Binder1 friday, july 17, 2015 by Newtelegraphonline

Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Vol. 2 No. 513

Friday, July 17, 2015

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

PDP governors will support Buhari -Udom

Oshiomhole to Okonjo-Iweala: You've case to answer lInsists ex-minister must come clean on ECA withdrawals Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

here is no let-up in the verbal duel between Edo State Governor, Mr. Ad-

ams Oshiomhole and former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over her management of the nation's finances during her tenure.

The governor yesterday took on the former minister again; saying her defence so far on her handling of the nation's resources has not exculpated her from blame. Oshiomhole, in a statement

by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Prince Kassim Afegbua, in Benin, said OkonjoIweala still had a case to answer, especially on the withdrawals from the Excess Crude Account CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

N150

entertainment

DJ Cuppy: My last romance was two years ago }21

Buhari sacks agencies' boards

lNIMASA Director General fired QuickRead

APC chieftain murdered over Sallah }10 gift

Restriction of movements in Kaduna, Yobe as Muslims mark Sallah }4

We'll not accept election results under Zakari's INEC - PDP }50 Crisis rocks Sultan-led religious council }5 Osun Assembly sets up panel to }12 probe Aregbesola

People in last-minute rush to buy goods for the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday.

PHOTO: MADAKI JEREMIAH.

Gbajabiamila loses out as Dogara zones post to North-West }2

News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari sacks agencies' boards Bayo Akomolafe and Anule Emmanuel

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sacked board members of federal parastatals, agencies and tertiary institutions. The dissolution of the boards of the parastatals and agencies, totalling about 70, was contained in a statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina. The president directed chief executive officers of the affected parastatals, agencies and institutions to refer all matters requiring the attention of their boards to the president, through the permanent secretaries of their supervising ministries, pending the reconstitution of the boards. "While the dissolution does not affect federal executive bodies listed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it covers administrative or technical committees and other similar organs established by the now dissolved boards," the statement added. Largely affected by the dissolution are boards of parastatals and agencies which former President Goodluck Jonathan reconstituted in April 2003. Parastatals, agencies and institutions reconsti-

tuted then were National Boundaries Commission, Nigerian Shippers Council, National Youth Service Corps, Nigerian Television Authority, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, National Lottery Regulation Commission and Maritime Academy of Nigeria. Others included Nigerian Railway Corporation, National Educational Research and Development Council, the National Teachers’ Institute, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Agric Extension and Research Liaison, Agricultural Research and Training Institute, Institute for Agricultural Research, Federal Institute for Industrial Research and Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria. Also yesterday, the president approved the sack of the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi. The agency is the apex maritime regulator in the country. A statement from the president said the termination of the appointment took immediate effect. The president directed Akpobolokemi to hand over the management of the agency and all govern-

ment property in his possession to the most senior officer in the agency who will remain in charge until a new director general is appointed.

Akpobolokemi was appointed the helmsman of the agency on December 29, 2010. Akpobolokemi was reappointed in October 2014

for a second term in office by Jonathan. He was seen as an outsider by stakeholders in the maritime sector who criticised his appoint-

ment on the grounds that he lacked the requisite qualifications and experience to head to the nation’s apex maritime agency.

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Udom, during a the governor's visit to the president in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Gbajabiamila loses out as Dogara zones post to North-West

lSpeaker writes Oyegun on zoning of principal offices Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has defied the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the principal officers of the lower chamber of the National Assembly. In a letter to the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Dogara zones the Majority Leader position to North-West instead of South-West as directed by the party. He has also zoned the deputy leader to NorthCentral, Chief Whip to South-South and Deputy Whip to South-East. These are at variance with the party's zoning arrangement. Dogara, in a July 16 letter entitled "Update on election of Principal Officers of the 8th House of Representatives" to Oyegun, maintained that the

"above proposal satisfies the provisions of Order 1 of our Rules, the Constitutional provision on Federal Character and gives all parts of Nigeria a sense of belonging. The proposal will also obviate all pending court cases filed by some zonal caucuses on the matter.” Referring to Oyegun's letter which heated up the APC crisis, Dogara proffered that: "To resolve this problem, we had offered that some of the aggrieved members of our party, APC, who lost the election for the office of presiding officers, should produce some of the remaining principal officers for peace to reign. "For emphasis, we have conceded the position of Leader of the House and Chief Whip to those aggrieved as long as the persons should not come from the North-East or South-West zones that have already produced the Speaker and Deputy

Speaker. "In any case, sir, I pledge as the Speaker of the House, to accommodate other colleagues of ours in the party list, who may not be taken care of by this arrangement, with other commensurate appointments or other existing opportunities for service to the nation. "We owe a duty to lay the truth bare as we have done in this case. The party in conjunction with governors, national leaders and the APC Caucuses in the House may agree otherwise as the saying goes, “volenti non fit injuria”. Our party must not have the undistinguished honour of setting a precedent outside of the provisions of the Constitution and the Rules of the House. "We most respectfully urge that our above proposal be considered on its merits and that efforts should be made to resolve this matter so that the House will re-

sume its working recess in a peaceful atmosphere. There is no gainsaying the fact that a stable House is necessary to support the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the APC in fulfilling our electoral mandate of Change and Progress for the Nigerian people," he stated. The Speaker noted: "After the letter was received but before I could make the necessary consultations concerning the letter because of its sensitive nature, I was served with court processes on the subject matter filed by some members of the House and other persons and groups from the North-Central and SouthEast zones of Nigeria. The Rules of the House enjoin us to make a determination whether discussing a matter pending in court in the House would be prejudicial to the case. "However, before this

determination could be made, on the 25th June, 2015, I took steps to discuss the matter in an Executive Session of the House which is open to only House Members and not the public. We were prevented from doing so by some House members who conducted themselves in a most unparliamentary manner. It is necessary to point out that the mechanism of Executive Session is resorted to in order to iron out controversial matters in an amicable way to preserve the unity and cohesion of the House. "Since then, efforts have been made by the party, governors and other interested persons to intervene and resolve the issues. We want to place on record, our unflinching loyalty and respect not only to you as an individual, considering your antecedents, but also to the party, APC, under whose platform we were elected to the House.

We have no intention whatsoever of disobeying your directives or the party’s position on any matter. We would, of course, prefer a situation where we are consulted on matters concerning the House before directives are issued and made public. "We feel strongly, that the issue of federal character in the election or appointment of principal officers of the House is a cardinal legal, moral and constitutional principle that should be respected by our party. It is however obvious from the letter under reference that this principle was not taken into consideration." The letter was copied to President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal who serves as Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) mediator, Governor of Imo State and Chairman, PGF, Chief Rochas Okorocha and Chairman, Forum of APC State Chairmen.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Army chief to spend Sallah with troops in Damaturu

lMinimah: I wasn't served sack notice Anule Emmanuel and Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai, will be spending the Eid-el-Fitri holidays with troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. He is expected to receive briefs from leaders of the troops during the visit, especially regarding their challenges, state of fitness and the need to re-kit them. "I don't have anything to say for now. I am just a few hours on the job. With time, we will be talking some more. "I am going to Damaturu to spend the Sallah with our troops there," he told reporters after he held a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa yesterday. Our correspondent gathered that Buratai was at the Villa to receive further briefs on the direction of the Federal Government regarding the war against insurgency in the North-East and other secu-

rity problems around the country. Also, Buratai has said that efforts are in top gear to make the command headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Multi-National Joint Task Force functional. “We are working hard in collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force to ensure that it comes into full operation,” he said. The Army Chief did not disclose the content of his discussion with the president on his new posting. He, however, told State House correspondents that events in the nation’s Army command would be unfolded soon. The army chief was appointed on Monday by President Buhari alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar; the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibas and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) Buratai, who hails from Borno State, was until

his new appointment the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force which has its headquarters in N’djamena. He had previously served as Commander of the Nigerian Army's 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State. Meanwhile, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), has said that he was not given the privilege of knowing when he was to be disengaged or sacked, in view of his position as Army Chief. He said unlike other officers and soldiers, who are informed of their pending disengagement some six months to the time, "ours is radio announcement. You don't enjoy such privilege." Minimah, who spoke yesterday at the Army Headquarters (AHQ), Abuja, while handing over to his successor, Buratai, also noted that he was leaving the Nigerian Army a fulfilled and happy officer, having successfully arrested the imminent

drift "towards chaos" in the Army, occasioned by cases of cowardice and indiscipline by some officers and soldiers. Minimah, who expressed satisfaction that he was able to lead the Army to sufficiently degrade Boko Haram and reduce "them to a band of criminals and petty thieves," added that all Nigerian territories, which were seized by the sect, in the wake of their annexation campaign, were recovered by troops. His words: "When I hear officers and soldiers complain about their disengagement – writing letters for extension and petition, – I say theirs is a privilege, because they have six months’ notice to plan to disengage. But, ours is radio announcement. You don't enjoy such privilege. "As I handover today, I am happy to inform you that the Boko Haram terrorists is at the throes of a certain defeat. "During my tenure, we were able to reclaim all territories earlier lost to the terrorists, sufficiently degrade their potency and reduced them to a band of criminals and petty

thieves. We were also able to stabilise the situation in the North-Central," he noted. Speaking on the challenges that he was confronted with upon assumption of office 18 months ago, the former Army Chief said: "Barracks were sacked at random, weapons and ammunition carted away and vulnerable civilians wantonly killed by the terrorists. The moral of our troops was at its lowest ebb. Soldiers regularly fled the battlefield on the slightest indication of an approaching adversary. "Sadly, the nation began to lose confidence in its Army and military. The situation was no less grim in the North-Central and North-West where armed bandits, cattle rustlers and ethnic militia held sway. "These and many other challenges, were some of the obstacles we had to surmount under very difficult circumstances.” Also speaking in a brief remarks, Buratai harped on discipline, warning that "discipline must be maintained in a higher standard." While paying tribute to

his predecessor, Buratai, who is the 20th COAS, added: "I have been admiring the outgoing COAS since his time in the academy. I am also grateful to you because my posting to the MNJTF is a posting that really brought me out and I must thank you sir for bringing me out to the international stage. Meanwhile, New Telegraph gathered that the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd), handed over to his successor, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin, in an event that took place without press coverage. A military source said the manner of his and other former service chiefs' sack, may have irked the retired four-star General. New Telegraph had reported exclusively that the former CDS got news of his sack via television announcement; the sack caught him in his office. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, who confirmed the manner Badeh handed over, however, said that a formal handover was being planned for Tuesday.

News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Restriction of movements in Kaduna, Yobe as Muslims mark Sallah lBuhari, Saraki, Atiku, Tinubu, govs preach peace, sacrifice Our correspondents

ecurity has been stepped up in major towns in the North as Muslims today celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri. The security alert was part of efforts put in place by the government and security agencies to prevent terror attacks by Boko Haram, which in the last one month has resorted to attacking soft targets in furtherance of its war against Nigeria. However, ahead of the celebration, President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and governors yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace peace and be ready to make sacrifice for the nation's development. The police command in Yobe State also declared restrictions of vehicular movements into and out of the state. A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toyin Gbadegesin, said: “There shall be no movement of all classes of vehicles into and out of the state from all directions or gateways between the hours of 6pm on Thursday 16th of July to 2pm of Friday 17th July 2015 when Sallah would

have been successfully concluded.” The police warned that no vehicles or any means of conveyance will be allowed beyond 500 metres to the praying ground. The police also prescribed mode of dressing to the praying ground saying it should be simple while no bag will be allowed. Also, male worshipers will be checked by male security agents while female security will check their female counterparts before they would be allowed into the praying ground. On its part, the Kaduna State Police Command banned all social gatherings during the Sallah celebrations. It advised Muslims to return home after the prayers because of the prevailing security situation in the country. The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar Shehu, at a press briefing yesterday in Kaduna, said places like Gamji Gate Amusement Park, Galaxy Park and others would be shut during the period. ‘’We have banned all social gatherings and all operators of such centres have been instructed to lock up the venue because of the present security situation in the country and anybody who violates the

order will be arrested," he said. He assured the people that the police have put in place strategies to protect lives and property. Umar warned parents and guardians to be vigilant and monitor their children and wards so as not to allow them to be used by mischief makers. Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, who is also the Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Traditional Rulers, had also announced the ban on the traditional durbar festival that usually takes place after the eid prayers. However, in his goodwill message to mark the occasion, the president called more sacrifices from Nigerians to achieve the desired progress that would bring about meaningful development. He said only such selfdenials would assist the country to recover from its numerous challenges, including the insurgency in the North-East which has claimed several lives. In a statement personally signed by him, Buhari said: "I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from our numerous prob-

lems and start moving in a positive direction." He added that the current period offers the country the opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and under-development. According to him, there is strong need for the citizens to collectively resolve to seize this opportunity and unite to confront current problems that hinders the nation's development. He assured Nigerians that his government would offer nothing short of the required leadership to bring Nigeria out of its current woes. "I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership towards undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to unlock its great potential and that the benefits of our immense national resources are shared and enjoyed by all, not just by successive cabals of corrupt leaders and their cronies. "I was very aware of your high expectations when I assumed office and I reassure you, my fellow citizens, that since my inauguration on the 29th of May this year, I have been working with utmost dedication to meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges which

we identified and promised to resolve," he said. On his part, Saraki called on Muslims to intensify prayers for unity, peace and progress in Nigeria. The Senate president also urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation's military men who are engaged in the war against the insurgents, saying, "so that by the period of the next Ramadan, peace would have been totally restored to the whole of the North-East and other parts of Nigeria". Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, tasked Muslims to adhere to one of the injunctions of Allah that formed the basis of sermons delivered in various mosques during the Ramadan that all citizens should pray for their leaders and their nation. He said when such prayers are offered for the leaders, the leaders could receive divine guidance while initiating measures that would bring comfort and respite for the generality of the people. "At this point in our national life, unity among all the different ethnic and religious groups will usher in peace and peace can only engender progress and development. We

therefore need to learn to live together in peace, tolerate one another and eschew actions which can threaten the peace of the nation," he added. Saraki's deputy Senator Ike Ekweremadu also congratulated the Muslim on the successful conclusion of Ramadan. He said in his Eid-elFitri message by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, that Muslims should not forget the lessons and virtues of love, tolerance, and perseverance imbibed during Ramadan. “We are blessed with religious and cultural orientations that teach us to place general good above personal interest, show love and kindness to all, live holy, and to be our brother’s keeper”, he said. In his message, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, urged the people to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos where residents regardless of ethnic, religious or social status can prosper. The governor said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on its leadership pedestal. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Crisis rocks Sultan-led religious council lCAN demands secretary's replacement by Christian

Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday accused the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) of frustrating religious harmony in the country through the peddling of falsehood and propagating divisive opinions on national issues. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa'ad III is the President of the NSCIA while Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, an ex-Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, is the Secretary-General of the group. In what could be described as a major rift in the ranks of religious leaders in Nigeria, both men have also been accused

of running the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) like a private enterprise, excluding other prominent leaders of the Islamic faith and holding some Christian religious leaders in contempt. Director of National Issues, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Sunday Oibe, who made these allegations yesterday in a statement, disclosed that in recent weeks, Oloyede had been making public statements portraying Christians in Nigeria in bad light with respect to their participation in politics. In the statement, Oloyede was quoted to have said that Christians were unduly dragged into dirty waters of politics for selfish reasons and that if not for the maturity of NSCIA, Muslims

would have had a serious confrontation with their Christian counterparts over the last general elections. He was also said to have launched an attack on the 2014 National Conference which, according to Oloyede, was skewed in favour of Christians over Muslims in the ratio of 70:30. In Oloyede's opinion, nothing serious should come out of the National Conference because the decisions were taken based on errors of composition. According to him, the composition of delegates was anti-North and anti-Islam. These remarks, Oibe said, were not only mis-

leading, but provocative and designed to create the wrong perceptions about others. "We have decided to speak because perception can be made stronger than reality. We can no longer continue to keep quiet because we are in a society that is gullible and where people swallow lies hook, line and sinker. The continuous attempt by Oloyede to mislead the public should not be allowed to succeed this time around. He has been giving an impression that every Christian leader in Nigeria, except his two friends, were dragged into the 2015 partisan politics.

"But good enough, he contradicted himself by saying that Muslim leaders under NSCIA decided to gang up against ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. He had claimed he is not a religious leader and this is just the problem the NIREC has been facing. NIREC cannot function because it is a conglomeration of religious leaders from one group and mix-grill of politicians and traditionalists on the other hand. That is the reason for all the confusion in NIREC," Oibe said. According to the CAN official, Oloyede and the Sultan have, over time ,refused to allow the true composition of NIREC to

function because of some selfish interests. He said that whereas the CAN comprises all Christians in Nigeria, it was difficult explaining the exclusion of respected Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and astute Islamic preachers like Sheikh El-Zaki Zaki, an amiable President of Supreme Council for Islamic Preachers in Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Ibn Nurain, from an umbrella body of religious leaders like NIREC. CAN appealed to Oloyede to honourably resign from being the National Coordinator of NIREC for the organisation to move forward.

Boko Haram: Nigerians must defeat forces of evil – Soyinka Tony Okuyeme

obel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has urged Nigerians to be committed and join hands in the fight against insurgency in the country. His words: "No matter what part of the nation we primarily belong, irrespective of whatever religion we espouse, and no matter where we find ourselves in these troubled times, we must link arms and stand against the forces of irredeemable evil, and be guided by pronouncements that promote our common humanity in defiance of a murderous minority." Soyinka, who turned 81 on Monday, made this call in his message to the 81 Finalists in the WSICE Essay Competition, who undertook the annual pilgrimage to his Ijegba Forest residence. He said: "Whether we choose to admit it or not, we are assailed by one of the most ruthless enemies of humanity that the nation has ever known. It must be an extremely lucky individual among you from several parts of the North who has not lost a family member, a friend, a mentor, or even acquaintance to the forces of death and destruction known as Boko Haram. “You all know that in recent weeks, they have even intensified their campaign of terror and intimidation further south – to Kaduna, and the Plateau. Their message to the rest of us, seemingly insulated, is

loud and clear. We are all involved. "We must not surrender. We must not even accommodate those who believe that our youth exist only for enslavement and arbitrary slaughter. These creatures are not part of us. They belong to no known community of humans. We must join hands in expelling them from our midst and remain dedicated to that eternal human undertaking – the pursuit of truth and illumination through the exercise of the mind." The renowned writer noted that "the youth of our northern communities have borne much, sacrificed much, over and beyond what should be expected at your age. Alas, it is not yet over! Your presence here testifies to your courage and resilience, and the tenacity of your parents.” "My message to you all is therefore straightforward: We must not despair, and we must never submit. We must never forget their victims who must now be counted in thousands. We must dedicate ourselves to the recovery of the missing, the rehabilitation of the displaced, and the healing of the wounded and traumatised. "Islam is a religion that is famous for its love of the Book, indeed, the early followers of that faith were known as ‘the people of the Book’. Famous Islamic scholars have stood guardian at the portals of institutions of learning such as the Library of Alexandria," Soyinka said.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (right), handing over to his successor, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, in Abuja…yesterday.

PDP govs will support Buhari, by Udom Anule Emmanuel Abuja

kwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, yesterday declared that governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have no option but to support President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed. After meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, the governor expressed delight with the way the president has been relating with governors irrespective of their political affiliations. Speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the president, the governor said: "The day you are elected, you

are no more a PDP governor; you are a governor of a state in Nigeria. There is nothing like PDP or APC any longer. "People come out to elect you; party is just a platform in which you get to actually serve your people. The day you are elected and sworn in, you are sworn in as the governor of the whole state. In the case of the president, the day you are sworn in, you become the President of Nigeria. "He (President) welcomes all of us as the father of the whole nation. It has nothing to do with partisanship here; it has to do with the people. The nation is about the people. "Governance is about the people we are just focusing on. Like me, I have only one project at

the back of my mind and that is the Akwa Ibom people project; issues of partisanship do not occur here." The governor explained that he was at the Presidential Villa to discuss with the president the problem of gully erosion being faced by the state which needed urgent intervention. According to him, the state government had intervened in the problem while expecting a refund from the Federal Government. He said on few occasions, major commercial activities almost got to a halt because a major federal road linking both the South-South and the South-East collapsed due to gully erosion. Emmanuel said: "We

have problem of gully erosion. On few occasions, major commercial activities almost got to a halt because a major federal road linking both the SouthSouth and the South-East collapsed due to gully erosion and the state government had to intervene and these things cost a lot of money. Even with that you still need to carry on your own duty because those things exist within your state and as a state governor, you can't just ignore some of these issues," he added. The governor said that the fact that his predecessor intervened in the problem of gully erosion in the state and never got refund would not deter him from attending to issues that affect the people of the state.

News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari, Saraki, Atiku, Tinubu, govs preach peace, sacrifice at Sallah CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said the nation needed brotherly love and harmonious co-existence among its citizens as a means to overcome the numerous challenges threatening its fledgling democracy, especially the challenge of insecurity. Ambode's counterpart in Ogun Sate, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its current challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation. In his Eid-el-Fitr message signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor said: “The attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, will bring within our reach and attainment the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation." He called on Muslims to be in the vanguard of the campaign for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and respect for the sanctity of life, noting that "Islam is a religion of peace." Also, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, urged Muslims and all Nigerians not to lose sight of the gains

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

ABUJA

29o C 24oC Thunder Storms

32o C 23oC Thunder Storms

and lessons of Ramadan. The governor, in his Sallah message in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said it would amount to a mere waste of time, resources and energy if after engaging in a month-long fasting, people now go back to old bad habits. According to him, Ramadan teaches self-discipline, restraint, kindness, empathising with others among several lessons which should form the way of life of any godly human being. "It will amount to punishing oneself, if after abstaining from vices all this while and we fail to make use of the great lessons the month of Ramadan teaches us. There is no better time to allow all the great lessons of Ramadan to rule our daily conduct than now, given the challenges facing our great nation," he added. Edo Stare Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, also urged Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith The governor who congratulated Muslims on the success of this year’s Ramadan tasked them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan to positively impact on their neighbours and the larger society. Oshiomhole in his message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said: "Having observed strictly the injunctions of Almighty Allah by self-denial through fasting and prayers and by offering Zakat to the less-privileged, the faithful should not forget the lessons learnt, to

KANO

ENUGU

IBADAN

CALABAR

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

21oC 18oC Storm

34oC 24oC Partially Cloudy

31o C 23oC Thunder Storms

32o C 23oC Thunder Storms

28oC 22oC Storm

37oC 25oC Mostly Sunny

30oC 23oC Storm

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on his part, called on Muslims and other Nigerians to imbibe the culture of peace, unity and love among one another. Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Aniagwu Ehiedu, urged Muslims in the state to adhere strictly to the teachings of the great Prophet of Islam, Mohammad and to sustain the ideals of the Ramadan beyond the period. In his sallah message, Atiku called on Muslims to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and common understanding as they join their counterparts across the world to mark the end of Ramadan. Atiku in a statement by his media office yesterday, said: “Being good Muslims

requires that we follow the examples of Prophet Muhammed who was always quick to forgive those that transgressed against him and lived a life of building common understanding among people.” The statement added that at a time such as now when Nigeria is at the threshold of a new beginning, it is important that all hands are on deck to support the new political leadership. Also, former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, called on Nigerians to be prepared to contribute to the realisation of the kind of change they want to happen. "The change we desire as promised by the APC requires our collective effort to make it a reality. We must individually and

collectively make sacrifices where necessary to help the APC leadership move Nigeria on the right path of development and growth,” he said in a statement. Tinubu called on Muslims not to depart from the attitude of prayer, supplication and sacrifice for the country. "God has given us another opportunity at greatness and at getting things right. Not many nations have this same chance. Nigeria has and we must all work to make the change we so desire. The APC government led by President Buhari is set on an irrevocable path to reverse Nigeria’s decline and determined to be meticulous, consistent and people oriented in its approach," he state.

Shoppers in last-minute buying of goods for the celebration of Eid-El Fitri at the Abubakar Gumi Central Market in Kaduna...yesterday PHOTO-NAN.

‘Ex-minister must come clean on ECA withdrawals' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PORT HARCOURT

wit, the spirit of piety, almsgiving, of compassion and love for fellow men." Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, urged Muslims to continue to sustain their peaceful coexistence with Christians and people of other faith even as they continue to abhor agents of terror. He urged them to uphold the spirit of love, peace and unity as enshrined in the teachings of the Holy Koran, and stressed the need for them to be ready to embrace the change initiatives of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the country. The Governor assured the people of his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity with their support and cooperation for the development of the state.

totalling about $2 billion. The governor's fresh salvo against the former minister came against the backdrop of a report by a national newspaper (not New Telegraph) that Oshiomhole is at war with Okonjo-Iweala because of her refusal to approve loan requests totalling N15.37 billion by the governor to enable the state meet its financial obligations. The report quoted a letter dated December 9, 2014 in which the governor sought the consent of the former minister and the Debt Management Office (DMO) for the loan, which was turned down on the excuse that granting it would be injurious to the state. But, in a tacit rebuttal of the allegation, the governor said there was nothing personal in the fight against the former minister. Oshiomhole added that Okonjo-Iweala should, as a matter of urgency, “come clean on the issue of revenue that accrued to the Excess Crude Account.”

He challenged the former minister to tell Nigerians and the world “what happened to the ECA withdrawals.” He also criticised Okonjo-Iweala for changing her position four times in the last 40 days and that each position exposed her dubiety of facts and inherent contradictions in her defence. While questioning “what happened to the $2.1billion ECA funds”, the governor expressed shock over “how come those accruals into the Excess Crude Account got depleted without the knowledge of the National Economic Council and how come monies that were supposed to accrue into the said account cannot be found in it going by the balance sheet provided by the former minister.” He also questioned the former minister's right to spend funds from ECA in defiance of the constitution. He said: “It was interesting to note that by December 2012, the ECA

had a balance of over $10 billion. This had been depleted to $2.07 billion by May 2015, according to the former Finance Minister. Between January 2013 and May 2015, not more than $4 billion was shared among the three tiers of government. Indeed, the last time any money was shared from the ECA was in May 2013.” He queried if the former minister was not in the know that “there was no accretion to the ECA even when crude oil prices averaged between $100 to $108 within the three years period of 2011 to 2014, even when the former minister was aware that the national budgets were based on $77 and $79 oil benchmark.” “That gives an average of $30 per barrel gains. In fact, based on rough estimates, Nigeria should earn not less than $30 billion accretion based on the official oil exports of 2.3 million barrels per day. “The question which Okonjo-Iweala could not answer is; how come Nigeria did not make any

savings during those three years of unprecedented oil price boom?” a “simple question that should ordinarily elicit a simple response.” “Without a scintilla of numerical reference, Okonjo-Iweala went into a voyage of storytelling like an intellectual raconteur, leaving out the real substance of the Comrade Governor’s salient questions. “Among other things, she claimed that the 36 state governors who are joint owners of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) with the Federal Government were in full picture of how the ECA was managed,” he added. The governor said contrary to the former minister's statement, the "missing" money was neither distributed to states nor paid to the three tiers of government. "This was the rationale for the setting up of the four-man panel to look at what accrued, what it was spent for, when and by whom and who authorised the spending so that

Nigerians will have full picture of all the transactions as regards the much talked about Excess Crude Account,” he stated. The governor also faulted the former Finance Minister for running from pillar to post, stressing, “Because she plundered the resources with reckless abandon, she is now running from pillar to post without addressing the real issues.” “From the records we have seen so far and the tantrums she has been throwing rather than address the real issues, it is appropriate to conclude that she was indeed Coordinating Minister of Economic Fraud and Financial Malfeasance. All the acclaimed World Bank experiences were just part of the hollow rituals to hoodwink the Nigerian public from addressing the real issues of mismanagement. We will continue to insist that she comes out clean, no matter how ostentatiously dramatic she chooses to go,” Oshiomhole said.

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, july 17, 2015

News

national

GE Technology to power Lekki FTZ

SON DG congratulates New Telegraph MD Temitope Ogunbanke

he Director-General/ Chief Executive of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has commended the appointment of Mrs. Funke Egbemode as Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief (MD/EIC) of New Telegraph Newspapers. Odumodu in a felicitation letter made available to New Telegraph, said Egbemode’s appointment did not come to him as a surprise, considering her untiring effort and commitment to the growth of the journalism profession in Nigeria over the years. He also noted that Egbemode’s appointment as New Telegraph MD/EIC was indicative of her professional excellence and competence.

Mojeed Alabi and Muritala Ayinla

midst protests by the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) against the recent verdict of the coroner’s inquest conducted on the collapsed building in the church, the Lagos State Government has vowed that it would prosecute all the offenders identified by the Coroner, including the church. In a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said his government will uphold and enforce the sanctity of the law in the state, just as he urged residents to also re-

Adeola Yusuf

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; France Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer; Head of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Babatunde Ayeleru and Deputy Director, Alliance-Fransaice, Mr. Michelland Nicolas, during Gauer's visit to the University of Ibadan …yesterday.

Lagos vows to prosecute Synagogue, contractors spect the rule of Law. According to Aruna, Ambode said that one of the provisions of the Coroner Law 2007 is the provision that empowers a Coroner to commence an inquest to find out the cause and manner of death which occur in an unusual manner, and that such was what the state did to constitute the coroner inquest into the September 12 building collapse within the church. He added that the Coro-

Psychiatric doctors seek Buhari’s intervention over insecurity, welfare Appolonia Adeyemi

s the strike which paralysed the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, entered its sixth week, both medical and dental practitioners and their health worker counterparts are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene to pave the way for resumption of normal clinic activities. Against the background of unpaid four years promotion arrears, poor welfare, bad working environment and insecurity of doctors, the Chairman, Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hosptial Yaba Branch, Comrade Uzondu Eke, has urged the Federal Government to come to release the needed fund. It will be recalled that health workers under

the auspices of JOHESU embarked on strike since June 1, over insecurity, poor working conditions as well as unpaid promotion arrears of four years, spanning 2011 to 2014. Speaking in the same vein, a reliable source told the New Telegraph that recently, patients became violent and attacked two resident doctors in the consulting room as there was no ‘crises officials’ to restrain them. Also, doctors under the umbrella of Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) both at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hosptial Yaba, joined the strike on June 9 and since then all clinical activities in the hospital providing psychiatric care have been grounded, leaving patients needing care with zero service.

ner’s verdict of 7th July 2015 made a number of recommendations which the state government will act upon accordingly. The statement reads; “His Excellency hereby reiterates his government’s commitment to uphold and enforce the sanctity of the law in the state and calls on all Lagos resident to respect the rule of law.” “The state government will cause the prosecution of the contractor, Engineer Akinbela Fatiregun

of Hardrock Engineering Company Limited and Structural Engineer, Oladele Ogundeji who constructed and supervised the collapsed building respectively at the Synagogue Church of All Nations for professional negligence.” The statement added that the governor will also be committed to the prosecution of “the Synagogue Church of All Nations for neglecting to obtain building approval before commencing the building,

contrary to the provisions of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010.” Ambode, therefore, appealed to residents of the state to always allow emergency responders perform their duties of emergency professionally just as he enjoined land owners within the state who intend to embark on construction to employ the services of qualified and competent engineers who must obtain building permit before construction.

Customs boss seeks cooperation to halt frozen food products, smuggling Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

gainst the backdrop of influx of frozen products in to the country, Comptroller - General of Nigeria Customs Service(NSC), Abdullahi Dikko Inde, has admonished hotel, restaurant owners and fast food outlet operators to shun smuggled chicken. He said that the protection of poultry sector is a task of all.

His advice stemmed from rapid increase in volume of confiscated frozen chicken by men and officers of the service in the first week of operation “Hawk Descend” in the South Western axis estimated at over N12 million. Nigeria Customs Service “Hawk Descend” operations in the South Western axis of Nigeria consists of Benin border. A breakdown of frozen products seizures confirmed in a statement signed by Customs Public

Relations Officer, Wale Adeniyi, consist of 1,803 cartons of the banned products confiscated in the operation. Most of the seizures the statement added, were made when commercial vehicles conveying them were apprehended by Customs Officers. The statement added that significant number of seizures were recorded on the Iyafin-Badagry waterways on the Lagoon that stretches through the Nigeria – Benin Border.

Katsina bye-election holds August 8 Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold

bye-election into the Katsina Federal Constituency on August 8 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Sheik Umar Ababakar. Ababakar, a House of

Representatives member-elect on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) died on June 3, few days before the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly.

eneral Electric has announced that four of its Waukesha gas Enginators were commissioned at the Lekki Free Trade Zone(LFTZ) near Lagos, providing 12 megawatts (MW) of uninterrupted power supply to the first phase of the Lekki development zone. The company said this in a statement yesterday, adding that with three Waukesha 275GL+ and one VHP 7104GSI gas Enginators, this project was the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa using GE’s 275GL+ and VHP Enginator technology. "The engines’ wide fuel flexibility and ability to run on compressed natural gas and propane provides operators with a cost-effective alternative to other fuels as well the ability to meet the zone’s strict environmental guidelines regarding exhaust emissions," the statement read. “The future of the Lekki Trade Zone is essential to Nigeria’s growth as West Africa’s economic driver,” said Omodele Doherty, AGM—Business Development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone. “We cannot accomplish our expansion goals without a reliable source of continuous power, which is why we turned to GE’s Waukesha technology as a solution.”

MTN to end two-month-old strike

outh African mobile operator, MTN Group and union leaders reached a deal over bonuses yesterday, ending a two-month strike that disrupted the supply of some new mobile phones in its home market. About 2,000 workers led by the Communications Workers Union (CWU) according to Reuters, downed tools in May at Africa's biggest mobile phone operator, demanding an 8 percent pay rise and 16 per cent bonus payment. The CWU said it had agreed to an eight per cent bonus payment this year and 12 per cent next year. Both payments are guaranteed and not related to the performance of the company. "Members are expected to go back to work within two days after the signing of the agreement," CWU General Secretary Aubrey Tshabalala said.

News

NSCDC deploys 2,350 in Osun Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, yesterday said that, over 2,350 of its officers had been despatched to ensure rancour-free Eldel-fitir celebration in the state. The State Commandant, Alhaji Tajudeen Sanni Aba Balogun, who made this known in a statement in Osogbo, said the command took the step to see that peace reigns before, during and after the celebration. According to him: "Adequate security will also be ensured at all the critical infrastructures and national asset locations such as electricity installations, government buildings, among others across the state are protected". He also pointed out that "NSCDC officers would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure adequate security coverage at various praying grounds across the state before, during and after the Sallah celebration". “We have deployed officers and men, including undercover officers, armed squad, medical and other operation teams to monitor identified vulnerable areas and flash points to ensure hitch free celebration”.

Deputy Speaker preaches unity Philip Nyam Abuja

s Nigerians join Muslims to celebrate Ed el fitri, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, has called for unity and understanding among Nigerians. In his Sallah message to Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan fast, the deputy speaker said that it is only unity that can bring about growth and development to the nation. Lasun, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient and allow the present government unfold its plans on how to move the nation forward. The statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Oyewole Oladimeji, said "No meaningful development and achievement could be made under a hostile atmosphere which leads to instability".

friday, july 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Eid-El-Fitri Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ecurity agencies in Kwara State have put out a combined team of men and officers totalling about 10,000 to maintain peace and security during the Eid-El celebration in the state. The move according to the spokesman of Kwara State Police Command, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi, was part of efforts at beefing up in Ilorin metropolis as well as the Eidi praying

10,000 security men to patrol Kwara for Sallah ground ,Ilorin. It also includes counter terrorism measures. He said yesterday: “The command has sent out what we call an operational order that will cover the period of the Sallah celebration. We, the police are fully ready to prevent sabotage by any militant which of course we don't

have in Kwara and also to protect Kwarans. "We are going to make use of all we have in our arsenal, all departments in the command will be working, from information department to antirobbery and bomb squad. In short, all hand will be on deck. "I am using this me-

dium to tell the people of Kwara to be law abiding; vehicle drivers should avoid driving recklessly and everybody should continue with their daily activities normally as we are here to ensure security. On his part, Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) in the

state , Joshua Adekanye, said the agency has deployed 5,000 officers to ensure accident- free Sallah celebration. He said, "I want to tell you that we are fully prepared and we have started our special operations since Tuesday and it will end next Tuesday. We have equally deployed our Mobile Courts for the traffic offenders and we have commenced our enlightenment at Churches, Mosques and parks as well. We have increased our patrol vehicles." Also Spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),Oluyemi Andrew, said "about 2, 000 men have been deployed to maintain peace, security and order in the state. People should not take laws into their hands. We also we encourage the public to be law abiding citizens."

Pray for Nigeria, says Glo L-R: Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amal Pepple; former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige; wife of the former President, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma at the Night of Tributes and Service of Songs for Chief Chinyere Asika in Abuja…on Wednesday.

Kalu calls for spiritual rebirth

minent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the Muslim community in Nigeria on the successful completion of the compulsory 30-day Ramadan fasting. In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, "I wish to join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating this year's Eid el -Fitr. Despite the completion of Ramadan fast, the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians alike need to sustain the virtues of the holy month by maintaining the love, togetherness and peaceful co-existence that characterized the holy month.

"The discipline and self-restraint as exemplified during the holy month is the only way to live a good life and make the society a better place to live. The Sallah celebration should be seen as a season for sober reflection as individuals and as a people. We must rededicate our lives to the teachings of the Holy Book as demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed. It is my prayer that God will grant the Muslim faithful the attendant blessings of the holy month of Ramadan. "In order to maintain peace and harmony in the country, Nigerians must respect one another's faith and ideology.".

