Binder1 aug 12, 2014

Sanctity of Truth Facebook.com/newtelegraph

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 VOL. 1 NO. 175

twitter.com/newtelegraph1

www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Russia’s Rusal offers Nigerian assets for sale lMulls auction of stake in ALSCON

Adeola Yusuf

R

usal, the world’s largest aluminium producer, has joined

Shell, Chevron and other multi-national in the selling binge of their assets in Nigeria.

The company is already

considering the sale of about $1 billion worth of non-core assets, including its stakes in the Aluminium Smelter Company of

Nigeria (ALSCON) located in Akwa Ibom State.

A report by Reuters yesterday, quoting BCS financial group analysts,

said the sale talks were at an advanced stage.

Other assets that could be sold include stakes in the Bogatyr coal company in Kazakhstan, the analysts said in a research

note to clients after meeting Rusal’s management last week.

Shell, Chevron, Agip and other oil multinationals have disclosed deciCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Jonathan: We won’t stop using troops for polls

lNorthern elders warn president to rescue Chibok girls or forget second term Anule Emmanuel and Ibraheem Musa

A

dvocates of less involvement of the military and other security agencies in the conduct of elections may have lost out as President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed to ensure tight security for the 2015 general election.

The president, speaking

against the backdrop of the criticisms that trailed the presence of heavy security during the conduct of governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, said at an inter-faith conference in Abuja that his administration will continue to deploy troops and other security agents for elections as it will not give desperate politicians who CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

...Says Sawyer a mad man for bringing Ebola to Nigeria

lAnother nurse tests positive lHusband, 176 others under watch Anule Emmanuel, Muritala Ayinla, Obinna Odoh and Comfort Chukwu

Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. ‘Yemi Adeola (left) and Managing Director, Arsenal FC, Mr. Ivan Gazidis, at the signing of the sponsorship agreement between the bank and the club in London...at the weekend

A

n angry President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday lashed out at the late Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American

who brought the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to Nigeria, describing him as a mad man.

He said it was wrong of him to have defied medical advice and embarked on his ill-fated trip to Nigeria CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

| Promo holds from AUGUST 2014 to FEBRUARY 2015 | Prizes to be won in monthly draws | Grand Draw holds in February 2015 Keep buying and keep winning from August 18, 2014

2

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Northern elders tell president to rescue Chibok girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

are ready to kill and maim any chance to realise their ambitions.

According to him, the presence of phalanxes of security agents during elections will continue as a deliberate strategy to check the excesses and desperation of politicians who are often interested in causing confusion.

He explained that the forthcoming general election would not be an exception since such efforts by government was to safeguard lives and property.

The president spoke on a day the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) gave him up till October to rescue over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok by Boko Haram in April or risk his second term ambition.

Jonathan, in a further defence of the deployment of heavy security for elections, also criticised a labour leader whom he described as having short memory of what transpired in 2011 where about 10 corps members were killed in Bauchi while property worth billions of naira were destroyed in Kano during electionrelated violence.

He said if politicians could not sacrifice their children to realise their ambitions, other people’s children should not be used as cannon fodders.

He expressed surprise over opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to beef up security in states where elections were held recently.

He wondered how they could easily forget the massacre that followed the 2011 general election in Bauchi, Kano and Akwa Ibom states.

According to him, if

his reason for deploying security operatives in states was to ensure the victories of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates, the party would not have lost in Edo, Anambra, Ondo and Osun states.

He said: “I once again assure Nigerians and international community that 2015 elections will come and go and Nigeria will stand stronger.

“The Nigerians I know and interact with every day are only asking for one thing in the election:

transparency, free and fair of elections and I have promised them.

“They want to vote and want their vote to count, they don’t want to be molested, they don’t want ballot boxes to be hijacked by criminals. If they are convinced that the process is free, fair and credible, they have no reason to be angry.

Nobody can fight against one man one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote.

“And government will make sure that Nigerians are not killed during and

after elections. I’m surprised that some political parties are agitating that government should withdraw security during and after elections.

“My promise of free and fair elections is clear.

All governorship elections that have been conducted so far, you will agree with me that they have been free and fair. I am from the PDP, the ruling party, but I don’t use that strength to make sure that PDP must win always.

“PDP has lost election CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

28oC 23oC Storms

ABUJA

24o C 21oC Storms

PORT HARCOURT

29oC 20oC Drizzle

KANO

28oC 21oC Storms

ENUGU

30o C 21oC Very Cloudy

IBADAN

27oC 21oC Storms

CALABAR

28oC 21oC Rain Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

28oC 21oC Storms

29o C 21oC Cloudy

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

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

L-R: Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; President Goodluck Jonathan; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, during an inter-faith conference in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Another nurse tests positive to Ebola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

during which he fell ill on arrival and was rushed to a private hospital in Lagos where he died.

The president, who spoke at an inter-faith conference in Abuja, added that by smuggling himself into the country, the late Sawyer, who died on July 25, has put Nigeria on the list of countries battling the Ebola virus.

The number of Nigerians infected with the EVD has risen to 10 as the Federal Government confirmed yesterday that one of the nurses who attended to the index case has tested positive to the virus.

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, told reporters at a news conference in Abuja that the nurse’s husband, along with 176 others, were under surveillance to contain the spread of the epidemic.

However, a report by the CNN showed that the worst outbreak of Ebola, which has killed 961 people and triggered an international public health emergency, may have started

with a two-year-old patient in a village in Guinea.

Jonathan told the gathering at the inter-faith conference that as part of efforts to curtail the epidemic, he has summoned a meeting with governors and their health commissioners for tomorrow in Abuja to discuss modalities of ensuring that government is fully equipped to fight the Ebola virus.

He said at the conference with the theme, “The imperative of interfaith understanding and cooperation for responsible politics,” organised by both the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, to foster peaceful cooperation ahead of the 2015 elections that the World Health Organisation (WHO) analysis showed that 60 per cent spread of Ebola virus was through ceremonial burial rituals.

He urged those whose relatives died far from home during the Ebola epi-

demic to bury them with less ceremony.

The president said: “It is unfortunate that one mad man brought the Ebola to us; but we have to contain it. But this is a good forum that we will use to also plead with our religious leaders because people listen to you more than they listen to politicians. So, in our various preaching in the mosques and in the churches, we should communicate clearly.

“I have been having discussions with people outside and within the country since this incident happened. My conversation with the Director General of the World Health Organisation, Mrs. Margaret Chan, was quite instructive.

“She said that the spread of Ebola from analysis so far, 60 per cent of spread is during burials.

That’s why you will recall that in our announcement, we pleaded that we must be mindful of burials. We are pleading that our people who believe in some kind of ceremonies and so on,

this is not the best period for those ceremonies. If somebody dies now that person should be buried where he died; when we get over this you can exhume the body if you want. Government will provide the medical examiner that will help you exhume the body for you to go and bury the way you want.

“Sawyer that brought this Ebola to Nigeria also contracted it because his sister died of Ebola and he went for the burial and he participated in a way that he became a suspect. And the country asked him not to leave the country so that he will be observed but the crazy man decided to smuggled himself out and now we are suffering because of it.”

Also speaking on the epidemic yesterday, Chukwu told reporters that none of the 177 persons under watch has manifested any symptoms, adding: “But we are still following them up in case of anything.”

He also debunked the insinuations that EVD had CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

3

4

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

PDP, Omisore to challenge Aregbesola’s victory

lEU to gov: Seek legal options over election infractions Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday agreed to approach the election petition tribunal and challenge the outcome of the August 9 governorship election in Osun State over what it described as electoral fraud.

In a communiqué signed by the Osun State chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, at the end of the party’s deliberation in Osogbo on the outcome of the election, the PDP accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of perpetrating electoral fraud in some parts of the state.

Olaoluwa stated that the party would approach the tribunal to ensure that all the wrongs concerning the electioneering process is corrected.

“The PDP in Osun re-

jects in totality the outcome of the result and the party will contest it until the people’s mandate which was stolen is returned.

Also, the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, insisted that the outcome of the election in some parts of the state did not represent the wishes of the people.

Omisore, in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, said he would challenge the result of the election.

He said: “The party is presently analysing the results of the elections against field reports and we shall be making public our findings and the appropriate steps accordingly.”

Meanwhile, the European Union Election Monitoring has tasked the Governor Rauf Aregbesola to

use all legal instruments available to challenge the alleged arbitrariness by the security agencies drafted to the state by the Federal Government.

The EU Election Monitoring Group Coordinator, Paul Edwards, gave this advice when his team paid a courtesy visit to the governor at his residence after the announcement of the election results.

Edwards said the most dependable way to deepen democracy in Nigerian is by strict adherence to the

rule of law.

The EU envoy observed that the most acceptable and preferred way to challenge arbitrariness of opposition is to seek legal remedy.

In his remark, Aregbesola commended the EU Monitoring Group for the organisation’s interest and commitment to development of democracy in Nigeria.

Aregbesola, however, lamented the show of brute force by the forces of occupation drafted to

the state by the Federal Government.

He said: “Our victory did not come because the federal authority designed it so but because we were favoured by the people as the best party that can serve them better.

“Or how do you rationalise the presence of strangers (security personnel), people I cannot control, who took over the administration of security of my state with impunity, which adversely affected life in the state?

“It is humiliating, worse sort of what a unit of government like ours should suffer. There was a deliberate attempt at muzzling the people voice through votes.

“By now we should know that voting is just a routine aspect of democracy and even at that, the people must not be denied their freedom to choose their leader freely.

“We must prevent the Federal Government from the recurring culture of arbitrarily invading the territory of a unit within the federal structure. This is an abuse of power.”

Russia’s Rusal offers Nigerian assets for sale CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sions to sell more assets in Nigeria in what they term the divestment exercise.

Rusal has been struggling to manage $10.3 billion of net debt due to a slump in aluminium prices amid a supply glut stoked by huge production growth in China.

The Russian firm recently finalised a refinancing deal with creditors, buying time to turn itself around.

The company is considering several options related to its non-core assets, but no decisions have been taken yet, Rusal told Reuters.

Shares in Rusal, owned

by Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, have jumped 75 per cent in Hong Kong since the start of 2014, thanks to a rebound in aluminium prices and a spike in nickel prices. Rusal owns a 28 per cent stake in Russia’s Norilsk Nickel.

Indications also emerged that Rusal may be considering pulling out from Nigeria.

The privatisation of ALSCON, in which Rusal emerged as preferred bidder, had earlier been dogged with controversy.

When the Supreme Court in July 2012 ruled that BFI Group, the Nigerian-American consortium that emerged preferred bidder for the ALSCON, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, in 2004, was the valid winner of the bid, the or-

ganisation thought it was time to heave a sigh of relief after eight years of legal battle.

But the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) disqualified the company under controversial circumstances.

But unfolding events have indicated that the controversy surrounding ALSCON are far from over as the preferred bidder; BFI Group has accused the BPE of aiding and abetting illegality in the sale and transfer of the aluminum plant.

Chairman of BFI Group, Dr. Reuben Jaja, said the BPE had refused to give a fair resolution of all matters relating to the Supreme Court judgment, adding that as part of efforts to ensure enforcement of the court judgment, the group has filed a $2.8 billion suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against UC RUSAL. Meanwhile, SacOil has said that it was not in talks to acquire production asset in Nigeria SacOil Holdings Ltd, which said this in a statement, maintained that contrary to “recent press report,” it is “not in discussions and/or negotiations to acquire production asset in Nigeria.”

Sacoil, the statement said, has only “entered into non-binding negotiations which, if successfully concluded, may have a material effect on price of company’s securities.”

L-R: Acting Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Jaf Momoh; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide and Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during the inaguration of National Trauma Centre in Abuja…yesterday

Ebola: 177 others under watch CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

been spread to other parts of Nigeria, saying the epidemic is confined to Lagos State, where the first case was recorded last month.

He said: “Nigeria wishes to emphasise that it essentially remained an Ebola virus free country until this incidence of importation and unfortunate contamination. We will continue to work with all stakeholders, local and international partners to maximise on this and intensify efforts to contain and treat the existing cases.

“It has been 22 days since EVD first landed in Nigeria. As at today, 177 primary and secondary contacts of the index case have been placed under surveillance or isolation.

Nine developed EVD, bringing the total number of cases in Nigeria to 10.

Of these 10, two have died (the Liberian-American and the Nigerian nurse) while eight are alive and currently on treatment,” he added.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has also said five Nigeri-

ans out of the eight persons currently in isolation over the EVD have been responding to treatment and are in a stable condition.

In addition, the governor ordered the 57 local government areas and local council development areas chairmen in the state to ensure that protective equipment and kits are provided for the health workers, saying that is the only way to prevent the spread of the disease in the state.

Fashola, at separate interactive sessions with traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chiefs as well as health workers on preventive measures on the Ebola virus, added that out of the people in isolation, eight have tested positive while results of two were still being awaited.

According to him, EVD is not a death sentence provided the right things are done.

A report by the CNN however said the EVD might have started with a two-year-old patient in a village in Guinea.

The CNN, citing a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, said about nine months ago, the toddler, whom researchers believe may have been Patient Zero, suffered fever, black stool and vomiting. Just four days after showing the painful symptoms, the child died on December 6, 2013.

Researchers who published the paper earlier this year found a chain of illnesses in the child’s family.

After the toddler’s death, the mother suffered bleeding symptoms and died on December 13, according to the report. Then, the toddler’s three-year-old sister died December 29, with symptoms including fever, vomiting and black diarrhoea. The illness subsequently affected the toddler’s grandmother, who died on January 1, in the family’s village of Meliandou in Guéckédou.

The area in southern Guinea is close to Sierra Leone and Liberia borders.

The illness spread outside their village after sev-

eral people attended the grandmother’s funeral as two of the funeral attendees appeared to bring back the virus to their village, and it spread to health care workers and other family members who took care of infected patients.

“A health care worker from Guéckédou with suspected disease, seems to have triggered the spread of the virus to Macenta, Nzérékoré, and Kissidougou in February 2014,” stated the report, noting more Guinea towns were affected.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has commended the efforts and preparedness by the Lagos State Government in containing the spread of EVD. Maku’s commendation came as state health commissioners converged in Abuja yesterday for an emergency meeting on the epidemic.

He urged the commissioners to emulate the Lagos State Government to ensure that the EVD did not “sweep them off their feet.”

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

5

16 arrested female suicide bombers from Sambisa Forest

lSoldiers’ wives stage protest in Borno Muhammad Kabir and Ahmed Miringa

I

ndications emerged yesterday that the 16 female suicide bombers recently arrested in Kano were smuggled to the state from Sambisa Forest by their trainer, Ibrahim Ibrahim.

Ibrahim was arrested in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State during a raid carried out by the Joint Task Force (JTF).

A top security source, who preferred anonymity, alleged that the bombers were brought from Borno villages, particularly Sambisa Forest. He, however, said the military is trying

to uncover the actual tribes and languages of the female suicide bombers.

A security source in Kano told New Telegraph that: “We are tracking all the female suicide bombers that might have migrated to Kano under strict orders of their commandants whom we are also tracking so as to make sure that the city is secured.

“As a result of the security alert put in place, we are breaking the ranks of the terrorists and ensure that they do not succeed in Kano.”

The female suicide bombers, who are mostly underage, were being

trained to carry out attacks when the JTF raided their training ground and arrested them and their trainer.

Spokesperson of the JTF in Kano, Captain Ikechukwu Eze, confirmed the arrest, saying investigation is still ongoing on the matter.

When asked whether the female suicide bombers were brought from Sambisa Forest, Eze declined further comments.

Meanwhile, hundreds of wives of soldiers at Giwa Barracks in Borno State yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the entrance of the barracks.

The protest came 24 hours after some wives of soldiers demonstrated at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, the state capital.

They protested the deployment of their husbands to Bama and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State where the Boko Haram sect engage the troops.

When our correspondent visited the barracks yesterday, the women chanted: “We won’t allow our husbands to be killed.

The military authorities have refused to equip them with sophisticated weapons that can match

the Boko Haram.

“As soldiers, our husbands are supposed to defend their fatherland in the face of both international and internal aggression as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But that could be done only when they were supplied with modern war equipment and properly motivated as obtained in other countries,” one of the women stated.

The women called on the Federal Government to supply the troops with better working equipment in order to wage the

NERC: State govts should subsidise electricity tariff Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

T

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara; Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka; Chief Operating Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Ms. Adebisi Awoniyi and Chief Executive Officer, BASL, Mr. Christophe Penninck, during the minister’s visit to the Murtala Muhammed Airport…yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

WAEC releases SSCE results, laments decline in performance Kayode Olanrewaju

T

he West African Examination Council (WAEC) has lamented the decline in the performance of candidates in the 2014 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), blaming the candidates’ failure on parents, who failed to monitor or supervise their children education.

The WAEC Head of National Office (HNO), Mr. Charles Eguridu, spoke yesterday while announcing the release of the May/ June 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examination at the Yaba, Lagos head office of the council.

While comparing the candidates’ performance in the last three years, he said 649,156 candidates representing 38.81 per cent obtained five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics in the 2012 WASSCE; and in the WASSCE 2013,

the figure stood at 610,334 candidates representing 36.57 per cent; while 529,425 candidates representing 31.28 per cent obtained five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics in the 2014 examination.

Addressing journalists, the HNO, who noted that “there is marginal decline in the performance of candidates in the May/June diet,” said of the 1,692,435 candidates, consisting of 929,075 male and 763,360 female candidates sat for the examination 1,605,613 candidates representing 94.87 per cent had their results fully released.

Giving further breakdown of the results, Eguridu said 86,822 candidates, representing 5.13 per cent had few of their subjects being process due to some errors, which according to him, was mainly traceable to laxity on the part of the candidates and the school, in the course of registra-

tion or writing of the examination.

“Such errors are being corrected by the council to enable the effected candidates get their results fully processed and released as soon as they are ready,” the HNO explained, adding that 791,227 candidates representing 46.75 per cent obtained six credits and above; 982,475 candidates, representing 58.05 per cent obtained five credits and above.

Of the 150 blind candidates that wrote the examination, 21 candidates, representing 14 per cent obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language, but added that blind candidates were exempted from writing Mathematics and science practicals.

He said the Council against all odds, which include security, logistics and financial challenges, was able to examine candidates in 39 new subjects

mostly entrepreneurial, in addition to the existing 37 subjects in the May/June WASSCE in line with new secondary school curriculum.

Eguridu, who stressed that the new subjects were introduced for the first time, said despite the performance of Nigerian candidates in the council’s examination, the country still performed better than other countries.

The HNO, however, declined to mention state governments that defaulted in the payment of WASSCE registration of their candidates, but insisted that the results of such states would not be released.

