed on April 17 in an alleged gun duel with the police at Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.

Their bodies were sold to the Anatomy Department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for N11,000 each.

But a top police source at the

Zone Six Police Command, who disclosed the news of their dismissal, said after the trial, there was no evidence linking those killed to allegations of robbery.

He said: “The judgement has been handed down on them.

Throughout the trial, there was no evidence linking the people that were killed to allegations of robbery by the detained policemen against the deceased. It was clear that the accused policemen are not innocent of the accusations. They are all still in detention awaiting their arraignment in court.”

A committee set up by the immediate past Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone Six, Calabar, Mr Musa Daura, indicted the policemen over their involvement in the death of Maurice-Enang and others.

It was gathered that Daura signed their dismissal from the force before leaving the command for his new post.

The Zone Six Public Relations Officer, Mr Ibrahim Tasiu and the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Hogan Bassey, refused to speak on the issue.

While Tasiu said he was yet to get the details of the dismissal because he had not been in the

office in the last two weeks owing to ill health, Bassey said the matter had gone beyond the command.

However, Derek’s mother, Mrs Enoh Maurice-Enang, expressed appreciation to the Zone Six Police Command and the Cross River Ministry of Justice for following up the matter.

She was particularly thankful to Daura and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kola Sodipo, for their cooperation and efforts so far, urging them to ensure that the dismissed policemen were prosecuted in court.

Commotion in Lagos as ‘cat turns to baby’ John Edu here was confusion at Ttion, the Adekunle Police StaLagos yesterday, after

a crowd gathered, intending to attack a one-year-old boy believed to have turned from a cat to a baby.

Some people in the crowd described the baby as ‘demonic.’

“It was a cat we saw running into the police station.

We saw policemen attempting to kill the cat, but it suddenly turned to a baby boy!” one of them exclaimed.

“The face looked like a year-old-baby, but with wrinkled skin like that of an old person,” a woman chipped in.

The incident, which oc-

curred about 9am, attracted more people until police radioed for re-enforcement.

Attempting to calm down the situation, the police handed the baby boy to his mother, who allegedly appeared from nowhere to claim him “If not for the police, we don’t know what they would have done to the mother and the baby,” a policeman said.

While a good number of the people insisted they saw the cat turn to baby, others said they saw the crowd and joined in to watch and listen to what was going on.

A policeman attached to Adekunle Police Station said the boy was crawling and crying.

He said: “The noise of his cries sounded like a cat

mewling. I guess that was the sound that attracted passersby. Before we knew it, many of them started screaming and calling others’ attention to the scene. They said the boy was truly a cat.”

A shop owner, close to the scene said the cat was found under the table of one of the officers at the police station.

“The policemen were trying to kill the cat when it turned into a baby,” he said.

“We find out that the baby was dropped by the roadside, by his mother. The woman told us that she went to get him food to eat, but before she returned, the baby had crawled away, forcing her to search for him,” another policeman said.

Amosun invites monarch over ritual killing allegation Ayorinde Durojaiye overnor Ibikunle Amosun Gmoned of Ogun State has sumthe Olu of Onigbedu,

Oba Matthew Ajibulu, over allegations of ritual killing and illegal conducts levelled against him by his subjects.

The governor gave the directive when the people of Onigbedu community in Ewekoro Local Government staged a protest to his office and the state House of Assembly.

The Chairman of Onigbedu Community Development Association (CDA), Lukman Kazeem, who led the protesters, asked the government to check the excesses of the monarch.

He said: “We have decided to inform everyone of what we are facing. Our Oba has brought problems to the commu-

nity, inflicted hardship on us and destroyed our relationship with other neighbouring towns and investors.

“He also carried out various ritual activities and building of Oro shrine in the centre of the community after the CDA has kicked against it.

“Onigbedu community wants the government to be aware and rescue us.”

Another protester, Adetola Isiwatu, said Ajibulu was imposed on the community by the former administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel.

Isiwaju, however, said the people were ready to partner with the monarch for peace to reign.

She said: “Ajibulu promised us a peaceful reign but he has changed. He now threatens everyone in the community and intimidates the chiefs and Baales.”

Man gets N100,000, automatic job for controlling traffic Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

n unemployed young man, Aoffered Taiwo Akindele, has been an automatic employ-

Suleiman Abba, IG

Responding on behalf of the governor, who was going for a crucial meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Muyiwa Oladipo, commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct.

Oladipo said the government was concerned about happenings in the rural areas of the state.

He said: “I must commend the way the rally was conducted peacefully. We urge you to remain law-abiding citizens which you have demonstrated.”

The commissioner said the government would immediately step into the crisis to ensure the safety of its people.

He added: “On your grievance which you have shown, be rest assured that Oba Ajibulu will be called.

11

ment by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State.

Akindele, who hails from Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, was employed by the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency (KWARTMA).

The man had been carrying out voluntary traffic control at Lajorin/Town Planning Junction and Offa Road/Flower Garden Junction in Ilorin, the state capital before he was offered the employment.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abdulwahab Oba, said in statement said that Akindele caught the attention of the governor yesterday on Offa RoadFlower Garden Junction.

Apparently impressed by Akindele’s patriotic zeal, Ahmed, who was coming from unscheduled visits to Ministries and Departments and Agencies (MDA), halted his convoy to watch the young man in action before directing the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr Abubakar Kannike,

to ensure that KWATMA offered the man immediate employment and N100,000 in appreciation of his efforts.

“This is the kind of positive disposition we expect from our youths in Kwara State. Our youths must display leadership qualities in all ramifications and instances without expecting rewards.

“However, such efforts can never go unappreciated as somebody somewhere is definitely watching,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Akindele praised the governor for his people-friendly policies.

Abdulfatah Ahmed

Foundation distributes school bags, foodstuffs to pupils Non-Governmental Organisation AFoundation, (NGO), ABSMAT and AyoAkins has appealed to the

Baale of Appollo in Makoko, Chief Ibrahim Aladetan, to help it get a piece of land to build a befitting office in the community.

The foundation has been empowering youths of Makoko and taking children of school age off the streets.

The directors of the organisation, Mrs Margaret Falodi-Apoeso and Mr Semidara Williams, said during a visit to the Baale that the lack of an office where to operate from in the community was hindering the foundation’s empowerment project in the area.

They appealed to the community head to help the organisation get land or an office space in the community to facilitate its operations.

The directors said they were in the community to distribute school bags and foodstuffs to the pupils of the community, irrespective of religion, tribe or age.

Falodi-Apoeso, a social worker in

the United Kingdom, told the Baale that she was moved to start the empowerment project in Makoko with her partner when she visited the place a few years ago and saw youths and children of school age hawking, smoking and drinking.

She said computers and other property of the NGO were thrown out of the office loaned to it by the local government, hence their request to the Baale for an office space or land to build an office.

Replying, Aladetan thanked FalodiApoeso and Williams for their humanitarian gesture in the community.

He expressed regret that there was no available land that he could give to the foundation as the land in the coastal community had been used for development.

The Baale, however, promised to get an office space for the foundation.

After the visit, Falodi-Apoeso and Williams, assisted by Aladetan presented bags and foodstuffs to some pupils.

Mrs. Falodi-Apoeso (second right), Aladetan (third right) and others during the presentation of school bags and foodstuff to one of the beneficiaries

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Prosecute sponsors of Boko Haram, UPP tells FG DIVERSION

UPP thinks the real sponsors of insurgency may escape scrutiny because of attempts to divert attention Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

T

he United Progressives Party (UPP) yesterday urged the Federal Government

75

not to hesitate to prosecute anybody found to be sponsoring the Boko Haram sect.

The party said all those, whose cases had been proved beyond doubt, both Nigerians and foreigners, who have aided and abetted Boko Haram insurgents, must be punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

UPP in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Pub-

The life expectancy (in years) at birth of men in Bahrain in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

licity Secretary, Chief Ogbuehi Dike, cautioned that the Federal Government should be wary of purported confessions by those it described as ‘devilish insurgents,’ who might divert attention by accusing some people that gave them hell.

It further warned that the blame game by northern elite, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, could divert attention from the

120,540

The total area (in sq. km) of North Korea.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

war against terrorism.

While expressing support for every effort by the government to unravel the sponsors of the sect and bring them to book, UPP said it was inconceivable that Boko Haram could mention the name of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, who it noted flushed the terrorists out of the NorthEast towns to the Sambisa Forest.

It said while the army

1,383m

The number of mobile-cellular subscriptions of developed countries in 2009.

Source: Itu.int

confronted the insurgents under General Ihejirika’s command as Chief of Staff, northern leaders led by former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, wrote a petition against Ihejirika to the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the army of genocide.

“Without holding brief for Ihejirika, we wonder how he could have dealt ruthlessly with Boko

Ohahim to Atiku: My administration gave quality governance to Imo Wale Elegbede governor of Imo Fhasormer State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, cautioned former

Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from making a blanket allusion on his tenure and that of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ohakim said he owes no apologies to anybody for deciding to run again for the office of the governor and for being part of pan-Nigeria support for the president.

In a statement signed by his adviser on strategy, Dr. Kelechi Okpalaeke, the former governor said though he is aware that Abubakar is a professional critic of the president, he still has a lot of respect for him regardless of his (Abubakar) current hostility towards him.

Abubakar while speaking at a recent gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders L-R: Company Secretary/Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Olalekan Saliu; Group Managing Director, Paul Gbededo and Head, Legal Services, at the Government House, Joseph Umolu, during the company’s press briefing on it’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting, in Lagos…yesterday. Owerri, Imo State, said

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI that just like Ohakim “did nothing” in four years, President Jonathan is similarly “doing nothing” at the federal level.

Dominic Adewole, in Asaba, yesterday said longer business as usual. from the race.” He added; The statement reads in ASABA the four political parties For us, we have refused “For now, we will make part: “His Excellency is were unable to beat the four political parties who sure that we produce ma- aware that Alhaji Abubahe Delta State Inde- August 26 deadline for the came after the expiration terials for only 11 political pendent Electoral submission of Forms 001 date to submit the lists of parties.”

Commission (DSIEC) and 002. their candidates; and as He also hinted that the has disqualified four out Speaking at a training I am talking to you now, commission directed all Biodun Oyeleye of the 15 registered polit- workshop organised for 11 political parties have electoral officers to paste ILORIN ical parties planning to the commission’s man- submitted their lists of the Form 001 in all the contest the forthcoming agement team (train-the- candidates for the elec- local government areas, here is no end yet to council poll in the state. trainers) by the Inter- tion and we are going “the four officers who the factional war in the Fifteen members of the national Foundation for to conduct election for have not pasted theirs leadership of the Peoples Association of Registered Electoral System (IFES) only 11 political parties,” have been recalled, new Democratic Party (PDP) Political Parties (ARPP) on election processes, the Ogbe said. staff are been posted to in Ilorin West Local Govhad picked the forms for chairman said with the Ogbe foreclosed the those local governments, ernment area of Kwara the race into the 25 local expiration of the date, chance of adding to the because we want a situa- State. government areas by Oc- some political parties list or reducing it, main- tion where, at the end of Less than 24 hours after tober 25, next month. came to submit forms that taining that; “except if the exercise, other states the state Chairman, AkoChairman of the com- were rejected. any of the political par- will come and copy from gun Iyiola Oyedepo, sworemission, Mr. Moses Ogbe, He said: “It is no ties chose to withdraw us." in Alhaji Yusuf Olugbon, as the PDP chairman in the local government, and pleading for peace among Yusuf Shuaib advice in Abuja, howev- who would put in their development of the coun- the warring factions, anABUJA er, commended NBRRI’s contributions to the field try in the area of science other claimant to the seat, development initiative, of research. and technology.

Alhaji Toyin Olosasa, has inister of Science and stressing that the occa“This will enhance In her remarks at the come forward to reject the Technology, Mr. Abdu sion would provide a research and develop ca- inauguration, the Perma- development.

Bulama, has called on the platform to enlist sea- pacity in the building in- nent Secretary, Mrs. WiniWhile Olosasa claimed just inaugurated Techni- soned professionals in dustry and promote local fred Oyo-Ita, urged NBRRI there is a court order stopcal Advisory Committee advisory capacity in the content in the Nigerian to strive harder toward ad- ping the process, the leadof the Nigerian Building business of building and construction industry,” dressing other critical is- ership of the party argued and Road Research Insti- road research. the minister noted. sues that were calling for that they were only served tute (NBRRI) in Abuja, to According to him; Bulama, however, attention in the road and the court order yesterday, support the country in the “The committee, made called for more support building sector, stressing more than 24 hours after promotion of knowledge- up of seasoned and ex- to compliment the initi- that the ministry would the swearing-in. based economy driven by perienced experts from ative of President Good- continue to support the Both Olosasa and innovation. the environment sector, luck Jonathan, toward efforts of NBRRI and oth- Olugbon have been layBulama, who gave the professionals bodies, improving the economic er agencies under it. ing claim to the seat

Delta LG polls: Four parties disqualified

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M

kar has mapped out some states where he will install his boys as governors in 2015, preparatory to a presidential bid in 2019 (not 2015); and that Imo State happens to be one of such states.

“This is not the forum to recount Dr. Ohakim’s achievements as governor of Imo State. But His Excellency would like to invite Alhaji Abubakar to return to Imo to interact with other citizens outside the narrow-minded and fixated political associates he has there; and he would discover that the good people of Imo State are full of nostalgia of the qualitative governance he gave them.

“Alhaji Abubakar will also discover that in spite of his aversion to Dr. Ohakim’s current aspiration, the people are buying into it very rapidly. Dr. Ohakim would like to advise Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, rather than take advantage of the perfidious proclivities of some governors for live television coverage of every event, he should advise them, being supposedly more mature and experienced, to save such money for bettering the lives of the poor masses.”

PDP factional chairman rejects exco

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Minister inaugurates 11-man NBRRI advisory committee

Haram and driven them out of North-East and be their sponsor at the same time. Ihejirika has denied the allegation, describing it as mischievous and a distraction from the war against terrorism,” the UPP said.

It, however, paid tributes to officers and men of the army for repelling the Boko Haram attack on Bama, the second largest town in Borno State.

since April after parallel congresses conducted in the local government returned each as chairman in a battle seen more as being between major stakeholders in the party.

Addressing newsmen in Ilorin, Olosasa described the inauguration of Olugbon’s executive despite a subsisting court order stopping same as illegal and a rape of justice.

He said: “It has become imperative to bring to the attention of the public, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leadership of our party led by Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Muazu, on the rape of justice being currently orchestrated by the Chairman of the PDP in Kwara State, Iyiola Akogun Oyedepo, over the unlawful and illegal inauguration of a factional chairman of the PDP led by a certain Alhaji Amuda Olugbon."

Ezeife: JONATHAN’s Endorsement not too early / PAGE 14 | Adigwe: Our support not financially induced / PAGE 14

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

ayodele Ojo

Deputy Editor, politics

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

Friday, September 5, 2014

In the aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeat in the Ekiti governorship election, governors on the party’s platform seem to be reviewing certain policies that were hitherto awkwardly considered populist and irrevocable. ETAGHENE EDIRIN reports

13

Adamawa guber: Factors that’ll shape PDP primaries

p-17

fallout of Ekiti poll

APC courts electorate with incentives

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he June 21 Ekiti governorship election may have come and gone, but its ripple effects continue to reverberate across the country, especially in the South-West, and among the members, officials and leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose candidate, and incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was defeated

by Ayodele Fayose, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

That defeat which took many in the camp of the APC unawares, and made nonsense of their predictions that Fayemi would make a return based on his mannerism which was viewed by many as well cultured. His performance in the state which was also taunted as commendable was another factor that gave his supporters confidence that he would excel in any electoral battle. But that was not to be as he was roundly rejected by the electorate in that state, who opted for Fayose.

Added to that, members of the APC prided themselves of being progressives, and were riding on the euphoria of the newly consummated merger with other like-minded allies, to project APC as the choice party, not only in the state, but also in the country. But it was all to no avail, as far as the Ekiti State governorship election was concerned.

Jolted, other APC governors seem to be taking a cue from the defeat to put their houses, and states in order, in preparation for the next elections in their respective states, so as not to be caught unawares, in view of the permutations which went all wrong in the case of the Ekiti State governorship elelction.

Lagos reduces tuition fees, intervenes in Okada harassments In 2011, Lagos State government announced an increase in fees at the stateowned Lagos State University from N25, 000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education students, while medical students were to pay N350, 000. This elicited several protests on the part of the students, and public outcry against the administration of Babatunde Fashola.

In spite of this, the government insisted on its stand, giving all kinds of reasons why it has to be so.

The students even took their protest to the Government House in Alausa, where they were shot at with teargas by some security operatives.

However, about 48 hours later, Fashola announced a reduction in the tuition fees of the institution by 60 per cent.

Special Adviser to the governor, Fatai Olukoga, who disclosed this at a press

Governor Oshiomhole during the verification of certificates of primary school teachers in the state

conference said the state government had agreed to reduce the tuition fees from 34 per cent to 60 per cent across the different faculties and courses, saying the Governing Council of the school would now decide what percentage reduction of the fee should be paid by different faculties and courses.

Speaking further on the issue at the 19th convocation ceremony of the school, Fashola attributing the move to the initiative of the students in con-

flict resolution, said: “The students have reached out to me for a revision of their fee, which I have acceded to, in consultation with the state executive council for reduction of between 34 per cent and 60 per cent across board.”

Fashola has even reduced the tuition fees to N25,000.

But, Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, a member of the PDP in the state, described the move as a political gimmick ahead of the 2015

CROSSFIRE Notwithstanding my enormous contributions over the past 12 years or so to building the alternative platform, after very deep thought and the widest consultations I have made the decision to withdraw my membership from the All Progressives Congress -Tom Ikimi

He was always playing out a PDP script.

He only wanted the chairmanship of the party as a bargaining chip for negotiations with his benefactors...I knew he would go back to his sponsors. He is back in the company he deserves.

And APC is better for it

-Bola Tinubu

elections, adding that Fashola should not only apologise to the students whom he has deprived of education in the last three years, but should also ask God for forgiveness.

There is also this feeling among many residents of the state that the government is currently downplaying its ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada, and has reiterated that security agencies in the state should desist from harassing those plying roads not included in the list of restricted roads for them, a position the government previously turned a blind eye to, in spite of complaints from the operators, and members of the public.

At present in the state, many okada riders now freely operate, even in many of the roads in the state, from which they had earlier been prohibited from plying. Analysts agree that okada riders constitute a good percentage of voters, not to mention the role they play during campaign and election periods.

Ogun reduces school fees, civil servants, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

14 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

OPEN FORUM ....on support groups and rallies for President Jonathan

Ezeife: Endorsement not too early Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife is an elder statesman and Third Republic governor of Anambra State ome people are just expressing SGoodluck their views by calling on President Jonathan to run for second

term. I think anybody who really understands what is going on in Nigeria, unless anybody is planning to rig election; it is just to contest election. Jonathan may not even remain President after the 2015 elections. So, people are just expressing their support for him for him to seek re-election.

The endorsement of Jonathan or anybody for 2015 is not too early.

Jonathan doesn’t seem to know politics enough and he doesn’t look like a politician to begin with. But if you look at what is going on, you can see that Jonathan seems to be a tool in the hands of God. Even if nobody is

Monday Ubani, is the former chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch

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here are no jobs anywhere and people are desperate. The oil money is being shared that way. The easiest way to share the money is go and form all these phony groups. You only need to get groups of people together, rush to Abuja and get your share of the loot by supporting the president. Hunger is in the land, there is no money in the system and the easiest way to feed your family, take care of your responsibilities, which the government has abdicated a long time, is to form any political group and get your own share of the national cake directly or indirectly.

The point is that you will be able to take care of the infrastructure of the stomach by supporting those in power. So, it may be a way of survival but whether that will be a reflection of voting asset for the person that is dishing out the money is a different kettle of fish.

The thinking is that if survival means giving accent to whoever will dole out

Afoma Adigwe is the initiator of Goodluck Initiative (Gi) and also the founder of Uplifting Women Through Farming (UWTF)

Ezeife

speaking for him, he may attempt to seek for re-election because the constitution allows him to go for second term.

Whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has de-

clared campaign open or not, there is nothing wrong about somebody declaring open or not; it is a matter of strategy. For example, if you say people are asking you to come out, would you say because people are ask-

Interview by Temitope Ogunbanke

Ubani: It’s a means of survival Money is being spread around and it is not because they love Jonathan or what he is doing. It is all about infrastructure of the tummy, not for the love of Jonathan the money, so be it.

All the political parties are guilty, not the PDP alone. INEC cannot sanction or control anybody at this time, if it does, it will run into problem. The INEC is not independent and lacks the capacity to punish any errant political party under this dispensation. The president cannot caution them because he is the one engineering them. Don’t you see the Secretary to the Federal Government and

Ubani

some other functionaries of government around that TAN? Can’t you see that it is the presidency that is engineering this issue of we are begging you to run? We would be foolish to think that these people are doing these things independently. It is being funded and sponsored. Nobody is doing

this thing not for interest. Money is being spread around and it is not because they love Jonathan or what he is doing. It is all about infrastructure of the tummy, not for the love of Jonathan.

For me, 2015 is ominous and the vision is not too clear because there are many unresolved issues. The Boko Haram insurgency, the high level of corruption, criminality and injustices in the land as well as whether or not there will be equity in the electoral process. Even with the opposition, we don’t know who they are bringing out to contest with Jonathan.

Also, the issue of ethnicity and religion is now more pronounced and it is worst in the history of our nation. These are two things that if care is not taken may affect the country. Clearly, there are dangerous signals all over and our leaders are only after grabbing political power. They don’t care about the health of the people and the nation. Ethnicity and religion will play a significant role in what would happen in 2015.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Adigwe: Our support not financially induced If we were there for him when he started, we should be there for him till he finishes the work

can’t get it wrong with President Yandou Goodluck Jonathan on Agriculture Women empowerment and those

are the things driving me and my people for him. If I want to gain anything, I would have done that. I mobilised Niger Delta women and youths for him seven years ago without him knowing me. You should be able to judge, if I campaigned for him in 2007 and some people are just coming in now to start supporting him. You can judge him from what he has done and you can’t take it away from those coming out to support him.

Whether they are now doing it for money or not, I don’t know. But for me, it is for him to finish up what he has started and

Some of the posters and signboards about his reelection are not just there without his consent. If he is not aware of them, he would have protested for those signboards to be removed. He knows he is coming out. I believe Jonathan will contest in 2015

ing you to come out, then you would now come out. But Jonathan knows he is coming out anyway or is anybody deceived? Some of the posters and signboards about his re-election are not just there without his consent.

If he is not aware of them, he would have protested for those signboards to be removed. He knows he is coming out. I believe Jonathan will contest in 2015.

The endorsement of Jonathan by some group of people, political parties or organisations doesn’t prevent others from declaring for the presidency but I don’t want people to be killed because of people coming out to be President.

There is way INEC can caution those endorsing Jonathan because INEC has no role to play in the President declaring to run for second term or not. They don’t also any role to play in somebody campaigning or seeking support for a particular candidate.

Adigwe

money can come later but that is not the motivation.

If we were there for him when he started, we should be there for him till he finishes the work. We gave him the boost to start with and I felt he needs us

more now than ever. We believe so much in him. We are putting so many things on hold now just to give President Jonathan our brother support in appreciation of all he has done for Nigerians. For me coming out to identify with a politician I am sure people who really know me will tell that it is bore out of my passion, because since I came to limelight, I have never for once talked or associated myself with politics or any politician.

I sponsored and mobilised for Good-

luck in 13 states of the federation yet I was not seen but my structure was on ground. This time around, I believe that it requires more from us and this we will do well. Our women are also enjoying loan facilities unlike before when there were lots of bottlenecks for women to access loans. Jonathan has uplift women and so our society is better. We want him to continue so life can be better for our women. I have always had that believe that Jonathan is going to represent Nigeria and Niger Delta very well.

In 2007, I founded GI’ 07 because I so much believe in the person of Jonathan and his ability to do things right. People felt that I went too far then by setting up the initiative in the name of Goodluck but I had and I still have that conviction within me that he is a man who loves Nigeria genuinely. I single-handedly bankrolled the campaign without any financial support from anyone or from any group.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Leonard Nzenwa

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he Reign of Terror by Abia Triumvirate, The Chameleon in Governor Theodore Orji, Theodore Endless lies and Governor Orji lies like leopard gecko shedding her skin were four-piece sequel in Kalu Leadership Series that the former Abia State Governor used to ventilate some of his deepest concerns for the state in recent weeks.

But need I remind the ex-governor that the piece did not only hit the bulls ‘eye but also did help to position him as a fearless pro-people warrior who stood up to be counted when it mattered most, even when the states’ so-called statesmen had hid their tales in-between their legs out of cowardice, and dis-ennobling pecuniary gains. That the sequel birthed now is consoling than it did not come at all because history would have been most harsh and uncharitable to the exgovernor if he had not done it. Figuratively, it is better that it was late than it was not contemplated - It is better late than be late!

And on no account, should the relevance and validity of the ex-governors intervention through the sequel be examined by his previous actions as a former helmsman of the state, nor interrogated by the circumstantial inhered tiffs between him and incumbent but rather Chief T. A. Orji’s government should be sifted by the avowed deliverables which the incumbent swore to provide when he took Oath of Office in May 2007. Notwithstanding that the two Abia top politicians – figuratively speaking, one a father and the other the son - have somewhat taken themselves to the cleaners in the media while trying to state their own side of the story, the incontrovertible fact, to me, remains that validation of Kalus’ sequel finds its anchor, and most importantly, its rationale on whether Chief T. A. Orji has indeed, justified the mandate given to him by Abians since 2007.

After all there still exist, even if we feign ignorance, a subsisting overdose sponsor benevolence trappings from the benefactor, in this case, the ex-governor to the incumbent, to the extent that the latter, as an unknown electoral political quantity and liability, and imprisoned for judicial unrequited misdemeanors, was catapulted to Executive Office of Abia State Government House through an election that he neither funded, participated actively as an aspirant, nor voted in – a veritable legal underpinning sufficient to annul his victory – as it is seldom proclaimed of a unique scenario globally where an electoral candidate did not cast vote for himself yet he emerged victor and sworn in as a substantive winner. An uncommon occurrence indeed!

Electing to pen this missive, therefore, is guided by the need to determine performance of Chief. T. A. Orji in the light of the sequels’ intervention, on one hand, and on another, on the growing dissatisfaction in Abia, which has reached combustible level, over non-performance of the incumbent, who has continued to score himself high.

Truth must be told: Abia State is laid waste on account of a macabre dance of bad governance, which is being trumped up as dividend of democracy but in actually sense is an unbridled display of institutional ineptitude by a troika bent on forcefully railroading themselves into the hallowed realm of statesmanship against a glaring display of failure anchored on unproductive anti-people centered leadership. What we have in that state is more than a reign of a triumvirate but an evil axis of Despotic Trinity in feisty caustic rampage to destroy what Abia State had stood for. Simply put, it is government of the FATHER, government of the WIFE, and government of the SON; indeed, an uncanny adoption, reconstruction and adaptation of what democracy is all about … government of the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE, and by the PEOPLE. But need we ask ourselves: is what we have in Abia State a government that for almost eight years

15

Unyielding grip of a despotic inspired trinity in Abia

Orji

the fortunes of the state has retarded in form and substance as to question its continued existence. Why would a state blessed with huge abundant human and material resources be this unfortunate?

If a democracy can this be so ignobly be demeaned in character and form as to strap it an ounce of human face and to the benefit of the electorate, then the Abia example under Chief T.A. Orji offers a classical model that suites further investigation and study by government and leadership scholars in Harvard, Yale and Oxford universities? The brief military era in the state under a most dictatorial regime in the past, which was reminiscent across the country during military rule remains incomparable to the high level of citizens’ rights’ abridgement currently ongoing in the state. And yet Federal Authority turns a blind eye to what is happening in the state!

Need we restate that a performancedriven government is adjudged by the way and manner it utilises the resources it generates and receives, the way and

While neighbouring states are excelling development wise... what we see in Abia is complete collapse of roads in all the 17 local government areas of the state; heaps of refuse and decomposing corpses especially in Aba, the commercial nerve-centre of the state; dilapidated school buildings and sparsely decorated but uncompleted projects

manner it secures the lives and properties of citizens within its jurisdiction, how it develops the state economically, socially and politically, how it improves the people’s welfare, especially ensuring that the physical, social, and financial conditions under which people live are satisfactory. Anything other than this amount to governmentese as the whole essence of governance is to make people happy. If the people then are not happy, it then demonstrates that something is inherently wrong with the government as an institution, and more wrong with the person or body of persons that oversees the institution: the people have in history been content with good and humane government. Abia people are not happy!

To the first - the way and manner it utilises the resources it generates and receives – that should engage our appraisal for now. Aside, year-in and yearin incremental financial windfall that is released to the state over the past seven years by Federal Government through Federal Allocation, Abia State remains a financially comatose enclave as the State Government recurringly, and at every given opportunity decry monies that it receives, even when comparatively it is significantly bigger than what previous administrations in the state had received all combined together. Is it the huge Security Vote and other monies that are disbursed to the state without official receipted corridor and which has not been equitably and transparently utilized that we should talk about or the improved, compared to what it receives in the past, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) amounting to several billions of naira that accrue to the state that is unjustifiably unaccounted for that we should concern ourselves with? Which one should we talk about, and which one should we discountenance? For example, between January and December 2012, the state received Federal Allocation estimated at N54 billion ; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) above N48 billion, and another N64 billion, which is beside other allocations like Derivation (for oil-pro-

ducing states), Excess Crude Account, and Domestic Crude Account, Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) refund and Foreign exchange differentials.

Indeed, management of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) monies that accrue to the state is a closely guided secret, yet the money amount to billions of Naira. The issue of Security Vote use which has been upped regularly defies comprehension. The state receives several billions of naira annually as Security Vote yet life in the state is nasty, brutish and short. Abia State owes more than $35.9 million as debt.

The State House of Assembly that is content at carrying out the governor’s bidding, no matter, how preposterous it is, moved to increase Chief T. A. Orji’s monthly Security Vote from N450 million to N700 million many months back.

At N700 million per month, the governor takes a handsome N8.4 billion per annum as Security Vote.

Note that in March 2013, the Technical Sub-committee of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) stated that Abia State shared among other states a total of N117,942 billion (26.72%) as against N106,442 billion received for the month of February. With its local governments among the local governments which shared N90,928 billion (20.60%) against N82,062 billion received for same month of February. It should be borne in mind that it was only recently that Transition Council Chairmen were sworn in in the state after several months. Local Government Areas in the state had been without elected leadership - and we are aware that Local Government Election in the state is a taboo. Where these monies go into is a matter of conjuncture. Salaries of workers in many government establishments have not been paid for months now – and this is a usual occurrence. Yet people are cowed not to speak out for fear of being whisked away or eliminated.

Has the way and manner Chief T.A. Orjis’ administration secured the lives and properties of Abians since his ascension to power been satisfactory? Residents of Umuahia, who are bold enough to speak out, would tell you that armed robbery attacks are frequent in the state capital. This is beside activities of overzealous party thugs, quasi-State Security outfits and Bakassi Boys that are tutored to deal with citizens considered stubborn by the government’s definition and precepts. The situation has deteriorated in Aba. There is hardly night life in any of these two major cities in the State as people do everything possible to get home before it is dusk.

On another hand, how has the state been developed economically, socially and politically over these seven years?

Every indicators paint bleak picture of the state economically and politically.

Aside unavailability of a virile opposition party, non-partisan dissenting voices are systemically hounded, chased or out rightly eliminated where the dissenters are vociferous and persistent. Or where the critics, cannot hold through on account of lean mind, other means of making them to capitulate are brought to bear on them, it doesn’t matter if their source of livelihood are taken away from them. While neighbouring states are excelling development wise, with good network of roads, potable pipe borne water, and modern equipped schools at all levels of education, what we see in Abia is complete collapse of roads in CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

OPEN FORUM ....on support groups and rallies for President Jonathan

Ayogu: People have freedom of association Hon. Fidel Ayogu is the South East Coordinator of Jonathan Actualisation Movement (JAM)

I

can’t speak on that because my group has not endorsed anybody, and my group is an NGO, it’s not a political party or political organisation. We are essentially for peace in Nigeria. Because without religion and ethnic tolerance, there will be no peace in Nigeria. It’s not for Jonathan per se; it is for very body who loves the peace and unity of this country, because now that we are talking about credible elections and democracy, everybody wants to participate and in a peaceful atmosphere.

Then, I don’t think there is essentially any rally going on. People might be making some clarification

and praising what the present government has done for Nigerians, but not a political party’s rally. If people say TAN is going round, I am not in TAN, so I cannot speak specifically on what they are doing. I cannot speak for them neither will I say I am criticising them, but I am sure there is no political rally or any rally where Jonathan declared for a second term, I have not seen that.

People may be gathering together to say, come out and contest for 2015 general elections. Of course other parties are doing that, but it now depends on the degree of popularity of the people or parties involved.

Because other parties or people are not popular and because other people are not hearing about them, it now appears as if is only Jonathan that is being endorsed.

If group of persons are coming together and saying that they want to go and ask Jonathan to run, I don’t see anything wrong about that. It is

different from a political party organising rallies. The individuals have the right and freedom of association as enshrined in the constitution, they are not political parties.

Jonathan has not even declared his intention to run, but you cannot tell the people not to come together to discuss what the ruling party has done.

We are not talking about political party; we are talking about the people.

We have markets in Nigeria and they have not closed, we have churches. Have you closed Onitsha market?

Have you closed Lagos market? What about schools? If people decided to gather at their own will, why do you say it should not be allowed? Have you stopped weddings? What is different between the people gathering for a wedding and people gathering to say they want this person to contest an election?

We have all these things going on at every nook and cranny of this country, but why is it that it is only when

Ayogu

people gather to appreciate what the government has done that they will start talking about insecurity.

Interview by CHINEDU EKEJA

Unyielding grip of a despotic inspired trinity in Abia CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

all the 17 local government areas of the state; heaps of refuse and decomposing corpses especially in Aba, the commercial nerve-centre of the state; dilapidated school buildings and sparsely decorated but uncompleted projects.

The governors spin doctors prefer to call these sparsely decorated; some uncompleted and many economically unviable, politically-inspired, pocketwarming and unbefitting projects as Legacy Projects. One of these projects is the Umuahia Ultra-Modern International Market – a market that has now turned into a cash cow of some sort for the government, its proxies, cronies and the governors’ family members. The governors’ wife elder brother oversee activities in the market.

It will interest the world to know that the owners of the land where this market is situate have not be paid any form of compensation years after the government forcefully annexed the vast land.

Vociferous members from the community have been silenced. The most disheartening aspect of this forceful takeover is that the community, which has the larger chunk of the site where the market is located, was not consulted before its land was taken over forcefully. Chief T. A. Orji government did not stop here, it went further to erect a most ingenious debilitating precedent which indiscernibly it designed to incite the lead community land donor against the small donors by ascribing the market, and naming it after the smaller community, that culturally, historically and traditionally are guest hosted by Lead Community Land donor. The community, helpless as it is turning out to be now, repeatedly has asked whether it is proper that a land be named after a tenant or the landlord.