Umaru seeks to pray for Buhari Dan Atori MINNA

he Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Barrister David Umaru, has called on Muslims to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed despite the

total collapse of basic amenities faced by the country. Umaru said in a Sallah message he signed and made available to the New Telegraph yesterday that he will do his best to improve the living standards of his constituency and Niger State in general

Ondo deputy gov felicitates with Muslims Babatope Okeowo Akure

ndo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, yesterday tasked Muslim faithful in the country not to jettison the spirit behind the Ramadan fast which means abstinence from sinful ways of life. Oluboyo said as Muslim faithful end period of Ramadan fasting, they have to have a total sober reflection on the period and continue their usual lives for a peaceful and progressive in the society. The Deputy Governor in his Eid-Fitri goodwill message to the Muslims in the state and beyond, congratulated all the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In a release signed his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Bashiru, he described the month of Ramadan as a period of sober reflection, self denial and total commitment to the will of Allah. Oluboyo commended Muslim faithful for their steadfastness and peaceful co-existence with other religious adherence, which he noted has paved the way for the various developmental projects and transformation in the state and Nigeria as a whole. The deputy governor said Islamic religion is a peaceful one which abhors any form of violence or injustice, enjoins the Muslim faithful to always have the fear of Allah in their minds at all times, while also doing good to humanity.

lobacom has called on the Nigerian Muslim faithful to remember the nation as they offer supplications to Allah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. Globacom, in a message of felicitation to Muslims in Nigeria as they join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Eid El Fitri, said that the admonition "becomes more imperative as we recall that Nigeria is at the moment passing through a very difficult time, which requires the prayers and supplications of all faiths". In the statement issued in Lagos, Globacom congratulated them for their endurance and successful completion of the fasting, and wished the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid El Fitri celebration. The Ramadan fast takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar as enshrined in the holy Quran and is concluded with the celebration of Eid el Fitri.

Baraje wants prayers against Boko Haram Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje yesterday asked Nigerians to use the Eid- el- Fitr celebration to seek God's divine intervention to end in-

surgency and other challenges facing the country. Baraje, who made the call in his Sallah message to Nigerians, particularly enjoined Muslims not to be too joyous, but use the occasion as a sober reflection to appreciate Allah for them see the end of Ramadan fast. Baraje, who assured

Nigerians that the APCled Federal Government was determined to restore peace to Nigeria, urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious characters and movements to the law enforcement agencies, calling for community policing to ensure security of lives and property

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, july 17, 2015

News

national

Kalu wants Buhari to intervene in high cost of newsprints

ormer Abia State Governor and Publisher of The Sun and New Telegraph newspapers, Dr Orji Kalu, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to come to the aid of print media owners to avoid job loss due to increasing cost of production in the industry. Kalu, who made this call yesterday, said that the way things were in the print media, the industry was getting closer to the edge of the precipice as the industry runs at a loss because of the rising operational cost that is threatening the existence of most media organisations. He, therefore, pleaded with the President to urgently intervene to prevent job cuts which media owners might resort to, to stay afloat. "The operational cost media houses have to contend with is huge and keeps rising daily.

National Grid Transmission records new peak of 4,656mw – TCN

he Management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the national grid transmission has recorded a new peak of 4,656 megawatts. This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager (Public Affairs) in TCN, Mrs Seun Olagunju, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday. According to the statement, this peak was reached a few days after the last record of 4,545 megawatts was attained on July 13. It reported that the new peak was attained at 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15. The statement said that the previous peak of the power transmission was 4,517 megawatts which was attained on Dec. 23, 2012. It added that power generation and transmission had been above 4000 megawatts due to improvement in gas supply to the generating stations. The statement also said that improvement in equipment/infra-structure upgrade and enhanced human capacity of system operators contributed to the progress.

We are dying from the burden. Our businesses are suffering. From the cost of newsprint to ink, blankets and plates, our consumables in the print media are expensive. The Sun Publishing uses 2,800 tons of newsprint every month, for instance. Add that to the cost of freighting, the dwindling fortunes of the naira and power challenges, and it

becomes obvious that our business terrain is facing more difficulties by the day. The Federal Government needs to come to our aid. If this bad tide is not stemmed, media owners may resort to downsizing to save cost, and that will further worsen the nation’s already bad unemployment figures," he said. The Chairman of Slok

Group, a multinational concern, went on to reveal that all media houses are producing every copy of the newspapers Nigerians read at a loss. "The average cost of printing a copy of a newspaper is N500 and we sell for N150 or N200. That means media owners are subsidising every copy our readers get with N300. How long can we go on

like that and stay in business? The government has to intervene to ensure journalists keep their jobs and we stay afloat." According to the former governor, the media industry deserves special intervention fund from government at a reduced interest rate among other palliatives to carry on with the business of publishing.

L-R: Chief Pharmacist, Registration and Licensing, PCN, Jerome Ameh; Chief Pharmacist, Olayiwola Ogidan and Sales Director, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Kayode Adebiyi, at the GSK Consumer Healthcare Nigeria partnership with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) programme to train and improve the practice of patent medicine dealers and patent medicine sellers in Nigeria held in Lagos.

he Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Thursday that it had concluded arrangements to launch an identity card for Nigerians in the nine provinces of that country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is scheduled for Saturday in Johannesburg. The Secretary of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, told NAN in Pretoria, South Africa, that the identity card was vital for Nigerians living in South

Nigerians in South Africa set to launch identity card Africa. "The Nigerian community will launch the Consular Identity Card to ensure proper identification of Nigerians. It will also check incidence of impersonation of Nigerians by citizens of other countries. "Also, the card will ensure that Nigerians won’t have to carry their pass-

ports around. The card will further assist the union to ascertain the number of Nigerians in South Africa and serve as proper form of identification for Nigerians,’’ he said. Olubajo also said the union would hold its national congress the same day and launch a publication known as NaiRand

News. He said NaiRand News would be used to tell the stories of Nigerians living in South Africa. According to him, delegates from the nine provinces of South Africa will attend the congress and elect 10 officials who will be part of the executive of the union. (NAN)

Group likens Tinubu to Awolowo, Yar 'Adua Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

group in Ekiti State, the Leadership Advancement Platform (LEAP) has likened former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Gen. Sheu Yar 'Adua in the political development of the country. The group said the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart has also proven to be adept in building political bridges

across the country and discovering new political stars that are making waves nationwide. In a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, which was signed by its President, Hon. Ayo Boluwade and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Femi David, LEAP said Tinubu had contributed to the development of many emerging leaders across the country, adding that the views of such a personality deserved more attention than any other individual or group in the current political dispensation in Nigeria.

"Tinubu has developed many people across the country in their various professions through his personal wherewithal and also empowered many others politically. The selfless service and patriotism of the APC national leader also manifested during the last general elections when the opposition defeated the incumbent and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party for the first in Nigeria's history. "The efforts put together to build APC must not also be expended on how to pull it down, hence leaders of the party must be wary of any power play

that could affect the party negatively. "Party supremacy needs to be respected at all times and views of party leaders must also be regarded as sacred at the same time for President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed. "President Buhari has so far displayed to Nigerians that his administration was put in place for all and the demonstration of such can be seen in the recent appointment of service chiefs where an Ekiti indigene Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, was appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria for the first time."

Court orders Mainstreet Bank to pay ex-staff N68.96m

he National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday ordered Mainstreet Bank Limited to pay an exemployee, Mr Jonah Ode, N68. 96 million as cumulative entitlement since 2011 after his sack. Justice Peter Lifu who gave the order, also declared his dismissal illegal. Ode instituted the suit against Mainstreet Bank and Afribank Nigeria plc in 2011 over unlawful termination of his employment. Ode who had worked for the bank for 29 years was dismissed alongside others on allegations of fraud and irregularities in the management of a customer’s account. Specifically, Ode was said to have suppressed a customer’s post-dated cheque to service his loan. The bank management dismissed Ode for not reporting the case on time by virtue of his position as the internal control manager of its Aba branch. Lifu, however, held that from the evidence provided before the court, the claimant discovered the irregularities of unauthorised post-dated cheques on March.28 and reported same on April 11 after his four days leave.

Eko Atlantic boss moves to resolve construction workers’ dispute Dayo Ayeyemi

anaging Director of South Energyx Nigeria Limited, Mr. David Frame, has called the protesting construction workers in the company to come up with their grievances for a peaceful resolution. The construction workers took to the street yesterday, protesting non payment of their salaries. Frame, while assuring the workers of peaceful resolutions, refuted the allegations, saying that the company prides its staff as its greatest asset. He reiterated the commitment of the real estate firm to best practices in line with labour laws. He said: “The management of Eko Atlantic are investigating claims made and deliberations are ongoing to ensure a mutual beneficial resolution is arrived at. “We regret any inconveniences the disturbances may have caused to motorists and businesses in the surrounding area.”

FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Gunmen attack Ogoni communities Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

unmen yesterday attacked the residents of Kira, Kporghor and Gio villages in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. The assailants, who shot indiscriminately, killed one person and injured several others. The gunmen, said to have come from a community in Okrika Local Government Area, beheaded a man in Kira because he allegedly harboured some persons who had earlier attacked Wakama community, where the attackers reportedly come from. A source said that the attackers also invaded Gio and Kporghor villages, injured some residents and forced others to flee. The source, who spoke on the phone from Kari, said: “I am right now near the scene of the shootings and killings going on since morning in Kira community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. “We are currently cut up in the gunshots action going on with police efforts seemingly ineffective to arrest the situation. “The East-West Road between the Rivers State banana farm and Nonwa Junction to Police Training School has been shot down with vehicles from Bori, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Akwa Ibom held hostage. Kira community has been deserted and many feared killed.” The police, mainly officers from MOPOL 56, were said to have rushed to the scene of the shootings with about seven vans. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which condemned the attack in a statement, alleged that the attacker were heavily armed and were wellcoordinated. “The invasion was confirmed to have been carried out by combined and sophisticatedly armed attackers from neighbouring Okrika communities especially Wakama.”

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The late Daramola

APC chieftain murdered over Sallah gift SALLAH TRAGEDY A man was stabbed to death inside party secretariat while collecting gift for today’s Sallah Taiwo Jimoh

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was yesterday stabbed to death by yet-to-be-identified men inside

the party secretariat at Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State. Witnesses said the deceased, David Daramola, 40, was stabbed minutes after he walked into the party secretariat to collect his Sallah gift. The secretariat is located at ‘K’ Close, 3rd Avenue, FESTAC area of the metropolis. It is alleged that the men trailed the deceased to the secretariat. He was in the midst of other party members when he was murdered. Witnesses said the killers came around 1:12pm. The assailants were said to be three on a motorcycle and

had rode into the secretariat where he was discussing with other party men, shouting, “where is the money?” Another witness said: “Daramola was with his friends when the three men on motorcycle rode into the premises and started shouting ‘where is the money? Where is the money?’ Those that were with him ran away, but the three men surrounded him. They gave him deep cuts on his chest and thigh.” The victim was rushed to the Amuwo Odofin Council Primary Health Centre, but

was rejected. He was referred to another hospital owing to the seriousness of his wounds. Daramola, however, died on the way to the hospital. He was believed to have died of blood loss. The incident was later reported at Festac Police Station, 2nd Avenue, Festac town. Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, said that nobody had been arrested in connection with the murder of the politician. He said: “We shall definitely get his killers.”

Ex-soldier gets life jail for defiling step-daughter Alabi Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for raping his 10-year-old step daughter and infecting her with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The court presided over by Justice Abiodun Akinyemi sentenced the convict, who reportedly retired from the Nigerian Army a few years ago in a suit Kunle Olayeni number AB/37/C/14. Abeokuta Ibrahim had committed the n Ogun State High Court sit- offence in 2012 at his Abeokuta ting at Isabo, Abeokuta yes- home where the victim and her terday sentenced a retired soldier, mother also resided.

Miffed by the sexual assault of the 10-year-old girl (name withheld), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Child Protection Network (CPN), took up the matter and sued the former soldier. The convict was consequently arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of having sexual intercourse with the minor. Earlier in the course of the trial, a medical report presented to the court from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba,

Abeokuta established that the convict had sexually assaulted the girl and also infected her with HIV. The report tendered by one Dr Seyi Adejobi also indicated that the blood sample of the convict tested positive to HIV. The step-daughter had also told the court that the convict sexually assaulted her several times, adding that the former soldier always threatened that she would die if she should tell anybody.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2015

Bank robbery suspect sues CP, SARS leader Suspects arrested for the Lekki robbery

City Briefs Ekiti youths protest power outage Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

ouths in Ikere-Ekiti yesterday protested incessant power outage in their community which they blamed on the vandalism of the power transformer in the area. They also accused officials of the Benin Ekiti Distribution Company (BEDC) of being behind of theft of some important parts of the transformer. The protesters, who were mostly from Afao Quarters, blocked the Ado-IkereAkure Highway and prevented free movement of vehicles for hours. Their grouse was that the damage to the transformer must have been done by experts and not by some novice. The BEDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Kayode Brown, absolved his staff of complicity in the damage to the transformer. According to him, the company cannot do anything now in view of the prevailing economic situation.

‘Work on Badagry Sea Port begins soon’ Muritala Ayinla

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday said that work would commence on the multi-billion naira Badagry Sea port in the next two months. Ambode said when completed, the port would serve as the largest cargo container port in Africa. It was gathered that the N300 billon project, which is also going to have a dry dock facility for ocean going vessels, is being backed by investors within and outside the country. The project is about 500 metres away from the slave trade zone also known “The Point of No Return”. The project land area is 1,100 hectares - the Sea Port Zone has 620 hectares while Free Trade Zone sits on 480 hectares. Speaking during inspection of the proposed Deep Sea Port at Gberefun, Badagry, Ambode said the project would bring about rapid development to not only the state but the country and African sub-region. The governor added that the Free Trade Zone and other facilities in the proposed project would create mass employment for the residents and other people in the country. He said: “This is the proposed site for the biggest Deep Sea Port in Africa.”

Camillus Nnaji

bank robbery suspect has sued the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the former Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Superintendent of Police Abba Kyarri, for refusing to grant him bail. The petitioner, Ebi Tosan, alleged to be one of the four suspects arrested by SARS for partaking in the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Lekki branch, in March 12, 2015, is suing the police for N1 million for damages. The petition was

filed by Tosan’s uncle, Tamuno Amos. But, a police source said Tosan had already confessed to have collected N170,000 from the bank heist. The source added that Tosan was the personal assistant to the leader of the robbery gang, who is the on the run. “Tosan had taken the police to houses of two girlfriends of the gang leader, unfortunately, we did not see the man. “The gang leader’s phone, which was being tracked, led the police to Tosan. The phone was found in his possession,” the source said. While ruling out bail for Tosan, he added that the suspect would soon be charged to court. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, failed to respond to enquiries on the case.

Tosan and three others - Duke Odogbo (38), Lawrence Kingsley (31), and Ekelemo Kuete (30) - were arrested on April 5. Tosan, 20, is the youngest among the four men arrested in connection with the robbery which left three policemen and two civilians, including a 15-year-old girl, dead. On March 12, over 13 armed men wearing military camouflage uniform, stormed the Lekki area and attacked FCMB. The daring bandits were said to have carted away over N15 million from the bank and operated unchallenged for over 45 minutes. Tosan’s lawyer, Chief S. W. Baidi, said that it was unlawful for the police to continue to detain his client without granting him bail. The lawyer is seeking a court order directing the police to immediately release him on bail He said: “My client’s

continual detention without bail is an “infringement and curtailment of his constitutional right to personal liberty, freedom of movement and presumption of innocence.” Amos, on July 9, secured an order of a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, directing the police to produce him in court on July 16. Unfortunately, yesterday, when the matter came up, Tosan was not brought to court by the police. The judge, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, adjourned the hearing of the application to October 22, but ordered that the Lagos State Attorney General should be joined as a respondent. The judge said that if there was any urgency, the applicant could appear before October 22 before another judge who will be sitting during the court’s annual vacation, which begins next week.

Cultists kill one over leadership tussle Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

olice have apprehended suspected cult members and armed robbers who have been terrorising the residents of Ebonyi State. The police yesterday paraded Ogbule Justice aka Stone Cold, Emmanuel Oyota and Abuchi Mbuta The suspected cultists Joshua for allegedly mur- well-co-ordinated and dering Sunday Igwe aka intelligence-led operation, Kawawa following a leader- the said Ogbule Justice was ship tussle on who controls nabbed at Timaya Bush their cult group identified Bar, Nkaliki with Emmanuas Supreme Vikings Fra- el Oyota and Abuch Mbuta. ternity. “The trio were roundParading the suspects ed up while conducting at the Police Command newly recruited members Headquarters, Abakaliki, at Timaya Bush Bar. On the state Police Public sighting the police, they Relations Officer (PPRO), opened fire and scamDSP Chris Anyanwu, said pered for safety. After a Igwe was murdered at hot chase, the trio were Umuoghara in Ezza North arrested while a few othLocal Government Area. ers escaped.” He said: “Through a The PPRO said Abuchi

Items recovered from the suspects

Mbuta, who sustained bullet wound injuries during exchange of fire with the police, gave up the ghost on the way to the hospital for medical attention. Anyanwu listed the items recovered from the suspects to include a portable shoulder bag, one English double-barrelled gun, one locally-fabricated six-round revolver pistol, one locally-made double-barrelled pistol and seven live cartridges among others.

Ladipo traders deserve apology, says group Camillus Nnaji

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Crusade for Justice, has called on the Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Government, Mr Jide Bello, to apology to all the traders at Ladipo Auto Market for “ordering invasion of policemen, miscreants and hoodlums to demolish the market”. In a statement signed by Mr Richard Nwank-

wo (a lawyer), the group said: “It is unethical that the ES (executive secretary) could embark on such act without following due process. “At the instance of Mushin Local Government, policemen, miscreants, hoodlums, most of whom were armed, with the help of some earth moving equipment, descended upon the market about 4:30am and commenced an illegal demolition exercise.”

According to the statement, traders lost millions of naira because sensitive motor parts were destroyed owing to exposure to rains after roofs were removed. The lawyer condemned the action of the local government, wondering why the traders were not allowed to move their items before the “hired thugs” started breaking shops, removing roofs and pulling down structures.

LASTMA official dies of hypertension Taiwo Jimoh

resh facts emerged yesterday on the cause of the death of an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who slumped while controlling traffic on Ishaga Road, Idi-Araba, Mushin area on Saturday. The man, Kazeem Lawal, was said to have died of hypertension. A LASTMA top official, who craved anonymity, said Lawal, who died at Randle Hospital, Surulere, where his colleagues had rushed him to, had been nursing the illness for long. The source added that on the fateful day, Lawal had complained of headache to his colleagues before he suddenly fell down and began to gasp for breath. The late Lawal, attached to Zone 3, Iponri, was said to have died on the way to the hospital. The source added that the LASTMA General Manager, Mr Babatunde Edu, and other officials from the Welfare Department visited the family of the deceased. It was learnt that the deceased was taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), but he could not be attended to because of the ongoing strike. He was then rushed to Randle Hospital where he was confirmed dead. The source also confirmed that LASTMA officials were not insured.

12 News

south - west

friday, july 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Osun Assembly sets up panel to probe Aregbesola Adeolu Adeyemo

l PDP members reject panel composition

submit its report work, expressing confidence in the ability of members to address all issues raised in the petition. He said that the findings of the panel shall be treated with all the urgency dispatch in the interest of the state Salaam said, "the pe-

Osogbo

he Osun State House of Assembly yesterday inaugurated a seven man committe to look into the financial misappropriation allegation levelled against Governor Rauf Aregbesola by a High Court serving judge in the state, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede, through a petition Inaugurating the committee, Salaam charged its members to work assidiously to address all issues raised in the petition, stating that if the need arises for the governo and the petitioner parties to be invited, they should do so without any hesitation. The panel is being chaired by Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, while other members include :Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Hon. Oladoyin Folorunso, Hon. Afolabi Olalekan, Hon. Ogunsola Adeleke, Hon. Adebayo Wasiu Gbola and Hon. Akinola Olasunkanmi Adufe, all from the APC. The Speaker noted that panel has three weeks to

change of names

AKINTOBI

I formerly known and addressed as Oyebimpe Moninuola Akintobi now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwasubomi Oluwabimpe Ireoluwa Moninuola Akintobi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEBUNMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguntayo Adetoun Wuraola now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Adebunmi Adetoun Wuraola. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

Oseni- AFEGBUA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hannah Omoanono Obamina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hannah Omoanono Oseni-Afegbua. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MOJOYINOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Oyekunle Grace Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mojoyinola Grace Aderonke. General public should take note

OMOBITAN

I formerly known and addressed as Bamikole James Adeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Bamikole Abayomi Omobitan. All former documents remain valid. Main Street Bank (formerly IBWA Afribank) and general public should take note.

UDEH

I formerly known and addressed as Nwankwo-Umeh Jane ( MaryJane) Nkiruka now wish to be known and addressed as Udeh Jane (MaryJane) Nkiruka. All former documents remain valid. ESUT, UNIONBANK and general public should take note.

NZEKUDU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Emelda Chinenye Onyekwelu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emelda Chinenye Nzekudu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

tition shall be treated with all commitment and would be timely in submission." "Both the petitioner and the governor's responses would be investigated properly by the committee, and if need be shall be called upon to

defend themselves further on the issue". The composition of the committee was however greeted with protest from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over what called a premeditated report because all its members are from

the same party. The two members of the opposition from the PDP frowned at the composition, describing the panel as "Kangaroo". Speaking to journalists on the development, the Minority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Makinde Oladejo, faulted the composition, stating that " the APC was planning to sub-

vert and manipulate the outcome of the investigation." "How could the seven members of the committee be from APC? Are they saying that the two of us from PDP are not competent? Something is fishing in the composition. The Speaker said that we have not been indoctrinated properly with the Assembly rules, what of a new member from the APC in the committee? As a member of the Assembly and a holder of a Master Degree in Law, are those in the committee better than I do?" "We in the PDP totally reject the composition of the ad-committee set up by the Assembly to look into the allegations against the governor of the state."

Ambode restates commitment to Lagos lightrail project L-R: Chairman, Seven-man Investigative Committee on Justice Folahanmi Oloyede’s petition, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam and a member of the committee, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, during a press conference to inaugurate the committee in Osogbo…yesterday.

Accord party decries Ajimobi's alleged N4bn spending Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

yo state chapter of the Accord Party has berated Governor Abiola Ajimobi, for allegedly expending N3bilion on his election bid and another N1billion on the ongoing election petition tribunal in which his victory was being challenged. The party in a statement issued by Hon. Adeolu Adeleke, and made available to New Telegraph yesterday in Ibadan, observed that the continued sufferings of the people in the state especially the teachers, pensioners and civil servants was as a result of the profligacy of the administration of Ajimobi and his lack of compassion for the plight show of the people. The statement read in part, "the Ajimobi-led government spent more than N3billion to prosecute the last general elections while Ajimobi, earmarked the sum of N2 billion to prosecute his defence at the election tribunal, out of which the sum of N1billion has been spent as legal fees for his legal team which which

include eight SANs". However, in the response of the state APC in defence of Ajimobi , it said: "The allegation of the Accord that the cash crunch situation in the state was caused by the Abiola Ajimobi led government is not only laughable but another indication that some merchants of mischief were still bent on misleading the public for selfish reasons. The question to ask is that; was Ajimobi's alleged profligacy responsible for the economic crisis affecting the whole country’’, it querried "The truth is that Sen. Ajimobi's first term in office was a huge success in view of the fact that he spent all the money accrued to the state judiciously on massive road construction, security, urban renewal, water projects among other laudable projects and this paid off with his victory in the April 11 election, when he won an unprecedented second term in office as the governor of Oyo State." Sadare stated. Accord party advised Ajimobi to ensure that the bail-out funds accruing to the state from the Federal Government was judiciously spent.

Osun workers defy NLC's directive on strike Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

triking workers in Osun State yesterday defied the directive of the leadership of the labour union in the state that they should resume work. New Telegraph investigations revealed school teachers, state ministries and parastatals workers in the state shunned the order as they claimed that they were not bounded by the directive because the government has not fulfilled its agreement with the workers. Some of the workers who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo under the aegies of "Osun Redemption Group", expressed disappointment

in the leadership of the NLC chairman in the state ,Comrade Jacob Adekomi, stating that his directive to them to call-off the strike saying without due consultation with the all other stakeholders in the union calls for suspicion. The workers also alleged that Comrade Bayo Adejumo's role in the workers' plights was doubtful and questionable but maintained that the workers would resist all hindering factors to the realization of their dreams in the on-going struggle. Spokesperson to the workers, identified as Adeyemi, said it is being rumoured that the leadership of the union had been bought over by the government.

Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday restated his commitment to the completion of the ongoing Lagos Light Rail project, saying that the completion of the multi-billion naira project is a must for his administration. The governor emphasised the need to urgently mobilise the contractor to achieve the completion of the project to ease transportation of the residents in the state, saying that everything would be done to ensure speedy completion of the project. Speaking after inspecting the Mile 2 Terminal of the project, Governor Ambode, said he would like to see greater work done on the project after his inspection on the project, assuring that he would immediately mobilise the contractor to ensure speedy execution of the project from the Mile 2 and the National Theatre axis to the Marina end within the next 12 months.

Residents bemoan abandoned NDDC project Babatope Okeowo Akure

esidents of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have raised the alarm over by the abandoned Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) road project in the area, calling for ur-

gent intervention of the commission. Landlords and residents of Mapamile/ Akinrinwa, in the local government, in a statement signed on their behalf by Apostle Adewinle Adegoke, said the construction of Akinrinwa/Mapamile Streets was awarded by NDDC in 2010/2011, lamenting

that the road project was now causing people of the area pains due to its non-completion. Adegoke said many landlords were being forced to park their cars far away from their abodes in to the deplorable condition of the road, while other residents could not have easy access to their homes.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015

Washington visit

Wabba: What Buhari must discuss with Obama

Open Forum

Abdulsalam: President’s visit to Obama, waste of resources

Rivers

A new phase of war

Politics It is an endless war of words between Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over alleged misappropriation of public funds by the immediate past administration, FELIX NWANERI reports

The battle rages

he raging battle of wits between Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the immediate past Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, if not checked may see a relapse to the notorious days when public office holders took to the stage and addressed each other in most disrespectful ways. The Edo State governor and the former minister rank among the country’s best in human and resource management, but there is no love lost between them at the moment. A former labour leader turned politician, Oshiomhole was president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and it is on record that he led several industrial actions against anti-people’s policies by previous governments. Among his feats in the struggle include 25 per cent wage increase for public sector workers and demonstrations against increases in prices of petroleum products. Perhaps, it was these successes that explained his emergence as Edo State governor in 2008, after a court battle and landslide victory in 2012 for a second term. Okonjo-Iweala, on her part, is a globally renowned economist best known for her work at the World Bank, including several years as

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Oshiomhole

its vice president. She was first appointed Finance Minister by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003. In October 2005, she led the Nigerian team that struck a deal with the Paris Club, a group of bilateral creditors, to pay a portion of Nigeria’s $12 billion external debt in return for an $18 billion debt write-off. However, both personalities seem to have jettisoned their eventful track records for brickbats associated with politicians, given the claims and counter-claims emanating from their respective camps over alleged mismanagement of the country’s resources. Stirring the hornet’s nest Oshiomhole stoked the fire during the latter days (May 27) of the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in which Okonjo-Iweala served by accusing her of manipulating figures and being economical with the truth on the parlous state of the economy about to be inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari. He made the claim in reaction to a publication by the Federal Ministry of Finance, highlight-

Okonjo-Iweala

Those who cannot adequately explain what they did with the resources of their states... are those who should be scared

ing a total of N2.92 trillion as the share of the 36 state governments’ allocation from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) between 2011 and 2014. He insisted that former President Goodluck Jonathan relinquished a broke Nigeria, maintaining that the Federal Government would have been in a worse shape than the 36 states if not for its resolve to resort to borrowing to pay wages. The governor added that Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister, mismanaged the economy to the extent that waivers running into several hundreds of millions of naira were granted to various organisations, illegally. His words: “With all due respect to the former minister, OkonjoIweala, she knows how to play around with statistics. She keeps opening part of the pages and not the entire book. The logic of transparency is that every minister must publish in full what is accruing to the Federation Account month-to-month and what is distributed to them. “What she has been publishing is that this is what went to the Federal Government, this is what went to the state government and

this is what goes to the local governments. What she never published simultaneously is what accrued during the period out of which this was distributed. So, we can now know what was collected to what was distributed so we can know what is left in the Excess Crude Account (ECA).” Okonjo-Iweala fires back Irked by the allegation, OkonjoIweala, the next day replied Oshiomhole. In a statement through her spokesperson, Paul Nwabuikwu, the former minister described the governor’s reaction as “baseless” and “full of gaping holes, both in facts and logic”. Noting that it was no surprise that Oshiomhole’s claim was coming few days after the publication by her ministry, Okonjo-Iweala said she was being targeted, particularly by those governors whose states could not pay salaries, for daring to publish how the ECA was shared. According to her, releasing the ECA details showed that allegations about missing oil money in the ECA under her watch were wild and lacking any substance. She said the motive behind Oshiomhole’s attack, like other governors, was “to divert public attention away from the manner in which they have run the finances of their states and to make Okonjo-Iweala the scapegoat.” She asked: “How can Governor Oshiomhole claim that state governors were not properly briefed on the status of the ECA when their Commissioners for Finance attended all the FAAC meetings where decisions are taken and communicated to the nation?” She also described as ridiculous and laughable Oshiomhole’s claim that she was speaking out lately for “fear of Buhari,” insisting that she had no reason to fear. “Those who cannot adequately explain what they did with the resources of their states and are begging for bailout are those who should be scared,” she said. Another bombshell The verbal clash continued on June 29, when the Edo State governor and his Kaduna State counterpart, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, said about $2.1 billion was withdrawn from the $4.1 billion left in the ECA last November “without authorization.” Okonjo-Iweala, who quickly responded, described the allegations as false, malicious and totally without foundation. She said: “It is clear that this is the latest chapter of a political CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPEN FORUM Comrade Ayuba Wabba is the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

...buhari’s visit to washington

Wabba: What Buhari must discuss with Obama

igeria has been in the eye of the storm grappling with one challenge or another over the past four years and there seems to be no end or solution to the various problems. The change of leadership in the country, however, has brought some level of hope to the ordinary Nigerian that there may be light at the end of the tunnel after all. But what seems to be giving much hope at the moment is the planned meeting between Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Barack Obama of United States of America. It is expected that when the two leaders meet, President Buhari should present matters relating to security challenges, fighting corruption and strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries before President Obama. It must be stated here that the government has made known the priority areas that President Buhari would table before President Obama of United States of America which to me make a lot of sense. They are looking at the issue of security because it is something that defies all borders and that technology would also be required to respond to our insurgency and insecurity challenges; majorly terrorism. There’s no single country today that is safe from terrorism, even the best of economies. Therefore, security should top the agenda at their discussion because without security there would be no development and peace. To me, that is paramount to ensure that at least whatever

Wabba

they needed to assist us they do it. I also made that submission at the International Labour Conference (ILO) conference in Geneva. I have called that the Western world who are advanced in technology should be able to assist us. We need technology to actually track down these guys because of the sophisticated nature of their operations. We don’t manufacture weapons in Nigeria; these weapons are produced elsewhere, therefore, its chain of supply should be controlled and blocked. You need this world power to do this for you effectively. Whatever they would be discussing, they should look at security and make sure that all issues pertaining to security are put

The next issue is that of corruption because... most stolen funds are invested outside the shore of this country

on the table so that we can have all the necessary support. Everything about security such as the provision of adequate resources and weapons, adequate training of our personnel and blocking their source of funds; all these should be in a package under the broad title ‘security’ that our president would discuss with the American President. The next issue is that of corruption because it is a statement of fact that most stolen funds are invested outside the shore of this country. Many who have looted this country have houses outside the shore of this country which have been detrimental to our development. The figures they are talking about in recent times are in billions of naira and not millions any longer. Certainly, these are issues that are impeding our development. This must be topmost on the list of President Buhari’s priorities. We have people in high places who are very corrupt and are given immunity to live in other countries. The president should as a matter of national interest discuss with President Obama how these looted money can be recovered. As a matter of fact, everything associated with corruption should be tabled and analysed. Whatever that is needed to be done, including full scale investigation; following and tracking those ones including their foreign collaborators, should be done. This will no doubt serve as deterrent to others who may want to follow the same pattern. Our president should also not forget to discuss investment; direct foreign investments. There’s no country that can survive on its

own especially emerging economy like Nigeria. We need the support of the developed world in terms of trade agreement which will be to our interest and not their interest. He should also explore how foreign direct investments to support our process of industrialisation. I must say here that we cannot continue to depend on importation but we should also export our works. This is very key to stabilising the economy and for us to produce, we also have to encourage foreign investors. The president must explore that platform to discuss investments in our power sector, railway and fixing of our moribund refineries. If these priority areas are put on the table and we are able to achieve something substantial, the condition of living of our people and poverty level can then be addressed. I must say here that the value of naira has been falling freely because the economy has not been doing well. It is a public knowledge that the foreign reserve has been depleted and this determines the quality of our currency. We have to work on this in-house because the depletion of the foreign reserve is due to the mismanagement of the economy. It is something we can handle. We are dependent on importation and we import using dollars which has affected the strength of our currency. We can’t afford to take this to outsiders because they would be happy. What is germane here is for the president to review the nation’s economic policies and evaluate the currency. Interview by Yekeen Nurudeen

Banjo: Buhari must not accept to unban gay marriage Lanre Banjo is a former Ogun State governorship candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP)

resident Muhammadu Buhari should not allow the American government to attach any condition to any assistance they will offer us; any condition that would subjugate our own interest should not be accepted. The gay and lesbian issue should be a no-go area because even the United States empire is crashing and they are going to face the wrath of God; while our own empire is rising and we don’t want anything that would crash it. So, whatever condition the United States is giving to President Buhari, I am sure the president is matured enough to

see through and decide not to take any wrong direction. Without the international donation we were able to fight and survived the Biafran war. So, I will advise the president not to do anything that will subjugate Nigeria’s interest. President Buhari has already made it clear that security and corruption are of importance to him. I think these are the two issues that are very important now. I read somewhere that the United States government wants the Buhari administration to supply information on issue of corruption. I lived in US for 35 years and I know that American government can have access to any information they need but that does not prevent us from giving information of all our corrupt leaders, so that the American government can trace the money since they have promised to help us. We will want them to help us retrieve the money and bring it back to Nigeria. And Nigerian government should punish the offenders to serve as deterrent to others.