While explaining that the candidates will no longer allow the use of any form of Mathematical sets, the HNO said a customized and specially designed mathematics set will be made available to schools for the use of candidates in its examinations.

war against insurgents as promised by President Goodluck Jonathan in his address during the fund raising to assist the victims of Boko Haram insurgency headed by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (Rtd).

Military sources told our correspondent that the women shut down the barracks for several hours.

It will be recalled that several highly placed individuals including the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, have complained that the terrorists have sophisticated weapons and better motivated than the Nigerian military.

o improve electricity generation and distribution, the Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi yesterday charged state governments to subsidise electricity tariffs.

Amadi, who spoke at the inaugural National Council on Power (NACOP) summit in Abuja, also advised the state governments to partner with the new owners of generation companies to build generation plants.

Speaking at the summit, the Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, disclosed that 201 workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are yet to be paid, nine months after the handover of privatised assets.

According to him, labour issue was a major force that almost stalled the privatisation exercise but was resolved through mutual agreements.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Power, Hon. Mohammed Wakil, stated that NACOP initiation started in 2008 but the ministry could not secure its establishment’s approval as the sector was then not yet privatised.

However, he stated that the ministry renewed the efforts in December 2013 after the handover of privatised utilities, with its approval by the President in February 2014 as an enlarged forum consisting of key sector stakeholders that would deliberate on issues that will accelerate sustainable power supply.

Speaking on labour issues, Dikki said: “Government went into negotiations with labour which took over 14 months, an

agreement was reached; so far 98 per cent of the 47,913 workers of PHCN have been paid their severance and pensions gratuities.

“Out of the staff who were identified as staff, 46,326 were validated, 45,750 have had their funds remitted to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) office and have been paid.

“So, we have only 201 outstanding payments that have been validated and they are in the process of being affected,” he noted.

He maintained that so far, government is yet to validate 865 staff with another 722 unidentified cases, adding that N371 billion was remitted to the AGF office for effecting the payments which have been confirmed.

Also in his speech, the minister urged the participants at the five-day summit to put in their best in appraising the various memoranda that have been submitted for better recommendations.

Declaring the summit and the three-day Technical Session of the summit opened, Wakil said: “In making these recommendations, I want you to be guided by the new focus of government in improving our present energy mix which is mainly at the ratio of 70 per cent thermal and 30 per cent hydro.”

He said the ministry is disposed to developing alternative sources of energy which abound in the country especially with renewable energy like solar, wind, bio-mass, small and medium hydro and large deposits of coal-to-power.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

The general public is hereby informed of the loss of International passport belonging to Nassim Younes, Male.

The Lebanese passport number: RL 1276434. If found, please contact him at No: 23 Ogunu Road, Warri, Delta State or the nearest police station.

6

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Confab adjourns, adopts final report tomorrow lBraithwaite, Okoye disagrees on new constitution Louis Achi ABUJA

T

he delegates to the National Conference will tomorrow consider the report of the confab which has been prepared in form of a draft constitution for final adoption.

After a month’s break, a period used by the Conference Secretariat to prepare the report of the Conference, the delegates were yesterday given seven documents each which included Main Report (Vol. 1 – 528 pages), Main Report (Vol. 2 – 906 pages), Proposed Amendment and Alterations to the Constitution, Draft Constitution (Comprising Proposed Amendment and Alterations to), Votes and

Procedures (March 18, 2014 – July 14, 2014), Hansards and Order Paper.

The delegates were given two days to study the reports and reconvene Wednesday.

The draft report came in three huge volumes as proposed by the delegates at the end of debate in July.

One part deals with issues pertaining to the constitution; these were issues proposed by each of the 20 committees.

The second part covers resolutions meant for enactment into Acts by the National Assembly while the third part concerns policy issues suggested for implementation by the President.

These were considerations agreed upon by the delegates following

completion of debate and adoption of resolutions arising from reports of 20 committees that considered critical issues considered to have given rise to the convocation of the conference.

Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Jennet Azinge, who addressed the delegates on behalf of the Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo-Kutugi (GCON), advised them to study the draft reports before their final adoption.

She said delegates would be granted only two days to read the report and report back for consideration and adoption on Wednesday.

Delegates commended the conference leadership for making the voluminous report available on

time and promised to give it close scrutiny.

A delegate, Mallam Sani Zoro, said: “Thank you for giving us the draft constitution. We didn’t expect it but we welcome it and will go through it.”

Some delegates however expressed concern that the two days given to members to go through the reports was inadequate and asked to be given up to one week.

“Allow us to go and read this document this week and come back next week Monday. When we come back, we will be very precise,” said Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, a delegate representing Labour Party.

The conference secretary however insisted that delegates report back on Wednesday for final approval of the report.

L-R: Representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Dr. David Tukura; Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor and Head, Enlightenment and Re-Orientation, Unit, EFCC, Aisha Musa, at a workshop in Abuja…yesterday

Meanwhile, the distribution of a draft Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Secretariat at the reconvened plenary of the National Conference yesterday provoked sharp disagreements by some delegates who took opposing positions.

A clearly miffed delegate, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite who spoke to New Telegraph stated that it was within the confab’s brief to write a new constitution for the country.

“Are they trying to say we can’t produce a draft constitution,” he stated and asserted that the president’s inaugural address defined the conference’s reach and scope.

His words: “When the president set up this conference, he said there was no no-go area and that we have come to give the country a new lease of life. So, that is wide enough.

“So, most of the people, even outside the conference are expecting a reconstruction of this country. That’s why I am here anyway. If we are not going to reconstruct; if we are going to maintain the backward status quo, then what’s the value of coming here at all? So, it is absolutely within our brief.”

But declaring that the confab was incompetent to write a new constitution for the country, Festus Okoye, a lawyer and delegate told New Telegraph that it is only the National Assembly can amend or create a new constitution.

His words: “Under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the only organ that has the competence, that has the capacity and has the

constitutional right to amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the National Assembly and not the National Conference.

“What we have been asked to do and what is in our procedure rules is that we are going to engage in debates, look at every facet of our national life and make a determination on what the major challenges are and make proposals to the president on what to do.

“And the president asked us and our draft rule says that we can make proposals relating to policy changes; that we can make proposals relating to administrative changes; that we can make proposals relating to changes in the existing law and that we can also make proposals relating to the alteration of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Over the past four months we have precisely done that. We are not a National Assembly so we have not drafted any constitution. So if we want to be proactive the only thing we can do is to make proposals for the alteration of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to put on the ground a draft constitution.

“We don’t have the capacity; we don’t have the competence and we don’t have the requisite constitutional right to do so. For me, this draft constitution that is on the table is not part of our mandate; it is not part of our brief and document. Although what I have seen is that part of our proposals are embedded therein. But it is not part of our brief to draft a new constitution.”

Northern elders warn president to rescue Chibok girls or forget second term CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

in Edo State, we lost election in Anambra State, we lost election in Ondo State and of course only two days back, we have lost elections in Osun State.

“But we have said that this country must change; the kind of elections that we had in the 60s that led to the crisis in the West that threatened the sovereignty of this country cannot come up again.

“The kind of elections we had during the Second Republic that some people won elections as governors and ran away from the state that they claimed elected them cannot come up again. Nigerians must vote and our vote must count.

“If I was interested in

manipulating elections, my party will not be losing all these governorship elections. All what we want is a credible election.”

On the prophesy that Nigeria may disintegrate after 2015, the president reiterated that Nigeria will not disintegrate contrary to the predictions of those he described as doomsday prophets, adding that the country will stand stronger after the polls.

The president said the predictions about the possible disintegration of Nigeria would not come to pass because his administration would continue to conduct transparent, free and fair elections, which he promised Nigerians.

He also took a swipe at

some politicians whom he said were fond of making reckless and irresponsible statements which are not borne out of their genuine love for the country but for their selfish interests.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, in his goodwill message, said because Nigeria was a complex society, any step meant to address its complexity was a welcome development.

Tambuwal regretted that over the years, the nation’s politics has been enmeshed in violence, brigandage and corruption among other vices.

He said responsible politics meant that all stakeholders must be ready to play the game according to the rule.

In his welcome address, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the conference was one of the steps being taken to restore peace to the country, especially in the North-East.

While recalling that Nigerians once lived happily together as a country, he wondered where and when the nation derailed to fall into its current sorry state.

Also, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, in his keynote address, identified what he called the demonisation of politics as one of the tragedies of the present day Nigeria.

This, he said, was manifest in the oppression, corruption and do-or-die atti-

tude of the political class.

He said was the reason why many hold the belief that politics was for dubious people.

Meanwhile, the NEF has given Jonathan up to October to either rescue the over 200 or forget his re-election bid.

It added that the warning became necessary because the forum was convinced that the insurgency caused by Boko Haram and other related security challenges posed a threat to the 2015 elections and the survival of the nation.

A former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Solomon Dalung, who briefed the press in Kaduna on behalf of NEF yesterday, lamented the circumstances

under which the people of Gwoza in Borno State live as if there is no government, describing the situation as unacceptable.

He said the lack of the strong will by the presidency to fight the insurgency coupled with deep-seated corruption and incompetence in government had allowed the insecurity in the North to fester.

“The Northern Elders’ Forum does not believe that the Nigerian military cannot defeat these terrorists. We also reject the notion that multiple internal security challenges such as attacks on villages, ethno-religions conflicts and banditry springing up by the day in many parts of the north are all a coincidence,” the group said.

Osun 2014

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

7

Aregbesola’s victory, testimony to good governance, says Aliyu •As Yuguda congratulates governor Dan Atori

MINNA

G

overnor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday ascribed the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in last Saturday's governorship election to hard work and commitment to grass root politics.

Governor Aliyu, who made his position known in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel Ebije, in Minna, urged Governor Aregbesola to see his victory as a call to do more for the people.

According to Aliyu; “Let me congratulate the Governor of Osun State on his victory at the polls in last Saturday’s governorship

election. His victory is a reward for his dedication to good governance, and his resolve to be people-oriented and part of the society at all times and this has made it easy for Osun people to work for his re-election.”

Aliyu, who lauded the entire process and the conduct of all stakeholders in the election, stated that; “It is a clear indication that

true democratic standards was engaged in the process".

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola over the outcome of last Saturday’s election, describing it as the collective wish of the people of the state.

Yuguda in a statement

issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Deacon Ishola Michael Adeyemi, described the victory of Aregbesola as victory for the entire people of Osun, who expressed their choice at the polls, saying that democracy is gradually getting its root in the country.

The Bauchi State

governor further commended the people of Osun State for their nonviolent conduct before, during and after the election, saying that in a democratic dispensation, the best way is to use the power of votes to express one rather than resort to violence, which he said will only cause more harm.

Osun govt eulogises electorate, thanks the people Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

O

L-R: European Union Election Monitoring Coordinator, Mr Paul Edwards; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and Ambassador of Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. John Groffen, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo

UPP commends transformation of electoral process Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

ollowing the success Felection of the governorship in Osun State

last Saturday, the United Progressives Party (UPP) has commended President Goodluck Jonathan's determination to transform Nigeria’s electoral process.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, in a congratulatory message to the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, urged President Jonathan to sustain this style of allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the required freehand to deliver credible, transparent and acceptable election in the country.

He added that the commission should not be starved of the necessary funds to carry out its statutory functions without constraint.

This, Chief Okorie explained is “healthy for our democracy and for the greater number of Nigerians to participate in the process.

He said the fact that the power of the ordinary

Nigerian to determine, through the electoral process, who represents or governs them at all levels has been restored, would make campaigns and electioneering very robust, vibrant and issue-based.

The UPP national chairman also commended INEC for living up to its promise to deliver a credible election, noting that the performance of the commission was an improvement on its equally commendable performance in Ekiti State.

He expressed optimism that the commission would continue to inspire confidence in the electorate, adding that this is the only way there will be less rancour and litigation after elections as was the case in the past.

Wamakko: One good turn deserves another Lateef Ibrahim

Abuja

okoto State Governor, Syesterday Magatakarda Wamakko, said that the

peaceful conduct of Saturday's governorship election in Osun State as well as the alertness of voters offer hope that the nation's democracy could still be salvaged.

Wamakko attributed the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election to the resilience and quest by the people of Osun State for the success of democracy.

The governor, who said this in a statement in Abuja, congratulated Governor Aregbesola on what he described as his resounding success in the election.

According to him; “The peaceful conduct and the state of alertness of voters in Osun state have offered a hope that the democracy, which was already derailing in Nigeria, could still be salvaged.

He called on Nigerians in general to take a cue from the “bold and courageous attitude of voters in Osun State” as part of measure to discourage anti-democratic tendencies in Nigeria ahead of the 2015 elections.

Wamakko said he was personally impressed that the election in Osun went peacefully contrary to general expectations and against the background of perceived attempts by agents of government to harass and intimidate the electorate.

Strategic team hails Jonathan, INEC political group, the Strate- and ensuring a free, fair and President Jonathan has Agratulated gic Team, yesterday con- credible election in the state. proved the opposition wrong Governor Rauf The Director General of despite many accusations Aregbesola on his victory at the just concluded Osun State gubernatorial election.

The team also commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for promising

the team, Engr. Daniel Ohiomoba, at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, lauded President Jonathan's exemplary leadership in ensuring that the electoral reform is working.

In his statement, he said

on attempts to rig the poll.

He also urged Nigerians at home and abroad, to stand up and support the continuity of President Jonathan’s transformation agenda for democratic governance and sustainable development.

sun State government yesterday expressed its appreciation to the good people of the state for demonstrating their love for Gover nor Rauf Aregbesola, and his party, the APC, through their votes in the just concluded governorship election.

Commissioner for Information, Sunday Akere, in a statement in Osogbo, described the large turn out and the display of love for Governor Aregbesola during the exercise as commendable, promising that the government would not disappoint them in any way.

“We, however, call on the teeming populace to continue to live with one another peacefully as the period of politicking is over and every resident should live in

harmony and be part of developing the state and take it to greater heights.

“We thank you for your love and support for the Rauf Aregbesola-led administration by overwhelmingly renewing his mandate through your vote and we appeal for calm across the state.”

The commissioner also commended the show of courage by the people, particularly in the state capital, when the personnel of the Department of State Security (DSS) invaded the state, shooting sporadically into the air.

He said: “Your courage helped put the trigger-happy security operatives under check and clearly reflected that Osun is indeed the state of the virtuous, where the influence of money or material inducement can never dominate the will of the people.”

Ashafa, Ikuforiji rejoice Muritala Ayinla

awmaker representing Lagos East senatorial district, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, and the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, yesterday rejoiced with the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

They said his victory indicates several victories for the party in other subsequent elections.

Ashafa, who described the election as ‘a hard fought victory,’ said the election was a true reflection of the will of the good people of Osun State.

Ikuforiji, who also poured encomiums on the people of Osun for reposing their confidence in Aregbesola, described the election as highly symbolic, say-

L

ing it indicates several victories that lie ahead for the APC. In a statement signed by his Head of Communication and Strategy, Babatunde Adegunju, Ashafa said the election result has proven to the world the worth of the APC in the South-West and in Nigeria.

In a press release signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said: “Now that the good and patriotic people of Osun State have re-elected their beloved action governor, Rauf Aregbesola, I, Adeyemi Ikuforiji , on behalf of myself, family, fellow legislators, the entire management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, heartily rejoice with Governor Aregbesola for this resounding and historic victory at the poll.”

news

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Enugu monarch berates FG over dilapidated road Uwakwe Abugu

Enugu

T

he traditional ruler of Ikem Asokwa community in IsiUzo Local Government area of Enugu State, Igwe Francis Okwor, yesterday berated the Federal Government over the state of federal roads in the area.

He called on the government to declare a state of emergency on the federal road connecting three states of Enugu, Ebonyi and Cross River, in view of its deplorable state.

The monarch had knocks for the Federal Government for allowing the Ikem-Ehamufu-Nkalagu road deteriorate to an extent that it has become impassable, and has become a nightmare for the citizenry.

Igwe Okwor said what the

Federal Government should have done was to declare a state of emergency on that road connecting Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu States to the northern part of the country and commence its immediate rehabilitation.

He also pleaded with the Enugu State government to hasten the pace of work on the construction of Ebonyi Bridge at Ikem, saying the slow pace of work by the contractors, was a bad development. The monarch said this during the celebration of the community's new yam festival in his domain.

According to him; “I thank government, especially the government of Enugu State under Governor Sullivan Chime and also the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan. "

Jonathan mourns former AGF, Offodile, Ade-Ajayi Anule Emmanuel, Mojeed Alabi and Sola Adeyemo

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed sadness over the news of the passing away of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Chike Offodile (SAN).

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, on behalf of himself and the Federal Government, extended sincere commiserations to Chief Offodile’s family, the Obi and people of Onitsha as well as friends and professional colleagues of the former minister, who also served his native community as the Onowu Iyasele of Onitsha.

He joined them in giving thanks to God Almighty for Chief Offodile's long and fulfilled life in the course of which he distinguished himself in the legal profes-

sion and service to his community and fatherland.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan similarly condoled with the family of Prof. Jacob Festus Adeniyi Ajayi, the renowned historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who passed away yesterday.

The President urged the family and Prof. Ade-Ajayi's many students, friends, associates in academics and colleagues in the field of Nigerian and African history to take solace in the knowledge that, in passing on, he leaves behind a body of significant works that will stand to his eternal credit and assure him of a lasting place of honour among Africa's greatest historians.

In a related development, the late Ade-Ajayi, who passed on at the weekend in Ibadan, was said to have seen his death coming and adequately prepared for it.

INEC registers Osoba’s party, AGN Kunle Olayeni

Abeokuta

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally registered a new political party, Action Group of Nigeria (AGN), the New Telegraph can authoritatively report.

The new registration followed a request submitted by loyalists of a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who broke away from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

An impeccable source, who confirmed the devel-

OWERRI

T

he alleged plan by Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie to demote some professors and deny other academic staff their promotions is now causing ripples in the institution.

But for the intervention of the Governing Council, which on July 30, 2014 asked Awuzie to compile a comprehensive list for the promotion of staff, New Telegraph gathered that no fewer than 10 professors would have lost their promotion.

Awuzie, who was recently appointed Vice Chancellor in spite of protests and controversies sur-

rounding his perceived academic deficiency, argued that the Professors were promoted when there was no Governing Council.

But one of the lecturers in the institution, Prof Dede Konkwo, faulted the Vice Chancellor, accusing him of witch-hunting and favouritism.

Although Konkwo is not one of the affected Professors, he wondered why Awuzie would introduce such a policy whereas he had been a beneficiary of the same process.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor, Konkwo asked, “You were promoted in 2004 when there was no council and it was backdated to 1996. Why didn’t you reject it?”