Furthermore, aside brazen disregard to the community’s tradition and cultural practices regarding land management and upkeep which confers high respect for its land, Chief T. A. Orji government, seeing availability of vast land, unabashedly continued unbridled acquisition and encroachment without limit. It has exceeded acceptable limits in its acquisition spree to the extent that almost all the community’s’ common land for farm have forcefully been taken by the State Government. This community is at the mercy of government even as compensation is yet to be paid to it.

Abains have not also forgotten in a

Orji

hurry the scam that attended same market relocation forms sold to both old stall owners in the old market and prospective new stall owners who bought the forms for relocation to the new market.

The State Government made millions of naira through the forms’ sale but at the last minute it jettisoned the forms’ sale and did not refund the monies back to the applicants. A large chunk of old traders who owned stalls at the old destroyed market and who lost out have now relocated to Imo State Markets raining cursing on Chief T. A. Orji’s government. Only negligible numbers of fresh applicants were able to obtain stalls through well-knit connection while the very large number of stalls in the new market went to politicians and their cronies under different guises.

The market itself was developed by the stall owners. So effectively, Chief T. A. Orji’s government secured the land for the market free of charge as well as the stalls built free of charge by stall owners for the government.

Equally, ownership of another project, Dialysis and Ophthalmology Centre, Umuahia (former Aloma hospital), said to have been bought by the government from a renowned but retired medical practitioner, is being discussed in hushed tone in the state. The expiration of the incumbents’ tenure will reveal whether it is one of the Legacy Projects as well or owned by an individual.

Has Chief T. A. Orji’s government improved Abia Citizens’ welfare, especially

Unemployed youths, traders, technocrats, business people are migrating out of Abia in droves to Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha, etc. on account of inclement economic environment. The state has not had it this bad!

Aba, the state commercial nerve-center is in a sorry state. A trip there when it rains will draw out tears from even from a man with stone-heart ensuring that the physical, social, and financial conditions under which people live are satisfactory? Indian Tricycle (Keke Marwa) and Inter-State Bus leasing Support Programmes that have groomed a large number of unskilled motor park touts and drivers are only source of financial empowerment in the state. Even at this, recipients double as party thugs

as the vehicles are distributed by politicians in the state under a neck-breaking leasing refund arrangement.

It is difficult to pinpoint any government owned industry functioning in Abia State. Thousands of youths have not had any where to go for years. The much-talked about Golden Guinea Brewery Company resuscitation that would have mopped up many unemployed youths have remained a political talk show for years. Unemployed youths, traders, technocrats, business people are migrating out of Abia in droves to Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha, etc. on account of inclement economic environment.

The state has not had it this bad! Aba, the state commercial nerve-center is in a sorry state. A trip there when it rains will draw out tears from even from a man with stone-heart.

Indeed, what obtains in Abia State today is catastrophic: unimaginable high proportion of migration of notable and unknown Abians fleeing the state, exacting economic hardship, witch hunting and political intimidation, resort to equate the state as a personnel property, excessive use of the military for clear civil matters, acute dearth of basic and public infrastructure, abandonment of Aba, destruction of properties of people deemed as enemies, revocation of Certificates of Occupancy of opponents, appropriation of duly allocated stalls and lands, high taxation, emasculation of artisans and petty traders through intimidation, relocation and confiscation of their goods, etc.

It, therefore, is ironic that this renewed fire of discord between the incumbent and Kalu is stoked by same sets of recipients of the latters’ goodwill, who were hungry and penniless when they were engaged by the ex-Abia helmsman and rewarded immensely with material wealth during his tenure, and who now have congregated themselves around the incumbent to egg him on to square up with his benefactor, thereby distracting him to focus on the onerous task of effectively governing the state. To them, colloquially, they are in business!

Chief T. A. Orji can still reflect the growing resentment against his person and his government in the last days of his tenure by befriending the people, dismissing brigade of sycophants and glorified thugs masquerading as technocrats in his government and ensure that real dividends of democracy are delivered to the people and stolen from them.

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

On Saturday September 6, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will chose its candidate for the October 11 governorship by-election in Adamawa State.

ONYEKACHI EZE examines the likely factors that may determine who becomes the party’s flagbearer from the 14 aspirants who obtained the nomination form

Adamawa guber: Factors that’ll shape PDP primaries full confidence that waiver will not be an issue, because if it has been done in Adamawa State for others it will be extended. In any case, almost everybody in the party will ask for waiver because fresh registration took place at that time and so you will find out almost everybody has spent less than two years in the party,” Marwa said.

W

ith the clearance of Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Appeal Panel to contest the Saturday, September 6 governorship primary, the gladiators are now ready for the main contest. On the whole, 14 aspirants are vying to fly the party’s flag in the governorship by-election.

Political analysts believe that whoever wins the primaries is as good as becoming the next governor of Adamawa State. This is because, unlike other states where there are strong opposition parties, Adamawa is a PDP state despite the fact that the impeached governor, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from PDP. Former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, who is now one of the governorship aspirants, in an earlier interview, described Nyako as “empty shell in APC”. His argument was that nobody went to APC with the former governor.

Even those who were in APC before his defection and who would have seen his joining the party as a boost, left for PDP. This has given room for the galaxy of aspirants on the PDP platform.

The governorship aspirants in tomorrow’s primary are former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Marwa; former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Jerry Kurndisi; Col. Andrawus Sawa; General Aliyu Kama; former Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo; Ahmed Umar Ardo; Senator Abubakar Gidrei; son of former National Chairman of PDP, Awwal Tukur; former Political Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak; former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong; James Barka and Marcus Gundiri, who was governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011.

Going by the pedigree of the candidates, everyone of them is an asset to the PDP. This is because all the aspirants are capable of winning the election for the party. They have been tested and can as well said to be trusted. But since it is a political contest, the decision will be that of the party delegates to make.

The Adamawa governorship election is living up to expectations. The defections of Marwa, Ribadu and Gundiri from APC to PDP and their involvement in the governorship race is causing ripples, not only in Adamawa State but among PDP stakeholders. The acting governor, Umaru Ahmadu Finitiri who, before Nyako was shelved out of office, was the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and had indicated interest to become governor, got a reprieve when the appeal penal upturned his disqualification by the Ibrahim Mantu-led screening committee.

Petitions and counter-petitions There have been petitions and counter-petitions against the candidates.

Seven of the aspirants, last week, petitioned the national secretariat of PDP, cautioning granting waiver to three of the aspirants.

Fintiri

Marwa

Ribadu

Moddibo

Three of the aspirants: Buba Marwa, Nuhu Ribadu and Marcus Gundiri, who joined the PDP recently, had applied for waiver from the national secretariat to enable them qualify to contest the primary.

According to the PDP constitution, any member aspiring to contest elective position in the party must have been a member for a minimum of two years unless granted waiver. But the petitioners, Ardo, Gulak, Barka, Sawa, Girei, Hong, and Tukur are asking the party to disqualify Ribadu, Marwa, Modibbo, Kama and Gundiri from contesting the party primary for failing to meet the provisions of section 50 (9) and (10) and 8 (b) of the party’s constitution.

“Going by the provisions of sections 50 (9) and (10) and 8 (b) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2012 (as amended), Ribadu, Gundiri and Modibbo are required to sustain contin-

ued membership of PDP for a minimum of two years to be eligible to contest for the post of governor while Marwa and Kamma remain on probation for at least one year, during which they will not be eligible to vote or be voted for except they are granted waiver as stipulated. Both sides have not met the requirements,” they contended.

Gulak who spoke earlier, said section 50 of the PDP constitution is clear on the process of granting waiver.

“There is nothing like automatic waiver, section 50 of the constitution is clear on this. The person has to apply through his ward from there to the local government and then to the state. If it has to do with the national level, the application will be sent to the National Working Committee (NWC) who can grant such waiver on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC),” Gulak explained.

But Marwa was of the opinion that if the provision of the law is religiously applied, no member of PDP is qualified to contest any elective position now.

“I don’t see any great difficulty with this in the sense that when Alhaji Bamanga Tukur became chairman, the party structures were dissolved and new congresses were organised for the party,” he argued. “All those new members that crossed over then from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) spent less than two months and were deemed qualified to run in the congresses; today they remain in elective positions.

“Nobody asked them for waiver, and none was given, based on that we have

The entrance of the acting governor into the race is upsetting the political setting. He has practically taken over the PDP structures in Adamawa State

Agitation for zoning Politicians from Adamawa Central Senatorial District believe it is their turn to produce the next governor of the state.

Since the creation of Adamawa from the defunct Gongola State, people of the zone have not had a shot at the governorship.

This issue was said to have come up at a stakeholders’ meeting two weeks ago.

The northern senatorial zone is believed to have produced most of the elective and appointive positions in the state in the past 23 years.

The zone has produced three governors, Saleh Michika, Boni Haruna and Wilberforce Juta; two deputy governors, David Barau and James Ngilari and three speakers of the House, Paul Wampana, Ahmed Gulak and Ahmadu Fintiri. The zone also produced the two serving ministers; Boni Haruna and Zainab Maina.

The Southern senatorial zone, on the other hand, produced two governors and a deputy governor. They are Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Admiral Murtala Nyako and Chief Lynn Nathan.

Fintiri admitted that Adamawa Central has been shut out of the governorship position for a long time but advised that they should wait until 2015. He noted that whoever emerges victorious in the by-election would serve the unexpired tenure of Nyako administration.

Among aspirants jostling to replace Nyako, only Ardo comes from the South.

It would have been justifiable for an aspirant from the zone to complete the Nyako’s tenure, but it appears no one is looking in that direction.

When the delegates go to elect the PDP candidate on Saturday, people may be looking in the direction of Finitiri, Ribadu, Marwa and Modibbo, though the other aspirants may spring surprises.

Fintiri causes ripples The entrance of the acting governor into the race is upsetting the political setting. He has practically taken over the PDP structures in Adamawa State.

By implication, he has an advantage over other aspirants. The delegates will be at his beck and call. He equally has unlimited access to the state’s fund to prosecute the election.

Ribadu’s defection to PDP and declaration for the governorship is a surprise to many. He has disparaged the party in the past; he was also a presidential candidate of the defunct ACN. But the former anti-corruption czar said his decision to join the governorship race is to serve the people.

It was rumoured that Ribadu’s ambition was oiled by some powerful personalities. His declaration for the governorship barely a day after his defection lends credence to this. But the clearance of Finitiri by the appeal panel is doing great damage to Ribadu’s ambition, more so since the former EFCC boss is a political neophyte without structure.

Ardo raised an important issue last week when he submitted his nomination form. Most of the delegates the acting governor is hoping to use to his advantage are returnees to PDP and therefore not qualified to vote during the primary.

This may generate another petition before or after the primary.

18

Sanctity of Truth

OPINION Making mince meat of mighty military T

hese are indeed terrible times for our military, an institution so well respected in international operations. The feathers and plumes, even pips acquired over the years are dangling, if not falling off. And this is a very dangerous situation.

Our soldiers can never be afraid of battle, this I know. I really do feel for these officers and men who have become the object of ridicule all over the media.

Something must be going on, which we are yet to fully comprehend.

What could be more humiliating than to read in the papers that our troops ran away from battle, escaped to Cameroun, surrendered their weapons and were escorted back to our territory, by possibly, gendarmes. It cannot fly. We have not got the full story yet.

Nigerian soldiers are known for courage and bravery.

We set the pace, others follow the trail blazers. The first modern West African commissioned officer was a Nigerian, Wellington Umoh Bassey [WA 1]. That was after our boys fought for the Allies in Burma, Libya and other far flung places during the World Wars.

We all know the story of Gen. Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi.

Single handedly, he flew to Katanga to rescue his soldiers and Austrian medical workers in 1960.He was commanding Nigerian troops in the Congo. For that brave effort, Ironsi was honoured by the Austrian government with the Ritter Kreuz medal.

The same Ironsi would later emerge in 1964, as the First African to command United Nations forces. Known for his crocodile staff, he was nicknamed Ironside, after British Field Marshall William Edward Ironside.

Among those who saw battle in Congo were Yakubu Gowon, Emeka Ojukwu, Olusegun Obasanjo, Benjamin

Adekunle and Murtala Mohammed, among several others. But the man who came out even stronger was Adekunle Fajuyi, the first compatriot to win the Military Cross for courage and bravery.

Nigerians are naturally strong. Even in institutions abroad, they are unique. John Ikechukwu Obienu came tops in Sandhurst, in the late 1950s as one of the best ever overseas cadets. Recently, another Nigerian achieved similar feat in the same institution.

This country has produced over two dozen force commanders outside our shores. You name more of these warriors. Brig. Samuel Ademulegun led troops to Tanzania in 1964,. Gens Geofrrey Ejiga, Mohammed Magoro and Joshua Dogonyaro were in Chad.

Dogonyaro, after Harmony operations in Chad in 1979, moved with Ecomog to Liberia in 1990. Others like Rufus Kupolati, Ishaya Bakut, Tunji Olurin, John Inienger, Samuel Malu, Timothy Shelpidi, Felix Mujakperuo, Gabriel Kpamber followed later as commanders.

We had Abdulsalam Abubakar in Lebanon with UNIFIL in 1979.Chris Garuba was in Angola, Iliya fought in Congo, Ekundayo Opaleye in Rwanda. There was Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Somalia, before the trio of Collins Ihekire, Festus Okonkwo and Martin Luther Agwai saw action in Sudan.

We have had stories of Joe Achuzia fighting for the British in Korea as George Taylor, Adekunle in Angola and even fighter pilot John Ikeokwu Chukwu dying in battle in the same Angola. Brave men with full Nigerian blood flowing in their veins.

Heroes all, so well trained. Our officers were even sent to other countries to head their armed forces. Gens Chukwukadibia Obiakor, Luka Yusuf and Abdurahman did that in Liberia. There was the well celebrated Maxwell Khobe who served in Sierra Leone. He came back to Nigeria only to die of bullet wound sustained in the tour of duty.

Other countries come to Kaduna to train their best.

Zimbabwe, Ghana, Uganda. Rwanda, Liberia, name them. Gambian President Yaya Jammeh is a product of the Nigeria Defence Academy. I am sure Col. Lawan

Friday, September 5, 2014

Gwadabe knows his story better.

Has anyone forgotten Wing Commander Ben Ekele? He was said to be one of the best fighter pilots in the world. We even have a female pilot today in Blessing Liman. And we keep getting negative reports as if our soldiers suddenly turned Carpet Knights.

President Goodluck Jonathan must get to the root of it all. Are our soldiers receving all the necessary support, or are we sending them on kamikaze missions? Who are we even sending to the troubled areas? Fresh officers from the Defence Academy or recruits straight from the depot in Zaria? These are questions and we need answers.

It is annoying that Cameroun, of all countries, would be the one to take credit while our boys are put to shame.

The only thing I know about Camerounian soldiers is the Presidential Guard. They are best remembered for the hit track Zangarewa, made more popular by Shakira at the 2010 World Cup. As I write, I feel pains. Nigerian soldiers have not become so cowardly, that their wives will be speaking for them. These troops have not become women over night to cross over to Cameroun. All the trillions allocated to defence could not have been used set up a rag tag army.

Somebody told a story of Gen Ibrahim Babangida travelling to Zimbabwe in the 1990s with a plane load of Nigerian soldiers who landed in Harare as strongmen and earned Babangida and the country respect.

At the Abuja 1991 OAU Summit, I saw, not that I was told, the might of the Nigerian soldier. I guess all Presidential guards [except those protecting PLO leader Yissar Arafat] were required to surrender their weapons before entering the Conference Centre.

There was this Mobutu Sese Seko body guard who tried to resist. Before you could shout Lubumbashi, he got the rough side of the tough Nigerian operatives screening the invitees. It was a neat job by a trained commando. That is the Nigeria army I know.

And I still believe in our men. Maybe, they need something that we are not giving them. And an angry soldier is a deadly soldier. Let us do something positive for them before it is too late.

Apologies to Azazi Ike Willie Nwobu

T

o say that the security question in the country is gradually turning (if it has not already turned) into a complete puzzle is belabour the obvious. And the way it is, it will take a lot more than the normal requirements to unravel it. The situation is further aggravated by a myriad of confusing events, criss-crossing opinions and viewpoints from supposed experts and consultants on security, media hype and, of course, spinning and counter-spinning of moves. But, as we watch these scenarios unfold before our very eyes, more and more lives are being savagely and avoidably cut short.

The officers who have manned the seat of the top security bureau in this country have been men of no little feat both on the academic and battle fronts. Since security is a field subject, much of the onus for the job relies heavily on experience and the revered men who have occupied such offices have been quite equal to the daunting task of providing a charted course of enhanced security for the entire nation.

It could have been probably attributed to the fact that this new wave of insurgency

and terror is actually unprecedented in Nigeria, otherwise the stewardship of the holders of our various security posts may have been properly assessed and rated, in time past. In effect, no one, particularly in the history of the office of the National Security Adviser has ever received as much criticism and airplay as the erstwhile, General Andrew Owoeye Azazi.

Azazi like his predecessors, came into the office riding loftily and basking pleasurably in the clout of his intimidating resume on security matters, as well as formidable experience, and settled in well on the job. But like the maestro he was, he had quickly put his time and acts together to study and surmount the terrorist problem, which had gathered appreciable momentum, and what he found out was not a pleasant one at all.

In no time, he had noticed cracks in the wall of the ruling PDP and also a seeming connection and consonance of the party to the activities of the sect. He cried out, and the response he got was more cries for his head, abuse, rejection, and every other thing a straight and frank person suffers when sandwiched heavily by evil in breathing forms.

For speaking out against the gross unpreparedness and inadequacies of the Nigerian military to checkmate the superior Boko Haram challenges when they began to rear face, he got summary abuse,

more abuse, and even more abuse to the level of questioning his competence in totality for such a sensitive office, from all facets of our national life. Expectedly of course, there was a tsunami of media attack on him for trivializing and making a gallery play of our all-important security question, when lives were being sacrificed countlessly by the day. How a simple admittance of a bare-faced reality and pragmatism amounted to gallery playing would forever remain a mystery to many people.

Why did Azazi receive such a huge traffic of blame, accusations and criticism, yet nobody is talking about Sambo? Has the office of the NSA been abolished, defiled or deformed? Nobody is talking to him or about him. Instead, the Federal Government even set up a fact finding committee while our National Security Adviser is relaxed. The man, Col Sambo Dasuki and the office of the NSA should be on the fire of quick response reliability. After rejecting Azazi’s soft-approach philosophy to fighting Boko Baram and declaring total war on Boko Haram, what is next? We need innovative and strategic thinking and high level of maneuverability, integrating cultural political, religious, diplomatic and military protocol and doctrine.

It is strange that the Chief of Defence Staff is in the forefront of communication, information and interfacing in this

Boko Haram and Chibok madness, as if the military are at war with Nigerians. Military did not generate Boko Haram. Even if there is a case of mismanagement, the office of the NSA should act as a buffer and clearing house of information and procedure.

Since the emergence of Col Dasuki Sambo, there is no doubting the fact that there has been an escalation both in dimension and number of the abductions, bombings and sporadic attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram across the North. It is as if the emergence of a Northerner who seems to understand the terrain better, as well as all the political permutations and calculations around his appointment seemed to be offering the country no respite at all. Yet in the midst of all the happenings, he has managed to shield himself away from media attention and some level of accountability.

Attention must not be shifted from the fact that he is the one expected to give us cogent and acceptable explanations for what is going on, as well as how he is tackling the insurgency. Yet, no one even seems to notice his presence, or stake in the matter-a real cause for reflection. Somehow and someway, he has been able to evade all the media attack and propaganda seeking scapegoats and sacrificial cows: yet this is one man that really matters in the security equation of this country. • Ike Willie Nwobu (ikewillienwobu@yahoo.com)

19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Nasarawa lawmakers and the rule of law

N

asarawa State House of Assembly members seem intent on impeaching Gov. Umaru Tanko AlMakura by whatever means, even after a probe panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) has given him a clean bill of health. The CJ had constituted the 7-man probe panel led by Yusuf Shehu Usman at their behest, based on a 16-count-charge, which included falsification of the State’s financial report for 2011; diversion and misappropriation of flood fund; diversion of inappropriate state’s SURE-P funds, siphoning of money for personal use and extra-budgetary expenditure.

At the end of its sessions which were widely publicised, the panel submitted a report contrary to the expectations of the legislators. Their initial reaction was to try and discredit the report on the grounds that members of the panel were of “questionable character” and directed the CJ to immediately dissolve the panel and appoint fresh persons into it.

The CJ obviously knew better.

But a few weeks after, the legislators, who have been having their meetings outside the state capital, reconvened and came out with another impeachment threat, vowing to remove the governor from office. This latest action by legislators is crude and unreasonable and stands to be condemned. This way, other

people who may be contemplating a similar action in their states in the future would think twice before engaging in such a sordid act. Is it not surprising and indicting that the alleged “gross misconduct” of the governor was allowed to subsist for so long before they deemed it necessary to investigate? Their insistence is uncalled for and gives room for suspicion that the process ab initio had political undertones.

It is even difficult to believe that this fresh move is not borne out of political vendetta.

If we may ask, who stands to benefit from this new development? We are aware that the lawmakers in the country are not so well-schooled in the business of law-making and due process.

If they were they would understand that not all impeachment processes must lead to actual removal. But in our clime, once a panel is instituted, the next thing is for the occupant of the office for which the impeachment is targeted to prepare for exit. The reason for this breach is not far-fetched. In Nigeria, impeachments have become a tool to settle political scores rather than an instrument to check the excesses of errant chief executives. Not too long ago, a deputy governor was impeached for owning a poultry farm. If that is not ridiculous, what is?

This new wave of impeachment is an ill-wind that blows nobody

any good. Hence, we are dutybound to advise the law-makers to concentrate on their constitutional duties by ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered unencumbered to the people of Nasarawa state who elected them. These instigated impeachment moves in the country must be halted if not so, it will go unabated. The good people of Nasarawa must be allowed the opportunity and freedom to exercise their franchise at any given time; not to be stampeded or subjected to unnecessary suffering as a result of someone’s political ambition.

Perhaps, it is fair to remind the law-makers again that politics is not a do or die affair. Therefore, politicians should not jettison the wishes of the people. The disagreement between the governor and the leader of the opposition party in the state should be properly managed so that it does not have any adverse effect on the hapless people of the state. Politicians must learn to work together irrespective of their political affiliations for the collective good of the people. After all, ultimate political power belongs to the people. It is nonsensical to begin to create unnecessary political unrest and tension in the state ahead of 2015.

If the legislators are bent on removing the governor after he had been cleared of any wrongdoing, then it is obvious they

may be doing the bidding of their paymasters. But in doing so, they should understand that what goes round comes around.

Al-Makura will go down in the history of Nigerian politics as the first governor to submit himself to the adjudicative process of the investigation panel by appearing in person to defend himself against the alleged impeachable offences raised by members of the House of Assembly; not just that, he survived it. Given this development, the most sensible thing to do would be for the lawmakers to withdraw from the latest move and give the governor a chance to carry on with his duties of providing good governance to the people. In withdrawing from this new threat the lawmakers will also be honouring the people of Nasarawa who gave them the mandate.

Without prejudice to what positions they may advance, however, there are certain realities we believe the law-makers must appreciate, come to terms with and make amends. The first is that nobody should go into any negotiation bent on having all its demands met. The governor, on the other hand, must very importantly, ensure that nobody is victimized since this may lead to a sore point in the relationship.

Ignoring the rule of law for purely self-serving purposes is despicable and must be condemned by all right thinking persons.

MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eric Osagie DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTORS

Gabriel Akinadewo Felix Oguejiofor Abugu MANAGING EDITOR

Suleiman Uba Gaya EDITOR, DAILY

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Laurence Ani EDITOR, SUNDAY

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Emeka Obasi Ayodele Ojo BUREAU CHIEF, BRUSSELS

Leo Cendrowicz BUREAU CHIEF, WASHINGTON DC

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Uchey Okezie HEAD, GRAPHICS

Timothy Akinleye HEAD, ADMIN.

Robinson Ezeh

20 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

APC courts electorate with incentives CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

teachers get incentives Barely a week later, the Ogun State government led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, also of the APC announced a drastic reduction in tuition fees in all state-owned tertiary institutions, as medical students who were paying N301, 610 would now pay N176, 596 while arts students had theirs reduced from N126,540 to N81, 112.

This was made known at a press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Odubela, accompanied by the Commissioner of Information, Yusuph Olaniyonu. He explained that in the new school fees regime, which will take effect from the 2014/2015 academic session, students will pay up to 61 per cent less than they are currently paying. He said some students will pay as low as N29, 700.

He said the reduction was arrived at after extensive deliberation between the government, leadership of the various students’ unions and heads of the institutions. The commissioner also announced the abolishment of the indigene/non-indigene dichotomy, saying students offering the same course, at the same level will pay the same fees.

Odubela also announced that the state government donated 13 buses to the students’ unions of all state and federal institutions in the state, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ogun State Chapter.

He assured that government would always protect the interest of the students as they are future leaders of the nation.

This followed the announcement a few weeks earlier of new car and housing loan welfare package for civil servants in the state. For the car loan, junior civil servants from levels 01 to 06 will be entitled to N500, 000; while their senior counterparts from level 07 to level 12 will get N1m. Those on levels 13 to 15 will access N1.5m and workers on levels 16 and 17 will be given N2m.

The governor made the announcement in Kuto, Abeokuta, during a Public Service Day Celebration tagged ‘A day with Mr. Governor.’ Answering questions from civil servants at the event, Amosun said he was committed to their welfare. But they could only start drawing these loans in October.

For the housing loan, workers on levels 16 and 17 will get N5m, while those on levels 12 to 15 will get N3.5m each.

Those on levels 7 to 10 will access N2m while levels 1-6 get N1m each.

Added to that, Amosun also announced a reduction in the purchase price of housing units at the Laderin Workers Estate, and that the initial down payment was now also cut down from 20 per cent by the Federal Mortgage Bank to 10 per cent, explaining that housing project must be a social service.

Also, Governor Amosun in efforts to secure a united front ahead of the coming elections has made moves to resolve the internal crisis within the party in the state owing largely to the problem between himself, and a former governor of the state, and chieftain of the APC, Chief Segun Osoba.

He recently revealed that peace talks are ongoing to resolve the internal crisis rocking the party, even as he declared that Chief Osoba remains the leader of the party and his leader, warning detractors to stop meddling into their affairs.

Amosun said, “I have said it times without number that the issue between me and my leader, our leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba is an internal issue and I don’t want to discuss it again”.

Oyo raises bar for teachers Probably not wanting to ignore the

Fashola

Amosun

Ajimobi

teachers, given the role they were reputed to have played in the ousting of Fayemi in Ekiti State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State recently approved the raising of the bar of graduate teachers in primary schools in the state on level 14 to level 15.

The governor also promised that the state government would commence payment of backlogs of outstanding allowances and pension to retired primary school teachers in the state.

According to him, pending the outcome of the case instituted against those who siphoned the state pension fund, the state government had made new arrangements for the payment of pension for the affected primary school retired teachers.

Making the announcements, during a meeting with officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers [NUT] and the Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC], Governor Oshiomhole said: “On assumption of office, it was very clear to me and my colleagues that our future is defined by the level of investment in education and the quality of the basic education we provide for our children and that is why we have devoted resources to the rebuilding of our primary schools, junior and senior secondary schools”.

Oshiomhole, not minding that forgery is a grievous offence especially, when it involves teachers hired to shape the destinies of children, stated that “having listened to all suggestions and consultations with various groups, government has agreed to set aside the competency or assessment test in order to re-assure Edo workers that government has no intention to sack anyone.”

Analysts described the sudden reversal of what was undoubtedly a sound policy on education, as unfortunate; noting, that it will definitely remain one of the dark spots of his tenure.

It was gathered that the party realised that some of the policies embarked upon by Fayemi were part of the reasons Ekiti people rejected him for a second term. These policies majorly affected civil servants and teachers in the state, and despite the fact that Fayemi meant well by carrying out the cleansing exercise in the civil service, the masses seemed unhappy about the whole process.

They reportedly frowned at the policies that reversed existing policies which put some extra cash in the pockets of civil servants and teachers and were not happy with the service re-classification exercise, which saw tons of high school principals demoted to vice principals and vice principals moved back to class teachers.

It was learnt that the party, in its bid to avoid further defeat, had told its governors to tread softly and do away with some of the policies that made Governor Fayemi fail in Ekiti State, and that the recent change of policies

by APC governors, was in compliance with decisions reached at the meeting.

Reacting to the policy U-turn by some APC governors, National Legal Adviser of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Barrister Okiogbero Edhebru, said Nigerian political leaders are now aware that the electorate are wiser, adding: “Before the Osun State governorship election, the governor cleared the salaries of Osun workers, in Lagos and Ogun today, their governors have drastically reduced school fees of state-owned tertiary institutions and Lagos State is welcoming motorcycles (okada) back. These are what the electorate are demanding.”

He said what happened in Ekiti clearly showed the implication of going against the wishes of the electorate, hence the need to make necessary amends before the major elections in 2015.

On the flip side, the PDP in these states continue to boast of their resolve to take over the states in the SouthWest, having resolved the issues that saw the party losing such states in the first state. If their resolve, coupled with perceived voters’ dissatisfaction with the APC in the states, will be enough to cause a change of baton come 2015, is a scenario political analysts eagerly await. And whether these moves and palliatives on the part of the APC governors will make any difference to swing the mood of voters in their favour will only be known after the elections proper.

Edo recalls sacked teachers Sometime ago, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole had made a public show of the state government’s commitment to sanitise the education sector in the state. For this, government carried out a verification exercise of teachers in its employ. The exercise pitched the government against the teachers in the state, as many of them who were alleged to be in possession of fake certificates were shown the way out.

During a surprise visit on the verification panel set up to conduct the exercise of screening the teachers, Governor Oshiomhole came face to face with a teacher who found it difficult to read her curriculum vitae.

Oshiomhole, who was shocked, wondered how a person, who was incapable of reading, could teach students to read. He said: “We found that of all our primary school teachers, only 1,287, representing nine per cent, out of 14,484 teachers, had proper and accurate records in our system.

“We have too many quacks masquerading as teachers….and it was only natural that I had to find courage to deal with this human element, which makes all the difference,” he said. He also alleged that some teachers ought to have retired 10 years earlier, but that they reduced their ages in order to remain in the system.

However, in a drastic move after the Ekiti State election, and the role teachers were reputed to have played in the loss of Governor Fayemi, the Edo State government reversed the planned competency test for teachers in the state and recalled 936 teachers whose names were deleted from the payroll over certificate discrepancies and age falsification.

Policy U-turn Despite the various reasons given by these APC governors for the U-turns in their policies, political analysts maintain that they are borne out of fear to avoid a repeat of what befell the party in Ekiti come 2015. This is strengthened by a general perception that the APC leaders do not want to leave anything to chance.

It was gathered that the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had gone into meeting with the top hierarchy of the party to analyse the circumstances that led to Fayemi’s defeat and fashion out ways to prevent re-occurrence of such in subsequent elections, especially 2015.

What happened in Ekiti clearly showed the implication of going against the wishes of the electorate, hence the need to make necessary amends before the major elections in 2015

ARTS FRIDAY, September 5, 2014

CULTURE

21 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY oKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

All objects, all phases of culture are alive. They have voices.

They speak of their history and interrelatedness. And they are all talking at once! " ― Camille Paglia

Stakeholders divided over serialisation in Nollywood Moses Kadiri

I

It is exciting when one picks up a Nigerian movie CD sleeve and behold beautiful, colourful pictures, and inviting characters. But some of these movies come with almost the same storyline, cast, producer, location, and different titles on a particular movie.

For instance, a movie which ought to end in part 2 or 3, stretches to part 4 or 5, sometimes to 6, curiously, bearing different titles.

Some of these movies include (Madam Tyson 1 and 2, Fight Again 3 and 4, and Fight Like Tyson 5 and 6). (Stupid Bomber 1 and 2, The 3 Idiots), (Tears in my Heart 1-2, My Regret 3-4), (Ekaette Goes to School 1-2, Mama Class One 3-4), (Before 1960 1-2, British Man 3-4), Idemili 1-4 among many others. This is the trend in today’s Nollywood.

Is this not a deliberate attempt by marketers to rip off Nigerians of their hard earned money, watching a particular movie with unending titles?’

Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi said it is a ploy by marketers to recoup their investments.

“That is why you have for instance a title like Sambisa Forest 1 and 2 and then Road to Sambisa 3 and 4, Fall of Sambisa 5 and 6. They are all the same movie, same producer and same cast,” he explained, “It shows the low level of creativity in the industry,” Aganbi said.

The AGN chairman who has won local and international awards, among which is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and AISI media awards, however, hopes that the trend will stop in no distant time.

“I believe we shall come out of it soon. Nollywood is a very peculiar industry; it is not an industry where you apply or enforce regulation. For now, it is the marketers that dictate the tune, who produce these movies that have these titles.”

Mr. Aganbi, who writes scripts for radio, TV and movies said the way out of the situation is for movie producers

Aganbi

to take the challenge and come up with a massive pool of funds to compete in the market place.

“But that process is on already I can assure you,” he said.

The chairperson of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), Mr. Norbert Ajaegbu explained the rationale behind such practice in Nollywood: “It is derailment from global film structure and practice. Yes, it is a consequential spill of practitioner’s abdication from censorship and classification for a while now. The existing regulations yearn for requisite enforcement. The NFVCB charged primarily with this responsibility needs to stem up to these developing challenges. The industry is plagued with numerous problems. These include piracy, proliferation, indiscriminate broadcast,

I believe we shall come out of it soon. Nollywood is a very peculiar industry; it is not an industry where you apply or enforce regulation poor quality products and so on. All these problems are embedded in the absence of a practitioners’ council for the Nigerian movie industry. Producers resorted to the making of part 1- 4 or more as a survival strategy. This practice is a total derailment from global film structure and practice. The frequently asked question is what option than to quit production is left for

NICO Enugu boss makes case for Nigeria dress culture

T

he Head of National Institute for Cultural Orientation, (NICO), Enugu State Office, Mr. Nnaemeka Nwajagu has, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, called on Federal Government Establishments in Enugu State to set aside some days for their staffers to go to work on their traditional attires.

Nwajagu made the call on Thursday during the meeting of the Association of Heads of Federal Government Establishments, Enugu State Chapter, hosted by NICO Enugu State Office.

He said the Institute had set aside Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for its members of staff to come to work on native attires, saying that it was only proper for other federal establishments to key into the on-going Nigerian Dress Culture campaign being carried out by the Institute, to help save this and other aspects of our culture from going into extinction.

The NICO Enugu State Head also used the opportunity to brief members

on the mission, vision, activities and programmes of the Institute, including the training of cultural workers at the Training School in Lagos, where Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma in Cultural Administration programmes were offered.