I am also of the view that any bilateral agreement that Nigeria government is going to sign with the United States government should not give them any control over us. For example, evidence abounds to prove that each time an American commits an offence in Nigeria, the American government would write to say that we cannot prosecute them in Nigeria and whereas if it is ours, we would be rushing to extradite them. All these things must stop because this is devaluing the black race. So, we can sign a bilateral agreement but it has to be a bilateral agreement that is fair and equitable to both parties. I believe that would serve as a guide. I want to also advise President Buhari to bluntly reject the issue of gay marriage if raised during the meeting. Even as we speak, the State of Texas, which is an integral part of United States, disagreed with the United States Supreme Court, saying there would be no gay marriage in their state. If a state within United States can

I will advise the president not to do anything that will subjugate Nigeria’s interest

Banjo

say that, what happen to Nigeria as a nation? So, President Buhari should reject the gay marriage because it is against our culture. I believe no president of the world should impose on us their own wrong culture, especially culture that is against all religious tenets. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015

OPEN FORUM Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam is the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP)

ell, I see President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the United States as a normal waste of time, money and resources because the past visits did not achieve anything and I don’t see this one achieving anything. Also apart from talk shop, President Barack Obama would want to impress upon us the policy of America, which may not be palatable to us and I think with regard to security there is nothing American government would do, which they have not done before that would be special now with regards to the supply of arms and ammunition which they have denied us before. If there is going to be any discussion at all, President Obama would want to impose the issue of gay on President Buhari which is not acceptable to the people of Nigeria. So, I feel that the visit is not a normal visit. In terms of sovereignty, America never respected the sovereignty of Nigeria or any other nation over and above their own and if he is going there, I expected him

...buhari’s visit to washington

Abdulsalam: President’s visit to Obama, waste of resources Obama would want to impose the issue of gay on President Buhari which is not acceptable to the people of Nigeria Abdulsalam

to talk to Obama on equal partner, equal disposition and not to appeal, beg or ask for this assistance or that assistance. He should talk to Obama about Nigeria as a sovereign nation that has capacity,

wherewithal and focused. In terms of security, all America would do is to take care of their interest. All they would do now is to agree to sell their arms and ammunition to us at their own

terms and cost. As regards to insurgence, these are internal problems. The insurgence is within the Nigeria community and even if they are coming from outside, they live within Nigeria community. Insurgence is different from rebellion and unless they are able to look at it more critically, I don’t see Americans applying their own experience and background to our internal domestic affairs. Like the oil thing which has been reduced before, let them increase upon it and other untapped resources. The American government can be asked to come and look at the possibility of us tapping and exploring our untapped resources for the interest of Nigerian government and the interest of Nigerians. On a diplomatic platform, Buhari should not overflogged the issue. He should just listen to Obama and tell him that he would communicate the situation to Nigerians, which I am sure he would not be able to do. So, he should just disregard all the antics of gay which would not be acceptable to Nigerians. Interview by Johnchuks Onuanyim

Onovo: President must champion Nigeria’s interests Engr Martins Onovo is a former presidential candidate

igeria has many emergencies right now and Boko Haram is one of the big emergencies in the country. The number two problem is corruption. So, I expect the issue of corruption to be part of what President Muhammadu Buhari should discuss with President Barack Obama of the United States (US). We also have power problem. The United States has a very developed public power supply that many countries will like to partner with. I have no doubt that President Buhari has good intention to negotiate for those opportunities during his meeting with President Obama. It is not a secret that the Western power including United States supported

Buhari during the last presidential election. And we just hope and prayed that he (President Buhari) understands that the Western power will normally act in their strategy and national interests. Therefore, President Buhari should be able to defend Nigeria’s interest. If he realises that the US will try to promote its strategic national interest, then he should also try to promote Nigeria’s national interest because if not, the US interests would be taken care of and Nigeria interests will not. He must be a champion for Nigeria interests. The only reason why he should be in the US to meet President Obama is because of national interests. And the fact that US supported him for his election does not mean that he should surrender our national interests to the US and make us inferior. In term of bilateral relationship, he should find opportunities to assert Nigeria’s interests. The relationship between the two countries should be properly managed in such a way that

Onovo

Nigeria can benefit maximally from the relationship. Corruption is a main issue in Nigeria and the president should look for ways to collaborate with the US to fight corruption in Nigeria. Security and Boko Haram insurgency is also a significant

issue; therefore the president must emphasise on that in Nigerian relationship with the US. Power is also an issue I will expect the president to also include in his discussion with President Obama. Everything that will promote Nigeria interests must be promoted and defended at the meeting. And if the United States brings up the issue of same sex marriage abomination, President Buhari should be bold enough to insist that democratically and naturally, majority of Nigerians do not want it. President Buhari should not be afraid of United States opposition if the issue of gay marriage is raised during his meeting with President Obama. He should be able to defend our sovereignty and insist on our position because we are not a satellite state to the United States. President Buhari should not be intimidated; he should not only uphold our position but defend it very brilliantly and proudly. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Ikechukwu: Nigeria needs US in recovering stolen funds Mr. Osita Okechukwu is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

he visit is for the cooperation of US to help us fight the insurgency in Nigeria. Don’t forget that Americans are somewhat sophisticated in fighting terrorism of all types. Then there is also the angle of economic development relationship. The other issues concern social infrastructure like education, health and others. I think Nigeria is going to benefit entirely from that trip and don’t forget that there is the African Growth and Opportunity

Act (AGOA) to also tap into extensively. I think the foremost among all the issues is that of security. We need them in the fight against Boko Haram. Also, we need them in the generation and transmition of electricity in Nigeria. America is a developed country and we stand by all means to benefit from the trip. Also, important on the list should be the recovery of stolen funds abroad. He requires the assurances of the US government on the recovery of the funds. Because of the political integrity of President Buhari, Nigeria has been reconnected to the international community. The fact is that United States is now interested in Nigeria because of the political personality of President Buhari,

which is integrity, they have now found someone they can trust. They see him as an incorruptible leader and someone they can work with. They are not afraid that if they extend economic assistance to the country it will be siphoned. The political capital we have as a nation is Buhari. Nigerians should also know that President Obama will not make a request about gay marriage and even if he does, President Buhari will not accept that. So, let nobody express any fear that he will return with a promise to reverse Nigeria’s position on gay marriage. He is not going to do that because he is not a frivolous person. Nigeria will benefit immensely from the visit. Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Ikechukwu

Politics

Buhari

FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan

el-Rufai

Oshiomhole, Okonjo-Iweala in battle of words C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

witch-hunt by elements who are attempting to use the respected National Economic Council for ignoble purposes having failed abysmally in their previous attempts to tar the Okonjo-Iweala name.” $1bn for Jonathan’s campaign Oshiomhole made another startling revelation on Monday July 13, when he accused Okonjo-Iweala of illegally withdrawing $1 billion from the Federation Account to prosecute the re-election bid of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The governor, who spoke at a seminar in Benin, his state capital, said the former minister also needs to tell Nigerians how the ECA was drawn down to $4.1 billion from the peak of $10 billion when no approval was given by the NEC for any withdrawals. According to him, Okonjo-Iweala would have been declared a pathological liar if she was a witness in court due to the inconsistencies in her statements, adding that only a forensic audit would truly determine how much was illegally spent from the Federation Account under her watch as minister. He said: “The truth is, many things went wrong even at the federal level. As you might have read in the papers, while the Federal Government, under Goodluck Jonathan, with the then Coordinating Minister of the Economy liked to blame governors for wasteful spending, for not saving for the rainy day, for not investing properly, the truth is the real weakness in the Nigerian federal chain has been the Federal Government. “Our hope is that with the new President, given his pedigree we will break from the past. As I’m sure, you will soon begin to hear when all the numbers are published, last week, I complained aloud that Edo State lost about N10 billion over a four year period from only one source, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) remittance to the Federation Account. “How did I arrive at the figure? I used my 4-Figure Table and I asked myself at $2.1 billion remitted by NLNG as taxes and Shell, and by the way, Shell is not the only oil operative, we have Chevron and sev-

eral others. They shared the $2.1 billion based on the revenue allocation formula, Edo State got about N2.27 billion. So, I said, thank God this money came after the departure of Okonjo-Iweala and President Jonathan. If the PDP was still in charge in Abuja, this money would have been taken.” Okonjo-Iweala: Gov suffers numerical diarrhea Reacting to the accusation that she spent $1 billion out of the ECA to fund the re-election bid of former President Goodluck, the former minister said the claim is another round of false campaign against her, which has been ongoing for months. According to her, the claim is just another example of the numerical diarrhea that seems to have afflicted Oshiomhole in recent times in his effort to damage her reputation. She added that the governor had, within the last few months, asked her to explain all kinds of totally wild and unsubstantiated figures, ranging from $30 billion, $20 billion, $2.1 billion, N720 billion and now $1 billion, wondering why the governor and his cohorts are so ready to sacrifice truth, precedent and decency in their political witch-hunt. A statement by Nwabuikwu, read in part: “Governor Oshiomhole’s latest statement, like earlier ones, labours to give the impression that the entire Federation Account allocation Committee (FAAC) process which involves the Federal Government and the 36 states of the federation is a personal monopoly of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. It is instructive that Governor Oshiomhole is a key member of the committee set up by the National Economic Council to investigate the ECA spending. His continuing attacks against Okonjo-Iweala seem to suggest that he has lost confidence in this platform which he deployed to make some of his initial false and baseless allegations. The governor does not seem to appreciate that he is undermining the very credibility of the committee.” DMO’s angle Amidst the brickbats surfaced

All the acclaimed World Bank experiences were just part of the hollow rituals to hoodwink the Nigerian public

a claim of Okonjo-Iweala’s refusal to approve N15.37 billion loans as reason for Oshiomhole’s allegations. The governor, according to documents from the Debt Management Office (DMO), had in a letter dated December 9, 2014 requested a “No Objection” for facilities totalling N15.37 billion, which were turned down by the DMO and Okonjo-Iweala. A breakdown of the loans showed that the Edo State government asked for a “No Objection” for a N13.2 billion term loan from Ecobank Plc. to enable it meet its payment obligations to contractors; a N1.03 billion term loan from Fidelity Bank Plc. to meet Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) 50 per cent counterpart funding obligations; and another N1.14 billion term loan from Ecobank Plc. to meet the state’s 50 per cent counterpart funding obligations to SUBEB. The loan requests were turned down by the Ministry of Finance under Okonjo-Iweala following the assessment and guidance provided by DMO, which observed that the loans would be inappropriate and ran contrary to the existing guidelines. The former minister felt strongly that approving the requests could put Edo State in a very difficult position. The first reason for her decision to decline the request, according to a source in DMO, was that it was wrong for the state government to obtain a commercial loan and repay same via a World Bank disbursement, which Edo State was expecting. She had through the DMO communicated her reservations that using a concessional World Bank facility with a 25-year tenor and a five-year grace period at 1.25 per interest rate to pay for a commercial bank loan of 23 months tenor and 18 per cent interest rate was not only irregular but was not economically sustainable. Oshiomhole: Blackmail won’t save ex-minister Insisting that there is nothing personal in his claims, Oshiomhole maintained that Okonjo-Iweala must come clean on the issue of revenue that accrued to the ECA.

Speaking through his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the governor said as much as the former minister’s spokesman tries to dramatise his response in defence of his boss, he has shown a manifest uninformed disposition to issues of simple economics of naira and kobo. He said: “Here is a former minister, who has changed her position four times in the last 40 days; each position exposing her dubiety of facts and inherent contradictions in the concocted tales she has been weaving on one simple issue: what happened to the $2.1 billion ECA funds?” According to him, “the simple questions which Oshiomhole asked were: How come those accruals into the Excess Crude Account got depleted without the knowledge of the National Economic Council? How come monies that were supposed to accrue into the said account cannot be found in it going by the balance sheet provided by the former minister?” Afegbua further said that Okonjo-Iweala’s resort to blackmail using her refusal to grant Edo State government a loan request as the reason Governor Oshiomhole is asking her valid questions that border on fraud and financial recklessness is completely at variance with the real issues at stake. He questioned what the former minister meant by “numerical diarrhea” in the context of financial malfeasance and official sleaze that characterized her regime as Finance Minister, advising her to shun tantrums and address the real issues, so that Nigerians do not conclude that she was indeed Coordinating Minister for the Economic Fraud and Financial Malfeasance. He said: “All the acclaimed World Bank experiences were just part of the hollow rituals to hoodwink the Nigerian public from addressing the real issues of mismanagement. We will continue to insist that she comes out clean, no matter how ostentatiously dramatic she chooses to go.” Definitely, the last has not been heard on the matter but stakeholders are of the consensus that both camps should avoid tirades and address the issues raised.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015

A new phase of war Emmanuel Masha writes that there seems to be no end in sight for the crisis in Rivers State over tussle for local government leadership

he ongoing tussle between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the control of local government councils in Rivers State is a key litmus test why there should be a reform in the local government system. The disagreements over the control of the local government councils started even before the presidential and governorship elections in the state. Some of the serious cases of violence before the general elections, especially killings happened at the council levels, where there are fewer policemen and other security operatives. The party supporters who became fanatical, and used violence to score points, did so because they knew they could get away with it. But for a state that has jumped from one crisis to another in the last two years, the control of the councils would not have resulted to the present situation had the constitution clearly spelt out how the councils should be run. A few days ago, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt dissolved 22 local government areas in the state, allowing just one of the councils to remain in operation. The state has a total of 23 councils, but the one that remains in the hands of the APC is standing because it operates a different political calendar. PDP had gone to court, praying it to declare illegal the conduct of the local government election of May 23, 2015. The party had earlier gone to the same court asking it to stop the election. It, therefore, did not come as a surprise when the presiding judge, Lambo Akanbi, declared in his judgement that the conduct of the council election by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi was illegal, and that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) disregarded a court order by conducting the election in the first place. According to him, the pre-election case which he delivered judgement ought to have discouraged RSIEC from conducting the election, stressing that the conduct of the electoral umpire was an “abuse of the law.” Akanbi said the judgement

Amaechi

was aimed at defending democracy. On the day the judgement was delivered, there was a bomb scare outside the court after security operatives discovered a bag of explosives around the court premises. Expectedly, while the APC declared the judgement as “sad and unfortunate,” the PDP noted that the court has “once more strengthened the confidence and trust of the people in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man.” So, barely six weeks after taking over, the 22 APC chairmen were kicked out of office, while the state Assembly wasted no time in empowering Governor Nyesom Wike to appoint caretaker committee chairmen, which he did. In his reaction, the state chairman of PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah said the judgement was a welcome development, noting that “the court has once more strengthened the confidence and trust of the people in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man.” But just as it appeared that the matter had been finally laid to rest, an intriguing development emerged. Prior to their sack, the chairmen had foreseen the likely outcome of the matter at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt. They had been holding series of meetings, and found it necessary to withdraw from the suit barely 24 hours before the judgement. Already, they had taken the matter to the National Industrial Court in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State. In any case, they had vowed not to honour the High Court judgement. According to the state publicity secretary of APC, Chris Fyne-

Wike

I don’t know what APC means by change when their members cannot withhold their hunger for material things which they can buy

bone, the judgement delivered by Justice Akanbi was “a shame.” He added: “The APC has extensively and unequivocally made its position clear on the matter of the court ruling and there is no need to belabour it here. “However, it is important to re-state that prior to the sham ruling of last Thursday, Justice Akanbi, Governor Wike, the Rivers State House of Assembly and other relevant parties were in possession of an interim Order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria given in writing under the hand of Hon. Justice J.T. Agbadu-Fishim, holden at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on 22nd day of June, 2015… “…The order also restrained the Inspector-General of Police or his agents and proxies from enforcing any purported action detrimental to the existence of the 23 chairmen and councils in Rivers State.” But a PDP chieftain, Engr. Harry Nana, however, faulted the position of the APC, urging the party to abide by the court’s ruling in order not to cause chaos, adding that no society makes progress by disregarding the court. He noted that former Governor Amaechi deliberately conducted the council election less than a week before he left office in order to create problem for the Wike administration. He said: “Why did Amaechi conduct the council election a few days before he left? Those who contested the election should have asked some pertinent questions. They knew there was a court order restraining the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission from going on with the election, yet they

contested. “The sacked council chairmen were used by Amaechi, and they know it. Honesty, I don’t think Amaechi knew what he was doing by conducting the election. Rivers State does not need unnecessary crisis at the point in time. Wike needs all the support to rebuild the state, instead of people trying to distract him from Abuja.” The uncertainty caused by the comments coming from both parties, as well as the presence of armed policemen at the entrance of council headquarters, in a state still struggling to recover from acrimonious politics that seriously affected governance, is disturbing. One observer blames politicians in the state for “being selfish,” and wants them to give peace a chance “in the interest of the state’s economic health.” His position drives home the point that the two parties somehow share the blame for the current crisis at the local government councils. The council election was the culmination of the state’s deep political tussle; a final test of might by the Amaechi and Wike camps. The PDP had boycotted it, arguing that the outcome had been predetermined, and that Amaechi was using the election to lay landmines for the coming Wike administration. A reasonable number of the people of the state, who were already exhausted after expending energy in the presidential and governorship elections, played safe by sitting at home. The voters’ apathy during the election prevented serious violent confrontation among party CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Oh damn! Dazzling Dambazau dazed Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

owering, full of brain, outstanding. You can say all these about Lt. General Abdurahman Bello Dambazau. It is not everyday you see a Nigerian soldier parading a chain of degrees that include a doctorate. And not many of them could combine intellectualism with politics. One other name that comes to mind is Saliba Daddy Mukoro. Dambazau belonged to the Military Police[MP] while Mukoro was of the Army Signals. The latter is better remembered for his role in the Gideo Gwarzo Orkar Coup of 1990. He was one of the lucky escapees. I guess with a Phd in Criminology, he ended up in the United States as a professor. Dambazau was in the United States too, for studies. Kent University, Ohio hosted him from 1980-1984, he earned a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a post graduate degree in International Relations .The doctorate in Criminology came from the University of Keele ,the United Kingdom, in 1989. For this Kano son of a soldier, that was a huge achievement. In the military, he also towerd above some of his contemporaries. Two years after he was commissioned in 1977, Dambazau was appointed Aide de Camp[ADC] to a Service Chief. Thirty years later in 2007, he became Chief of Army Staff and left the Army in 2010, as a Three Star general. The emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari brought Dambazau to the fore again. He was in the news as the most likely person to head Buhari’s security team. The post of National Security Adviser[NSA] was given to him by the media. Many believed it was a done deal. The ex- Army chief equally became part of the President’s inner circle. He was in Germany and also travelled to South Africa with Mr. President. Gen. Buhari’s

ADC is well known to Dambazau and there were reports even before the appointment that Lt. Col Mohammed Abubakar Lawal was going to work in Aso Villa ,courtesy of the Kano born general. Last Monday, the erstwhile predictable President Buhari, stunned all when he chose Maj. Gen .Babagana Monguno as the new NSA . Dambazau and Monguno, benefitted from late President Umar Musa Yar’adua. The new NSA was Commander, Brigade of Guards, Dambazau was Army chief. I have a lot of respect for Dambazau and I do not think President Buhari will leave him empty handed. There must be a place in the regime for the ex- Army boss. There is the position of Minister of Defence, there is vacancy in the Interior ministry, who knows, there is no Chief of Staff yet. Gen. Dambazau’s days are definitely not numbered but I have a word for him. We have not met one and one. I do not believe in gossip. They say it is the weapon of little minds. However, we hear a lot from the grapevine. He should change to a true Nigerian, if we must go by these rumours. They say he is a statist[tribalist].He anointed Buhari’s ADC, who like him ,is from Kano. They say he influenced Abubakar’s rise in the Army and played a prominent role as Registrar of the Nigeria Defence Academy[NDA], in the 1990s. I read that Course 44 was tilted to favour Cadets from Kano. I also heard that as Army Chief,there were more recruits from his own part of Team Nigeria. There were also talks that he was caging the President. Someone at a newspaper stand said PMB was not going to appoint ministers soonest because one top retired general was the one controlling affairs at the Villa and was having his way as long as there were no ministers and other personal aides like Chief of Staff. I have been following Dambazau and his NDA Course 17 mates. They were really hard hit by the 1992 C-130 plane crash. Majors Charles Njama[NA5935], A.B. Femowei[NA5936], S.O. Yawus[NA 5956], O.O.Mbah, Squadron Leaders John Husainu Tela [NAF 906], M.M. Gumel [NAF 907] T.A. Clement[NAF903] and Lt. Commander A.A. Amaino [NN467] , all died. Dambazau rose to become a Service Chief just like

Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, who moved to the position of Chief of Naval Staff. Ibrahim further progressed to Chief of Defence Staff, with the rank of Admiral[Four Star General]. I have also watched Col Isa Maina, a one time governor scale to become a Senator. Col. Aminu Kontagora governed two states. There are those many of us have not seen but remember quite well. Maj. Gen Frank Osokogu is father of the beautiful young woman Cynthia who was murdered by some heartless young men in a Festac, Lagos hotel. There is also Vice Admiral A.O.Arogundade. I got to know one Major Abiodun Role when he was Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association in 1990. His red Military Police beret stood him out during the ECOWAS Nations Cup which Nigeria won because Senegal refused to play under darkness. There was no floodlight and the Teranga Lions simply made the NFA happy by dashing the cup instead of playing penalties. Later, I read about a Gen . Kamarudeen Role, GOC of the Army division in Kaduna. Both turned out to be the same person. Njama too was into sports as Chairman Anambra state sports council. Course 17 also had such names as Lt.Col. A.A. Babangida and Officer Cadet C. Dimka. Gen. Dambazau, I believe, has not and will not be used and dumped. There must be space for him. The lesson is that President Buhari has been able to prove that he belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody. Now, I want Dambazau to make case for fair play in the new regime because I believe he does matter and must change so that those rumours remain just what they are. Re: PMB Lawal Lawal Lawal Emeka, good article which only experience, diligent research and an organized mind can deliver. Thanks! Please enjoy your weekend. – Gbemiga Ogunleye Dear sir, the change in Nigeria is not by our efforts. God is already in control of Nigeria. Alleluia, Amen. I am a practising lawyer in Ibadan. You will make me happy by your response. – Prince Adewale Oyelami

‘Can evil triumph over good?’: Matters arising (1) Ebere Wabara

fortnight ago, the former governor of Abia State (19992007), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, made a well-articulated and cerebral intevention in the raging debate over the unconscionable salary indebtedness of the immediate-past governors and proffered resolutory suggestions, going forward. The damnable article, published in one of our weekend titles recently, was vintage Kalu Leadership Series. In one of the tepid reactions in The NATION on Sunday of July 12, 2015, one pseudonymous character nomenclatured “Koos James” (from which planet?) declared ignorantly that Kalu’s contribution was a ‘ghastly attempt’ at joining the national discussion. One thing I find intriguing is why most of the rabid defence dogs of the past administation in Abia State (2007-2015) decide to use fictitious names in their chronic tirades on Kalu. We need familiar names, which can be comprehensively situated and classically addressed. Fictive representations vitiate elevated discourse. Furthermore, it would be good to know the backgrounds of some of these hirelings in order to contextualize their fatalistic distractions from critical national exchanges as signposted by Kalu’s persistent re-

engineering efforts misconstrued as redemptive ghastliness by those rattled by his state and national renewal stridency and ubiquity. One of the craps contained in the vituperative rejoinder goes thus: “For the avoidance of doubt, Kalu’s vitriolic and withering attacks on Senator Theodore Orji is (sic: are) fuelled by deep seated (sic: deep-seated) animosity (sic: either a deep-seated animosity or deep-seated animosities depending on context) and hatred of the former governor for dismantling the former’s political dynasty that had hitherto held Abia to ransom. By confronting, defeating and dismantling the Orji Uzor Kalu political dynasty, Governor Orji brought to an end the serial raping and systematic pillage of the resources of the state by rapacious kleptomaniacs who had boasted in their fleeting moments of madness that they would enslave the state in perpetuity.” If, indeed, Mr. Theodore Orji dismantled Kalu’s political dynasty as erroneously perpetrated and perpetuated by his innumerable jobbers, why did former President Goodluck Jonathan and erstwhile National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, direct the errant Abia State PDP to collaborate with Orji Kalu— who had been working closely with them in Abuja—to ensure that the PDP wins elections in the state particularly and the

South East generally? This directive was given publicly at the Umuahia Township Stadium shortly before the last elections. With this testamentary confidence in Kalu by the leadership of the PDP at the time, I do not know the foolish basis for any brat to assert that Kalu’s disenchantment with his successor has to do with the mythological mirage of the latter confronting, defeating and dismantling his master’s political dynasty. Last year, Kalu organised an informal meeting of his Abia PDP followers in his hometown of Igbere. Even with the short notice, poor pre-event publicity and official futile attempts by the agents of the Abia State Government to abort the gathering, the chief host (Kalu) and other stakeholders in the renewal of Abia were overwhelmed by the multitudinous crowds that made the entire expanse of Igbere look like an Olympic stadium. Kalu’s expansive compound and massive structures of architectural splendour with Romanesque visage and allure could not accommodate even party members from Aba, let alone other towns in the state! Our guests spilled over to neighbouring communities in joyful solidarity and all-day celebrative accord. With just these two antecedents, among copious pedigrees, I do not comprehend this balderdash about the dismantling of any dynasty. I have always insisted that there should be a national referendum

on the political value of both Orji Kalu and T. A. Orji so that we get to know who has more acceptability, credibility, utilty, relevance and vision. At the grassroots level, I have also consistently advocated that both men should walk the streets of Abia, particularly Aba, unaccompanied, and let us see who will be stoned or more stoned, as the case may be (since some people strongly believe that both men are two sides of the same coin), with Kalu as the light and the obverse pitch darkness! For the umpteenth time, if as declared by faceless James that Kalu systematically raped and pillaged the resources of the state, his successor in his abberational and irredeemable rule systemically (dear reader, please take note of this word) gang-raped the state and privatized its resources instead of wasting time on pillage. There is a joke by some friends of mine that Kalu’s widely acclaimed beneficiary was a brilliant student under him and later became a professor while Kalu was still an assistant lecturer! Better to be a dullard than a trans-border criminal with specialty in domestic thievishness and borderless banditry of supranational magnitude with a superfluity of obscene investments in multifarious parts of the world. • Mr. Wabara (ewabara@yahoo.com/08055001948) is the media adviser to Dr. Orji Kalu.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

EDITORIAL

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

A media partner of

Sanctity of Truth

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

152 gun salute to the Army

n the sixth of every July, the Nigerian Army, the largest in Africa, celebrates its existence, having been created in 1863. That year, Lt Glover, the then governor of Lagos, established the “Glover Hausas” a local force made up of 18 indigenes from the northern part of Nigeria. Glover used the force to mount expeditions in the hinterland to protect British trade routes around Lagos. Since then, the force has witnessed a lot of transformations, increased in size and has remained a very strong mainstay of national security. The little army of Glover’s days has metamorphosed into a dozen army divisions today. Starting with the One Division, Kaduna, Two Division in Ibadan, Three Armoured Division in Jos, 81 Division in Lagos and a new Division in Maiduguri 82 Division in Enugu. While these divisions have several brigades embedded in them, the force also boasts of such corps as Artillery Armoured Army Medical, Infantry, Engineering, Ordinance, Signal, Supply and Transport as well as Public Relations. Besides these are such vital commands as Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as well as the Defence Industries Corporation - all of which have concertedly made the force the bastion of national and regional security. Military historians have said that the original elements of

the Royal West African Frontier Force in Nigeria were formed in 1900. And during the Second World War, British-trained Nigerian troops saw action with the First West Africa Infantry Brigade, the 81st and the 82nd West Africa Divisions which fought in the East African Campaign) and the Far East. Interestingly, during the World War II, these Nigerians soldiers fought in Burma, (now Myanmar), Libya and India. They were also involved in military operations in Ethiopia. However, their first taste of peacekeeping operations was in Congo in the early 60s under the Command of Johnson Aguiyi- Ironsi. Since then, Nigerian troops have exhibited their military prowess in various peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations under the United Nations in diverse parts of the world. Of particular interest is the sterling performance of the army in Africa and the West African sub-region where it became a force for stability in countries like Mali, Serria Leone and Liberia. For many years, Nigeriann officers led the Armed Forces of Liberia and Sierra Leone respectively. Under the aegis of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), West African multilateral armed force established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the

Nigerian Army which contributed most of the personnel and resources put an end to the Liberian Civil War and also restored peace in Serra Leone. Laudable as their performance in the past years might be, the Army has been found very deficient in several areas of military operations and development in recent times. For instance, a study conducted about 20 years ago noted that “inexperienced, poorly trained and ineptly-led soldiers have manifested their lack of professionalism and discipline…and often fail to effectively execute infantry tactics.” Besides the above, the army is said to be under-funded, poorly equipped with operational and strategic weapons. Army budgets have been low in recent years when compared with those of their counterparts in South Africa and even some countries in the Maghreb. Where such funds are budgeted, only a percentage of them are actually disbursed to the force for operational and administrative purposes. It also baffles many that the nation imports the least of arms and ammunitions in a country that boasts of the existence of a Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria, which receives annual budget to initiate and fabricate weapons for military use. Worse still, is internal politics where officers boot-lick and destroy their generals before top politicians in search of compensation with command positions.

Apart from the above, the issue of political interference and lack of traditional commitment to discharge of constitutional duties are of great concern. The practice of appointing officers of lower ranks as army chiefs which necessitates early retirement of experienced and virile officers inhibits career progress and retention of competent and capable officers in the force. Urgent attention must also be paid to current low morale among the troops especially in the current prosecution of the war on terror. In many developed lands, soldiers at the war front receive two salaries - one for themselves and the other for their families. But that is far from the practice in contemporary Nigeria, hence the need to review such payments. It is not only morally acceptable but legally justiceable for relations of those laying their lives for the continual existence of Nigeria, especially at this crucial time of our national history to be adequately compensated. This way, the nation can reward commitment and elicit required attitudinal changes in these fighters. While the accolades resonate for the performance of the Nigeria Army these past 152 years, the time for proactive measures to sufficiently equip and reposition the force to enable it rub soldiers and even exceed the posture of its contemporaries in Africa is now.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor n Emeka Obasi

Deputy Editor n Ayodele Ojo

General Editor n Iyobosa Uwugiaren

News Editor n Geoffrey Ekenna

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

supporters unlike what obtained during the earlier elections. The common step so far taken by the newlyappointed council chairmen is the dissolution of the committees set up by their predecessors, who fled the council headquarters despite the position of the APC against their sack. In contrast, at least, two years before the general elections, there were clashes between members of the PDP and APC. It was in a bid to stem the tide of violence, which claimed some lives that led to several peace pacts among the leading governorship candidates in the state. While Amaechi had no qualms using care-

FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Wike, Amaechi battle for Rivers councils taker committee chairmen, who he handpicked to run the councils for two years running, and only organised election a week before he left office; the APC equally had its own internal challenge as some of the chairmen, who had been dropped and replaced by those who had worked or delivered for the party, staged protests at party’s secretariat. For the PDP, under Wike’s leadership, the control of the local government councils remains central in the new political order, and the real deal, because not controlling the resources at the level of government that is nearest to

Obuah

the people, means that Amaechi’s men would remain in charge. In the

politics of Rivers, the situation is akin to political suicide. The har-

mony that exists in the PDP stems from the fact that no politician has been used and dumped yet by the party. This presently works in the party’s favour. Yet, there is uneasy calm as the caretaker chairmen and their committees take charge at their various councils, despite the position of the APC, vowing to disregard the court judgement that paved the way for the caretaker chairmen. In anticipation of public unrest and possible breakdown of law and order, the state police command had warned against protests in any part of the state. Security personnel were

present at some of the councils, but they did not prevent the movement of staff. The chairmen, all pledging to correct the mistakes made by their predecessors, In Obio/Akpor council, the caretaker chairman, Hon. Bright Amaewhule accused the former chairman, Hon. Nnanta Chimenem Weli of looting the council and carting away properties belonging to the local government. He said: “The former chairman looted, destroyed and carted away properties belonging to Obio Akpor. Please go to the chairman’s office, you will see it has been vandalized; go the office of the HPM the same thing. If you also go to the office of the Secretary to the Council you will see it has been vandalised. “I don’t know what APC means by change when their members cannot withhold their hunger for material things which they can buy.” In Khana, Hon. Sunny Bekawan, who has also resumed work, urged the youth of the area to shun violence and any form of protest that could throw the council into crisis, just as he urged staff to resume work. “Everywhere is peaceful for now, and we want it to remain that way. I owe the people of the council security. For that reason, I will not allow a breakdown of law and order. We urge the staff of the council to come to work, because there is a lot of work to be done,” Bekawan said. In Emuoha council, the chairman, Hon. Bright Ikonwa, expressed anger that the immediate past chairman, Hon. Allen Nma left the council in a mess, explain that the whole place was littered with refuse and overgrown weeds. Ikonwa, who led the members of his committee round the council on inspection, noted that onetime chairman, Hon. Emeka Woke, contributed immensely in making the council the envy of many, but that the gains were reversed by Nma. “You can see how dirty the whole place. How can somebody who is working and receiving salary decide to leave the council dirty? The task before us now is to keep the council clean, and fit for work,” he said. Ikonwa also dissolved all the committees in the council.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, july 17, 2015

21 Music

KSA in trouble with US promoters, fans

Entertainment DJ Cuppy:

My last romance was two years ago The billionaire’s daughter on the wheels-of-steel, Ifeoluwa Florence Otedola, known by her showbiz moniker, DJ Cuppy, is invading Africa. The 22-year-old disc jockey studied Business and Economics from Kings College London on the prompting of her dad, Femi Otedola. And upon graduation, she handed him the certificate in what seemed like, ‘thank you dad, may I now do my own thing?’ And since then, she has forged a phenomenal story. DJ Cuppy shares with LANRE ODUKOYA. About the African tour A lot of hard work has gone into the planning of this tour and there’s going to be more hard work when we get on ground. So, I think we’ll grow as a brand from the exposure and experience all around Africa. I’ll learn more and become more grounded and my music will be a reflection of my experience from the tour. I’ve always loved to take up new challenges, doing the impossible and I draw inspiration from being unique, I wanted to do something that’s

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

not been done before, something ambitious and that’s how we came up with the idea of this tour. I’m hoping to come back bigger and better. CONTINUED ON PA G E 2 3

Yvonne Nelson and the journalist’s only sin 22.

2face,

22.

PSquare, D’Banj tie for MAMA 2015 Evolution Award

Things they never told you about Kanye West and Kim Kardashian 24

Entertainment

FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

2face, PSquare, D’Banj tie for MAMA 2015 Evolution Award

D’Banj

Stories by Lanre Odukoya

he number of nominations from Nigeria tells it all. Nigerian stars, 2face, PSquare, D’Banj and Asa are up alongside some of the most iconic performers across the continent for the MAMAs 2015 Evolution Award to be presented this weekend at KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Four of Nigeria’s leading music stars are nominated along stars like Anselmo Ralph (Angola), Black Coffee (South Africa), Chameleone (Uganda), Fally Ipupa (DRC), HHP (South Africa) and Samini (Ghana) for the coveted award.

According to Tim Horwood, Channel Director, MTV Base, “The MAMA ‘Evolution‘ Award honours established artistes who have made an indelible mark on African and global music culture, taken African music to new territories around the world, pushed the boundaries of creativity and shaped the soundscape of contemporary Africa”. The winner of the Evolution Award will be decided jointly by MTV Base and music fans voting online and via Twitter as well as Instagram. The MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 will broadcast live across Africa on MTV Base (DStv channel 322), MTV (DStv channel

Asa

130) and BET (DStv channel 129) on Saturday July 18, 2015 at 9:00PM. The show will also be transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms, including BET International, from 18 July. In addition, a special MAMA-themed edition of MTV’s acclaimed World Stage franchise will air globally on MTV channels around the world on August 27, 2015.

MTN Foundation churns out music talents amidst fanfare

Nelson

Yvonne Nelson and the journalist’s only sin R eports in Ghana claim Yvonne Nelson, a top actress both in Nollywood and Ghollywood threw caution to the wind at a press conference held on Friday, July 10, 2015 to spotlight a new film entitled ‘Any Other Monday’. It was reported that

the actress ranted at a journalist who had asked a question concerning a Nigerian actress who also featured in the movie. According to reports, a journalist had asked the producer of the movie, Pascal Amanfo, if the Nigerian actress, Kunle Remi, got a work permit from the necessary authority to feature in the flick, which Yvonne did not find palatable. Yvonne reportedly flared up and slammed journalists in Ghana for being unprofessional, claiming that she goes to Nigeria to act films without being harassed. She allegedly said there are too many irresponsible journalists in Ghana whilst urging the members of the fourth estate of the realm to write positive stories about actors instead of celebrating negativity.

he Agip Recital Hall, MUSON centre, venue for this year’s 8th Graduation Ceremony of the MTN Foundation-MUSON Music Scholars Programme was filled to capacity with enthusiastic guests made up of music buffs, friends and relatives of the graduating students as the MTNF Awardees bow out of the two-year diploma programme. The ceremony started with the MTNF/MUSON Scholars appreciation concert where the graduands exhibited their mastery of musical instruments and vocal renditions. Guests were enthralled by the graduands who played some contemporary Nigerian tunes with their classical musical instruments. The 21 scholars, who bagged Diploma in Music, are the eighth set of beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation’s music scholarship

programme. The event climaxed at the special appearances from MTN’s Brand ambassadors; Cobhams and Sound Sultan who sang impressively and wowed all with their mastery of various musical instruments. Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro remarked; “So far, the MTN Foundation has invested over N200 million in the MTNFMUSON Music Scholars Programme. In the past 9 years, the programme has produced 212 music scholars who have received exposure to the highest standards of composing and production of world-class music. This is with the inclusion of the 21 music scholars that graduated in this 8th graduation ceremony” Okoro said. Speaking further on the impact of the programme, Okoro informed: “Recently, some of our awardees got opportunities to compete with the rest of the world in Italy and Spain. A lot of them are been sought locally and internationally and they are doing very well, making their marks across the world.” The MTNF/ MUSON Music Scholarship Programme was instituted to provide students with talent in music, but less privileged, an opportunity to acquire qualitative music education. The scholarship covers tuition, books and daily stipends.

Freeze

Toni Payne on Freeze’s marital squabbles: Deal with your crisis internally

f you’d ignore the counsel of anyone regarding a fallen marriage, 9ice’s ex-wife, Toni Payne, is definitely not that person. What more do you need in her resume that she’s not got? So, Toni Payne has urged famous on-airpersonality, Freeze, to keep his marriage crisis away from the public and handle the issue like a matured mind. Freeze has been making uncomplimentary comments about his estranged wife which many have found rather repulsive- it shouldn’t have been Freeze. Toni Payne, whose marriage to singer, 9ice, packed up some months after they got married, told Freeze to consider the children they both had together before reeling out those acerbic altercation and social media jibes. Her words partly read, “Stop! You guys have kids together, no? I understand the temptation to call out a bad ex, but truth be told those you complain to publicly don’t really care. I doubt one single person who comments or spreads it will come over to comfort you, help mediate or cook your Egusi soup. “It will be gist for a few days till they move on to the next gist. Sort this internally please and channel the energy instead into creating awareness about male domestic abuse in a proactive way.”

Entertainment 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, july 17, 2015

My last romance was two years ago

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

My role model This is a very difficult question to answer because I’m like a sponge; I always draw inspiration from everyone around me. It’s almost impossible to pick one person. I have amazingly inspirational parents always pushing me to be great and in my team I have amazing people.

Sony Neme

he botched King Sunny Ade’s (KSA) American tour billed for Saturday, June 18, at the Annette Strauss Square, AT&T Dallas Stadium, USA was actually cancelled, just as fans are getting tickets refund. A ticket for the show was pegged at $25. In a bid to salvage the situation and assuage his numerous fans in America, the King of World Beats had embarked on a face-saving courtesy visit to the US Embassy in Lagos. However, our search revealed that KSA’s abortive trip was due to the untidy arrangement that resulted in delays on visa procurement that led to subsequent cancelation. The band members allegedly did not make their

My dad today is still one of my biggest supporters, but it’s also important not to put all your eggs in one basket, which is why I’m still in school.

Where my brand stands I think the Cuppy brand has come a long way. And as an individual, in-between finishing my degrees and growing as a person, it’s a very challenging environment to be in, and I’m personally very happy because I know how much potential the Cuppy brand has, not only for Nigeria, but for young African women around the world. So, when I look at my career plan, there’s a long way ahead and I have to say I work very hard, I take my job very seriously and it can only get better going forward.

Standing unaided Everyone has different platforms, some are big, some are small and I always say it’s down to execution. Really, certain things can open doors for you, but if you are not good at what you do and if you are not viable with your skills as an individual, then you won’t be able to keep the door open. The truth is that, I’ve been doing this for a while and I think I’ve become bigger and better, I’m not the type of person that gets too comfortable, I keep pushing myself hard every time. Why I prefer my craft I think it’s important to follow your heart and, like I always say, choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. It’s about personal fulfillment because that’s all that matters.

If I wasn’t a DJ If I wasn’t a DJ, honestly I’ll probably be an oil trader. I was working closely with my dad and we had lots of plans.