It was gathered that

opment yesterday, said the certificate of registration would be issued to the party's trustees before the end of this week in Abuja.

New Telegraph gathered that the AGN, which had already secured its secretariat in Abuja, will have a national outlook.

The party's constitution, manifesto, slogan and logo have reportedly been drafted ahead of the official launch in two weeks time.

It was learnt that the decision of Osoba's men to float a new party followed the leadership crisis that rocked the APC in Ogun State, leading to the

51%

The fatality rate of Ebola virus outbreak in Congo DR in 2012.

Source: Who.int

polarisation of the party into two camps.

While the APC national secretariat upheld the executive loyal to Amosun, those belonging to Osoba accused the national leadership of bias and resolved to pull out.

Loyalists of the former governor, who are referred to Matagbamole Group, have since been holding meetings and consultations on how to drive the new party.

They have earlier considered different political options, including defection to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

267,667

The total area (in sq. km) of Gabon.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) before arriving at a fresh political party.

When contacted yesterday, a top official of the Osoba group simply told New Telegraph that the aggrieved APC members were resolute in seeking an alternative platform.

"I cannot tell you the status of our alternative platform but all I can say is that we are resolute on our decision to pull out of APC if the injustice meted out to our group is not redressed," the source added.

155,000

The total number of internet users in Nicaragua in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, among other travellers, being screened by a trained immigration personnel for Ebola virus at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja from Lagos …yesterday

Tension in IMSU over planned demotion of Professors Steve Uzoechi

9

Prof Awuzie has put on hold the promotions of academic staff already approved by the University Central Appraisal Committee (UCAC), citing irregularities in the exercise.

However, a pressure group, Imo League of Resident Professionals accused Awuzie of playing the script of the opposition by instigating crises in the university and making Governor Rochas Okorocha unpopular within the school.

The group’s president, Prince Maurice Eke, in a chat with newsmen in Owerri, accused Prof Awuzie of sabotage, and urged Governor Okorocha to investigate the activities of the Vice Chancellor.

Ex-militants protest non-payment of arrears Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

E

x-militants in Edo and Delta States enlisted into the third phase of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme have protested against their alleged exclusion from the programme.

They fingered unidentified loyalists of political appointees not registered in the programme as major beneficiaries of the exercise meant to rid youth restiveness in the region at the expense of real militants.

According to a petition written by the ex-militants from nine camps in the riverine communities located in the two states through their solicitors, Ugha Ku-

rumah and Co to the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Committee, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, they urged the Presidency, members of the National Assembly, the police and Department of State Security (DSS) to urgently wade into the matter.

They protested that their arrears from February 28, 2013, which is the date they were enlisted into the third phase of the amnesty programme, had not been paid.

The petition stated that Beni-Obiri camp headed by Ojuemi Prediseghbofa, was incorporated into the third phase of the programme with 1,300 persons after they surrendered over 109 auto-

matic weapons and several ammunition, pointing out that only seven slots were allocated to beneficiaries of the camp.

Also, the Pina-Ofini camp headed by Saturday Ajemiri, enrolled with 1002 persons and surrendered 49 arms, but was given only five slots.

The letter further said that 800 ex-militants came from Oweikontei camp chaired by Emmaunel Aboh, after they surrendering 49 arms and several ammunition, got only five slots while from the Toruiyesinghan camp, headed by Ayefagha Yeriyemi, 351 persons surrendered arms and several ammunition, but got only five slots, among others.

8

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

IGP decorates new CPs Emmanuel Onani he Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, yesterday in Abuja, decorated three newly-promoted Commissioners of Police (CPs) with their new ranks.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), the acting IGP charged the senior police officers, to rededicate themselves to duty, in order to justify their elevation.

The new CPs are: Aminchi Samaila Baraya, Alkali Baba Usman and Dan Bature.

T

L-R: General Secretary, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Isah Aremu; member, Ike Nwanchukwu; Lawrence Onoja and Chairman, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, during the AANI visit to the leadership of the National Conference in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

2015: Jonathan to address World Igbo Congress on ambition Felix Nwneri on the 2015 Dwilleliberations presidential election take the centre stage

at this year’s World Igbo Congress (WIC) holding between August 29 and September 1, in Houston, Texas, United States. President Goodluck Jonathan will address Ndigbo in the Diaspora on his ambition.

A statement by WIC’s Media Director, Dr. Acho Orabuchi, made available to New Telegraph yesterday, stated that at the end of the conference, Ndigbo in the Diaspora will endorse a presidential candidate based on the person’s antecedents and what he or she plans to do for Ndigbo to bring equity and fairness to the nation.

The statement further stated that how the presidential candidate plans to protect the lives and properties of Ndigbo in Nige-

ria should be paramount to WIC, adding that Ndigbo in the Diaspora have the wherewithal to influence how their brethren in Nigeria should vote during the presidential election.

“No candidate should underestimate the political reach of WIC. We are abreast with the political reality on the ground. As a result, we will endorse a presidential candidate at the end of the convention” the statement said.

WIC chairman, Joe Eto, was quoted by the statement to have said that “we have invited President Goodluck Jonathan to the World Igbo Congress (WIC) Convention. We understand he is making plans to make presentations to the Congress during the convention in Houston and WIC's position on the subject will be informed by the outcome

Cleric foresees end to insurgency cleric, Rev Chris ChrisAsurgency paul has said that the inin Nigeria would

soon come to an end, if praises and worship is conducted throughout the States of the Federation and Abuja.

Chrispaul in a statement said the exercise was revealed to him by God through the Holy Spirit.

“I am acting under the instructions of the holy spirit. We were mandated to organize this special revival in the entire nation to avert the impending calamity on the nation”, he said.

He stated that he was led to take up the man-

date, by the Holy Spirit because of the outcome of the monumental sins and heinous crimes committed in the country which directly attract grave penalties. “One of the penalties is shedding of innocent blood, finding no justice in the laws of the land, ditto for corruption which has reached an alarming proportion as attested to by internationally recognized groups”, he declared.

Chrispaul mentioned that the cost of mobilizing the gospel singers, the venue, music instruments, engineers, and other logistics is nothing to worry about as it has all been settled.

217 students head overseas for PTDF scholarship program Johnchuks Onuanyim 217 postgraduate students were yesterday inducted for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy scholarship programmes of the Petroleum Technology Develop-

ment Funds award.

The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Femi Ajayi who did the induction stated that this has brought the total number of beneficiaries of PTDF scholarship programme to 2, 974.

of the dialogue.”

Eto added: “World Igbo Congress represents more than 1.5 million adults, and a very strong influence on the voting population at home.”

Chief Sabi Nweke, National Convention Planning Chairman, on his part, said: “First we hope we can get an answer from the Senate Chairman on Aviation Senator Hope Uzodimma during our dialogue session on how we can attract more international airlines to Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu."

He and some of his colleagues have confirmed

that they are coming.

“We will also have political discussion on the upcoming presidential election and we have invited all political parties representatives of Igbo extraction to come to the convention and advocate or sell their parties for the plum job. We invited the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Deputy House Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha specifically, and other members of PDP to come and inform us what President Goodluck Jonathan have done for Ndigbo in the past six years as president of Nigeria.

5,000 new teachers set to resume work in Oyo All the 2,000 secondary school teachers and 500 non-teaching staff just employed by the Oyo State Government will be presented with their letters of appointment by the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi next week.

He made the disclosure while addressing members of the state branch of the National ParentTeacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretar-

iat, Ibadan.

Governor Ajimobi also said that he had approved the employment of additional 2,500 primary school teachers, stressing that 2,100 of them would be deployed to Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones where they were most needed, while the remaining 400 would be for other zones.

All the newly-employed teachers, he said, would resume work during the next academic session scheduled to begin in September 2014.

Sub-standard imported lubricants flood Nigerian market — DPR alerts Adeola Yusuf The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Monday declared that it could not guarantee the standard of imported lubricant brands, which have now littered the Nigerian market.

The questionable quality and performance standards finished lubes are imported from Russia, Romania, India and others and Assistant Director in charge of Product, De-

pots and Jetties, DPR, Mr. Alphonsus Mudei, said at a press conference to herald the maiden edition of Nigerian Lubricants Summit in Lagos, that even some of the lubricants’ blending plants in the country have not lived up to expectation.

The DPR has registered 32 lubricant blending plants in Nigeria and Mudei said that the summit would serve as an avenue to address them on the need to maintain standard.

The statement reads: "The Ag. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba...today, August 11, 2014 has decorated three (3) newly promoted Commissioners of Police namely: CP Aminchi Samaila Baraya, CP Alkali Baba Usman and CP Dan Bature.

"In the short but colourful ceremony, which is the first since the IGP came on board, the IGP, while congratulating the newly promoted Commissioners of Police, urged them to see their elevation to the new rank as a clarion call for higher dedication to duty, noting that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Commissioner roots for Imo Speaker Steve Uzoechi, OWERRI Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor, has extolled the leadership qualities of the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly , Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu describing him as a mature politician, who has paid his due in the Imo polity.

As a Speaker, Okafor averred that Uwajumogu had been a system stabilizer in Imo State, ensuring that the visions of Governor Rochas

Okorocha for the state are speedily achieved without hindrance.

Deacon Okafor, who was speaking at Obowo Local Government Area, during the official inauguration of “Nneoma women”, the pet project of the wife of the Governor, which is designed to reach out to the rural women of the state, also commended the Speaker for his legislative acumen in steering the ship of the State Assembly, whose membership cuts across diverging political interests.

LAWMA moves to protect its workers from Ebola Dayo Ayeyemi n order to nip the spread of Icommunicable the Ebola virus and other diseases in

the bud, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has commenced sensitization workshop for its workers, especially the medical waste handlers in

course of their duties.

Realizing the extent of exposure and vulnerability of its workers to disease carrying vectors, the Managing Director, Mr. Ola Oresanya, cautioned participants to exercise care and ensure strict compliance with health and safety standard for medical waste.

Security: Group commends Obiano Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

Non-Gover nmental ACentre Organisation (NGO), For Reform Edu-

cation Initiative (CREI), has commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for tackling security challenges in the state.

According to the Enugu-based organisation, those who are familiar with Anambra State will remember that insecurity had always been a cog in the wheel of progress of the state, especially in Onitsha, its commercial nerve centre.

CREI, in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Hon. Chinwe Ugwu, noted that "Obiano’s first courageous act of inaugurating a Joint Task Force on Security which he codenamed Operation Kpochapu aimed at saving Anambarians from criminals, is worthy of praise."

Ugwu added: "This decision was applauded

even by his perceived critics as a visionary step that completely situated the perception of the role of the governor as the chief security officer of the state whose top priority should be the security of lives and property of the citizens.

"Besides, his recent convocation of an all-important security summit where an Israeli security expert, Moshe Keinan, led discussions on security consciousness signaled his single-mindedness in pursuit of the goal of riding Anambra of hoodlums and other bad elements.

"The governor did not end there; he followed it up with provision of modern crime fighting equipment to the state police command and other security agencies in the state.

"It is also on record that as a result of the governor’s total commitment in riding the state of criminals, today, scores of kidnappers are singing different tunes in the various police cells in the state."

10

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Police arrest woman, 14 other suspects in Benue Cephas Iorhemen MAKURI

t least, 15 suspected Aamong ar med robbers, them a woman,

are being detained by the police in Benue State.

The suspects were apprehended in connection with recent robbery cases within Makurdi, the state capital, and its environs.

Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Makurdi, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Daniel Ezeala, said that the gang members were picked at Adikpo, headquarters of Kwande Local Government Area, as well as at Daudu and Makurdi.

The PPRO disclosed that a few days ago, the command received a distress call from security personnel at Benue Links Motor Park that some robbers had gained access into the park.

He said: “Our men stormed the place and on sighting the police, they took to their heels, but we arrested one Terna Mbanange and on searching him, two locally-made pistols were recovered.

“While this was going on, people within the vicinity called the attention of our men to a bag hidden at the Wurukum market by one of the fleeing gang

members and it was discovered to contain an AK47 riffle with 37 rounds of ammunition.”

Ezeala added that the gun recovered from them was the same one snatched from Sergeant Bawa Ekoja who was killed by suspected robbers on July 31.

“The duo of Shahemba Gaadi and Terseer Ajiirwere were also arrested after been declared wanted by the police in connection with a recent robbery operation in the town.

Both were arrested at their hideout on Abu King Shuluwa Road on a tip-off while a locallymade pistol and four live ammunition were recovered from them,” Ezeala said.

The PPRO disclosed that the command also arrested one John Kambe, Apeh Reuben, Tirkuma Age, Terna Iorkyaan, Monday Ikpa, Ngudoon Iorhemen (a woman), Shikaar Cosmos, Orga Shikaar and Simon Kwanough.

He said that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Gabriel Suswam, Benue gov

Juliana Francis

T

he Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, has called on women to embrace the fight against corruption in the country.

Lamorde made the call yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for women civil society and community based groups by EFCC in collaboration with African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), at Newton Park Hotel and Resorts, Abuja.

The chairman, who spoke through the Director of Planning, Policy and Statistics, Dr David Tukura, said that the workshop was organised to encourage women to take ownership of the war against corruption.

He said: “The commission is convinced that the power to change the destiny of our nation

ROBBER IN UNIFORM A man who parades himself as an Assistant Commissioner of Police is now in police custody for robbery

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

0802 393 8212

Pastor, fake ACP held for robbery

Juliana Francis

P

olice in Lagos have arrested a suspected robber who posed as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), identified as Alexander Ilesanmi Abiodun.

Abiodun, 46, a father of five, was arrested on April 17, at his house located at Ijoko area of Ogun State.

The suspect had used his ACP uniform to amass wealth, to the extent of building a house. He was also known in his area as a policeman who was assisting suspects to get bail for a certain fee.

He said: “Once I wear my ACP uniform, no security agent can stop me for a search. With the uniform, people from companies in Lagos come to me for assistance. I trained some of their security operatives as spy policemen and they paid me for it.”

Abiodun became a guest of SARS after a robbery suspect, identified as Gabriel Asaolu, fingered him as a receiver of stolen cars.

Gabriel is said to be a pastor attached to a church at Oke-Aro area of Ogun State.

Abiodun said that it was when he went to the church to worship that he met and became friendly with Gabriel.

According to Gabriel, once his gang snatched cars, Abiodun would pick the cars.

Gabriel said that the gang had sold two stolen vehicles, a Mitsubishi Montero ‘Jeep’ and a Toyota Avalon car to Abiodun.

As soon as the police received the information, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, instructed the officer in charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, to go after the suspect.

The police recovered the ACP uniform, that of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and two police frames. The police also recovered an

Abiodun

unregistered Acura ‘Jeep’ from his house, which is believed to have been brought to him by another gang.

They also recovered one of the cars, an Avalon car, while the second car was said to have been involved in an accident.

Abiodun said that he got the police uniforms and frames from a friend he gave his name as Segun.

The suspect, who described himself as a car dealer, said that he was using the police uniforms to smuggle vehicles into Nigeria from Benin Republic.

He said: “I used to hang the ACP uniform in my vehicle so that Customs officials would not disturb me. I brought in six cars between 2011 and 2014. The police and other security agencies did not usually stop me at checkpoints.

“The people I sold them to would

go and get the papers for themselves.

I sold one for N1 million and another for N1.3 million. I cannot remember the prices I sold others.”

Abiodun denied knowing Gabriel was a robber, adding that he knew him as a pastor of a church at OkeAro. He said: “Gabriel told me that he was a car dealer too, and could supply me at cheaper prices. I had gone to the church for a revival. He also introduced himself as an Ondo State indigene. Later, we then went into car-selling deals.”

Abiodun explained that in August 2011, Gabriel called him that he had some cars he wanted to sell.

“He then sold the Avalon to me for N750,000. I was using the car for myself. I did not sell it. That was the only vehicle he sold to me,” the suspect added.

Women must wage war against corruption, says Lamorde

The participants at the event

as one blighted by deep-rooted corruption, lies in the hands of every individual, especially women.”

The EFCC boss described corruption as monster that undermines human development.

“Corruption reduces public revenue, often resulting in lower levels of spending on education, healthcare and other social services that directly impact women more than other groups in the society,” he added. An independent

consultant and former Director, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, said women played an important role in reshaping the so ciety.

Oluyemi-Kusa stressed the need for women to be mainstreamed into the anti-economic and financial crimes sector to make them more effective.

She said: “The role of women in anti-corruption war needs to be proactive and is not all about arrest. Women have a big role in truncating crime, catching them young, teaching the young ones that a good name is better than gold and silver.”

Oluyemi-Kusa also called for collaboration between the EFCC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in disseminating information on corruption and

reorienting the society.

The Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, who spoke on “Advocacy as a tool for preventing economic and financial crimes,” called for paradigm shift in the manner corruption is tackled.

While underlining the importance of advocacy as a preventive tool for anti-corruption war, he encouraged women to remain dogged in their determination to fight corruption.

Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, EFCC, Aisha Larai Musa, in her presentation, said that the EFCC Act empowered it to investigate, prosecute and prevent economic and financial crimes.

She encouraged women who have dormant bank accounts to endeavour to close them, to prevent them from being used for illicit transactions.

METRO

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Gunmen kill 14, rustle over 400 cattle Musa Pam and Buhari Bello

G

unmen have killed 14 persons and rustled over 400 cattle in Yelwa town in Shendam, Barkin Ladi and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State.

The herders were said to have been attacked about 4 pm on Sunday.

A local source said that the herders were attacked by unknown gunmen, who later the rustled over 200 cattle into Langtang South Local Government Area of the state.

In a related development, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen also attacked Babayo-Zarazong village in Jos East Local Government, killing two persons and burning houses.

It was gathered that about 15 homes were razed down by the gunmen in the local government.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abu Emmanuel, confirmed that there was an attack in Shendam and some people were killed.

He, however, said he did

Jonah Jang, Plateau gov

not have the exact figure of those killed in the attack.

Another source in Shendam said the gunmen were heavily armed with dangerous weapons and started shooting sporadically and burning houses.

Emmanuel added that the Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, had ordered the deployment of policemen to the villages.

He said no arrest had been made and the police were doing their best to bring to book the culprits.

The Chairman of the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders

Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Haruna Boro Hussaini, also confirmed the incident.

He said: “It was true that some of our people were killed by Tarok people of Lantang and stole 278 cattle.”

Hussaini said the matter was reported to the soldiers stationed at Yelwa in Shendam Local Government.

“But the soldiers said that they had been overwhelmed them, so they could not do anything,” he added.

The chair man said apart from the killing of his members, another 135 cattle were also rustled at Dorowa village.

He said: “In the evening of Sunday, the cattle were rustled into Fan area of Bark in Ladi Local Government Area of the state.”