Other programmes enumerated by Nwajagu included the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP),

We are already doing that; if you come to our office on Fridays, you would be wondering what is happening

NICO Cultural Clubs in Secondary Schools, capacity building workshops, seminars, carrying research and documentation of cultural festivals/ matters, and many other programmes aimed at saving our dying culture.

Earlier, he had welcomed members by presenting kola nut, according to the Igbo tradition and custom, thanking the Association for the opportunity to host the meeting, and all the establishments who had sent some staff members to participate in the on-going one-month indigenous language programme of the Institute.

Responding, the State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Isaac Onukwube said that his establishment had already answered the call made by NICO on dress culture, as his members of staff come to work on Fridays on their traditional attires, saying, “We are already doing that; if you come to our office on Fridays, you would be wondering what is happening.”

Ajaegbu

Nigerian producers in a peculiar terrain like ours,” he emphasised.

Mr. Ajaegbu who recently premiered his new movie Mama Africa added that it is a system that tends to generate sympathy for the intellectual property thief. “These are the problems behind poor distribution and low return on investment. It is for these reasons that practitioners resorted to unconventional practices to keep head above water. We hope to rectify the system soon.”

For movie director, Mr. Dickson Iroegbu said there are good movies which also need attention. “Let’s spend more of our time promoting the good films, and I think there are many of them my brother.”

A Nigerian Mr. Odewumi O Sunday also complained about Nollywood movies, saying he does not derive joy in watching Nollywood movies instead, he prefers watching American movies.

“When l come home from work in the evening instead of watching Nigerian movies, l rather watch American movies. Their storyline is perfect, even if they are doing film trick you will enjoy it, but if it is Nollywood movies, it is glaring... The title will tell you all about the film before watching; though some are good, but l prefer comedy that will make me laugh to watching a movie that l already know what will happen in the movie,” he said.

22 ART

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

NEA honours actors, comedians others N Moses Kadiri

ollywood actor Desmond Elliot was among winners at this year’s edition of Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA), the 9th in the series. He was decorated with the Best Director of the Year award for the movie Finding Mercy, at the award ceremony which took place at the NYU Skirball Centre for Performing Arts, New York City on Monday, September 1, 2014.

The movie, Half of a Yellow Sun received the Best Picture of the Year award, while Best Actor in a Lead Role went to Tope Tedela in the movie A Mile from Home, and Best Supporting Actor was Yomi Fash-Lanso in Omo Elemosho respectively.

Funke Akindele bagged Best Actress in a Lead Role and Genevieve Nnaji went home with Best Supporting Actress in Half of a Yellow Sun. The award ceremony was filled with lots of amazing performances - Wande Coal, Praiz, Oritse Femi, the ‘Sekem’ master MCGalaxy, and the crowd pleaser Shatta Wale. Also on stage were Patoranking who performed his popular song “Girlie O”, Skales with his new single “Shake Body”.

Hosts for the night Bovi and Funke Akindele kept the audience entertained with rib-cracking jokes, while Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi worked the audience by interacting and asking audience members questions to keep them engaged and even more involved in the show than in years past.

The hottest single of the year category had a tie with Pull Over - Kcee featuring Wizkid and Aye by Davido both emerging winners. Some of the other winners of the night include Olamide for Album of the Year, DJ Spinall for World DJ, and Mavin’s First-lady Tiwa Savage took home R&B Artiste of the Year and Female Artiste of the year awards respectively. The excited Tiwa

Celebrated fuji music act, Oyindamola Johnson Emmanuel, a.k.a. talks on his inspiration and how he got the name Dammy Krane.

JOHN ENUBIAK writes

Denrele Edun at the award ceremony

Savage encouraged fans and the entire industry to continue to support the NEAs, stressing that international awards such as BET and MTV started off similar to the NEAs, and have been able to grow.

Best Album of the Year - Baddest Boy Ever Liveth - Olamide, Best New Act of the Year - Patoranking, Gospel Artiste of the Year - Frank Edwards, Indigenous Artiste of the Year - Oritshe Femi, Male Artiste of the Year Davido, Best Rap Act of the Year - Ice

FM; Funniest Comedian of Year - Bovi, World DJ, DJ Spinall - Nigeria.

The president of NEA, Mr. Tope Easan expressed appreciation to everyone who helped in making the awards a success. The NEA is an annual award show held in the United States, with the aim of celebrating and recognizing the numerous contributions of entertainers to the African entertainment industry, while at the same time promoting the image and rich culture of Nigeria.

Nigeria music industry developing day by day, says Dammy Krane you? Coming into spot-light, what were the challenges you encountered?

I don’t think I faced any challenges, because I believe that, what does not kill you only makes you stronger. As long as you commit everything in God’s hand, I don’t think you will have any challenges at all.

Your real name is Oyindamola Johnson Emmanuel. What inspired the name ‘Dammy Krane’?

The name is like a metaphor. I was with my brother one day and he asked me what name I wanted to use in the industry, then he just teased me with the names; ‘Dammy the caterpillar’, ‘Dammy the krane’, ‘Dammy Krane’.

And after that, he continuously called me ‘Dammy Krane’, and I decided stick to it. Before then, I used to be known as ‘Young Sauce’ because I used to rap. But when my brother continued teasing me with that name, I decided to stick to it.

At the age of six, you have been singing.

What ignited your passion for music as a profession?

I have always been around music.

My mother does event management for fuji artists, and I always go with her, so that influenced my passion for music, specifically Fuji music. I started writing my own song at age six, and when I grew up, I joined the choir. You know in toddler’s choir, they will assist you to develop your talent. I also started dancing for people’s party from church, and then I started hyping other artists. But professionally, I started music in 2012 when I dropped my officially single.

I went to Early Beginners Primary School, then I moved on to Providence

Prince, Music Producer of the Year Del B, Best Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director) - Rands& Naira (Emmy Gee & Nick), Best Collaboration Gallardo - Runtown Ft. Davido, Most Promising Act to Watch - Ayo Jay, Diaspora Artist of the year - L.A.X, African Artiste of the Year (Non-Nigerian) - Shatta Wale. Entertainment Personality of the Year, Denrele Edun - Channel O; Entertainment Executive of the Year E-Money - Five Star Records, Best OAP - Yaw - Wazobia

Dammy Krane

Height Secondary School, and to Redeemers University, and now I am doing music.

Are you a graduate?

No, I took a break What course were you studying?

I was studying Micro Biology What was your first song?

I was a freestyler, and it was Sexy boy freestyle.

How was breaking into the industry like for

How did you get signed by Hypertek entertainment?

Like I always say, the connection is spiritual. When Hypertek saw me, it was at Fella shrine where they saw my performance, and later that year, I met Tuface at his birthday party, when he had an after party, he invited some other artists like M.I, Tiwa Savage among others. Tuface actually invited a friend of mine, who in-turn invited me as well.

When I got there, my friend mentioned my name and Tuface said he had seen me performed before, and then he sent for me. We booked at met at Industry night, where I introduced my management to him. As they say, the rest is history.

How would you assess Nigeria music Industry?

Nigeria music industry is growing; we are developing day by day. Today, you can see international artists in the likes of Future, Beyonce among others, sampling our productions (Fuji Productions). We are getting there.

Among all other genres of music, why did you choose to do Fuji?

We have two genres of music; Highlife and Fuji. Fuji is our own – it is the Ni-

gerian music. International artists that listen to Fuji music feel very impressed because they can’t do something like that. And my type of Fuji is the 24th Century Fuji, which is just a fusion of Fuji with other genres.

Presently, do you have any regrets?

No, not at all; I am happy with the 24th century fuji that I am doing. I am only blending it with the new school, I am doing what the new school are doing. So, I am not missing out of what the older guys are doing.

Who are your mentors and source of inspiration in the Nigeria music Industry?

People that influence my music are Wasiu Ayinde, Pasuma, Tuface, and D’banj.

What other musical instruments can you play, aside from the ‘Talking drum’?

I am presently learning the keyboard.

Are you presently engaged or searching?

I don’t know about Oyindamola Johnson, but what I know is that, Dammy Krane is for the girls. The Enterkraner is always on the stage. So, I don’t know the girls that you are talking about again. I will not say I am single. All I am saying is that Dammy Krane is for the girls.

What do you have to say to your fans out there?

Shout out to everybody supporting Dammy Krane, I pray that God bless you, may God continue to enlarge your coast, (Amin), and I really appreciate the support and love you all so much.

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Tony Okuyeme

A

uthor Ebi Akpeti, penultimate Saturday, hosted critics, friends and admirers at a reading of her new book, God Has a Good Sense of Humour, at the serene Bogobiri House, Ikoyi, Lagos.

For her friends who were there to celebrate and interact with her about the book, it was a pleasant experience, given the interest the book generated among the audience. Author of Growing Pains, Castrated and the celebrated and The Perfect Church, Akpeti’s passion for telling stories drawn from experiences resonated in this new book strikingly titled God Has a Good Sense of Humour.

The atmosphere this brilliant afternoon was convivial. There were banters here, pleasantries there, but the intellectual tone of the event was not lost on the audience.

What really is the author saying in this new book? Why God Has a Sense of Humour? As with her earlier works, this book was inspired by not just personal experiences but also the experiences of those close to her; and told with such passion, pain and perception.

The book is a collection of seven short, funny, heartfelt true-tolife stories (A Prison with Golden Gates; The Gong That Should Have Deafened Me; God Has a Sense of Humour; Death Is No Longer a Rumour; Singlelaria; The Woman that Marries for Money Earns every Kobo; and Life Can Only Be Understood Backwards) with powerful messages for women and indeed, for the men who love them. Written with compassion, reassurance and insight, each story will touch the soul and inspire the reader to make every minute of every day more fulfilling.

Radiating charisma and enthusiasm, Akpeti read from various parts of the book, and had a question and answer session during which she explained the inspiration as well as why almost all her female characters are above 38 years of age. Here, the thinking is that she is also writing about herself, especially since most of the characters are singles.

According to her, one of her sources for story ideas is the testimonies that members regularly give in churches. For this reason, she re-

Akpeti: God Has a Good Sense of Humour, … No Longer a Rumour Her style is very simple and lucid. I will recommend it for everybody

Akpeti

marked, her friends are afraid of her.

“My friends know that when they tell me stories, the stories would find their way into my books, and I even

retain their names at times.”

While noting that not all of the characters are 38 and above, she said that being an ‘eligible single lady

comes with a fever’. She said, “Most single ladies know what it is in Lagos”.

She recalled her experience, saying that for six years after the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme, she was without a job.

She decided to go into writing. At a time, she was confronted with the task of raising N100,000 which was the cost of publishing the book. As she couldn’t raise it all by herself, she sought help from people she knew.

After reading from the story Death Is no Longer a Rumour, the author explained that it was inspired by the death of her father; the story about a woman who had a loving husband…

Explaining further, she said that Life Can Only Be Understood Backwards, which is the last story in the collection, has a moral message which is that “God sees everything.

He has a plan.

In attendance at the book reading were her former boss, Ms. Seline Loader and seasoned broadcaster, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, who read from the story, Death is no Longer a Rumour. According to Onyenokwe, a good writer is somebody who sees what is happening; Ebi has demonstrated this and she has been able to communicate. “Her style is very simple and lucid. I will recommend it for everybody,” Onyenokwe said, adding that God Has A Sense Of Humour is a successful one because even a teenager who reads it is able to appreciate Akpeti’s message to adult members of the society.

Loader read from the story Prison With Golden Gates, and thereafter commended Akpeti for the collection.

Odogwu in Standing Ovation at Muson Centre Moses Kadiri

S

tand-up comedian Odogwu Sylvester Obialor will be staging his comedy show titled Odogwu Standing Oviation on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

Many top Nigerian standup comedians have signify interest to perform during the show as way of showing support to one of their own at the 100 percent comedy show which he described as the turning point in comedy shows in Nigeria.

The creative and talented rib-cracker who is known for dishing varieties of jokes ranging from social, politics, and things in the society said Odogwu Standing Ovation will feature new jokes “that is why l said it is 100 percent comedy; and it is going to be exceptional”. He noted that the show will be Odogwu a unique experience

for his fans. “I just want to be different that is why it is going to be 100 percent comedy; l promise you that you will not forget the experience. I am coming on the stage with fresh jokes that you will keep asking for more,” he disclosed.

The University of Abuja graduate of Business Administration said he is using the show to raise the standard of entertainment in Nigeria.

His publicsit, Mr Olujuwon Bukunola-Philips disclosed that Odogwu Standing Oviation comedy show will feature talented and creative standup comedians the likes of Bovi, Buchi, Emeka Smith, Akpororo, Osama, Ajebo, others are Dan D Humourous, Baba Kay, Romeo among others. He added that the show will be hosted by Mc Abbey (aka Da Prof.), alongside award winning broadcaster Lolo1 of Wazobia Fm. He further revealed that it is a common secret in the entertainment industry that Odogwu is a joke-spinning machine who many resort to for inspiration, “so as a result of this, the audience are guarantee 100 percent comedy come September 21, 2014 by 5pm, Odogwu will set the

stage on fire.”

Odogwu has outstanding record in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

He has received endorsements of colleagues and fans as one of the most tal-

ented comedian in the industry. He has been a favourite choice for organizers of corporate shows such as the Coppa Lagos where he dazzle fans with lots of jokes.

Mcphilips memorial lecture holds in Lagos he maiden edition of Mcphilips NwaThold chukwu’s memorial lecture series will on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos (Entrance ‘D’ lobby).

The lecture, which will be delivered by culture activist, Mr. Toyin Akinoso under the theme, “Influence of Arts and Culture reporting towards nation building: The Mcphilips’ Example” also, will witness the public presentation of Nwachukwu’s collection of poems, “So Long a Night(Revised Edition).”

The event will be chaired by the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka while the book reviewer is Toni Kan. Mrs. Tina Mcphillip Nwachukwu, widow of the late Arts Editor of Van-

guard who is the brain behind the book presentation ceremony said, she intends to use the event to immortalise the name of her late husband, adding that all the proceeds from the book launch will be channelled towards setting up a foundation in his memory.

The event is being packaged by a group called ‘Friends of Late Mcphillip Nwachukwu in the Arts’ in collaboration with Arts Writers Organisation of Nigeria, AWON. A poet, writer and frontline journalist, Nwachukwu was the Arts Editor of Vanguard Newspapers till his death. He died at Golden Cross hospital, Festac Town, Lagos after suffering a choking cough in the early hours of Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the age of 47.

24 TOURISM

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Thrills of Igbo Ukwu New Yam Festival

Stories by Andrew Iro Okungbowa

T

he domestic tourism scene is currently on song as different communities are in festive mood with the staging of age – long traditional and communal feasts. Penuiltimate week, it was the Osogbo people who treated the nation to the grand finale of the yearly Osun Osogbo Festival, which held at the Osun grove, Osogbo.

Then it was the turn of the Ugep people and their kin in Cross River State who celebrated Leboku Festival, which among others was a celebration of new yam. Last week the baton was passed on to the people of Igbo – Ukwu who celebrated Iri Ji Ndi Igbo 2014 festival, another new yam feast.

It was a colourful and celebrative event with the people of Igbo Ukwu in Anambra and Igbos from other part of the country converging at the Yam House in Igbo Ukwu to share in their common ancestry, the celebration of the new yam. It is occasion that marks the end of harvest and commencement of a new cycle in the traditional calendar of the people.

Yam, which to the people is regarded as the king of farm produces, in fact in many traditional societies, was the symbol of the richness and status of the individual. Because having huge and abundant yam barns then conferred instant honor, value and respectability on the individual. Therefore, at the festival, it took the centre stage as the people gathered to celebrate it in most profound and exciting manner generating different levels of entertainment for the people.

On this day, Igbo Ukwu and its surrounding communities where caught in a feat of celebration as there was a noticeable increase in the pace of activities.

The first port of gathering for the people was the palace of the traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu, the Idu II of Igbo-Ukwu, Martin Ezeh.

It was a bright day and the Idu looking resplend in his traditional attire and in his majestic ambience welcomed his people and guests from different parts of the eastern regions and the country who have come to pay him homage and join in the celebration for the day. One of the guests at the occasion was the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo who attended the event with her team.

Done with this section and the traditional prayers and libations signaling

the commencement of the festival, the Idu and his colourful retinue moved to the grounds of the Yam House, venue of the communal feast for the public celebration. The ground was already agog in celebration, which was further heightened with the arrival of the Idu and his chiefs and other visitors.

The occasion was an eventful and enthralling one as the various cultural and traditional groups and communities, all richly attired, took turn to pay homage to the traditional ruler and entertain the people with various cultural displays.

It was fun watching the various musical and dance display on parade by each of the group. Even though it was not a competitive event but you could feel the pulse of the people and entertainers rising to the crescendo as they each tried to impressed the ecstatic audience who were held spellbound by the creative and artistry of the performers.

Amidst the cultural showpiece, joyous moment and display of various farm produce, arts and craft and artifacts of the people, the Igbo Ukwu people are noted for their creative and effervescent art culture, especially sculpture and brass work and many of these were on put on display for the benefit of the audience, the traditional but symbolic eating of the new yam was performed by the traditional ruler and his people.

For the people, it was another joyous occasion to partake in a communal feast that defines booth their spiritual and physical existence. Besides the cultural feast, the social input and commercial nature of the event also came to the fore with the people using the occasion to host different social celebrations and playing host to different guests even far into the night. ... NTDC boss honoured, harps on domestic tourism ONE of the major highlights of the new yam feast this year was the bestowment of chieftaincy title on the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

She was honoured with the title of Ona Mma Ndi Igbo as acknowledgement of her role in the promotion of tourism and support of the community as she also made handsome contributions to the hosting of the festival. Among items presented by her were cow, motorcycles and branded promotional materials of the tourism corporation.

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Idu II of Igbo-Ukwu, Igwe Martin Ezeh with other traditional rulers and king makers harvesting the New Yam during the National New Yam (Iri Ji Ndi Igbo) Festival 2014 recently held at the National Yam House, Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State.

Tourism is a principal export for 83 per cent of developing countries and it is the most significant source of foreign exchange after petroleum This point was underscored by the traditional ruler of Igbo ukwu, Martin Ezeh, Idu 11 while conferring the title on her, which he said was an honour well deserved and not bought with cash.

“Mbanefo did not buy this chieftaincy title with money, rather we consider it apt for her, having considered her immense contributions to Nigeria and support for the promotion and develop-

National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism gets new DG

M

rs Chika Balogun has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

She takes over from the former DG, Dr. Munzali Dantata who has completed two terms tenure of eight years as head of the hospitality training institute.

The new DG who is expected to resume fully next week was a former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke. She was charged with administration, strategic planning and special/technical projects. A former Chief Executive Officer and board member of Platinum Crest Limited, Mrs. Balogun is a graduate of the university of Jos and

University of Kent and she is believed to possess wealth of experience in administration, management, strategic planning and humanity among others.

Her areas of interest include arts and culture, social issues, children, science and technology, politics, human rights and poverty alleviation among others while she is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) support such foundations as Gold Crest Family Circle, Clinton Foundation and Asomugha Foundation.

Having worked with the minister of tourism closely and exposed to the intricate nature of tourism and the training institute, she is expected to turn around the fortune of the school

and put is on the right pedestal.

With her appointment, the two tourism parastatals under the ministry are now headed by women, as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation is headed by Mrs. Sally Mbanefo. She assumed the headship of the national tourism body since last year. This would be the first time in the history of the ministry for two women to head its parastatal within the same period.

It is the first time for NIHOTOUR and the second for NTDC. At the Abuja office of NIHOTOUR, a mixture reaction followed her appointment with many of the staff not too sure of what her regime portend for the institute, which many say needs an overhaul.

ment of Igbo culture and tradition. We pray that God almighty will continue to strengthen her and bless her with the wisdom to record a successful tenure in office, thereby propelling the movement of this nation and the Igbo communities to their respective promised land,” declared the Idu. She commended the NTDC DG for her commitment to the development and promotion of the nation’s tourism even as he called on Nigerians to emulate her sterling leadership and passion, adding that the country needs quality people and leaders who would proper her to greatness as not just only the giant of Africa but of the whole world.

On her part, Mrs. Mbanefo who expressed appreciation to the Idu and his people for the honour, used the occasion, as it has become her practice to preach on the benefits of developing and promoting domestic. She appraised the Igbo nations as richly endowned, adding that the richness of the region is enough to make Nigeria the hub of Africa’s destination.

According to her, tourism is has become an important source of foreign earner for many countries of the world.

“Tourism is a principal export for 83 per cent of developing countries and it is the most significant source of foreign exchange after petroleum,’’ said the DG even as she expressed the commitment of NTDC to the promotion of domestic tourism to its economic height. ‘‘We are committed to promoting domestic tourism, as its market has a very high revenue and job creation potentials. Tourism industry contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is valued at approximately N1.3trillion with a 2.6 per cent contribution to total employment at 1,636,500 jobs,’’ she said, revealing that Nigeria harvested over four million tourists last year.

ENTERTAINMENT

NEW TELEGRAPH

25

www.newtelegraphonline.com/entertainment

SONY NEME ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com 0811 181 3096

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Guests for GUS 11 Final Selection Party?

STORIES BY SONY NEME

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he speculations on who will be thrilling guests at September 6 date for the Final Selection Party for the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) Season 11 are obviously not unconnected with the initial promise of the organisers, Nigerian Breweries Plc., that fans of Nigeria’s longest running, 100 per cent local content reality TV show were in for surprises.

But we have it on authority that R&B singer, Dare Art Alade and the Yawah dey crooner, Burna Boy, have been handed the mantle to thrill guests tomorrow. Last year was the turn of hip hop sensation, Wande Cole. What is not in doubt is that the event will take place at the prestigious Ocean View, Victoria Island, Lagos, tomorrow.

30 contestants had emerged from the just concluded regional screenings which took place in Awka, Benin, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Senior Brand Manager, Gulder, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Onyeka Okoli, stated that entertaining events have been lined up to herald the final selection,.

His words: “The selection of the final contestants that will eventually proceed to the jungle for the contest is a major event in the lineup of pre GUS events. As result, no stone will be left unturned in making sure guests at the event

Dare Art

Burna Boy

have a memorable evening” He however did not confirm the speculations; insisting that it will be part of the surprise packages for the night.

Okoli rather explained that: “The selection of the final contestants who will proceed to the jungle for the search is always a big deal in the GUS scheme of events. So we always go the whole hog to give our guests the best

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of an evening. For this year’s edition, two of Nigeria’s finest music acts will be performing to the delight of our guests.

However who these artistes are will be part of the surprise packages that awaits guests at the event.”

He also disclosed that immediately the Final Selection Party, Gulder Club Ultimate (GCU), will commence its Lagos leg at the same venue. “It promises to be a night of pure fun for our

fun loving consumers. Immediately after the Jungle bound contestants emerge, Club Ultimate will commence the Lagos leg at the same venue and a lot have been lined up to give the ‘Ultimate Clubbers’ a night to remember,” he enthused.

Gulder Club Ultimate is a unique mobile clubbing concept which is geared towards engaging and exciting consumers of the Ultimate beer and it is held in various cities across

Guinness launch Made Of Black

uinness Nigeria PLC, has launched it’s latest brand called ‘made of black ‘in Lagos recently, and they are working

Olamide

with outstanding artistes like Phyno, Olamide and Eva. Guinness believes that these individuals epitomize this attitude and is celebrating this movement.

He said the three artistes have the confidence to carve their own path and we are very excited about this.

Speaking during the event, Managing director of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu said made of black is the beginning of one of the most exciting brand campaigns Nigerian have witnessed in a long while.

“Today, we unveil before you, another milestone in the journey of Guinness as the number one stout brand in Nigeria and the most distinctive beer in the World”.

Adetu said around the country, there has been a lot of talk about “Made of black”. I’m certain you have also come across the “made of black” discussion at some point both in the conventional media and social media. “It is the dawn of a new era, the rise of a new age

of Nigerian, individuals who are not afraid to express themselves with an increasing confidence to carve their own path”. he said.

Guinness is proud to support this drive by providing a platform that celebrates these aspiring and vibrant generations in their quest to do things differently and lives responsibly to the fullest.

To ensure an understanding of the ethos of the Made of black campaign, Guinness have signed up some of the finest artists in the entertainment industry, there are unique individuals who are made of more, made of attitude , simply they are made of black.

Also speaking, Marketing and innovation Director of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Austin Ufomba said this campaign has been in development for almost two years and we have strived to create a campaign that will reverberate with and also shine a light on a movement that has been created by a new generation of Africans whose boldness cannot be contained.

Nigeria. Last year one of Nigeria’s celebrated Disc Jockeys, DJ Exclusive was there to supply the music. However it is still not clear if he will do it again this year.

For its Season 11 tagged, ‘The Mission’, GUS will be staged in the fiery forest of Aguleri in Anambra State. The contestant who emerges the 11th Ultimate hero from the contest will go home with the grand prize of N10 million and an SUV, while the second, third and fourth runners up will get N3 million, N2.5 million and N1.5 million respectively. When evicted, each of the contestants will receive differing sums of money, ranging from N1million to N1.5 million.

Okoli further hinted that, “However, for the September 6th event to take place, The Cube, an object of inestimable value, and also key to Gulder Ultimate Search 11 has to be retrieved. And the retrieval of the object can only be accomplished by the past Gulder Ultimate Search champions.”

The past champions of Gulder Ultimate Search are: Ezugo Egwuagwu, Lucan Chambliss, Hector Jobarteh, Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu, Uche Nwaezeapu, Oyekunle Oluwaremi, Christopher Okagbue, Paschal Eronmose and Dennis Okike. The organized also explained that the fate of Gulder Ultimate Search 11 lay in the hands of these past winners whom he added are currently searching for the Cube.

26 ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, September 5, 2014

Okonjo-Iweala tasked on Copyright Blank Tape Levy

Okonjo-Iweala

STORIES BY SONY NEME

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opyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has asked the-Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala on the need for her to take personal responsibility by activating the Copyright Private Copy Levy scheme. This was part of the ‘No Music Day’ mandate from stake holders during the celebration of the annual ‘No Music Day’ on September , in Lagos. The documents is reportedly gathering dust in her ministry, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji had set the ball rolling thus, “The Nigerian music industry today (September 1) calls on the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi

Okonjo Iweala to immediately, and personally take charge and unshackle the Private Copy Levy scheme, which has remained trapped in the Directorate of Fiscal Policy in her ministry for months.’

Chief Okoroji, further said, “The scheme which for many years has been in operation in many countries around the world, including some in our sub region, is intended to provide the much-needed cushion for the stakeholders in the creative industry suffering from the unbridled copying and downloading of creative materials made possible by modern technology” Okoroji said the Nigerian music industry is aware, “That the order to activate the Private Copy Levy has since been made

by the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke and published in the Federal Gazette. “ In tandem with that, he posited that the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has held several public consultations on the levy and the stakeholders have since looked forward to the scheme’s commencement.

“Unfortunately, for some inexplicable reason, the documents seeking the approval of the Finance Minister to activate the scheme remain trapped in some files in the office of the Director of Fiscal Policy in the Federal Ministry of Finance while the industry meant to benefit from it is suffocating,” laments Okoroji He confided that, “If the Honourable Minister has questions on the scheme, we are ready to provide the answers. We believe that this scheme which will provide some succour not just for the music industry but also for the movie and literary industries should be given an opportunity to make progress.”

While commending the government of President Goodluck Jonathan for his interest in providing desperately needed funds for Nigeria’s movie industries to enable a component creative community achieve its potentials, Okoroji expressed concerns that the government may have been made to see Nigeria’s creative industries as beginning and ending with Nollywood, which is a huge mistake.

His words: “Please let us clarify that we fully support any assistance given by the government to our brothers and sisters in the Nigerian movie industry, with whom we maintain an excellent relationship and work very closely with for the good of Nigeria. We are simply saying that the very reasons for government intervention in the movie industry apply fully to the

Nigerian music sector which is equally making our nation proud across the world.”

Okoroji also called on President Jonathan to direct the Bank of Industries (BOI), the Nigerian Export & Import Bank (NEXIM), the Federal Ministry of Trade & Investments and everyone connected with the Growth in Employment in States Fund (GEMS), as well as the Entertainment Industry Intervention Fund the President announced three years ago, to do what is necessary to make sure that the funds begin to have real impact on the industry. That will create the much-needed employment and reduce the restiveness in Nigeria.

He stressed further that, ‘We wish to state that both the GEMS and the Entertainment Industry Intervention Fund announced by President Jonathan three years ago, which created so much initial buzz, have not been the catalysts they were intended to be.”.

COSON officials, had the No

Music Day, practically enveloped the airwaves in an unprecedented and well-co-ordinated campaign against piracy and all forms of copyright infringement. They also spoke simultaneously as numerous broadcasting stations ran live interviews and discussion programmes with them.

While NowMuzik CEO, Efe Omorogbe was on TVC; Gospel Choral Records CEO, Mr. Joel Ajayi was on Metro FM; as Queen of Love Azeezat Allen was on Eko FM. others who spoke with the media were the CEO of Chocolate City, Audu Maikori who was on CNBC; COSON lawyer, Justin Ige was on City FM; General Manager, Chinedu Chukwuji on OGBC and Galaxy TV at different times of the day.

Lawyers, Akeem Aponmade was on Beat and Classic FM while Akinyemi Ayinoluwa was on with Radio Nigeria 1, Bayo Omisore was also on Galaxy TV while Sheye Lawal was on Smooth FM among many others.

Queen Moda out with Stubborn Girl video

ow Muzik recording artiste, Nmother), Queen Moda (pronounced QM, has released the

visuals for the song Stubborn Girl. The video which was shot in her Anambra State and directed by ChisNX. features Queen Moda spitting bar after bar in a mix of English and Igbo over an Xzibit instrumental. it clearly shows the gritty side of QM, as she warns about her real self.

Anambra born Queen Moda is a rapper who was, born in Benin, Edo state, and raised in Lagos.. She holds a degree in Educational Management and Policy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University she has Nas, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, DMX, and Eminem as some of the artists that have influenced

her musically. QM is also an onair-personality with Rhythm FM Awka where she anchors thrree different shows.

K Slim features 2Face, others in Oluwa Twale

Rhythm of Happiness for TV Screens on Sunday

offering, Oluwa Twale. The video, which was directed by Luke Biggins, features cameo appearances by 2Face Idibia, his label mate Romeo from the Star Quest group, Crystals, and Capital One Extra UK’s DJ Abrantee, the record label boss that signed K Slim. It was shot in Lagos, The video presents the story of an artist that gets signed to a label in a development that has changed the artist’s fortune. The artist grass to grass story is an open sesame as he now goes partying with beautiful women and superstars.

K Slim signed to Now Muzik in 2014, having emerged winner of the 2013 Anambra State Talent Hunt Show that was organized by Honorable Tony Oneweek in conjunction with Now Muzik. Since signing on, he has gone on to release his debut offering, Oluwa Twale along with a side B titled Bugatti, both of which are enjoy-

fter the successful conclusion of the exciting regional auditions of the number one family dance show in Nigeria, Maltina Dance All season eight (MDA8), tagged ‘Rhythm of Happiness,’ the show is set to hit television screens across the nation and beyond from Sunday, September 7, 2014.

13 out of the 28 family representatives that were selected during the regional audition were able to qualify their families for the show.

The number would be further reduced to 10 families who will eventually be admitted into the MDA academy after the pre grand audition show.

The MDA, which has over the past eight years attracted followers keen at following the fun, thrills, turns and twist of the showwill be getting the best from the families as it airs on AIT (7-8pm) daily, Silverbird TV (9-10 pm)

A

Slim, another of Now Muzik Kdropped recording artiste, has also the video for his debut

K Slim

ing rotation on radio and in the club. according to his managers, “More musical materials from K Slim in the near future are in the offing as plans are on at advance stage for his next project.”

and Ebony Live TV (7pm) weekdays and (8.30pm) weekends, while the grand finale would be live on AIT and Africa Magic channels on DSTV. Viewers who miss any edition can still catch all the action on YouTube, Facebook and the Maltina Website.

Scaling through the tough challenge at the regional audition in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos are theUnaka, Odigie, Ezekiel, Maisamari, Williams, Utere, Dide, Uzodinma, Leornard, Nwaeze, Oladapo, Abunwa and Awokoya families.They all passed the necessary medical and other screening procedures andwere deemed fit to competeas they march toward the academy.

The sum of N10million is at stake in this season’s competition. The first and second runners-up will take home N3million and N1million respectively.

It would be recalled that

the preparation for the MDA8 kicked off with an electrifying performance by the Maltina all-stars’ team which comprised past participants of the show, while host Osas Ighodaro alongside popular comedians, Gbenga Adeyinka and Laffup introduced the “Rhythm of Happiness Dance” (RODH) to the audience that were held spellbound by the vitality and creativity which has set the show apart from others.

From all indications it is expected that MDA8 “Rhythm of Happiness” will excite, entertain and enliven the family space more than the TV audience would ever anticipate. Evidently, the stakes are higher, dance instructors are ready to go and the Maltina brand is determined to enhance national family bond through the viable instrument of music and dance theatrics.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, September 5, 2014

CINEMAWATCH (Radio/TV/Events Guide) SEPT. 5 — SEPT. 12 HIGHLIGHTS

Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! ENTERTAINMENT this weekend

The Kardashians on E!Entertainment

STORIES BY SONY NEME

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eeping Up with the Kardashians Weekend Marathon: Join America’s most famous celebrity family for a weekend filled with lots of fun, loads of laughs and outrageous household dynamics. From Khloé’s heartbreaking relationship decisions to the excitement surrounding Kim’s pregnancy and engagement, the Kardashians deal with a tremendous amount of change as they embrace new beginnings and attempt to move on from the most tumultuous and challenging period they’ve ever faced. Watch the build up to the new, much-anticipated Season 9 on Saturday and

Sunday September 6 and 7.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Season Premiere): As the ninth season resumes, the Kardashians put family first as they come together to ask questions about Kourtney’s lack of emotions.

Khloé finally accepts an offer on her house but can’t bring herself to start packing, and Kris goes out of her way to make sure that Bruce isn’t lonely after his separation from her. Later, Khloé worries about being a bad influence when she realises her behaviour is rubbing off on her little sister. It premieres on Sunday 7 September at 21:00 CAT. Orphan Black on LIFETIME ENTERTAINMENT on Thursday 4 September at 20:00 CAT Orphan Black (Premiere):

Sarah is a streetwise outsider, currently on the run from a bad relationship and painfully separated from her own daughter. When an eerily similar-looking stranger commits suicide right in front of her, Sarah sees a potential solution to all her problems by assuming the dead woman’s identity and clearing out her bank account. But instead, she stumbles headlong into a kaleidoscopic conspiracy thriller that leaves her racing for answers to find out who she and the other woman really are.