Why all my mix-tapes have ‘House Music’ feel In the last 10 years, I’ve lived in London and moved to New York last year. It’s important to get inspiration from

KSA in trouble with US promoters, fans l Show billed for AT&T Dallas Stadium canceled, ticket refund on-going international traveling passports available early against KSA’s repeated warnings. According to an e-mail to New Telegraph by a North America based CNN iReporter, George Elijah Otumu, “KSA’s African Beats band members unfortunately exposed themselves to ridicule as Nigerians and AfricanAmerican communities are so disappointed,

demanding for ticket refund. “According to many of them, they had made arrangements to ensure that particular day fall on their off-days at work, while others flew into Dallas from other states in America to watch KSA sing, play his guitar and dance on stage. “For Tope Makinde, an undergraduate of the University of Texas who had made up his mind to be at the show, he said: “This is the bad attitude some Nigerians display in foreign engagements. They are hardly prepared for anything, wants a fire-brigade approach. Even though I can understand that this kind of problem is already becoming our cultural attitude back home, how do you want an average American or African-American who had never ever visited Nigeria to feel about the im-

age of Nigeria and Nigerians having had to witness this avoidable disappointment?” Otumu, who doubles as the publisher of Nigeria Standard newspaper, an online journal, further revealed that, “Ticket purchasers are asking for refunds, as patrons with questions are requested to call AT&T Performing Arts Center Box at +1214-880-0202”. Otumu stated that, “This Nigerian music-legend, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist disappointed his United States fans when words reached his musiclovers in Dallas, Texas less than 48 hours to his live performance at Annette Strauss Square of AT &T Performing Arts Center earlier slated for June 18 that KSA and his African Beats would no longer be able to honor their show.” He further explained that, “Everyone with passion for African music in Dallas were surprised, wondering what could have kept the Nigerian music icon away from the much-publicized show? Investigation by CNN iReport revealed that the African Beats band members did not yield their international traveling passports over to the juju maestro early against his repeated warnings to them.’ “That led to the disappointment, since the United States Embassy do not compromise its policies and bureaucracies in issuance of visa to people. By the time the visa procurement finally began at the US Embassy, it was crystal clear to them that they would miss the show.

your environment. I’m also one of the people trying to open the minds of Nigerians to western music. Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa, we factor for 30% Internet usage, so there’s a lot of influence from the west that’s coming in and by putting the western influence in Nigeria through music. I’m also an advocate of representing Nigeria wherever I DJ around the world, so it’s also important for me to have that exchange, that’s why I’m trying to bridge that gap. Then, also, it’s important for my brand to stand out. I want people to walk into an event and without seeing my face they should know it’s me playing through my sound. How I got the deal to perform at Buhari’s inaugural ball First, it’s important I explain that am a tourism ambassador for the Nigerian campaign and a lot of people ask how I came about. It happened when I released a song with Tunji Oyelana titled ‘I Love My Country’ which was a patriotic song that somehow got to the Minister of Tourism at that time, Mr. Edem Duke and they liked it. So, with that song and my potential role as a tourism ambassador, the inauguration ball committee thought it would be great to have someone representing a new Nigeria and the female gender. Personally, I feel that a female DJ is unique and it was such an honour to be part of the presidential inauguration dinner and I look forward to working with the new tourism officials as well. My relationship with Asa Asika (Laughs) The story of Asa and me goes back a long way. We’ve known each other for more than 10 years, he’s such an inspirational figure and really I wouldn’t have been able to put together this tour without him. He’s such an ambitious person and I think between both of us, we have the commonality of being fighters and it’s also fantastic to have a friend on board. About your question, I’m not dating him and we’ve never dated. My last relationship That’s very hard to reminisce on because it’s been a long time ago, about two years back, I guess. For me, what’s worth doing at all is worth doing well, so in order to achieve what I want to achieve with my Cuppy brand, I have to put 100% into it.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, JUly 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

X-raying what to expect in Warner Bros’ Suicide Squad Stories by Lanre Odukoya

nflattering, near disgust and deficient were the words preceding the release of the trailer of the coveted Suicide Squad. Leaked, low-quality footage captured at the screening of the trailer at Comic-Con in San Diego last weekend forced Warner Bros to reveal the trailer ahead of the scheduled time. Warner Brothers has released the trailer of the much-anticipated movie, Suicide Squad in haste on July 14, prompted by leaked footage showing up online. The trailer announces its intention “to assemble a task force of the most dangerous people on the planet” and introduces

Things they never told you about Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

o one knows the dirt on the rich and famous like the help, right? And with a family as famous as the Kardashians, you can bet there are some shocking truths happening behind the scenes. It’s certain that not everything is caught on those Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ cameras, as hard as it is to believe. A former housekeeper for the Kardashians’ crew has recently revealed startling truth about what Kim Kardashian is like offcamera. Kim may be the queen of selfies and self-indulgence, but according to at least one former employee of the reality star, she’s actually an enjoyable person in real life. Who would’ve thought that Kanye West’s wife would be described as “humble” and “down to earth” by the people on her payroll? The source dished to Star magazine that Kim was “extremely humble and down to earth while the housekeepers would clean her room.” They continued, “Kim would sit and chat with them and she was generous. One time, she gave someone on her staff a computer for Christmas. It was awesome and so kind. She was the only one out of the three to give anyone helping out any gifts.” We’re assuming that “the three” refers to Kim’s sisters, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian, and frankly, we’re shocked to hear this. Kim gives off such an air of self-absorption that we didn’t think she’d even be aware of anyone else in the room, let alone talk to them or give them presents.

And wait until you hear what Kanye is like around the house! The insider revealed, “Kanye was always extremely quiet and reserved at the house ... he was polite, but he didn’t talk much in front of the staff.” Of course, it might be an attempt to make up for their slovenly ways. According to the maid, “Kim’s bedroom and bathroom are beyond filthy at all times, no matter how often it was cleaned ... the minute Kim entered everything was trashed -- like a tornado had just gone through it.” Not only that, but apparently she goes through loads of laundry. She insists on sleeping on fresh white silk sheets every single night. The source revealed, “She would only use white silk linens and she was very particular about them. They had to be silk and they had to be changed daily! Every single morning, her white sheets would be covered in makeup. There was always mascara and foundation everywhere.” The most surprising thing about that is how Kim keeps her complexion so flawless. Falling asleep in makeup is a big no-no for your pores and causes most people to break out. Doesn’t it astonish that Kim K has had not a pimple since she was 13? Somehow, it’s not exactly shocking to find out that Kim is a bit of a slob, but it’s surprisingly nice to know that she has a sweetheart side and genuinely seems to care about her employees.

its band of unlikely saviours of the world a motley crew of DC Comics’ most notorious super villains. All the while, a soaring version of the Bee Gees’ song, I started a joke plays on. This league of extraordinary criminals includes Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress and others. The most celebrated of the band appears at the very end to have the last laugh - Jared Leto as The Joker. Leaked, low-quality footage captured at the screening of the trailer at ComicCon in San Diego last weekend made the rounds on social media, forcing Warner Bros to reveal the trailer ahead of the scheduled time. This is what the makers of the movie posted on Twitter: Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution of Warner Brothers, told Deadline, “Warner Bros Pictures and our anti-piracy team have worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours to contain the Suicide Squad footage that was pirated from Hall H on Saturday. We have been unable to achieve that goal. Today, we will release the same footage that has been illegally circulating on the web, in the form it was created and high quality with which it was intended to be enjoyed.”

Cast from Suicide Sqaud

Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber return to each other’s arms S

elena Gomez and Justin Bieber’s reunion gave Jelena (a coinage from the estranged couple’s name; ‘J’ from Justin and the rest from Selena) fans all the feels. Whatever you make of their new dalliance, Selly and Biebs constantly talk with each other and try to hang out at least once a week. Does that tell us anything? It was like old times- Justin Bieber, 21, Selena Gomez, 22, hanging out at a Beverly Hills hotel, having fun together just like when they were dating. Fans of Jelena now have permission to get excited, as this meeting is no longer a one-off. According to HollywoodLife.com, Justin and Selena make plans to see each other whenever they can. Jelena reunited at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills on July 11, but the former couple really started hanging out again after reconnecting in May. After that happy reunion, sources say that Justin and Selena have worked around their packed schedules in order to regularly hang out. “They are both super busy, but they try and see each other as often as they can,” the insider also said because they’re so busy, they can meet up “like once or twice a week if they’re lucky.” Well, when you’re a world-famous pop star, you don’t have a lot of free time. Justin is busy working on his music, appearing on television and pursuing his “nude boating” hobby. Meanwhile, Selena has her own music career to worry about and she’s hanging out with guys other than just Justin, as she’s made time for Niall Horan and Orlando Bloom.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Media

Tourism

Asa’s Eye Adaba inspires lyrical painting

Arts

Ogba Zoo decries poaching of land, calls for govt intervention

CULTURE

Town where death awaits albinos Ibule-Soro is a town in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. The town which literally means ‘turning land to wealth’ is reputed to have good palm wine. However, Ibule-Soro is a no-go-area for ‘Albinos’ as they would die on getting to the town, located very close to the state capital. BABATOPE OKEOWO who was in the town reports that Jooro, a river goddess in the town abhors men and women of light skin.

n Ibule-Soro in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State everybody is welcome to the agrarian community where the best palm wine is sold in the state as long as you are not albino; the river goddess in the town forbids it. Apart from the fact that an albino cannot enter the town, no indigene of the town has ever given birth to one. In fact, a source in the town said Jooro, the river goddess in the town kills any albino given birth to by any indigene of the town wherever they may be living. A visit to the town by the New Telegraph showed there was no single resident of the town that is albino or even someone that is ‘excessively’ light in complexion. For many people living in Akure, who delight in taking palm wine, the nearest place to get good palm wine and bush meat is Ibule-Soro, as top government functionaries and political office holders usually trooped to the town to enjoy the undiluted palm wine. For those who because of their tight schedule could not visit the town, they usually send their drivers or trusted aides to get it for them. However, the town, which has remained without a monarch since 2008 when the last occupant joined his ancestors, welcomes everybody to the town and is ready to host you provided you are not an albino. The highest ranking chief in the town, Chief Isaac Olawale Adegboye, the Oluoye of Ibule-Soro, said the people are hospitable to people but not to albino because of Jooro River which usually kill albino who come near to the town. Adegboye, who spoke with New Telegraph alongside the Priest of

Jooro river

near it. “You don’t get near Jooro with bead,” he said, adding that only the priest could wear bead to the river. When asked what actually led to the River goddess forbiding albinos, the Priest said he was not told about it, but that it is a tradition handed down from generations past. He informed that the river which is worshipped yearly by adherents, takes pigeon and kolanut, and that it is also prevents calamities from befalling the town. His words: “The River is useful for the indigenes and non-indigenes alike. It has curative power; it gives children to the barren, heal the sick and promotes the indigenes of the town wherever they are. “If any fetish object is being brought to the town, the river would render it impotent. You can’t also take any fetish object outside the town because the river goddess forbids it.” Besides the river also play a role in the installation and burial of a monarch in the town. Chief Jayeoba said they usually mixed the power used for the installation and once he dies, it is the water from the river that would be used to watch the remains. Chief Adegboye said they were hoping to have a new monarch one day and that normalcy would soon return once a new monarch emerges. His words: “The monarch of the town died in 2008, but we cannot get one because we are waiting for the government’s approval. The government must approve warrant chiefs to replace the chiefs that died. We have six kingmakers but four have died, reaming two. We have written to the government to appoint four warrant chiefs for us.”

Place of the Olubule

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

the River, Chief James Jayeoba, said the present residents of the town should not be blamed for the taboo as the history of the town predated many of them. His words: “We have a river called Jooro. The river does not see albino, if an albino comes to the town, the river will trace him and will kill him. If the albino comes around the town, the river will get

angry and flood everywhere until the albino is killed. “The river will not only kill the albino, it would kill the people in sight and destroy properties. Our forefathers told us that if you bring albino near the town, the River will turn to beach and wash away all the inhabitants of the town.” According to him, apart from albino, the river does not allow bead

Adegboye

Arts

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Art meets community in creative engagements for students Tony Okuyeme

rt is life and cannot be separated from the concerns of everyday life. In Asaba the Delta state capital, the idea of an art workshop is remote. Left without creative engagements the youths easily resort to detrimental vices. From Thursday July 23, 2015, primary and secondary school students in Asaba, capital of Delta state, will be treated to an intensive, hands-on workshop on turning waste to wealth. The workshop which is convened by an Asaba-based sculptor, arts teacher and a facilitator at the annual Agbara Ottor Harmattan Workshop, Philips Nzekwe, along with fellow artist and painter, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce acting as the lead facilitator supported by other artists and teachers, will cater for about 50 pupils. Accordng to Maja-Pearce, a veteran workshop facilitator on converting waste to wealth and recycling of disposable materials, the workshop seeks to champion the promotion of the arts at the grass-root level and basic levels of education, bolstering the arts across the grade school curriculum. Nzekwe, the convener of the workshop, noted that “a lot has gone wrong with urbanisation without consideration for preservation due to lack of visual literacy. Promoting healthy living and going –green is the primary aim of this workshop. “Psychological effects of living -green together with creative engagements we hope will result in youth restiveness and peaceful coexistence. “The participants are going to acquire skills which will enable them become self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs. The workshop activities are designed to engaging the community through close interactive participation of parents, children, community leaders and youths. The recycle themes are focussed on using easily found materials to create objects of beauty. We are careful to align our activities with the present school curriculum so that it is easy for the participants to relate art to other areas of human endeavours; therefore using art as a tool for socio- development.” He explained that because of the level of unemployment and youth restiveness in the Niger-Delta with the unavailability of relevant workshops aimed at Youth empowerment, he decided to use this workshop initiative as a tool for giving back. Sponsor of the programme Mrs H.I. Odume, a former director of education in Delta state and an art enthusiast,

said: “Effective learning can only occur if all domains of human knowledge which include the cognitive, affective and the psycho-moto are fully harnessed. The objective of this workshop are in line with the vision of the Marble Hill school(where she is the proprietor).The Marble Hill school which is the venue for the workshop has been made available by the Mrs Odume because she believes that students should be thoroughly furnished and equipped for nation building”. On the challenges, Nzewe said: “The challenges have been lack of government support. This programme will probably fair better if we have some form of support or collaboration with the state government’. “The absence of a worthy art gallery in Asaba has impeded the aesthetic development of the students in the vicinity. For people who are creatively and intellectually endowed, there are no platforms for self-expression for them. In bringing this programme to Asaba, we hope to provide this opportunity for youths to express themselves creatively. “The public image of the visual artist in Delta state is to a large extent shrouded in mystery’ says Mr Uchebike Ijibike (an art teacher in Nkwani local government area of Delta state) ‘For all those who want to know about what the artist really does, this is the opportunity. Misconception about the programme, coupled with discouragement from parents and the general cynicism concerning art related events have been stumbling blocks to this project”. According to one of the teachers Mr Victor Olaleye, of Mable Hill school, “There are

Nzekwe teaching some students

many benefits for the students in this workshop. Parents should allow their children and wards to participate in this event’. Art and community workshop aims at engaging the community with art through a do- it- your-self approach. The activities include community photography, mural/graffitti, waste recycling, fashion and print art. The workshop will begin will be on till Tuesday July 28, 2015, with an exhibition at Nelrose Hotel Asaba. The exhibition will be curated by Lagos-based curator/ photographer, Mr Adetunji Akinyemi. About 300 students are expected to participate in this event.

One of the works produced during a workshop

From female artists, Design is Personality of Idea Tony Okuyeme

ight female artists will explore the diversity and complexity of our worldviews in an art exhbition which opens on Sunday, July 19, 2015, at the Ford Foundation, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos. The exhibition, organised by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) supported by Ford Foundation, is themed “Design is the Personality of an Idea“, and it runs till August 3, 2015. “We are all deluded. In the most dangerous ways, the most beautiful ways and the most banal and benign ways we all exist in a world of our own design, our own creation, our own filter. Built with our beliefs, our histories, our traumas, our consumption, our interactions, our societies, our

habits, our opportunities and dreams, we design our own reality,” the organisers stated. Art, they noted, is an expression of our reality, and design is the personality of our ideas. “The artists brought together here use diverse media - film, fashion, paint, photography, digital collage, and sound - to create full worlds with the precision and intentionality inherent in the concept of design. “Yet all of us, with our unique delusions, perceptions and experiences, exist in the same physical world. The exhibition is an exploration of this kaleidoscopic amalgamation of our individualities. The featured artists show the diversity and complexity of each of our worldviews: complete, distinct, nuanced and fantastical. They design and manifest their own

distinct realities. The intention is to leave the viewer with no one thing to say about female African artists. The more you see, the less you know. The exhibiting artists are: Joana Choumali (Côte d’Ivoire), Nkechi Ebubedike (Nigeria-America), Akwaeke Emezi (Nigeria), Modupeola Fadugba (Nigeria), Selly Raby Kane (Senegal), Nkiru Oparah (Nigeria), Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa) and The Venus Bushfires (Nigeria). Launched in 2010 the Female Artists Development Project is an annual initiative to promote a more gender equal creative industry. Each year, artists are chosen to work on a project relating to a theme and provided with production stipends to complete their work. Along with the final exhibition, mentorship

programs for young girls and public discussions expand the dialogue to a larger community. The Female Artists’ Platform aims to draw attention to female artists and designers living and working in Africa, unearth and develop new talent, introduce new art forms, and highlight the diversity of women who are exploring ways to express themselves through visual art. The project also hopes to challenge these artists to take bold steps in their creative concepts and processes, so they may have the freedom to create and exhibit works that are communicative, provocative and relevant. It seeks to shed light on the role of the artist in African society, to create awareness around female creative expression, and address her underrepresentation in the Nigerian contemporary art community.

Media 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Asa’s Eye Adaba inspires lyrical painting Rachel Christopher

ye Adaba, the track six of Asa’s first album “Asha”, has inspired a mixed media painting that also draws attention on the need for unity, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the country. But, is it possible to have a lyrical painting you would ask? You wonder. Yes, it is possible, and that is what artist Godwi Arikpo has done wth Portraits of Songs. Arikpo decided to paint the lyrics of this song because he believes, “it is a rallying call for Nigerians to treat these testing times as a wakeup call”. “We can turn the corner and use this as a stepping stone to make our country stronger economically,” he said. The mixed media painting titled: Portraits of Songs; depicts what Eye Adaba means to Aikpo who is from Cross Rivers State. And this graduate of University of Port Harcourt, does not only understands the lyrics in the song, but he also sees the beautiful colours in it, which he has painted with his brushes. “Asa’s poesy brings nature close by and points at the priceless, little things, simple blessings, and moments we often oversee in the chaos that surrounds us each day,” he pointed out. Each stroke, line and shade on the painting, he eplained, represents the lyrics in the song. “All Asa’s songs are translated in English, and you can get it from her website. I visited Asa’s website when I was doing a research on the

The art work Portraits of Songs

song and it was from there I got the translation of the lyrics,” he revealed. Portraits of Songs is so significant and special to Arikpo that he has refused to part with the painting even though people are interested in buying the piece. To him, “Asa tells the truth when she sings, the truth about herself, her life and her family, and all the things people don’t talk about themselves. She tells the story of her life in her songs and people want to hear it, I love her style of music and the lyrics

of her songs. It’s true that the Nigerian economy has up until now not seen very promising growth, with the insurance and oil industries generating money for the economy as well as jobs. It’s true that our economy had become reliant on money generated from crude oil exports.” Portrait of Songs is not just a painting but also a piece which Arikpo is using to promote the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. “I believe that our country Nigeria is blessed with all it takes to develop. I believe in our

national identity, and unity. It is a fact that we are facing hydraheaded challenges but all these don’t change who we are; we are the most beautiful people on the face of the earth; a people united by love so strong, we are a very resourceful and resilient people against all odds and we must wake up and choose to see faith, to see hopefulness, to see peace and believe in all things good, and say the right things about our dear nation Nigeria in this new era of governance. May we move away from all the

homicides and embrace the greenness of our culture. “Let Eye Adaba be a tonic we all need at this time. It’s a Yoruba song literally understood as “Dove”, it is a solemn, contemplative prayer; one of hope and sincere yearning for peace. You can sing it with me. Let this song be to you a constant reminder that there is always hope, new possibilities and wonders waiting, just around the corner. May we find renewal in the silence of our minds,” he asserted.

Nollywood stars, comedians join walk against drug addiction Moses Kadiri

ighting a good course is sweet mostly when it has great impact on the larger society. The campaign against youth involvement in drugs and other vices hit the street of Lagos in full force recently. Conveyed by Meljestin Youth Empowerment Initiative, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), the outfit rolled out the drums, enlightening the public against danger of illicit drugs. The long walk from Agboju area of Lagos saw many Nollywood stars, stand-up comedians in attendance. Stakeholders in other sectors also took part in the exercise. Students from different schools were also part of the campaign which was tagged “Walk Against Drug Addiction”. Many Nigerians who saw the eagerness on the faces of the participants welcome the initiative; they joined in the merry mood of campaigners with happy cheers to totally free the Nigeria society of drugs that has caused nightmares to many families. Eventually, the walk terminated at Beth Torrey Mentally Challenged Home, Amuwo

Odofin, Lagos. The message from the initiator, Mrs. Chibuzo Patrick is clear and direct, that youths should run away from drugs; it destroys destinies. She said youths go into drugs because of curiosity, and inferiority complex, even peer pressure. Mrs. Patrick, who is known for big projects that has changed the lives of people in the society reiterated that there is nothing that can stop a heart that is eager to change. “If you are into it take a decision today and stand by it; determination is all that you need to come out from it,” she preached. On what informed the whole idea of the project, she explains, “I came across some children who were discussing about the drugs their fellow children take. We are not talking about adult here, people can just look at drugs as thing that is very expensive that children cannot go into but this time around they are not going for cocaine, they are smoking things that are easily found like dried bitter leaf, and the rest which is worse than cocaine. These things are cheap and they are around us,” Mrs. Patrick notes. She said, “parents are in

Participants walking against youth involvement in drugs and other vices

trouble if the awareness is not created because these things could go to their lungs, kidney and destroy them; if you go to the hospital you will see different category of sickness not excluding children. l now said how do we help out because government alone cannot do it, passionate individual must join hand. l first did a conference on the danger of drug addiction, different schools came, but the issue is that the conference was in a hall it discriminated some people because people who need to hear this might not come to the conference, they are not ready to hear big Eng-

lish, l got people from Pakistan, India, who know about drugs to come and speak during the conference, but it did not reach the people because it was through invitation that was why we now decided to do a walk to enlighten people because you do not know who you will see. We got to the inner place where these people are smoking this stuff.” Continuing, she said “The country we are in nobody gives you money, they give excuses. We gave out over 80 letters to sponsors, nobody gave us money; it is passion that drives me; that joy of wanting to save a life, selfish people will never understand the

passion that drives selfless people. l will keep reaching out and touching lives, a day will come when l will be rewarded. The lives you touch are the ones that will keep spreading the values of your life and ministry. “If we have a government that can give us a little piece of land no matter where it is to enable us do something. There are so many souls that are going astray because they have not seen who to correct them. The parents that we have today will give what they know, most people are marrying from club and hotel they do not have the moral, it is not their fault these children need someone to guide them. This government thing has become like a poem, we need government support that is not coming, the people who government sponsors are not even on ground; they are not doing anything, so many genuine people are folding up because of bills.” Some of the participants praised the convener for having heart of gold. Nollywood actress Grace Amah commended the initiative. She urged the society to desist from drugs, “for those that are into drugs, l pray you stop it, it is not good,” she disclosed.

Tourism

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ogba Zoo decries poaching of land, calls for govt intervention Stories by Andrew Iro Okungbowa

gba Zoological Garden and Nature Park otherwise known as Ogba Zoo in Benin City, the Edo State capital, has continued to be in the eye of the storm following the raging battles between the management of the pristine ecotourism enclave and poachers of all sorts even at the zoo is not spared occasional natural disasters. The latest of such battle to keep the remaining natural crust of the zoo intact is what the management described as the pillage of the zoo’s land on Thursday June 18 by land grabbers from Utagban and Ogbaneki neighbouring communities of the zoo. Although this latest move was repeled by the viligance of the zoo management and quick intervention of the state government and the Nigerian Police with the Ogba Zoo Police Station swinging into action by arresting the suspects but the zoo management is worried by the slow piece of investigation into the matter and the many attempts by some people in the community to destroy and cart away evidence of the latest pillage visited on the zoo, such as the bulldozers and other machineries used by the accused. To arrest this development as well as resolve all the linger-

ing issues surrounding the zoo land, the management has written an open letter, entitled: ‘Massive incursion into Ogba Zoo by land grabbers: Dark epoch for conservation and tourism in Edo State,’ to the government of Edo State and the state House of Assembly and others, calling for their intervention and recommending among others such actions as: We are constrained to earnestly implore your Excellency to cause a full scale formal inquiry into the repeated destructive incursions into the Zoo, leading to serious loss of its ecological integrity; since the current case points to possible demotion of Ogba Zoo from its enviable status in global conservation index, or end in its tragic extinction in no distant time: We appeal that the ongoing investigation of the current crisis be taken up with the Commissioner of police for thorough investigation and prosecution of the culprits; We urge Your Excellency to pay a sympathy visit to the Zoo and the site of this monumental destruction to an ecological heritage of the State, to see the realities on ground and bring succour: Cause the Ministry of Lands and Surveys to urgently carry out a fresh survey of the Zoo, along with clear delineation of its boundaries; Provide for fulltime deployment of Forest Guards and other security

A section of the ogba zoo’s land encroached on by the people

agencies to give adequate protection to this facility; since if the trees in a Nature Park within our doorsteps cannot be saved, then it is futile to be planting new ones in the bush: Direct major sensitization of neighbouring communities/public; and Demonstrate effective deterrence by ensuring that all culprits in this dastardly act are brought to book. Also in the letter signed by the head of the zoo manage-

ment team, Mr. Andy Ehanire who is also the secretary general of the Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens (NAZG), he lamented the fact that since 15 years ago that his company took over the running of the zoo under the state private – public partnership initiative, it has been locked in endless struggles with land poachers who have almost completely taken over the zoo’s land and decimated

all its natural habitats. A development, which he not only decried but said, has put the life of the staff and management of the zoo in precarious situation. ‘‘The undue delay in resolving these encroachment problems has placed our personal safety and investments as eco-tourism developers under dangerous risks, in addition to being inimical to the visionary objectives of setting up the Zoo,’’ he concluded.

Starwood Hotels’ SPG hosts LM Open

t was all colours and celebration at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as the hotel hosted its fourth LM Open under the umbrella of SPG (Starwood Hotels and Resorts acclaimed Guest loyalty programme). The three days golf tournament brought together a mix of high profile dignitaries ranging from captains of industries in financial, oil and gas to constructions, to elite SPG members as well as golf enthusiasts. Teams from Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Sheraton Abuja Hotel and the host hotel co-ordinated the host of the guests and players, ensuring that they were treated to the best tradition of Starwood. Each player received welcome kits which consisted of SPG branded goody bags made up of Polo shirts, caps, golf hats, golf sleeves, towels, pens and golf balls. Welcoming guests and players during the cocktail session the Area General Manager of Starwood Hotels Nigeria, Mr. Barry Curran, who is also the General Manager of Lagos Sheraton Hotel, said: “I am delighted to welcome you to our fifth LM Ibom Open now with SPG. We are proud to continue our progres-

sive partnership with IMG and the LM Ibom Open Series. “We look forward to an inspiring 36 hole game of golf. “In addition to various fascinating life style events SPG loves sports and is awakened to the visionary potential that golf creates in bringing people together to connect and engage”. Highlights of the event included the grand lunch and awards ceremony with the announcement of the winners by the General Manager

of Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort-Mr. Marc Devroye and the Golf Club Manager Mr. Roger Yates handing over awards and medals. The Winners celebrated their victories at the end of the 3 day tournament; Kalio Isoboye and Susan Cole-Kotas emerged as the Overall winner for the Men and Women’s Category. The Main Prize winner received a 5 night stay at The St. Regis Mauritius including 2 return Business Class Emirates tickets.

Kalio Isoboye and Susan Cole-Kotas emerged as the Overall Winner for the Men & Women’s Category at The SPG IBOM GOLF Invitational ( L-R: Emirates Representative, Mr.Kalio Isoboye ( Main Winner) and Area General Manager for Starwood Hotels in Nigeria-Mr.Barry Curran).

The new Deji of Akure and his olori, with a guest during the coronation ceremony

Celebration as Akure monarch ascends the throne

kure the capital of Ondo State, the sunshine state was agog recently as the people rolled out the drums and red carpet to toast to the ascension of the throne by it is new traditional rule, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, following the death of the formal Dejia Oba Adebiyi Adesida. The coronation of the Oba Aladelusi as the 48th Deji of Akure witnessed a lot of thrills and pomp and a carnival – like celebration as both residents and visitors turned out gaily to partake in the event, which held at the new palace ground in Akure. Nigerian Breweries Plc maker of Goldberg maintained a commanding presence at the occasion and treated people entertaining moment at its stand. According to the Brand

Manager of Goldberg, Mfon Bassey, the brand has demonstrated yet again that it is the brand that truly understands respects and celebrates the cultural values of the people. Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Architect Olajide Adejuyigbe, described the traditional ruler as a uniting force for the people of Akure. He commended the choice of Oba Aladelusi by the king makers and urged the people to support the new oba in order for him to lead the people to greater heights. While the Publicity Secretary for the traditional ruler’s coronation, Mr. Tokunbo Jegede said: “Today is a special day in the history of this land, when we have the triumphant entry of the new Kabiyesi into his palace.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Labour

Why we cannot honour pact with workers – Osun

Agric New technology to boost yam production

Business What's news

Nigeria’s mobile Internet users rise to 88m Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Internet users in Nigeria have increased to 88.1 million with Instant Messaging Services, social media and cut in cost of Internet driving the trend, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.30

LNG price’s flux threatens Nigeria’s $1bn revenue The instability in global price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which provides $1 billion revenue annually to the Federal Government, will create a tighter and geographically proximate sale for Nigeria and others, Deloitte has said.

p.30

L-R: Divisional Head, South East 2, Keystone Bank Limited, Noris Okafor; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, at the tape cutting ceremony of Isieke Ibeku Community School’s library donated by the bank.

Ministers’ appointment: FG saves N56.3m in two months CRITIC

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Nigerians expect Buhari to do much more than just reducing his salary

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in appointing cabinet ministers may have unconsciously saved the nation about N54. 3 million, New Telegraph has learnt. Buhari was sworn in on May 29 and his administration would have spent two months in office by the end of July without cabinet ministers.

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

His handlers and kitchen cabinet insist that President Buhari wants to jettison past conventional methods of selecting ministers by pruning down the usually large size of both cabinet ministers and ministries to a manageable number. This development has attracted criticisms to the administration. Going by the antecedents of previous administrations, there are usually about 42 cabinet ministers, 36 of whom are selected based on states’ slot while additional six are chosen based on the six geo-political zones of the country. There is a slight variation in allowances and salary of ministers of state and a se-

nior ministers. According to salary and allowances schedule for political office holders obtained from the Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Commission, government’s statutory agency empowered to provide emolument package for different category of political office holders, the annual basic salary for a minister is N2,026,400:00. This translates to a monthly salary of N168,866:66, while other al-

N7.029m Annual salary for

President Muhammadu Buhari after he gave himself a head cut

lowances comprising of motor vehicle fueling is N126,650; personal assistant - N42,216, domestic staff - N126,650, entertainment -N75,990, utilities - N50,660, monitoring - N33,773 and newspapers/periodicals N25,330 (all per month). All these would have cost government N46.8 million in the last two months. A minister of state, however, earns N1.9 million, translating to a monthly salary of N163.131 while other allowances amount to N628,056:91. The Buhari government would have paid at least six junior ministers drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country N7.5 million in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE June 2015.................................8.5% May 2015.................................9% April 2015................................8.7%

LENDING RATE Interbank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at July 10)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N240 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N339 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N257

l Foreign Reserves – $29.719bn as at 8/07/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at July 10)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200.00 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N315.27 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N225.60

Business | News

PARADIGM

An uptake pattern reveals a paradigm shift to mobility Kunle Azeez

lobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Internet users in Nigeria have increased to 88.1 million with Instant Messaging Services, social media and cut in cost of Internet driving the trend, New Telegraph has learnt. According to the latest official data obtained from the telecoms industry’s umpire, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), GSM networks, including MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat, have increased their mobile Internet subscriber base by over seven million within the first five months of the year. From 81.8 million in January, according to the data, the number of GSM Internet subscriptions grew to 83.2 million in February; 85.3 million in March; 86.9 million in April and by the end of May, the figure stood at 88.1 million. Over the five months period, each of the GSM operators accumulated additional mobile Internet subscribers to their networks. Airtel increased its mobile Internet users from 17.6 million in January to 14.9 million in May, representing an increase of 2.7 million additional subscriptions, thereby recording the highest new Internet subscribers dur-

FG saves N54.3m in two months

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria’s mobile Internet users rise to 88m

Cost cuts, others drive trend ing the period. Also, MTN and Glo tied by increasing their mobile Internet subscriptions by additional 1.7 million each. However, while MTN increased from 39.1 million in January to 40.8 million in May, Glo moved

up from 17.6 million in January to 19.3 million by the end of May. Etisalat came fourth by an addition of slightly over 300,000 new mobile Internet subscriptions unto its network. However, MTN Nigeria continues to be the overall

L-R: Group Managing Director, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Paul Gbededo; Chairman, John Coumantaros and Company Secretary, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, at the company’s Extra ordinary General Meeting in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

RESILIENT Deloitte says oil price fluctuations unlikely to impact industry trajectory

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

last two months. But unlike the jumbo package enjoyed by the previous political executives and ministers, Buhari has announced a 50 per cent cut in his salary and that of his vice, Yemi Osinbajo. The president’s current annual remuneration as approved by RMAFC is N14,058,820.00. With this development, however, Buhari will be earning N7,029,410 per year throughout his fouryear tenure. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told President Buhari that Nigerians expect him to do much more than just reducing his salary. PDP also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of overdramatising Buhari’s achievements.

leader in terms of the total number of mobile Internet subscriptions each of the service providers has on its network. Analysis of the official data show that of the 88.1 million mobile Internet subscriptions recorded in May, MTN Nigeria shares

40.3 million; Glo comes second with 19.3 million while Airtel and Etialat hold 17.6 million and 10.3 million respectively. New Telegraph learnt that the explosion in the uptake of smartphones and other low-cost phones that can be used to access the Internet have continued to drive penchant for Internet subscriptions,

driven by mobility. Government’s policy on broadband, which is aggressively being driven by the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2013-2018, with the aim of deepening highspeed Internet penetration by 30 per cent in the next four years, is a key factor driving mobile Internet subscription growth in the country. Already, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, has declared that broadband penetration had increased from six per cent in 2013 to reach 10 per cent currently.

Adeola Yusuf

he instability in global price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which provides $1 billion revenue annually to the Federal Government, will create a tighter and geographically proximate sale for Nigeria and others, Deloitte has said. The global consulting firm, which said this in its latest report, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s (DTTL) Oil and Gas Reality Check 2015, stated that the price stability was no more a model for global LNG market stability. “The price of LNG was once a model for stability, it is less so now. Until prices stabilise, natural gas will trade in more geographically proximate regions,” said the report. This, according to the report, means that “Australian LNG will likely retain its north/south advantage, providing supply to Singapore,

LNG price’s flux threatens Nigeria’s $1bn revenue

 Report predicts tighter sale for Nigeria, others Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Conversely, North American producers have a more natural trading advantage with Europe. Besides, it noted that the most cost-efficient producers are the ones most likely to win global market share, especially as supply-demand economics kick in. “This may ultimately give the United States (and, perhaps, Canada) a competitive advantage, as their breakeven points on LNG projects are typically lower,” the study added. It stated that the cyclicality of the oil and gas industry is unlikely to impact the longterm trajectory of the sector. However, the current fluctuations may speed up some of the trends that were already unfolding. The report outlines six of the major issues currently impacting the oil and gas industry (and the upstream market in particular). These issues include an anticipated shift in

supply-demand fundamentals, the emergence of new trading patterns, consideration of OPEC’s role in the market, falling LNG prices, the long-term costs of complex projects and evolving dynamics between integrated oil companies (IOCs) and national oil companies (NOCs). Anton Botes, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s Global Oil & Gas Leader, said: “The oil and gas industry has been built on long-term investments and has successfully emerged from cyclical downturns in the past. As these trends play out, companies across the board need to adapt and remain agile to emerge a leaner, fitter business. At the same time, it’s worth remembering that weaker price signals spur innovation. With that in mind, it’s not unreasonable to expect that lagging oil prices will spur greater innovation.” The report highlighted other key trends to include shift in

supply-demand fundamentals, new trading patterns emerging, OPEC: under pressure; investing in innovation: the cost of complexity and national and integrated oil companies: evolving dynamics. The study noted: “Fluctuating industry dynamics are fuelling a power play between traditional and new oil suppliers. For example, the United States continues to maintain its place as a major producer of both oil and gas, while historical energy trade patterns are shifting. With the loss of the United States as an anchor market, the world’s major oil suppliers are searching for new buyers. “As oil and gas supply and demand fundamentals continue to evolve, new global trading patterns are emerging. As relations between emerging trading blocs strengthen, OPEC may look to expand its share of the Western European market.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Director flays premature retirement from NOTAP p.32 RESPITE The civil servants had initially called off their over seven-month strike before re-embarking on another one Stories by Sunday Ojeme

ollowing the new strike action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State chapter, the state government has appealed to the workers for understanding, saying

Labour

Why we cannot honour pact with workers – Osun there was deficit in the funds sourced to offset part of their outstanding salaries. All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity and Strategy in the state, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said this is a statement made available to New Telegraph. He said government’s initial stand was to pay the two months arrears in full in agree-

ment with the labour leaders before the strike was suspended, but there was a deficit where the money was sourced from, as government is yet to receive its own share of bail-out from the Federal Government. He said, “In order not to dissatisfy the workers based on the agreement, the government thought that it is better

to pay half and balance up later. I can assure you that the balance would be paid before the week runs out.” The the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Governor’s Office, Semiu Okanlawon, in a statement, acknowledged the dissatisfaction of the workers following the partial payment of salaries.

A cross-section of the Eko Atlantic workers protesting over salaries and casualisation in Lagos.

Anambra screens council workers’ records A nambra State Government said it had started verifying the records of service of its local government workers. Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Anambra State, Mr. Peter Eganti, made this known in a statement in Awka. Eganti said the commission had observed that some workers were progressing in service based on their fraudulent practices “which we are bent on stopping.” He reiterated his resolve to instill discipline and ethical conduct in the local government system for enhanced service delivery. He stressed that a disciplined civil service will enthrone a workforce that is service-oriented. Eganti said, “Governor Willie Obiano has been wonderful in his resolve to alleviate workers’ plight and based on that, I expect nothing but discipline

and ethical conduct from the workers so that the governor will even do more for them. “We have started verification of workers records of service. We have observed that some workers are progressing in service based on their fraudulent practices, which we are bent on stopping. “We have set up a taskforce to determine the seniority list to help us to strengthen staff records. “This commission is doing all it can to improve the standard of living of workers in the rural areas with a view to making them happy while in service. I call on the elected council chairmen to make the welfare of their workers paramount.” He said the commission was working with the executive to provide an enhanced welfare package for their workers in the hinterlands.