Hussaini added that MACBAN was saddened by the repeated attacks, killings of its members as well as rustling of their cattle.

According to him, the attacks have been a major setback to the cause of peace in the state.

Ogun community seeks electricity, roads, hospital Camillus Nnaji he residents of Papa OloTOgun runda in Ibafo area of State have appealed

to the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to extend social amenities to their community.

Speaking on behalf of the people, the Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen decried the lack of amenities such as electricity, roads and healthcare services among others.

The CDA chairmen, who conducted our correspondent round the community, said that the community had been neglected by suc-

cessive administrations in the state.

One of the chairmen, O. O. Adeogun, who spoke on behalf of others, described the living condition of residents of the area as substandard.

He said: “For more than 20 years, we have been facing hardship of varying degrees. The community has over 500,000 residents who are living without electricity for over 12 months. There is no assess road linking us to the expressway at Ibafo, yet we have a state road of about eight kilometres passing through the community.

As you can see, the roads in the community have been abandoned and made

impassable over the years.”

Adeogun regretted that while the residents of the community were paying their taxes, they expected the government to help them alleviate their suffering.

He said: “Car owners here are not using their vehicles because of bad roads, electricity supply is forgotten, the only hope for power supply was when the Ogun State Government asked us to come and take a transformer from Abeokuta in 2012. But that is where it stopped; we bought poles and cables through communal effort. That was about 12 months ago. Since then, we have not seen light.”

11

I graduated from pickpocket to robber, says suspect Juliana Francis 22-year-old man being held for robAAnti-Robbery bery and murder by the Special Squad (SARS) in Lagos

said that he regretted graduating from a pickpocket to a robber.

The suspect, Akeem Adesina, said that if he had remained a pickpocket, he would not be in SARS custody now and charged for robbery and murder.

On his very first operation, one of his gang members had shot and killed a man whose home they invaded.

After killing the man, rather than run away from the area, the members had proceeded to rob people going for early morning prayers of their valuables.

When police finally caught them, Adesina refused to admit to murder instead he told policemen that he and his gang members were on operation ‘Stop-and-Search;” which means to stop and search innocent citizens and collect their valuables.

He said: “My best friend is Abawon Kehinde. He convinced me to join robbery. I regret going to rob with them.

Had it been I knew that I would land here in SARS custody, I would have continued with my pick pocket job. At least nobody would have arrested me.”

Adesina knew that Kehinde was a robber, but felt that teaming up with him would give him a new financial status. How wrong. He landed in police custody for attempting to rebrand his criminal life.

“Kehinde said that we should go to Jebba at Oyingbo. He told me that we were going for ‘tigba bo’ operation. It means ‘to kick and break down the door,’ something like breaking and entering. We had a gun. Another had a machete. We were four that went for the operation. The others had been going before, but that was the first I would be partaking in robbery or stealing where a gun was used. My former job was to pick pocket. I used to cut open pockets of people sleeping and collect their money or phones.”

Adesina gave the names of others as Luckyand Sule.

“Although Kehinde is small in stature, he is the leader,” he added.

Describing the mode of the gang’s operation, Adesina said that they would leave home at ungodly hours, roam any area that tickles their fancy and pick any home to rob at random.

On that fateful day, Kehinde saw a

Okilose

two-storey building and pointing to the first floor, told his men that he suspected that someone who had money lived there.

Adesina said: “We don’t have target.

We just move round and pick any building at random. Kehinde is small so he easily climbed the balcony to the first floor. He opened the curtains and said we would get money from that house.

“Lucky was the person holding machete. He climbed and followed Kehinde. The next person holding gun was Sule. He gave me his gun and climbed up. He now asked me to hand over the gun to him. He said I should be watching down in case there was any problem.

“They opened the window and attempted to open the gate. But the owner heard the sound of the gate and started shouting: Who is that? Who is that? Sule showed him the gun, and ordered him to stop right there.

“Maybe the man just woke up and did not hear or maybe he thought it was a toy gun, he started struggling with Sule to collect the gun.

“Sule opened fire. The man fell down.

People in the compound started shouting. People living on the second floor looked down and also joined in shouting. They started throwing things at us. My friends rushed down from the balcony and we left the place.”

After the botched robbery and murder of the owner of the house, one would have expected the gang to go underground.

Kidney failure: 26-year-old Yewande needs N9m to live Juliana Francis

M

iss Balogun Yomade Yewande was very young when her father died in a motor accident.

Since then, things had never been the same for Mrs Balogun, who was saddled with the responsibility of bringing up her three children alone.

Determined to make the best of the tragic situation, Mrs Balogun, a civil servant, made up her mind to do whatever it takes to ensure the kids are educated.

She practically floated on air on the day her daughter, Yewande, graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, where she read Sociology and Anthropology. Yewande also became chat-

tered in personnel management with registration no CIPM/Student/no 35398.

Yewande was said to have kissed her mother on that graduation and told her to henceforth relax, that she was soon going to take the burden off her shoulders. Mrs Balogun had heaved a sigh of relieve. Like most mothers, her prayer had always been that her children would graduate, get nice jobs and begin to carter for her.

But today, fate has dealt a terrible blow to the family. Rather than get a job and reduce her mother’s financial burden, Yewande, 26, has been struck with chronic kidney disease and presently undergoing dialysis at Gbagada General Hospital,

under the supervision of Dr Busari, thus adding further financial burden on her mother’s shoulders.

Mrs Balogun said: “Yewande lost her father to a motor accident on March 20, 1992. Her nephrologist advised that a kidney transplant should be done as soon as possible. I hereby solicit support from all well-meaning Nigerians, in order to save my young, promising and innocent child.

“The cost projection, according to St Nicholas Hospital is about N 9 million which I honestly cannot afford as a civil servant.

“Attached here is her previous and current picture, her picture during dialysis, her

Yewande, before

Yewande on her sick bed

birth certificate, hospital card, her father’s death certificate. I shall indeed be very grateful if you come to my aid earnestly.”

Those who want to help

can pay into Balogun Yomade Yewande Diamond bank: 0041932927 GTB: 0130520176 and Zenith: 2084974783.

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Nigeria has 129 million phone subscribers, says NCC Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

N

igeria has an estimated 129 million active telephone subscribers, even as over 50 million of the population have access to the internet, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has said.

Also, the country has a tele-density of 92 per cent while the telecommunication industry contributes 8.5 per cent to the nations GDP. Chairman of the Board of NCC, Engr Peter Igho,

who disclosed this in Umuahia yesterday, during a courtesy call on Governor Theodore Orji, said telecommunications has transformed the way of doing things in Nigeria.

Igho said the Commission was making effort to improve the quality of service to Nigerians but identified multiple taxation, hindering of the right of way and vandalization of its facilities as some of the factors that militate against improved service provision.

He added that the Commission was currently pushing for a law to classify telecom-

munications facilities as critical infrastructure.

The Board chairman disclosed that NCC has given ICT equipment to 38 secondary schools in the state, among other items given to tertiary institutions in Abia, and appealed to the Governor to partner with his commission to improve the quality of service to the people.

In his remark, Governor Theodore Orji commended the NCC for doing a good job in regulating the activities of service providers in the country, describing communication as an essential

service.

According to him, his administration is addressing some of the problems confronting the operations of the NCC, including the issue of multiple taxation and right of way, adding that the state government has made relevant legislation as it concerns telecommunications operation in the state.

Orji said his administration was poised to making the environment conducive for NCC and the service providers to operate and pledged to partner with the commission.

L-R: National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Nasir Isa; former Presidents of the union, Dr. Oladipo Fashina and Dr. Sule-Kano Abdullahi; at the end of ASUU's National Executive Council meeting in Calabar, Cross River State...yesterday

ASUU advocates socialist welfare state

Six injured as PDP thugs clash in Gombe

Clement James

GOMBE

Calabar

A

cademic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigerians to rise up and demand for a socialist state in the country, noting that only “a socialist welfare state” can solve the myriads of social and economic problems in Nigeria.

Rising from its National Executive Council meeting yesterday, ASUU’s National President, Dr. Nasir Isa, who read the position of the union at a press conference in Calabar, argued that the socialist welfare state will creatively reconstruct Nigeria’s economic and political institutions to serve the welfare needs of the populace.

“The socialist welfare state will creatively reconstruct Nigeria’s economic and political institutions to serve the welfare needs of Nigerians. It will remove the economic basis of the nationality problem, promote freedom of religion

in condition of equality of citizens and remove the basis of state plunder and terror.

Insisting that the current situation in the country was more favourable to a few, who are consistently controlling the economy, he advocated a “radical and effective measures to substantively elevate the level of the welfare of the poor.”

“The very first step that is required to address the challenges, which flow mostly from the character of the dynamics of global capitalism, into which Nigeria is embedded, by instituting a socialist welfare state in Nigeria. This first step will involve, among other things, taking radical and effective measures to substantially elevate the level of the welfare of the poor, liberally and generously.”

He continued; “Here, we have a responsibility to devise a Nigerian version of the welfare state to suit our cultural peculiarities and our history. "

Ugo Willies

o fewer than six PDP NGombe political thugs in popularly known

as Yankalare yesterday sustained deep cuts at a durbar organized in honour of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.

The violent clash between two rival supporters in the same PDP created tension in Kumo town when the victims of the clash were rushed to the Kumo General Hospital where nurses and other health workers were attending to them.

Following the incident, which occurred some minutes before the take-off of the programme, Dankwambo immediately called-off the trip to Kumo but sent the Secretary to the Gombe State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Sulei Bage to represent him.

The Chief of Staff in the Gombe Government House, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, however warned youths over

their involvement in such violent activities and also described the incident as an embarrassment to the party and the people of Kumo, whom he said, are very united politically.

“Top politicians like Saidu Umar Kumo, Lamido Umar Chikaire, among many others have been united at the top, which gives Kumo a very strong united force. We would not allow these youths to disrupt this unity from the background”, he said.

Trouble started around 1:15 pm when the two factions belonging to the current House of Representative Member representing Akko Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Police Affairs Committee, Alhaji Usman Bello Kumo Mega and that of the an aspiring politician to the same seat and current State Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Nana Aishatu Ahmed, clashed using different kinds of weapons ranging from arrows, knives, machets, swords and cutlasses.

Corpse abandoned on second floor of Lagos airport Wole Shadare

corpse was spotted at the second floor of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The situation caused panic as users of the area walked in fear as they passed through the lifeless body of a man.

It was covered in a pink towel along the corridor of the second floor, about three meters to the elevator that connects the first to the sixth floor of the terminal.

It was not clear what caused the death of the passenger, but sources told New Telegraph that the unidentified passenger who was allegedly on his way to Accra, Ghana, slumped and later died at the terminal.

A source close to the terminal told journalists that the dead passenger had slumped and later died at the office of the Port Health Service within the terminal when he attempted to collect a yellow card for his journey to the former Gold Coast country.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria yesterday in a statement signed by its spokesman, Yakubu Dati said a Nigerian passenger residing in Accra, who arrived Lagos for business transactions aboard an Arik Air flight on Friday August 8, 2014 died at the Muritala Mohammad Airport, Ikeja on his way back to Accra.

According to him, “The passenger, Akunne Osei, took ill on Saturday August 9 and started stool-

A

ing. When the situation got worse, he called his doctor in Accra, who instructed him to return to Ghana immediately for further treatment. During boarding formalities for his return trip to Accra, at the international terminal of MMA, Mr. Osei, who had obviously become weak at this time, was subjected to Ebola Virus test by port health officials, the result of which was negative.

No further attention was paid to him after his Ebola Virus result read negative but the passenger later slumped and died around the port health office”.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka took a swipe at and also condemned FAAN for abandoning the underground facilities at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, just as he ordered the agency to open the arrival drop off zone of the terminal for the use of passengers at the airport.

Speaking during the tour of the Lagos Airport facilities, Chidoka said that the abandonment of the underground facilities, which formerly used to house the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and car park for airport users was a disgrace to the nation.

He also lamented the stinking and unkempt nature of the underground facilities and ordered the agency’s management to put facelift to the facilities on ground.

LG chairmen face impeachment in Adamawa Ibrahim Abdul

Yola

B

arely one month after the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and the sudden resignation of his deputy, Mr Bala James Ngillari, another gale of impeachment is sweeping some local government councils in the state.

Fresh facts emerged that already, two council chairmen are facing impeachment from majority of their councillors on allegations of financial fraud and abuse of office.

For instance, 10 out of 11 councillors in Mubi North Local Government have handed a 20 point notice of impeachment to the Chairman, Sahabo Jauro.

The Councillor representing Digil Ward, Bello Sahabi, said the State House of Assembly has been notified on Friday and that the chairman has seven days to respond, saying the council will ensure

compliance with the law throughout the process.

Sahabi told reporters that the legislative council was committed to asserting its constitutional role of oversight function to ensure compliance with the rule, advising traditional rulers and elders to allow them carry out their responsibilities.

He accused the chairman of attempting to usurp some of the powers of the legislative arm and of highhandedness in running the affairs of the council without recourse to the principles of separation of power.

In his words; “The chairman operates more like a sole administrator, awarding contracts without council extracts, because he has no respect for the law. He should know that the Legislative Council is a house established by law and that we are empowered by the law to carry out over sight functions”, the councillor stated.

Delta: Any hope for Urhobo governorship? / PAGE 16 | Wike’s defection theory / PAGE 17

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

ayodele Ojo

Deputy Editor, politics

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

13

Anenih: Nigeria’s political Nostradamus

p-14, 15

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

TUESday, AUGUST 12, 2014

POLITICAL NOTES

Rift over a shadow govt

N

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) during Mua’zu’s tour of the South-South at the Cultural Centre, Calabar.

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South South have stepped up efforts for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan. They held a stakeholders’ meeting recently in Calabar where leaders from the oil-rich region endorsed the president for second term in 2015.

Clement James reports

T

wice, the meeting was convened and twice, it was called off. When it finally held on Tuesday, August 5, it had all the trappings of a political rally. Indeed, it was. All the “timbers and calibres” in the South South who belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were in attendance.

The meeting was supposed to be a stakeholders’ forum where, observers had thought, various issues bothering the party in the geo-political zone would be discussed. Alas, it turned out to be a one way affair – the endorsement of President

S’South PDP, Mu’azu endorse Jonathan Goodluck Jonathan for another tenure while he was in the United States of America attending the African Leadership Summit.

The meeting, which was convened at the instance of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, was scheduled for 11a.m. at the main auditorium of the Cultural Centre, Calabar. By 8a.m., however, security details had been deployed to the venue and stern-looking policemen and men from the State Security Service (SSS), among others took vantage positions.

By 9a.m., delegates from six

states of the zone had started arriving, and before long, the sprawling parking lot within the cultural centre had started witnessing a bee-hive of activities as vehicles of all sorts and from everywhere took their positions.

For the security men, it was a day to combine harshness with politeness, depending on the mood. Yet, nobody was in doubt about their professional competence, as they frisked people and

searched vehicles to ensure that only those who had business to be there were allowed in. Understandably, Akwa Ibom State had the second highest delegates after the host state, Cross River with more than 20 buses engaged to ferry them to Calabar.

At the Margaret Ekpo International Airport where the national chairman and his team, including members

CROSSFIRE They (students) were not satisfied. They said the fees were still high and wanted further reduction. We looked into their demand and decided that school fees must revert to the old rate -Babatunde Fashola

The Lagos State chapter of the PDP has welcomed the reversal of the exorbitant LASU school fees, but posits that the gesture is momentary, deceitful and politicallyinduced rather than being in good faith -Taofik Gani

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

ational chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun last week Tuesday threatened that the party would set up a parallel government if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP-led) Federal Government attempts to rig the general election in 2015.

He made the threat in Osogbo while addressing a crowd of APC supporters at the grand rally of the APC candidate, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, for the just held August 9 governorship election in Osun State.

The threat was quickly condemned by the PDP, whose spokesman, Olisa Metuh, said: “The threat to institute such is nothing short of implementing the agenda to destabilise and collapse the democratic system and institute a reign of anarchy.”

Metuh added that the threat may be a ploy to enact an Arab Spring as a means to forcefully take over power when APC loses in 2015.

Analysts are of the view that both parties seem to be missing the vital points inherent in the concept of shadow governance as an important component of good governance, but instead attempting to bamboozle the electorate by overheating the polity, and exhibiting their characteristic emptiness of political ideological substance, or genuine concern for meaningful development.

In most advanced democracies the world over, it is the responsibility of a viable opposition political party to form a shadow government with portfolios assigned to individuals, to provide alternatives to policy statements of the ruling government, as well as constructive criticisms, as a means of convincing the people that they can do better if elected into power.

It is the shadow government’s responsibility to criticise the policies and actions of the government, as well as offering an alternative programme. It is not a body or government with any authority, nor does it ascribe any power to itself. It is merely a concept to put the government on its toes, and any well-meaning government will gladly welcome it.

14 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

South South governors, leaders CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

of the National Working Committee (NWC) and, as it turned out, the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, were being awaited, different groups sponsored by different politicians bearing different names with varied interests lined up the route, holding up banners of different sizes and inscriptions, to welcome them.

Inside the main auditorium of the Cultural Centre, delegates took up every available seat before 1p.m.

By 3p.m., everybody heaved a sigh of relief at the announcement of the arrival of the chairman and his team. Soon afterwards, the event got underway.

It was time for speeches and the former governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamieyeseiegha got a boost to his ego when, amidst cheers and applause, he was called to speak for elders in the zone. Walking like a newly crowned king heading for his throne, he positioned the microphone for effect and made a short speech which set the tone for other delegates.

“Mr. chairman,” the ex-governor began, “let me thank you for supporting Mr. President. And let me also say that Rivers State is a PDP state; only an individual decided to go to another party. Others that I know of are in PDP. Come 2015, PDP will win Rivers State. Nobody seated here needs to be converted; all are committed.”

He added a caveat: “Our appeal to the NWC is that the position of the president currently being held by the South South is not negotiable.” He received a loud ovation for his declaration.

This line of thought ran through other speakers, including the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Anenih who took his time to assure the audience that President Jonathan will not be left in the lurch, come 2015.

“I believe sincerely,” Anenih said, “that the president has shown the capacity to lead this country and so, deserves a second tenure. We are going to work hard to see to his emergence and I can assure you, the president will be re-elected.”

He promised that Edo State would be recovered from the grip of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 election, noting that many prominent politicians in the state were already deserting the APC. According to him, President Jonathan has transformed the country more than any other president in the history of Nigeria and deserves to be paid back in good coin.