Oprah’s Masterclass: Oprah Winfrey (Part 1&2) on TLC Entertainment Thursday 04 September at 20:55 CAT. In Part 1 of an intimate

conversation, Oprah opens up about her tumultuous childhood and adolescence and the lessons she still carries with her today. She tells little-known stories about her early days in television, including how losing her hair helped her gain a new sense of self. What guides her and drives her to do her best? In Part 2, she reflects on her experience getting cast in The Color Purple and the cultural phenomenon of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

She opens up about her private life, and what she feels her true calling was meant to be. Revealing and deeply personal, Oprah offers new insights on how we all can become masters of our lives.

New episodes of Uncle Grandpa and Total Drama: Pahkitew Island on Cartoon NetworkUncle Grandpa: Uncle Grandpa is everyone in the world's magical Uncle and Grandpa, and when he shows up you're always in for a fun time! This new series is a fast-paced, visual gag-filled cartoon with an exciting format. The show revolves Uncle Grandpa and his merry gang: a talking Belly Bag, a giant female realistic flying tiger, Pizza Steve & Mr. Gus . As a team, they bring magical fun everywhere they go.

Catch the Premiere of new daily episodes on Monday 1st September at 16:45 CAT. Pahkitew Island: It’s an all-new season in an all-new location: Pahkitew Island!

Total Drama returns with an entire new cast of campers at Pahkitew Island on. Fourteen new teen campers will be divided in to two groups of teams, “Team Kinosewak” and “Team Maskawak,” and face the most gruelling challenges yet. Tune in for the premiere on Thursday 4th September at 18:25 CAT.

DStv subscribers can opt out of viewing Big Brother Hotshots —MultiChoice

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BBA past winner, Uti

ig Brother Africa, BBA, housemates are eager to go with the sole aim of grabbing the winning prize of USD 300 000. Meanwhile, lovers of the biggest reality show on the continent are warming up to be glued to their screens for the next three months, this new season tagged Big Brother Hotshots, has all the ingredients of a blockbuster as the housemates go into the house This month. A new date will be fixed as the September 7 launch date has been cancelled due to the inferno at the BBA house in Johannesburg, SA. Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma while disclosing this also noted that subscribers have the option of opting out of viewing the programme at any time during its duration. “To do so, all you need to do is to text “NO” and the first 10 digits of your smartcard number to 30333. Regular SMS charges apply.

Additionally, parents who opt to remain connected during Big Brother Africa, can use the parental control feature on their decoders to restrict viewing. All you have to do is to access the Menu button on the decoder, then click on parental control. You will be asked to set a four

digit code to restrict viewing for any length of time you wish,” she said.

Oghuma who pointed out that the new season of the reality show will showcase housemates with hidden talents, who adore the spotlight and will let nothing stand in the way of their pursuit of fame & fortune, also explained that the housemates will start the game in two ultra-glamorous houses which are built with magic and fun in mind.

For 91 days, they will do their best to outshine each other in the hope of convincing Africa that they’re the continent’s biggest Hotshots.

“They will party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges – all the while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists” she remarked.

The logo for Big Brother Hotshots hints at the glamorous aspects of this season – but viewers will have to stay tuned 24/7 to see what Biggie has planned for the talented group of housemates!

Oghuma said that IK Osakioduwa returns for the 6th stint as host and will taunt, tease, comfort and dance with the housemates on the Big Brother stage.

27 LYRICS FOR THE WEEK

STORY FOR THE GODS — OLAMIDE LYRICS FOR THE WEEK CHORUS: Mo ti mu dongoyaro, dongoyaro, dongoyaro And monkey tail, monkey tail, monkey tail Aro bami gbe claro, claro o, claro o I want to do sina today, sina today She said she cannot wait o She said its getting late o She said she want to faint o Ah, story for the gods Now she saying mo r'ogo O ti kan mi l'apa o O ti kan mi l'eyin o Story for the gods, the gods o VERSE 1: O my God insanity See your back calamity Girl I want to have it Do I need your permit Oya whine it, whine It o Money, we gat it, gat it o Bere lowo Darlington, Darlington o We go donate am for your like charity Woos awon eru'ku lo fine O sha mo weyrey to for the vine Eru to gbe pon yi tun wa divine Game yi awa la tu redefine Awon tan get me wrong lan pe mi ni thug But team mi strong and money mi long Mi o fe mo boya o wowo bayi I'm sorry mo ti nana bai CHORUS: Mo ti mu dongoyaro, dongoyaro, dongoyaro And monkey tail, monkey tail, monkey tail Aro bami gbe claro, claro o, claro o I want to do sina today, sina today She said she cannot wait o She said its getting late o She said she want to faint o Ah, story for the gods Now she saying mo r'ogo O ti kan mi l'apa o O ti kan mi l'eyin o Story for the gods, the gods o VERSE 2: Oya pe Folake, Atinuke ati Dupe wa bami nu benz Me and my friends ka jo lo flex I'm I making sense, am an *** Mo ti je gbogbe ishe Mary j mo ti la O tele mi lo'le kiakia mo fi ha Bi mo shey n run mo lo pe mi l'Anofia Ni Ilekun ba shi le, ase o mu Nofi wa Lale yi, won daran Sare shey aluwala salamo Bo ba n dun e ko f'ara mo Cos lale yi, ma kanra mo I'll show you what I gat No do yanga Oya dide ma joko lori aga Lo mo mi ka jo ma kuru ma ga (2ce) CHORUS: Mo ti mu dongoyaro, dongoyaro, dongoyaro And monkey tail, monkey tail, monkey tail Aro bami gbe claro, claro o, claro o I want to do sina today, sina today She said she cannot wait o She said its getting late o She said she want to faint o Ah, story for the gods Now she saying mo r'ogo O ti kan mi l'apa o O ti kan mi l'eyin o Story for the gods, the gods o OUTRO: Dongoyaro, dongoyaro monkey tail, monkey tail claro o, claro o She said she cannot wait o She said its getting late o She said she want to faint o Ah, story for the gods Now she saying mo r'ogo O ti kan mi l'apa o O ti kan mi l'eyin o Story for the gods, the gods o Compired by Shola Adefuwa

28 STORIES BY SONY NEME

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he name Kunle Afolayan needs little or no introduction. Not with his giant strides in the Nigerian movie industry. Not only has he contributed immensely to the development of the subsector with his creativity.

He has also earned lots of garlands tpo show for it. But all that means nothing for the modest young man.

In a chat with New Telegraph recently in Yenegoa, he took us through his life and declared that his new movie, October 1 (due for launch on The premiere proper will be on October 1 2014.), is bound to open a new chapter in his life.

With awards winning works like Figurine and Phone Swap, and a book on his earlier works, Auteuring Nollywood, recently launched, he said what prompted the screening of the movie before the actual release was to raise more income, but most importantly, for a class of distinguished people that usually do not go to watch movies.

His words: “we give them the opportunity to see the film first. Also, it is a means of making additional money to complete the film. When you have sunk in a lot of money and you are heavily in debt, you have to come up with initiatives on how to make your money back.

The conventional distribution channels in Nigeria are hopeless and the only guarantee structure is the cinema and the number is growing and so there are hopes there.

“The DVD market is out of it and the internet situation here is not stable enough to encourage streaming. We have expended over N200 million on that film, so even if we release it on all the screens in the country, we can’t make the money back. So we had to come up with ways of making the money back.

I appreciate the efforts and supports of all these corporate organisations, especially Leadway Assurance Plc, which has also shown interest With the name, Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspectives on The Figurine, he said the book does not have any class distinction. his words: “I think it is for everybody. Before now, I have granted over 20 interviews to people who are writing their thesis on Figurine in schools. I met Professor Wole Soyinka’s daughter recently and she told me that she teaches Figurine to her students and she invited me over to talk to her students.’

For him: “Figurine opened a new channel in African cinema and what we have in the book are interviews of the cast and crew of the movie, and reviews of critics from all over the world. There is also a comparism of film ethics in the western world and Africa. The book is going to make a new impact just like the film did especially to those who are looking to study film, or aspiring to be movie makers like Kunle Afolayan.”

October 1 is a new vista for me as a film maker

Kunle

If Nollywood is what they say is 20 years, then I am not part of that Nollywood because I have been doing film business for more than 30 years now On the book, he has this to say: “Well, I do not want to take the glory because it is not my book. The book is about my works, but it is the intellectual work of my brother, Dr. Shina Afolayan of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan. When I was working on Figurine, he came around and saw all the sleepless nights we put into it and I gave him the rough cut to see. He said ‘Kunle, even our father did not go this far with movies when he was doing it’.

“My brother and I are two different people so it came as a surprise when he said he wanted to write a book on it.

Then he started talking to his colleagues and film critics outside Nigeria. It took about four to five years to put the whole work together. This is the first time a book is written on a film maker and his work in Nigeria.

He said expectations from October 1, is expected, as according to him, “Trust me, the film will surpass Figurine. It is a film that will open a new chapter in my life as a film maker and an individual. What we put into figurine is not as much as what we put into October 1.

The subject matter is also debatable as it deals with a lot of subjects including religion, where Nigeria is coming from and where Nigeria is going. It also predicts the future of the country. It will make people think, and also educate young Nigerians. All the heroes that fought for independence are featured in the film. I guess people should get ready to be thrilled.”

He also took us through his experience working with veteran actor, Sadiq Daba: “We needed someone to act as a detective from the North. We wanted

Friday, September 5, 2014

someone whose appearance will really represent the people of the North and who the people of the South, East and West can relate with. It was his picture that came to my mind. I have not seen him in years, so I had to start looking for him. Casting helped a lot; you have to be very original in your casting.

“We created most of the props ourselves. We bought the guns for the period and thanks to Pat Nebo and his team who made half of the components we needed, both the set and the costumes. All the antique vehicles we used, some of them, we sourced for here in Nigeria. There were some we had to refurbish for the owners so we can use them. We thank God that we were able to pull it through.

On his recent decision to leave the country for good, the respectable filmmaker said, “It is something that I have in mind. Sometimes you wake up in this country and you feel like the world is going to come to an end. It is because things are not in good shape. Take the killings for example, you will be in one hotel and you will be afraid that the place may be bombed. I just got tired of everything.

“In fact, some people saw me yesterday and were surprised and asked, ‘I thought you have left?’ Somebody also called me and said he wanted to give me a job but, he thought I had relocated. That is what this country do to a lot of people. A few of us will cry out, some of us will air our concerns in public, but many will pretend like everything is alright. I can’t do that. We have to look for a way to just keep ourselves and our families alive.

Making movies with topical issues, he said he doesn’t he foresee a clash with censors board like what Half of a Yellow Sun experienced. He has this to say, “It could happen to my film, but I am hoping and praying it does not face such situation. In a way, the film actually promotes the unity of the country.

“I can’t speak for the producers of Half of a Yellow Sun, but I believe that anyone who sinks such money and resources on a movie, the movie should be done with good intention. Since there is no subsidy from the government of any kind, I believe that the board should soft pedal a little bit. There is nothing negative in October 1, instead it promotes the unity of Nigeria.

Like the issue of me denying being part of Nollywpood, “I did not say that.

If Nollywood is the name that people decide to call the movie industry in Nigeria, then I am part of it. If Nollywood is what they say is 20 years, then I am not part of that Nollywood because I have been doing film business for more than 30 years now. Some people read funny meanings to what I said, and that is why you do not see me taking part in the guilds and all their politics. I just concentrate on my work. Most of those people who are putting issues like that to heart are those who are not working, and an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.

Davido and G-Clemp tears selves apart in Germany

Davido

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ulti Platinum Selling Artist, MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 Best Male Artist & Artist of The Year, 2014 BET Best International Act Nominee and Currently Rated Africa's #1 Musical Sensation, David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido and fast-rising superstar, George Clement Pius a.k.a G-Clemp will be headlining a musical tour of Germany come September 20.

The concert, the brainchild of Deff Events, ProEvents and Mims Rose, is built on celebrating, uniting and exploring the different, yet similar musical tastes, cultures and artistes

of both Germany and Nigeria, and it has never failed to deliver on that.

The Colourful concert is set to be the most exciting, biggest music concert of the year with so much for the expectant guests to savour for a long time to come. According to the organisers, the ground breaking concert will provide the guests an unforgettable experience only a brand like Davido and G-Clemp can provide.

"Once again, we are providing Nigerians and Germans an opportunity to interact with their music idols in a uniquely exciting atmosphere and co-

lourfully showcase the best of talents that abound in Nigeria.

This concert is a celebration of us as individuals and also our collective successes in our diverse fields. It is about inspiring one another to reach for more. The concert with its array of talents, is set to be the biggest music event this year and promises to connect guests the Nigerian style" the statement added.

The concert holding at Columbiahalle-Columbiadamm, Berlin Germany will be capped off with a firework display at the castle. The event is also sponsored by 1Africa Bar.

BUSINESS

29 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Friday, September 5, 2014

What's news Ebola: US devt expert faults investment cancellations to Nigeria A senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington DC, Mead Over, has expressed worries over some investors’ decision to put on hold intended business trips to Nigeria and other countries currently struggling under the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

}p-30

FG tasks Chinese contractors on quality The Federal Government has challenged Chinese contractors handling the $1.46 billion Mambilla Hydroelectricity project to maintain the specified quality.

}p-30

NAICOM to enlighten FG retirees on financial planning As part of arrangement to prepare a good ground for their retirement, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has resolved to enlighten Federal Government workers who are close to retirement on financial planning.

}p-32

N500bn savings expected from sugar import – FG The Federal Government has said that the implementation of the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan would save the country N500 billion yearly from the importation of refined sugar.

}p-34

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) Godson ikoro , Asst. Editor (Money Market) DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor

ILLEGAL OPERATORS 175 operators are operating in the country without appropriate regulatory approval Kunle Azeez

T

he Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has raked in about N23 million from the licensing of 46 firms to operate Automated Vehicle Tracking Services (AVTS) in the country.

The vehicle tracking solution industry is regulated by the NCC and till date, 46 companies have so far been licensed by the Commission to carry out such service in the country.

New Telegraph learnt that the Commission moved in to properly regulate the industry through licensing, following findings that about 175 operators were operating in the country without appropriate regulatory approval.

The development, it was learnt, compelled NCC to begin regularisation of their operations with a clampdown on illegal operators and the commencement of the issuance of licences to genuine operators to play in the car-tracking market space.

Official data obtained from NCC website showed that the licensees are charged a licence fee of N.5 million to operate for five years before a renewal with the same amount.

In 2009, four companies, comprising Catrac Limited, Matrixvtrack Nigeria Limited, Tycil Telecom Limited and Trackers Security Systems Limited, pioneered AVTS business by obtaining licences from the Commission, since they use Geographic Positioning System (GPS) technology to run their tracking activities.

The licences of the four firms are due for renewal this year, according to the telecoms watchdog.

Also, Proserv Nig. Limited which was the only firm licensed in 2011, is also expected to renew next year.

Also, five other licences, including Cartrack Nig. Limited, Reydolence Limited, X Net Security Technologies Limited, Chevan Resources international Limited and Cil Track Africa

CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor KUNLE AZEEZ, Senior Correspondent Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

Campaign for 2015 has overshadowed our welfare –PHCN retirees }p-31

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

NCC issues 46 automated car-tracking licences Limited are due for renewal in 2017.

The NCC data also showed that 25 other operators are due for the renewal of their licences, while 14 are billed to renew their licences by 2019.

Though car-tracking solution is like value added service which rides on the networks of

the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) companies, enabling telecoms laws provide that such services should be licensed separately.

Speaking with New telegraph on phone, the Head, Media and Publicity, NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka, said that auto tracking companies were re-

quired to get their individual licences and failure to do so would be tantamount to operating illegally even if they were offering genuine products.

“Vehicle tracking companies need to get a licence to operate. If they are not doing that, they are operating illegally,” he said.

L-R: Mr Olamide Jolaoso of Retail Products, Sterling Bank Plc; Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr Abubakar Suleiman and Head, Retail Products, Mr Gbenga Adegoke, during a media launch of The Gunner's Promo, organised by the Bank in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

FRINGE PLAYERS CDMA operators have a paltry 1.74 per cent of market share while wireless operators have an abysmal 0.14 per cent Kunle Azeez

S

trong indications have emerged that four Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators, including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat aptly tagged ‘Big Four’, may push the country’s teledensity to 100 per cent mark before the end of the year.

This is based on the impressive uptake of GSM lines on the four networks, even as official industry data from the Nigerian

Telecoms: ‘Big Four’ push teledensity near 100% Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that the GSM sector now controls 98.12 per cent of the country’s telecoms marker share.

Teledensity measures the percentage of a country’s population with access to telecommunications services, as determined by the active subscriber base.

Operators in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) segment including Visafone and the dormant Starcomms, Multi-Links and Zoom Mobile have a paltry 1.74 per cent, while fixed wired/ wireless operators have an abysmal 0.14 per cent of the market.

Meanwhile, New Telegraph

learnt that with GSM operators having over 126 million of the total 131 million active telephone lines in the country, the ‘Big Four’ remain a major driver of teledensity growth in the country.

Last January, teledensity in the nation’s telecoms industry had increased from 91.40 per cent to 92.14.

The figure, however, plunged to 90.78 per cent at the end of March but rose to an all-time high 92.42 per cent in April.

Industry analysts say the geometric increase in the subscriber base, leading to proportional growth in teledensity, suggests CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE July 2014.................................8.3% June 2014................................8.2% May 2014....................................8%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Aug 29)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N168 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . . 11.57% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N290 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $39.6bn as at 2/09/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at Aug 29)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N259.24 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N206.42 Source: CBN

30 BUSINESS | NEWS HAVOC Ebola is causing enormous damage to W'African economies, draining budgetary resources and slashing economic growth Sunday Ojeme

A

senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington DC, Mead Over, has expressed worries over some investors’ decision to put on hold intended

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Ebola: US devt expert faults investment cancellations to Nigeria business trips to Nigeria and other countries currently struggling under the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

He also lamented the inability by the international economic community and international business to discriminate between Ghana and Burkina Faso that have never reported a case of Ebola, and Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.”

The expert said: “I’ve heard about cancellations of trips to and business with other countries, including Nigeria. Putting major industrial plans on hold because of the Ebola crisis is not logical, it’s a fear response that’s not justified.”

Over’s feeling is coming just as the head of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, also urged the

L-R: Public Relations and events manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Tope Asiwaju; Chief Marketing Officer, Pawan Sharma and Head of Marketing, Manpreet Singh, during the Indomie Noodles Comic Promo Lucky Draw in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

$1.46bn Mambila project: FG tasks Chinese contractors on quality PPP FUNDING FG mulls Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model for expansion of the country’s electricity transmission network

Adeola Yusuf

T

he Federal Government has challenged Chinese contractors handling the $1.46 billion Mambilla Hydroelectricity project to maintain the specified quality.

Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, who said this particularly asked famous Chinese manufacturers of transformers and sub-stations, TBEA, to retain high standard in their job delivery in Nigeria, comparable to what they do in their home country.

Government had earlier said through the former minister for energy, Edmond Daukoru, that it had awarded contract on the civil works of the Mambilla hydro-electricity plant in Taraba State at the cost of $1.46 billion.

Wakil, however, said in a statement, that the Mambilla project is key because it is a project too long on the drawing board.

“As much as we welcome foreign investors in our economy, we are also conscious of the need for investors and contractors to maintain high level of efficiency and standard comparable to great projects I saw all over China.

Specifically, after seeing the great wonders of the seven Gorges Dams, I call on the Chinese firm handling the Mambilla hydro projects to deliver a project as standard as the Gorges dam. We want high quality job to be done in this very important hydro project,” he stated.

“Mambilla is key to us because it is a project too long on the drawing board," Wakil stated, adding: "Our president is breaking the jinx on both Mambilla and Zungeru, hence the need for the job to be well done. For the North-east, Mambilla holds great promise for enhanced power supply and job creation.”

The project is billed to be executed partly through a Chi-

nese loan facility of more than one billion dollars and allocation of oil blocks to the Chinese government, Dakouru had said.

The Federal Government, Wakil said, is also considering adopting a Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model in its expansion of the country’s electricity transmission network.

He stated that with such PPP arrangement, government was opened to accept investors who would commit funds to its planned expansion of the transmission network.

A statement from the Ministry of Power yesterday in Abuja, noted that the minister told investors in China about this development.

He said that with several opportunities in the power sector, investors who invest in Nigeria are guaranteed adequate returns and safety on their investments.

“I urge you all to participate in the planned transmission project expansion in Nigeria.

The government of Nigeria is working out the participation of private sector in the transmission sector under a PPP,” Wakil said.

international community not to impose “additional unnecessary measures” on countries in West Africa that would add to the economic impact of the Ebola outbreak.

He said, “Revenues are down, foreign exchange levels are down, markets are not functioning, airlines are not coming in, projects are being cancelled, business people have left – that is very, very damaging.

“Ebola is causing enormous damage to West African economies, draining budgetary resources and slashing economic growth by up to four per cent as foreign businessmen leave and projects are cancelled.

“In addition to tackling the spread of Ebola, we must also consider the economic impact it has had on affected nations.

The crisis is a risk for the continent's image, in terms of reductions in the flow of investments and the formation of a new stigma, just when Africa is taking off.”

So far, eight people including the index case, Patrick Sawyer, have succumbed to the disease in Nigeria; about 300 are being monitored, while three are in solation.

The Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, disclosed that Ebola virus could be diagnosed in five states in the country and Abuja and listed the states as Lagos, Oyo, Edo, Ogun and Rivers.

He added that the ministry had planned to procure additional mobile laboratories for Abakaliki, Port Harcourt, Bauchi, Jos and Sokoto.

New Telegraph recalls that the Managing Director, Finan-

cial Derivatives Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, had projected that the nation could lose $3.5billion to the epidemic by December this year, if nothing is done to contain the spread of the deadly disease.

He said the fear of the disease had affected economic activities significantly, listing the sectors mostly affected as aviation, tourism and hospitality, trade, medical and agriculture.

According to him, “Analysing these sectors’ contribution to the Gross Domestic Product shows that Nigeria may lose about $2bn in the first quarter of the outbreak. The chance of the outbreak going into a second quarter is very slim; which could extend the loss to $3.5bn.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesman, Gerry Rice, said, “The Ebola outbreak is having an acute macroeconomic and social impact on three already fragile countries in West Africa.

That’s Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

“Our staff is actively working with the governments of those three countries to prepare an economic assessment of the impact, of the outbreak.

What is already clear at this stage is that growth is likely to slow sharply in all three cases, and significant financing needs are likely to rise.”

Rice said all three countries had an on-track extended credit facility programme with the IMF, adding that Fund was actively working with all three countries to prepare a preliminary economic assessment of the impact of the Ebola crisis and additional financing support that may be required.

Telecoms: ‘Big Four’ push teledensity near 100% CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

that access to telephone services is getting deeper by the day in the country.

With the liberalisation of the nation’s telecoms sector in 2001, the industry’s teledensity has grown in leaps and bounds.

According to NCC annualised teledensity figure obtained from the Commission, teledensity increased from 0.73 per cent in 2001 to 1.89 per cent in 2002 and in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; it increased to 3.35 per cent; 8.5 per cent; 16.27 per cent and 24.18 per cent respectively.

In 2007, teledensity rose to 29.93 per cent and in 2008, it hit a record 45.93 per cent. Also, with the growth in active subscriber base leapt to 74.52 million by the end of 2009. Teledensity also reached 53.23 per cent, while the figure rose to 63.11 per cent in December, 2010.

In January, 2011, teledensity was 68.49 per cent; 80.85 in 2012

and by the end of December, 2013, the figure rose to 91.15 per cent.

According to the NCC data, teledensity in the country, which stood at 92.42 per cent with equivalent active subscriber base of 129.3 million as at end of April, 2014, must have witnessed an increase again with current active subscriptions standing at 131.1 million.

Teledensity was calculated based on population estimate of 126 million up till December 2005; from December 2006, teledensity calculated was based on a population estimate of 140 million.

Teledensity from December 2007 was based on active telephone subscriptions in the country.

However, the National Population Commission (NPC) has revealed that Nigeria's population has hit 170 million mark last year.

Pension

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

31

Campaign for 2015 has overshadowed our welfare –PHCN retirees POWER The quest for power in the next presidential election appears to have relegated every other thing to the background Sunday Ojeme

W

ith seven months arrears of pension yet to be paid, retirees from the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are worried that the situation might be worse than it is now considering the fact that the campaign for 2015 elections appears to have overwhelmed all other things in the country.

The pensioners, who are disappointed over the Federal Government’s failure to keep its promises on the regular payment of pensions, are already apprehensive in the face of the fast approaching election.

Their fears stem from the fact that if those in power could put the election ahead of every other thing in the first and second quarters of the year, then little or nothing would be done as regards their welfare now that the last quarter is almost here.

2015 Agenda Baring his mind to New Telegraph on the situation, the spokesperson of the factional group, National Union of Pensioners (PHCN chapter), Mr Olu Ayeni, accused the Federal Government of compromising the welfare of the retirees on the altar of 2015 elections.

Ayeni, who is opposed to the manner the executive of the union has been going about the welfare of the retirees, said the script he foresaw at the beginning of the year that prompted him to demand severance package for the pensioners was already playing out.

According to him, “from the beginning I knew things would turn out this way. Imagine after the purported privatisation, which I knew was only a ploy for some people to further enrich themselves; the Federal Government is unable to pay ordinary pension to retirees.

When it was just four months we thought it would be cleared within a short time, but now this is the seventh month nobody is talking about it.

“All we hear everyday is how President Goodluck Jonathan would be returned to power as president. Every other thing has been relegated to the background. The worst aspect of it has to do with the union executive. They too have compromised although they are beginning to see the reason I fell out with them. I told them the best way to improve the welfare of the retirees was to demand a severance package like the workers who were paid off during the process of privatisation but they refused to listen. Tune in to any television station today all you hear is what Jonathan has done and nobody is talking about what he has not done all because they want him back.”

Union’s conspiracy Ayeni had alleged that rather than pursue the pensioners’ case, the union leaders chose to conspire with the man-

phcn protesters

routine job in their various departments, from linesmen to operators, faults men, cable jointers and other officers. Those who were assigned to operate deadly jobs known as Ring Main Unit (RMU) and gang insulators suffered vital accident as a result of indirectly being used as guinea pig as many suffered series of serious heavy explosion, many now having life threatening electric shock from high and low tension 33, 11, and 28 KVA to be precise leaving scores of the workers dead.”

Jonathan

Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo.

All we hear everyday is how President Goodluck Jonathan would be returned to power as president. Every other thing has been relegated to the background Ayeni

agement of Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company to deny them their benefits because of the N1,500 deductions they collect from the pensioners at the end of every month.

He said, “Our union is not doing anything to help us. What they are interested in is the deduction of N1,500 from each retiree monthly. The retirees are about 25,000, so you can see how much they make from the deduction. That is why they don’t want us to be paid off so that they can continue with the deduction.

They don’t want that to stop.

“Do you know even now that we have not been paid what matters to them is their own election that is coming up on the 25th of this month. They are busy preparing for that so that they will come back to the office and continue with the compromise.

“My group has resolved again to carry out a protest at the Ijora office of the union very soon. We are already mobilising for that. That is the only way we can register our grievances both to the union executive and the government who have decided to conduct things only in their favour and personal aggrandisement.”

Retirees’ pains He also alleged that the privatisation

of PHCN was merely an arrangement for those in charge to share the facilities among themselves by using proxies who posed as buyers, stressing that if the company was actually sold and the amount mentioned realised there would not have been any reason for the government to owe anybody.

In his words: “Except their intention is to watch the pensioners die one after the other, which is already happening though, they have no reason whatsoever to withhold their benefits. If not that the workers had the advantage of disrupting power supply across the country they too would have been left unpaid. Right now we don’t have that strength again, the only thing we can do now is to keep shouting and protesting that our money be paid.

“At the moment, I can’t figure the number of those who have transited without getting what belongs to them due to frustration, starvation and a premeditated plan by a few in position who are well remunerated to improve the living standard of the elderly. But rather, they derive happiness in inflicting pains on them. Levity and impunity now characterise official conduct of the untouchable and the relevant agencies.

“A few years ago, establishment like PHCN had 45 per cent of their workers conspicuously exposed to degree of hazards while diligently performing their

Dashed hope Prior to his outrage, pensioners from other sectors had equally expressed their disappointment over Federal Government’s failure to take concrete steps in improving their welfare. They frowned at the fact that the various percentage increments, harmonisation and other things put in place to boost their welfare were either taking too long to actualize or were not giving any consideration by the government.

Specifically, they said pension administration had fared better under the current administration until recently when the various chapters under the National Union of Pensioners started agitating over the non or delayed implementation of improved welfare packages ranging from a 33 per cent increase in some cases to 53 per cent increase.

Recently, the Federal University Pensioners Association lamented that the president had not deemed it fit to fufill the promises he made to the elders who retired from an environment he was part of before becoming the president.

According to the memo, “as elderly people and believers in the solid integrity of the executive President and No 1 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we could not expect that the President will renege on his promise.

“This communication therefore is intended to remind your Excellency that the expected approval for the implementation of the 53 per cent pension increase with arrears in fulfillment of the executive promise is long overdue. Note that this promise has to do with very elderly people no reasonable undertaking of this nature should not be flicked.

“The continued delay in the implementation of the 53 per cent pension for years is doing more harm to your exalted name as well as to the economy of the country, since unnecessary accumulation of arrears is a deliberate invitation to economic murder through inflation.”

32

BUSINESS | PENSION

ANNUITY The regulator is taking up the challenge to ensure FG workers live the best of life after service

Sunday Ojeme

A

s part of arrangement to prepare a good ground for their retirement, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has resolved to enlighten Federal Government workers who are close to retirement on financial planning.

Disclosing this during a visit to the Head of Service, Danladi Kifasi, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, Fola Daniel, said that the insurance industry was prepared to undertake the training of scheduled staff of the OHOSF, especially the officers involved with the management of the Group Life Insurance scheme to ensure justification/ realisation of the set objectives of the scheme.

He said: “The industry will also provide specific preventive health training for members on the scheme based on the outcome of the information gathered from the experience analysis of the data in our possession and, the enlightenment of scheme members who are close to retirement on financial planning like choosing annuity to ensure stream of income for

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

NAICOM to enlighten FG retirees on financial planning the rest of retiree's life."

The visit, which also had the Chairman of the Governing Board, NAICOM, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, in tow, was part of arrangements to ensure adequate protection for the workers

through enhanced implementation of the Compulsory Group Life Insurance cover.

In his remarks, Hon. Nwuche expressed the appreciation of the Commission to the HOS for the success achieved so far

L-R: Former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah; Managing Director/CEO , Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr Mustapha Chike Obi and General Manager , Listings Sales and Retention, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Taba Peterside, during the opening ceremony of Anambra North Development Business Forum, in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Premium Pension lauds govt on new national ID card O ne of the leading Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in the country, Premium Pension Limited, has commended the Federal Government over the successful launch of the new National Identity (e-ID) Card.

The PFA, in a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communication, Paddy Ezeala, quoted the Executive Director, Operations and Services, Mr Kayode Akande, as saying that the new electronic identification card would not only complement the new pension scheme but also facilitate its operations.

Akande said that the new pension industry had witnessed tremendous growth in

in the implementation of the Pension Reform Act of 2014 as it relates to the Group Life Insurance scheme for federal workers.

He, however, said that the scheme had not operated with-

its 10 years of existence and the market penetration would have even been deeper if there were proper individual identification of the entire Nigerian workforce.

He added that less than seven million workers had enlisted in the Contributory Pension Scheme out of the estimated 70 million Nigerian working population.

He observed that one of the major challenges to the rendition of pension fund administration in the country was the issue of duplicate registration and multiple identities.

According to him, “when the National Identity Management System provides a smooth process for enrollment

into the National Identity Database for the procurement of National Identification Number the operation of pension administration would be seamless and unfettered.

“Capturing the demographics and/or biometrics of every Nigerian worker in a national identity bank or database would facilitate unassailable growth in the pension industry.”

The Pension Reform Act, 2014 emphasizes the extension of the contributory pension scheme to the informal sector whose informality is underscored by its lack of proper organisation and even accentuated by the lack of identity of most of its members.

out some challenges ranging from non-availability of adequate data for proper administration, timely notification of claims and submission of supporting documents and appropriate pricing of the risk.

He requested the HOS to also look into the issue of insurances of federal government' assets and property, noting that the insurance public buildings under which government buildings fall, was compulsory under the insurance Act of 2003 and NAICOM Act of 1997.

Responding, the HOS expressed the preparedness of his office to continue the collaboration with NAICOM in ensuring the success of the scheme. He pledged to support the Commission in the enlightenment and education of both scheduled staff and scheme members especially in the area of financial planning.

He thanked the management of NAICOM and the insurance industry for the offer to provide training for scheduled staff and members of the scheme.

He promised that the OHOSF would remain transparent but strict in subsequent bidding and selection processes to appoint brokers and underwriters for the Group Life Insurance Scheme for federal workers.

FG calls for evidence on Pensions Bill he government has called TSchemes for evidence on the Pension Bill before the legisla-

tion is further scrutinised, following a second reading of the Bill in the House of Commons.

Financial Times report says the Bill will establish a new legislative framework for private pensions, defining them on the basis of the promise they offer for members about their retirement benefits during the ‘accumulation’ - or ‘saving’ - phase.

This ‘promise’ will either refer to all the benefits (defined benefits), some of the benefits (shared risk), or there will be no promise at all (defined contributions).

It will also enable the provision of collective benefits, provided on the basis of allowing the scheme’s assets to be used in a way that pools risks across membership.

The Bill will also give force to measures announced in Budget 2014, giving people aged 55 and over more flexibility about how to access their DC pension savings from April 2015.

In addition, it will enable a prohibition on transfers out of unfunded public service pension schemes, except to other DB schemes.

Measures to introduce a ‘guidance guarantee’ are not in the current Bill but are to be the subject of government amendments in the autumn.

The legislation has been sent to the Public Bill Committee for scrutiny and a committee will be selected on October 14.

The committee is expected to meet for the first time on October 16 and will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the committee stage on 6 November.

Pension funds' total assets near $15trn

he world's 300 biggest penTbined sion funds saw their comassets rise 6.2 per cent to $14.9 trillion in 2013, research from Pensions & Investments and Towers Watson showed.

The pace of growth in assets under management had slowed slightly, however, at 6.2 per cent from 9.8 per cent

in 2012.

North American funds remained the largest region for AuM, at 41.4 per cent of the total, with the 126 U.S. funds in the list accounting for 36 percent. Japan has the second largest share, at 13 percent, with the Netherlands third with seven per cent and Nor-

way and Canada next, both with more than six per cent.

Countries adding most funds to the list over the last five years, however, include Australia, with three funds, and South Korea, Russia, Poland, Colombia and Canada with two funds.

The United States contrib-

utes most funds to the list, with the UK next highest with 26 funds, followed by Canada with 19, Australia with 16, Japan with 14 and the Netherlands with 13.

Sovereign and public sector pension funds accounted for 67 per cent of the total assets, and 140 out of the 300 funds.

The proportion of assets held in defined benefit, or final salary, schemes, fell to 66.7 per cent of total assets from 68.5 per cent.

On average, the top-20 funds in the list invested 40.6 percent of their assets in fixed income securities and 42.7 per cent in equities.