He quoted the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as calling for the understanding of all workers in the state. Osun state civil servants had suspended their over seven weeks strike action following a bailout deal between the Federal Government and some states including Osun. However, the state Chairman of NLC, Jacob Adekomi, advised the workers not resume work as earlier directed since the state government had reneged on the earlier agreement. Adekomi said the workers rejected the half salary the state government offered because it was in breach of the agreement reached by both parties, saying that the workers were deceived to call off their strike action. According to him, the NLC suspended the strike because it believed government would honour the agreement in the Memorandum of Understanding the two parties signed, detailing how they wanted their salaries to be paid. He said, “It was brought to our notice that workers on grade level 1-7 in secondary schools and the civil service got full payment of their January salaries, while the senior officers got half salaries. Also, primary and secondary schools’ pensioners were paid 50 per cent of their pensions for January and November respectively.” He, however, said it was agreed that workers would be paid salaries for the months of January and February 2015 for secondary schools’ teachers and those in the core civil service.

ITF partners German chamber on skills devt

s part of arrangement to further enhance Nigerians’ industrial skills, the nation’s Industrial Training Fund has entered into partnership with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The Director-General, ITF, Dr. Juliet ChukkasOnaeko, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the chamber. He said that the partnership is to work out a robust skills development for young Nigerians in the use of modern technology in key areas such as welding, improvement in the quality of vocation-

al training among others. “The initiative was timely owing to the huge tasks before the agency in the training of about two million artisans annually. Even before the collaboration, the agency had already started looking at adoption of the dual educational vocational system in its skills acquisition program. “The dual vocational duration program is something we consider seriously and I think we are positive that we can move this collaboration to another level. “I want to see what you require of us to be

able to make this work better. We are willing to provide all we can to ensure that you are given a smooth sail in the next phase of this program,” she said. On his part, the leader of the German team, and Managing Director, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Germany, Mr. Robert Malzacher, said the skills acquisition program would be relevant, efficient, effective, impactful and sustainable. He added that in implementing the program, ITF would play a major role in the expansion of the program to other states.

Business | Labour

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Director flays premature retirement from NOTAP CLARIFICATION The former minister was kept in the dark while the drama lasted Clem Khena-Ogbena Abuja

he Director, Technology Acquisition and Research, an arm of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Soibi Dede, has said that his boss, Dr. Umar B. Bindir, retired him prematurely, against his own will and without due process. Dede disclosed this in an interview with New Telegraph, saying that Bindir, who was the immediate past DirectorGeneral of NOTAP, prevailed on him repeatedly to go on retirement and get a contract offer instead. Dede stated, “He said I should retire and come back to take contract, but I said no, I would not take contract, because the correct thing should be done; I don’t want any contract from you.” He also lamented that he and the family had been having difficult times, since his salary and other benefits had been stopped. He added that he had been surviving on charity from friends and church members. Dede alleged that the director general, who brought his kinsman from RMRDC to succeed himself as NOTAP D-G, secretly forwarded his name to the National Pension Commis-

sion (PenCom) for his retirement process. Dede said, “In a letter dated March 13, 2012, Dr. Umar Bindir, DG, NOTAP, had secretly sent my name to the National Pension Commission that Dr. Soibi Dede as employee due for retirement August 2013. On 7th November, 2011, I was served notice of retirement, based on the government policy on eight years tenure limit of directors in public service. “On March 26, 2013, I wrote the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology through the Director General of

the chance would have ended everything. Bindir did not mince words that he did not want me around in NOTAP.” Dede said that two directors before him had previously been retired; one, he added, was retired having served the ministry for 35 years, while the other retired at about 60 years. He, however, said that the eight years disengagement policy had since been reversed by the ministry. He said: “It was raised in a meeting all the directors and directors-general attended, and they asked Dr. Umar Bindir that

they had a director in Raw Materials Research and Development Council, who had stayed in office for eight 8) years as director should they retire him due to the eight years policy? “Prof. Ewa, the then minister, said that all the directors with PhD degrees and who are professionals like myselfI have a PhD in Highway Engineering and Transportation and I am COREN registered engineer-should not be retired on account of the eight years policy. He said such people, we cannot get them easily, we cannot easily replace them.”

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Pensions Limited, Dapo Akinsanya; Chairman, AXA Mansard, Victor Osibodu; Executive Director, Tosin Runsewe; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health Limited, Tope Adeniyi and Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Investments Limited, Deji Tunde-Anjous, after the unveiling of the new AXA Mansard pylon and introduction of new products and the Pensions business in Lagos.

Owolabi is Airtel’s HR Director irtel Nigeria has an- in the company. He was later A nounced the appointment transferred to the United of Gbemiga Owolabi as Hu- Kingdom headquarters of the man Resources Director. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, according to a statement, aligns with the telecommunications’ core philosophy of empowering and creating opportunities for exceptionally talented professionals in line with its aspirations of becoming the employer of first choice in Nigeria. Owolabi has over 20 years’ experience spanning international HR, talent management, employee engagement, capability development and HR operations. He has worked in Nigeria, United Kingdom and East Africa, starting his career with Lennards Nigeria Plc in 1990 as HR Manager and subsequently joined Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) in 1994 as HR Manager, where he managed HR in the largest CocaCola manufacturing plant in Nigeria. He Joined BG Exploration & Production Nigeria Ltd in 2007 as the HR Manager and managed the development and embedding of an Employee Value Proposition

the National Office for Technology Aquisition and Promotion, Dr. Umar Bindir, as required for clarification on my Retirement Tenure as a Research Professional Professional Director with PhD degree in Engineering, servicing in NOTAP. “The director general refused to send it to the minister for clarification, violating the trust vested on him as director general to accord the honourable minister the opportunity to see my application and make decision either for or against me. The decision of the honourable minister if accorded

parent company (BG Group) in 2009 and appointed as HR Manager of Dragon LNG in Wales, a joint company of BG Group with Petronas of Malaysia. On this assignment, he marshaled the attainment of competency assurance standard in the company, which is a license to operate requirement in the industry. Owolabi was appointed as the Head of HR & Admin for BG East Africa in 2011 and led the development and execution of the country entry strategy, creation of a functional HR and subsequently, a revised HR strategy to manage the high growth company in East Africa spanning Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar business units. He holds an MSc Industrial Relations & Personnel Management degree (University of Lagos) and an MBA Marketing (Obafemi Awolowo University). He is an alumnus of Advance Management Programme (Lagos Business School) and a member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria.

Group advises FG on N713.7bn bailout

he Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has urged the Federal Government to monitor the state governments as well as Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the N713.7 billion granted to them is used for that purpose. In a statement issued in Lagos, the ASCSN Secretary-General, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, stated that the advice had become necessary because feelers from the states indicate that some governors had concluded plans to divert the fund. “This is why we are requesting that the Presidency should set up necessary machinery to monitor the disbursement of the fund by the State Governments to ensure that it is used to pay salaries and allowances. “It will be a tragedy if this humongous sum of money is diverted to private pockets and not used to pay public

servants their salaries and allowances some of which have been outstanding for more than nine months,” the union emphasised. The ASCSN stated that such states should be encouraged to imbibe the culture of financial prudence and discouraged from embarking on white elephant projects or indulging in financial recklessness and conspicuous consumption. “More importantly, it should also be made clear to them not to develop the mentality of Oliver Twist or begin to see the Federal Government as Father Christmas that is ever ready to be doling out bailouts to them” the union stressed. The ASCSN posited that the release of N713.7 billion to offset arrears of salaries and allowances of public service employees had demonstrated clearly that the high hope and expectation placed on Mr. President by more than 15 million voters who gave him a historic

mandate on March 28, 2015 was not misplaced. It added that it was the more reason the Presidency should not allow the beneficiaries to rubbish the good gesture of Mr. President to Nigerian workers. The ASCSN also enjoined the Federal Government to use the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to supervise the bailout that would accrue to some Federal MDAs to ensure that it was used to settle the salaries and allowances of workers. It added that arrears of allowances owed federal public service employees include but not limited to promotion arrears outstanding since 2007, first 28 days in lieu of hotel accommodation, Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), mandatory training allowance for the training by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in 2010, burial expenses, repatriation allowance, among others.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Agric

BATNF excites farmers with relief materials p.34

New technology to boost yam production INNOVATION Latest breakthrough will produce 2,000 plants from one plant within the same period Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

takeholders in the agricultural sector have proffered alternative means of producing high quality yam seed for an improved production by 2016 through a newly-developed technology. The initiative was unveiled in Ibadan, Oyo State, at a workshop themed: “Yam Seed Production in Temporary Immersion Biocreators (YAM SITIBs).” The workshop was organised by the University of Ibadan in collaboration with some foreign partners, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Pennsylvania State University, US and National Academy of Sciences. Speaking on the objective of

the workshop, a Geneticist and Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Morufat Balogun, said that its essence was to reveal how the new technology would rapidly produce seed yam to farmers. “This new technology would be able to produce like 2,000 plants from one plant within the same period of time. Essentially, we are developing the technology to rapidly produce seed yam, which normally would have produced maximum of six plants in one year,” she said. According to Balogun, the quality of yam production would be high because the yam was grown in a laboratory where there were no pests and diseases. She added that the rate of production was not dependent on weather, but done in a controlled environment where it would produce seeds as farmers needed it. Balogun stressed that the present ratio of yam production was one to six, adding that if a plant was generated in 2016, it will produce six more plants in other places. Also, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Prof

Agricultural Commodity Prices – Grains Commodity Wheat Corn Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil Oats Rough Rice Hard Red Wheat Spring Wheat

Price 569-6 431-6 1035-0 364.6 32.58 255-4 11.100 561-0 591-0

Change -4-2 +1-2 -8-4 +5.0 -0.75 unch -0.020 -2-2 -1-6

Contract Sep 15 Sep 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Sep 15 Sep 15 Sep 15 Sep 15

Time(ET) 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15

Commodity Cotton #2 Orange Juice Coffee Sugar #11 Cocoa Sugar #16 CME Coffee CME Sugar #11 CME Cocoa CME Cotton #2

Price 66.21 123.45 132.20 12.61 3386 25.00 1.2975 0.1246 3370.00 0.6532

Change -1.26 +1.15 -2.25 -0.18 -17 -0.08 -0.0225 -0.0019 unch -0.0085

Contract Dec 15 Sep 15 Sep 15 Oct 15 Sep 15 Sep 15 Sep 15 Oct 15 Sep 15 Oct 15

Time(ET) 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 07/15/15 12:30 09:28 03:49 13:25

Lumber

288.00

-2.20

Sep 15

15:01

Softs

Meats Commodity Live Cattle Feeder Cattle Lean Hogs Class III Milk

Price 147.850 216.150 76.400

Change -0.300 +0.925 -0.475

16.41

-0.04

Contract Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Jul 15

Time(ET) 15:22 15:25 15:24

13:56

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

Eustace Iyayi, said that the workshop was an avenue to bring its real practitioners to educate yam farmers on the new alternative yam seeds. Iyayi said that real time development and sustainability of agricultural production can only happen where there was interface for new science to meet with those who would deploy it. He revealed that 40 farmers were drawn from four states

as the first beneficiaries of the project, saying that whatever knowledge they acquire would improve and enhance ways of doing things. Also, the Director, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Dr. Samson Aladele, said that there was the need to increase agricultural productivity through conservation of Generic Resources, adding that there was a need to enhance the exchange of

information, raise awareness and facilitate knowledge sharing and cooperation among relevant actors. Other participants in attendance included the Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Dr. Julius Okonkwo who was represented by Dr. Okechukwu Okoro and Dr. Norbert Maroya of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

Tubers of yam on display

BoA seeks more funding, repositioning of agric

he Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Prof. Danbala Danju, has called for the repositioning and funding of the agriculture sector to boost food production in the country. Danju specifically asked the Federal Government to inject more funds into the financial lending institution for farmers to access. “We hope that President Muhammadu Buhari would strongly support the agriculture sector, especially by injecting more funds into the Bank of Agriculture (BoA). This will enable the bank to widen its operational reach, particularly to

the rural areas. The bank was created by government to help in the development of agriculture in the country and so, if given more support, we would advance the course of farmers in Nigeria,” he said. Danju, who noted that agriculture was a key sector for the government of Nigeria and, indeed, for governments in Africa, said: “If we are to transform the lives of people, there is the need to inject more funds into the sector. Our bank seems to be in a good position to partner with government to transform agriculture for the betterment of people’s life.” He added that the BoA could

be repositioned to be one of the leading banks, not only in the country, but in the continent. The BoA boss said that the bank was central to promoting youth employment, diversification of the economy and generally uplifting the life of the vast majority of the people. He stressed the need to prioritise agriculture above the oil sector so as to not only feed Nigerians, but also earn more income for the country. “Agriculture should be given its rightful position in the scheme of things. This is the right moment. With the fall in the price of oil, agriculture should be given greater priority,” Danju said.

Beware of aflatoxin, farmers warned

takeholders have warned maize, rice and groundnut farmers to do all they could to prevent aflatoxin infestation to safeguard human and animal health from devastating effects of the fungi toxin inherent in most of the produce. Dr Joseph Ateike of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Mr. John Olateru, Chairman, Agro-commodity Association

of Nigeria, gave the warning at an awareness programme for farmers at Government Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. Checks show that aflatoxin is a kind of poison produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus, which resides in the soil and decaying matters on the farm. Developing crops and mature crops are infected through pests as vectors. According to a facilitator

from Business Support Academy, anchor of the training, Mr. Femi Osunraye, dangers of consuming maize and groundnuts infested by aflatoxin include liver cancer in humans and animals, stunted growth in children and crops, immune suppression, recurrent infections in poultry fed with aflatoxin-infected products, loss of feed efficiency and low productivity.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

BATNF excites farmers with relief materials SUPPORTS There is need to provide training, improved agricultural inputs, Dele Alao

n line with its commitment to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers across rural communities in the

country, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has supplied agricultural support materials to farmers in Oyo State under the second cycle of BATNF-sponsored cassava enterprise value-chain development project. Board Chairman, BATNF, Chief Kola Jamodu, who was represented by the Executive Director, BATNF, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Ashade, at the flag-off ceremony held recently in

Otu community of the state, noted that agriculture was significant to poverty eradication and wealth creation. “There is need to provide necessary requirements for the development of the agricultural sector like training, improved agricultural inputs, production capital, storage facilities and access to markets,” Jamodu said. This need, according to Jamodu, has posed a challenge

to governments at all levels. “Several farming communities in Nigeria are affected by these challenges and this contributes in no small measure to the problem of poverty, hunger and other economic challenges. “The enormity of these problems is such that governments alone cannot solve them. There is need for the organised private sector and other charitable institutions to come to the aid of government to address this

important issue of agricultural development especially as it affects smallholder farmers who are key players in the sector and who are responsible for the production of a great percentage of the food consumed in the country,” Jamodu said. Alhaji Muda Balogun, who received the agricultural materials from the Foundation on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for coming to their aid.

FG woos Thai investors to crop processing zones

L-R: Forest Project Assistant, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kunle Olasupo; Head IITA, Forest Unit, Deni Bown; Deputy Director-General, Partnerships and Capacity Development, Dr. Kenton Dashiell; Director-General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Adeniyi Karunwi; Contract Compliance Office, IITA, Morenike Abu; Director of Technical Programmes, NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja and Communication Officer, IITA, Adaobi Umeokoro, at the partnership meeting between NCF and IITA in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Farmers can double cassava yield –IITA Deborah Olayode

reliminary results from experimental plots carried out by researchers working under the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)-led Cassava Weed Management Project has shown that by switching to improved weed management practices, Nigeria cassava farmers can double current national average yield of 1213 tons per hectare. The current national average yield of cassava puts the yield per stand of cassava plant at 1.2-1.3 kg. However, recent harvest from trial plots recorded a breakthrough as a single cassava stand at Igbariam in Anambra State, produced 3.4kg roots. Project Leader for the Cassava Weed Management Project, Dr.

new report by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said that West African countries have unprecedented opportunities for agricultural growth. The report, however, noted that the growth would require more effective regional integration. According to the report, titled: ‘Agricultural Growth in West Africa: Market and Policy Drivers (AGWA),’ for West

Alfred Dixon, said: “Elsewhere, our preliminary results show that average national yield of 20-39 tons per hectare is achievable if farmers can simply adopt and use improved weed management practices. The results we are seeing in the field reinforce the fact that weeds are a major factor limiting yield and eliminating them (weeds) from cassava can help African farmers benefit more from the investments in research.” Researchers estimated that in uncontrolled fields, weeds wreak havoc on cassava, pulling down about 80 per cent of cassava yield. Women farmers who bear the brunt of keeping cassava farms weed free in most cases end up with backaches. Dr. Adeyemi Olojede, who is the Coordinator from the National Root Crops Research In-

stitute (NRCRI), Umudike, described the results as “great.” “Nothing special was done to the cassava fields. All we did was to ensure the fields were without weeds,” he said. He added: “Though weed control is a major bottleneck to cassava production, it has never gained desired attention as compared to pest and diseases of livestock.” Also, Principal Investigator, Cassava Weed Management Project, Prof. Friday Ekeleme, observed that weed control in cassava was a major constraint to productivity because the crop is left for a long time in the field usually 9-12 months before harvest. Farmers therefore have no other choice than to control weeds over this long period of time to keep the farms free of weeds.

Report highlights agric growth prospects in W’Africa Africa to compete with large global actors, the sub-region’s agriculture needs to capture some of the economies of scale that those countries enjoy in the markets for fertilisers and seeds, agricultural research and technology development. “While important progress towards regional integration has been made over the past two decades, effective implementation at national level has remained a challenge, as evidenced by roadblocks and

trade bans hindering intraregional trade, along with continued use of disparate national standards for seeds and fertilisers despite regionally agreed-upon common protocols,” the report said. It added: “While increasing agricultural yields is essential, more attention needs to be placed on the downstream segment of the agrifood system: assembly, storage, processing, wholesaling and retail.” The report observed that do-

he Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, has called on the Thai agribusiness community to take advantage of the huge agricultural opportunities in various crop processing zones in Nigeria and invest in the value chains existing there. Echono also invited Thai investors to establish rice and other crops production and processing plants that will produce for export, disclosing that the Nigerian market is the hub of the West African sub-region. The Permanent Secretary, who made the call while receiving a delega-

tion from the Board of Investment of Thailand in Abuja, told the Thai team that Nigeria was willing to partner with Thailand to develop her agriculture in order to diversify the economy, increase employment level and economic growth. A statement by Director of Information in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tony Ohaeri, quoted the Permanent Secretary as saying that he welcomed the rice technology plan of the Thai investors and canvassed collaboration on cassava processing, agricultural machinery and infrastructure.

Bird flu: Nigeria destroys 1.4m birds

xecutive Director, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Mohammed Ahmed, has said that over 1.4 million birds were destroyed to stamp out bird influenza that hit poultry farms early this year. He said that 18 states were affected by the flu, which last case was reported on May 28. Also, Ahmed said that 800 suspicions were diagnosed in the institute’s laboratory, out of which 500 tested positive to the disease. The NVRI boss, who noted that compensations for the destroyed birds were already being paid by the

Federal Government, said: “Payment of compensation for the destroyed birds is already in progress; it started and stopped at a point, but it has resumed.” He observed that the compensation was being handled by the Federal Government and appealed to states to help by initiating steps to assist farmers. “Since it is the economies of the affected states that are being largely affected, the states should augment the compensation as they did during the first outbreak years ago. “The states should specifically help in the design of poultry farms to encourage their bio-security,’’ he said.

IFAD supports farmers with N50m

he International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Niger said it has assisted 150 rice farmers in the state to procure N50 million worth of inputs to increase their yields. Programme Coordinator of IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, disclose this recently at the inauguration of funds support programme for small holder farmers in Katcha Local Government Area. “We have supported 150 rice farmers from six different cooperative groups with a grant of N25 million

to match the N25 million they contributed for this programme. Fifty hectares of land will be cultivated by the clusters of farmers, numbering 25 in each group,’’ he said. Ahmed added that the programme, aimed at enhancing rice and cassava value chains for sustainable agricultural transformation, would increase wealth for farmers. He said that the grant was for farm inputs such as faro-57-fertilizer, herbicides and for insurance cover for the farms in case of destruction from natural disaster and diseases.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Auto Beat

Renault returns with Duster Paul Ogbuokiri

enault has affirmed its commitment to the success of the auto policy of the Federal Government, even as it has announced the commencement of the assembly of its high profile SUV, Duster in the country. This is coming not too long after the French automaker returned to the Nigerian market after about two decades of absence. A statement by the Marketing Manager, Dana Cars and Services Ltd, Mr. Anthony Ayop; disclose4d that the national automotive policy which aims to promote investments in affordable made-in-Nigeria vehicles inspired the steps taken to produce a ‘’made in Nigeria’ car that will be simply put- the rugged Renault Duster.” He said Dana Cars and Service Limited, the holder of Renault franchise in Nigeria was incorporated in 2013 to represent the Renault brand of cars in Nigeria. A 3S facility for Sales, After Sales Service and Spare Parts was launched in Victoria Island, Lagos in 2014 and immediately this was completed, Dana brought in its expertise to facilitate the re-entry of Renault cars into the Nigerian automotive

market. According to Ayop, the Semi KnockedDown kits (SKDs) of Renault Duster are brought in from Renault the principle manufacturer and coupled by Dana (United Vehicle Assembly Limited) at the Isolo

assembly plant in Lagos. The Renault Duster has sold well over a million units worldwide. It is a true SUV which is big on comfort, safety and easy to drive on rugged terrains. Ayop stated that the production of the

Renault Duster in Nigeria will enhance human capacity building in terms of training, technology transfer and afford buyers a choice in the ever increasing demand for new cars especially in the SUV segment in Nigeria.

Coscharis gives 5 year warranty to Honda inaugurates first Africa car plant in Nigeria Jaguar Landrover owners

aguar Land Rover in partnership with Coscharis Motors has come up with five year warranty or 150,000km, whichever occurs sooner product to all Jaguar Landrover customers for any purchases from July 1, 2015, saying the objective is to provide its valued customers with additional peace of mind motoring up to five years. In a statement by the Jaguar Landrover on Monday; the Group Managing Director, Josiah Samuel was quoted as saying, “we are continuing with our commitment to ensuring that our customers enjoy fantastic opportunity for our Jaguar Landrover brands through ease ownership”. The statement signed

Jaguar landrover 2015

by the Brands Manger, Cletus Aregbeshola said the five year/150,000km new vehicle warranty is an extension of the previous three year/100,00km warranty which avail customers a marginal reduction in the cost of their vehicle maintenance for the period. By implication retail and fleet owners can decide to retain their vehicles for longer periods while Coscharis will take responsibility for the maintenance. He said the five year warranty is transferable to the new owner should the car be sold before it expires, given added resale value. The owners of five years or less aged Jaguar Landrover vehicles can also subscribe to two more years warranty. In order to keep

their Extended Warranty valid, customers must keep their vehicle maintained in line with the manufacturers servicing schedule. If the service history is not complete, the Extended Warranty coverage may be reinstated through the completion of the necessary Technical Inspection, which may involve certain fees. As stated by William Letsoalo, Customer Services Manager JLRSSA: If one service is missed the coverage level drops to only cover non-service related claims, but can be reinstated to full coverage. If two consecutive services are missed the warranty is invalidated, but can be reinstated to full coverage. If more than two consecutive services are missed the warranty is invalidated and cannot be reinstated. Similarly, warranty provision has been made for the approved used vehicles. The approved used warranty will ensure all approved used vehicles are sold with 24 months /50,000km warranty coverage. This warranty covers used vehicles within three years or 100,000km mileage.

Paul Ogbuokiri

onda Motor Co., Ltd. yesterday announced that Honda began local production of the Accord sedan on July 10, 2015 in Nigeria, West Africa where the automobile market is expected to expand in the future. Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda in Nigeria, established a new plant by installing automobile production facilities and equipment within the property of the existing Honda motorcycle production plant and began Accord production with annual production capacity of 1,000 units. This new plant is Honda’s first automobile production plant in Africa. Honda began motorcycle production and sales in Nigeria in 1980. Since then, Honda has been evolving its businesses in order that they take root in this region. In 2013, Honda established a local automobile business subsidiary and began the import and sales of Honda automobiles. Based on its longstanding commitment to “build products close to the customer” and by leveraging its knowledge and technique amassed through motorcycle business, Honda begins local production of automobiles for the customers of Nigeria.

Honda views Africa as a new growth market. Honda has been expanding its motorcycle, automobile and power products business in the southern part of Africa through its local subsidiary established in South Africa in 2000. In Kenya, in the eastern part of Africa, Honda established an automobile business office in December 2011, followed by the establishment of a motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in March 2013. Honda will continue strengthening its global production system and capability in order to deliver products that satisfy customers in all regions around the world. Commenting on this development, Yoshi Yamane, Senior Managing Officer and Director, Honda Motor Co. Limited said “Establishment of the first Honda automobile production plant in Africa is an epoch-making challenge for us. This production operation incorporates know-how Honda has amassed through its long history of motorcycle business in this market, and we could rediscover the strengths of Honda at the spot of manufacturing operations. I expect that this initiative will lead to a great leap in our automobile business in Nigeria and become a first step toward expansion to the entire African market.”

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Photo | News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

L-R: Representative of the Commandant, National Defence College, Ambassador Chijioke Wigwe; Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Oshita Oshita; representative of the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Patrick Dukumor and representative of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mazi Okeahilam Nzem, at an Inter-Agency Collaboration for Crises Management and Peace-Building for Security Agencies, Humanitarian Workers, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders in Abuja.

L-R: Mrs. Runsewe; overall best student of the Lagos State Model College (Senior), Igbokuta, Lagos State, Miss Gbemisola Runsewe and the school Principal, Mr. Joseph Olugbenga Akande, during the presentation of gift to the winner at the school’s prize-giving and award day in Lagos.

Representative of the Chairman, National Population Commission, Mrs. Seyi Aderinokun (left), with the Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Alhassan Nuhu, at a public lecture in commemoration of the 2015 World Population Day in Abuja.

L-R: Registrar, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Mr. Daniel Adeyemo; Acting Director, Physical Planning Department, Mrs. Folasade Adebayo; Bursar, Mr. Oyeniyi Badmus and Vice Chancellor, Prof, Isaac Azuzu, during the monitoring of TESFUND Project to Federal University, Oye- Ekiti, Ekiti State.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Participants at ‘Willow in the Wind’ workshop for teachers handling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri. PHOTO: NAN

A cross-section of the participants at the maiden national annual conference of the Association for Moral Education in Awka, Anambra State. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Shola Osunmakinde; Managing Proprietor, Victory Group of Schools, Lagos and Osun states, Chief Christian Ipoola Olaniyan and Father of the Day, Mr. Soji Abraham, at the 40th anniversary/14th graduation/prize-giving day and award ceremony of Victory Home School, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Promoter, IAM NIGERIA Initiative, Mr. Ola Ogunlana; overall winner/pupil of Lagoon School, Akintayo Olaoluwa and Chief Executive Officer, Discover Your Potentials, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola, at the Young African Writers’ book presentation and commemoration of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 81st birthday in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam

E X H O RTAT I O N

RAMADAN/SHAWAL 1436 AH

“DO THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE THINK THAT WE SHALL HOLD THEM EQUAL WITH THOSE WHO BELIEVE (IN THE ONENESS OF ALLÂH ISLÂMIC MONOTHEISM) AND DO RIGHTEOUS GOOD DEEDS, IN THEIR PRESENT LIFE AND AFTER THEIR DEATH? THEY ARE WRONG IN THE JUDGEMENT THAT THEY MAKE.” (QURAN 45:21)

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Getting utmost benefit of last third of Ramadan QUESTION How can we get utmost benefit of last 10 days of Ramadan CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

ANSWER

3. Make this special duà’ Àishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said, ‘Say: O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’”(Ahmad, Ibn Majah and AtTirmidhi) 4. Recite the Qur’an Perhaps one can choose Surahs or passages from the Qur’an which one has heard in taraweeh this Ramadan to recite. On attending a class for Qur’anic recitation, this is a great time to put one’s knowledge into practice. 5. Get your sins wiped out Abu Hurayrah quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying, “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) 6. Evaluate yourself Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah’s sincere forgiveness when invoking Allah and supplicating to Him in these blessed nights. 7. Make long, sincere and deep duà’ One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying, “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (AlBukhari and Muslim) This means, for instance, waking up one hour before suhur (pre-dawn meal) time to invoke Allah for anything and everything is something recommendable. This can be done using the duà’ (supplication) recorded in the Sunnah, but one is also allowed to say duà’ in one’s own language, with sincerity and conviction. 8. Have iftar with the family If you’ve spent iftar time on weekdays at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you’ll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely. 9. Take the family to taraweeh Prayer Have your spouse and kids missed taraweeh most of Ramadan because you weren’t there to drive them to the mosque, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favor and bring everyone for taraweeh in these last ten nights. 10. Attend the duà’ after the completion of the Qur’anic recitation Almost all the mosques where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Qur’an in taraweeh prayers in Ramadan will now be approaching the end of the task in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the duà’ at the end of reading the Qur’an. Attend this particular night’s taraweeh Prayer with your family. See if you can attend different mosques’ taraweeh Prayers the night they finish reading the Qur’an.

Moslem faithful praying at the Lailatul Qadr (Night of Majesty) held at the NASFAT Islamic Centre, Asese on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway recently.

2015 Hajj: FG disqualifies 7 air carriers lLaunches performance assessment for others DEALS NAHCON, 6 carriers sign agreement for pilgrims’ airlifting Stories: Adeola Yusuf

he federal government has disqualified seven air carriers for 2015 Hajj operations, New Telegraph has gathered. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which thrashed the application of the carriers for technical and administrative incompetence tasked them to prepare better for subsequent operations. Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar, said at the signing of contracts with six successful air carriers that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the commission to up its ante on the preparation and successful completion of the Hajj operations. Although the commission boss kept quiet on the names of the carriers disqualified for the operation, he hinted that the selected carriers are Top Brass Aviation, MedView Air, Kabo Air, Fly-Nass Air and Skypower Air. urging the selected air carriers to go into competition by working in the best interest of the pilgrims, he noted that the government has instituted a performance assessment to know the level of compliance on safety and technical competence of the selected air carriers. “We are going to have a monitoring team to evaluate

performances. We are also going to give out prices to the best performed air carriers at the end of the Hajj exercise,” he said. President Muhammadu Buhari, Mukhtar said, was not only concerned and passionate about Hajj but also would do everything possible to put the country at par with international best practice. The NACON boss promised to work with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, especially in the area of visa, in order to have a hitch-free Hajj. Muktar, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Commission in Abuja, said it was one of the activities that usually takes place yearly before the airlift of pilgrims to the holy land. He congratulated the air

carriers picked for this year’s exercise and urged those that were not selected to strive hard next time. He also urged them to work with those that were selected as brothers and sisters in progress for effective and efficient service delivery. The NAHCON boss urged the selected air carriers to put the interest of the pilgrims above personal and financial aspects of the agreement for successful and fruitful exercise. He advised them not to compromise standards and quick service delivery like other countries, being the ultimate when it comes to Hajj operations. This, he said, would move Hajj operations forward “because every year the Saudi Authority always expect the best services, especially in the area

of airlift of pilgrims. “The agreement should not between the air carriers and the Commission alone, but the target should be the pilgrims, especially their welfare. “The agreement is just like taking an oath between the Commission and Allah, the creator.” Muktar, however, urged them to have the fear of Almighty Allah in whatever they do, as He was always watching us. In his remarks, Alhaji Nura Harazimi, the Executive Director of Top Brass Aviation, who spoke on behalf of other expressed gratitude to the Commission for the confidence, reposed in them. He promised that they would give their best, particularly in the area of service delivery to the pilgrims.

Don tasks political leaders on truth, trust

University Don, Professor Ishaq Akintola has tasked political leaders in Nigeria to ensure they fulfill their promises to the electorates. Akintola, a professor at the Lagos State University said this while delivering the Ramadan Lecture organized by the Lagos State branch of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO). Akintola charged politicians to regard their electoral promises as covenant between themselves and Allah which they must fulfil, not something to take lightly. He said: “If you fulfil promises and you are transparent, there will be good governance,” charging the citizens to “be honest in

their private businesses”. He also recommended free education and employment as well as accountability. The State Co-ordinator of NACOMYO, Barrister Abdul Fatah Olanrewaju Muibudeen, attributed the choice of topic for the lecture entitled: “Good Governance: Panacea to World Peace,” to the need to chart a new course of action following what he called long years of misrule and bad governance in the country. He therefore called for concerted action and prayers on the part of the youth, saying this is not the time to get discouraged. Reacting to the crisis at the National Assembly, Muibudeen said it is a struggle among inter-

est group which should not have much impact on governance. He however expressed confidence in the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the President is proactive and knows where he is going. In the same vein, students have been implored to adopt Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) as their role model. In her key note address at the Ramadan Lecture of the Lagos State Education District 1, the Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary of the District, Mrs. Florence Ogunfidodo, charged students to emulate the virtues of the Holy Prophet in their conduct and be good ambassador of the District as they are the future of the nation.

Feminique NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Duru: Redesigning fashion

Gloria Duru is the CEO of Fashion de Glory, a top notch fashion home where most high society ladies and celebrities go for bespoke styles and designs. In this interview, the graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos tells EBERE AMEH that though skills acquisition is key to reducing unemployment, education is of primary importance. Excerpts

espite the high unemployment in the land, some people are raking in millions, doing what they know how to do best. Gloria Duru, the CEO of Fashion de Glory is one of such who is not just a seamstress but one with a touch of class and grace. Cautiously and gracefully, she attends to the different classes of customers that patronise her fashion home situated in the Surulere area of Lagos without compromising on quality. “We interact with different classes of people but we accord due respect to all of them. We see and treat every of our customers as if she is our only customer,” Duru said. “Outside giving them the best style with excellent finishing, customer service is one other thing we don’t joke with. A customer only comes back based on how well she was received by you the last time.” Besides having a degree in Business Administration, Duru also attended a Fashion and Designing school and says she keeps abreast of the goings on in the industry by attending courses and seminars in Europe and America. All these have helped her to get a full grasp of the job, resulting

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

in choice customers and making her insist that with basic education, skill acquisition is easier and business management much less challenging. “There is nothing as important as having a skill, a handwork, especially at this time when unemployment is rife. However, before the acquisition of a skill, there is a need for basic education. One that is educated acquires whatever skill he or she wants to acquire faster than an illiterate person. So, as much as we appreciate the government for their effort in ensuring that the youth acquire various skills that will help keep them to be gainfully employed, there is a need for a sensitization of the people on the need for education. I know the challenges I face when I deal with illiterate staff. That is why I insist on a certain level of education for my staff,” the soft spoken seamstress said. Duru who makes clothes for First Ladies, politicians and many Nigerians in diaspora says that fashion designing is a multimillion naira industry that is still hugely untapped. “The average Nigerian woman is a woman of style. We are a very fashionable people and that makes us stand out wherever we are. I make clothes for Nigerians in Canada, US and UK. I also have clients all the way from Abuja and some other states. All they do is send money to me and I make and deliver the reigning styles to them. Though they are continents away, I am known for decent, fashionable and outstanding styles and I have never had any issue with them. Unemployment is not for a fashion designer that knows her onions. It was a profession despised in the past, which has become a very lucrative

one. Soon, we shall be opening our outlet in Abuja to serve the people of the FCT and thereafter, more outlets will follow,” Duru noted. She however calls on the practitioners to ensure efficiency and professionalism in the discharge of their duties insisting that they can compete favourably with practitioners outside Nigeria. Talking about the Nigerian fashion industry, she said that Nigeria is brimming full with talented designers who could take the world by storm if encouraged and and if the environment is made conducive for them. “Nigeria is full of talents, fashion designers inclusive, but we still have a lot of challenges that we have had to grapple with over the years. Poor power supply is our major challenge which results in high overhead cost and by extension, high cost of making clothes in Nigeria. Though fashion designing in the country is a multimillion dollar industry and all that we need is encouragement by the government and the sky will be our stepping stone and that of those coming after us,” Duru said, narrating how she bumped into a fashion house in the UAE and made some cool Dollars after helping them to cut their kaftan to meet the needs of the international market, Nigeria inclusive. While she encouraged parents to give their children and even their unemployed graduates all the support they need to consider learning a handwork, she insists that government on their part should encourage the youths by ensuring that they acquire their desired skills with minimal amount and that they have a conducive environment for the businesses by ensuring

Duru

Nigeria is full of talents, fashion designers inclusive, but we still have a lot of challenges

a steady power supply. Though fashion designing was a skill that was not well reckoned with in the past, Duru said she has always had a passion for it and made up her mind to study it. Unlike many people whose passions were quenched by their parents who want ‘dignified professions’ like Law, Medicine or Engineering for them, she encountered no resistance as her mother, who is a Supervisory Councillor for Education does fashion designing as a hobby and encouraged her. “I love fashion designing. The fact is that while talents abound in Nigeria, opportunities abound even more. I saw an opportunity, a big business in fashion designing right from when I was young. Though my parents didn’t mind it, they wanted me to have a degree. That was why I had to go for a BSc in Business Management. Parents should assist and not discourage their children from the part they find interesting to take. At most, they should be encouraged to develop it as a hobby so that they can decide whether they will fall back on it later in life or retain it as a hobby. No skill acquired is a waste, it will come handy one day for one’s good or that of ones neighbour.” Duru gives loads of clothes to the less privileged every year as her own way of giving back to the society. A very busy woman, she relaxes by vacationing outside the country every year. “I make it a point of duty every year to take a break and go on vacation with my family to any exotic location in Europe or US. We look forward to it and there I really relax and take my mind off work for a while.”

Feminique

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

12 top reasons why women cheat on their husbands

es I know that men cheat too. We also cheat more than women do. But the statistics show that women are catching up fast. As at last count, it was 24 per cent for women and 33 per cent for men. In those good old days, women didn’t cheat. You could go out all day and night painting the town red and still come back in the early hours of the morning to meet madam quietly waiting for you at home with smiles and a hug. No questions asked. Your food was even in the microwave oven. Hot and waiting for you. Those times are gone. Is that good or bad? I witnessed a fight within the premises of a four star hotel recently. Husband and wife jammed themselves with their different lovers at the purple corridor. Everybody knows you can’t be in that corridor if you are just visiting. The husband was shocked to his bone marrow. What are you doing here? He thundered. What are you doing here too? Was the answer. Of course when question jam question for purple corridor, na roforofo fight be dat o! Anyway, please don’t ask me what I was doing there myself. I was just visiting. By special permission. But seriously speaking, why do women cheat?