Mike Onolenemene, Minister for Works, posited that the South South PDP will go into mass mobilisation of the electorate with a view to drumming up support for the president if he contests. Speaking on behalf of other ministers from the zone, he said: “In the South South, we are ready. We are sure that no city, no town and no village will be left out in the mass mobilisation for the reelection of Mr. President.”

The four PDP governors in the zone were not left out in the scramble for endorsement. They spoke, one after the other, with a promise to work hard to deliver the zone to the party should President Jonathan contests.

For Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, the President has surpassed expectations of Nigerians.

According to him, the people from the zone will stand by Mu’azu in his quest to reposition the party because of his unflinching support for the

Jonathan

president.

His words: “Today, we have a national chairman who is not sitting in Abuja but is so mobile that some of

us cannot keep up with him. Since he came, he has changed the fortunes of the party. We thank him for supporting Mr. President. Mr. Chairman, whatever it is going into 2015 elections, we stand behind you because you stand behind Mr. President.”

Continuing, he said: “Mr. Chairman, we thank you for your maiden tour of the geo-political zones to the South South. We can assure you that all the states in the South South belong to PDP. But we also want to appeal to you that the president be

Anenih: Nigeria’s political Johnson Momodu

E

very political party that he has been part of since I became politically wise has won the election! More, whenever he declared that a particular person would win the election at the centre, he was always dead right!

Just a while ago, he declared that Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, would contest the 2015 election!

When the three scenarios are added together, it is clear who Nigeria’s next president would be.

“I want the national chairman (Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu) to go home with a word from the (political) father (of President Goodluck Jonathan) that come 2015, Jonathan will run for presidency for the second term,” said Anenih in Calabar, Cross River State, shortly after the euphoria of a quiet 81st birthday surprise celebration in his Abuja home While some are wondering about the strength of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South following the departure of Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Anenih, the grandmaster of politics in Nigeria declared that the PDP is waxing stronger in the South-South. “If we continue like this, the load in 2015 will be lighter than the load in 2011,” he declared.

Buoyed by the fatherly declaration, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said the party would ensure that internal democracy

prevailed in its choice of candidates for various elective positions in 2015.

Mu’azu said that the party would not entertain any short-cut or favouritism in selecting the candidates, advising party members and supporters to shun rumour mongering and falsehood because of their implications for party success and stability.

“The opposition has seen that we are winning on all fronts and they are ready to destroy us. Therefore, let us be careful as we are in a very trying time,’’ he said.

And for those who continue to lament that the president was losing grounds in the North-East, words of comfort came from Gombe Governor, Ibrahim Dankwanbo, who declared that the North-East PDP was in full support of Jonathan’s administration.

He may be right, because recently the party caught in its net APC strongman, former Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, and many others are suggesting that the sitting governor of the State was also considering the prospect of going to the PDP. Dankwanbo said: “I want to assure the people of South-South that we in the North-East are in solidarity with you and the president. I want to assure you that we, the PDP governors in the North East, will work to ensure that President Jonathan returns as president in 2015.”

Politically savvy Muazu has to be credited with the relative peace that has been the lot of the PDP, but Anenih

has been a stabilising factor with the absence of quarrelsome leaders like a former president who has been nothing but a nagging distraction.

Anenih it was, who, after taking over as Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, has been traversing the land, meeting unobtrusively with leaders of different shades to forge an agreeable common platform while politicians in the opposition have been doing nothing but beating the drums of war, insulting traditional rulers, and upturning the popularity of their party where they previously held sway.

Toeing the line of Anenih, the SouthSouth governors and leaders issued a communiqué in Calabar where they said: “We acknowledge the giant strides of Mr. President in the areas of education, agriculture, health, tourism, reinvention of the railway system, roads and other infrastructure development across the country. It is also notable that there is tremendous focus on economic empowerment of Nigerians.

“In view of his (President) doggedness in pursuing his transformation agenda for Nigeria, the South-South is in full support of President Jonathan’s administration. We therefore, endorse Mr. President for the forthcoming 2015 presidential election so as to continue his transformation agenda which transcends across all spheres of our lives.”

Perhaps, the backing of his field men informed the confident declaration that

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

15

mobilise for Jonathan’s re-election

allowed to go for a second term.”

For Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, the President will get “more than one million votes” from Akwa Ibom. In his characteristic manner, he boasted: “In 2011, I put up the President on national television because I was not afraid.

This time, he is going on his own accord because the entire country has seen the transformation and I know that he deserves to go again.”

Not yet done, he recalled that in 2011, out of 10 members of the National Assembly, PDP lost one member to the opposition party and out of 26 members in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, only one is in the opposition. He claimed responsibility for this.

“It was important to make it an election that was why I pleaded with my people to vote for them (those in opposition). This time around, I will tell my people to give all the votes to the PDP. Mr. Chairman, let me assure you that Akwa Ibom will give Mr. President more than one million votes,” he promised.

Next was Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. He was full of praise for the national chairman in particular and other zones in general for supporting President Jonathan.

Dickson said the PDP is in the process of building a new Nigeria under the leadership of Jonathan.

Expressing appreciation to all Nigerians for the sacrifices and contributions made through their support for President Jonathan, which as he put it, has made the South-South the foundation of the PDP. He assured the people of his administration’s preparedness to continually build a strong support base for President Jonathan to enable him succeed come 2015.

The Bayelsa governor did not end it without reminding his listeners that “the foundation that is binding us is to make a new Nigeria.”

The transformation agenda is working and considering his remarkable achievements in spite of the challenges, he deserved to be reelected Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Delta State governor, did not also say much except to repeatedly say that “PDP is doing it. PDP will do it again and again.” He, however, joined his colleagues in making a case for President Jonathan.

The reason for the presence of Dankwambo was unclear until he spoke. Without doubt, he was brought to add northern flavour to the endorsement and he did just that.

When ushered to the microphone

by Governor Imoke, who doubles as the chairman, PDP Governors in the South South, Governor Dankwambo said: “I want to encourage my colleagues, the governors of the South South. I want to assure the people of the South South that we, governors in the North East, are in solidarity with Mr. President, the first President of Nigeria with a Ph.D. I assure you that come 2015, the North East governors will work with other governors to return Mr. President for a second term.”

He received a thunderous ovation for this.

For Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, PDP was ready to retrieve the reins of power from the All Progressives Congress

Nostradamus

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih; Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson and his Cross River counterpart, Liyel Imoke, in Calabar during the PDP National Chairman’s tour to the South-South.

President Jonathan would contest the forthcoming elections, even though the wisdom of Anenih kept him from declaring, for now, that Jonathan would beat everyone hands down. That is if the opposition APC’s primaries of November would not be its greatest undo-

ing. The sheer volume of animosity, bile, violence, and acrimony is bound to cause it to implode, because no living organisation can have such amount of disgruntled persons and live in an atmosphere of peace.

To compound the character of bel-

(APC) in Rivers State. He upbraided Governor Rotimi Amaechi for running the affairs of the state like his personal property. Borrowing a leaf from DSP Alamieyeseigha on the situation in Rivers State, Wike said: “Mr. Chairman, Rivers is a PDP state. I have with me some local government chairmen. All those who matter in PDP are still in PDP. If any election is conducted today in Rivers State, PDP will win to show that only one person went the other way.”

Wike, who led the Rivers State delegation to Calabar, gave the impression that the governor was fiddling with state funds without any visible development in the state and, like before him, gave the assurance that the party was not only firmly on ground in the state, but that the PDP’s political might was too overwhelming for the governor to withstand.

Mu’azu, who was apparently excited about the enthusiasm with which the governors and other leaders in the zone went about their endorsement, simply thanked the delegates for supporting President Jonathan.

“I am here to thank you on behalf of the President for what you have done for him so far and to thank you in advance for what you will continue to do,” Mu’azu told the cheering crowd. He, however, went on to warn those he described as tale-bearers to desist from going to the Presidency to distract the President, cautioning that the act was capable of creating confusion in the party.

The PDP national chairman canvassed support for President Jonathan, stating that the transformation agenda is working and considering his remarkable achievements in spite of the challenges, he deserved to be re-elected.

Mu’azu underscored the need for the party to improve on its manifesto and urged members of the PDP to work together irrespective of eth-

licosity in the opposition, the APC is already treading the treasonable field of politics to say that it would set up a parallel government if it lost elections in a less-than-transparent election.

But PDP’s Olisa Metuh was up to the task when he upbraided the party. He said: “Nigerians need to be reminded that the APC’s understanding of ‘rigging’ is where they lose election. Whenever they win as was the case in Edo, it is free and fair. It is a globally acknowledged fact that shadow or parallel governments have no place in a presidential system. Therefore, the threat to institute such is nothing short of implementing the agenda to destabilise and collapse the democratic system and institute a reign of anarchy.

“The statement by the APC National Chairman therefore has confirmed our position that the APC is not planning for the 2015 election but an overthrow of a democratically elected government having realised that they cannot and will not win in the general elections.

“The pronouncement confirms that the APC is indeed promoting a Janjaweed ideology and further reinforces the long held suspicion that they have been holding meetings outside the country to enact an Arab Spring as a means to forcefully take over power when it loses in 2015.”

May be Metuh needed not raise citizens blood pressure the way he did because all Nigerians saw what came after the Arab Spring several years after and would readily say a big NO to those trouble makers.

•Momodu contributed this piece from Benin City.

nic and religious affiliations, for the progress of the country.

According to him, no one has a choice in the circumstances of his birth or place of origin, as God alone has the power to decide people’s fate and solicited for unity of purpose among Nigerians to achieve set goals of the administration.

Keen observers at the event believe that the president is testing the waters, using the zonal meetings with the National Chairman. Although he has continued to dither over the declaration of his ambition, those close to the Presidency say President Jonathan will soon make his intention known and the current efforts of Mu’azu is meant to feel the pulse of stakeholders before he lifts the seal.

Alluding to this in his speech, Alamieyeseigha had said that the President would have made known his intention but for the abduction of the Chibok girls in Borno State a few months ago. “And the PDP being sensitive to the mood of the nation, had to put the plan on hold,” he had hinted.

A source who did not want his name mentioned told New Telegraph that “latest by September,” the President will throw his hat into the ring, whether or not the Chibok girls return home. According to the source, the President will leave the security agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities while he goes ahead to make his declaration.

The presence of Dankwambo was both a political strategy by Mu’azu and a motivation to the South South leaders. For Mu’azu, Dankwambo’s presence was meant to renew the confidence the southern leaders lost in their northern brothers. For the southern leaders, it was consoling to hear from a northern political player about their readiness to support Jonathan, notwithstanding the grandstanding of some elements within Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and its affiliate, Arewa Elders Council.

Mu’azu himself garbed his endorsement when he said he was in the state to thank the people in advance, a statement clearly depicting that he was on an errand for the president. His decision to start his zonal tour of the zones in the South South is being interpreted as an attempt to mobilise support for the president in view of recent developments in Rivers State, the APC hold on Edo and the rumoured interest of Alhaji Sule Lamido, Governor of Jigawa State.

But another source said the president has been dilly-dallying because he wanted to know who the APC will throw up as presidential candidate.

This view, however, seems remote as the president has the entire gamut of security apparatus at his disposal and is expected to know the goingson in other parties.

Whatever the case, the picture from the South South stakeholders’ meeting in Calabar shows that Mu’azu is out to rally support for the President and to ensure he carries the flag of the party whenever the national delegates’ congress of PDP holds.

The avalanche of endorsements and promises by the South South leaders, and expectedly other zones, will revive the courage in the president to open his bag and make the content public soon. He will, however, wait until Mu’azu concludes his tour of the six geo-political zones.

Maybe “latest September,” Nigerians will know the mindset of the president. But until then, the waiting game continues.

16 POLITICS Against the backdrop of sectional agitations for the governorship position in Delta State and the zoning formula of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), BEN ETAGHENE examines the chances of the Urhobo to clinch the plum job

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Delta: Any hope for Urhobo governorship?

I

s rotational politics of the People Democratic Party (PDP) realistic in a country with diverse people who now give different definitions to it as a dogma? This politics of rotation was initially introduced by the party at the national level. The motif was an arrangement whereby national leadership of the nation could oscillate between the North and South of the country. But it later snowballed to the states in a rather jealous and aggressive manner of sharing the “national cake”. It made its inroad into Delta State in 2003 when Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the then governor handed over to the incumbent Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2007 from Delta South Senatorial District.

Since then the rather inconceivable and provocative anachronism (depending on which side of the divide one is) has become a bitter debate in the state. On the heel of 2015, the revulsion of interest for it is becoming virulent. This situation raises a vital question of whether this rotation politics that is not even in the party’s constitution or even a convention, but a mere pronouncement is binding, or legal. At best in Delta State, the rotation of the governorship has sprawled into three definitions or schools of thought. One, the normal staggered shift among the three senatorial districts. Secondly, there is the agitation for the decentralization of the state capital.

Thirdly, the liberal interpretation of not rocking the status quo ante of an open race for all to let the best emerge. Chief Peter Okocha is a principal proponent of this position.

Those who pursue the second option cite the precedent of 1963 when Mid West Region was created. Then Chief Dennis Osadebay from Anioma was made the premier while Chief Samuel Mariere was made governor and the Edo people were given the capital. Those who take this line of thought tend to disqualify any yearning of those from Anioma to occupy Government House, Asaba come 2015.

How pertinent are these issues?

These points have to be cogitated very deeply before jumping into the governorship race in Delta State because in the absence of this, many aspirants have made their intentions known to contest for the governorship of the state.

In the North Senatorial District, there are about five and the figure is still growing. These include Chief Festus Okubor, present Chief of Staff at Government House, Asaba, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, the only female aspirant on the track of history to become the first female governor of the state, Chief Godswill Obielum, a former police officer, et al.

In Delta South, there is Elder Peter Orubebe, the erstwhile Minister of Niger Delta. In Delta Central District are also a panoply of aspirants amongst whom are Chief Obaisi Omo-Agege, a polished gentle man with an intimidating experience, who is apparently the front runner; Chief Kenneth Gbagi, a man of enormous wealth, Chief David Edevbie, the finance commissioner during the Ibori regime and Paulinus Akpeki. Then there is the speculative ambition of

Uduaghan

the present deputy governor of the state, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN).

Another vital question in Delta State as it strides towards 2015 is for whom is the bell tolling? Which of these arguments enunciated above will hold the test of time? For population, the people of Delta Central hold the ace with about 52 per cent of the state’s population spaced across the state. In 2011, there were a plethora of candidates from the district ending up in that popular aphorism of too many cooks spoil the soup. This time around what strategy must be adopted to shore up their relevance vis-à-vis population, human resources and wealth?

This also raises the question of the position of cultural groups in the nation’s polity. Already, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Afenifere, Ijaw National Council (IYC), et al that are found all over the country have become an integral part of our national politics and there’s no running away from them as they can no longer be neutral. As Geoge Habash, an aide to Yasir Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) posited in the 1970s; “there is no neutrality in politics or innocent bystanders in today’s world.”

One must have an opinion that is forcefully and publicly expressed.

This has been the position of the UPU, a non-political organisation at its founding moment. It is one of the oldest cultural groupings in Africa founded about the same time as the African National Congress (ANC).

While the ANC metamorphosed into a freedom fighting group and finally a political party, the UPU has remained a cultural group. Unarguably, the political setting in Nigeria

Omo-Agege

makes it impossible for the UPU to metamorphose into a political party like the ANC. However, the time has come for it to influence our politics.

The other cultural groups in Nigeria are imbued with the political development and growth in their domain.

This hypothesis or assumption throws a big challenge at the doorstep of the UPU. Everyone in Delta State can sit back and watch like a kaleidoscope the reasons for the failure of the Urhobo candidate at the PDP primaries in 2010. Must that be repeated this year prior to the PDP primaries later in the year? Now we have aspirants who in their own individual rights are qualified to rule the state.

In every group, there are always pri-mus in-ter peaces (first among equals). Political scientists have over the ages spoken of egalitarianism.

George Orwell before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 captured the “stupidness” of all being equal in his Animal Farm where their leaders told the other animals that “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than the others.” The UPU must take an inference from this with

Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, after a careful overview of the many aspirants parades the charisma of a man born to carry this burden

a brutal operation of selecting the men from the boys among the array of aspirants coming for this contest from the Urhobo nation. And the chosen candidate on his part must keep faith with our common interest.

Who amongst the aspirants can take the interest of the Urhobo nation to heart cum good and effective governance of the state? Effective governance is the key. By 1999, the UPU was almost moribund, tied down with lawsuits by its former president general, late Dr. Fredrick Esiri. Chief F. Efetuku led the delegation to plead with Esiri to withdraw the lawsuit to pave the way for an organised leadership election in about two decades.

All these were on the instigation of Ibori as governor who told them he was impressed with the political activities of other cultural groups across the nation.

Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, after a careful overview of the many aspirants parades the charisma of a man born to carry this burden. He is an Orogun man; Orogun had their origin from Aboh in Delta North.

He was comfortable when he visited Asagba of Asaba, HRH Chike Edozie, he mixes freely with the disabled, he knows the intricacies of government house politics, and he worked with Ibori closely and finally as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The issue is: why do many political pundits see him as the one who can factor home the many problems in Urhobo land and the state?

This is the test before the UPU at this crucial moment of decision making.

These are questions a re-energised UPU must garner the real reason with no reservation to answer as the people expect it not to make the mistake of the past by remaining neutral. It must show its force and in the right direction for the interest of Urhobo land and good governance of Delta State.

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

EMMANUEL MASHA reports on the claim made by the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, that six commissioners in the Rotimi Amaechiled government in Rivers State would soon resign and defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Wike’s defection theory

W

hen the Minister of State for Education, Barr.

Nyesom Wike, confidently said that six serving commissioners in the government of Governor Rotimi Ameaechi will resign their appointment in December and dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he not only reopened an old wound but made it clear that the governorship position at stake is worth all the troubles.

Incidentally, the venue was Akpor Secondary School in Obio/Akpor council, where the crisis engulfing the state started after the Rivers State House of Assembly suspended the council chairman, Hon. Timothy Nsirim, for alleged unlawful conducts.

Wike said: “Your Excellency, I want you to remember today’s date, August 6. I declare here today that PDP will win Obio/Akpor and Rivers State. You will call me to say that I said so. You can tell your security or protocol to remind you that I (Wike) said it here, in Akpor Grammar School, Ozuoba, Obio/Apkor Local Government Area that PDP will win the governorship election and retain Rivers State.

“Let me also tell you that by December, six commissioners will resign and join us in PDP. The arrangement we had was that the commissioners should remain there (state executive council) and make enough money to take care of themselves and their families.

“If I mention their names now, they will be sacked.

So, we want them to remain there and make enough money and join us then. I will not mention names, but when the time comes you will know them.”