BUSINESS | PENSION

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

LAMENTATION Backlogs of unpaid benefits place aged retirees in dilemma

Sunday Ojeme

P

ensioners of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service and local government teachers in the state have asked the state government to look into their plights and pay their nine-year arrears of pension.

While the ESBS pensioners are owed 90 months arrears, their counterparts in the local government are being owed another 27 months.

Disclosing this in Enugu, the state chapter Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Damian Udeani, appealed to the government to save its members from the trauma they faced due to the situation.

33

Radio workers, teachers owed nine-year pension arrears While commending the state government for the series of verification exercise conducted at the local government level, he noted that it reduced the stress pensioners went through during the previous ones.

According to him, “the regrettable situation here is that retiring primary school teachers with effect from June 2013, till date, are no longer being paid a kobo of their retirement benefits. Gratuities were paid last to the primary school teachers in 2001.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Establishments, office of the state Head of Service, Josephine Onyia, however, said that pensions were not owed in the state, stressing that pensions were paid along with

civil servants salaries.

She said, “What we know is just a little backlog of gratuity, the bulk sum that is paid to pensioners when they retire.”

“The state water corporation pensioners are being owed 38 months; the last payment of gratuity here was made in 2005. Other problems are the non-payment of six per cent, 12 per cent and 15 per cent pension increases enjoyed by pensioners in other states.

“But their normal pension which had been a problem in the past, this government came and said no, every pensioner should be paid as at when

due As soon as workers retire they are advised to start early to process their papers so that the very next month after retirement, they begin to draw their pensions.

“It is not entirely the fault of this government; these are backlog of many years before he came in and he has made a lot of efforts to reduce those backlogs.”

On his part, the National Vice President and Zonal Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Emeka Onwumere, said the union was to represent the interest of pensioners.

He said: “We are elected to

speak for them and from time to time meet to review issues.

Every state, apart from Imo, owes pensioners. In Enugu, they have their problems, and as the headquarters of the zone, they should not be lagging behind.

“We know the governor is doing well, we don’t condemn him, but let him please come out in a more vigorous force to ensure that these debts are paid before the elections. Our national officers have said that the union will not support any governor or his candidates who fail to pay every money owed the pensioners in 2015.”

PRA 2014: Labour makes case for pensioners

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to put a process in place to enable pensioners under the non-contributory scheme benefit adequately from the new Pension Reform Act 2014.

President of the congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, while making the declaration, called on the Federal Government to implement the 33.3 per cent increase in pension for exworkers.

Omar, who made the plea in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said the development was necessary to allow the former workers benefit from the new pension bill that was signed into law recently by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the emergence of the law was also a warning to fraudsters who may tamper with pension fund as it had provision to punish such thieves.

According to him, "Con-

gress commends the Federal Government for the enactment of the Pension Act 2014, which is meant to strengthen the efficiency of pension administration in the country. The Pension Reform Act of 2014 was enacted to address the inefficiency of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

"Congress noticed with some satisfaction pension administration since the enactment of the Pension Reform Act, 2004, even though, there are some deficiencies like non-implementation of the 33.3percent increase in pension payment approved by stakeholders."

He said that government could tackle insecurity and unemployment by providing the enabling social conditions that would alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities that would narrow the inequality gap between the rich and the poor.

Oshiomhole promises to meet pensioners’ demand State Governor, Adams has promised EtodoOshiomhole, look into the demands of

the state pensioners, who had planned to embark on street protests on Wednesday.

The state chapter of the National Union of Pensioners suspended the protest after a meeting between the state government, labour leaders and the union in Benin City.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, who represented the governor, said that the governor would be favourably disposed to all the issues raised in the pensioners demands, stressing that dialogue was necessary in re-

solving ther issue.

On his part, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, disclosed that the NLC had written to the pensioners to put on hold their street protest for one week to enable them meet with government.

He said that the six per cent and 15 per cent pension increment for the senior citizens had earlier been approved by the governor since April this year, adding that the issues of batch 44 and 45 that were pending on the governor’s table be given accelerated approval to alleviate the sufferings of the pensioners.

L-R: Public Relations Officer, Lagbus, Miss Yemi Junaid; Head of Enforcement, Mr Kolawole Silva-Ope; Head of Maintenance, Ms Shola Oni and General Manager, Head Operation, Mr Seyi Osiyemi, during the handing-over of refurbished Lag buses in Lagos.

US pension funds silent on tax avoidance strategy

I

n the outcry about the recent merger mania in the United States to take advantage of taxavoidance transactions known as inversions, certain key players have been notably silent: public pension funds.

Many of the US' largest public pension funds - managing trillions of dollars on behalf of police and fire departments, teachers and others - have major stakes in US companies that are seeking to renounce their corporate citizenship in order to lower their tax bill.

While politicians have criticised these types of deals - President Barack Obama has called them "wrong" and is examining ways to end the practice - public pension funds don't appear to be using their influence as major shareholders to encourage corporations to stay put.

In the past six months, some of the largest US companies have announced plans to move abroad. AbbVie, a pharmaceuticals company based in Illinois, has agreed to acquire a smaller British rival, Shire, so the com-

bined company can relocate to Britain for tax purposes.

Another drug company, Mylan, which is based outside Pittsburgh, has proposed buying the international generic drug business of Abbott Laboratories so the company can relocate to the Netherlands. Medtronic, a medical device company based in Minneapolis, has agreed to acquire Covidien of Ireland.

Applied Materials has agreed to buy Tokyo Electron so it, too, can move to the Netherlands.

And last week, Burger King announced it was buying Tim Hortons, the Canadian chain of coffee-and-doughnut shops, in a deal that would make Burger King a corporate citizen of Canada.

The California Public Employees' Retirement System, the nation's largest public pension fund and typically one of the most vocal, has remained silent.

"We don't have a view on this from an investor standpoint we're globally invested, as you know, and appreciate that tax reform is a government role," Anne Simpson, CalPERS' senior

portfolio manager and director of global governance, said. "We do expect companies to act with integrity, whatever the issue at hand - that goes without saying.

We also want to see a focus on the long term."

When pressed for more, her spokesman wrote: "We're going to have to take a pass on this one."

Public pension funds may be so meek on the issue of inversions because they are conflicted. On one side, the funds say they care about the long term and the implications for their state. CalPERS' "Investment Beliefs" policy states that the pension system should "consider the impact of its actions on future generations of members and taxpayers", yet most pension funds are underfunded and, frankly, desperate to show investment returns. Mergers for tax inversion can prop up share prices of the acquirers and clearly help pension funds, at least in the short term, show improved performance.

34

INVESTMENT N496bn investment needed from private sector to implement sugar policy Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Federal Government has said that the implementation of the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan would save the country N500 billion yearly from the importation of refined sugar.

Executive Secretary of the council, Dr. Lateef Busari, said that apart from the N500 billion to be saved, the plan would help the sector create 115,000 direct jobs between 2020 and 2022.

It was revealed that the country would produce 161 million litres of ethanol and generate 411 megawatts of electricity through the policy.

Last month, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Bank of Agriculture provided N2 billion to assist investors and farmers who are investing in sugarcane to sugar programme.

While the NSDC provided N1 billion from the Sugar Levy, the Bank of Agriculture provided additional N1 billion as intervention fund, which is an integral part of the backward integration programme in the sugar sector.

Also, the council has established another funding facility with Bank of Industry, valued at N10 billion for sugar investment fund.

R

Agric

BUSINESS

estrictions on movement in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has led to panic buying, food shortages and severe price hikes, some in towns and cities, the United Nations (UN)’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, has said.

The outbreak began in Guinea, spread to neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia and also has appeared in Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country.

Senegal closed its border with Guinea last month to contain Ebola, slowing trade between the two countries.

The FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Bukar Tijani, said that access to food had become a pressing concern for many people in the three affected countries and their neighbours.

FAO said that with the main harvest now at risk and trade and movements of goods severely restricted, food insecurity is poised to intensify in the weeks and months ahead.

The World Food Programme has started a regional emergency operation to bring about 65,000 metric tons of food to 1.3 million people, the FAO wrote.

Measures to revive internal trade are essential to ease supply constraints and mitigate

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

N500bn savings expected from sugar import – FG l Eyes 115,000 jobs

Sugarcane plantation

The fund, which will be disbursed at a single digit interest rate is part of the on-going efforts towards providing en-

abling environment for Nigerians in the sector.

The Federal Executive Council had, at its 37th meet-

ing on September 19, 2012, approved the NSMP for the development of the sugar sector.

The policy, which took effect

Food shortages, price hikes hit Ebola-infected countries, says FAO further food-price increases, according to the agency.

Tijani said: “The situation will have long-lasting impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and rural economies.”

The Ebola outbreak has killed 1,552 people and infected 3,062, according to the latest figures released by the World

Health Organisation (WHO).

At current infection rates, WHO fears it could take six to nine months and at least $490 million (373 million euros) to bring the outbreak under control, by which time over 20,000 people could have been affected.

Six people have died in Nigeria, where the first case was a

Liberian man who flew into Lagos, the country’s largest city.

“With the main harvest now at risk and trade and movements of good severely restricted, food insecurity is poised to intensify in the weeks and months to come,” FAO’s regional representative for Africa said in a statement.

from January 1, 2013, led to an outright ban on the importation of refined sugar in retail packs.

The plan contains fiscal and investment-specific incentives designed to stimulate and attract new investors to the industry in order to increase local sugar production and reduce the nation’s precarious dependence on imports.

According to the plan, a whopping N496 billion investment would be needed from the private sector to effectively implement the sugar policy.

Busari explained that the policy had assisted to prevent dumping of cheap sugar on the country and protect local producers.

He called for cooperation from NAFDAC to ensure the ban on importation of refined sugar in retail packs was fully implemented.

He said: “After 20 months of NSMP’s implementation, we have successfully signed on to backward integration programme in three existing sugar refineries, Dangote Sugar Refinery, BUA Sugar Refinery and Golden Sugar Company and the establishment of two Green field projects amounting to $3 billion in pipeline investments, $2 billion of which is by Dangote Group, to expand its BIP projects at Savannah Sugar Company and establish new projects in Taraba, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi and Sokoto states.”

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

SENSITISATION FG embarks on campaign awareness to encourage local production of wheats Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Federal Government has approved N922 million to mop up 7,000 metric tons of breeders foundation and certified wheat seeds in order to expand the wheat value chain.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who disclosed this in Kaduna, said that it was part of efforts to encourage the production of wheat in Nigeria.

The minister, who was represented by the North-West Regional Director in the ministry, Dr. Nyam Y. Leo, explained that government was embarking on an awareness campaign to encourage wheat production in the country.

He said that the programme, which started in 2012 saw wheat farmers in Nigeria planting grains neither certified nor hybrid wheat seeds which led to decline in productivity.

Recently, the minister was in Kebbi and Zamfara states where he explained the potential of Nigeria’s wheat production at the Bakolori irrigation site.

Adesina said: “I have al-

35

FG budgets N922m for certified wheat seeds

ready approved N922 million to mop up 7,000 metric tonnes of breeders foundation and certified wheat seeds for the envisaged expansions in the wheat value chain.

“We’re repositioning the ministry to reduce dependency on food imports, increase crop yield, enhance incomes for farmers, reduce poverty, increase foreign exchange,

enhance food security and ensure national security.

“The approach map out by the ministry to achieve its goals include devaluation of power to states and regions,

farmers registration and data base, input supply, value added industries, attract foreign and private sector involvement and partition for sustainability,” the minister said.

Wheat farm

Farm pests threaten food security

T poultry

NESREA warns Plateau poultry farmers over polluted areas he National Environmental ficers will be going round the TEnforcement Standards Regulation and poultry farms to ensure that Agency (NES- your farms are clean.

REA), has warned poultry farmers in Plateau State not to operate in dirty areas to avoid being sanctioned.

NESREA Enforcement Officer in the state, Nyam Ajiji, issued the warning in Jos, the state capital, at a meeting with the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau chapter.

Ajiji noted that NESREA has the mandate of making the environment safe for Nigerians.

This, he said, include sanitising the poultry business environment.

Ajiji said: “NESREA’s job is to ensure that the environment is conducive for Nigerians; of-

“NESREA is for all Nigerians and whatever environmental challenge you have, the office can help address the issue.

The enforcement officer said defaulters would be advised and subsequently sanctioned if they fail to heed the advice.

Ajiji explained that many of the environmental challenges confronting man were caused by human activities.

The chairman of the poultry association, Mr Julius Gusan, commended NESREA officials for enlightening his members and pledged that they would adhere to the prescribed standards.

he world may face a dire future of increased crop losses and growing insecurity as agricultural pests, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, blights, mildews, rusts, beetles, nematodes, flies, mites, spiders and caterpillars are spreading.

According to a new research

by Global Ecology and Biogeography, Australia, China, France, India, Italy, the UK and the USA already had more than half of all the pests that could flourish in those countries.

On current trends, the research said that all pests will be everywhere by 2050 It said: By 2050, according to new research in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography, those opportunistic viruses, bacteria, fungi, blights, mildews, rusts, beetles, nematodes, flies, mites, spiders and caterpillars that farmers call pests will have saturated the world.

It was revealed that Australia, China, France, India, Italy, the UK and the USA already had more than half of all the pests that could flourish in those countries. The pests that attack those tropical staples yams and cassava can be found in one third of the countries that grow those crops.

Also, Dan Bebber of the University of Exeter, UK, and colleagues decided to look at the state of pest populations worldwide.

They combed the literature to check the present status of 1,901 pests and pathogens and examined historical records of another 424 species. This research included the records made since 1822 by the agricultural development organization CABI. They noted that crop pests often emerge in one location, evolve and spread. That notorious potato pest the Colorado beetle, for instance, was first identified in the Rocky Mountains of the US in 1824.

The scientists reasoned that climate change and international traffic made transmission of pests across oceans and other natural barriers increasingly probable, and tried to arrive at a rate of spread.

They found that more than one in 10 of all pest types can already be found in half of the countries that grow the host plants on which these pests depend. Most countries reported around one fifth of the pests that could theoretically make their home there.

This trend towards saturation has increased steadily

since the 1950s. So if the trend continues at the rate it has done during the late 20th century, then by 2050 farmers in western Europe and the US, and Japan, India and China will face saturation point.

They will be confronted with potential attack from just about all the pests that, depending on the local climate and conditions, their maize, rice, bananas, potatoes, soybeans and other crops could support.

“If crop pests continue to spread at current rates, many of the world’s biggest cropproducing nations will be inundated by the middle of the century, posing a grave threat to global food security,” Dr. Bebber said.

Three kinds of tropical root knot nematode produce larvae that infect the roots of thousands of different plant species.

The research stressed that the fungus Blumeria graminis causes powdery mildew on wheat and other grains; and a virus called Citrus tristeza, first identified by growers in Spain and Portugal in the 1930s, had by 2000 reached 105 out of the 145 countries that grow oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit.

36

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Africa urged to transform her agriculture Stories by Chris Ugwu

N

igeria’s Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called on his African counterparts to assist their governments in fixing hiccups in the agriculture sector on the continent.

The minister, in his keynote address to the Alliance for a Green Revolution Forum (AGRF2014) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, urged governments to ensure that those they appoint to the crucial sector “fit the bill and can turn things around for the better” by making the agricultural sec-

tor more productive.

The agriculture minister of Africa’s most populous nation said that the continent’s large arable land areas had the potential to feed its large and growing population.

The minister, who has a background in agricultural research, said that he had been able to turn around Nigeria’s rice sub-sector from being a net importer of rice to a selfreliant country with sufficient rice to feed its population.

Akinwumi said that Africa can feed and wean itself from crippling poverty and hunger.

He also noted that the threat of climate change was real and needed fixing.

“We have to invest in research and technology. It is R&D that will enable Africa to surmount the enormous threat of climate variability,” he said.

Akinwumi told the forum that governments must increase their budgets for agriculture to enable research to drive agricultural growth.

“Sixty-five per cent of the arable land in the world to feed nine billion people by 2050 is in Africa. We must unlock that potential,” he said.

Ochekpe

Nigeria will explore water assets for multi-purpose utilities – Ochekpe POINTBLANK You cannot tell Africa not to build hydro power stations

N L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher; Executive Officer, Ebola Containment Trust Fund, Mrs. Erejuwa Gbadebo and Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, during the donation by Etisalat/Samsung to the Ebola Containment Fund in Lagos…yesterday

Agricultural Commodity Prices - Grains Commodity CBOT Corn CBOT Wheat CBOT Oats CBOT Rough Rice CBOT Soybeans CBOT Soybean Meal CBOT Soybean Oil ICE Canola

Units USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USD/cwt USd/bu.

USD/st USd/lb.

CAD/mt

Price 352.00 535.75 339.25 12.53 1,020.00 350.40 31.95 418.40

Change -11.75 -19.25 -7.50 -0.09 -12.00 -9.60 -0.17 -6.10

% Change -3.23% -3.47% -2.16% -0.67% -1.16% -2.67% -0.53% -1.44%

Contract Dec 14 Dec 14 Dec 14 Nov 14 Nov 14 Dec 14 Dec 14 Nov 14

Time(ET) 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:15:00 14:21:58

Units USD/mt USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb. cents/kg USD/tbf JPY/kg USD/gal.

Price 3,146.00 202.30 15.62 149.40 65.96 348.00 199.00 2.00

Change -19.00 -7.15 -0.20 +0.40 +0.65 +1.70 -1.10 -0.03

% Change -0.60% -3.41% -1.26% +0.27% +1.00% -% +0.49% -0.55% -1.43%

Contract Dec 14 Dec 14 Oct 14 Nov 14 Dec 14 Oct 14 Nov 14 Feb 15 Oct 14

15:31:32 05:59:53 15:29:36

Units USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb.

Price 155.43 221.78 101.68

Change +3.00 +2.95 +1.80

% Change +1.97% +1.35% +1.80%

Contract Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 14

Time(ET) 15:32:55 15:30:30 15:34:42

Softs Commodity ICE Cocoa ICE Coffee "C" ICE Sugar #11 ICE Orange Juice Conc ICE Cotton #2 SFE Greasy Wool CME Lumber TOCOM Rubber CME Ethanol

Time(ET) 13:29:58 13:42:07 13:00:00 14:00:00 14:20:35

Livestock Commodity CME Live Cattle CME Feeder Cattle CME Lean Hogs

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price.

Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

igeria would not be intimidated into dropping her plans to use the available water resources in the country for hydropower, Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe has said.

She spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Water Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

Sarah Ochekpe, who was responding to the call by the United Nations Under-Secretary for Sustainable Energy for All, Kandeh Yumkella, said that Africa needs energy to fast track her development and should not be discouraged from using hydro power.

The minister also noted that Nigeria has not reached the stage of rationing water between energy and agriculture, adding that government has discovered that hydro produces one of the cleanest and affordable sources of energy.

She noted that Nigeria recognises the importance of energy in spurring development and expressed government’s commitment to increasing the number of citizens with access to clean and safe water.

“It is on this basis that government is working with states and the private sector to ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place for the most efficient use of water for multipurpose needs, including power generation,” she added.

“The determination of the Nigerian government is to ensure that 100 per cent of Nigerian population have access to clean and safe water as against the 70 per cent that currently have.”

According to the minister, the Federal Government is striving to enhance the quality of lives of Nigerians through the construction of dams that would increase the nation’s power generation capacity.

She noted that the 2014 World Water Week, which opened last Monday in Stockholm, Sweden, with a call on the international community, was not to discourage Africa from deploying hydro technology for power generation.

“You cannot tell Africa not to build hydro power stations while the developed countries today account for over 80 per cent of the hydropower stations in existence. Energy is one of the most significant pillars of growth and a market-based business. The issue here is that such market does not exist yet in Africa,” she said.

“The UN has compiled the statistics indicating that there are 22 hot spots in existence globally, where energy or water, energy and water could become the sources of crisis in the nearest future. As a result of the impending crisis, we are working hard to ensure that energy and water feature prominently in the next global goals that would come on board after the MDGs.” In a message to the Week, Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, urged participants not to forget the importance of clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene. “This is a crucial year to raise the issue of water around the world. The World Water Week provides a unique forum for the exchange of views, experiences and practices between the scientific, business, policy and civic communities. It focuses on new thinking and positive action towards water-related challenges and their impact on the world’s environment, health, climate, economic and poverty reduction,” she said.

autoBEATS

37

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Bear Grylls joins Land Rover as Global brand Ambassador

B

ritish adventurer Bear Grylls has been announced as a long-term global ambassador for Land Rover.

One of the world’s most recognised faces of survival and adventure, Bear embodies Land Rover’s ‘Above and Beyond’ spirit, having climbed Mount Everest and led ground-breaking expeditions from Antarctica to the Arctic.

He will support Land Rover’s activity at a global level and will play an integral part in the global launch of the New Discovery Sport, which will be revealed to the world on September 3, 2014 viawww. landrover.com.

On his appointment, Bear Grylls said: “I’ve used Land Rover vehicles throughout my life, during my military career, on countless expeditions and then while filming, from deserts and jungles to the highest mountains. They always deliver a rugged reliability that you can always count on when the chips are down in hostile environments.

“Land Rover is all about adventure, and adventure has always been in my

DNA. For the toughest challenges, a Land Rover is always my vehicle of choice, which is why I’m so proud to be associated with the brand.”

Bear’s TV show Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor became one of the most watched programmes on the planet with an estimated audience of 1.2 billion. His social media following is prolific with over 1.16 million Twitter followers and more than 4.8 million likes on Facebook.

Bear joins a roll call of Land Rover adventure ambassadors that have included explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ben Saunders and Africa’s most-loved adventurer and philanthropist, Kingsley Holgate.

As part of his ambassador role, Bear will mentor Land Rover’s Next Generation Explorer, 22-year-old Alex Woodford, during a high-adrenalin adventure later this year. In February, Alex triumphed in the snow-laden Discovery Adventure Challenge where she competed against four other young explorers in a series of testing challenges.

L-R: Head Marketing Operations BKG Exhibitions, Miss Franca Igwe; Head Media and Marketing Stallion Group, Mr. Santosh Kumar; Managing Director BKG Exhibitions/Chairman Organising Committee of the 16th Abuja International Motor Fair, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu and the Managing Director Stallion Motors, Mr. Parvir Singh during a courtesy call at the Stallion Motors Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos

Mark Cameron, Brand Experience Director at Land Rover, explains: “There are not many people out there that live and breathe the Above and Beyond spirit more than Bear Grylls. He regularly tack-

les the biggest adventures on this planet, which is why he’s such a good fit with Land Rover. We look forward to working with him and taking our customers on the adventure of a lifetime with Bear.”

2014 Cherokee SRT with enhanced performance Paul Ogbuokiri

E

arly this year, Jeep had its 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT officially launched in Nigeria by Weststar Associates Ltd, the Authorised General Distributor of Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram in collaboration with one of its dealers- M-B Automobile Services Ltd. It was an affair which formerly ushered the Jeep brand, with the leading SRT into the nation’s auto industry.

Public Relations/Compliance Manger of Weststar Associates Nigeria Limited told journalist recently in Lagos that enhanced lighting, front

fascia and wheels are the first exterior design elements noticed on the new 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT, making it distinctively aggressive and athletically stylish.

She added that blackened bi-xenon headlamps give the SRT an intimidating look by day, and a signature LED treatment broadcasts its presence by night.

She said inside the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is an amazing blend of fabric and hide, style and function that inspires confidence in every move you make.

According to her, the SRT comes with an 8-speed transmission that delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. (630

N•m) of torque at 4,300 rpm power from the 6.4-liter HEMI engine via a fully electronic automatic mode, or through redesigned steering-wheel paddle controls.

“The new package delivers improved acceleration of 100 km per hour in 4.8 seconds with quicker shift speeds. Fuel Saver Technology deactivates four cylinders when full power is not required,” she said.

New Telegraph on Sunday also learnt that there is also the famous ‘Launch’ control button in the 2014 SRT. Its main function is to allow for maximum acceleration and traction off the line. It is located behind the new T-handle shifter on the centre console and a redesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke steering wheel.

The steering wheel consists of more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters which feature a host of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls e.g. Uconnect Access with voice activation.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is the most awarded SUV ever e.g. testing fuel efficiency, practicality, driving ability, comfort and features, is engineered to tackle any environment and embodies many features that empower it and the driver- thanks to over 45 available safety and security features.

An example of a standard safety feature is the Ready Alert Braking system.

Here, air is forced through cooling brake ducts, thereby providing exceptional stopping time. This means that the brakes have been designed to withstand more torture than customers are likely to ever encounter.

Other attractive features include: the Selec-Track system which provides drivers with the ability to dial in precise driving settings. Numerous SRT-specific components give the Grand Cherokee SRT a distinct handling advantage, and a large number of available shift maps allow more customized responses available than ever before; plus the one-touch Liftgate which delivers improved customer convenience, and features a new SRT badge. The lift gate is operated electronically with the push of a button, and standard 4-inch dual exhaust tips integrated into the lower fascia, deliver the throaty exhaust note the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT enthusiasts expect.

With An impressive combination of Jeep’s off-road legacy and SRT track capable performance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is one of the most well rounded and versatile SUVs on the market, and promises to meet up with Nigeria’s topographical and environmental demands in terms of functionality and capabilities.

The SRT is available at Weststar or any of its authorized dealerships i.e.

M-B Automobile Services and Sunny Motors Ltd.

38

feminique

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Mary Ikoku...rallying mothers to stomp out baby factories Beyond being a communication expert of no mean stature, Mary Ikoku, who serves as President of Working Moms Africa, publishers of Working Moms Africa (WMA) magazine is also a master activist. Formerly the SA Media to Late Prof. Dora Akunyili, her activism informed her recent convention of ‘Ogbako ndi Nne’, a gathering of mothers in South East Nigeria to find solutions to the Baby factory Menace ravaging the country. EBERE AMEH reports

W

hen about 24 members of a baby factory syndicate were arrested in January 2014 at Okitipupa, Ondo State, it dawned on many that the scourge is no longer a south-eastern problem, it is taking a national outlook. However, despite its existence in other states, its spread in the Igbo speaking states remains a big cause for alarm.

According to reports, over 20 baby factories have been busted in the South East part of Nigeria since 2011. Campaign for Democracy (CD) corroborated the report, saying that no fewer than 2, 500 teenagers were rescued from baby factories in the South-East states of the country in the past one year. “In Abia and Imo alone, about 1,800 pregnant teenagers and babies were rescued from ‘baby factories’ in the last 12 months and the number is still rising,” a statement by Uzor A. Uzor, Chairman CD, South-East Zone claimed.

Mary Ikoku, who had successfully convened a gathering of mothers in other parts of the country to address challenging issues, decided to take her activism to the South East.

That was how Ogbako ndi nne (a gathering of mothers) was convened at Enugu, former capital of the East region, to seek solution to the menace of baby factory in Nigeria. Knowing the power of the woman and coming from the region herself, she rallied mothers as usual, to salvage her people.

“It was a huge success,” Ikoku enthused. “We read from the newspapers and watch on TV about the atrocious activities of these people, but going down east and having a convergence of real people is a different thing entirely. We got to learn that apart from those teenage girls who are lured into the business by their abductors, some gullible parents give consent for their female children to be taken away by the operators of the business for a monthly pay arrangement. The girls are put into family way by a young man hired by the factory operators. The babies given birth to by the girls are sold between five hundred thousand naira and three hundred thousand naira, depending on the gender, and the parents or guardians may only be receiving just a meagre sum as recompense. Our eyes were opened to the imminent catastrophe, if nothing is done fast,” Ikoku noted.

Another significant success recorded by the convention is the resolve that the Ogbako ndi nne now serves as a prelude to the August Meeting (a meeting of southeastern women held every August) to discuss issues of great importance.

“Beyond holding the summit, even the delegates are now taking that message back to their community and continuing the awareness creation in their communities during their August Meetings.”

The conference came at the nick of time. Has it always been there, an offshoot of Working Mom, or a creation just for the purpose of eradicating baby factories?

Ikoku explains how it came about.

“We have the Moms Africa Initiative where all these mothers’ events have been taking off from. I have a passion for mothers, and Working Moms Africa Magazine is an offshoot of the organization but targeted at providing resources for work-life balance for mothers that are working. We have always held summits for mothers across the country, but with each location we go, we give it a unique name and theme to suite the need of that particular region. We started Ogbako ndi nne because of the baby factory menace we feel a need to eradicate. We are planning the south-south mother’s summit

Ikoku

and we shall tailor the summit to suit the need of the South-south Mums as well as choose a theme that will address the needs of the region.”

Explaining how her mothers’ events work, Ikoku said, “We work a lot with relevant government and international organisations because we believe it is a collaborative effort. When a mother is really doing her job and putting her eyes on her children we won’t have a lot of these problems we are having now. We are using our Community Development Agents (CDAs) too. What the CDAs do is to hold a forum in their own dialect, which we sponsor, to talk to the people about certain cultures that promote these crimes. For instance, the Igbo culture abhors teenage girl pregnancy and therefore mothers will be quick to send away their daughters who get pregnant out of wedlock. So we are using the CDA’s to reach to them that if your child makes this mistake, help her through that period and don’t let her life end because she made a mistake. When she is done with the baby, take care of the child and let her go back to school, because the education of the girl child is very important to all of us.”

Moms Africa Initiative is doing a documentary to educate people, create more awareness and write their own story the fact that even though it is prevalent in the south-east, there is a need for all to wake up because it is not just a south east problem alone. Last week the wife of a General Overseer was arrested in Rivers State for baby factory, so it is not an Igbo thing. There are so many of them in the

south-south and south-west but theirs are very expensive, they say. There have been cases where foreigners were arrested at our airports with babies that are not theirs, an indication that it is already an international business.”

Talking about the reason for the prevalence of the factories in the south-east, the Publisher says that certain cultures and the kind of premium, the Igbo man places on children in marriages, are factors which lead childless women who are desperate for kids to patronise the baby factories. She also cited adoption processes, which she says is a bit too stringent in the country as a factor.

“The region stigmatises, women who openly opt for adoption, therefore many would rather plant fake pregnancy until nine months when they will go and ‘deliver’ their baby or harvest a baby from the baby factory in disguise.

“There are suggestions in some quarters that the average Igbo man is enterprising and the business of baby factory may not be left out in the pursuit of enterprise. While other baby factories sell their babies from 1million upwards, the region will see the business side to it thereby going for a quick rate of turnover which makes them sell theirs from N300,000 upwards. An undercover team had met a woman who has her factory at the back of her church. During the course of negotiation with this operator, she informed the crew that that particular factory is a branch of many, that the main one is run by her son in a village somewhere in Umuahia.”

On why the villagers are not forthcoming with information to the security agents, Ikoku says it is complicated and not as easy.

“We have a culture of silence even when things are going wrong and that is so bad. We have a silent majority, of people who have voices and don’t even realize that they can use their voices, that their voices can cause a change. Besides that, we also have some law enforcement agents who have compromised their integrity by being on the operators’ payroll, thus protecting them.”

Talking about the government agencies and the police, Ikoku says that outside a few bad eggs, the police have done wonderfully well in rescuing some of these girls. Though the Nigerian police have been trying, surprisingly, in this issue of baby factory, we are not ignorant of the fact that some of them also get paid by the operators of the baby factories. So alongside the ones that are working assiduously to stop it, you still see their colleagues that are also thwarting their efforts.

“The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), whom many thought would have saved the situation are more or less a toothless bulldog. There has thus far been no constitutional backing for them to arrest the situation.

“The NAPTIP team in Enugu are ready to do their job but they need to be empowered. They don’t have the constitutional backing to do much and they can’t do anything outside the scope of their mandate.”

Ikoku asks government to, among other things, support the work of NGOs and also empower agencies such as NAPTIP amongst several others to do their job; clearly and seriously, ensure that we have a simpler and safer adoption mechanism in place in Nigeria; and to a very large extent, put their feet down and say no to baby factory before it gets out of hand.

She has been at the forefront of activities to empower and promote the dignity of women in Nigeria and beyond.

In spite of her reputation and ability to rally women for some good causes; and the 35% affirmative action of the present administration, she is not ready for politics unless it is absolutely necessary to advance her cause.

“You can lead from wherever you are.

This is where I have chosen to serve.

Apart from a few, I don’t see so many real women representing us. If we have women who have the milk of motherhood in them, I can tell you that Nigeria will be better than it is today. They will work as such and you will find them bringing up policies and issues and projects that will affect the families and the Nigerian society for good.

“I am targeting the home front for one reason. Though the family is the tiniest part of any society, it is the most important unit of the society. And I go to address this group of people because increasingly, I am beginning to see that the abnormal things have become the norm in our society. The unethical things have become acceptable and if we don’t begin to ask questions, if we don’t begin to retrieve our values, if we don’t begin to stand up and talk about those morals and values that hold us here as a people, Boko-Haram will just be a joke and Baby factory, will remain a constant. We need to reach out to these people so that we can work together to produce functional children, and by extension, a functional society. For now, that is my own 35%, my own political constituency,” Ikoku said determinedly.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Taiwo Fadeyi

ne of the biggest headaches I always have is when I have to discuss the issue of sex with my patients. Especially when they are having sex related challenges.

I keep on asking myself ‘why is it so difficult to discuss sex? What are the barriers and challenges? I am not talking about sex problems in men and women which is best discussed with your doctor; you need privacy for that. I’m talking about discussing your sexual feeling with your partner or spouse. I am talking about sexual intercourse, what you like or dislike in and out of bed. The various positions. The sex games you like to play. Foreplay, oral sex, orgasms etc. The list is endless.

Here is a poser for you. What do you think are the major causes of strained relationships that eventually lead to separation and divorce?

O

SEX and MONEY. In that order.

If you believe it is in the reverse order that its MONEY and SEX, you are dead wrong. Various researches have shown that about 80% of relationships are made and unmade at the altar of sex.

Not money. The same goes for infidelity, unfaithfulness and extra marital affairs on both sides. You still don’t believe me?

Then pause and think about these different scenarios.

•Why should a rich comfortable woman with children start running after her driver, gardener or even house boy?

•Why should a man do the same with the house girl and other younger girls?

•Why do we have sugar daddies?

•Why do we have sugar mummies?

It all boils down to the issue of sex.

UNSATISFACTORY SEX. All these bro-

Hey...sex is fun ken hearts and broken homes and sometimes broken limbs as a result of street and home fights can easily be avoided.

We can do this by simply talking to each other about sex. What used to baffle me a lot and still does till today is this. The most popular topic anywhere is sex talk.

Go to the bars, saloons, fashion shops etc. You will be surprised at how animated and excited people are when discussing sex topics in these places. Even in the presence of perfect strangers.

Then the big question is this: Why do we all find it so difficult to talk about sex with our partners and loved ones?

Boyfriends and girlfriends refuse to talk about it. Husbands and wives, the same thing. The worst is that we cannot even help or educate our children. But that is another very different matter. Let’s finish with adults first.

Sex is an integral part of any marriage or relationship. To the best of my knowledge, there is no religion that explicitly forbids sex. It is an indisputable fact that the more we talk about it, the better we are at it. So why do we find it difficult to talk about it with our loved ones?