Sex. I don’t know about Oyinbo land, but this is the number one reason in Nigeria. Even in Africa sef. The truth is we all love sex in Nigeria. Both Men and Women. God bless Nigeria my country. The songs in Nigeria that always top the charts are those ones that talk about sex. Check out the lady of the BlackBerry fame and others. Sex is the topic most talked about at parties, bus stops, beer parlours, hair dressing salons, fashion boutiques etc. Even the MCs and comedians add it to stop their audiences from going to sleep. The fact is this. If she can’t get it at home, you can be sure is she will get it outside. So in your own interest , you better give it to her freely and unconditionally. And you must be good at it. Not just in and out like a rabbit or a dog. Boredom and Loneliness. You the man, has decided that you want your wife to be a full time housewife. To take care of the house and the children. Then you add a houseboy and a driver to the equation. You love her so much you don’t want her to stress herself. Meanwhile, you are busy 247 trying to work for the money for her, sorry, for both of you to spend. My friend, a sorry for you. Before you know it, she is idle and bored. And then, the devil

would find work for her idle hands. She doesn’t even need to go far. With the houseboy and driver at her beck and call. A beg don’t read meanings into this o! I actually mean for messages. To prevent this don’t be all work, work, work and no play. Find quality time with you wife and children. Before you become (like Jack) a dull boy at home and in bed. Revenge. Believe it or not, there is no fury as greater than a woman shunned. Gone are those days when you think you can cheat on her and she would not retaliate. My friend, she will and she will even put jara on top sef. She will show you well, well, that what the husband can do, the wife can even do better. And age is no longer a barrier in case you don’t know. Especially if she is liquid. There are so many young guys out there who are actively searching for a sugar mummy. A lot of them are super studs who will beat you hands down any day with their performance. They don’t even need any enhancer like you and me do occasionally to climb the mountain. Funny enough, at times it might not even be about sex. It might be what she perceives as cheating generally. No birthday or Xmas presents, no go-

Fadeyi

ing out, refusing to pamper her of or give her the occasional monetary gift for jewellery and clothes. Even though she earns more than you do and you are the one carrying the whole house on your head. Dr T. A. Fadeyi. MB. BCH. Sexologist, Sex and Marriage Counselor. drtaiwofadeyi@gmail.com 08033148899 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a happening mom

Danny’s father tells the story of his kidnap Ebere Ameh

ne good thing about Danny is that he likes to plan ahead. So much that he leaves nothing to chance. I’m not that careless either. That is why it remains a surprise to us that we didn’t discuss the issue of religion before marriage. We were carried away by our membership of New Beginnings, a matured singles interdenominational fellowship where we met. Thank God, all hope is not lost in converting him to my church, or rather, bringing him back to the fold. He had left the Anglican Church where he was raised and joined the Kingdom Tower as an undergraduate. His parents have tried their best to bring him back to the family church to no avail. “My daughter, if you could help pull him back to the fold, we shall be eternally grateful. I don’t care if it is Catholic or Anglican, we profess one creed as far as I’m concerned,” the distraught woman told me. Thank God I have supporters, getting Danny to worship with me would be much easier. We had spent a night with my parents to thank them for their efforts during the kidnap and release of my father in-law before heading to Abuja to see Danny’s people en route Maldives, where we hope to have our honeymoon. I was apprehensive, not knowing how Danny’s father managed his post kidnap trauma but was surprised to meet a man who is not only hale and

hearty but is ready to entertain people with the funny side of his life with the kidnappers. According to him, they were friendly and having heard so much about the menace of kidnappers in the South East and the eventual release of their captors, he got relaxed, with the hope that he will get his freedom too one day. “Soon, they exhausted their supply of foods, which one lady, a member of the gang I suppose, prepares for them. I never got to see her but I overheard her complaints one day over their empty pantry.” ‘I dey tell una say food don finish you dey there dey yan rubbish abi? Make I go thief cook for una? Ha!, if you no bring something today, yawa fit gas ooo. That pale wey I dey see so no go fit stand better hunger ooo.!’ the lady who must have been born and bred

in Warri retorted in response to De Boss’ call for patience. “Though I chuckled at her Warri pidgin, I knew there was trouble. But somehow, I felt they may decide to release me so I wouldn’t starve to death. I could hear discussions in the next room from time to time but couldn’t make a thing out of it as people come and go. I knew you people were not resting and I kept praying for freedom. What followed the next day was a mixture of pepper, salt and water, a kind of hot sauce, which I was meant to use in eating eba. In my bid to feel at home with them, I told them how I missed that kind of food that was the norm during the Nigerian Civil War,” he said, now laughing. “They were always fascinated when I told them my experience with the

Igbo during the war and how I had to climb a tree with my gun strapped on my back because I was a new recruit, forced though, and didn’t want to kill. “Daniel, I must have told you the story of how I was caught and what became my saving grace,” the jovial man asked his son in between laughter. Our base served as both a battalion and a refugee camp. It happened that there was a beautiful girl in the camp that the commander wanted. Because I was also handsome then, and fair like the girl, he thought we were related and had been looking for ways to bribe me so that I won’t raise an eyebrow when he takes on ‘my sister’. That was how I was pardoned even though I didn’t know the girl from Adam,” he said causing all of us to join in the laughter. he narrated. “The day before I was released Okwute, the second in command who had earlier gone to town to buy some medications for me advised me to give them whatever I have to secure my release. ‘Oga your in-law na good man ooo. E don help many youth for this area but that no be our concern ooo,’ he said to me. All these ones wey them dey say make we release you na lie ooo. If you wan go fast fast, you must drop something because De Boss say im effort no go be in vain lai lai. Na advise I dey give you oo, if not, only hungry go kill you for here,” he said, adding that he is telling me because he thinks I am also a good man. That was how they later allowed me to talk to your father and Daniel and the following morning, I was released.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Crime

A new way to steal

Lilian Okafor

new threat is beginning to hunt and haunt residents of Lagos State. This new threat is called the ‘One Chance Armed Robbers.’ The usual modus operandi of the ‘One Chance Robbers’ is to get a bus painted the Lagos State commercial colour, get a group of people who would pose as passengers and start calling for genuine passengers to board the bus. An unwary passenger usually boards such buses, unaware that most of the passengers are part of a robbery gang. Once the innocent passenger boards the bus and the driver drives off, the robbers would immediately swoop on the victim, robbing him/her blind. The victim could be pushed out of the vehicle after they were through with him/her or not, depending on the gang. Policemen call them ‘One Chance Robbery Syndicates,’ but most Nigerians call them, ‘One Chance Armed Robbers.’ They were prevalent and active about five to 10 years back. They all almost later crawled into nearest holes after passengers became wiser to their antics and policemen started trailing and busting suspicious looking passengers and buses. Now, they are back again! This time however, they come in new mode. Now, they collect the victim’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Card and Personnel Identity Number (PIN), rush to an ATM gallery and clear the person’s account of all the money therein. Sometimes, they follow the victim to the gallery to cash the money before disappearing. Mrs. Yemisi Olawale-Aina is a recent victim. The mother of three fell into the hands of these crooks on April 26, 2015, around 6am, along Berger Bus Stop, as she was heading to her office at Ikoyi. She had innocently boarded a bus heading to Obalende, Ikoyi,

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

File picture of a commercial bus

unaware that she had stepped into the midst of vipers. Apparently still shocked over the incident, Olawale-Aina said: “I didn’t know I was in the midst of armed robbers! I thought they were passengers like me!” Recalling how she was robbed on that fateful day, the woman said: “I left home exactly 5:30am with my husband. My husband dropped me off at Berger and reversed, heading to his own office. The first bus I saw was calling Obalende. Without thinking twice, I jumped in. There were other passengers inside the bus. I boarded the bus without wondering why no passenger had boarded since the conductor was calling Obalende. I was the only one that boarded. I sat comfortably in the front seat, thinking I was lucky to get that position. I didn’t even bother glancing back to check out the other passengers. The day was not yet too bright.” The only person she bothered to check out was the driver, who looked quite elderly. She greeted the driver with respect and begged him to adjust because he was sitting too close to her. The driver didn’t adjust. Rather, he looked at her with amusement. She kept quiet, but demanded he adjusted after an-

CP Lagos, Owoseni

other passenger joined her on the front seat. A few minutes later, the conductor entered, shut the door and the bus moved. Suddenly, she felt someone tapping her shoulder, the person ordered her to sit on the floor of the bus. Olawale-Aina said: “When the hand tapped me, I glanced back. It was a guy. He said, ‘madam sit on the floor.’ I thought he was mad or something, asking me to sit on the floor of the bus. The elderly man beside me smiled and told me to co-operate. He said if I didn’t cooperate, he would order his ‘boys to waste’ me. I looked back again and noticed that the

passengers were all men. I had a foreboding and quickly sat on the floor. They took my handbag, wedding ring, earrings and necklace.” Once those items were in their possessions, the robbers started asking her puzzling questions. She recounted: “They started asking me questions; they asked me what my husband does for a living and the number of kids we have. I was shocked. There was nothing I could do than to give them the information they wanted. They asked for my ATM card, I told them that it was inside my handbag. They found the card and asked for the PIN. I also gave it to them. They further asked me how much I had in my account, I told them. I knew I had no option.” Olawale-Aina who said the men were eight in number, further explained: “As they threatened me further, asking series of questions, I didn’t know when I said; ‘God! You know my husband and I prayed this morning to you!’ I wanted to pray, but no words came.” She added that after asking her several questions, the men drove to an ATM gallery at a location where she didn’t know. One of C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rely on instincts when boarding public transport –Police C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

them left with the ATM card and returned about 15 minutes later. “The elderly man was conversing with the supposed conductor in pidgin English when he received a call. The old man asked the caller whether they should still hold me hostage or allow me to go since they had withdrawn the money,” said Olawale-Aina. She didn’t know what the caller said, all she knew was that the conductor gently returned her handbag, earrings, wedding ring and told her that the items were not gold. But they held onto her ATM card. The elderly man, who was the bus driver, stopped the bus along Alausa Road, Ikeja and stepped down from the bus to open the door for her. Olawale-Aina said: “When he stopped the bus, I was still inside the bus, still seated on the floor. I thought they wanted to kidnap me. The elderly man told me that they were not going to waste my life or harm me. He said they had decided to let me go.” The woman, who said she had never experienced so much fear in her life, continued her narration: “Even though they took my ATM card and my money, they didn’t take my life! They didn’t push me out of the vehicle or hurt me. The conductor held my hand and assisted me down from the vehicle. When I got down, they told me I should keep walking straight and mustn’t look back. They said I should not tell people what I saw or what transpired. I was still shaking and couldn’t get over the shock at that time. But I thank God that I’m alive today to tell this story.’’ Olawale-Aina used the opportunity to implore Nigerians, especially Lagos residents to be careful and vigilant whenever they wanted to board commercial buses. She urged: “People should be extra careful of boarding buses when all the passengers are men. In fact, they should not board a bus that has only male passengers! Most importantly, always pray to God for protection and guidance.” Another victim, Miss Esther Oladele, is still bemoaning the amount of money she lost to such ‘One Chance Armed Robbers.’ According to her, she was on her way to Alausa, Ikeja, around 12: 30pm on the fateful day of June to pick some cash from a lady when she fell into the hands of the deadly crooks. Oladele said: “I actually wanted to board a bus from the First Gate Bus Stop, Agidingbi, to go to Alausa, but decided to take a taxi after waiting to no avail for a bus. I boarded a taxi, unaware that I was walking into trouble. When I boarded the taxi, I realised that I was the third passenger at the back of the car. A lady and a guy sat beside me. The driver of the taxi and a Muslim cleric were at the front seats. The driver drove for about five minutes and suddenly the guy sitting beside me demanded for my handbag. I was surprised at his demand. I turned to the lady and said, ‘Auntie, can

ATM cards

you imagine this guy; He said he wants my handbag.’ The lady gave me a blinding slap and ordered me to keep quiet! It was at that point I knew I was in trouble.|” While this was happening, the driver just kept on driving serenely. The guy took her handbag, ransacked it and found Oladele’s purse. The man opened the purse and saw about N300. He asked Oladele if that was all she had, she replied in the affirmative. He was about shutting the purse when her complimentary and ATM cards fell out. Oladele remembered: “When he saw the ATM card, he asked if there was money in my account, I said no. It was at that point that the Muslim Cleric ordered the lady and the man to search me thoroughly. He said I might be lying.’’ Oladele tried identifying the area the car was driving through, but failed. Everywhere looked strange to her. After driving for a while, the car stopped. The gang asked Oladele to step out of the vehicle. They escorted her to an ATM gallery and withdrew all the money in her account. She added: “I was scared witless when I saw the guy holding a knife and the lady holding a gun. The guy with the knife followed me to the ATM gallery, while the other three stood not too far, watching. He held me so that people wouldn’t notice what was happening. He held the knife close to my stomach. He put the money into my handbag as I withdrew it. My hands shook throughout the process.” If she thought they would allow her to go after emptying the account, she was sadly mistaken. She explained that they drove to a building that looks like a hotel. “There were arrangements of seats and tables like in hotel or eateries. I couldn’t however make out the name of the building. We all went into the building. I was

ordered to sit down and others sat too. I was afraid. The guy and the lady that sat on the passenger seat with me in the taxi left. I was left alone with the cleric and driver. A few minutes later, the lady and the man returned. They however came back without the money,” said Oladele. They all trailed back to the taxi and drove towards Iyano-Oba axis. Soon, Oladele could no longer identify any landmark. “They took a rough looking road and drove round for a while. The driver later stopped and I was ordered to step out. The cleric further ordered me not to look back as they drive away or they would kill me.” Petrified, she started walking down the road, shaking and refusing to look back. She met a motorist whom she begged to give her a lift after she explained her ordeal to him. She recalled: “When they brought me out of the car, I was too tired and weak to walk. I couldn’t even carry myself. I was still shaking in fear and shock. It was the driver I flagged that assisted me to an area that I was familiar with. I had to beg people for money when I got to Agege in order to continue my journey. Begging for money was the height of humiliation for me! I however thanked God that they didn’t take my life, along with my money. As far as I’m concerned, they took my sorrow, pains and worries away by taking my money. I survived in spite of all the torture they put me through.” The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Kenneth Nwosu, said that people should always be vigilant wherever they are because the world is full of criminals with different tactics. Nwosu said that the police shouldn’t be the one to teach peo-

ple what to watch out for while boarding commercial buses, taxis or cabs. His words: “People should not be taught what to watch out for while boarding public transports. They should always use and rely on their instincts. Police can’t be everywhere to watch over buses and people to know which one they should or shouldn’t board. There is no way one can tell which bus is the right one to board. The mistake people make is that when they encounter armed robbers, be it in a bus or anywhere, they usually don’t alert the police, so that police can know the next action to take! We have had many cases of such. A few people have reported to the police about the new tactics robbers now deploy and we took up the matter. As policemen, we make sure every information given to us by victims are used to track the armed robbers. People should endeavour to report such matters to the nearest police station. If they don’t, more of these incidents will multiply every day!’’ Buttressing how effective police work on information, Nwosu said that on July 10, 2015, Police Operatives deployed to crush the disturbing menace of ‘One Chance Robbery Syndicates’ on Lagos roads, especially during traffic gridlocks associated with peak hours, intercepted a motorcycle with three passengers along Mile 2 axis of the Oshodi/ Apapa Express Road. Nwosu said: “On sighting the operatives, the passengers abandoned two bags they were carrying and fled. Upon search of the bags by the operatives, some phones were recovered. Moments later, the owners of the phones started calling their lines and our operatives invited them to come for identification and collection. The phones were handed over to three of the owners by the Commissioner of Police in his office at Ikeja.”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

CBN directs BDCs to provide customers’ BVN TRANSPARENCY Operators to supply firms’ directors BVN Tony Chukwunyem

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed that as from August 1st this year,

all transactions consummated by Bureaux De Change (BDCs) operating in the country must have their customers’ Bank Verification Number (BVN). This directive was contained in a circular issued to all BDCs yesterday and signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department at the CBN, Mr. Kevin Amugo. The apex bank also stated

Non-oil exports: Apex bank appoints two pre-shipment agents

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed two additional Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs) to carryout non-oil export inspection in the different geopolitical zones of the country. The apex bank had earlier appointed Cobalt International Services to inspect non-oil exports. In a circular posted on its website yesterday, the CBN stated that in addition to Co-

balt International Services Limited, the Federal Government has appointed Carmine Assayer Ltd and Nerolitechnologes Ltd to carry out non-oil export inspection. While Cobalt International Services would cover the Northern zone, Carmine Assayer Ltd and Nerolitechnologes Ltd would cover the SouthWest zone and the South-East/ South South zones respectively.

Interbank rates ease on matured treasury bills

nterbank lending rates eased to 9.25 percent on average yesterday , better than the 10 percent where it closed last Friday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) repaid matured treasury bills to investors, traders said. Traders said the CBN injected about N124 billion in matured open market operation notes into the banking system on Thursday, boosting liquidity in the market and helping to push down borrowing costs among banks. Overnight placement, according to Reuters, had hit 15 percent on Wednesday after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recalled a portion of its deposits

from banks to its central bank account. “The NNPC recalled over N100 billion from the system this week, with some banks scrambling for funds to cover their position,” one dealer said. “The pressure has reduced today with the inflow of matured treasury bills funds into the system.” Lenders’ balance with the central bank reduced to N118 billion in credit on Thursday compared with N201 billion a week ago, traders said. The secured open buy back rate fell to 9 percent from 10 percent last week, 4 percentage points lower than the central bank’s lending rate of 13 per cent.

E-PPAN, FSS 2020, CBN set for e-govt summit Kunle Azeez

he E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (EPPAN), in collaboration with Financial System Security 2020 (FSS 2020) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is set to host what it has described as Africa’s biggest e-Government Summit. With the theme: ‘E-Government: Key to Sustainable Development”, the summit is scheduled to hold on the 28th -29th of July 2015 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua centre Abuja. The objective of the summit is to create a platform for developing outstanding models and formulate winning strategies, which will enhance government administrative productivity, efficiency, and transparency. The summit will cover issues from seven key developmental areas including the payment

system; agriculture; financial inclusion; insurance; pension; mortgage, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s). E-PPAN said the focus areas will run in seven technical sessions and will be anchored by top-level seasoned professionals and high profile expert panelists team with in-depth knowledge on the subject matters that will discuss innovations and the vision for a new paradigm in the public sector. According to the Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Mrs. Onajite Regha, said, “Nigeria has moved into a new era of government with a renewed tenacity to tackle corruption and deliver on efficient and effective citizen-centric services. It is imperative therefore that e-government be the essential tool to drive the desired change.”

licensed BDCs would be provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBBS), to enable the company provide the necessary hardware token that would be used by the BDC in accessing the NIBSS website.” Besides, the regulator stated, “NIBSS has been directed to make a portal available on its website to facilitate access for the confirmation/validation of the BVN number of the BDCs ‘ customers. This is to ensure that the correct BVN is recorded by the BDC and included in the returns to the CBN. A token transac-

that the customers’ BVN should be included in the returns that the BDC operators submit to it. For corporate customers, the BVN of a Director or an authorised signatory of the firms must be provided. In addition, the banking watchdog directed all licensed BDCs to provide the BVN of all their Directors before 15111 August 2015, as failure to meet this requirement may affect their continued participation in the foreign exchange market. Said CBN, “To ensure a hitch-free implementation of this directive, the list of all

tion fee of N100 would be paid for each access on the portal. NIBSS will also provide the necessary training manual for an “easy to use “operation of the system. The banking watchdog warned that BDC operators that fail to provide the required information in its returns , or provides a wrong BVN, would be penalised. “First offenders will be required to pay a fine of N1,000,000.00 while any subsequent violation of the requirement may lead to the revocation of the operating license of the BDC,” the apex bank stated.

FG’s bond sale misses target

he Federal Government’s latest bond auction fell short of its target as low yields deterred investors worried about the naira currency’s weakness and rising inflation in Africa’s biggest economy. In yet another worrying sign for the government, which is already facing a funding crisis due to the decline in oil revenues, Nigeria raised N44 billion at the bond auction on Wednesday, short of its target amount of N70 billion the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday. Reuters quoted a trader as

saying, “For them to sell more bonds, the DMO would have had to increase its stop rate (yield ceiling), which it did not want to do.” The naira has hit a series of record lows on the parallel market after the central bank three weeks ago curbed access to hard currency on the official interbank market for importers of a wide range of goods. Total subscription stood at N119.53 billion, the DMO said, down from N130.85 billion last month. A total of N28 billion was sold in 5-year bonds at 15.28 per cent, from 14.42

per cent at the last auction in June. The 20-year bond was issued at 15.29 per cent to fetch 16 billion, compared with 14.24 percent last month. Investors asked for yields as high as 16.745 percent for the 5-year paper and as much as 17 percent for the 20-year bond, the debt office said. Nigerian inflation rose by 0.2 percentage points to 9.2 percent in June, its highest since February 2013, and above the central bank’s targeted upper limit, after disruptions to fuel distribution affected food prices.

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

As at Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 May, 2015 4/6/2015 Mar 2015 16/7/2015 13/7/2015

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 9.2 13 10.77 US$57.76 US$29,955,854,769

Source:CBN

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 98.21 100.26 102.51 101.61 104.99 95.39 68.00 81.40

1.09 1.78 3.95 4.58 6.54 8.66 15.02 19.01

NIBOR

Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

Rate (%) 9.4583 14.6645 16.0898 16.9052

Bid Yield 14.86 14.89 15.13 15.03 15.16 15.16 15.57 15.15

Change (%) -4.96 ▼ -0.52 ▼ -0.49 ▼ -0.51 ▼

Change (%) -0.09 ▼ -0.11 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.31 ▼ -0.19 ▼ -0.12 ▼ 0.00 ↔ -0.28 ▼

Price 98.36 100.41 102.81 101.91 105.29 95.69 68.30 81.70

Tenor (Months)

Offer Yield 14.71 14.79 15.02 14.94 15.09 15.10 15.49 15.10

NITTY

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Rate (%) 12.3327 12.6839 13.7576 14.4257 14.6368 14.7674

Spot ($/N)

Offer 197.55

Change (%) 0.25 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.04 ▲ 0.30 ▲ -0.10 ▼ -0.36 ▼

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 13.31 13.76 0.24 ▲ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 8.08 15-Oct-15 13.56 14.03 0.24 ▲ 13.35 14.30 -0.11 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 8.75 14-Jan-16 13.60 14.59 -0.11 ▼ 12.49 14.04 -0.01 ▼ 02-Jun-16 12.74 14.36 -0.01 ▼ Bid 197.45

Change (%) -0.09 ▼ -0.11 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.31 ▼ -0.19 ▼ -0.12 ▼ 0.00 ↔ -0.28 ▼

Change (%) -0.44 ▼

NIFEX

Bid Spot ($/N) 198.9500

Offer 199.0500

Change (%) -6.33 ▼ -6.17 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

CBN Clearing Rates of June 11, 2015 Spot ($/N)

195.95

196.95

0.00 ↔ Source: FMDQ

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

16-Jul-15

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description ^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 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^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)

16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 13-Feb-15 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 233.73 605.31 599.99 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 324.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,846.82

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,398.87

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

1.09 1.78 2.03 2.13 2.87 3.95 4.27 4.58 6.54 8.66 13.37 13.85 14.35 15.02 19.01

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

14.86 14.89 14.94 14.95 15.04 15.13 15.11 15.03 15.16 15.16 15.91 16.00 16.10 15.57 15.15

14.71 14.79 14.84 14.86 14.97 15.02 15.00 14.94 15.09 15.10 15.85 15.93 16.01 15.49 15.10

98.21 100.26 91.35 90.09 90.13 102.51 75.10 101.61 104.99 95.39 94.97 80.62 57.89 68.00 81.40

98.36 100.41 91.50 90.24 90.28 102.81 75.40 101.91 105.29 95.69 95.27 80.92 58.19 68.30 81.70

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.10 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.97 1.40 1.76 1.97

2.94 1.00 2.66 3.13

17.44 15.82 17.58 18.06

99.83 100.17 102.31 97.93

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

297.52

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

299.02

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.13

4.44

17.64

99.29

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.21

3.23

17.15

99.10

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

2.60

30-Jun-16

0.71

4.46

19.01

96.83

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

3.96

30-Jun-16

0.72

3.48

18.03

98.36

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.76

1.00

15.92

91.17

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

21.24

30-Jun-17

1.25

1.00

15.70

97.88

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.46

1.79

16.78

94.57

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.84

1.00

15.92

97.07

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.85

1.00

15.92

97.03

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

12.40

09-Dec-18

2.04

1.00

15.94

97.61

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

9.21

12-Dec-18

2.04

4.78

19.72

91.05

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.02

1.00

15.94

99.26

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 24.74

02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19

2.46 4.35 2.52

2.02 1.00 1.00

17.01 16.09 16.00

97.10 95.09 97.55

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.46

10-Oct-20

3.06

1.82

16.88

95.21

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.37

1.00

16.11

90.79

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.46

1.00

16.12

96.00

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.30

31-Dec-20

3.30

1.00

16.09

96.19

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.31

06-Jan-21

3.33

1.00

16.10

97.36

99.65

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

440.27 416.70

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.09

1.00

13.88

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.38

09-Dec-15

0.40

1.00

15.46

98.67

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.22

06-Jan-16

0.48

2.63

17.18

98.53

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.21

1.00

15.66

97.12

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.28

1.34

16.06

97.91

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.21

1.00

15.96

94.61

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.56

30-Nov-17

1.44

1.88

16.73

102.24

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.48

1.00

15.89

100.08

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.65

1.00

15.91

102.74

1.65

1.00

15.91

100.06

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

30-Sep-18

3.21

3.00

18.08

90.31

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.76

2.29

17.21

97.85

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

1.84

6.11

21.03

95.83

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.46

2.16

17.15

97.74

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.33

2.76

17.87

91.15

BBB/GCR

FCMB

14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

20-Nov-21

6.35

1.80

17.01

89.48

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.46

1.00

16.22

100.88

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

16.29

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.21

1.00

16.28

99.96

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.21

1.00

16.28

85.72

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

177.87

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

167.79

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.58

1.00

16.00

88.12

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

3.79

1.00

16.15

86.71

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.80

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

6.17

5.95

102.70

103.71

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.14

4.81

99.95

100.87

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.45

6.29

99.56

100.51

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,511.03

Corporate Eurobonds B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.91

101.25

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.52

99.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

11.53

10.20

89.09

92.06

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.77

7.26

94.91

96.34

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.81

95.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.17

9.66

95.57

97.12

B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

9.39 10.63 10.10

9.39 10.27 10.10

94.88 94.27 90.00

94.88 95.78 90.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.66

9.98

90.88

93.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,461.44

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 7 14 21 28 42 49 56 70

FIXINGS Maturity 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15

Bid Discount (%) 9.43 11.58 12.47 12.32 11.34 12.39 12.74 12.75

Offer Discount (%) 9.18 11.33 12.22 12.07 11.09 12.14 12.49 12.50

Bid Yield (%) 9.44 11.63 12.56 12.43 11.49 12.59 13.00 13.06

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 9.4583 14.6645 16.0898 16.9052

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

8.08

O/N

8.75

REPO Tenor Call 1M

Rate (%) 8.75 9.00

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

197.45 199.30 199.72 200.69 202.60 205.04

197.55 199.82 200.26 201.32 203.43 206.16

FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 13-Feb-15 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 233.73 605.31 599.99 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 324.50

^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 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^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

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

1.09 1.78 2.03 2.13 2.87 3.95 4.27 4.58 6.54 8.66 13.37 13.85 14.35 15.02 19.01

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

14.86 14.89 14.94 14.95 15.04 15.13 15.11 15.03 15.16 15.16 15.91 16.00 16.10 15.57 15.15

14.71 14.79 14.84 14.86 14.97 15.02 15.00 14.94 15.09 15.10 15.85 15.93 16.01 15.49 15.10

98.21 100.26 91.35 90.09 90.13 102.51 75.10 101.61 104.99 95.39 94.97 80.62 57.89 68.00 81.40

98.36 100.41 91.50 90.24 90.28 102.81 75.40 101.91 105.29 95.69 95.27 80.92 58.19 68.30 81.70

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

Business | Financial Market News

Stock market gains N51bn in rebound TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,846.82

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,398.87

Rating/Agency

Agency Bonds

BULISH

FMBN ***LCRM

Market sentiment returns

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

Stories by Chris Ugwu

quities market yesLAGOS *BAYELSA terday reversed its 11‡ /Agusto EDO day consecutive ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA tradBb-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER ing day losses, which ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI Bb-/Agusto *NIGER translated to year-to-date loss ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO of about 9.94 per cent, to close BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE ‡ /Agusto

Description

Issuer

*IMO

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

‡ /Agusto

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

The 03-Apr-12 twin market 17.25 indica0.00/16.00 tors, the09-Dec-11 All-Share Index rose 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 06-Jul-12 points or 0.00/16.50 by 77.48 basis 0.25 per cent from 30,970.51 to close at 31,047.99, while the market capitalisation appreciated by 31-Aug-10 12.50 N51 billion from N10.579 30-Sep-10 13.00 tril30-Jun-11 14.00 lion to N10.627 trillion. 30-Jun-09 15.50 Further analysis 10.00 of the 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 13.75 day’s trading showed that ETI 30-Dec-10 14.00 Plc topped the day’s gainers’ 30-Sep-11 14.00 04-Oct-11 14.00 table with 8.16 per cent14.50 to close 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14.00 Acat N22.00 per share, while 14-Feb-12 15.50 cess Bank Plc followed with 02-Oct-12 15.50

the days’ business with a gain 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 of N51billion. 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 III 06-JUL-2017 The0.00/16.50 twinLCRM market performance measures, the NSE ASI and market capitalisation, firmed up by 0.25 per cent on the 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 back of blue chip companies. 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 The14.00 market had last Wednes15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 day closed on19-APR-2017 the downward 10.00 LAGOS 30-JUN-2017 trend,13.75 asBAYELSA sell pressure domi14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 nated 14.00 theDELTA market. 30-SEP-2018 II 4-OCT-2018 At 14.00 theNIGER close of trading, 20 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 stocks14.00 appreciated, while 29 oth15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 ers constituted the losers’ table. 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12

14.50 14.75

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

06-Jan-14

15.00

Cadbury posts N251m H1 loss

80.00 24.74

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

adbury Nigeria Plc Gross earnings also corded in 2013. has swung to loss dropped 10.00 to N14.137 billion Revenue was also down 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 *UPDC 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 09-Dec-10 12.00 *FLOURMILLS position with a loss during the second quarby 15 per cent during the 14.00 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS after tax of N250.716 milter of the year, as against year-end from N35.760 bil13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 13.00 NAHCO 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 14.25 lion for the half-yearFSDH ended N15.321 billion a year ago, lion in 2013 to30-Sep-10 N30.518 bil- 13.00 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR UBA accounting for a drop of 8 June 30 2015. lion in 2014. 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 18.00 *C & I LEASING DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 16.00 Nil *DANA Key extracts of the ac- per cent. MPR+7.00 The company’s dwin- 18.00 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER counts statement for the Cadbury posted a firstdling fortune began in MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 16.00 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 A+/Agusto; A/GCR 30-Sep-11 UBA period at the Nigerian quarter loss of N303 mil- the first quarter of 2014 14.00 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 15.75 *LA CASERA Stock Exchange (NSE) lion for MPR+5.00 the first quarter as earnings 17-Feb-12 were com- 18.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 01-Apr-14 16.00 Nil *DANA showed drop in growths sales 15.25 ended March 31, 2015 compressed by weak 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 14-Nov-13 NAHCO in key performance indi- pared with dip in Pre- 14.25 N1.15 billion leading to a 20-Nov-14 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 BBB/GCR FCMB 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 30-Dec-14 UBA ces, damping strong per- profit year tax profit by 31.31 per 16.45 ago. 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 16.29 STANBIC IBTC formance outlook of one cent relative to the re- 13.25 Revenues at the food 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC TOTAL VALUE of theOUTSTANDING leading consumer and confectionery maker duction in gross profit TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION goods companies in the declined 3 per cent dur- to N1.15 billion in March Supranational ing the period to N6.73 2014 from N1.68 billion in country . Bond IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 10.20 March 2013. 11-Feb-13 The food and confectionbillion. 10.20 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB 10-Jul-14 11.25 ery maker recorded a loss Cadbury had reported This was principally TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTALtax MARKET CAPITALISATION after of tax of N250.716 80 per cent drop in pre- due to the decline of 43.64 million in the first half of tax profit for the 2014 fi- per cent in net finance inDescription Rating/Agency Issuer Issue Date Coupon (%) the year from a profit po- nancial year as top-line come to N274.59million in FGN Eurobonds sition of N1.263 billion in and bottom-line earnings March 2014 from N487.23 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 million in March BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 2013 ac- 6.75 2014, accounting for a per- showed considerable deBB-/Fitch; centage change of 120 per cline with gross earnings FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 cording to market 12-Jul-13 watch5.13 BB-/S&P ers. cent. equally down by 6.38 15JUL per BB-/Fitch; 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 BB-/S&P Similarly, the Cadbury cent. The decline in the first TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Profit before tax fell by quarter, which signaled posted a loss before tax of TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION N250.716 million during 80 per cent to N1.467 bil- signs of worry to investors Corporate Eurobonds the period under review lion from N7.421 billion were sustained during the 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 7.50 recorded in 2013,7.25while second quarter25-Jul-12 as the com- 7.25 from a profit of N1.792 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 pany posted a B/Fitch; B/S&Preported in FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 profit after tax also debillion the 50 per cent 6.88 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 same period of 2014, rep- creased by 75 per 6.00 cent to decline in post tax profits 6.00 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 6.25 resenting 114 percentage N1.512 billion. This is as in the half year ended June 8.75 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLCagainst N6.023 billion re07-Aug-13 8.25 change. 30, 2014. 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 9.25 Corporate Bonds

BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

#{r}

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

4.79 close at N5.03 2.10per cent to 03-Apr-17 0.97 112.22 08-Dec-16 1.40 per share. Unity Bank Plc 116.70 19-Apr-17 1.76 66.49 gained 4.72 per06-Jul-17 cent to close1.97at 297.52 N2.44 per share. 299.02 On the flip side, CCNN Plc led the losers’ chart with a 8.50 31-Aug-15 0.13 drop cent to close0.21at 2.16 of 9.39 per 30-Sep-15 2.60 30-Jun-16 0.71 N10.42 per share, while Trans3.96 30-Jun-16 0.72 corp shed 9.02 per 57.00Nigeria Plc 19-Apr-17 1.76 21.24 30-Jun-17 1.25 cent to close at N1.11 per share. 25.00 31-Dec-17 2.46 FCMB Plc dropped 30.81 30-Sep-18 by five per 1.84 9.00 04-Oct-18 1.85 cent to close at09-Dec-18 N2.85 per share. 12.40 2.04 9.21 12-Dec-18 chart, the 2.04 On the activity 27.00 14-Feb-19 2.02 banking sub-sector dominat15.09 02-Oct-19 2.46 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19

ed in terms with 2.94volume17.44 99.8392.5 1.00 15.82 100.17 million shares worth 102.31 N862.4 2.66 17.58 3.13 18.06 97.93 million in 1,312 deals. The sub-sector was enhanced by the activities in the shares of Fidelity Bank Plc and GTB Plc. 4.44 17.64 99.29 Other financial services 3.23 17.15 99.10sec4.46 19.01 96.83 on tor boosted by the activities 3.48 18.03 98.36 the shares of FBNH Plc followed 1.00 15.92 91.17 1.00 15.70 97.88 with 33.2 million units worth 1.79 16.78 94.57 N175.6 in 600 deals. 1.00 million 15.92 97.07 1.00 15.92 97.03 In all, investors exchanged 1.00 15.94 97.61 4.78 of 222.2 19.72 91.05 a total million shares 1.00 15.94 99.26 worth N2.8 billion in 3,69697.10 deals. 2.02 17.01