But the Rivers State chairman of the APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, described Wike’s comment as wishful thinking, saying that the PDP is not on ground in Rivers to make any commissioner to dump the government of Amaechi. On the contrary, he said that the APC has inaugurated a 10-member committee to advise the in coming APC government on how to enthrone more people-oriented government.

Ikanya also said that some members of the PDP with governorship ambition had been meeting with the APC on how to join the party based on their not being endorsed by the wife of the President, Mrs Patience Jonathan.

Since then, the Amaechi and Wike camps have reignited their battle for political dominance. They have spiced it up with claims and counter-claims of members abandoning their base for the other, with interesting tales of how they suddenly realised that all along they had been fooled into believing the ideological jargons they had been fed.

The APC has challenged Wike to mention the names of the six commissioners, because the party obviously understands the weight of his allegation.

The chairman, Ikanya, said: “This is nothing but idle talk and it exposes Wike as a shameless liar because no commissioner in the Rotimi Amaechi administration is contemplating defecting to the virtually non-existent PDP, not to talk of six of them leaving in one fell swoop for a party that is on its way to the graveyard in Rivers State.

“If Wike is a serious mind, he would have mentioned the names of the six imaginary commissioners that allegedly gave him advance notice of their purported intention to dump APC for the embattled PDP. “To the contrary, several of the characters parading themselves as governorship aspirants under the dying PDP platform have entered into serious negotiations with our party leadership with a view to joining APC as the undisputable PDP Leader in Rivers State, Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan, has refused to anoint any of them.”

That Wike chose the visit of Mrs Jonathan to Rivers to speculate and reenergize the PDP’s quest to take over from the APC in 2015 also shows that she will play a crucial role in 2015, especially the governorship, which remains the ultimate trophy. Wike has never hidden his intention to succeed Amaechi, his former boss, who hails from the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality, despite the resistance emanating within the PDP. In a multi-ethnic setting like Rivers, where the unwritten rotational governorship agreement remains strong on the upland and riverine dichotomy, Wike’s rumoured candidacy is causing ripples even in the PDP. Some see him as the new political godfather, and fear he could use his new status to make some PDP

Wike

Amaechi

members irrelevant in the party.

Truly, Wike has restructured the party, making it livelier under the leadership of Bro. Felix Obuah, the party chairman and his main man, whose ascension to the position the minister masterminded. Before, the PDP under the ousted Godspower Ake, who was absolutely loyal to Amaechi and the old PDP order, was uninteresting, quiet and predictable. That was because nobody dared challenge Ake. The present reality is that the PDP is divided as more aspirants join the race for the governorship, thereby challenging the authority of Wike, who has officially assumed the position of leader.

The relationship between Wike and Obua to some observers is unclear, mainly because the minister has capitalised on his influence in Abuja to stamp his authority on the party through the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a group within the PDP that serves as a counter against any pro-Amaechi campaign, while equally serving as a watchdog against PDP members whose views are not in line with the

The arrangement we had was that the commissioners should remain there (state executive council) and make enough money to take care of themselves and their families

Jonathan

Wike project in 2015.

Shortly after the First Lady returned to Abuja, Obuah lauded her “magnanimity and disposition” in empowering indigenes and residents of the state through her NGO, Women For Change Initiative, saying that “her benevolent gesture and appropriate response” was due to the neglect by the state government and the APC local government chairmen whose primary responsibilities include provision of social security and economic livelihood.

From the outside, the PDP in Rivers appears like a party that is already coasting home to victory in 2015 even when elections have not been conducted.

That is mainly because most elders of the party did not move with Amaechi to APC like the lawmakers, council chairmen, and commissioners. This is mainly because they support President Goodluck Jonathan, who they feel is being intimidated by the North and the Boko Haram insurgency in order not to contest in 2015.

Those who have dared to challenge Wike had been dealt with. For instance, Chief Elemchukwu Ogbowu, one of the founding members of the PDP, was suspended by the party for anti-party activities – for daring to declare his intention to contest in 2015, while arguing that it would be unjust for Wike to contest after Amaechi. Then, there is His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe, the Soku born politician and activist, who once served in the administration of Governor Peter Odili. He was also suspended for his criticism of Wike’s candidature.

It is difficult to verify whether or not six commissioners had finalised arrangements to defect to the PDP by December, because it could be another psychological game by Wike to demonstrate that the PDP is winning in the battle for Rivers.

It would be recalled that it was the same Wike that said that eight commissioners had dumped Amaechi last year, after which Dr. Tammy Danagogo, who is the current Minister of Sports, and Marshall Uwoms, then Commissioner for Housing resigned their appointments.

If indeed, six commissioners have readied themselves for the PDP, and go ahead with it, it is a major boost for the party. This is because any commissioner that joins forces with the caretaker committee chairman in his or her area will strongly boost the chances of the APC to win in that area.

In Rivers politics, there is joy and celebration when a small weight politician decamps to a party just to make a statement. But a commissioner, who quits almost at the time of election from a ruling party for the opposition, has automatically created an unnecessary problem for the former party. Again, the weight of the portfolio formerly held by the departing commissioner could determine the level of mobilisation and support the commissioner gets.

Defection of politicians is a familiar path for Wike.

As Amaechi’s chief of staff and head of his campaign organisation in 2011, it was Wike who masterminded the defection of some top politicians to the PDP. One name that readily comes to mind is Barr. Uche Okuku, a key figure in the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), whose defection to the PDP on the eve of the election affected the performance of Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the ACN governorship candidate.

18 POLITICS

Chime

In Enugu State, the major issue for discourse in the past few days has been the impeachment process against the state’s deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi.

NICHOLAS OZOR, a political analyst from Enugu, writes on the politics of the impeachment “Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.” – Exodus 23:7

T

he quest for what is today known as Enugu State by protagonists of the struggle such as the former Governor of the old Anambra State, Chief C. C Onoh (aka Ono Nwangwo) was driven by the desire of the Waawa people to free themselves from perceived political, bureaucratic, and economic stranglehold of Ndi Agbenu (the current Anambra State).

The announcement of the creation of the state on August 27, 1991 was therefore received with great joy.

Men, women, and children danced a victory dance. I recall that I ran the breadth and length of Abakpa-Nike.

Cannons and den guns also boomed in Nike villages. It was the birth of a new order – order of freedom, peace, and socio-economic development. Or so the people thought.

Sadly, the great hopes the state held has continued to fizzle out before our very eyes. For instance, whereas there was tap water in virtually every nook and cranny of the capital city in 1991, the pipes had since dried up and over 80 per cent of Enugu city have no access to portable water.

Today, the people of Enugu are even more crest-fallen in shame and disappointment, as the Sullivan Chime’s administration, which held great promises for socio-economic revival have gradually descended to pure dictatorship and pettiness since

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Onyebuchi

Ekweremadu

Impeachment: Enugu Panel and verdict of history its second tenure. Instead of the expected extension of a commendable urban renewal effort to the villages, the state has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

If it is not confusion over the whereabouts of the governor, which government claimed was enjoying an “accumulated vacation” in God-knows-where, whereas he was battling for dear life, it would be controversy over the ill-advised construction of a N13 billion “ultramodern” State Secretariat in a state where even potable water is luxury.

If it is not about an alleged detention of the estranged First Lady, Clara Chime, it would be about a court scolding the government and awarding a whooping N10 million damages and N100,000 cost against government for illegally removing the former Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Education Board (Ethel Nebo-Ezeabasili) from office.

If it is not about meddling in chieftaincy title conferment, it would be about illegal sack of respected traditional rulers for as much as exchanging pleasantries with purported “enemies of government”.

Just recently, HRH Igwe Agana of Amandim-Olo was not only removed as the Chairman of Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council (where Chime and Ekweremadu come from) for associating with Ekweremadu, but also summarily dethroned for failing to surrender to the Enugu State Government a brand new bus given to him by Senator Ekweremadu sometime ago. Not even the tendering of the receipt of purchase and registration documents all in his name moved the government.

Now, the state is the butt of joke again over what has been dubbed a chicken-impeachment. It was the same chicken palaver that dominated newsstands in January this year when government agencies carted away the 3,000 birds in the Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi’s poul-

try, constructed by Michael Okpara, the First Premier of the Eastern Region in an area designated as Farm Unit. Yet, the governor is running a piggery, poultry, and ranch farm unit in his lodge till date.

Expectedly, the whole “chicken impeachment” episode has attracted nationwide opprobrium with so many commentaries, reviews, and even editorials by major national dailies wondering how a State Assembly could descend so low as to want to impeach a deputy governor for this and other flimsy excuses.

The nation is also miffed by the governor’s impudence that he had given his deputy the option of resignation, which he failed to take. “It has actually come to a point where we need to know who actually is boss because we can no longer work together,” Chime further boasted. He forgets that Onyebuchi isn’t his appointee. Yes, he chose him as his running mate, but the people ultimately elected both of them.

For one man’s ego, members of the State Assembly, showed no interest while the controversy over the alleged detention of Mrs. Clara Chime raged. It does not bother them that Enugu is the only state in southern

Their haste of action and words have given them away as people who dread even the sight of Onyebuchi more than the world dreads the Ebola virus

Nigeria yet to ratify the Child Rights Act 2003 or that it passed its first Private Member Bill since 1999 only in June this year.

Anyway, I am not here to waste my time on a State Assembly populated by rubberstamps. Their haste of action and words have given them away as people who dread even the sight of Onyebuchi more than the world dreads the Ebola virus.

I would rather direct my clarion call at the seven-man panel on the Enugu ‘chicken impeachment’ to remind them that history beckons on them to save Enugu from further embarrassments and ruination.

Although, as I write this piece, the Panel has already put the wrong foot forward by barring the press from covering its proceedings, it can still redeem its image by reversing itself.

But if it insists on its earlier decision, then it is sad, ominous, and detracts from its credibility. Democracy can only thrive on transparency. If the Nasarawa panel on Governor AlMakura had its proceedings televised live, why on earth should the Enugu Panel conduct its business like a secret cult? Is it not those who have evil intentions that the bible says run from light?

However, I believe members of the Panel could still write their names in gold. But if they get it wrong, history would reckon that they condemned an innocent man for filthy lucre to assuage the ego of a governor hellbent on gifting Enugu East Senatorial seat to one “madam at the top”. They should not forget that, although Pontius Pilate washed his hands before condemning Christ, those hands still drip with the blood of the innocent in history pages for condemning an innocent man.

Indeed, Onyebuchi has won in the court of pubic opinion. Even if justice is manipulated in the panel’s court of man, the court of God can never be manipulated. God and history will never acquit them.

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

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

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

N

Sanctity of Truth w w w.new telegraphonli ne.com

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Sorting out the nation’s housing deficit

igeria’s huge housing deficit estimated to be over 17 million units has been linked to the high cost of building and slow system of construction. A professor of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, Timothy Nubi, said the Federal Government must take steps to address the issues for the country to properly sort out the housing deficit.

According to him, government needs to tap into the opportunities provided by technology to speed up the level of housing construction in the country.

He stressed the need for. “We can’t get anywhere with the gradualism, incremental and progressive approach that takes 21 years to build a house,” he stressed, noting that houses must be built in large numbers and efforts made to reduce cost of building and time of construction. “Cost of construction, labour input out of it, is almost 40 percent and when you keep labour in the field for almost a year in building, you are incurring cost. There are modern methods of construction; it has been industrialised such that construction time on site has been reduced to two weeks… The government agrees that we have 17 million housing-unit deficit and we are celebrating 1,300 units”.

It would be recalled that, not too long ago, the Federal Govern-

ment launched the first 10,000 Affordable Housing Mortgage Scheme under the Nigerian Housing Finance Programme in an effort to help bridge the housing deficit in the country. The programme’s launch which is expected to alleviate constraints to a rapid housing development in the country, kicked off the prequalification of people for an initial 10,000 mortgages to be provided by lenders. The scheme is designed to enable Nigerians who meet specific eligibility requirements to be registered for the 1st 10,000 mortgages for houses valued at between N2 million and N20 million for mortgages over a period of up to 20 years.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had at the launching, said it was an actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promise of delivering affordable housing before the end of the year. The minister noted that the scheme is a private sector-driven initiative which the Federal Government started with strong support from Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and implemented in partnership with 21 pilot states. She added that unlike the existing mortgage scheme whose tenure is not more than 36 months, it is now possible for NMRC mortgage subscribers to pay back between 15 and 20

years.

“We’ve tried to aim this scheme primarily at the first time home buyer who is in the market to purchase a home costing between N2 million and N20 million. So, we tried to keep it low to address our first time buyers and above all, our young people.

There will be a step by step presentation as to how the scheme works but essentially, what we’ve done is develop an online portal especially for this scheme, www. housingfinance.gov.ng, and you need to access this online portal. Applicants which meet the eligibility requirements will be handed over to the Primary Mortgage Lenders (PML) for final processing; the PML will originate the mortgages to be backed or refinanced by the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company.

Nigeria’s drive toward “housing for all”, as contained in the National Housing Policy, which aims at providing affordable housing for all, has so far been what it is – all on paper and no serious effort, deliberately or otherwise, at implementation and continues to be an illusion and a frustration to the larger population. Successive efforts to meet every set target have failed as housing deficit now stands at over 17 million units in Nigeria.

As with almost every other development sector in Nigeria, the outlay on housing has been rather low and does not seem to

warrant the priority it demands.

Most urban dwellers in Nigeria today live in dilapidated houses lacking basic amenities, unsanitary conditions or running water. The problem of affordable housing in Nigeria is further exacerbated by the constraints imposed by the Land Use Act, a moribund and repressive Act that hinders mortgage financing and creates enormous obstacles to private sector involvement in the housing industry and which has constrained the transfer of titles and made mortgage finance extremely difficult.

Governments’ plans for a major house-building programme must be based on the premise that increasing the volume of accommodation in the country is the most important way to tackle the crisis of unaffordable housing in Nigeria. Also, promoting home-ownership should be an underlying objective of any government’s programme. Home ownership offers unparalleled opportunities for people to accumulate wealth, but for many citizens, it is not an option, and the provision of social housing for rent should be given equal priority.

Government must consider the observation of Professor Nubi to bail the country out of the present housing quagmire. Affordable housing is part of the wellbeing that the constitution demands for every citizen.

GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Deputy Managing Director/DEIC SULEIMAN UBA GAYA Managing Editor YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday EMEKA OBASI Deputy Editor, Daily LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor TAIWO AHMED Advert Manager UCHEY OKEZIE Ag. Sales/Marketing Manager TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

20

Sanctity of Truth

OPINION Time for APC leaders to have a rethink Simeon Nwakaudu

T

he result of the Osun Governorship election is now public knowledge. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been declared winner and APC leaders have made a u-turn, praising the process that led to the emergence of their governorship candidate, as against the rhetoric that the APC and its media and civil society friends dished out to members of the public before the declaration of the result.

Aregbesola polled 394,684 votes, while Omisore of PDP polled 292, 747 votes. This result was declared by the returning officer of the Osun State Governorship election, Prof.

B. Omole, the VC of OAU Ife. The result represented the free will of the Osun people, despite a few hitches in the electioneering process.

Few days to the election, APC leaders backed by hired media associates and questionable civil society officials questioned the security provided by the Federal Government and INEC in order to safeguard the electioneering process and ensure that the Osun governorship election was not truncated.

Between Wednesday and Saturday, APC released countless statements lampooning the entire process, heaping insults on INEC, the Federal Government and the person of President Goodluck Jonathan. The party’s top officials took to the social media casting aspersions on all leaders on the other side of the divide. Most painfully, former Minister of FCT, Nasir el-Rufai led this onslaught, with his favourite pastime of insulting President Jonathan and questioning the integrity of the Armed Forces and the Police.

Late on Saturday when it dawned on them that they were on their way to victory, the story changed. They started attempting to incite their supporters on ground. The same incitement that led to the post-election violence in 2011 claimed several innocent lives. To the advantage of Nigeria in these trying times, enough security personnel were on

ground to dissuade ignorant supporters who might have been tempted by APC leaders to engage in violence.

Pray, why did APC leaders who are not from Osun State re-locate to that state for the election? What value did they add to the conduct of the election other than attempting to distract security personnel? Why the vicious and malicious attempt to lampoon security personnel during the Osun election? Why the consistent attempt by APC leaders to drag Nigeria’s image down the street of infamy? What advantage accrues to APC leaders each time their several unfounded press statements and allegations attract baseless insults to Nigeria in the international media.

A look at the results of governorship elections conducted

by INEC under Jonathan shows clearly that the President has deliberately worked to create a level playing field for all political parties. The facts don’t lie. Since 2011, PDP, President Jonathan’s party has only won one governorship seat.

In Edo 2012, ACN won; Ondo 2013, LP won while Anambra 2013 APGA won and Ekiti 2014, PDP took the seat. Of course, APC won the 2014 Osun State Governorship election. For all these elections, adequate security was provided to dissuade political criminals from subverting the will of the people.

To date, none of the election has been upturned by the courts. Despite the several allegations put in the public domain by the APC leaders and their media associates against the Anambra election won by APGA, they have so far been unable to prove anything up to the level of the Court of Appeal. In Ekiti, the gentleman Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi accepted defeat, but his party towed another line.

This attitude that an election can only be credible when APC wins is to say the least laughable. This attitude by the APC leaders that they are the only ones who know the solution to Nigeria’s challenges is regrettable. This attitude

by APC leaders that the only way forward for Nigeria is for them to always attack the nation’s leadership and lampoon the law enforcement agents is unfortunate. This attitude by APC leaders to always allude to violence and incite the people against constituted authorities leaves much to be desired.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

APC must as a matter of urgency begin to rethink their idea of patriotism.

Nigeria needs a strong opposition to deepen democracy.

But it must be said very quickly and with the right emphasis that these current opposition leaders are merely seeking power for personal gains, rather than for the good of the Nigerian people. Their actions and inactions have exposed their ulterior motives.

Unless there is a change in the attitude of the current opposition framework, they would again weep in 2015. Nigerians are tired of men and women who only chant “Crucify them, Crucify them”, without any credible alternative. The people cannot at this juncture of our development anoint men and women who lack the benevolent spirit of placing the people ahead of their desperation to be leaders who manage our commonwealth.

Just imagine what would have been the situation in Osun State few hours to the declaration of the results had the security personnel not been overwhelmingly on ground to check those incited to violence by the APC leaders who have taken over the social media.

I cannot conclude without a word to the media associates of the APC leaders. A critical analysis of majority of reports posted online by leading newspapers as the Osun election progressed exposed a highly compromised and partisan media. For democracy to flourish, media practitioners must endeavour to uphold the ethics of journalism. Worst was the chants at the Collation Centre by some persons who pretended to be journalists, while in reality they were supporters who hijacked press accreditation tags. We cannot continue on this path.