As I said earlier there are so many strained relationships and broken homes that sex talk would have solved easily.

Let me give you one of the true life stories that I have had to handle. Mr. and Mrs. A are married and in their thirties. They have been married for about ten years and have two children. They were having a strained marriage and

wanted to call it quits. Their pastor referred them to me. Both are comfortable financially.

So what then was the problem? You won’t believe this, but it took about five paying sessions for them to hit the nail

Ego: Diary of a single mum Ebere Ameh

t’s been nine months since my divorce. I have gone through stages of ups, downs, stumbling, walking, sitting, grumbling, whining, smiling, crying, running and finally, I have decided to stand and move on with my life, more so, for the sake of my little children.

One would have thought that after all the trauma I had to suffer in a tumultuous and abusive marriage, one would find support and encouragement from my fellow women, but they have become my worst nightmare. Chika, my close friend is keeping me at arm’s length so I don’t seduce her husband?

If not how do I interpret the recent turn of events between us? Can Bunmi fabricate such a lie against her? Do I confront her? Well, that’s her business.

Who would have believed that I would not be allowed to join the Christian Mothers Organization in my church. They say it’s for married women and politely dismissed me. But they know I was married and I’m a responsible woman. I don’t blame them at all.

Even the men are not helping matters - they all seem one directional, looking for one thing. To most of them, I am a free woman and they begin to have funny fantasies and make stupid advances after being nice for some time. Do I blame them? It is Segun who did not value what he has.

Having been under bondage while with Segun, I thought my new found freedom after our divorce would be an opportunity to do those things I had longed to do - socializing and getting close to my God, but no. The

I

stigma attached to single motherhood is much more than the freedom I so desperately wanted. Anyway, I just thank God I’m alive, I can still do much without them, I will surprise all of them.

Bringing up Tobi and Tosin to be the best and not like their stupid father is what is uppermost in my mind now. Thank God my parents live here in Lagos, with their support, I will pull through successfully. Mom has been around and the children are getting the care of their lives. I need the break but... will Mom a l l o w me?

She keeps pestering me to consider Nnamdi, my colleague that dropped me off the other day. She doesn’t know we are just friends, no strings attached. She says she could see with the eye of an old woman that he is interested in me. She should better look well.

Wait a minute! I actually have this funny feeling about him. Nope, not me, Ego! He was just very sympathetic, gave me a listening ear and offered to help in any way, when I was going through my divorce. That’s all.

Though his smile and handshake have a way of making my day but no, no no.

First, he is my boss, he is married and most importantly, I don’t want again, period!

Having had a stable and abuse free relationship with dad, mom doesn’t seem to know what I passed through living with Segun. I hope she understands one day and gives me a break.

I had longed for this independence, for a day like this when I will be free.

But here I am thinking of a man? God forbid! I promised myself that I won’t contemplate another relationship until my children are in the university and I will stand by it. Not even mom can move me.

But the society doesn’t seem to understand too. It seems as if I am worthless without a husband. I know I’m much more vulnerable to so many things now, but would Segun have protected me? I can do all things, thank God I work and earn a good salary.

Am I not thinking too much?

So many things I didn’t expect are happening. So many lows and very few highs, I think I need to keep a diary. Above all, I need to create happiness before I go nuts.

feminique

39

on the head. Know what the problem was? Sex. Meanwhile we had spent time discussing every other sundry, irrelevant and unimportant issues. The main issue was sexual boredom in their marriage.

Each wanted to try something new but didn’t know how to bring it up with the other partner. To satisfy this urge and excitement, each of them embarked separately on a journey of extra marital affairs. Whilst outside, they both engaged in oral sex with their partners and enjoyed it tremendously. This resulted into “Bad Sex” at home. The situation was allowed to degenerate because they were not ready for pillow talk with each other. Each had the fear of being labeled a slut, harlot, womanizer or whatever if the subject of oral sex was brought up.

Eventually, the problem was solved by simply teaching and encouraging them to sex talk to each other. They are a better couple now and enjoying better sex.

The forces working against sex talks are numerous and quite formidable.

But the two major constraints are religious and cultural beliefs. The biggest in my opinion is Religion. We have been taught that sex is dirty; only animals enjoy sex; sex is only for reproduction; only men are permitted to enjoy sex because we’re just a little better than animals. Women are not supposed to enjoy sex; only prostitutes enjoy sex.

On and on and on.

Women are actually the worst hit.

It is for this reason that most African cultures used to do (and some still do) female circumcision. This, by the way, involves cutting off the clitoris and the inner lips of the vulva in some extreme cases. By the way do you know that there are more than 15 surprising health benefits of sex? That topic is for another day. So my dear let us make a solemn promise to ourselves today. That we shall join hands with our partners to regularly talk about sex. For better sex.

Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship.

He can be reached on 08033148899 (sms only)

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Friday, September 5, 2014

CRIME

41

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Police, NSCDC battle over oil pipelines Juliana Francis

T

he recurrent tense situation between members of the Nigerian Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is like a keg of gun powder, waiting to explode.

The wrangling between the two forces, has always been over which of them should man or have jurisdiction over certain areas.

This state of affairs is more noticeable in Lagos State. It was this same situation that led to the death of two officials of NSCDC in 2013.

Security observers have argued that if something was not done fast, the uneasy relationship between the two forces will continue to deteriorate, leading to further loss of lives.

Just two weeks ago, August, 15, 2014 to be precise, there would have been another bloodbath at Ikorodu area of Lagos, after a police inspector, allegedly ordered a corporal to shoot the NSCDC Commandant General, Mr. Ade Abolurin.

New Telegraph gathered that the commandant and a committee, inaugurated by the Attorney General of the federation,

on disposal of seized vandalised items were on tour when the incident occurred.

The committee consists of personnel from NSCDC, office of Director of Public Prosecution, ICPC, EFCC, armed forces, Ministry of Justice with Abolurin as the chairman.

It will be recalled that in March, 13, 2013, policemen and officials of NSCDC clashed, leading to the death of an Assistant Inspector, Mr. Gabriel Adaji and

Inspector Innocent Akegbe, both NSCDC officers.

NSCDC alleged that policemen ambushed them after they arrested some suspected vandals, leading to a shoot out. Stating their own side of the story, the police insisted that it was officials of NSCDC who attacked them for vying into the areas perceived as their ‘jurisdiction’ while they were guarding pipelines.

Both forces apparently had not learnt

CRIME QUOTE “Indeed the problem we are confronting is global in nature. Terrorist and organised crime syndicates operate in networks that can only be defeated through concerted action and cooperation. The African Union and its various instruments and mechanisms provide the framework within which we should combine our efforts and pull together our scarce resources. The second point pertains to the need for action-oriented approach.”

– President Goodluck Jonathan

from that confrontation. In this latest encounter, NSCDC alleged that their General Commandant, Abolurin was almost shot.

In a swift reaction, the following day, the police through the Force Spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu denied the assassination attempt, stressing that investigation was on to unravel what transpired.

But till date, nothing had been forthcoming over the matter, either from the police or NSCDC. The National Spokesman for NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Okeh, gave a detailed account of what he said allegedly happened on that Friday.

His words: “On that Friday, the Commandant and the committee, inaugurated by the Attorney General of the Federation, on disposal of seized items, were on site when the incident happened. The Committee consists of personnel from NSCDC, office of Director of Public Prosecution, ICPC, EFCC, Soldiers, Navy, Air Forces and Ministry of Justice. The Commandant General of the corps is the chairman of the team. It’s the duty of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

42

CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Govt silent over police, NSCDC feud CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 4 1

committee to carry out oversight function in all the states, where those items are being kept. The committee started its inspection from Rivers, Edo, Delta and other parts within the south south. Then it was the turn of the south west and they’ve visited Kogi, Ondo, Osun and Lagos.

“It was in Lagos that a team of policemen, with an inspector as the leader of the team interrupted the inspection team.”

He said that before the incident, there was arrest of vandals within that zone by NSCDC officers. The arrest was carried out before the arrival of the committee to the area.

According to him, the vandals arrested were in possession of items used in vandalism. He alleged that the vandals alerted the police who apparently had been working with them in perpetration of pipeline vandalism for pecuniary reasons.

Okeh said: “When the policemen came, they said the corps and Committee had no right to visit the place without their permission. They said they were in charge of the environment and that before anything could happen there, the Committee should have taken permission from them. When the Commandant General called him, to have a talk with him, the inspector ordered one of his men to open fire. But God averted it. The directive was not carried out.

“The inspector ordered a corporal to shoot, but the corporal refused. There was a sort of heated dialogue between the inspector and corporal. I guess the corporal looked at the members of the Committees and their ranks.”

Reacting to allegations that some NSCDC officials attacked and beat up some residents, labeling them vandals on that day before the arrival of the committee, Okeh said: “That was a makeup story to cover what happened on that day. The people arrested on that day for vandalism confessed to being in partnership with the same team of policemen that came on that day.”

Asked what he felt was the bone of contention between NSCDC and the police, Okeh said: “It’s an issue which I’m sure the government will look into at the appropriate time and take appropriate actions.”

He however added that the issue of vandalism was the core function of NSCDC, stressing that any other agency doing it, was doing so in partnership with NSCDC. “In fact, every security agency is a stakeholder.

Thus, any other agency that is doing it, is collaborating and in partnership with NSCDC. As a matter of fact, when you arrest, you’re supposed to hand over to NSCDC for prosecution. Every agency has its own mandate but security can’t be done by one agency alone.

This is why agencies synergize by working hand in hand in order to protect lives and properties, which is the ultimate goal of all security agencies.”

Meanwhile, as Nigerians wait for the investigation to begins, residents of Maba Island in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, where the latest confrontation occurred, have revealed what allegedly transpired from their own side.

The residents alleged that the NSCDC operatives, who carried out a raid in search of vandals on that fateful day, broke into their

The 3rd Eye A rotten force, threat to democracy (3) Okechukwu Nwanguma

A Ag. IGP Suleiman Abba

NSCDC CG, Abolurin

homes, destroying their property and means of livelihood and unleashed hell on them.

One of the residents, Taiye, a trader said: “I was in my shop when they arrived, shooting sporadically. They dragged me, our guest and my husband outside, and forced us to sit on the floor. They kept beating us and shouting that we were vandals. They threatened to take me and my entire family to Abuja as criminals. One of their members, a woman pleaded that they should let us go. They later released us.”

Another resident, Ciminehin Adebayo said NSCDC operatives, heavily armed stormed her room while she was naked. “I was in my room, sleeping when they arrived. I was woken up by the banging on my door. I shouted that they should hold on as I was naked. Before I could pick a dress, they broke into my room and saw me naked. They ransacked the house, hoping to find empty gallons.”

Okoro Ejiofor said: “About 20 NSCDC men stormed our compound. They broke my door before I could stop them. They smashed my window in the name of searching for vandals. If they had asked me to open the door, I would have done that without them destroying my property. I had to call my brother, who is in the Army and he asked me to copy the number of their vehicles which I did. Will they go to Arepo and invade people’s houses like they did ours? It’s simple; they felt that a poor man cannot challenge them.”

Alhaji Tajudeen Ogunse said: “I was on my way back from an event at about 10am, when a convoy of NSCDC operatives zoomed past. They were all heavily armed. They immediately combed the area from Oke Oko junction and took off to Maba area. As a leader, I quickly parked my car and walked towards the area they were heading to. I also called the officer in charge of Anti-vandal in that area. I needed to know what it was about; he told me that they are on patrol. Shortly after I got to the scene, policemen, numbering about five drove past. They stopped them and ordered them to get down from the car.

The inspector came down and introduced himself. He was speaking with the colonel.

After few minutes they entered their bus and drove back. I was shocked to hear in the news that there was an attempt to attack the Commandant General.”

Chief Isiaka Ijalonibu who also claimed to be an eye witness said that the community remains grateful to God because nobody

was killed.

“It was a reign of terror that day. Everyone ran into their houses for fear of being killed by stray bullets. I got to know that there was something wrong when I heard gun shots. As a kingmaker in the community, I managed to walk out but kept a safe distance wondering whether there was a war going on. I was busy counting the number of heavily armed men when a bus drove by.

I was wondering who had the guts to come to that area after hearing such gun shots.

As expected, they stopped them and tried to drag them down when one of them came down and moved towards the soldier man.

“Few minutes later, they drove out of the scene. It was then I knew that they were policemen and about five in number. All I want to say is that there is no pipeline in this area. In the past, we heard cases of this area being used as a transit point from Arepo pipeline. We used to live in fear because of the activities of vandals but today, they have arrested and jailed most of them. Even if they want to come on a legitimate business they should have come peacefully instead of destroying and raiding people’s property in the name of searching for vandals.”

A policeman who was part of the team that allegedly attempted to shoot the Commandant General said: “We were on patrol, heading back to our station when we stumbled into a multitude of NSCDC operatives heavily armed. They stopped us, insisting that we should go back or be dealt with. At that point, the Inspector came down and tried to explain to them.

The Colonel’s attention was drawn to us and he came over. I showed him my identity card and explained that we just wanted to pass. He told me to hold on and went back to consult with the others. He later came and joined us, and said that we should go back and wait a little that they will soon be on their way. We turned back.

I was surprised that they alleged that we corked a gun. How could I cork gun when there were so many heavily armed men.

I cannot challenge a colonel, a major and a Navy commandant in their midst. If there was an attempt, why was my gun not taken away from me?”

While the accusation and counter accusations continued, the bad blood continues to fester, waiting for the authourity to intervene and sort the matter once and forever.

n unconfirmed information filtered not too long ago that the same DPO who was supposed to be facing trial for the murder, along with others, was sighted in a police station somewhere in the North where he is believed to have resumed duties.

While other seven officers involved in the murder have remained in prison custody since then, another senior police officer, Mr. Danjuma who led others in shooting the six Apo traders secured bail since 2006. The case has since then been floundering under Justice Bello and has witnessed incessant adjournments.

In another instance of cover-up and glorification of crime within the NPF, Mr. Bala Hassan, while he was the Commissioner of Police in Rivers state, was indicted in a police investigation panel report for selling some exhibit vehicles while the case involving the vehicles was still pending in Court.

The accused person in the case said he later found that Bala Hassan actually personally bought one of the vehicles and sold others to his friends at ridiculously low prices.

Following a petition written by the accused person to the DIG Investigations through the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Lagos after he was eventually acquitted of the alleged crime for which his vehicles were impounded, the SFU carried out an investigation and confirmed that indeed, the three cars were auctioned during the pendency of investigation and during the period of trial in court. The report captioned ‘Police Investigation Report RE: Case of Conspiracy and Fraud reported against the Exhibit Section RE: Request for Police Report’ with Reference No. CR:3000/X/SFU/ dated 8th Dec., 2010 and signed by ACP Douglas U. Agbonleni, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Admin) for CP SFU indicted Mr. Bala Hassan.

Typically, rather than discipline the indicted police officer, the Police Service Commission under Mr. Parry Osayande redeployed him to the Legal Department of the Force headquarters, Abuja and later promoted him to Assistant Inspector General of Police, a position that makes him a potential Inspector General of Police.

SMS: 08189679439

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 43

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

N70bn Rights Issue: Access Bank woos investors First Bank, UBA and Skye Bank may follow suit

DIVIDEND CUT Some lenders would lower dividends and loan growth this year to conserve cash

in a possible rights issue of N60-70 billion ($369-$431 million) by the fourth quarter, a fund manager and a banking source with knowledge of the roadshow, said yesterday.

The lender, which raised a $400 million in Eurobond last June, wants to bolster its core capital, the fund manager who attended the meetings in Lagos told Reuters, declining to be

Godson Ikoro

with agency reports

A

ccess Bank Plc has been meeting with domestic investors over the past week to gauge interest

named. Access Bank was also discussing with investors in Abuja.

An official from Access Bank declined to comment.

Banks in Africa's biggest economy have been boosting their capital levels in recent months, as the industry this year adopts new international capital requirements.

Chief Executive Herbert Wig-

IHS acquires MTN’s towers in Nigeria

Jonnah Iboma

The new company has committed about US$500 million of additional investment over four years into tower upgrades and a maintenance programme to improve quality of service and enhance the customer experience on the MTN Nigeria network.

In addition, further investments will be made into IHS’ centralised Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Nigeria to optimise operations and increase IHS’ market leading network uptimes of over 99 per cent.

“There will also be sustained investments in energy efficiency through the deployment of advanced generators, batteries and alternative power solutions to reduce diesel consumption.

IHS anticipates creating a considerable number of technical and engineering direct and indirect employment opportunities to be sourced locally in Nige-

I

HS Holding Limited (IHS) has acquired 9,151 of MTN’s mobile network towers in Nigeria. MTN said the transaction will reduce its operating costs, drive network efficiencies and further expand its voice and data capacity.

According to the terms of the transaction, the towers will be transferred to a new company, which will be jointly owned by MTN and IHS. MTN in a statement said IHS will have full operational control of the underlying business.

Furthermore, the new towers company will market independent infrastructure sharing services to other mobile operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.

ria,” MTN said in a statement.

Sifiso Dabengwa, Group President and CEO of MTN Group, said: “We are delighted to have entered into a further transfer transaction with IHS, in our largest African market. IHS’ deep knowledge and considerable experience in the sector will help drive efficiencies and enhance our network uptime, allowing us to concentrate on further raising our own service levels, improving the customer experience and ensuring we remain the number one operator in Nigeria.”

This is the ninth tower transaction for HIS, which had earlier acquired 2,136 Etisalat Nigeria towers, and its fifth with MTN following the transactions in Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Rwanda and Zambia that took place in 2012 and 2013. On completion of this transaction, IHS will manage over 20,000 towers in Africa.

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

Africa (UBA) and Skye Bank.

He said most lenders had seen capital levels drop by 100400 basis points to near the regulatory minimum of 16 per cent under the stricter international requirements, adding some would have to lower dividends and loan growth this year to conserve cash.

Rival lender Diamond Bank, which has just concluded a N50.3 billion rights issue, issued a $200 million in Eurobond in May. Stanbic IBTC Bank has also announced plans to raise N30 billion.

‘Pressure on external reserves continues unabated’ Godson Ikoro s long as the nation’s apAremains petite for foreign exchange high, there external

reserves will continue to witness undue pressure, FBN Capital Research, has said.

In a statement yesterday, the experts noted that official reserves have increased for a third successive month in August, by $200 million to $39.6 billion.

Furthermore, it noted that the bi-weekly sales of foreign exchange in the CBN’s retail Dutch Auction System (rDAS) rose by $300 million from the previous month to $2.82 billion, suggesting more not less pressure on the reserves. Official reserves include the balance on the excess crude account, for which the latest figure (from the Coordinating Minister of the Economy CME, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) is $4.5 billion.

While highlighting the pre-

dominance in the generation of foreign exchange inflows, it said the first place to look for an explanation of this possible contradiction is the oil industry.

Citing Bloomberg estimates for Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC members earlier this week indicated a 13 per cent rise in Nigerian crude production in August, to 2.3 million barrels per day, (mbpd) and a steady increase stretching back to March.

In the absence of a unified official data source on production, it decided to treat the estimate as such despite any skepticism.

It further attributed the marked decline in reserves in February and March to part of a sell-off by offshore investors across frontier and emerging markets on a negative take on life posttapering in the US, noting that those concerns have since eased somewhat.

UBA is ‘Best Transaction Bank’ nited Bank for Africa (UBA) the announcement, noting that UTransaction has been named the “Best the endorsement validates the Bank” from Af- concerted efforts to ensure the

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

we told an analysts' conference call last week while presenting the bank's half-year results that he anticipated banks would need to raise more capital as a result of the new regulations.

A source at Access Bank said the lender was meeting with stakeholders and would determine the amount of the fundraising after the meetings.

Adesoji Solanke, banking analyst at Renaissance Capital, expects First Bank, which recently raised a Eurobond, to follow with plans for extra capital as well as United Bank for

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

rica in 2014 by UK based magazine “The Banker”.

A statement from the bank yesterday said: “The recognition was hinged on the lender’s e-banking platforms that have positively changed the way businesses manage their cash flow, payments, collections, liquidity, and trade and value chain management across their business operations in Africa.”

UBA said the judges were impressed by it’s clear demonstration of the improvements made to its transaction services business.

In the words of Jane Cooper, Transaction Banking Editor of the “The Banker” magazine: “the judges looked at entries that demonstrated a clear strategy, as well as improvement and progress in the last 12 months.

Investment in technology was not the deciding factor, but rather improvements that are of real value to the bank's customers”.

Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of the UBA Group, welcomed

bank’s customers across the continent, are offered the best and most convenient solutions that are most critical to their business processes.

“Our U-Direct Corporate offers a single platform solution for cash management to assist businesses and government in Africa to make payments, collections, manage cash easily, and even do trades. It has been well received because of its flexibility, automation, ease of doing business and cost savings. A unique aspect of this product is that it allows busy executives to approve requests and view balances on their mobile devices”, he stated.

Also speaking on the award, Yinka Adedeji, Divisional Head, e-Banking explained that the bank has been able to innovatively apply technology to help both small and big businesses in Africa boost productivity and significantly reduce operating costs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in a highly challenging business environment.

44 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

4-Sep-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

NA

NA

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

28-Sep-07 23-Apr-10 16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

100.00 535.00 530.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 281.35 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 70.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,591.19

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,680.67

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.07 0.63 1.95 2.64 2.89 2.99 3.73 4.82 5.13 7.40 9.52 14.23 14.71 15.21 15.88 19.87

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.87 11.01 11.28 11.25 11.27 11.27 11.30 11.32 11.42 11.86 11.97 12.41 12.44 12.46 12.15 12.16

8.64 10.75 11.20 11.19 11.20 11.20 11.19 11.25 11.34 11.81 11.92 12.37 12.39 12.41 12.10 12.12

99.87 95.81 103.00 108.55 96.56 95.24 98.19 116.95 83.15 121.85 112.45 117.06 100.32 73.22 85.00 99.85

100.02 95.96 103.15 108.70 96.71 95.39 98.49 117.25 83.45 122.15 112.75 117.36 100.62 73.52 85.30 100.15

#

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.16 0.72 1.33 2.26 2.63 2.84

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.49 13.71 13.56 13.27 12.26 12.27

98.25 90.89 104.66 101.19 99.62 97.14

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,281.41

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.11

3.29

13.97

99.92

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.99

4.44

15.73

97.14

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.59

3.23

14.21

99.50

Nil

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.11

4.46

15.75

98.64

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.12

3.48

14.77

101.23

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.62

5.59

16.85

85.90

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.67

1.00

12.29

102.45

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.32

1.79

13.07

102.39

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

37.25

30-Sep-18

2.30

1.80

13.07

101.95

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.08

1.00

12.31

105.27

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.49

1.00

12.26

104.89

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.49

4.78

16.04

96.18

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.88

1.00

12.27

105.18

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

17.28

02-Oct-19

2.95

1.00

12.27

107.96

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.22

1.00

12.45

107.66

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

28.37

12-Dec-19

3.01

2.74

14.01

101.78

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.62

1.00

12.29

106.84

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.23

1.00

12.73

103.19

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.32

1.94

13.70

105.33

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.80

1.44

12.74

105.16

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.84

1.95

13.25

105.10

99.93

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

484.10 492.34

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.09

1.00

11.77

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.29

5.21

15.45

99.34

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.32

8.71

19.06

99.20

µ

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.71

4.88

15.95

96.35

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.78

1.00

12.12

100.48

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.86

2.63

13.81

100.71

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.07

1.00

12.28

101.25

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.14

1.34

12.62

102.93

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.07

1.00

12.27

101.80

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.89

1.88

13.17

109.17

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.85

3.48

14.77

102.25

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

#

*TOWER

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

3.27

09-Sep-18

2.01

5.20

16.48

102.69

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.90

09-Sep-18

2.01

5.06

16.34

101.64

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

4.05

1.35

12.66

104.13

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.12

2.29

13.57

104.27

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.45

6.11

17.37

99.41

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.32

2.16

13.44

106.64

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.20

2.76

14.48

103.01

11-Feb-18

3.44

1.00

12.28

94.28

Bid Price

Offer Price

A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

142.08

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

144.87

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 11.31

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.65

4.51

111.46

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

112.32

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

3.91

3.70

104.30

105.05

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

4.98

4.87

109.88

110.71

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,628.17

Corporate Eurobonds B/Fitch; B-/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.27

3.27

111.13

111.13

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.38

4.38

105.04

105.04 101.35

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.72

6.72

101.35

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.65

8.10

94.49

96.17

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.05

5.73

99.82

100.98

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

8.83

8.41

105.25

106.86

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.16

6.16

100.35

100.35

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.99

8.74

99.08

100.02

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.42

7.42

103.01

103.01

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.64

7.64

95.00

95.00

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.73

8.56

102.88

103.73

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

7.53

7.53

101.48

101.48

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.65

8.43

99.51

100.64

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,846.36

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 11-Sep-14 18-Sep-14 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 16-Oct-14 23-Oct-14 30-Oct-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.40 10.25 10.25 10.50 10.00 10.50 10.40 10.55

Offer Discount (%) 10.15 10.00 10.00 10.25 9.75 10.25 10.15 10.30

Bid Yield (%) 10.42 10.29 10.31 10.59 10.10 10.63 10.55 10.72

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1667 12.4966 13.3096 14.2998

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.50

O/N Tenor Call 1M

10.75

REPO

Rate (%) 10.50 12.07

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

162.00 162.49 162.75 163.39 164.99 165.62

162.10 162.72 163.05 163.99 165.75 167.41

(%)

Agency Bonds 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,281.41

Sub-National Bonds Sanctity of Truth

A-/GCR September 5, 2014 NIGER Friday,

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

Nil

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

22-Nov-12

14.50

14-Nov-13

15.25

*GOMBE

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

A/Agusto

*OSUN

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

BEARISH

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

KOGI rules Negative sentiment A/Agusto *EKITI the stock market*NASARAWA A-/GCR

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Stories Chris Ugwu Corporateby Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

T

LAFARGE WAPCO

GTB he bears yesterday mainNGC Nil tained their stronghold Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC on the Nigerian Stock A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS Exchange (NSE) as major A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO blue-chip companies joined A-/Agusto FSDH the league of losers, causing A/GCR UBA market BBB-/GCR both the capitalisation *C & I LEASING BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA and the All-Share Index to reA-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER main on the red zone.

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER Market watchers have atA/Agusto; A/GCR UBA tributed the bearish trends to Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS massive sell offs by investors BBB/GCR *DANA whose consequential effect A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO was a loss of N170 billion or TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 1.25 per cent during four days TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION of trading this week.

Supranational Bondof trading, the At the close AAA/S&P IFC key benchmark indices mainTOTAL OUTSTANDING tained downtrend,VALUE taking hits TOTAL MARKET majorly fromCAPITALISATION high-capitalised stocks led by Nestle Nigeria Rating/Agency Issuer Plc and Forte Oil Nigeria Plc. There was a off-market FGN Eurobonds trade of shares of Ecobank BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P Transnational International BB-/Fitch; FGN (ETI) BB-/S&P as N35.67 billion-naira worth BB-/Fitch; of its shares were purBB-/S&P chased by the Qatar National TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Bank.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Specifically, at the close of trading, the NSE Corporate Eurobonds All-Share Index depreciated byAFREN 190.3 B/Fitch; B-/S&P PLCbasis I points or 0.46 per cent toPLC close B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK I at 41,017.49, from ACCESS 41,207.79 B+/S&P BANK rePLC B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY PLC corded the previous day.BANK The B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK market capitalisation ofPLC equiB/Fitch PLC II ties also declinedAFREN to N13.543 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC trillion from 13.606 trillion, B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC representing a drop of BANK N63PLC bilB-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST lion orB/S&P 0.46 per cent as PLC market B-/Fitch; AFREN III B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II sentiments remained negative.

B-/Fitch; B/S&P BANK LTD At the close of FIRST trading, 17 Aa/Agusto

µ

#

#

#

#

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 stocks appreciated in price 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 during as against 38 that de13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 preciated in value.

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 On the gainers’ chart, brew14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 NASARAWAbeverages, 06-JAN-2021 er of15.00 alcoholic International Breweries, advanced

by N0.99 to close at N29.00 while industry competitor, Premier 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 Breweries, rose by N0.26 to TRUST 18-DEC-2014 close13.50 at GUARANTY N2.88 per share.

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 On the flip side, consumer 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 goods Nestle Nige12.00company, FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 ria, declined

by N16.00, to close 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 at N1,031.00.

Also, petroleum14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 marketing company, Forte 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 Oil, 18.00 fellC&I byLEASING N4.97 per share to 30-NOV-2017 DANA 9-APR-2018 closeMPR+7.00 at N220.00, while indusMPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 try competitor, Mobil Oil NiMPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 geria, dipped by N0.65 to close 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 at N174.00 per share.

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 Further analysis of the 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 trading showed that the bank-

12-Dec-12 14.75 ing subsector of the financial 30-Sep-13 14.75 services sector remained the 27-Nov-13 13.50 most active during the 31-Dec-13 15.00 week (measured vol31-Dec-13by turnover 14.50 06-Jan-142.06 billion 15.00 ume); with shares worth N36.5 billion exchanged by investors in 2,185 deals.

Volume in the banking sub11.50 sector 07-Oct-11 was largely driven by 18-Dec-09 13.50 activity in the shares of ETI 01-Apr-10 17.00 Plc and17-Aug-10 Sterling Bank10.00 Plc. Other financial institutions 09-Dec-10 12.00 06-Jan-11 subsector, boosted by14.00 activity in the 29-Sep-11 shares of UBA13.00 Capital 25-Oct-13 14.25 Plc followed with a sub sector 30-Sep-10 13.00 turnover of 59.2 million shares 30-Nov-12 18.00 16.00 valued09-Apr-11 at N439.4 million traded 09-Sep-11 18.00 in 585 deals.

09-Sep-11 16.00 On the whole, investors ex22-Sep-11 14.00 changed a total of 2.3 billion 18-Oct-13 15.75 17.00 shares17-Feb-12 valued at N38.8 billion 01-Apr-14 16.00 in 5,7304 transactions.

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

0.16 0.72 1.33 2.26 2.63 2.84

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.49 13.71 13.56 13.27 12.26 12.27

98.25 90.89 104.66 101.19 99.62 97.14

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 45

Investors lost N170bn in four days A/Agusto; A-/GCR

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.11

3.29

13.97

99.92

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.99

4.44

15.73

97.14

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.59

3.23

14.21

99.50

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.11

4.46

15.75

98.64

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.12

3.48

14.77

101.23

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.62

5.59

16.85

85.90

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.67

1.00

12.29

102.45

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.32

1.79

13.07

102.39

37.25

30-Sep-18

2.30

1.80

13.07

101.95

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.08

1.00

12.31

105.27

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.49

1.00

12.26

104.89

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.49

4.78

16.04

96.18

Dangote Cement targets 62MTPA in 2017 angote Cement Plc said it ply of gas has affected the Dduction would grow its cement pro- group’s cement production capacity to 62 million and the cost aspect has also 27.00 14-Feb-19 metric tons per annum by2.88 the 17.28 02-Oct-19 2.95 end 80.00of 2017. 22-Nov-19 5.22 28.37 12-Dec-19 3.01 Dangote Cement’s Group 11.40 30-Sep-20 3.62 Chief Executive, Mr. Devaku87.00 27-Nov-20 6.23 mar Edwin, who made the dis5.00 31-Dec-20 6.32 closure yesterday, 4.78 31-Dec-20at the com3.80 4.79 06-Jan-21 the figures 3.84 pany’s facts behind 484.10 on the floor of the Nigerian 492.34 Exchange (NSE), said Stock also said the company is ex11.80 07-Oct-14production 0.09 pected to achieve 13.17 18-Dec-14 0.29 capacity of 42 million metric 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.32 tons at the end of current fi3.61 17-Aug-15 0.71 nancial year. 09-Dec-15 13.62 0.78 0.60Devakumar 06-Jan-16noted that 0.86 15.00 29-Sep-16 2.07 Dangote Cement has exceeded 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.14 the market’s growth in 32/36 20.00 30-Sep-17 3.07 months from30-Nov-17 January 2011 0.73 1.89 – 7.20 09-Apr-18 1.85 December 2013, adding that 3.27 09-Sep-18 2.01 only 2/36 months saw reduc0.90 09-Sep-18 2.01 tions compared with the prior 35.00 22-Sep-18 4.05 year.

2.70 18-Oct-18 2.12 0.41 17-Feb-19 2.45 He noted that inadequate 4.50 3.32 power supply01-Apr-19 due to low sup2.05

14-Nov-20

6.20

1.00 105.18 impacted on12.27 the economy 1.00 12.27 107.96 and1.00increased con12.45cost for 107.66 2.74 14.01 101.78 sumers.

1.00 12.29 “In this country, the106.84 major 1.00 12.73 103.19 issue is power.

Any economy 1.94 13.70 105.33 will1.44climb to12.74 double 105.16 digits, 1.95 13.25 105.10 once there is power at the right price. With affordable power, people will produce products locally, will gravitate to the 1.00 11.77 private sector, leading 99.93 to the 5.21 99.34 creation of a 15.45 middle class and 8.71 19.06 99.20 more employment in the96.35 coun4.88 15.95 try,”1.00he said. 12.12 100.48 2.63what could 13.81 be termed 100.71 In a 12.28 leap1.00 forward for the real101.25 estate 1.34 12.62 102.93 business in particular and the 1.00 12.27 101.80 real1.88sector of 13.17the Nigerian 109.17 3.48 14.77 102.25 economy in general, Devaku16.48 mar5.20said it would soon102.69 add 9 5.06 16.34 101.64 million tons (MTs) of cement 1.35 12.66 104.13 per2.29 annum (pa) from its104.27 newly 13.57 6.11 lines C 17.37 built and D at 99.41 Obese 2.16 13.44 106.64 plant to the cement market.

2.76

14.48

103.01

142.08

FMN proposes N5b dividend for shareholders F 144.87

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

lourmills Nigeria Plc (FMN) has disclosed that it plans to Description pay a total dividend of N5 billion to its shareholders for the current financial year.

6.75 JAN 28, 2021 The Group Managing Di5.13 JUL 12, 2018 Paul rector of the company, Gbededo at a press briefing in 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 Lagos yesterday, said the dividend would translate to N2.10 per share due to every shareholder of the company for the 2014 financial 11.50 year.

FEB 01, 2016 Gbededo noted that 7.50 MAY 19,the 2016 company is also proposing a bonus 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 MAY 09, issue of one for6.88 every 102018 shares 6.00 NOV 08,period.

2018 held during the same APR 08, 2019 He assured10.25 shareholders 6.25 APR 22, 2019 that the company is well posi8.75 May 21, 2019 tioned to enhance profitability 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 DEC 09, 2020 susand deliver a 6.63 long-term USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 tainable9.25/6M growth.