4.35 2.52

1.00 1.00

16.09 16.00

Wema Bank reports 31% drop in H1 profit

95.09 97.55

10.46

10-Oct-20

3.06

1.82

16.88

95.21

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.37

1.00

16.11

90.79

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.46

1.00

16.12

4.30

31-Dec-20

3.30

1.00

16.09

96.19

4.31

06-Jan-21

3.33

1.00

16.10

97.36

96.00

440.27 416.70

ema has posted 0.09 a The result of 2.50 Bank Plc 17-Aug-15 1.00 audited 13.88 99.65 the 9.38 09-Dec-15 0.40 1.00 15.46 98.67 lender showed that the profit 310.22 per cent decline in profit 06-Jan-16 0.48 2.63 17.18 98.53 after tax stood at N1.6 billion after tax for the half year ended 15.00 29-Sep-16 1.21 1.00 15.66 97.12 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.28 1.34 97.91 compared with16.06 N5 billion loss June 30 2015. 20.00 30-Sep-17 2.21 1.00 15.96 94.61 According a notice from the declared in 2012. 0.56 30-Nov-17 1.44 1.88 16.73 102.24 5.40 09-Apr-18 1.48 1.00 100.08 Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Wema bank’s15.89 profit before tax 2.54 09-Sep-18 1.65 1.00 15.91 102.74 the bank’s net earnings stood stood at N1.9 billion against 0.70 09-Sep-18 1.65 1.00 15.91 100.06the 35.00 3.21 3.00 18.08 90.31 loss before tax of N4.9 billion in at N997.2 million30-Sep-18 in the second 2.10 18-Oct-18 1.76 2.29 17.21 97.85 2012. quarter. This is against N1.447 0.36 17-Feb-19 1.84 6.11 21.03 95.83 4.50 01-Apr-19 2.46 17.15 billion2.05 posted a year earlier, acIts 2.16 operating income97.74 rose 14-Nov-20 5.33 2.76 17.87 91.15 by 68 per cent to counting for a drop of 31 per 6.35 1.80 17.01 N20.9 billion 89.48 26.00 20-Nov-21 30-Dec-21 6.46 1.00 16.22 100.88 cent. 30.50 against N12.5 billion posted in 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.21 1.00 16.28 99.96 Its first-half pretax profit also the previous year. 15.44 30-Sep-24 9.21 1.00 16.28 85.72 The bank’s total assets stood fell 31177.87 per cent from a year ago to 167.79 N1.173 billion during the period at N330.9 billion or 26 per cent under review. growth over the N245.7 billion 12.00 11-Feb-18 2.58 1.00 16.00 88.12 Similarly, gross earnings achieved in 2012. 12.95 01-Feb-21 3.79 1.00 16.15 86.71 of the24.95 bank fell 0.9 per cent to Commenting on the result, N17.497 billion during the six Mr Segun Oloketuyi, the 21.80 months to June 30 from N17.656 bank’s Managing Director, atOutstanding Value Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price billion($mm) the previous year. tributed the growth to N40 bilPricesone & Yields Wema Bank had reported pre- lion Tier capital raising 500.00 of N590.7 28-Jan-21 6.17 5.95 102.70 exercise concluded in103.71 third tax profit million for the first-quarter ended quarter 500.00 12-Jul-18March 31, 5.14 4.81 of 2013. 99.95 100.87 2014 from loss position of N853 He6.29 said that99.56 the additional 500.00 12-Jul-23 6.45 100.51 million in the comparable period capital increased the bank’s ca1,500.00 of last year. pacity to do business and ability 1,511.03 Its gross earnings rose to to withstand economic shocks. N10.15 billion in the first quarter The Wema Bank boss said that 500.00 19-May-16 5.91 5.91 101.25 101.25 as against N7.96 billion. the lender had99.50 returned 99.50 to full 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.52 7.52 300.00 02-May-18 11.53 10.20 89.09 92.06 efThe bank had announced profitability due to concerted 400.00 08-Nov-18 7.77 7.26 94.91 96.34 impressive growth in all perforforts 7.81 in the implementation of 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.81 95.00 95.00 mance indicators for its finanthe first phase of its turnaround 200.00 21-May-19 10.17 9.66 95.57 97.12 300.00ended Dec. 07-Aug-20 9.39 9.39 94.88 94.88 cial year 31, 2013. 10.63 project. 400.00 24-Jun-21 10.27 94.27 95.78

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

10.10

90.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.66

9.98

90.88

93.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

16-Jul-15

3,461.44

The DQL contains **Treasury Bills^

data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute FIXINGS Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) professional,DTM financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; theBidInformation is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE”Tenor basis and mayRate not(%) be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discounthowever, (%) Yield (%) NIBOR 23-Jul-15 9.44neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. the accuracy,7timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for9.43 a particular purpose of9.18 any of the Information, Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) OBB 8.08 Tenor 14 21 28 42 49 56 70 77 Rating/Agency 91 105 119 133 140 147 154 161 175 182 189 196 NA 203 210 217 224 231 245 252 259

30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 Issuer 15-Oct-15 29-Oct-15 12-Nov-15 26-Nov-15 3-Dec-15 10-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 24-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 14-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 28-Jan-16 NA 4-Feb-16 11-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 25-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16 31-Mar-16

FGN Bonds

266

7-Apr-16

280

21-Apr-16

294 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 322

11.58 12.47 12.32 11.34 12.39 12.74 12.75 13.10 Description 13.56 13.54 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 13.53 13.64 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 12.51 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.35 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.81 13.31 10.70 30-MAY-2018 12.95 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.60 13.15 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.52 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 13.49 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.54 13.62 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.67 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.12 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.58 13.36 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.51

^10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.26 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.26

11.33 12.22 12.07 11.09 12.14 12.49 12.50 12.85Date Issue 13.31 13.29 16-Aug-13 13.28 13.39 27-Apr-12 12.26 27-Jul-07 13.10 31-Aug-07 12.56 13.06 30-May-08 12.70 29-Jun-12 13.35 12.90 23-Oct-09 13.27 13-Feb-15 13.24 27-Jan-12 13.29 13.37 14-Mar-14 13.42 28-Nov-08 12.87 22-May-09 13.33 13.11 20-Nov-09 13.26

23-Jul-10 13.01 18-Jul-14 13.01

11.63 12.56 12.43 11.49 12.59 13.00 13.06 13.47 (%) Coupon 14.03 14.08 13.05 14.16 14.35 15.10 13.14 9.85 14.11 9.35 13.55 14.14 10.70 13.80 16.00 14.59 14.11 7.00 14.57 15.54 14.59 16.39 14.69 14.82 14.20 14.92 15.00 14.30 12.49 14.94 14.72 8.50 14.94

Bonds

10.00

14.68

12.1493 14.76

5-May-16

13.07

12.82

14.61

2-Jun-16

12.74

12.49

14.36

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 9.4583 14.6645 16.0898 16.9052

O/N Tenor Call 1M 3M (Yrs) TTM 6M

Outstanding Value Maturity Date (N'bn) NITTY Tenor 581.39 1M 2M 480.13 3M 20.00 6M 100.00 9M 12M 300.00

8.75

REPO

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 12.3327 12.6839 27-Apr-17 13.7576 27-Jul-17 14.4257 31-Aug-17 14.6368 14.7674 30-May-18

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 NIFEX 23-Oct-19 233.73 13-Feb-20 Current Price ($/N) 27-Jan-22 BID($/N) 605.31 198.9500 OFFER ($/N) 199.0500 599.99 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 324.50 18-Jul-34

Rate (%) 8.75 9.00 Bid9.25 Yield 9.50

(%)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M Offer Yield 6M (%) 1Y

1.09 14.86 14.71 NOTE: 1.78 14.89 14.79 :Benchmarks 2.03 14.94 14.84 * :Amortising Bond 2.13Bond 14.95 14.86 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 2.87 Management Corporation 15.04 14.97 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 3.95 Mortgage Bank15.13 15.02 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria IFC: International 4.27 Finance Corporation 15.11 15.00 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 4.58 15.03 14.94 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 6.54 15.16 15.09 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 8.66 15.16Company 15.10 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 13.37 15.91 15.85 13.85 16.00 15.93 14.35 16.10 16.01 15.02 15.57 15.49 19.01 15.15 15.10

197.45 197.55 199.30 199.82 199.72 200.26 Price 201.32 200.69 202.60 203.43 205.04 206.16 212.63 214.62Price Bid Price Offer 229.79 233.27

98.21 98.36 100.26 100.41 NA :Not Applicable 91.35 91.50 ^ : Market Prices 90.09 90.24 # : Floating Rate Bond ***: Deferred 90.13coupon bonds 90.28 102.81 ‡ : Bond102.51 rating under review †: Bond 75.10 rating expired 75.40 N/A :Not Available 101.61 101.91 {r} :Issuer in receivership 104.99 105.29 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 95.39 95.69 UBA: United Bank for Africa 94.97 95.27 80.62 80.92 57.89 58.19 68.00 68.30 81.40 81.70

4,846.82

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,398.87

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration # Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills Rating/Agency Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Buckets Modified Duration

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

<3 3<5 >5 Market

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Total Outstanding 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 Porfolio Market Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

BOND INDEX 2.10 03-Apr-12FMDQ FGN 17.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 112.22 Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.50 Bucket 116.70 Weighting Value 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 66.49

Weighting by 20-Apr-12 Outstanding Vol

838.14

828.10

26.06

28.47

1,439.75

1,433.72

45.12

48.90

297.520.26

0.45

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 % Exposure_ 19-Apr-17 Mod_Duration

06-Jul-17

0.97 1.40 1.76 Implied Yield 1.97

2.94 1.00 Implied 2.66 Portfolio Price

3.13

17.44 15.82 17.58 INDEX 18.06

13.44

15.03

128.3158

1,167.38

44.47

15.14

124.4495

1,078.90

99.83 100.17 YTD 102.31 Return (%)

97.93

5.3732 6.5508

666.41

916.07

28.83

22.63

299.020.29

42.09

15.40

90.9982

1,097.08

8.9434

2,944.30

3,177.88

100.00

1.00

100.00

15.24

115.8142

1,102.85

4.5177

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.13

4.44

17.64

99.29

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.21

3.23

17.15

99.10

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

2.60

30-Jun-16

0.71

4.46

19.01

96.83

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

3.96

30-Jun-16

0.72

3.48

18.03

98.36

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.76

1.00

15.92

91.17

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

21.24

30-Jun-17

1.25

1.00

15.70

97.88

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.46

1.79

16.78

94.57

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.84

1.00

15.92

97.07

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at July 16, 2015 Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018

Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Activity Summary on Board EQTY ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 31 1 32

Current Price 25.82 31.19

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 2.01

AGRICULTURE Totals

Quantity Traded 736,341 3,000 739,341

Value Traded 19,123,520.80 93,060.00 19,216,580.80

Quantity Traded 2,037,005 2,037,005

Value Traded 4,187,538.42 4,187,538.42

2,776,346

23,404,119.22

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 7 74 77 (Equities) 158

CONGLOMERATES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (WStock A) PLC. Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

158

Quantity Traded 203,353 13,691,656 1,959,804 15,854,813

Value Traded 246,067.13 29,018,110.72 80,387,505.40 109,651,683.25

15,854,813

109,651,683.25

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 0.64

Quantity Traded 431,535 Page 431,535

1 276,476.06 of 12 276,476.06

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 35 35

Current Price 9.80

Quantity Traded 260,269 260,269

Value Traded 2,561,710.04 2,561,710.04

691,804

2,838,186.10

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Value Traded

No. of Deals 12 60 11 117 1 201

Current Price 5.31 142.00 18.99 128.20 3.26

Quantity Traded 289,069 390,352 57,010 569,734 10,000 1,316,165

Value Traded 1,535,231.52 55,336,032.21 1,037,172.90 73,313,461.33 31,000.00 131,252,897.96

Symbol No. of Deals Daily 7UPSummary (Equities) 18 18

Current Price 181.00

Quantity Traded 22,407 22,407

Value Traded 4,051,168.26 4,051,168.26

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 4 49 53

Current Price 35.05 840.00

Quantity Traded 2,374 63,517 65,891

Value Traded 79,054.20 53,459,967.74 53,539,021.94

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 46 46

Current Price 5.78

Quantity Traded 1,531,837 1,531,837

Value Traded 8,373,100.85 8,373,100.85

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 34 75 109

Current Price 27.88 37.91

Quantity Traded 399,634 755,638 1,155,272

Value Traded 11,148,820.95 27,907,752.41 39,056,573.36

7,529,968

260,579,984.85

642

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of BANK 16/07/2015 UNITED FOR AFRICA PLC Printed 16/07/2015 UNION14:32:18.018 BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, BrokersEQTY and Services Activity Summary on Board AIICO INSURANCE PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, ENERGY Brokers and Services COMPANY PLC INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN ALLIEDEQTY PLC Activity SummaryAND on Board DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FINANCIAL SERVICESPLC FBN HOLDINGS Other Financial FCMB GROUPInstitutions PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Published by The Stock UBANigerian CAPITAL PLCExchange ©

Symbol Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals No. of Deals 187 34 51 112 265 120 9 135 41 37 27 294 Daily Summary (Equities) 1,312

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 13 0.95 475,725 30 1.03 7,479,254 No. of Deals Quantity Traded 1 Current Price 0.50 700 6 0.50 22,650 16 2.75 20,302,303 1 0.50 500 37 0.66 4,718,971 1 0.50 130 47 0.50 7,060 2 0.50 1,470 2 0.50 2,188 156 33,010,951 Page

Value Traded 451,938.75 7,673,982.08 Value 350.00 Traded 11,350.50 55,826,998.01 250.00 3,165,385.54 65.00 3,530.00 735.00 1,094.00 67,135,678.88 12 4 of

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 13 15

Current Price 5.42 1.05

Quantity Traded 552 746,150 746,702

Value Traded 2,991.84 753,094.50 756,086.34

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.78

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 110.00 110.00

Other Financial Institutions Totals

2.74 4.00 0.64 7.63 Current Price 2.85 23.95 1.35

2,084

Quantity Traded 1,872,764 1,253,314 120 16,947,526 Quantity Traded 10,396,156 140,274 Page 2,569,489

33,179,643

175,692,903.10 1,106,066,604.68

Quantity Traded 404,480 177,096 15,994 1,431,907 90,200 2,119,677

Value Traded 295,270.40 591,956.40 661,070.93 2,183,498.64 110,742.00 3,842,538.37

2,119,677

3,842,538.37

Quantity Traded 50,000 17,000 1,253 68,253

Value Traded 163,000.00 177,990.00 2,017.33 343,007.33

Packaging/Containers

Symbol AVONCROWN

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.52

Quantity Traded 734 734

Value Traded 1,064.30 1,064.30

11,898,012

1,129,835,445.62

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

185

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 16 7 10 21 7 61

Current Price 0.73 3.31 43.50 1.52 1.27

Symbol CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 2 4

Current Price 3.26 11.02 1.69

Page

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 9,000 9,000

Value Traded 4,500.00 4,500.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 266 266

Current Price 12.60

Quantity Traded 10,410,467 10,410,467

Value Traded 128,126,978.17 128,126,978.17

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL Symbol

No. of Deals 2 26 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 Current 40.85 Price

Quantity Traded 8,921,750 30,702 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 4,460,875.00 1,133,408.62 Value Traded

ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

6 29 28 5 9 105

2.19 188.10 150.00 49.66 160.90

165,400 119,719 237,626 4,550 21,725 9,501,472

362,554.00 22,597,715.60 35,756,970.83 214,669.00 3,490,195.20 68,016,388.25

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 319.00

Quantity Traded 5,246 5,246

Value Traded 1,630,049.00 1,630,049.00

19,926,185

197,777,915.42

Daily Summary (Equities) OANDO

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC OIL AND GAS CONOIL PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors 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

383

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 6 9

Current Price 4.75 1.11

Quantity Traded 23,637 57,111 Page 80,748

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded

Value Traded 106,839.24 8 63,493.21 of 12 170,332.45

6 6

0.53

1,094,550 1,094,550

Value Traded 550,345.00 550,345.00

Symbol TANTALIZER Symbol

No. of Deals No. of Deals1 1

Current Price 0.50 Current Price

Quantity Traded 1,000 Quantity Traded 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 Value Traded 500.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 3.99

Page Quantity Traded 96,040 96,040

12 9 of Value Traded 382,909.60 382,909.60

Printing/Publishing UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol UPL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 42,400 42,400

Value Traded 242,952.00 242,952.00

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.52

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 15,660.00 15,660.00

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 1 31 32

Current Price 2.08 4.76

Quantity Traded 1,000 497,267 498,267

Value Traded 2,080.00 2,369,774.91 2,371,854.91

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.69

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 17,550.00 17,550.00

1,848,005

3,752,103.96

Support and Logistics Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 Support and Logistics Totals

CILEASING

SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Page

EQTY Board Totals

222,209,762

2,838,092,588.80

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 145.00 145.00

100

145.00

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 5,000.00 5,000.00

10,000

5,000.00

10,100

5,145.00

3,696

222,219,862

2,838,097,733.80

3,694

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Value Traded 5,129,477.39 5,014,756.00 73.20 128,693,810.67 Value Traded 30,139,871.37 3,311,225.34 12 5 3,403,689.13 of

159,494,699

Value Traded 9,070.00 9,070.00

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSUMER GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CAPITAL OIL PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Current Price 1.43

Symbol CAPOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Totals Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018

ASeM Board Totals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

50 11 2 387 No. of Deals 63 22 65 600

Quantity Traded 6,000 6,000

Hospitality SERVICES TANTALIZERS PLC Hospitality Hospitality Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE Symbol INTENEGINS LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS REGALINS STACO WAPIC

AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH Symbol FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

Current Price 1.50

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded Value Traded 42,943,423.88 4,587,524.73 21,484,787.39 3 of 12 36,166,976.43 525,226,017.27 17,250,070.90 977,446.46 56,317,074.36 2,896,867.05 15,121,277.12 1,614,931.45 137,895,429.32 862,481,826.36

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price

No. of Deals 3 3

SERVICES Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 8,718,962 1,129,035 1,003,208 Page 23,253,574 20,533,622 8,310,489 477,893 13,054,365 352,463 6,305,210 1,705,735 7,712,827 92,557,383

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

Current Price Current Price 5.03 4.08 22.00 1.55 26.00 2.15 2.05 4.33 8.37 2.44 0.94 17.72

Symbol CUTIX

OIL AND GAS Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL Banking SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDELITY BANK PLC

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors

Value Traded 1,387,046.64 Value Traded 4,726,737.00 9,355,871.42 954,234.99 12 2 of 7,713,644.43 169,688.00 24,307,222.48

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 6,926,670.35 656,901.18 5,068,758.25 3,760,271.60 30,623,901.08 477.94 1,082,788,330.92 1,129,825,311.32

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 454,533 Quantity826,250 Traded 334,886 340,597 Page 1,142,754 339,376 3,438,396

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

344,007.33

Quantity Traded 322,651 66,646 130,135 353,041 184,496 46 10,834,263 11,891,278

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Current Price 3.05 Current Price 5.71 29.20 2.80 6.90 0.50

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

70,253

Current Price 21.05 9.85 41.00 10.42 168.00 10.93 100.00

OIL AND GAS Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 Energy Equipment and Services Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

No. of Deals 33 No. of Deals 38 66 24 53 1 215

Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol DANGFLOUR Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 Products Personal/Household

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

No. of Deals 26 7 11 25 58 1 53 181

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Food Products CONSUMER GOODS DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Published by The NigerianSALT StockCO. Exchange © NATIONAL NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Current Price 0.50

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PREMPAINTS WAPCO

AVON CROWNCAPS Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 & CONTAINERS Packaging/Containers Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Current Price 1.21 2.12 41.00

No. of Deals 1 1

ICT Totals

Daily Summary as of 16/07/2015 CONGLOMERATES Printed 16/07/2015 14:32:18.018 Diversified Industries

Symbol CHAMS

Equity Activity Totals

Current Price 0.50

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF Published byNEWGOLD The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) EXCHANGE TRADED STANBIC IBTC ETF 30 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD STANBICETF30 VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 2 1 1 1 5

Current Price 10.14 2,197.00 97.00 14.15

Quantity Traded 31,510 Page 50 2,000 15 33,575

Value Traded 321,401.40 11 109,850.00 of 12 194,000.00 212.25 625,463.65

ETF Board Totals

33,575

625,463.65

ETP Activity Totals

33,575

625,463.65

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Traders resist Imo demolition party

Lawmaker asks Buhari to release plan against terrorism

OWERRI

Uchenna Inya

Steve Uzoechi

iolence erupted at the popular Ama Hausa quarters located along Douglas road, Owerri, the Imo State capital yesterday, when the ‘Imo My Pride’ demolition party stormed the area. According to members of the Imo Civil Guard, who accompanied the demolition team, the Hausa traders had resisted the demolition exercise that was to be carried out in their area with some of them brandishing machetes, bows and arrows. The report said this led to altercation between members of the community and the demolition squad that resulted in the forceful demolition of parts of the area. In the crisis that ensued, goods and property belonging to members of the community were looted.

A roadside trader, who simply introduced himself as Ebuka, said before now, the Hausa traders and street hawkers were untouchable. He said: “We are surprised that Okorocha, who hitherto protected them, now has the will to demolish their shanties. Normally, the street trading taskforce will come to Douglas Road and confiscate our wares while in the nearby Mbaise road by Douglas road junction, Hausa traders who literally block the entire road are not disturbed.” He explained that the demolition started from the downside of Douglas road up to ‘Ama Hausa,’ where most of the Igbo traders, whose goods were demolished, protested and joined the demolition party, threatening to attack the demolition taskforce if they failed to demolish the shanties littered at the ‘Ama Hausa.’ “Some of these angry traders were part of the crowd that helped en-

force the demolition at Ama Hausa, forcefully quelling the resistance of the Hausa traders. It was at this point that miscreants and touts joined in the chaos and while people were trying to secure their property before the demolition, they were looting and stealing,” the hawker said. Two people were rushed to hospital while about 24 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following clashes between the traders and a mob that wanted to enforce the demolition. Narrating his experience, the Chairman of Suya section, Iliyasu Sule,

whose shop was destroyed with goods and property carted away, expressed surprise at what happened minutes after they were addressed by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri on the need for them to remove their property on the road. Commenting, the Publicity Secretary, Arewa Consultative Forum, Imo State chapter, Hassan Yahaya, who expressed support for government’s developmental policies, condemned the use of hoodlums, who were allowed to rubbish the exercise by looting property belonging to the traders during the exercise.

ABAKALIKI

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Linus Okorie, yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release his war plan against the Boko Haram insurgents to enable the country fight the menace once and for all. He made the call against the background of the alleged acrimony between the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Defence that has been attributed as the main reason for last

weekend’s change in the country’s top security echelon. Okorie said this will also put paid to stories of power tussle between the NSA and the Ministry of Defence, which he said is threatening the war against terrorism in the country. The lawmaker, in a statement yesterday, urged President Buhari to urgently review the nation’s security architecture, roll out his promised marshal plan against terror and also appoint his Minister of Justice for proper implementation of the country’s Terrorism Act.

Abia to create more dumpsites, acquire refuse bins Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

etermined to sustain the status of the two major cities of Aba and Umuahia, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has mapped out strategies for refuse disposal in the state, including the creation of more refuse dumps and acquisition of more bins. In recent times, the refuse on the streets of Aba and Umuahia has become a source of worry to the state government that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was the immediate past deputy general manager of the agency in Abia zone, had to make refuse disposal and management one of the cardinal objectives of his administration. But the General Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Apugo, said ASEPA would rise to the challenge by creating

more dumpsites and make more refuse bins available for proper disposal of wastes. He said the sanitary standard of the state would not be compromised as all hands will be on deck in this regard. Apugo added that the state was poised to retain its position as the cleanest state in the country even as ASEPA was committed to bequeathing a legacy of healthy environment to the state. He, however, regretted that residents of these cities compound the refuse problem by pouring inflammable wastes into the bin which burns the receptacles. The ASEPA general manager said the recent refuse heaps seen in Aba was as a result of the desilting and clearing of the gutters/drainages by the government for free flow of water as a result of the ongoing road rehabilitation in the city.

Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left), congratulating one of the 24 state executive council members, Princess Peace Nnaji, after their inauguration…yesterday.

Ebonyi, NLC meeting ends in deadlock Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

he joint meeting between the Ebonyi State government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday ended in a deadlock. The closed-door meeting, which lasted for four hours, had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Kelechi Eric Igwe and officials of the NLC, was held at the Government House, Abakaliki.

No room for failure, Ugwuanyi charges commissioners

ewly inaugurated commissioners and special advisers in Enugu State yesterday got a charge from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to brace up for a life of service to the people, where there would be no room for failure. The governor, who addressed the new appointees at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Enugu, told the new appointees that “there is no room for failure in this administration,” drawing

ovation from the crowd that thronged the council chambers. Twenty-four commissioners and 11 special advisers appointed by the governor yesterday took the oath of office amidst fanfare as the people of the state, who had been anxious to have them in place, came out in their numbers to herald the new helmsmen and women. In a speech after their inauguration at the Government House, Governor Ugwuanyi enjoined them to attend to their

duties with zeal, vigour, commitment and responsibility. He said their appointments were made on merit and in accordance with the dictates of geoethnic balancing as enshrined in section 14 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The governor emphasised that there would be no room for failure, laxity or impunity, more so in this period of economic meltdown in the country.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the state Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwafor, said the meeting will continue until the workers’ demands are met, adding that the indefinite strike by the NLC will commence next week Tuesday. Meanwhile, Governor Dave Umahi has tasked the NLC to wage war against corruption, just as he called on the workers to support the government to enable it achieve uncommon development in the state.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Anya, Umahi spoke during a courtesy call on the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Iyuba Wabba, in Abuja. The governor spoke about the challenges that may prevent his government from paying the new salary structure, just as he tasked the president to compel workers to accept the old salary structure until when the state finances

Pamela Eboh

Awka master plan unveiled

Awka

n keeping with the desire of the Governor Willie Obiano administration to create a decent environment for the people, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) is partnering with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) to give Anambra State a world-class city focused on the Dubai Model City concept. Speaking after declaring the seminar open, Governor Obiano said as

a friend of the “built environment,” who is excited with the activities of the NIA, he believes in professional organisations driving the process of infrastructural development. Obiano, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Michael Okonkwo, recalled that since the May 15, 2014 inauguration of the 10-man board for ACTDA, the team has kept pace with the mandate to transform Awka, like Dubai did

improve. He said: “I suggest that the NLC come up with a committee on how to check corruption in the public service. You need to do everything to bring down corruption as I believe one major problem we have in this country is corruption. “In Ebonyi State, we are facing serious challenges, because of the nation’s economic downturn occasioned by dwindling oil prices, hence the decline in federal allocation to states.”

between 1990 and 2013. According to him, to achieve the transformation, ACTDA was mandated to accelerate infrastructural development of the Awka Capital Territory, prepare a master plan for the territory, implement the Awka Capital Territory Master Plan, provide infrastructural services and coordinate all building development activities of the private sector, parastatals and government agencies within the territory.

News

Tribunal strikes out NCP’s plea against candidate’s petition Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Bayelsa State election petition tribunal sitting in Yenagoa, yesterday struck out the plea of the National Conscience Party (NCP) to quash the case filed by its flag bearer, Chief Angbapu Dekite, against his exclusion from the March 28 National Assembly election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State.

FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

The Chairman of the NCP in Bayelsa State, Mr. Lucky Akpeli, had in a counter suit filed before the tribunal sought an order to discontinue the petition filed by the Party’s candidate, Chief Angbapu Dekite against the INEC and the eventual winner of the National Assembly election in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Paulker. Lucky Akpeli ,in his counter application, had claimed that the petitioner had joined the NCP in the suit filed against INEC and Sena-

tor Paulker without the knowledge of the Party and its leadership. But the Chairperson of the Tribunal, Justice C.A. Ononoeze Madu, said though the NCP through Lucky Akpeli, as second petitioner, has the right to seek for the withdrawal from the case as provided under the electoral act, the evidence produced by the petitioner, the flag bearer of the NCP, Chief Angbapu Dekite showed that Lucky Akpeli, was aware of the petition and deposed to an affidavit in

the brief handed the Counsel, Chuks Odulonu to file the petition. Justice Madu wondered why the NCP, was blowing hot and cold on the petition filed by the Party’s candidate. Justice Madu ruled that under the provision of the Electoral Act, a candidate can file a petition with or without the Party, “it is not of law that the candidate must file in conjunction with the political party. The hereby strikes out the 2nd petitioner claim on withdrawal of the petition.”

APC demands Edo PDP chair’s sack over alleged N1.5bn fraud Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, yesterday challenged the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, to account for the over N1.5 billion campaign funds allegedly misappropriated under during the just concluded 2015 general election in the state. Members of the ruling APC, alleged that the sum was given to the PDP in the state by the national leadership of the party to prosecute the general election. The state Publicity Secretary of the Party, Com-

rade Godwin Erhahon, who briefed journalists, alleged that Orbih, was currently being probed by the national leadership of the PDP, asking him to resign his position. But in a swift reaction, Orbih, who spoke through the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, described the allegations as not true and frivolous. Orbih stated that, “the APC is just cooking up lies because we called on the EFCC to probe the finances of the Local Governments which the APC led government in the state misappropriated leading to local government workers not being paid.”

Akwa Ibom begins communities’ development Tony Anichebe Uyo

Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy-Okpara (left) and Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Port Harcourt …yesterday.

Mixed reactions trail DESOPADEC’s amendment bill Domiinic Adewole ASABA

ixed reactions have continued to trail the ongoing amendment of the bill establishing the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) as the state House of Assembly have been receiving divergent responses from members of the host Communities. The responses numbering 30, emanating mostly from concerned groups and stakeholders were said

to have urged the Assembly not to tamper with the nomenclature of the commission and other related matters as enacted in 2006. According to the groups, the ongoing deletion, recasting and replacing of some words and sentences by the House Committee on the Amendment was a ploy by the state government to hijack the funds that are accruable to the oil producing communities. Chairman of HOSTCOM, Mr. Egedegbe, supporters, engaged his predecessor, Mr. Benji Eweta,

in heated arguments at the hearing held at the Assembly complex yesterday, demanding to know why the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, sponsored the bill to rename “Oil Producing Areas” “Oil and Gas Ethnic Nationalities”. The governor had in his restructuring letter proposed to the House said that “there shall be for the commission, a Managing Director and three Executive Directors, who shall be indigenes of the oil and He said, “The 50 per cent derivation funds to

the commission should be published on monthly basis by the state government so that HOSTCOM can hold members on the Board of the commission accountable for any shortage.” He suggested that the yearly budget of the commission should be handled by the House Committee on DESOPADEC, as being done for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the National Assembly, instead of the old practice of laying it before the House Committee on Apropriation.

Police to prosecute bullion van driver Joe Obende Warri

he police authority in Delta State, is set to charge the driver of the bullion van which knocked down a young lady in Warri, to court along other policemen occupying the vehicle at the time of the accident.

The bullion van had driven against traffic at top speed, knocking down the girl who is said to be in critical condition. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Usman Baba Alkali, stated this in Warri as he said that all occupiers of the vehicle were already in police custody awaiting prosecution. The young lady who

was grievously injured on her two limbs crushed, prompting her being rushed to a nearby hospital, from where she was referred to the Delta State University Teaching hospital in Oghara. Her condition was said to be “serious” by a source who had access to her at the hospital. There were fears that

one of her limbs or both could be amputated to save her life. Alkali said the prosecution of the policemen involved in the accident would serve as a deterrent to other policemen and other organizations who often drive against traffic simply because their vehicles are branded with uniformed personnel.

ollowing the menace of flood in some areas of Akwa ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel, yesterday visited one of the affected communities, Oron Local Government Area yesterday for a firsthand assessment of the impact of the erosion, which damaged some roads and created gully erosion in the area. Moved by the deplorable condition of the area, the governor instructed that work should commence immediately to salvage the situation the residents of the area have been facing for the past 30 years. Similarly, The government has said that plans were in advanced stages for the inauguration of the construction of a straight

dual carriage way from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to Oron Beach. The state Commissioner for Works Mr. Ephraim Inyang, revealed this yesterday while addressing newsmen during a detailed inspection of the marked areas prepared for the construction in oron. Inyang said the government of Governor Emmanuel was working round the clock to provide a road of top quality that will ease vehicular and human movements from the boundaries of the state to the capital. He assured of government’s readiness to deliver life touching projects and provide critical infrastructure for the people of Akwa Ibom State, noting that the road from Uyo to Oron, was of great economic importance to the people of the state and deserved prior attention.

Ex-senator, Dickson square up for Bayelsa guber race Chris Ejim Yenagoa

enator Nimi BarighaAmange, who a represented Bayelsa East senatorial district in the 6th session of the senate of the National Assembly, is set to contest against Governor Seriake Dickson, in the forthcoming Bayelsa State governorship election. It was learnt from a source close to Amange, that the senator has indicated his interest in the governorship race despite the position of the Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that he has been expelled him, as he was said to be preparing to publically

reveal his bid and the political platform he will be contesting the election any moment soon. The source further revealed that the ambition of the former senator, who was the Head of the Lands and Claims Department at ELF Petroleum Nigeria, to succeed Governor Dickson as the next governor is being backed by many political stakeholders state. It can be recalled, that following the crisis in the Bayelsa PDP, some members of the party were expelled, including Senator Amange, a serving senator and host of others. While some other members of the party are made to face disciplinary committee.

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, july 17, 2015

Ex-Taraba military administrator dies

he former Military Administrator of Taraba State during the General Sani Abacha era, Col. Yohana Mamman Dickson (rtd.), is dead. He was aged 65. Dickson died at Barau Dikko General Hospital, Kaduna on Tuesday, July 14, after a brief illness. He will be buried at his home town Ungwan Baki, Kanikon, Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State next week Friday, July 24. Born on December 28, 1950 into the family of Mamman Dickson, the late Yohana was enrolled in Junior ECWA Primary School in 1958, proceeding to Senior ECWA Primary School in 1962. In 1965, he attended St. Edna’s Teacher College, Zaria. On April 16, 1970, late Dickson enrolled into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the eighth regular course after passing the examination and interview. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on September 9, 1972. Late Dickson attended many military courses within and outside the country and held many military service appointments.

Muhammad Kabir Kano

he former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaju Sule Lamido, yesterday said he bear no grudge against anybody on his detention and that of members of his family. Lamido, who was freed by an Abuja court on allegation on money laundering charges noted that what happened to him, was part of human

Ilorin

ocal gover nment workers in Kwara State under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) yesterday commenced an indefinite strike to protest the non-payment of their salaries. Secretary of the association, Abayomi Afolabi, who confirmed the development to newsmen said: “All local government workers in all the sixteen local government areas of the state have embarked on strike, which is starting today. “The strike is related to the non-payment of salaries for several months, some are owed five months, and those owed the least is two months. We have joined our colleagues in other states who had embarked on the strike in a long time.” But the NULGE scribe denied the claim that some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are planning to stage a protest during the Sallah celebration.

I bear no grudge against anybody, says Lamido development. He told the media in Kano that he was only disturbed by the detention of his family members, saying that the action was a total humiliation of his family. He said but for the

hazards on his life, there was no big deal in putting him behind bars. Lamido noted that in the last 30 years of his struggles, he has seen many cells and prisons and he only continued to count them as part of his

human experience. Similarly, he said he thanked Almighty Allah for the fact that he was granted bail as it was done on personal recognition. He said the gesture has gone a long way to

tell the world that what was been said about him or done to him has generated some serious questions. But he still reminded the people that no human institution is perfect and the most important thing is to look at where one goes right and support while on the wrong side he is been corrected. He said no matter what, he cannot run away and leave his family, home and supporters on the bail given to him.

Borno residents debunk restoration of electricity Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

R Representative of the United States Ambassador, Maria Brewer (middle), with Nigerian students on scholarship trip to the US, during their pre-departure orientation lecture at the US Embassy in Abuja …yesterday.

Kwara council workers commence strike Biodun Oyeleye

News 49

south north - south

He said: “We are not planning to embark on any protest during the Sallah celebration; in fact, most of us are not celebrating because there is money to celebrate. Our salaries have not been paid for two to five months.” But while reacting to the development, Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Lateef Okandeji, said there was no cause for alarm as he explained that the ‘payment of our standing salaries have begun since yesterday.’ “I saw a copy of their communiqué detailing the strike."

Again, Benue lawmakers disagree over new member Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he Benue State House of Assembly was again thrown into crisis yesterday following a disagreement that came up over the execution of the court judgement on swearing in a new member, Mr. Agi Michael Adikwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It will be recalled that the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had on July 8, 2015 sacked the member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Oju 2, Mr.

IGP: Buhari’s passionate about police Musa Pam Jos

he Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, yesterday assured officers and men of the Nigerian Police that President Muhammadu Buhari is very pas-

sionate about the welfare of members of the Nigerian Police. According to him, the welfare of the police will be taken seriously, adding that already there is measured on the training and re-training of ranks and files of the police.

Mathew Ire, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and directed that Agi be sworn-in. Justice Nyako also directed INEC to withdraw the certificate of return from him and issue it to Adikwu and swear him into office, which directive, the commission has since complied with. But yesterday at its executive session to perform the swearingin ceremony, a disa g reement ensued between the lawmakers on the matter with many throwing their weight behind the new lawmaker, who they insisted must be sworn in as directed by the court,

while others, especially PDP lawmakers, said the House should jettison the court order to enable their colleague, who was sacked, appeal against the decision. The development led to a rowdy session which forced the Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, to adjourn the seating to enable the Assembly look into the matter. New Telegraph gathered that the disagreement triggered off a protest in Oju 2 state constituency as various youths groups, including women and children, carried placards in protest against the drama in the assembly.

esidents of Maiduguri in Borno State yesterday debunked the claim by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godswill Agali, that power supply has been restored back to Maiduguri. A resident of Maiduguri, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, said it is unfortunate that the permanent secretary was claiming that Maiduguri that has been without electricity for the past two weeks has been restored with electricity. He said: “They should not deceive Nigerians; we have not seeing light for over two months. I wonder why the so-called permanent secretary will come out and address a press conference that electricity has been restored in Maiduguri, it is a big lie. “Buhari should not succumb to this kind of deception, because that was how they deceived the former president by always telling him lies. That was what eventually led to the PDP losing the election,” he stated.

Kalu hails Al-Makura’s appointment of media aide Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

minent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday lauded Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State for appointing Alhaji Tukur Ahmed as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

Kalu in a letter of congratulation delivered to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, expressed happiness over Tukur's appointment. The letter reads in part: “It gives me the great pleasure to extend my warmest congratu-

lations to you on your appointment as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Tanko Al-Makura. “Over the years, you have distinguished yourself in the media profession by upholding the ethos of journalism. I strongly believe in your capacity as a veteran journalist to perform excellently well in this new role.”

50 WORLD | News

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

EU, Britain settle row over aid to Greece

uropean Union officials appeared to have defused a row with London yesterday, in which efforts to keep Greece in the euro zone risked fuelling demands in Britain to quit the EU altogether. A call for EU cash to tide Athens over until a euro zone bailout angered London, three weeks after Prime Minister David Cameron made a formal demand to reform Britain’s relationship with the EU. It became an early test of Brussels’ determination to avoid provoking Britain before it holds a referendum on whether to remain in the EU. One prominent Eu-

roskeptic lawmaker from Cameron’s Conservative party called the plan a “slap in the face”. But officials have come up with compromises both sides believe will do two things. They will provide quick funding for Greece. And they will guarantee that Cameron can keep a promise made four years ago never to put taxpayer money at risk to rescue countries caught in the euro area debt crisis. “No one wants to have anything where the UK is backed into a corner,” one EU official said. At one stage, it seemed that a vote by the 19 euro members plus possibly non-euro Poland

could have forced Britain to contribute to Greece against its will.”We’re working hard with them on the referendum, so let’s not derail that,” the official said. EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker has set up a “task force” to handle negotiations with London and also ensure the Brussels administrative machine does not inadvertently clash with Britain before the vote. The trouble began when the euro zone began work Monday on a third bailout for Greece. Officials wanted to find 7 billion euros this week to ensure Athens remains solvent until the threeyear loan can be arranged. At-

tention focused on a dormant facility known as the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM). Problem was, its money comes from all 28 EU members. Telling fellow EU finance ministers on Tuesday that the idea was a “non-starter”, Britain’s George Osborne said the euro zone must “foot its own bill”. Aside from a billion or so euros that would be Britain’s share, the government objected in principle to being drawn in to the troubles of a single currency area from which Cameron is now seeking further guarantees of separation. Cameron made the point again in parliament on Wednesday. But by then British officials were voicing confidence in proposals by the EU executive to set up an EFSM loan to Greece so they guaranteed no loss for Britain. The solution, likely to be confirmed later today when EU finance ministers hold a

teleconference, indicated a willingness by the British government, EU institutions and other member states including euro zone paymaster Germany to defuse tensions. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said among options was setting aside money earmarked for Greece that is held at the European Central Bank. He also conceded there were questions on the legality of using the EFSM. But he said there were no good options to get money to Athens within days. Cameron has said he does not want to leave the EU but wants a number of reforms, particularly on relations with the euro zone and on curbing immigration to Britain from EU countries. He has promised voters a referendum by 2017. The prospect of “Grexit” - Greece being forced out of the euro zone - is already worrying EU leaders.