I whole-heartedly congratulate INEC, the security agencies, the Osun people on ground, Governor Aregbesola and most importantly, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for keeping his word of ensuring that the votes of Osun people counted.

• Simeon Nwakaudu writes from Abuja.

Female suicide bombers and the Samantha Lewthwaite puzzle Ijele Agha-Ibeka

T

he bomb blasts at Nyanya Abuja on Monday April 14 were unfortunate.

Senseless and brutal, they clearly defined bestiality. What was the gain in killing over 100 innocent human beings, including defenseless women and children who were about their daily chores? What was in contention? Everyone assumed that the terrorist group Boko Haram was behind the carnage, until the foreign press introduced a more frightening dimension to it.

The British media linked the blasts white UK widow named Samantha Lewthwaite, who had been declared a terror suspect in her own country and was believed to have under her belt a record of killings as heinous in dimension and style as the Nyanya bombings. The lady, classified as the world’s most wanted woman, is being hunted in some 190 countries to this date. A bewildering aspect of the reports about Ms Lewthwaite was that she had been caught at a Nigerian check point six months previously, only for her to bribe her way out of the clutches of her captors and straight into freedom!

The oddities begin to home in on all

of us. If it is true that the lady was arrested and freed within this country and documented report had it so, it follows that those who arrested and freed her would be well-known. Should such fellows involved in this ungodly tradeoff not have been helping the security agencies with useful information? How much bribe would have been enough to secure the release of the world’s most wanted woman? How much of blood-soaked money will any person take in order to release Samantha Lewthwaite or any terror suspect for that matter?

Answers were awaiting all these questions when the security agencies registered a unique success by identifying and arresting the real mastermind of the blasts – Ogwuche! But who is Samantha Lewthwaite?

What was her mission in Nigeria?

In clear contradistinction to the basic tenet of Islam, the major vehicle Boko Haram deploys for achieving its objectives is violence. Members of this group murder innocent people, commit suicide, abduct and rape their female victims. All such things that Islam calls haram are found in Boko Haram. Yet our Islamic leaders and clerics who were well aware that Islam is a religion of peace chose to say little or nothing against the evil organization, its mode

of operation and its proponents. The tacit support it received from the thieving political class saw to it that the organization was well-funded in the guise of freedom of association and religion.

It is obvious that our collective battle against Boko Haram will be long-drawn as the sect has infiltrated various security agencies. There are telltale signs of security compromises and complicities in countless attacks Boko Haram had perpetrated: After the bombing of the St. Teresa’s Catholic Church Madalla on Christmas day of 2012, the mastermind, Kabiru Sokoto was arrested only for him to escape from security men in bizarre circumstances that have never been publicly explained. Instructively, he was rearrested inside the Abuja Liaison Office of a Northern State! So, what was a known criminal wanted by the Nigerian State doing inside a state government’s house in Abuja? A senator was arrested on charges of complicity in Boko Haram atrocities. The poor fellow who blew the whistle on him has since got prosecuted and handed a long stretch behind bars. Yet, the said senator’s date with justice had become something of a mirage. Nearly two years after the case was mentioned, hardly any progress has

been made!

The jailbreak by members of Boko Haram at the DSS detention centre in Abuja foiled in March this year, clearly confirmed the existence of moles within the security agencies. As at 7.30am, when free citizens had not settled down for breakfast, a security officer was said to be helping terror suspects to a sumptuous breakfast in a setting of supposed detention!

The recent spate of female suicide bombings has introduced another dimension to the Boko Haram scourge. Thinking devious, the government and its retinue of security agencies may wish to solve the Samantha Lewthwaite puzzle. Persons like her should not come into the country for whatever reason. She could have been a strategic tools person at hiring and radicalizing young girls who by operational tenets of Boko Haram are expendables for the purpose of sustaining the terrorist war.

Time has come for all who had directly or inadvertently given support to members of Boko Haram in the guise of supporting Islam to cover their faces in shame. Everything Islam holds sacred has been desecrated by this sect. It is unholy silence that is haram, not Western education, Western jurisprudence or Western banking!

ARTS TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 Ebere Ameh

W

hen Nedu and Ogbolo appeared almost stark naked on stage at the weekend, the already excited audience knew they were in for a different kind of theatrical performance no abridged versions. Both comic On Air Personalities with Wazobia FM, Nedu and Ogbolo are the duo cast in Po!, a comic satire that will run at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, every Sunday of August 2014.

Written by Femi Branch, produced by Steve Onu, aka Yaw, and directed by Obi Martins, Po! attracted a large audience, filling the hall to capacity on penultimate Sunday, August 10, for the performance. The event started with different comedians taking to the stage, thrilling the audience and getting them set for the play.

Po! is about the experience of two friends, Joke (Ogbolo) and Jomi (Nedu) who are both street sweepers on a particular day at work.

After their bath, which saw them come naked on stage, Jomi started looking for his po (potty), which he probably misplaced. Pronounced 'kpoo' he would intermittently ask for it, mentioning people he suspects would have stolen it in the course of the play.

Obviously piqued by some unpleasant happenings around them, they grumbled, gossiped and criticised both the government and the people all day. In the process, they brought to the fore some obnoxious and outrageous customs of the Igbo who insist on an arm and a leg before they could give out their daughters in marriage; the Yoruba who borrow huge amounts to party and end up borrowing to survive afterwards; armed robbers, who rob with impunity because of the lapse in the security apparatus of the nation; students who become

21

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

“MOVIES WILL MAKE YOU FAMOUS; TELEVISION WILL MAKE YOU RICH; BUT THEATRE WILL MAKE YOU GOOD.”

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

― TERRENCE MANN

THEATRE

Po! for live theatre in Lagos

prostitutes in school just to get high scores; politicians who milk the public treasury dry, thereby enriching themselves and impoverishing the people they are meant to serve; contractors who connive with the government officials to inflate contract rates and end up doing shoddy jobs that lead to loss of lives; corruption in the Judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man, and the list is endless.

These are serious issues, but with the ingenuity of the director and producer, it was presented in such a humorous way that the audience were a little short of cracking their ribs in laughter.

Set on a very dirty street,

Everybody has a role to play if we want to transform our country Nigeria.

Goke and Jomi ended up not doing their work (sweeping) because they are civil servants. They spent the day complaining, gossiping, playing and reminding themselves that they are government workers and would be paid, whether they work or not.

Eventually, the po was found and after describing the nauseating contents, the

play came to an end when they threw the content at the audience, sending them scampering for cover as if there were real feces.

"It is a two man cast acted by two ‘crazy’ people, Nedu and Ogbolo of the Wazobia FM fame. I saw them as the people I can use to deliver this kind of play because they are very humorous. I was the only one that knew what they did wrong on stage, but they tried, it is not easy delivering on a play like this,” Martins told New Telegraph after the event.

Talking about the play, he said it is about the fact that we are the change that we seek.

“Everybody has a role to play if we want to transform our

country Nigeria. As you saw on stage today, they came to work but eventually, they didn’t work. The government mustn’t be there for you to do your own part. Just do what you know how to do best even when nobody is watching,” Martins sermonised.

For Yaw who started entertainment twenty years ago, with stage as his first love, the idea is to mirror our present reality.

“We just want to mirror the society. The play is like a rubber sword, we try to hit people but we don’t want to spill blood. As you can see, what is happening in Nigeria is what we talk about.

“We are doing what we love to do best, which is to promote theatre and at the same time, reminding ourselves of the ills bedevilling our society today and the urgent need for a change.”

On ways to encourage live theatre attendance, Yaw enjoins the government to build theatres in the communities, so that people could go and act and entertain the people, and tighten our security network so that people could move freely, insisting that the last time you watched a play was the last time you learnt something.

“Now they have watched this play, I know they have learnt something and they are going home with it. They would just laugh about it and say ‘those crazy guys’ but I can assure you, they learnt something,” Yaw concluded.

Despite the fact that Po!is the title of the play, it is the only aspect that is unreal, nauseating and shouldn’t have been there. Many wondered how a grown man in the city would be using a potty meant for little children, but surely, the writer must have his reasons.

QDance Center debuts, holds opening cocktail John Enubiak

D

ancers and dance enthusiasts in Lagos converged at 194, Herbert Macauley way, Adekunle, Yaba, to celebrate and launch the opening of QDance Center, recently.

The QDance Center is a new initiative of ykprojects, a Paris and Lagosbased organisation which has established its footprints globally within the creative industry.

The event was graced by the veteran filmmaker, Mr. Tunde Kelani. The atmosphere was lightened with comedy by the M.C. Pelumi, an upcoming Yoruba rapper caught the attention of the audience as his performance earned him endless round of applause. Talented dancers also heightened the fun,

alongside other artistes.

The organisers of QDance Center, Qudus Onikeku and Hajarat AlliOnikeku, came up on stage and introduced what QDance was all about, the concepts and also appreciated other hands that contributed to ensure that the dream ‘QDance Center’ becomes a reality. According to Qudus, the aim of QDance Center is to be an independent non-profit organisation, offering full time engagements to young dancers, providing certified training that meet international standards, and leverage on existing partnerships with the global dance community.

His words: “The QDance Center is a platform set up by the dance-lovers couples; to establish dance lovers, or for those also tagged as ‘dance dropout’; those who like to dance but are not

Qudus in a perfomance during the opening cocktail

going into it as a full time career, but just for something of pleasure.”

The audition into the Centre commences on August 19, 2014. The QDance

Center also resumes Academic session on the 1st of September, 2014, time: 7am – 8am every week days, and evening session by 7pm – 8pm every week days.

22 ARTS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Tony Okuyeme

D

espite the heavy down pour in Abuja, the Federal capital territory, thousands of enthusiastic dancers came out in their numbers to participate in the regional auditions for the Maltina Dance All Season Eight (MDA8) which made its last stop for this season in city which was agog for the show.

The event which took place at the ultra modern conference hall of the NICON Luxury Hotel played host to contestants who trooped in from Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa and surrounding states to compete for the mouth-watering prizes and a spot in the academy - alongside their respective families.

With their grand performance, they were able to set the tone on what to expect at the academy. Lagos and PortHarcourt had already played host to the auditions.

The “Rhythm of Happiness” theme for this year’s MDA 8 was aptly captured and exhibited as contestants and spectators contributed to the atmospherewithhigh spirited people who learned the new Maltina Dance All dance style “Rhythm of happiness dance” (ROHD) which helped set the pace throughout the competition.

On the first day of the two days competition, contestants thrilled the judges with different dance steps and in the process won home theatre systems, generating and television sets from four different age categories of 5–12, 13–19, 20-29 and 30 and above.

The audience went wild when the children between the ages of 5-12 took to the stage and showed so much energy to prove to the judges they had what it takes to win the prizes from Maltina.

Divine Onyejide, the star of the day in the 5-12category and proud winner of a generating set was full of excitement and could not hide his joy. Voicing his excitement and gratitude, he said “this is my first time in MDA regional auditions, am so grateful to Maltina for the gift and the opportunity to display my talent. With this recognition, I know I will go places in the future.”

At the end of the day two, which is the day set aside for the epic battle between family representatives, BlessingOmoregie -18, Leonard Jennifer – 18, Miriam Maisamari- 19 , Kelvin Ayanruoh- 23, Ezekiel Emmanuel- 21, Michael Atuonwu -24, Peter Odigie- 21, Akindele Michael- 21 and JustineChi-

Contestants rocking the stage at MDA 8 in Abuja

Battle for MDA 8 Academy, Abuja contestants set tone I must say that we the judges are impressed with the dancers here in Abuja from the first day of the auditions maUnanka- 21 all qualify for the next stage.

According to the rules of the competition, these family representative will have to perform with other members of their families in their respective homes and if they are able to convince the judges and pass through the

next phase of the screening exercise, which includes medical and physical tests, they will then be admitted into the Maltina dance academy to compete for the grand prize of N10 million.

The Senior Brand Manager, Mr. Adewole Adedeji who was visibly excited about the huge turn out and quality of dance styles, applauded the zest and energy displayed by the Abuja contestants, commenting that the academy for the MDA8 will be a ground of wit and strength even as the show promote bonding and sharing of happy time with families.

The judges on their part described the Abuja auditions as intense. Bimbo Obafunwa said he is really surprised at the turn out in Abuja despite the rain, “I must say that we the judges are impressed with the dancers here

in Abuja from the first day of the auditions. There was so much energy and talent displayed on stage.The selection process was quite complex and if I had my way we would have selected more than nine dancers that were picked to make it to the academy.”

On what is up for grabs for this year’s edition, the winning family will go home with the grand prize of a whooping sum of N10 million. The first and second runners up will also get N3 million and N1 million respectively. This is a considerable increase from the N6 million, N1 million and N500, 000 won last year by contestants.

After the conclusion of the regional auditions, Nigerians and followers of the show are set to witness the greatest dance battle of all time when the show begins in earnest in September.

A Dance of the Forests goes on stage in Israel

P

enultimate week, a cultural partnership between Israel and Nigeria took place in the cultural heartbeat of Israel, Tel Aviv. On one of Israel's biggest stages, the African-Israeli Stage Theater Company premiered its newest production based on the masterpiece A Dance of the Forests, written by the Nigerian Noble prize laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka.

The production was highly collaborative in nature, bringing on board Professor Segun Ojewuyi, a NigerianAmerican professor of theater who teaches at the Southern Illinois University and is one of the foremost experts of Soyinka's writing. Professor Ojewuyi spent five weeks in Israel in order to work with the African-Israeli Stage's diverse cast members, which included Israelis, Africans, Arabs and even a Swedish musical director.

This IsraeliNigerian theatrical collaboration was a triumph of human spirit

A scene in the recent produntion of A Dance of the Forest in Abeokuta

“This unique production was brought into fruition as a result of the combined efforts of the Cultural and Scientific Affairs Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, as well as a couple of Israeli companies who operate in Nigeria,” the Chief of Staff,

Embassy of Israel, Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Goren said in statement on the show.

According to him, Ambassador David OladipoObasa, the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, addressed the audience at the performance, saying that it is such endeavors that bring the two nations closer

together. Ambassador Obasa further expressed that as Israel is currently under attack, the Nigerian people are praying for peace in Jerusalem and for a quick cessation of hostilities for the sake of Israel and the whole region.

“The head of the Cultural and Scientific Affairs Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Raphael Gamzou spoke of the State of Israel’s delight in being a part of Wole Soyinka’s 80th birthday celebrations, explaining that such involve-

ment exposes Israeli audiences to Mr. Soyinka's exceptional writing. Ambassador Gamzou went on to praise Professor Ojewuyi’s tenacity in staying in Israel until the completion of the production in spite of the continued rocket fire from Hamas, the Iron Dome explosions as it intercepts many of these rockets and the constant stress of running to shelter within seconds of alerting sirens. Not only did Professor OluSegun remain in Israel, but he chose to explore the nation and acquaint himself with the Israeli people, rather than confine himself to the walls of his hotel room. Ambassador Gamzou affirmed that the Government of Israel praises such exhibition of courage and solidarity with Israel.

“In the midst of the ongoing hostilities in the region, this Israeli-Nigerian theatrical collaboration was a triumph of human spirit that sets an example for supporters of culture and peace around the world. “

MOM&PARENTING

NEW TELEGRAPH

23

www.newtelegraphonline.com/mum&parenting

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI oluwatosin.omoniyi@newtelegraphonline.com tosin042001@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

World Youth Day: Building them into future leaders or destroyers Ever wondered why some children miss their way while transiting from teenage age to adulthood? Oftentimes, the blame is laid at the door step of the school which he attends or the lack of attention to the child by the teachers. But the truth is that certain habits exhibited by our children at that stage is a function of your inputs into them at home. Thus, while the school shares a part of the blame, the parent or guardian also owes a duty to keep an eye on the youth, even while in school. With proper guidance, the furture of that child could be rosy, while if keep your eyes shut, the story might not be what you want really.

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI, writes.

The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity, says Sybil, an old philosopher.

W

hat are you preparing that youth in your custody to be -come? That is the big question that is always confronting parents, as the young boy or girl begins the maturity process into adulthood. But with quotes such as Sybil’s above, it behoves parents to ensure their youths match on the right paths of life and grow up to an enviable standard that they will not only be proud of, but have a peace of mind. That is bearing in mind the old saying that “today’s’ youths are the future leaders.” That does not mean you wait until they get to a certain age before you start giving them leadership training. Such trainings start from the cradle, right from the home.

Teens and Youths’ experts and parents argue that training should start from their mental being, giving them the right sense of value and self worth, so that they can stand firm and not under the influence of their peers and environmental influence. In doing that, you can help them exude positive disposition towards life and the course of their lives.

What could be the problem or who will take the blame when instead, the youths turn out to be agents of drug trafficking, bad gang leaders, street competition fighters and bullies?

Last Sunday, at Ogba, opposite the Retail Market area of Lagos by 11am; some group of young men otherwise called guys in their boxer pants and bare chest, took themselves two each, in a gladiator style, flexed their muscle, fists tightly formed, panting and looking at each other glaringly. And within the sound of a whistle, the fighting competition started. The rule of the game was that the fight should not go beyond the boundary of the marked line and whoever’s back touches the ground would be disqualified. Winner takes home a pair of bathroom slippers. Ridiculous? That is the way some people may see it but the youths didn’t

Hope for street youths initiative

African youths hopeful of a bright future

see it that way. Rather, it was a show that enables them know their area of strength and in what capacity. Tajudeen Ayinla, 24, the area big brother and factional leader of the street youths, told New Telegraph that, it was a way of keeping themselves busy, outside their normal days of collecting thrift from the shops lined out at the market, and at times carrying load for market women.

“My job mainly is to see that that my boys do not foment trouble and to keep

PHOTO: WWW.CHANGEMAKERS

rival groups away from this vicinity,” he said. One would tend to agree that it is not totally Ayinla’s fault, being born by a retired soldier (who does not nothing for a living anymore) and a mother, who mainly deals on Indian hemp and other hard drugs. At customers’ request for her products, she sends some of her children to go deliver to them. Expectedly, Ayinla’s brain is clouded beyond reasonable standard of living. Well, maybe, Ayinla and his fellow men of power might become boxers

PHOTO: WWW.GNBO.COM.NG

and wrestlers in the future.

What of these pretty looking girls singing and swerving their hips provocatively to the rhythm of the blast coming out of a big sound system on a huge van with a large banner screaming “BOURNVITA,” last Thursday? As the hip hop music blasted away, the girls charge their dancing step to match the rhythm and at the same time, advertised the products to passers-by at the same Ogba retail market, area of Lagos. They beckoned on passers-by to come have a taste free and then lure them to take a further look at the products. Asked how much these youths earn for this outrageous dance steps, they said ranges from N2,500 to N5,000 for the rigorous and aggressive marketing they did. Lydia Matthew, one of the dancers, told New Telegraph that having survived depression two years ago, after her secondary school and there was nothing she could do, she joined her friends in this outdoor advertising. “And I have been making money since then. I give my parents out of my proceeds.