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 The Flour Mills boss point8.75 AUG 14, 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.20

12.00

3.44

ed out that the company has edible oil refineries made strategic investment Outstanding at ROM Oil Mill. Agro Allied Value Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) ($mm) in large scale commercial Farms Sunti Limited grows a farming to support its food 4,500 hectare rice farm along processing units with6.75locally the Niger River basin. This 07-Oct-11 500.00 28-Jan-21 4.65 project will add to the rice produced raw materials.

12-Jul-13 that the company 5.13 500.00 production at12-Jul-18 Sunti Farm3.91to He added cultivates 10,000 hectares of complement the backward4.98 in12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 sugar at Sunti Golden Sugar Es- tegration of our rice milling 1,500.00 tate to feed the sugar refinery. operations,” he said.

He said that the Kaboji 1,628.17 Gbededo explained that Farms Limited in Niger State these major investments were contain maize and soya made and agro-3.27 al01-Feb-11 11.50beans 450.00 on the food 01-Feb-16 to feed milling operations, lied which, accord19-May-11 7.50 500.00business, 19-May-16 4.38 including the cassava, ing to him, constitutes 95 6.72 per 25-Jul-12 7.25which 350.00 25-Jul-17 09-May-13 6.88 flour.

300.00of the company’s 02-May-18 8.65 provides quality cassava cent revenue.

08-Nov-13 6.00grows 400.00 “Agro Allied Limited Speaking 08-Nov-18 on why 6.05 the 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 8.83 Golden Sugar 5,000 hectares of cassava on $250million 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.16 did not generate land purchased at Shao, Kwara Company 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 8.99 State to feed Thai Farm’s revenue for the financial year, 07-Aug-13 8.25 Cas300.00 07-Aug-20 7.42 sava Mill Gbadedo said: “For such 09-Dec-13in Ososa.

6.63Agric 360.00 09-Dec-20 7.64 a 24-Jun-14 9.25 hect400.00 investment, 24-Jun-21 Palm Limited has 3,000 huge you will 8.73 not 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 are in Edo State to support the expect to make profit in 7.53 the 14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.65

1.00

12.28

94.28

first year but we have positioned it for growth. We just Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price commissioned the plant and the first was difficult, we Pricesyear & Yields could not produce enough.

4.51 111.46 112.32 “Again, we commenced pro3.70 104.30 and the 105.05 duction last year sugar that was selling at N9,000 4.87 109.88 110.71 dropped to N5,500 but we are strong enough to stay in that business and we are looking beyond what we have today.

We 3.27 are currently cent 111.13 at 48 per 111.13 capacity utilization and105.04 in the 4.38 105.04 years it will add prop6.72 to come, 101.35 101.35 8.10 96.17 er value to all94.49 shareholders.”

5.73 added that 99.82 as part100.98 He of the 8.41 105.25 company’s strategy to106.86 align 6.16 100.35 100.35 with government’s backward 8.74 99.08 100.02 integration initiative, 7.42 103.01 103.01the company has also acquired 7.64 95.00 95.00 500 8.56 hectares 102.88 of land in103.73 Niger 7.53 101.48 state for rice 101.48 cultivation.

8.43

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

11-Feb-18

12.00 11.31 group’s

99.51

100.64

4-Sep-14

4,846.36

Money in Market **Treasury FIXINGS The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments the OTC market. Foreign The use of this report subject to Exchange (Spot &isForwards) Maturity Bid Discounton (%) www.fmdqotc.com.

Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) the FMDQDTM OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement NIBOR

7 11-Sep-14 10.40 14 18-Sep-14 10.25 21 25-Sep-14 10.25 2-Oct-14 10.50 FGN Bonds28 35 9-Oct-14 10.00 42 16-Oct-14 10.50 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 49 23-Oct-14 10.40 56 30-Oct-14 10.55 63 6-Nov-14 10.15 9.25 28-SEP-2014 70 13-Nov-14 10.70 4.00 23-APR-2015 77 20-Nov-14 10.10 13.05 16-AUG-2016 84 27-Nov-14 10.75 15.10 27-APR-2017 91 4-Dec-14 9.75 9.85 27-JUL-2017 98 11-Dec-14 10.80 9.35 31-AUG-2017 112 25-Dec-14 10.65 119 1-Jan-15 10.80 10.70 30-MAY-2018 126 8-Jan-15 10.80 16.00 29-JUN-2019 NA NA 133 15-Jan-15 10.80 7.00 23-OCT-2019 140 22-Jan-15 10.15 16.39 27-JAN-2022 154 5-Feb-15 10.60 14.20 14-MAR-2024 168 19-Feb-15 10.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 182 5-Mar-15 10.35 12.49 22-MAY-2029 217 9-Apr-15 10.20 231 23-Apr-15 10.30 8.50 20-NOV-2029 245 7-May-15 10.15 10.00 23-JUL-2030 336 6-Aug-15 10.45 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 *from the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

10.15 10.00 10.00 10.25 9.75 10.25 Issue Date 10.15 10.30 9.90 28-Sep-07 10.45 23-Apr-10 9.85 16-Aug-13 10.50 27-Apr-12 9.50 27-Jul-07 10.55 31-Aug-07 10.40 10.55 30-May-08 10.55 29-Jun-12 10.55 23-Oct-09 9.90 27-Jan-12 10.35 14-Mar-14 10.15 28-Nov-08 10.10 22-May-09 9.95 10.05 20-Nov-09 9.90 23-Jul-10 10.20 18-Jul-14

10.42 10.29 10.31 10.59 10.10 10.63 Coupon 10.55 (%) 10.72 10.33 9.25 10.92 4.00 10.32 13.05 11.02 15.10 9.99 9.85 11.12 9.35 11.01 11.19 10.70 11.22 16.00 11.24 7.00 10.56 16.39 11.10 14.20 10.92 15.00 10.91 12.49 10.86 11.02 8.50 10.89 10.00 11.56 12.1493

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

(N'bn)

Value

4,591.19

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,680.67

Agency Bonds

Issuer

Modified Duration AMCON Buckets

FMBN <3

NA

3<5 ***LCRM >5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Market

Outstanding Value FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX(N'bn)

Description

Total Outstanding Porfolio Market Value(Bn) (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 Volume(Bn)

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 1,037.69 0.00/16.00 LCRM1,141.95 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II819.21 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 2,998.85

Maturity Date

100.00 28-Sep-14 NITTY 535.00 23-Apr-15 Tenor Rate (%) 530.27 16-Aug-16 1M 10.4312 452.80 27-Apr-17 2M 10.4857 20.00 27-Jul-17 3M 10.7114 100.00 31-Aug-17 6M 10.8961 9M 11.0594 300.00 30-May-18 12M 11.6885 351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 NIFEX 281.35 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 Current Price ($/N) 22-May-29 BID($/N)150.00 162.4625 OFFER ($/N) 162.5625 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 70.00 18-Jul-34

# TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Rating/Agency

Rate (%) 11.1667 12.4966 13.3096 14.2998

983.07 951.30 872.92 2,807.29

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Weighting by 28-Dec-11Vol Outstanding

Weighting by Mkt 0.00 Value

24-May-10 03-Apr-1235.02 09-Dec-1133.89 20-Apr-1231.09 06-Jul-12 100.00

0.00 17.25 34.60 0.00/16.00 38.08 0.00/16.50 27.32 0.00/16.50 100.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Bucket978.35 Weighting

24.56 3.30 0.35 112.22 0.34 116.70 0.31 66.49 1.00

1,301.62

OBB

10.50

O/N Tenor

10.75

REPO

TTM (Yrs) Call 1M

Rate (%)

Bid 10.50 Yield (%) 12.07

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1MYield Offer 2M (%) 3M 6M 8.64 1Y 10.75

3M 12.60 0.07 10.87 6M 13.61 0.63 11.01 1.95 11.28 11.20 NOTE: 2.64 11.25 11.19 2.89 11.27 11.20 :Benchmarks 2.99 Bond 11.27 11.20 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 3.73 Bond 11.30 11.19 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.82 Management Corporation 11.32 11.25 FGN: Federal Nigeria 5.13 Government of 11.42 11.34 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 7.40 11.86 11.81 IFC: International Finance Corporation 9.52Contractors Receivables 11.97 11.92 LCRM: Local Management 14.23 12.41 Company12.37 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling 14.71 12.44 12.39 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 15.21 12.46 Company 12.41 WAPCO:West Cement Company 15.88Africa Portland12.15 12.10 19.87 12.16 12.12

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

% Exposure_ 31-Oct-14 Mod_Duration

Implied Yield 0.16

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 16.29 09-Dec-16 34.50 20-Apr-17 49.21 06-Jul-17 100.00

0.72 1.33 11.27 2.26 11.70 2.63 12.09 2.84 11.82

#

Risk Premium (%) Implied 1.00Price Portfolio

2.63 2.27 119.1742 2.00 135.8495 1.00 103.7796 1.00 120.0380

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

162.00 162.10 162.49 Price 162.72 162.75 163.05 163.39 163.99 Bid Price Offer Price 164.99 165.75 165.62 167.41 169.28 172.63 99.87 100.02 176.64 184.90 95.81 95.96

103.00 103.15 108.55 108.70 96.71 NA :Not96.56 Applicable 95.24Rate Bond 95.39 # :Floating ***: Deferred 98.19 coupon bonds 98.49 116.95 117.25 †: Bond83.15 rating expired 83.45 121.85 122.15 112.45 112.75 117.06 117.36 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 100.32Bank for Africa 100.62 UBA: United 73.22 73.52 85.00 85.30 99.85 100.15

Valuation Yield (%) INDEX 11.49

13.71 13.56 1,131.91 13.27 1,150.32 12.26 1,210.67 12.27 1,140.23

Indicative Price YTD Return 98.25 (%)

90.89 104.66 13.1912 101.19 15.0322 99.62 21.0673 97.14 14.0233

1,281.41

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.11

3.29

13.97

99.92

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.99

4.44

15.73

97.14

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.59

3.23

14.21

99.50

Nil

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.11

4.46

15.75

98.64

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.12

3.48

14.77

101.23

46 business | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014 Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013

Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at September 4, 2014

Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Daily Summary (Equities)

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 9 31 13 53

Current Price 0.50 34.50 35.30

Quantity Traded 1,398,800 204,044 302,600 1,905,444

Value Traded 699,400.00 7,048,575.30 10,763,485.70 18,511,461.00

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 3.20

Quantity Traded 858,693 858,693

Value Traded 2,758,992.54 2,758,992.54

2,764,137

21,270,453.54

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 Diversified Industries Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

78 Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN Daily Summary

No. of Deals 3 1 502 46 (Equities) 552

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Published byBuilding The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.47 1.13 6.40 58.50

552

Quantity Traded 24,000 360 71,104,760 272,772 71,401,892

Value Traded 33,600.00 388.80 449,712,252.06 15,916,118.00 465,662,358.86

71,401,892

465,662,358.86

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.16

Page Quantity Traded 350 350

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 65.00

Quantity Traded 1,024,266 1,024,266

Value Traded 66,511,911.44 66,511,911.44

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 15.11

Quantity Traded 237,896 237,896

Value Traded 3,598,706.00 3,598,706.00

1,262,512

70,111,037.44 Value Traded 51,358.50 51,358.50

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 Automobiles/Auto Parts Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. CONSUMER JOS INT.GOODS BREWERIES PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Daily Summary as ofFLOUR 04/09/2014 N NIG. MILLS PLC. Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. CONSUMER GOODS VONO PRODUCTS Household Durables PLC. Household Durables Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 04/09/2014 CONSUMER Totals Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES SKYE BANK PLC Banking STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

54 Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 102,717 102,717

Symbol

No. of Deals 21 1 54 28 1 No. of Deals 145 3 253

Current Price 7.91 0.71 181.00 29.00 2.46 Current176.00 Price 2.88

Quantity Traded 730,500 82 362,091 893,660 4,500 Quantity Traded 2,926,219 51,873 4,968,925 Page

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 134.00

Quantity Traded 109,682 109,682

Value Traded 16,202,602.00 16,202,602.00

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 6 65 45 34 2 20 6 178

Current Price 6.65 8.15 68.11 4.10 0.50 9.69 20.94

Quantity Traded 90,787 2,872,558 51,215 1,246,679 70,000 180,089 163,516 4,674,844

Value Traded 573,773.84 23,473,119.36 3,319,180.86 5,130,102.84 35,000.00 1,687,904.05 3,384,675.54 37,603,756.49

Symbol CADBURY

No. of Deals 57 62 119

Current Price 55.08 1,031.00

Quantity Traded 676,001 153,490 829,491

Value Traded 37,241,574.95 158,220,911.87 195,462,486.82

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO Symbol

No. of Deals 19 2 No. of Deals

Current Price 4.30 0.91 Current Price

Quantity Traded 460,422 Quantity150,000 Traded

Value Traded 1,909,011.70 136,500.00 Value Traded

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 53 36 89

Current Price 35.95 48.30

Daily Summary (Equities) NESTLE

21

696

12,399,368

Symbol ACCESS

HEALTHCARE Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 OIL AND GAS Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Activity Summary onGas Board EQTYTotals Integrated Oil and Services

OIL AND GAS

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Published by The Nigerian CONOIL PLCStock Exchange ©

ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

AFROMEDIA PLC Advertising Totals

910,874,323.10

Quantity Traded 10,058,788 2,093,662 1,784,909,411 195,150,819 2,279,433 6,079,056 Quantity Traded 40,079,238 14,088,327 533,422 165,000 3,363,373 3,528,198 2,062,328,727

No. of Deals 29 16 5 1 3 2 14 8 16 3 1 1 1 1 (Equities) 63 164

Current Price 0.80 0.97 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.49 0.53 0.78 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.76

Quantity Traded 3,871,941 Page 2,219,951 79,520 1,000 1,597,200 699,811 200,750 639,884 2,521,424 133,000 4,527 600 186 1,500,000 4,101,098 17,570,892

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.99

Quantity Traded 104,457 104,457

Value Traded 103,412.43 103,412.43

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 44 23 362 60 12 14 70 585

Current Price 3.30 3.99 14.50 4.24 0.57 30.40 2.15

Quantity Traded 172,302 1,535,547 9,656,631 9,712,763 2,164,503 6,144,256 29,878,298 59,264,300

Value Traded 567,256.21 6,077,259.65 139,815,690.07 40,608,983.11 1,247,689.42 186,759,709.81 64,344,958.27 439,421,546.54

2,139,268,376

36,971,376,761.73

Quantity Traded 25,126 313,648 21,587 452,688 218,245 1,031,294

Value Traded 45,765.78 1,123,142.97 1,354,891.98 698,818.46 230,771.78 3,453,390.97

1,031,294

3,453,390.97

ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK Symbol STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Page

2,938 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 6 11 13 26 15 71 71

Current Price 1.86 3.59 65.99 1.53 1.04

Page

Value Traded 93,218,948.98 12,838,458.35 35,666,760,717.04 380,670,578.09 67,042,257.23 16,852,236.21 Value Traded 86,976,417.22 101,462,013.01 4,367,351.09 82,500.00 3,082,047.03 85,375,888.01 36,518,729,412.26

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Retailers Totals Activity Summary onPart Board EQTY Courier/Freight/Delivery SERVICES RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

6

of

Value Traded 111,300.00 111,300.00

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.88

Quantity Traded 1,160 1,160

Value Traded 2,076.40 2,076.40

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,450,000 1,450,000

Value Traded 725,000.00 725,000.00

1,661,160

838,376.40 Value Traded 10,895,754.40 770,389.82 2,320,000.89 4,403,744.30 Value Traded

21

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN Symbol

No. of Deals 32 8 9 22 No. of Deals

Current Price 32.50 8.60 39.05 Current 14.40 Price

Quantity Traded 336,353 88,979 59,467 Quantity307,148 Traded

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 1.82

Quantity Traded 116,952 116,952 Page

Value Traded 215,614.56 215,614.56 7 of 12

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 5 6

Current Price 1.75 18.85

Quantity Traded 1,000 104,477 105,477

Value Traded 1,670.00 1,969,396.45 1,971,066.45

2,239,223

181,156,489.26

DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

45 3 47 166

12

225.00 5.10 115.00

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 7,989,766 7,989,766

Value Traded 4,023,008.02 4,023,008.02

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 319 319

Current Price 25.50

Quantity Traded 6,971,418 6,971,418

Value Traded 175,876,538.44 175,876,538.44

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 18 32 64 21 13 9 157

Current Price 61.00 4.04 220.00 174.00 55.96 180.00

Quantity Traded Page 108,840 876,943 155,772 46,255 7,366 4,057 1,199,233

Value Traded 8 6,309,716.98 of 12

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 679.98

Quantity Traded 6,330 6,330

Value Traded 4,217,969.96 4,217,969.96

16,166,747

237,402,850.63

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 300.00 300.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded

Value Traded 116,161.12 116,161.12

Daily Summary (Equities)

533 Symbol AFROMEDIA

No. of Deals 1 1

RTBRISCOE

Current Price 0.50

13 13

0.96

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 28 28

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Specialty SERVICES SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Specialty Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

78,664,457.40 845,711.00 81,069,750.44 178,969,808.25

No. of Deals 49 49

Symbol CILEASING

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC.

348,582 166,610 709,655 2,016,794

179

No. of Deals Current Price 29 4.79 No. of Deals Current Price 29

Printing/Publishing Totals

Value Traded

of

Quantity Traded 210,000 210,000

Symbol REDSTAREX Symbol

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 LEARN AFRICA PLC Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC.

4 3,105,819.25 of 12 2,165,386.77 40,555.20 500.00 798,600.00 349,905.50 501,137.50 339,138.52 1,960,091.08 66,500.00 2,263.50 300.00 93.00 750,000.00 3,042,100.18 13,122,390.50

5

Current Price 0.55

OIL AND GAS Totals

Daily Summary as of 04/09/2014 SERVICES Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 Advertising

2,045,511.70 3 of 12 Value Traded 10,210,410.97 38,954,507.35 49,164,918.32

Current Price 9.27 6.11 17.01 1.95 29.31 2.70 Current Price 2.18 7.25 8.16 0.50 0.91 24.20

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 5,794,034.00 60.68 65,574,499.03 25,399,305.50 10,530.00 Value Traded 513,415,914.31 149,345.75 610,343,689.27 2 of 12

No. of Deals 200 47 138 94 210 134 No. of Deals 882 162 61 4 43 210 2,185

Daily Summary (Equities) DIAMONDBNK

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLCGOODS INDUSTRIAL CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Building Materials

Employment Solutions Totals

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC HMARKINS INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM NIGER NIGERINS Daily Summary as ofINSURANCE 04/09/2014 CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC UNIVINSURE Daily Summary WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

610,422 Page Quantity Traded 295,175 808,112 1,103,287

No. of Deals 15 15

ICT Totals

420.00 420.00

No. of Deals 2 2

GOLDBREW GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW Symbol NB PREMBREW

Processing Systems Daily Summary as of PLC 04/09/2014 CHAMS Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 Processing Systems Totals

1 Valueof Traded12

Symbol DUNLOP

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION

IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol COURTVILLE

126,036 126,036

3,545,428.78 34,274,995.55 8,057,347.18 391,650.22 706,195.50 53,285,334.21

Quantity Traded 1,008,441 Quantity Traded 1,008,441 Page Quantity Traded 303,000 303,000

Value Traded 4,717,842.59 Value Traded 4,717,842.59 9 of 12 Value Traded 151,500.00 151,500.00

Current Price 0.92

Quantity Traded 925,036 925,036

Value Traded 839,673.32 839,673.32

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

No. of Deals 1 12 23 36

Current Price 1.55 1.47 3.98

Quantity Traded 200 285,500 807,481 1,093,181

Value Traded 296.00 421,250.00 3,087,416.39 3,508,962.39

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 186,578.25 186,578.25

ABCTRANS

12 12

0.72

258,419 258,419

Symbol NSLTECH Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 No. of Deals Current Price 1

Quantity Traded 520 Quantity Traded 520 Page

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 3 41 44

Current Price 2.00 4.93

Quantity Traded 25,500 1,176,496 1,201,996

Value Traded 53,305.00 5,837,896.19 5,891,201.19

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 5.00

Quantity Traded 115,965 115,965

Value Traded 566,570.35 566,570.35

182

5,034,194

15,979,549.21

EQTY Board Totals

5,304

2,253,228,903

38,878,125,591.14

Equity Activity Totals

5,304

2,253,228,903

38,878,125,591.14

SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 260.00 Value Traded 260.00 12 10 of

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Daily Summary as GRIFFIN of 04/09/2014 VETIVA 30 ETF Printed 04/09/2014 14:51:13.013 Exchange Traded Fund Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

12

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 1,996.00 18.62

Quantity Traded 27 10,000 10,027 Page

Daily Summary (ETP)

Value Traded 53,892.00 186,200.00 240,092.00 11

of

ETF Board Totals

2

10,027

240,092.00

ETP Activity Totals

2

10,027

240,092.00

12

47

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Ebonyi crisis: Court stops Nwaobashi as speaker CONFUSION Two speakers, one House. That sounds strange. The court will put the House in order Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

A

n Abakaliki High court yesterday restrained the factional speaker of

Ebonyi state House of Assembly (EBHA), Mrs. Helen Nwaobashi from parading herself as the speaker of the House.

Justice Ken Chinyere Eze said the court has the jurisdiction to entertain the case as earlier contested by the counsel to Nwaobashi, arguing that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case.

The court however ordered that the parties in-

Health workers give Fayemi ultimatum over salary Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

H

ealth workers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions, yesterday embarked on protest over unpaid salary and the delay by the state government in releasing monthly subvention to hospitals.

They have therefore given the state government till September 15 to clear their July and August salaries or be prepared for industrial action.

The union, which comprises health workers at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti and local government councils, also asked the government to release the two months accumulated subvention to the hospitals to enable them carry out their responsibilities to both workers and the society.

The aggrieved workers had as early as 7am con-

verged on EKSUTH's gate where they displayed placards bearing different inscriptions denouncing government's action.

Some of the placards read: "Fayemi pay our salary, "pay health workers retirees their gratuities now", "Governor pay our salaries now", "we need our subvention to prevent Ebola virus disease" among others.

The Chairman of the union, EKSUTH chapter, Mr. Sola Ojo, said it was unfortunate that the government did not respond to a letter written to it a week ago demanding the release of the outstanding subvention to the hospital.

He lamented that the delay in releasing July and August subventions had impacted negatively on the hospital as it had not been able to pay workers' salaries and put in place necessary things to improve working conditions of health workers.

Ahmed seeks synergy between states, FERMA Biodun Oyeleye

Ilorin

K

wara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday appealed for an interface between the state government and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on road maintenance and allied matters to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure better results.

Ahmed according to a Government House statement made the call this while inspecting the Ohan Bridge at Alapa in Asa local government area of the state during an unscheduled inspection of the bridge that links Kwara and Oyo States.

The governor told the Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Omotayo Awosanya and the FERMA Chief Engineer, Tunde Ige that such cooperation was necessary because state

governments are closer to the people who are the major beneficiaries of such projects.

He added that such synergy will ensure proper utilisation of resources in the face of compelling public expenditure at all levels of governance.

Ahmed who commended the federal government for its intervention on the Ajasse-Ipo – Offa-Erin-Ile road, implored the central government to resume rehabilitation on the stalled intervention, adding that such will not only boost economic activities in the areas but reduce accident along the road.

Inspecting the recently completed Oke Andi road in Sango area of Ilorin, Governor Ahmed promised that infrastructural development of the state will be evenly spread as communities yet to benefit will not be left out in government's programme of shared prosperity.

volved in the case should continue to maintain peace and order and return to status quo pending when the substantive suit will be determined on 21st September 2014 by the court.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ruling, counsel to Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku , Chief Mudi Arenede said there are two rulings by the court, first was the jurisdiction to entertain

2,763

the matter and other application by the plaintiff.

"If you remember, the learned SAN who is representing the pro-impeachment group argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain this suit on the account that it relates to the proceedings of the House of Assembly. But the court determined it today and affirmed that it has the jurisdiction.

"Most importantly, the

The number of medium passes completed

by Germany at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

second harm is that the court has made an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Nwaobashi from parading or holding herself out to members of the public as the speaker of Ebonyi state house of assembly until the substantive suit is determined,” he stated.

Arenede commended the court for taking the decision in tandem with the position of the law.

On his part, counsel

39.6%

The percentage of the urban population of Equatorial Guinea in 2012.

Source: Un.org

to Nwaobashi, Chief Anthony Mogbo said he will consult with her client to get further briefing on the next line of action.

Meanwhile, the court however adjourned the matter to 14th October, 2014 for further hearing.

The chief judge of Ebonyi state, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, New Telegraph gathered, is likely to re-assign the matter to another judge.

1:5

The estimated ratio of preventable deaths due to smoking in America.

Source: Smokingstatistics.org

L-R: Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Peter Obi; World Bank Country Director, Marie-Francoise Marie-Nerlly; Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam and former Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey, at the a book presentation on Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project in Abuja...yesterday

Association refutes Ajaokuta salary claims Muhammad Bashir

Lokoja

T

he Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN), has refuted the allegation that the federal government is wasting N3.4 billion as salaries to staff of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Responding to some publications credited to Alhaji Kola Balgore in some national dailies, to the effect that such monies were being spent on the workforce, the association described it as crass falsehood.

The union at a joint press conference with Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN), at the steel plant urged Nigerians to disregard the malicious and mischievous statement.

Balgore in the publication was quoted as saying that the federal government was wasting N3.4 billion monthly to pay the

salaries of workers who were doing nothing at the steel complex.

The National President of ISSSAN, Comrade Mohammed Otori, stated that Balgore, as a banker and currently the Chairman of Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), should have investigated the financial activities of the steel company before throwing his vitriolic venom.

In setting the record straight, Otori explained that the monthly wage bill currently accruing to the steel workers stand at about N288 million for staff strength of about 2,900. "On full operation, the steel company will even require a minimum of 30,000 workforce.

"Belgore as a banker has access to information from the budget office of the federation. We state categorically and emphatically that Mr. Balgore lied and misinformed the good people of Nigeria", he said.

Aliyu tasks NAMA on Minna airport Dan Atori

MINNA

overnor of Niger State, GAliyu Dr. Muazu Babangida yesterday expressed

serious concern over the slow pace of renovation of works at the Minna airport.

Governor Aliyu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Israel Ebije in Minna, said the airport is supposed to be the commercial hub for all travellers as it is the practice in developed countries.

"As an alternate airport to Abuja, it is only right for the place to be operationally ready at all times", he said.

The governor’s spokesman further stated that the Niger state governor made his position known during an Award of Excellence presented to him by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) where he urged the agency and other relevant authorities to ensure that the airport is made operationally ready.

Accordingly, the statement reads in part: “Please tell the relevant

authorities about the need to quickly upgrade the Minna airport if it must serve its' purpose as alternate to the Abuja airport. We must not wait for emergencies before doing the right thing”.

He urged NAMA and visiting managers of all 30 airports in the country who were on his entourage during the courtesy visit to ensure that the Federal Government fulfilled its earlier promise to send a simulator to Minna airport since the past 20 years.

The governor while asking NAMA and other regulatory bodies in the aviation industry to buckle up, stated that every single aircraft on operational duties must be air-worthy, adding that the only way to avert disaster is to report airline operators with faulty aircraft.

“You must be ready to report faulty aircraft to the appropriate regulatory authority for immediate action. You must realize that every decision counts in aviation transport and many lives are at stake.

48 NEWS

FIGURES

Politics is not just about election, Oyebode says head count could cause crisis than election Kayode Olanrewaju

A

Professor of International Law at the University of Lagos, Prof. Akin Oyebode, yesterday opined that rather than Nigerians being apprehensive of the outcome of the 2015 elections, they should be more worried about 2016 census, which its attendant manipulations will determine the country’s unity and indivisibility.

This was part of his views at the 15th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Sanctity of Truth

Oyebode: 2016 census will determine Nigeria’s unity Oyebode, a delegate to the just concluded national conference and a guest speaker at this year’s edition of the lecture, however expressed worries that Nigeria, as a country has done nothing to ensure liberal democracy where the rule of law and equity prevails.

He spoke on the theme: “The power of your vote: A catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria.”

According to him, there is need for Nigerians to be worried about the 2016 census because of the heightened determination of some people not to ensure accurate and credible census.

He said the history of census in the country has been skewed in favour of

certain geographical areas, even when it is glaring that it was not to be so, apparently to be in power.

He said that if the recent creation of additional polling booths across the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is anything to go by, then there is a lot to worry about.

He wondered how the states in the North Eastern part of the country where there are upsurge of insecurity, have more polling booths than other states in the South where there is stability.

On the persistent Boko Haram Islamic sect attacks, especially the recent take-over of Bama in Borno State by the in-

surgents, Oyebode said Nigeria is on trial, insisting that the country needed an Obama who could take the battle to the insurgents and not a leader who is relying merely on propaganda.

“Nigeria needs an Obama, who will carry the fire to the Boko Haram, and not a leader who is not purposeful enough, and who has not demonstrated the power or the will to face the insurgents and give it back to them,” he said.

Oyebode, while saying that what the country has is a paradigm of democracy, he compared the nation’s political parties as akin to bottles of beer, which are only differentiated by the brand.

Friday, September 5, 2014

‘No rift between Fashola, Ikuforiji' Muritala Ayinla s the struggle for who Ament occupies the governHouse, Alausa in 2015 gubernatorial election gathers momentum, the Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday debunked existence of a cold war between incumbent Governor, Babatunde Fashola and the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

A media report had alleged existence of a rift between the two principal officers over conflict of interest.

But the House described the report as malicious and capable of destablizing the peaceful co-existence amongst the three arms of government

Search for Akpabio's successor goes beyond Ibibio, Annang Tony Anichebe UYO

n a renewed effort to Iproducing actualize the dream of the next Akwa

Ibom State Governor of Oro extraction in 2015, stakeholders in Oro nation the third largest ethnic group in the state yesterday appealed to all relevant stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to give Oro Nation a chance to produce Governor Akpabio’s successor in the spirit of brotherhood, justice and equity.

In a briefing organized

by Oro Think-Tank, the speakers were unanimous as they vowed never to negotiate their resources nor concede the

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Chief Fassy Yusuf; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos chapter, Mr. Joseph Okonmah; Commissioner, Lagos State Residence Electoral Commission, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola and Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, during the NIPR Public Lecture/Annual General Meeting in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Council boss petitions IG over Nwaogu’s allegations Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

T

he face-off between the Senator representing Abia Central, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and the Transition Committee (TC) chairman of Isiala Ngwa North local government area, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, came to a head yesterday when the chairman called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the attack on his convoy by the Senator, saying the matter

should not be swept under the carpet.

“We call on the IGP to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the senator to book for endangering innocent peoples’ lives”, he prayed.

Also, the chairman wants the IGP to “ascertain whether Senator Nwaogu is entitled to such number of security men which now emboldens her to harass innocent citizens who seem to hold different political opinion from hers.”

Addressing journalists

in Umuahia on the development, the local government boss said the senator was the aggressor but has turned to allege that she was attacked by thugs and assassination attempt made to her life by the chairman and his men.

Senator Nwaogu had alleged in a newspaper interview that she was attacked by a transition committee chairman on her way to Aba and narrowly escaped being shot. She expressed fears that thuggery was returning to Abia politics.

But in a reaction, Onwusibe said: “The position of the Senator is blatant falsehood and a failed attempt to misrepresent an act orchestrated by her in order to paint a sorry picture for herself.”

The chairman said the incident took place at Uratta –Amaekpu junction. He explained further that at that point, the Senator’s convoy also came close to the junction while his was turning into the other side of the expressway.

NURTW President: All members must register for Glo S-ViD insurance scheme

resident of the NaPTransport tional Union of Road Workers

(NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, has directed all members and staff of the union including Garage Managers and Bus Conductors to register for Globacom’s newly launched Security Verified Identity (S-ViD) Insurance scheme for members of the National

Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) within 30 days.

Under the scheme, N1million will be given to the next of kin of any union member who dies in an accident, while N850, 000 will be given to members who suffer permanent disability.

To enjoy all the benefits, members of NURTW are expected to use their

S-ViD cards to buy a minimum of N1000 Glo recharge card monthly.

Alhaji Yasin said the S-ViD NURTW Identity Card will assist the union to identify authentic members and staff and solve the problem of wrong identifications and misrepresentations which had bedeviled the Union for years.

He expressed happi-

ness about the insurance attached to the ID Card which he said would assist members and staff of the Union in case of accidents, adding that all members and staff of the Union should include their National Identity Numbers in their registration forms to enable issuing Banks include the details in their cards.

in the State.

The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade who debunked the report, said the leadership and the legal team of the House has concluded arrangements to sue the newspaper in question.

Also, in a press statement made available to New Telegraph signed

by Olulade, the Assembly also alleged that a weekly newspaper, 'The Premier' had published a story on September 2, 2014 on its front page which was titled, 'Fashola is a traitorLagos Speaker, Ikuforiji in a scathing facebook attack on BRF."

Northern elders back Jonathan, Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

are strong indiThajihere cations that the AlTanko Yakassai-led Northern Elders Council (NEC) has concluded plans to support President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Nnamadi Sambo for the 2015 election.

T he indication emerged at the formal presentation of the council’s 50 member Board of Trustees (BOT) at Arewa House Kaduna yesterday.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta heads the board.

In his acceptance remarks, Jimeta noted that despite the security challenges that the nation is facing, the country has remained resilient and has been successfully held together by the Jonathan administration.

According to him, NEC appreciates the harmonious working relationship that exists between President Jonathan and Vice President Sambo.

governorship position to any ethnic group in 2015.

A former Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Etim Uye who chaired the occasion said Oro stakeholders led by the Think-Tank organized the meeting to brief their people on the fruitful efforts being made by the group in the struggle for the 2015 Oro governorship project and to formally declare to the whole world that they were not leaving any stone unturned in their commitment towards producing the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

CHANGE OF NAMES

IMADE

Former Miss Imafidon Ikponmwosa, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Imade Ikponmwosa.

Former documents remain valid. General public note.

ELENDU

Former Miss Ogechi Comfort Ndukwe, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Ogechi Comfort Okorie Elendu. Former documents remain valid. General public note

NKARAONYE

Former Miss Kogwonye Priscilla Chidinma, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Nkaraonye Priscilla Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. MOUAU, NYSC and general public note

DLAMINI-SOLOMON

Former Miss Prudence Bomisile Ngabi Dlamini, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Prudence Bomisile Ngabi DlaminiSolomon.Former documents remain valid.General public note

JOHNSON

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Sunday Osondu Nwankwo now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Sunday Osinachi Nwankwo Johnson. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

news 49

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

Adamawa Acting Gov ejects Nyako’s commissioners HOMELESS From landlords, Nyako's men may become tenants as politics takes a new turn in Yola Ibrahim Abdul

Yola

A

damawa State Acting Governor, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has revoked

the sale of government residential houses and lodges at Dougirei Quarters, Yola. The houses were initially sold out by the ousted administration of Governor Murtala Nyako, on owner-occupier basis.

While dropping the hint, the Supervisory Commissioner for Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Bashiru Ahmad, in a press release issued

yesterday in Yola, said acquisition of the buildings by some operatives of the immediate past administration is an act of illegality, stressing that due process was not followed in the exercise.