We'll not accept outcome of election conducted by INEC –PDP Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

Japan’s Military

Japan’s lower house approves change to self-defence law

he lower house of Japan’s parliament has approved two controversial bills that change the country’s security laws, despite protests in Tokyo. The changes would allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since World War Two. The bills still need approval from the upper house, but many expect them to eventually be passed into law. The changes are unpopular and thousands demonstrated outside parliament yesterday. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pushed for the two bills, arguing it is necessary to expand the role of the military in a doctrine called collective self-defence. But polls show more than half

of Japanese citizens oppose them. Reacting to the passing of the bills, China’s foreign affairs ministry spokesman Hua Chunying questioned if Japan was “abandoning its pacifist policies”, and urged Japan to “stick to the path of peaceful development” and avoid harming the region’s stability. South Korea has similarly in the past urged Japan to “contribute to regional peace and security” and called for transparency in Japan’s defence policy discussions. Japan’s post-World War Two constitution bars it from using force to resolve conflicts except in cases of self-defence. Mr Abe’s government has pushed for a change that would revise the laws such

that Japan’s military would be able to mobilise overseas when these three conditions are met: • when Japan is attacked, or when a close ally is attacked, and the result threatens Japan’s survival and poses a clear danger to people • when there is no other appropriate means available to repel the attack and ensure Japan’s survival and protect its people • use of force is restricted to a necessary minimum Most of the opposition lawmakers walked out of the lower house chamber in protest before the vote took place on Thursday, with only members of the small Japan Restoration Party voting against the bills.

Kenya says Shebab militants killed in US drone strike in Somalia

t least 30 members of Somalia’s Al-Qaeda affiliated Shebab militants were killed in a US drone strike on yesterday, the Kenyan government said, while backtracking on its earlier claim that the alleged mastermind of the Garissa University massacre was among the dead. “Over 30 were killed, among them most wanted terrorists,” Kenyan interior

ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said. He said that “several masterminds” of a string of recent attacks inside Kenya were killed, but retracted his earlier statement that the mastermind of the April Garissa University massacre Mohamed Mohamud, also known by the aliases of Dulyadin, Kuno and Gamadhere was among the dead. “It was

a US drone. Kenyan forces usually provide ground support, information and intelligence on such strikes,” the spokesman said. A statement from Kenya’s defence ministry, meanwhile, said 51 Shebab militants were killed in the area although it said this was due to an “artillery bombardment” by African Union forces and made no mention of any drones.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it will not accept the result of election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the present acting chairman, Mrs. Amina Zakari. PDP stated this in Abuja yesterday when the party visited two American agencies – the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Abuja. At the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, expressed worry that the independence of INEC was being compromised with the appointment of Zakari whom he said, has "consanguinity" with the president. According to Metuh, PDP was not questioning the capability, qualification or the competence of the INEC acting chairman, but her alleged relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari. "That is the areas we want the international community to intervene. He is showing that he is president of only his political party. He has shown his preference in travelling with only members of his party. We want the international community to help him realise and practice democratic tenets," he added. Metuh stated that democracy in the country is on trial and accused the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency of intimidation and harassment of PDP officials and elected leaders. "Democracy is on trial in

Nigeria. The APC is engaging on campaign of calumny and witch-hunting of PDP leaders. Government is influencing security agencies to frame elected leaders. We want President Buhari to be fair and father to all Nigerians irrespective of political parties," he added. He said the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, was being intimidated and witch-haunted to get him out of office with the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rule 2015. The PDP spokesperson also alleged that the governing party was using the Director-General of DSS to interfere in election matters. He said the purpose of the visit was to alert the international communities of issues capable of truncating democracy in Nigeria. The NDI Resident Country Director, Jasper Veen, and his IRI counterpart, Sentell Barnes, who received the PDP spokesperson, stressed the need for strengthening of democratic institutions in the country. They advised political parties in the country to work for internal party democracy and the independence of agencies that will deliver credible elections in the country. "The quality of democratic process is the reflection of internal party democracy. This is because internal party democracy is the greatest weakness to political parties in Nigeria," Veen added. He also called on the parties to adhere to the provisions of the constitutions, which will help them overcome some of their challenges. Veen also advocated for constructive relationship between political parties and civil societies.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

News

International Sport

Sport News

Features

Agenda for Eagles coach, Oliseh

Kompany praises Sterling signing

Le Roy: Nigeria should expect another home defeat

‘Mourinho, world’s most astute coach’

Sport Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria’s Al-Farouq Aminu and Festus Ezeli were on Thursday confirmed by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for the first NBA game in Africa, which will take place August 1 at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa. Aminu, who recently moved from the Dallas Mavericks to the Portland Trail Blazers, and Ezeli, who won an NBA title this past season with the Golden State Warriors, will both feature for Team Africa against Team World in the NBA Africa Game 2015 which will be played in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, SOS Children’s Villages Association of South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Team Africa, comprised of players born in Africa and second-generation African players, will also feature ‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, whose parents hail from Nigeria; French star Nicolas Batum, whose parents are from Cameroon; DR Congo-born Bismack Biyombo of the Toronto Raptors, Senegalese-born Boris Diaw,

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Did you know? That the shortest match in professional tennis history lasted just 20 minutes when Susan Tutt defeated Marion Bandy 6-0, 6-0 at the Wimbledon tournament in 1969.

NBA picks Aminu, Ezeli for Team Africa • Olajuwon, Ujiri also for S’African exhibition game

who plays for France; Congoborn Serge Ibaka, and Cameroon-born Luc Mbah a Moute. Two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng of the Miami Heat, who was born in South Sudan, will captain Team Africa. Five-time NBA Champion Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs will coach Team Africa, while former Nigerian international, Masai Ujiri, will act as the General Manager of the team. Ujiri is currently the General Manager of the Toronto Raptors. Team World, comprised of players from the rest of the world, will feature team captain, NBPA President and eight-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers; U.S.), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards; U.S.), Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets; U.S.), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies; Spain), Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls; Spain), Jeff Green (Memphis Grizzlies; U.S.), Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics; U.S.), Evan Turner (Boston Celtics; U.S.) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic; Montenegro). They will be coached by Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins, while San Antonio Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford is the Team World general manager. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will attend the game along with NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and NBA Africa Ambassador Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria). The NBA has a long history in Africa with more than 35 players from the continent featuring on NBA rosters since Olajuwon was drafted in 1984.

Al-Farouq Aminu driving to the lane against USA in 2012

‘Oliseh ready for Eagles job’

}54

Sport

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NFF’S foreign-based board and the rest of us

he happenings of late in and around the once scandal prone board of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, whose activities is characterised by infighting and leadership tussle has ended up with what could be best described as an expatriate President and board members. The penchant to travel out of the country at the slightest excuse, all at tax payers’ expense has assumed a dimension that will certainly wreck the meagre resources of the federation. The motivation to serve the nation based on love for the game which used to be the driving force of previous leaders of the federation, has taken a back seat, while love for estacode and get rich quick through regular and frivolous trips has assumed an alarming dimension. Virtually most members of the board on daily basis are at the airport tarmac waiting to board any available flight to hop off on flimsy excuse at our detriment. The worry over this penchant to travel is fast raising quiet dust in the heart of many, since “the merry go round” appear to be designed to last forever. Who then will bell the cat since the president of the federation appears to be the one who has set this dangerous precedence? It is apparent that Amaju Pinnick was elected on the assumption by many that the nation needed a breath of fresh air and a shift in the way our football had been administered in recent past. We saw in

Around the Stadia

joebooster391@yahoo.com

07039241156 (sms only)

him a hope, youthful zeal and candour that matched our aspiration for better days ahead, but alas, majority of those who chorused his name as the would-be messiah then are fast beginning to see the hope crash to their utter dismay. How could one explain a situation where the chairman of the federation travelled out of the country for close to two months non-stop on the pretext of accompanying our national female team on official assignment in Canada only to dovetail to FIFA assignment? Before then, there have been several of such trips in the past to New Zealand, Switzerland and Britain etc. I just hope these were not at the federation’s expense. With that over, he crossed over to London to finalise interview with a new Eagles Head Coach in Sunday Oliseh without the input or accompaniment of the Technical Committee chairman who had a contrary view over the sacking of Stephen Keshi. This exercise ought to have been conducted here, but the NFF chairman exhibited his preference by taking a non-executive board member in the

JOE BOOSTER

person of Austin Okocha along, all to spite Felix Anyansi Agwu, the technical committee chairman and his team. It is apparent that both Oliseh and Pinnick have a common denominator in their character – arrogance. I wonder who will give in when the time comes because the new coach will not tolerate the nonsense Keshi endured with the federation. It is unfortunate that this same federation that claims to lack the requisite fund to manage their affairs, considering the enormous amount of money needed to fund their various programmes, with little or less co-operation from the private sector, yet these officers who should know better are not pious in their conduct or actions to win the confidence of their would-be sponsors. They have formed the habit of going cap in hand begging for sponsors, yet their flamboyant official actions seldom reflect same. Ironically, a situation where a lean delegation ought to accompany a team to a competition, all we see is a multitudes, which end up being major distractions. We have seen instances where board members who are

fond of throwing their weight around end up either quarreling with the coaches openly on critical technical issues of team selection or openly argue with players on minor issues. Hence, you wonder whose interest these board members came to serve, since it could have been resolved at home. These idle board members appear to be jobless and have become professional board members, simply because there are dollars to share for less work. Ironically, some have served for well over sixteen years, yet achieved nothing but litany of confusion. Their actions, apart from being highly confrontational to constituted authorities on major issues, they are always highly divisive as well. None is ready to address the myriad of problems confronting the fabric of our football that is fast losing its appeal to the global community. It is now a fairy tale that our position in FIFA rankings has so plummeted, that we are now ranked 57th in the world and tenth in Africa, where in 1994, the nation made it to the top ten in the world while being first in the continent. I’m amazed that this has not in any way constituted a source of worry to this board up till now. Had they really meant well for the nation? Regrettably, barely a year in office, there has not been any policy document packaged to serve as a compass on how to transform our football by this board. It’s as if our football administration is on auto pilot, as

it is business as usual coupled with the rat race to recoup expenses incurred during the course of the electioneering campaign. It is unfortunate that the board’s planned escape was the employment of Oliseh, to play a multi dimensional role of being a national team coach and head of technical department that would evolve a football culture for the development of all the national teams. This clearly shows that the board members got elected without a credible programme on how to develop the nation’s football. I have been earnestly praying for the return of the good old days when the likes of Chief Nathaniel Idowu of blessed memory, Yusuf Ali of Uni-petrol, Chief Sebastian B. Williams, Mr. Sola Anonymous etc held sway and were the pillars of the federation. These were philanthropists who loved the game and doled out their personal money with glee to bail the nation’s football at critical periods, unlike what is obtainable these days, where they “use the board as platform for rehabilitation.” It is high time we reminded these board members that they must sit down and work for the betterment of our football rather than this crazy chase for estacode that has almost grounded Nigerian football. I believe that no right thinking person would aspire to be a guest of the anti-corruption agencies like their predecessors, hence I advise that prudency must take precedence in their dealings.

Hunt for talent Agenda for Eagles coach, Oliseh O

Oliseh

Sunday Oliseh, a former captain of the Super Eagles, was on Wednesday appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation to take charge of the country’s senior national team and now has the task of reviving the fortunes of the former African champions. New Telegraph’s TOSIN OBISESAN went to town to sample the opinions of a cross-section of football-loving Nigerians on what the former Nigeria international needs to do to get the Super Eagles back to the top.

liseh must look out for talented players, and not allow nepotism to decide the players he selects. He should be able to figure out the extremely talented players and pick them without bias. I think we have enough talented players in this country; he should just make sure he goes to the grassroots and work hard with the grooming of the upcoming players. If he can do that, I believe things will work out for the better.

really know the Oliseh must respect Idon’t yardstick for measuring We should be patient with him success but I know that if NFF, media, fans the government and the have enough patience for tinue to pick players everywhere and expect them to

’m happy he said no players playing in obscure leagues or lower divisions will play for the Super Eagles. He should work on the tactical pattern of the team, make every position competitive, as well as give room for players from the U-20 team, the Flying Eagles. He should create a good relationship with his players so that they can always fight for him on the pitch. He should hold the NFF in high esteem and show great respect to the media and the fans. We don’t want a coach who fights his players, his employers and then run to the Presidency for cover. Jide Alfonso Engineer

NFF in particular can support him, he will do well. All we need is time and patience, because over time, we don’t seem to

coaches; we want to just get the results immediately. I will advise Oliseh to try and groom our home-based players; we can’t just con-

perform magic. I will say time is the key factor here if we can exercise patience. Olaide Ishola, Artiste Innocent Muokwe, Technologist

Consistency is the key Eagles too big for Oliseh unday Oliseh has all it er to just come down here liseh has no experience whatsoever S takes to lead the Super and represent us. Eagles to the next level, He should also look at Oto coach the Super Eagles. His appointment is a shame and disrespectful.

Uzoma Akuneto Asst. Head Coach, Yabatech

because he has played football to the highest level, featuring at the World Cup and playing for top European clubs. Oliseh needs to move around the world to get players that are very consistent to play for the Super Eagles. We don’t just want any play-

the home-based players; they are doing very well. I feel with the foreign players that are very consistent, and our home-based players joined together, we are going to move forward to the next level and definitely qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Eloquence doesn’t make a good coach nor win trophies. Please tell me the last time Oliseh handled or managed a team. Why don’t we make our findings before we start comparing Oliseh with great coaches such as Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola or even Jurgen Klinsman? They were engaged in active coaching. Theophilus Akue, Accountant

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

‘Casillas jumped at Porto chance’

orto coach Julen Lopetegui said iconic goalkeeper Iker Casillas did not hesitate when he decided to leave Real Madrid for the Portuguese giants. The 34-year-old was reportedly reluctant to depart Madrid amid the expected arrival of Manchester United keeper and Spain team-mate David de Gea. Lopetegui, however, insisted Casillas was determined to make the move to the 27-time Primeira Liga champions. “He wanted to [come] and we wanted to [have him]. He was so excited to come here,” Lopetegui

Kompany (in blue) and Sterling (in red) during a EPL game last season

Casillas

was quoted as saying by AS, following Porto’s 5-1 friendly win over Fortuna Sittard on Wednesday. “Both Iker and Porto have made a huge effort to bring him here, something which shows the stature of

Kompany praises Sterling signing

anchester City captain Vincent Kompany has praised the signing of Raheem Sterling and believes his arrival will mean the club can challenge for trophies once again. Kompany feels Sterling was one of the key reasons Liverpool challenged for the Premier League title last year and believes the winger can help bring silverware to the Etihad Stadium after a barren 2014-15 campaign. “It’s massive for us – the

biggest thing is that you’ve seen Sterling, especially the way he played the season before last, and he was one of the main reasons, along with Luis Suarez, that Liverpool played so well,” Kompany told the official Manchester City website. “It became more difficult for them when Suarez left but what you will find is that he will have this kind of structure at City already – I mean, we’ve got Kun [Sergio Aguero] up front, we’ve got Wilfried Bony, we’ve got

so many players who will be able to link up with him, we will be able to make him better as well. “We have great quality in the team but you can’t compete nowadays if you don’t improve every year. Other teams improve, we need to improve and getting him puts us one step closer to being this team which can win trophies again – it’s very important for us.” Kompany identified Sterling’s work ethic and fearlessness as what sets him apart

Robinho signs for Guangzhou

Robinho

obinho has signed for Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande on a six-month contract. The 31-year-old links up with former Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari who signed a two-and-a-half-year managerial contract in June. Robinho, who previously enjoyed spells at Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan, has been without a club following his release from Brazilian side Santos. City paid Real Madrid £33m to bring Robinho to the Premier League in 2008, but the Brazilian forward failed to justify that price tag, scoring just 14 goals before being loaned back to Santos. The deal will be completed pending a medical due to be carried out on July 20 and Robinho will be handed the No 60 shirt. Guangzhou are the four-time reigning champions of the Chinese Super League and have invested heavily in foreign imports in recent years.

from many of his peers. “He’s quick, he’s very unpredictable – he’s shown that he has especially-great determination,” Kompany said. “You play against so many players with great quality but it’s the fact that he’s always willing to put in the extra yard. “That makes it that extra bit difficult when you have a player with quality who is not shy to run and put his body on the line – that’s a special player.”

Stoudemire charges Miami to challenge for trophy

iami Heat forward Amare Stoudemire has insisted that it is now time for the franchise to make a push towards securing the NBA championship next season. Stoudemire recently joined the Heat on a one-year contract and is now looking to help Miami mount a challenge for glory when the 2015-16 campaign gets underway.

“I think with Miami, it’s now time to make a push,” said Stoudemire, according to The AP. “We have a team that understands what’s there for us this year. We’ll go into training camp with that mentality and see what we can do.” The two parties already spent time together back in 2010, when the Heat explored the option of fully recruiting Stoudemire as a free agent.

our Chelsea fans have appeared in court accused of racially abusing a French commuter on the way to a Champions League fixture in Paris last season. Video footage showed Chelsea fans pushing the alleged victim, known only as Mr. Souleymane, off a metro train whilst chanting “we’re racist and that’s the way we like it”. The incident occurred before Chelsea’s Champions League fixture against Paris St Germain on

February 17th. Richard Barklie, 50, Jordan Munday, 20, Josh Parsons, 20, and William Simpson, 26, all deny the charge and are opposing Police attempts to issue them with football banning orders. A British policeman, Paul Todd, who was in Paris at the time filming the Chelsea supporters on behalf of the Met’s Central Football Unit, said he heard fans chant “John Terry is a racist and that’s the way we like it.”

Valdes hits back at Van Gaal

ictor Valdes has hit back at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after the Dutchman said the goalkeeper was to be sold for refusing to play in the reserves. Van Gaal said on Wednesday that there was “no place” for someone like Valdes, who joined the club in January. Valdes was left out of the United squad for their pre-season tour of the United States but the Spaniard posted a somewhat cryptic response to the claims on social media on Thursday. The Spain international posted three screenshots of games he had played in for United’s U-21 side and one image of him in the changing room after a game with some players, including midfielders Anderson and Jesse Lingard.

Valdes

Schneiderlin targets EPL title

Racial abuse: Chelsea fans appear in court

Amare Stoudemire (R) dribbling past an opponent

the club. It’s good for Porto and good for Iker. “He told me he liked how we played, that he’d be very comfortable here and I told him about the club. He didn’t think about it for a second.”

ew Manchester United signing Morgan Schneiderlin is targeting the Premier League title as he prepares to make his debut for the 20-time English champions. The France midfielder signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further 12 months before flying out for the pre-season tour of North America this week. He told Sky Sports News: “I am ready. I have waited a long time. I could have left before but I feel this is the right moment for me. I feel physically in the best shape as possible. “I hope I will settle in quickly and that we will win titles. That’s what the most important thing is, that is what the club deserves. If I look back and win titles, it will be the best thing ever. The aim for a club like Manchester United is to win everything. “I am the happiest man in the world to join the biggest team in the world. Last year, I had a good year with Southampton.”

Sport

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Le Roy: Nigeria should expect another home defeat • Says Congo will shock U-23 Eagles

Emmanuel Tobi

ongo Brazzaville coach, Claude Le Roy, has warned Nigeria to expect another home defeat when both teams battle at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt in a 2016 Olympic Games football qualifier on Sunday. The Congolese are expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday and will be received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation. The 67-year-old Frenchman, who led the Congolese Red Devils to a 3-2 defeat of the Super Eagles last year in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, maintained that Nigeria should be ready for another shocker. “We are in an identical position to last year with no one beyond Congo giving us a chance,” Le Roy said during a

Le Roy

training camp in Atlantic city Pointe-Noire. “But my team have a huge chance of not only eliminating Nigeria, but qualifying for the Rio Olympics. “There is no reason why we should fear Nigeria because Congolese football has made tremendous progress recently and we must maintain that improvement,” the French-

man added. Congo defeated Ghana to qualify for this stage while Nigeria received first and second-round byes. The winners of the tie between Nigeria and Congo will qualify for the CAF African U-23 Championship in Senegal, from where the continent’s Rio 2016 representatives will emerge.

NFF picks Italian coach for Falcons Adeolu Johnson Abuja

he NFF is on the verge of appointing an Italian coach to coach the Super Falcons. NFF President Amaju Pinnick said that the Federation would disclose the name of the coach, a woman as soon talks with the sponsors are concluded. “We are currently holding talks with a reputable company who will pick up her bills as well and salary,” he said. He explained that talks are ongoing with the company and the new handler

would be announced as soon as the deal is sealed. Pinnick said the Italian coach at the last World Cup in Canada described Falcons as a team full of skillful players. “The Italian coach told us that the Falcons could have won the World Cup if handled by a good coach,” he revealed. The NFF helmsman explained further that the problem with Italy was that they did not have good players during the championship. Pinnick said that the new coach would take over the team before the Olym-

pics in Brazil next year. “We will do everything possible to make sure we improve the standard of the women team and make it compete with the best in the world,” he added. NFF last month dismissed the Chief Coach of the team Edwin Okon for below average performance and replaced him with his assistant Danladi Danjuma who will guide the team through the qualifiers. Nigeria at the World Cup drew one match against Sweden and lost two against Australia and the United States.

‘Eagles coach ready for job’ Adekunle Salami

uper Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has prepared himself well for the job he just assumed only on Wednesday in Abuja. Twice, in recent past, Oliseh’s name came up while the Nigeria Football Federation was looking for a national team coach. His name came up before Samson Siasia got the nod in 2010. Same happened when Stephen Keshi was appointed in 2012. A former Eagles coach, Jo Bonfrere, said on Thursday that he was not surprised about the hiring of Oliseh just as he was sure the former international also saw it coming. “I spoke with him and he knew he would coach Nigeria one day. He has always wanted to. He prepared himself for the job. On paper, he is qualified and good for the job,” he said.

The Dutch however noted that experience was a big minus to the chances of Oliseh to excel. “He has not coached any big team or country before. I think the federation is aware of this before giving him the job. The assistants should be able to help him since he knows the right things to do to get results,” Bonfere added. NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, also revealed that Oliseh had a long list of 70 Nigerian players good enough for the national team. “He was preparing for the job almost on a daily basis and we were shocked during our discussion with him that he was prepared for the task. It’s like he knew the job will come someday,” Pinnick said. Oliseh’s first task is to lead Eagles to Tanzania for a crunch away tie in the AFCON 2017 qualifying series.

Oliseh, right choice for Eagles –Adenuga

he Chairman of Globacom, the official sponsor of Nigerian national teams, Dr. Mike Adenuga jr. (GCON), has praised the selection of Sunday Oliseh as Super Eagles Coach. In his Speech at the presentation ceremony in Lagos on Thursday when the Board of the Nigeria Football Federation led by its President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, formally presented Oliseh to Globacom, coordinator Business Solutions of the company, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, stated that Dr. Adenuga heavily supported the choice of Oliseh for the job. “We are proud of his pedi-

gree and we wish Oliseh and the NFF the very best in their effort to re-position Nigerian football and restore its honour and glory,” said Dr. Adenuga in a statement delivered on his behalf at the presentation. Dr. Adenuga assured the Nigerian Football community, particularly the NFF and the League Management Company of Globacom’s total commitment to the development of Nigerian football. President of the NFF, Pinnick, described Globacom as an African brand that has made Nigeria proud, adding that the Chairman of the company, Dr. Adenuga, is the pride of Africa.

...Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi, dies

racious Akujobi, the media officer of the senior national team, Super Falcons is dead, the Nigerian Football Federation, has said. She died at about 7 a.m on Thursday after at the Falcons’ Parkview Hotel camp in Abuja, and was rushed to the General Hospital, Maitama, where doctors confirmed her dead on arrival. NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said: “This is a very tragic occurrence. Gracious was such an energetic, hardworking officer and her death has come as a terrible shock. “Her commitment to the job was never in doubt. The team’s doctor, physiotherapist and other officials moved in quickly to attend to her and then

rushed her to the hospital, but she died on the way,’’ Sausi added. The Owerri-born journalist writer was born on October 26, 1977. She was with the Super Falcons at the recently-

concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada. She served as media officer to the team in 2011, before she was moved to the U-17 team in 2012. She was re-instated to the senior team in 2013.

L-R: Globacom coordinator Business Solutions, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh and NFF President Amaju Pinnick... in Lagos yesterday

DStv League: Islanders dominate Atlantic Conference Playoffs Ifeanyi Ibeh

Akujobi

Stv Premier League Atlantic Conference regular season leaders, Lagos Islanders, continued their dominance of the conference on Wednesday at the Conference 6 Playoffs, beating Union Bank 70-53. It was a third straight win for the side coached by former Nigeria star Lati Erinfolami in the Conference 6 Playoffs taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Sta-

dium, Lagos. The former league champions had earlier defeated Customs 60-54, and edged out Dodan Warriors 53-51 in a gritty contest that was decided by a last gasp Hillary Aigbokhaionde three-pointer. Similarly, secondplaced Dodan Warriors overcame the disappointment of Tuesday’s loss to the Islanders with a 68-62 win over Kwara Falcons to add to their opening day 75-51 win over the Oluyole Warriors, and revive their chances of

progressing to the endof-season Final 8 Playoffs. Union Bank also have a similar record of two wins and a loss as the Dodan Warriors but are currently third in the standings following Wednesday’s loss. Customs also gave their chances of making the Top 4 a huge boost after embarking on a late rally to overcome the Oluyole Warriors 61-58 on Wednesday to earn their first win of the Conference 6 Playoffs.

Features 55

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

FourFourTwo magazine in its latest edition on Thursday rates Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho as number one in their top 50 Best Football Managers in the World.

hey say never go back, but it’s as if Jose Mourinho was never away. Since returning to Stamford Bridge two summers ago, the Portuguese has proved that he is forged from everything that makes the Premier League such a compelling spectacle both on the pitch and beyond it. Nobody, perhaps with the exception of Sir Alex Ferguson, has matched Mourinho’s ability to hold opponents in his thrall regardless of the circumstances. The 52-year-old is a master of calling the tune, whether through the way he sets out his team or how he goads even the mildestmannered of opponents – witness Manuel Pellegrini during the last campaign – into losing any psychological battle. Last season was the perfect example of his gifts. MASTER OF THE PROCESSION Chelsea began the season playing arguably the best football of any side Mourinho has managed. The Portuguese has sometimes been chided for his pragmatism, his willingness to win three points via the most straightforward route possible. But the summer signing of Cesc Fabregas pointed at a new direction and the team set a blistering pace, its dazzling midfield combinations invariably being finished off by another new signing, striker Diego Costa. INJURIES As injuries and suspensions began to bite in winter, Mourinho changed tack. A 5-3 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur seemed to sting him: Chelsea were noticeably more cautious after the turn of the year, with Costa struggling for fitness and Fabregas tiring, but their results remained by and large the same. Mourinho’s side always did enough, even if it wasn’t pretty, but then Mourinho’s sides always do – and perhaps the flagship game for that approach was the 1-0 home win over Manchester United on April 18 that virtually

Mourinho INSET: Celebrating third EPL trophy

guaranteed them the title. “This is a game we will never lose. Never,” he told Eden Hazard in the build-up, and so it proved as Chelsea, despite seeing just 30% of the ball, executed their gameplan perfectly. Chelsea’s apparent conservatism drew criticism in the season’s final weeks but it seemed patently unfair. In fact, it was simply evidence of Mourinho’s remarkable ability to adapt to circumstances and secure results – something that he has done throughout his career. Witness his Champions League title with Inter Milan in 2010, when Mourinho decided that his team would be more dangerous without the ball than with it against Guardiola-era Barcelona, and promptly walked away with an against-allodds semi-final victory. EURO SCEPTICS Chelsea will be overwhelming favourites to push on and make

Mourinho celebrating the Capital One Cup trophy with Chelsea players

‘Mourinho, world’s most astute coach’ Nobody plays the relentless, 24/7 Premier League soap opera like Mourinho

others bend to Mourinho’s will again in the 2015/16 campaign, although there are question marks beyond the debate about style. Mourinho’s relationship with Roman Abramovich, which decayed to the point of his departure from his first stint at Chelsea in 2008, has looked healthier than ever but there will be those who wonder what the owner’s decision to let long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech join Arsenal – clearly against the manager’s will – might do if the Gunners put a challenge together. There’s also the thorny issue of Europe: if a run to the semifinals of the Champions League in 2013/14 was fine, defeat to 10man Paris Saint-Germain two rounds earlier last season was not and vast improvement will be expected this time. If Mourinho finds his back against the wall, there are always those duels against other managers to win. The usually calm Pellegrini, whose job Mourinho effectively took when he was appointed at Real Madrid in 2010, could be found grumbling about him well after last season ended, accusing him of wanting “to take credit for everything” when Chelsea win and professing to “differ from him on all fronts”. Pellegrini had accused Chelsea of playing like a “small team” in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in September but it felt, and still feels, as if he had fallen into Mourinho’s favourite trap. PREMIER LEAGUE SOAP OPERA Nobody plays the relentless, 24/7 Premier League soap opera like Mourinho, who has a habit of provoking fury in his rivals with a few well-chosen words that set media bandwagons rolling while he remains impervious. He is his

own best spin doctor, too, as an appearance on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme the day after Nemanja Matic’s red card against Burnley showed in February. Every motion is calculated for maximum effect. None of that will change next season and perhaps Mourinho will even find himself in a closer battle, in the league and in the newspapers, against Arsene Wenger, who has never defeated him and with whom there is no love lost. TACTICS CORNER Jose Mourinho always trains his side primarily in two different systems, allowing him to switch quickly and easily for specific purposes. At Porto and in his first spell with Chelsea it was 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3, then with Inter it was 4-3-1-2 and 4-2-3-1, before 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 at Real Madrid and upon his return to Stamford Bridge. That summarises Mourinho’s approach: he’s flexible and reacts according to the demands of individual matches, but he’s also highly organised and there’s little doubt his teams will be well prepared for the task in hand. Mourinho has often faced accusations of being defensive, and he’s generally cautious in big games. However, some of his sides – particularly Real Madrid – have been rampant against weaker opposition. Perhaps a more accurate criticism is that his teams rely too much upon direct, counter-attacking play. Mourinho hasn’t revolutionised football in a stylistic sense. Instead, he’s simply a master of carrying out standard tactics with devastating efficiency at exactly the right times – and, in that sense, he’s a very astute tactician.

On Marble

World Record

Sanctity of Truth

“When men see an attractive woman, they fantasize about sex. When women see an attractive man they fantasize about a relationship.”

According to the UN, the country with the highest divorce rate in the world is the Maldives with 10.97 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants per year. This is followed by the Belarus with 4.63 and the United States wih 4.34. (January 1, 2002).

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Alexandra Potter

N150

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

‘The baby is not mine’

hen a man and a woman decide to exercise their intimate franchise behind closed doors, pleasure, most of the time, tops the list of their agenda. The pleasure is even more pleasurable when it is stolen pleasure. You know the logic of the forbidden fruits and so on? Right, when a man is stealing into the secret place of a woman he has not or does not even have the intention of marrying, he tends to put more man hours on the job. He visits the secret place religiously and tills the land like he wants the harvest the following day. But we all know this behind-closed-door farmer is not your regular farmer. In fact, research has shown that he is more a thief than a farmer. Unfortunately, he continues to sneak into secret places and vandalizing them, sometimes leaving tell tale signs of wear and tear. Even as you read this, an unsuspecting secret room is being vigorously tilled by a farmer who has no intention of waiting for the harvest. Whether the owner of the secret place is ready for the consequences of the vigorous work or the ‘thieving farmer’ is prepared to harvest the fruits of his labour, nature just does what is expected of her. She allows the ooohs and aaaahs, the shuddering to a pure heavenly halt and then she mixes what needs to be mixed and pronto there is a little Abel or Jane, or even Jane and Abel, on the way. A few short weeks later, the woman announces the result: ‘I’m pregnant.’ ‘Honey, you are going to be a father.’ ‘The doctor confirmed that I’m eight weeks gone...’ For a good farmer, that is a happy, memorable historic occasion. For the thieving farmer, it’s the moment the monster in him comes to town. He flips. He accuses her of trying to trap him. Every time I hear that you-want-to-trap-me-withpregnancy part, I get this strong urge to go fishing in the man’s mouth with spanners. Pray, why is it a woman who traps a man when he’s the one who opens the bottle and fills it to the brim? When a man goes to work ON (synonym: on top of) a woman, isn’t she the one ‘trapped’ under him until he is done? So, whether she is on top or under, she is the one at the receiving end. Why then do men cry wolf when they are the wolves? Why am I even asking? Some men just like to pointand-kill and move on. That is a truth all women must accept. It is a truth all mothers must teach their daughters. That brings us to the puzzle of the week: what does a girl do when the man who filled her bottle to the brim bails out on her, denies responsibility, accuses her of sleeping with other guys, anything to get on the first flight out of her life? Should she just empty the bottle, flush the milk down the drain? Should she embark on a carefully executed revenge mission? Should she make the best of a bad situation and keep the milk? In plain language, when a woman discovers that the man she has been sleeping with is not in the relationship for the long haul that she is on her own now that she’s pregnant, what is her best option; an abortion or she should keep the baby? While you are pondering that, let us agree on one point. A woman having un-

Adam’s Apple

FUNKE EGBEMODE

egbemode3@gmail.com 08055069066 (sms only)

loss and you know what, cowardly men like him always return with their heads bowed, tails in between their legs. Re- Why’s the world full of unmarried ‘big’ girls? What a good question and what a concern. But I will say many factors are responsible. First the change in the family economic situation. Before now, a female graduate did not talk or look for anything after graduation but a husband because that is what she wants and asks for. God answers. Today, a female graduate and her family ask for lucrative job which they may be searching for for five years. During these five years, she dates ‘aristos’ who end up not marrying her. May God help us. – 07035961555 This is a masterpiece. Most single girls don’t get their priority right. They date the wrong men and are too materialistic. Men know the difference between a wife material and a girlfriend. – Kaycee Oyedeji This couldn’t have been said or written better. I hope our sisters are reading and listening. A word is enough for the wise. – CPP Obua, PRO, NIS

‘Don’t tell me that! It’s yours.’

protected sex cannot feign shock when she misses her period unless she has reached menopause and sometimes that ‘pause’ has been known to restart, making grandmothers mothers all over again. A woman, married or unmarried, who is allergic to condom and is not on the pills or any reliable contraceptive should abstain from sex. Unless she is totally trying to conceive. If you go into the rain without an umbrella, you will get drenched. You can blame the men from now till hell cools over, the truth is, unless in cases of rape, women are always willing parties in this matter of the rejected bottled milk. They willingly let the men in, allow them to do their doorto-door delivery and then scream when the bottle is already full and corked. Women need to get a grip and stop pretending that they were not aware that seeds grow. Again, I do not also buy the defence of women who say they didn’t know that the men would run at the sound of the patter of tiny feet. No, unless we are fooling ourselves, a woman can tell when a man is just a passerby, a hit-and-run. But sometimes we just ‘faith it’ and hope that as we give him more perks from the secret chambers, he will change his wandering ways and settle down. It does not happen most of the time. A man suffering from wanderlust does not have roots. He’s a man with endless supply of milk and he’s just looking for where to dump his load. Here’s a quick checklist of men to avoid having naked sex with; a married man, your boss, an old bachelor with four children from four women...but we will do a full conference on them soon. Back to the main issue. What should a woman do with a denied pregnancy,

PHOTO: thegrio.files.wordpress.com

when she is faced with the-baby-is-notmine verdict? Abortion is usually what comes to her mind. It is also what the guy will suggest. But I think abortion is a decision women take out of panic, when they are in tears, depressed and wondering ‘what will people say’. But the risks last far beyond the night. The reality of such decisions dawns when the consequences have become irreversible. You think I’m talking about abortion procured from quack doctors or in the back-room of a ‘chemist’? No, or not really. Sometimes an abortion done in a good hospital may still go wrong. Where the woman does not pay with her life, her fertility may be impaired forever. I know a woman who lost a fallopian tube after a couple of abortions and still went ahead to have seven children. I also know a young woman who had just one abortion and has been married for nine years now without a child. Every time we talk she says she regrets the abortion she had 12 years ago. You never can tell which group you belong. From where I stand, a woman owns the baby. She owns the workshop, the factory line and everything there-from. She is the one who knows what to do with bottled milk. It is painful when you discover that you have been taken or a ride, used and dumped but when the finished product is handed to you in the labour room, the sense of achievement a woman feels blots out every misery, every shame. When your baby’s inquiring lips close on your nipple for the first time, there are really no words to describe the joy, the fulfilment. My conclusion: keep your bottled milk because of the long-term satisfaction you will get. Let the thieving farmer go. It’s his

I really found your piece interesting. Your word of advice is timely because this late marriage is becoming a trend. – 08163552303 In my own opinion, the cause of unmarried girls is ‘civilization’. Those big girls don’t want to submit to a man because they have everything. – 07034499735 You are my personal person and I am a convert because your write-ups influence and make me see things the way they are. You always call a spade a spade. This piece is a good lesson. – 08102682007

HIGH CHIEF SPIRIT CUT MY NEIGHBOUR’S THROAT, NOT ME - Suspect

- Tell that to the Marines!

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.