“The State Executive Council has decided to revoke the purported sale, which did follow any due process and was done in total contravention of the existing law of the Owner-Occupier

Scheme with effect from today, 3rd September, 2014,” the release said.

According to the release, those houses at Dougirei are official residential buildings that are supposed to be for house cabinet members and fall under the category of those houses not be sold at any time.

“They are to remain as official quarters for serving commissioners, who are to pay rents

should they choose to reside in the quarters.

This therefore forecloses the issue of free accommodation even for the serving commissioners.

“Government viewed the sale of these quarters by the operatives of the past government to themselves at the value of N5 million as a criminal act, which cannot be condoned by any responsible government. As we are all aware, the average cost

of a virgin plot of land around that area goes to about N70 million much less a developed one,” the statement said.

It further explained that in 2002, when the government decided to sell its houses under, the owner-occupiers scheme, it set up a committee which looked in to the desirability or otherwise of the programme then and categorised the houses and estate to be sold.

…Panel threatens to arrest former SSG Ibrahim Abdul

Yola

Justice Bobbo Umar TingheJudicial Panel investigatthe administration of

former Governor Murtala Nyako, between 2007 and 2014, has issued a warrant of arrest on the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kobis Ari Thimnu, for his failure to appear before the panel.

At Tuesday’s sitting of the panel, it directed the counsel to the former SSG, Oladele Olalalo, to bring his client on or before the close of Wednesday’s sitting of the panel. However, at Wednesday's sitting, the panel had to delay its' sitting till late in the night

to give room for the former SSG or his counsel to appear before it.

Irked by the waiting game, counsel to the panel, Samuel Kyenson, prayed the four-man panel to apply the powers vested on it by section 1(2) of the Commission of Inquiry Law of Adamawa State 1997.

In his submission, kyenson averred that the commission deserves to be respected and its order be complied with by any witness, no matter his status or position in the society.

To this end, Justice Umar, ordered the arrest of the former SSG ‘for his failure to appear before the panel without cogent reasons.’

L-R: Group Chief Executive Officer, IHS Holding Limited, Issam Darwish; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki and Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck, at the MoU signing ceremony between MTN Nigeria and IHS Holding Limited over the outsourcing of MTN Nigeria's mobile network towers in Lagos

181,040

Mimiko tasks political class on development Babatope Okeowo

Akure

ndo State Governor, Dr. Ochallenged Olusegun Mimiko, has the political

class, irrespective party affiliations, to contribute to the development of the state in the face of global financial challenges.

Speaking in Akure, at the presentation of the ‘Living Hero Man of the Year’ to a philanthropist, award Rotimi Ibidapo, the governor said the present situation in the country demanded that people rally round governments at all levels and contribute to the human and infrastructural development of the society.

The governor, who spoke through his Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lady Yemi Mammud-Fasominu, said the award presented by on Platform of Ondo State Man of the Year in conjunction with the Hero Ventures, publisher of Hero titles, was capable of making people strive to develop their communities.

The governor, however, lauded the contributions of notable sons and daughters of the state to its development, saying Ondo State is proud to have a person like Ibidapo, who has in no small measure impacted lives and the communities.

The total area (in sq. km) of Cambodia.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Tiv allege victimisation in Eggon, Fulani crisis Cheke Emmanuel

LAFIA

C

oncerned Tiv elders in Nasarawa State yesterday condemned the victimisation of their kinsmen in the lingering crisis between Eggon and Fulani herdsmen in the state, calling on government and security agencies to be more proactive in curtailing the situation.

The group further condemned in strong terms, the

Niger to conduct survey in 25 council areas Dan Atori

MINNA

ollowing the recent reFGross basing of the country’s Domestic Product

(GDP), the Niger State government in conjunction with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is to conduct an economic survey of all the 25 local government areas of the state.

Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commis-

sion, Alhaji Yahaya Dansalau, who disclosed this in Minna yesterday, said the state executive council has already approved the execution of the project, which will commence immediately.

This he said is to ensure the success of the project, which will cost the government about N17 million for 500 enumeration centres with each local government having 25 of such centres.

26,528

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation in Angola assisted by UNHCR at the beginning of 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Dansalau said part of the areas to be covered by the survey includes education, health, economic status of the people in the rural and urban areas, entrepreneurial skills of the people as well as the poverty level.

The deputy chairman said the survey is ‘going to be the first socio-economic survey in the state,’ adding that ‘it is going to be scientifically conducted.’

renewed clashes between the two groups, lamenting that the situation has taken a dimension where property have been looted in some Tiv villages by the attackers even as the Tiv community is not involved in the current wave of crisis.

Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Alexander Avindigh said: “We are particularly disturbed that even the Tiv that are not party to the renewed massacre, have suddenly become victims of this criminal brigandage, especially the looting of property in Tiv villages of Chorun, Bem, Agberchamegh, Asumeku in Lafia East Development Area and Asuwa-Bier Ipaa, Abaagu, Mkusu Udolugh Tse-Kuna and Tse-Ushir in Obi Local Government Area.”

He also lamented that the Southern senatorial district has not seen peace in the last three years due to senseless killings and destruction of lives and property by criminal elements and agents of discord.

74

The sex ratio of men above 60 years per 100 women in Bermuda in 2010.

Source: Un.org

Omisore can’t reclaim governorship seat, says APC Chief Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

of the All ProCinhieftain gressives Congress (APC) Osun State, Dr. Tiamiyu

Adesina Bello, yesterday described the threat by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-claim the state from Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as empty, saying such dream would never see the light of the day.

Bello, who is also the Executive Secretary of Ede North Local Government, in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, said the party elements and their candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, are jokers in their move to re-claim the mandate which was given to Aregbesola by the people of the state in a free, fair and credible election.

The party chieftain said the PDP lost in the last election because its leaders and members were civilian coup planners, who were seriously planning to unseat the APC government

in a desperate way through the federal might.

He said: Rather than work on the electorate and campaign in a way that would ensure their victory at the poll, they were busy with pranks, intrigues, disregarding the power and strength of the voters, who would determine their fate at the poll.

The executive secretary, however, affirmed that the populace, including the deaf and dumb, knew that the exercise was not rigged nor was it characterised by electoral fraud as its conduct was done in a violence-free environment.

The APC leader, who argued that no amount of Omisore threat at the election petition tribunal could move him, reminded the opposition that election battle at the tribunal is not new to him, saying Aregbesola won at the last tribunal against the then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, even while outside the office as the state governor.

50 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

NCAA set to ground defaulting airlines Wole Shadare

t last, the aviation regulatory body, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it would go tough on airlines that default in the payment of workers’ salaries.

The agency made the threat after the management of the regulatory authority held a meeting with all the airlines culpable in this practice.

At the meeting, the management expressed serious concerns over the non – payment of salaries by airlines.

It viewed the development as detrimental to the continu-

A

ous growth the industry has witnessed in recent times.

According to a statement by the spokesman of NCAA, Fan Ndubuoke, his agency’s action became necessary when consistently, the financial health reports from the airlines were indicating gaps in financial stability.

He noted that as far as the NCAA was concerned, the issue of non payment of staff salaries was critical to safety, adding that the moment an airline cannot meet its financial obligations, it is believed that workers’ morale would be down and this can impact negatively on safety and security of its

operations.

Ndubuoke stated that the carriers were told that NCAA would not condone a situation where their workers would disrupt operations which will affect the travel plans of passengers who have purchased their tickets.

“Consequently, the Authority has written a warning letter to the affected airlines, informing them that non payment of staff salaries is unacceptable to the agency”, he added.

“The Regulator therefore warns the airlines that if this act persists, it will recourse to sanctions, one of which may result in sus-

pension of Air Operators Certificate (AOC).”

He disclosed that three airlines were sometime last year suspended due to their inability to pay staff salaries, hinting that NCAA insisted that is until all the arrears of salaries are paid these airlines will not be cleared for further operations.

According to him, the NCAAthereforewishestoreiterate that it would continue carrying out financial health audit of airlines to ensure that our airline operations are healthy, safe and secure.

InvestigationbyNewTelegraphshowsthatvirtuallyall the airlines are seriously in

dire straits, except for one.

Experts had carpeted the NCAA for not being proactive in its oversight functions that has culminated in the demise of many carriers.

Just last month at the second memorial lecture for the pioneer Director General of NCAA, Zakari Haruna, the chairman of the event, Capt Bries Porbeni, blame the problems of sector on lack of proper regulation by the aviation regulatory body.

He stated that it was inconceivable that airlines could owe their workers for more than six months, stressing that the situation could prepare the ground for

accidents.

He called on the agency to quickly embark on audit of the carriers to ascertain their health and suspend those that could not successfully guarantee safety by their huge indebtedness and their inability to pay workers’ salaries.

A former Assistant Secretary General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, told New Telegraph that the agency needs to periodically conduct financial audit on airlines like it is done in other parts of the world to ensure safety.

Imo 2015: PDM vows to unseat Okorocha, unveils agenda Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

T

he newly elected chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Imo State, Hon. Nzenwa Emmanuel says the party is now well positioned to end ‘the horrible reign’ of Governor Rochas Okorocha and his rescue mission administration in 2015.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the 25-man state executive in Owerri, which emerged after the party's congresses held at various levels in the state, Emmanuel declared that with very strong and formidable structures carefully put in place, the PDM is now prepared to win the governorship position and other elective seats in the forthcoming general elections in the state.

"What we achieved through the congresses is that we successfully put formidable structures on ground that will ultimately drive victory for

PDM in 2015 polls. Imo as we speak, have begun to identify with the party owing to its ideologies of ensuring good governance and economic emancipation and empowerment of our people. There is no gainsaying that PDM will take over Douglas House as well as win other legislative seats in the 2015 elections. Our magic is simple; the manifesto of our great party and of course credible and acceptable candidates we have resolved to field under our party platform", said the party chieftain.

Emmanuel, who before now was the leader, Obowo Legislative Council and Deputy Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Imo State, further disclosed that the newly inaugurated state executive has mapped out programmes and strategies for effective mobilization of Imo people to ensure that PDM becomes a household name in Imo State.

Alao-Akala declares, promises not to demolish property Sola Adeyemo

Ibadan

ORMER Oyo State GovFAlao-Akala, ernor, Otunba Adebayo yesterday

formally declared his interest to contest the 2015 governorship election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promising to alleviate the sufferings of the masses of the state.

At the parked Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Alao-Akala addressed the thousands of party supporters that trooped in from across the zones of the state, saying, "The government of the masses has come. I will not allow anybody to suffer. During our time, peo-

ple were building houses; traders were selling peacefully. We are no longer going to allow our money to be taken to Lagos.

"We shall improve more on the infrastructural developments we did in our last government. Those engaging in contracts will have contracts. Our contracts will not be taken to foreigners in Lagos. We will not demolish shops and your houses. We uprooted palm trees during our last administration, but we planted another.

We will not be proud, but listen to your pieces of advice at all times. Our government will be an all-inclusive one. Money will circulate among the masses", he promised.

L-R: National Treasurer, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Toyin Ogunshola; National President, Ifeyinwa Omowole and Chairman, Lagos chapter, Mrs. Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, at a news conference and unveiling of new logo to kick-start their 25th anniversary in Lagos…yesterday

Fayemi urges urgent action on confab report …as Ekiti delegates brief gov overnor of Ekiti State, Gcalled Dr. Kayode Fayemi has on the Federal Gov-

ernment and the National Assembly to begin the implementation of the report of the just concluded National Conference.

The governor, who made the call in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, while receiving reports of Ekiti Delegates at the confab, said Nigeria has reached a critical point where citizens and government must act fast in order to prevent the looming danger that necessitated the national conference.

Fayemi, while stressing the need for a referendum on the report, expressed optimism that the report would yield positive results that will produce a new Nigeria and give a new lease of life to Nigerians.

“I hope this will go beyond just another report as we have seen many end-

ing up as mere reports but something tells me that we have reached a point of no return; that we either do something about this or God help Nigeria.

This calls for immediate attention of the National Assembly and Nigerians of the need for a referendum”, he said.

The governor, while commending the Ekiti delegates for giving the state quality representation at the confab, noted that many of the decisions taken at the conference were from the mandate given the state delegates by the people of the state at a mini-conference organized before commencement of the main national conference. Fayemi highlighted such issues that were adopted from the position of Ekiti State to include fiscal federalism, devolution of power and gender equality among others.

TMG faults INEC new polling units Johnchuks Onuanyim

Abuja

oalition of Civil SociCters, eties on electoral matTransition Moni-

toring Group, TMG has condemned the recent creation of addition polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Project Manager of TMG, Mr. Lazarus Apir gave the condemnation in an interactive session with the media in Abuja.

According to him, since the Continuous Voters Registration, CVR was ongoing, it was wrong for INEC to create additional polling units without recourse to the outcome of voters’ registration.

The group, which launched its quick count data website stated, "The new voting units is a concern to us. Until the Continuous Voters Registration was over, it would be wrong to apportion new voting units.

"The outcome of the Continuous Voters Registration should be a guide

for the creation of additional polling units".

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega recently created additional polling units all over the country, where he gave the South East 1, 500 polling units, while the North East geopolitical zone was given 5, 000 polling units.

This new creation has raised concerns in some geopolitical zones, with the South East condemning it.

Based on this creation, the South East Revival Group (SERG) had accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega of programming the 2015 to fail.

The TMG interactive session was to access the credibility of the 2011 elections and the preparation of the 2015.

According to the group, Parallel Vote Tabulations, PVT was the tool adopted by the group to monitoring the 2011 presidential elections.

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

51

NFF CRISIS: Nigerians divided over Eagles’ AFCON chance

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

I’ll never reject V Nigeria, IK Uche insists

} p 52

Uche

Ambrose(left)

Ifeanyi Ibeh

lDenies any rift with Keshi

illarreal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has informed New Telegraph that he never asked, and will never ask, to be begged before playing for Nigeria, adding that he wouldn’t be enjoying the fame and fortune he currently does from football had he not played for the country.

Uche was reacting to recent comments credited to Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, that he had asked to be begged before donning the green and white of Nigeria after been left out of the Super Eagles squad to the last FIFA World Cup. Keshi, who according to a statement made available to media houses on Wednesday, had planned on calling up the striker for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations double header against Congo and South Africa, was quoted as saying: “He was sup-

posed to be part of the team that is currently in camp but he said we must beg him first to play for Nigeria because he was left out of some competitions but I can’t beg anyone to play for Nigeria, impossible.

That’s why he is not here.”

But Uche, in a telephone interview with New Telegraph, insists he is at a loss over the recent comments credited to the former Nigeria defender.

“I really don’t know what is going on,” said Uche, sadly noting: “I will never ask anyone to beg me before playing for my country.

“Who am I to ask anyone to beg me before playing for my country? I am what I am today because of God and Nigeria.

I have not spoken to anyone about anything concerning the national team for months now, so I really don’t know where all these comments are coming from.”

Uche and Keshi have had a cat and mouse relationship since the end of the last Africa

Cup of Nations in South Africa.

In fact, Uche has not featured for the Super Eagles since the end of the Cup of Nations and has failed to add to the 44 international caps and 18 goals he has under his belt.

“It hurts me seeing my club mates going to play for their countries while I get to stay behind at the club,” continued Uche. “I have always enjoyed playing for my country and I want to keep playing for my country for as long as possible.”

He added: “It is on record that I have never responded to any of the comments, and allegations made against me out of the respect I have for the coach, considering the fact that he (Keshi) remains one of our living football legends.

“He is a national hero and someone that I adored while growing up so I don’t understand what some stand to gain by feeding him all these wrong information.”

NFF: Maigari returns, fixes Sept 25 for election

Comfort Chukwu Abuja

F

ollowing the latest directive by world football governing, body FIFA, Aminu Maigari on Thursday returned to office for the second time in less than a month with 35 FA Chairmen and 7 affiliate members in attendance.

This follows a directive from FIFA, on Wednesday that “the NFF executive committee as it

was composed on 25 August 2014, meaning under the presidency of Mr Aminu Maigari, should then convene a first extraordinary general assembly as soon as possible to elect the members of the electoral committees and a second extraordinary general assembly in order to proceed with the elections of the new NFF office-bearers.”

The NFF Congress, however, restored Maigari and his board in Abuja on Thursday while the NFF executive committee fixed

September 25 as a tentative date for the elective congress.

The NFF has also proposed Abuja as venue for the elective Congress.

The tentative date for the elective Congress, it was learned, is in compliance with FIFA’s directive to ensure that “in the shortest time possible allowed by law to proceed with the elections of new NFF office-bearers.”

Also, Maigairi and his team are expected to storm Calabar on Friday for the Super Eagles

match against Congo on Saturday at the UJ. Esuene Stadium.

Meanwhile, factional leader of the NFF, Chris Giwa, has insisted that he will not give up his claim to be Nigeria Football Federation president despite FIFA’s nullification of the August 26 purported election he claimed he won.

“I remain the president of the NFF, a legitimate Congress elected me and that is how it is. What I have said [at a public hearing] is that anyone that is ag-

grieved has the right to appeal to the NFF appeal committee, “he said.

“If an appeal committee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport sits today and quash my election, I will humbly vacate office.”

Should Giwa refuse to leave and the ban comes into force on Monday it means the African champions would not be able to play their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 10 in South Africa.

52

sport fanzone

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, September 5, 2014

NFF CRISIS: Nigerians divided over Eagles’ AFCON chance The leadership crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation continues to rear its ugly head just as the Super Eagles get set to begin their quest for a place at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday with a game against Congo before heading to South Africa to take on the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday. However, there are growing concerns that the NFF crisis could have an adverse effect on the team’s upcoming outings.

New Telegraph’s Moyosore Makinde went to town to sample the views of Nigerians on the matter.

With Keshi in charge we will qualify

e should weigh our chances in this matW ter. Nigerians have the ability to adapt to new circumstances. Though we have leader-

ship problems, but we still have Keshi who I think is capable of leading them like he did the other time at the last Nations Cup. Also most of our players are players from major leagues and I believe they are experienced enough. So I believe we have everything to qualify.

TOBI FAWEHINMI

AFCON qualification doubtful

Qualification will be tough

I

AKPAN UKEME

These problems will distract the players

hese problems in our T football federation are very crucial: the problem of

I

don’t think the Super Eagles will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations because, as players, they shouldn’t have worries on their mind while training or playing. They would be distracted by the goings-on in the NFF, causing them to lose focus. I feel the crisis should be resolved as soon as possible so the players, and even the coaches, can concentrate fully on the upcoming games.

JOHN DANIEL

Commitment and determination needed es, I believe strongly in them that they will YSouth qualify for the AFCON beating Congo and Africa in the qualifying matches. But

that will require a lot of commitment, practice, determination and teamwork on the part of the players and the coaches.

ISEOLUWA BINUYO

Corruption’s ruining our football

ntil the NFF crisis is settled, no one would Uexpectation. have peace of mind to do anything to full These problems are as a result of

corruption in the Nigerian Football Federation.

Until the corrupt people are forced out, there won’t be success.

FEMI BALADE

Super Eagles will shine these players will qualify for the AFCON beIthethink cause these misunderstanding erupted during World Cup and the players still did very well in

Brazil. So I believe they will qualify for the AFCON. TOYE ARAMIDE

Eagles will qualify es I believe they will qualify for the AFCON and even win it again.

Y The crisis shouldn’t affect the success of the Super Eagles against the Congolese and South Africans. All they need to do is just to focus on their game, not minding the crisis going on around them.

DEBO ONABAJO

NFF crisis could affect players

sincerely doubt our qualification for the Nations Cup, because charity, and also wellness, begins at home.

We can’t have problems from within us and still plan to do well. All that could be done now, is to make sure these players are well catered for and making sure they have full concentration while in the training camp.

could affect the whole body.

So what these players have seen could affect them psychologically, making them to lose their qualification matches against Congo and South Africa. The NFF crisis should be resolved as soon as possible for the players to get full attention while at game.

IKPEAZU MUNACHI

Super Eagles will give their best

the NFF president, issues with the salary of the head coach, and also the matter of Ebola. Our players would think of these problems and they won’t concentrate. Like the AFCON qualifiers they have in Calabar, they would think of the Ebola situation over there and won’t have complete attentiveness.

FEMI AKINWANDE

Government must stop politicising football

N

igeria risk FIFA ban if the government does not put an end to politicising of football administration. However the Super Eagles are blessed with talented players that will secure the AFCON ticket and also retain the title.

his crisis could be a setback Twhatever for the players because affects the eyes,

OLUWAFEMI OLAOYE

NFF crisis won’t affect Super Eagles

T

he Super Eagles probably have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON. They are entirely separated from the Nigerian Football Federation, so I don’t think their problems would affect the players. If these players have full concentration they will qualify for the AFCON and even win it again.

CHRIS GBOMORAI

Crisis won’t stop Eagles from qualifying

will qualify for the Nations Ttohey Cup because these players love strive for victory like the way

they did in South Africa in 2013.

The NFF problems shouldn’t be a reason for them not to qualify, because with commitment and full concentration they will do well.

ACHERU BEN

African champions, we just have to Aonsqualify.

There were some new names the list for our qualification match

against Congo and South Africa and I believe they are promising. They are hungry to impress Nigerians and also to reclaim their victory. This equally means they would give in their best.

UBONG NOAH

Keshi needs to be taken care of

he issue of coach keshi’s salT ary could be a setback for the Super Eagles not to qualify for the

AFCON because keshi would be affected and his players would also be affected psychologically.

When this happens, they might not do well at the qualifiers.

YEMI TAIWO

Crisis won’t distract Eagles

strongly believe they will qualify Icompetition for the AFCON and even win the like they did in 2013.

The Super Eagles should not be affected by these problems.

They have their own mind set and know what to do when the time is due.

FEMI ADEWALE

NFF issues will affect Super Eagles

he Super Eagles are part of the Tgoing NFF and if they have problems on in their cabinet then I

think the players would be negatively affected due to these problems. The leadership in the NFF should be straight-forward and not have crooked ways. I think i t won’t be fair on the players if the crisis isn’t settled before the upcoming games.

MARIAM ABUBAKAR

SPORT

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Friday, September 5, 2014

53

Relaxed Serena closing in on sixth title lAs Djokovic reaches eighth straight semifinal

D

Serena

efending champion, Serena Williams, continues her quest for a third straight US Open title on Friday when she takes on 17th-seeded Russian Ekaterina Makarova for a place in the championship match.

On paper it’s a mismatch: the two-time defending champion seeking a sixth US Open title against the left-hander from Moscow playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal.

But Williams hadn’t made it past the fourth round in the first three Grand Slams of the year, a gaping hole in her resume despite five titles on the WTA Tour.

AFCON qualifiers:Eagles will wreck Congo –Kpakor Charles Ogundiya

F

ormer Super Eagles player, Moses Kpakor, has expressed optimism about the chances of Nigeria bagging six points in the forthcoming qualifiers against Congo and South Africa.

Kpakor said the Eagles were professionals and they have to display superiority by getting the needed results in the two crucial games against their opponents.

According to him, the players should not let the crisis going on in the Nigeria Football Federation affect them on the pitch.

He said; “I believe the players are professionals and the most important thing is not to allow the crisis affect their input on the field of play. We have a great team that can make Nigerians happy with the full points in these matches.

“Their job is to play football and get the results while leaving the administrative aspect to the officials to handle.”

Kpakor urged the Eagles not to bother about whether there will be a ban or not from FIFA, but should put all their strength into the game.

He added; “Nigeria has a set of formidable and highly experienced players and I believe the players will not be in Nigeria from their various bases for the two matches if they are not ready to give their all.

“If they start thinking about FIFA ban, then they will find it difficult to give their best in the two games, which could spell doom for Nigeria.”

The Super Eagles, currently in Calabar will play Congo on Saturday, September 6, at the U. J. Esuene Stadium while on Wednesday, September 10, will trade tackles with Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Cape Town.

A relaxed and evermore confident Williams is the only top-eight seed still standing in a women’s draw rocked by upsets.

“It’s almost a joke for me because I have done little to no winning in the majors,” she said. “I thought, take it as a joke: I better play doubles just in case I don’t make it past the second round. At least I have a back-up plan. I think that definitely has been able to help me to relax.”

Williams arrives in the last four off a storming 6-3, 6-2 quarter-final win over tough Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta.

Meanwhile, top seed Novak Djokovic advanced to an eighth consecutive US Open semi-final after withstanding a withering challenge from longtime rival Andy Murray The world number one came through 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (1-7) 6-2 6-4 and will play Japanese 10th seed Kei Nishikori in the last four on Friday.

Keshi rules out mind games with Leroy S

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has revealed that he will not be drawn into a verbal war with Congo coach, Claude Leroy.

Leroy declared last month that it will be “difficult and risky” coming to Nigeria for the fixture.

“I think that it would be difficult and risky to play in this area (Calabar). As a matter of fact, neighbouring Cameroon have closed their borders,” Leroy explained with a hint of the Ebola virus that has killed a few in Nigeria.

Keshi was quizzed on the remarks of the veteran coach but he refrained from giving a

categorical response “because of what happened last time.”

“I will not say anything about that because we all know what happened last time,” Keshi said.

Keshi had a public fallout with former Malawi coach, Tom Saintfiet, which prompted FIFA’s disciplinary committee to issue him with a warning after the Malawi FA had accused the Nigerian coach of racism.

Keshi said he has learnt from that and will not publicly trade words with Leroy.

“Last time, I was pretty much on my own so no one should try to get me to reply to what Leroy said because I will not,” he said.

Osaze out of Stoke City EPL team list

House of Representatives orders Giwa out lHughes rues long injury lay-off

he Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on TGiwa Sports has ordered factional president of the NFF Chris to vacate the NFF Glass House in respect to FIFA’s

directive.

During the week, the house committee on sports hosted members of the Maigari-led faction of the NFF, the Minister of Sports, Tamuno Danagogo, and Giwa, in a bid to solve the impasse.

After hearing from all parties involved in the dispute the house concluded that the election which brought in Giwa as the president of the NFF was null and void.

U-14 tourney: Mimiko welcomes 25 states to Ore Charles Ogundiya

The reps ,led by the committe’s chairman, Godfrey Gaiya , said they will ask Danagogo to stop Giwa from parading himself as NFF president and ensure he vacates the Glass House.

Gaiya has continually maintained that all parties sheath their sword in the interest of Nigerian football, currently on the verge of a FIFA ban.

FIFA on Wednesday extended the deadline given to Giwa to stop parading himself as NFF president to September 8, but he remained defiant and went ahead to inaugurate a committee for the league on Thursday.

Giwa inaugurated a seven-man committee to run the league after dissolving the League Management Company (LMC) for putting the league on hold owing to the leadership tussle in Nigerian football.

State governor, Segun Mimiko, on Wednesday Oofndo welcomed pupils from 25 states to the maiden edition Frank Ilaboya’s dad’s the national Under-14 Football Tourney in Ore, Ondo State. burial for Sept. 20 Declaring the competition open, Mimiko, who was represented by his special assistant on Projects, he burial rites of Chief Ilaboya OisRaphael Ademulegun, expressed happiness over T eomaoje, father of ace sports broadthe large turnout of states for the grassroots tourney, caster and Vice Chairman, Edo FA, while assuring them of a safe, secure and enabling environment to freely display their innate football talent.

Speaking also, the sponsor of the tourney, Omikunle Emmanuel, thanked the sports loving governor for developing sports from the grassroots.

“Football among other sports activities serves as catalyst for fast tracking youth and grassroots development especially when the initiative is supported by appropriate authorities,” the sponsor said.

Other dignitaries that graced the opening event were the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Felix Akintunde, the traditional head of the town, His Royal Highness Oba Johnson Olatomide and former Green Eagles and IICC FC goalkeeper, Zion Ogunfeyimi, among others.

Frank Ilaboya, comes up on September 20, 2014, the family has stated.

The interment of Chief Oiseomaoje, who died at the age of 96, will be preceded by a wake-keep on September 19, at his residence in Ule Uantioje Quarters, Uzebba, Edo State.

The late Oiseomaoje is remembered for his giant strides in Uzebba, where he touched the lives of people he came in contact with.

He is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Emmanuel Tobi City have left Super Eagles Softoke striker, Osaze Odemwingie, out their 25-man squad for the Eng-

lish Premier League as the club confirmed that he will be facing a lengthy spell out of action after sustaining a knee injury.

The 33-year old was stretchered off in the 65th minute of Stoke’s 1-0 win at English Premier League champions Manchester City last Saturday and must now undergo an operation.

Manager Mark Hughes revealed on Thursday that Osaze cannot be registered to play before January.

“He’s going to have some kind

of procedure, but the medical staff are waiting for the knee to settle down,” Hughes told the club’s official website.

“He’s going to have to wait a couple of weeks before it’s actually done, but once the operation is done we know he will work extremely hard to get back.

“It’s a significant injury and unfortunately it’s a long-term one, but Peter has a great attitude to work and life in general -- he’s always got a smile on his face -- and he’s going to need those qualities.

It will be a long road back, but we wish him well.”

Odemwingie joined Stoke from Cardiff City in January and has scored five goals in his 18 appearances for the club.

Osaze

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

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55

World Record

On Marble

Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, Love is knowing I am everything, and between the two my life moves.

– Nisargadatta Maharaj

On July 3, 1886, mechanical engineer Karl Benz drove the first automobile in Mannheim, Germany, reaching a top speed of 16 km/h (10 mph).

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

N150

Before Maiduguri falls

S

eptember started with an ominous bang for this country. Boko Haram insurgents over ran a town called Bama, in Borno State. As usual, the administration is trying to put a brave face on this alarming development, forgetting that this is the Information Technology Age, with diverse news sources available to the citizenry.

There has been a spate of denials about the loss of Bama. The official line is that insurgents suffered heavy casualties and the assault was successfully countered by the military. Yet the fact that in the wake of the attack a curfew was suddenly imposed on Maiduguri, gives a strong indication that something is gravely amiss. Even the contradictory explanations are enough indication that the situation in Bama is not the way it is being presented to the public.

To highlight the gravity of what is unfolding, it is important to state that Bama is approximately 40 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Once known as the “Home of Peace”, it had a population of over one million before the recent influx of persons displaced from surrounding areas by the insurgents.

In the same way that Boko Haram evolved from a bunch of religious zealots into a rag-tag guerilla group, and eventually a deadly force of insurgents, so has its overall strategy metamorphosed at an alarming rate. Currently it appears to be at that phase where controlling territory has become paramount on its agenda.

Hitherto the group seemed content with violent raids on villages, and attacks against the military in classic guerrilla style. The emphasis at this point seems to be one of occupation with Damboa, Gwoza and other towns in Borno being taken over. The same tactical acquisition is playing out in Yobe and Adamawa States.

Should Bama be fully under the control of Boko Haram, it would mean that the only major towns in Borno left under government control are Biu, Kukawa and Maiduguri. One glance at a map of Nigeria would vividly reveal what is happening to the country’s territorial integrity within the North East.

It does appear that the one thing government has done consistently since the emergence of Boko Haram’s terror campaign, is to grossly underestimate the insurgency and the major objective of the insurgents. Boko Haram has never hidden its desire to establish its own brand of Shari’a in the country. No doubt it sounds like some hallucination that a bunch of

Graffiti

EMMAN USMAN SHEHU prohabe@hotmail.com - 08051614969 (sms only)

Boko Haram fighters in Gwoza

zealots cum rag-tag insurgents would think it is possible to take over a country the size of Nigeria.

But the people behind Boko Haram are not mere wishful thinkers. Over and over again they have demonstrated that they are intelligent, skillful and operating from a carefully plotted template. The image they publicly project of being illiterate serves as an effective façade for underestimation. Behind that deceptive mask though, the story is totally different.

The state they seek to create is a throwback to the pre-colonial period when a different regime of territorial configurations existed, especially in that region. It is no coincidence that Boko Haram has its tentacles in Cameroon, Niger and Chad. A bit of history should be exquisitely handy at this point.

There was once a Kanem-Borno Empire covering territory in today’s Chad and Nigeria, and extending into parts of modern Southern Libya, Eastern Niger and Northern Cameroon. As a polity, its dominance lasted between the 11th and 18th centuries. While theories of its origin are diverse, its interplay with Islam is more specific especially during the reign of Idris Aloma.

Borno’s decline, and the emergence of the Sokoto Caliphate, made it a marginalised state. The exclusion soon led to the adoption of the “more violent Mahdism as it spread westward from Sudanic Africa. A strand of Islam that encouraged

militancy and opposition to authority, this ‘menace’ school of thought preached that the Mahdi (‘saviour’) would reappear in times of difficulty. Muslims would be rid of oppression, the unfaithful killed and Islam would triumph over evil, with equity, peace and riches for all to ensure.”

The message has continued to reverberate with sections of the populace from that time, through Colonial rule and to the present dispensation.

It is a historical context that strongly influenced those behind Boko Haram. The creation of a new constituency that evokes a seeming Gold Age is a major driving force. It is no mistake that the established key players in the conglomeration called Boko Haram (The Jamaa’atu Ahlis-Sunnah Lid-Da’wati Wal-Jihaad of Abubakar Shekau, Jamaa’atu Ahlis-Sunnah AhlisSunnah Lid-Da’wati Wal-Jihaad of Sheikh Bukar Al-Barnawi, Ansorul-Muslimiina Fii Bilaadis-Sudan led by Abu Usamah Al-Ansori, and Haraktul-Muhajiriina walMujahidiin led by Khalid Al-Barnawi) are a representation of the parts of the ancient Kanem-Borno Empire. The recruitment of fighters has focused on the same areas namely Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Chad’s long history of instability has ensured that there is a ready pool of experienced battle-hardened conscripts.

The underdevelopment in Niger, parts of Nigeria and Cameroon, also offer fertile recruitment grounds. The recruitment

drive in both Niger and Cameroon is only coming to light because of the increased cross-border attacks.

Bewildered, like most Nigerians by the audacity of both attacks and posting the visuals on the internet, Abiodun Ladepo took the pains to analyse both video recordings. He raised questions which he demanded President Jonathan should address to his National Security Team. He observed thus: “The Giwa Barracks attack is the single most humiliating incident for the previously dreaded Nigerian Army. I will forever be befuddled by the fact that for 24 whole minutes, the terrorists did not receive in-coming, defensive fire from the army. In this video (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qgP6aYbtwto), you will not see the terrorists scampering for cover to avoid incoming grenades or heavy machine gun fire. It is as if they are attacking a compound occupied by enfeebled Octogenarians. It is a monumental embarrassment for our army.”

The embarrassment has continued with orchestrated denials, including the “tactical manouevre” justification of the Ngala-Gambarou incident which security analyst Bridget Johnson described as a historical first for Nigeria.

Even if Bama keeps changing hands, Gwoza provides an ideal spot for gaining foothold in Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

It is no coincidence that Shekau made that chilling declaration some weeks ago in Gwoza, which has provided a suitable training complex for the insurgents.

Something needs to done, drastically and urgently, before Maiduguri falls.

OMOBABA

‘RESPECTED NIGERIANS' MADE ME TO COME BACK – Keshi

– Yes, because there's no better option!

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