After all, it is far better than stealing,” Alice Okon, a senior secondary student, SS2, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

MOM&PARENTING

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Check the clique your ward belongs Oluwatosin Omoniyi

C

harity, as the saying goes, begins at home. This aptly described Chukwunonso Okwudiri, 19, a senior secondary school student, SS 1B, and Nancy Jidah, SS1C, both of a private school in Lagos. It started from his primary school days, when he ordered his mates to address him as the boss. He commanded that they bring their lunch packs to him before they ate it. Any food that tasted delicious to him would be his lunch for that day. The kid, whose food is taken, dares not report, else, he would be bullied on the field or during the break. He would either kick them from behind or pour dust into their eyes. He carried this practice to the secondary school level. He continued with his nickname. Getting to the college, he met his match in the person of Nancy Jidah, who also has clique.

According to her classmates, her bossy attitude started with Nancy insisting her mates call her princess.

She would order them on errands.

Failure to carry out her instruction, will attract a tear in their school uniform or the disappearance of their English and mathematical books. A drama occurred, when one afternoon, Nancy sent one of her classmates, Rhoda on errand and she refused.

She slapped Rhoda and Rhoda gave it back to her double. At the end of the school session for that day, Nancy and her gang waited for her at the gate to teach her a lesson. Unknown to Nancy and her group, Rhoda had gone to sought for the help Okwudiri,

Young school children: They are open to peer influence

Ajewole

who also had come equipped with his gang. By 4.25pm last week Wednesday, the two gangs clashed and injured themselves seriously. Okwudiri had a

deep cut on the forehead while Nancy lost part of her right ear. Others sustained injuries. At the police station, Anthony, Lagos, Okwudiri was alleged to have committed such crime when he was in primary school. The Investigative Police Officer, IPO, in charge of his case then said, Okwudiri was pardoned because he was a minor, hence they couldn’t charge the case to court.

His offence then was that he injured his mate in the mouth for refusing to give him food. His classmate lost one of his teeth in the struggle with him.

The IPO said it usually happens when they are not properly brought from or when their parents wrongly give them a sense of arrogance. “That is why you see young children bragging about with their parents’ wealth. Most of the cases of these incident with us here are that of wayward youths or young cultists. It starts from home,” he said.

Theresa Ajewole, a guardian counsellor with a private school said, whatever the young ones come to school to display are traits that must have been displayed at home but parents turned blind eyes and deaf to it. She recounted an incident, where she disciplined a student who was used to bullying her classmates. According to her, she stood the girl out during assembly time to embarrass her in the hope that it would deter her and her gang.

What she got in turn was a slap from the girl’s mother the following day during assembly. “She almost tore me naked but for the quick intervention of my colleagues,” she said. Ajewole believes that it is the primary duty of parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children, so as to give them peace of mind and a healthy society.

In pointing out why teachers tend to know more about teens than parents, she added that by the time teens reach high school, it’s not unusual for parents to begin to feel disconnected, not just from their teens, but also from their education. “High school usually offers fewer opportunities to connect with teachers and many teens aren’t as forthcoming with information about their school experiences.”

She explained that it is common for teens to try out different personas and identities throughout high school.

While a teen may identify herself as a “geek” in one week, she may want to dye her hair purple the next week. “While finding their identity, they may become rebellious and engage in activity one never thought possible.

Building the children into future leaders or destroyers C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

said she got involved in the outdoor mobile advertisement business because this is holiday (Summer) time and she needed to make money in order to be able to help her parents with payment of school fees.

“I don’t see anything wrong in my dancing publicly for company’s products. After all, it is an exercise my friends and I carry out either in the corner, club or publicly at day time,” she said.

A representative of Cadbury, the Bournvita Company, said engaging them that way was better than their getting engaged in drug smuggling, street fighting or robbery. “After all, we don’t cheat them; we pay them for it. Moreover, they have the energy; let them use it positively which is part of what they are doing,” he said. A parent argued that engaging them in such a way was an act she believes is not decent. “Can the management of this company release their children or their close relatives to come out to dance shamelessly like this in what they termed as engaging the youths positively?”

Barrister Gbemiga Ogunleye said that nothing is wrong with the youth dancing publicly to advertise for companies “Nothing is wrong if the youth is 18 years old, and if under 18, the consent of the parent

must be obtained,” he said.

All of these happen when parents ignore or sheik their responsibilities to their youths; probably because they feel they are old enough to decide for themselves, thereby leaving them to the mercy of their peers and street learning.

There are a few questions here. Where are the parents or custodian of these youths? Is the society contributing to their decay? Is it normal for parents to heap on the young ones, a refuse of responsibilities at the young age? Gbemisola Omoniyi, a psychologist with Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, said youths’ exposure to an ill society or negative peer influence is largely due to the absence of relevant people in their lives and world.

According to Amy Morin, a Teen expert, when teens aren’t thinking about the potential negative consequences of their behaviour, they may be more willing to experiment with drugs or alcohol or engage in unprotected sex. They may also struggle to follow rules, like obeying the speed limit, when they have friends cheering them on to go faster. They gain approval from peers.

They may consider what their peers are doing and grow convinced that everyone else is doing it until they decide to join in. Unfortunately, the consequences of some risky behaviours can be very serious, or even

African Union Youth volunteers Corps

fatal. She said parents shouldn’t sit idly and watch it happen. Instead, they should take steps to reduce their teens risky behaviour and chances of serious consequences. She, however, advised on what parents can do.

PHOTO: JOEFORLOV.WORDPRESS

When you’re faced with a tough decision, whether it’s changing to a new job or buying a new car, show your teen how to weigh the potential consequences and benefits.

Encourage your teen to take healthy risks.

Encourage them to learn how to play a new instrument or join a new club.

Teach your teen problem-solving skills.

It’s important for teens to know how to address risky situations or how to solve problems in a less risky manner.

Monitor your teen’s behaviour.

Be involved with their activities. Don’t give your teen more freedom than he’s able to handle. He/she may have to struggle to remain safe if he/she has too much responsibility too soon.

Role model healthy decision making.

Teach your teen to speak up without being rude.

Teens are better prepared to resist peer pressure when they know how to say no or they understand that they have a right to refuse something even when their peers are pressuring them to join in.

BUSINESS Tuesday, AUGUST 12, 2014

What's news Why FG needs 8bn cf gas production target The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that the Federal Government is set to grow natural gas production to eight billion cubic feet per day, as well as sustain crude oil and condensate production at 2.388 million barrels per day.

}p-26

Ebola cuts regional air travel by 50% The scourge of the dreaded Ebola virus is threatening air travel within the African sub-region as traffic within the area has gone down by 50 per cent; according to August 2014 report by Financial Derivative Company Limited (FDC).

}p-26

How I’ll run NNPC, by Dahwa The newly appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha, has said that he would uphold the principle of transparency and accountability in the day-to-day running of the corporation.

}p-30

Lagos: Developers lament delay in issuance of e-C-of-O

When Lagos State government through its Land Bureau launched the electronic Certificates of Occupancy (e-C-of-O), built environment professionals and property owners had lauded the initiative, believing that the delay being suffered in getting title to their properties was over.

}p-33

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) Godson ikoro , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

25 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Are plane cabins hotbeds of Ebola? }p-39

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

FG, IOCs rake in N1.03trn oil revenue in July WINDFALL Oil revenues forecast in Q2 is $12 billion as against the Q1 revenue of about $11 billion Stories by Adeola Yusuf

T

he Federal Government and international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, raked-in about N1.027,246 trillion ($6, 420.1 billion) last month.

This was contained in a report entitled: "Q3: Strong GDP Spiced with Ebola and Insurgency," by Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) obtained

by New Telegraph.

According to the report, an average crude production in all 31 days in July was "flat at 1.9 million barrels per day (mpbd)" while "oil price also averaged $109 per barrel in July."

Consequently, Nigeria rakedin an average of $207.1 million daily in July while the total revenue on oil production was about $6, 420.1 billion in 31 days (N1. 027, 246 trillion).

Managing Director of FDC, Mr Bismarck Rewane, presented the FDC report at the Lagos Business School Executive Breakfast Meeting.

He said: "Average oil prices of Nigerian crude remained above $104pb. Oil price averaged $109pb in July while production flat at 1.9mpbd."

According to him, the positive impact on oil revenue would be felt in October: 90 days after liftings.

He said: "Oil revenues forecast in the second quarter is $12 billion as against the first quarter revenue of approximately $11 billion.

"EIU has revised its Brent oil price forecast for 2014 to an average of $107per barrel."

The expert said that the political unrest in Iraq, Libya, are adding pressure to prices, stressing that oil prices remain strong while production is flat.

Besides, he noted: "Monthly

M2 growth rate was 0.13 per cent to N15.93 trillion."

Nigeria’s crude oil production is expected to rise by 40,000 barrels per day, with the commencement of the production in first well at the Bonga northwest deep-water development offshore in Nigeria by Shell oil Company.

This level of production would translate to crude oil earnings of N672 million (about $4.5 million) accruable to Nige-

ria daily.

Shell had last Wednesday said that the Bonga Floating Production, Storage and Offloading, FPSO, vessel had been upgraded to handle the additional oil flow from Bonga North West.

The investments made by the company and its other project partners in the Bonga North West project include upgrades of local contractors’ facilities and providing specialised train-

ing for Nigerians to work in the energy industry.

Commenting on the development, Mr Andrew Brown, Upstream International Director of Shell, said that this is also good news for Nigeria, as it is a new source of oil and a key driver of economic development.

The Bonga project, which began producing oil and gas in 2005, was Nigeria’s first deepwater development in water depths over 1 000 metres.

L-R: Council member, National Institute Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr Rotimi Adeyeye; President, Mr Ganiyu Koledoye and Council member, Alhaji Mahmud Othman, during the first council meeting in Lagos.

DIMINUTION OPEC has trimmed its 2014 global oil demand growth forecast for a second consecutive month

T

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has predicted a bearish oil demand for Nigeria and other oil producing nations.

World oil demand will rise by 1.21 million bpd in 2015, the organisation said, explaining

OPEC sees lower oil demand growth for Nigeria, others that this is unchanged from last month.

OPEC trimmed its forecast of next year's growth in nonOPEC supply by about 40,000 bpd but still expects an expansion of 1.27 million bpd, with the United States leading the way.

Two other reports on global supply and demand are due today, from the International Energy Agency, which advises industrialised countries, and the US government's Energy Information Administration.

The organisation reduced its 2014 global oil demand growth forecast for a second consecutive month and said the group managed to increase output in July despite violence in Iraq and Libya, pointing to more comfortable global supplies.

In the monthly report, the OPEC trimmed its projection for growth in global demand this year to 1.10 million barrels per day (bpd), down 30,000 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE June 2014................................8.2% May 2014....................................8% April 2014.................................7.9%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Aug 08)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N262.78 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N209.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $38.402bn as at 7/08/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at Aug 08)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N171.00 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N291 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N226 Source: CBN

26 business | news GAS VEHICLES FG has said that it is continuing with the pilot compressed gas project in Benin with 2,500 cars

T

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that the Federal Government is set to grow natural gas production to eight billion cubic feet per day, as well as sustain crude oil and condensate production at 2.388 million barrels per day.

A deputy director in the DPR, Mr. Emmanuel Bekee, said this at the just concluded Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE, holding in Lagos.

He also said that in order to reduce gas flaring, supply to the domestic market was increased.

“As part of our strategy to reduce gas flare, supply to the

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Why FG needs 8bn cf gas production target –DPR domestic market grew to an all time high of 1,500 million cubic feet per day, of which about 70 per cent was deployed to the power sector and the balance in support of the manufacturing sector such as cement. This ultimately reduced our average gas flare to less than 12 per cent,” he said.

Bekee explained that as part of our resilient effort to boost infrastructure development for gas supply, the 150 kilometres of pipeline Escravos Lagos expansion project has been completed and commissioned, while the remaining 250 kilometres section is in advanced stage of completion.

“Work has also commenced

on the 120-kilometre East West OB3 gas pipeline, intended to boost gas supply to the power industry.

“We are continuing with the pilot compressed gas project in Benin with 2,500 cars, mostly taxis, now running on natural gas and many more being converted daily, he added.

Bekee explained that the government wants to consolidate

on the gas supply expansion with an additional 500 million cubic feet per day to support about 2,000 mega-watts of power generation, while continuing with the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park designed to host fertiliser, petrochemical and methanol plants in Delta State.

“It is common knowledge that the oil and gas industry has been plagued with a plethora of

challenges that have negatively impacted on our ability to meet national crude oil production target, loss of revenue to investors, environmental degradation and sometimes loss of lives.

The most prominent among these is theft-related vandalism, leading to significant production deferments, theft and decline in revenue to the investors,” he added.

Global property: Investors to stake $180bn

M

iddle Eastern investors are expected to spend over $180 billion in commercial real estate markets outside of their own region over the next decade, global property advisor, CBRE Group, has said.

The major increase in flows of Middle Eastern capital into global markets, according to report by World Property Channel, is emerging from the extraordinary mismatch between the lack of institutional real estate in domestic markets and the huge spending power concentrated in the region.

Europe is the preferred target with 80 per cent of the $180 billion (around $145 billion) targeted for the region over the next 10 years. About $85 billion will flow into the U.K., with $60 billion directed at continental Europe. France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among the key target markets.

Global real estate markets have seen significant inflow of Middle Eastern capital with $45 billion invested between 2007 and the end of 2013 - seven times the reported activity in its home market. With $20

billion invested outside their home region in commercial property in the last two years alone - there is strong evidence that Middle Eastern players are increasing their interest and investment allocations to direct real estate.

Middle East Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are now among the world's largest and most influential sources of capital, accounting for 35 per cent of SWFs Assets Under Management (AUM) globally.

When compared to Western and Asian SWFs, these funds currently allocate the smallest share (nine per cent of total portfolio) to alternative assets. A further increase in allocation by Middle East SWFs, even by a small fraction, represents an extremely large amount of capital that would have a significant impact on the global commercial real estate market.

The average target allocation to real estate by global SWFs is 7.9 per cent. Applying this to the $2.2 trillion in AUM held by Middle Eastern SWFs gives a total close to $175 billion.

OPEC sees lower oil demand growth for Nigeria, others C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

bpd, citing weaker-than-expected US demand.

"The slow and uneven global recovery continues," OPEC said in the report.

In 2014, "US oil demand remains strongly dependent on the development of the US economy, however, the risk is skewed to the downside compared to the previous month."

OPEC's report points to even less pressure on supplies in 2015 as partly due to the US shale boom, the need for OPEC crude will fall, despite faster growth in global demand.

The report made no change to 2015's global demand forecast.

This year, the lower demand forecast and a higher expectation for non-OPEC supply will

reduce the forecast global demand for OPEC crude to 29.61 million bpd, down 70,000 bpd from the previous estimate, OPEC said. It left next year's forecast unchanged at 29.36 million bpd.

The report also showed OPEC's crude output in July rose. According to secondary sources cited by the report, output increased by 170,000 bpd to 29.91 million bpd, led by higher supply in Libya and Saudi Arabia.

That puts OPEC output close to the group's target of 30 million bpd. Protests and unrest in Libya, Western sanctions on Iran and fighting in Iraq took their toll on production in earlier months, keeping OPEC output sometimes below the target.

L-R: United States Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, during a bilateral meeting at the U.S. Department of Commerce, in Washington DC … on Thursday.

Ebola cuts regional air travel by 50% NO CHANGES No changes are expected with the appointment of Osita Chidoka as Minister of Aviation Wole Shadare

T

he scourge of the dreaded Ebola virus is threatening air travel within the African sub-region as traffic within the area has gone down by 50 per cent; according to August 2014 report by Financial Derivative Company Limited (FDC).

It stated that regional aviation is now in shambles because of the deadly diseases that is spreading across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and lately Ghana.

The spread of the disease has made many airlines to cut or suspend flights to the seriously affected countries in West Africa.

ASKY Airline was grounded in Nigeria and later restored.

Gambia also barred air travel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia to its territory.

Emirates became the first major airline to halt flights to Guinea, in the West African region affected by the recent Ebola outbreak. Upon announcing the stoppage of service, the airline said: "The safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised."

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) each provide guidelines for airlines for pre-flight health screenings.

According to IATA, "there has never been a case of contracting Ebola from being on a plane – it's extremely unlikely." The West African nations of Liberia and Sierra Leone are also within the region affected by the outbreak.

Last Wednesday, Sierra Leone declared a state of emergency, but as at Thursday, WHO was not recommending travel restrictions or border closures.

Nigeria's largest airline, Arik Air, has stopped flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has also banned African airline, Asky, from its airspace for bringing a case of Ebola into Lagos. Ghana has banned flights from the Ebola-affected region as well.

Though Ebola was first discovered 40 years ago, the current outbreak has killed over 700 since February.

Nigeria has the largest aviation market that cannot be ignored but safety comes ahead of profit.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive, FDC, Bismarck Rewane, has decried aviation fuel shortage and over stretched fleet that is taking its toll on airlines’ punctuality.

The skyrocketing price of aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1, has been identified as the major challenge confront-

ing operations of domestic carriers in the Nigerian aviation industry.

In a bid to remedy the situation, operators in the sector have continuously called on the Federal Government to intervene in the issue.

Investigation by New Telegraph shows that a litre of aviation fuel is sold at $1.30, which is huge for a country that produces crude oil.

For a 60-minute flight (Abuja to Lagos), a typical Boeing 737400 burns about 2, 260 litres of JET A1. Apart from the high price of aviation fuel, airlines also pay various charges ranging from airport, fuel taxes, navigation charges, and passenger service charges among others.

Rewane noted that Arik, touted as Nigeria’s biggest airline, is “suffering poor on-time performance because of its lack of schedule integrity.

He reiterated that no changes are expected with the appointment of Osita Chidoka as Minister of Aviation, adding that load factors are high out of Lagos with back of the cabin, otherwise known as economic class, full with 85-90 per cent load factors for mega carrier, British Airways.

According to him, “Emirates are back to two flights a day from Abuja to Dubai. Arik has commenced Lagos-Abuja-Dubai, while Ethiopian Airlines is operating with strong load factors out of Enugu, Lagos with average load factor from Abuja.”

27

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Pollution: N'Delta group petitions Shell ANTI-NIGER DELTA Niger Delta anti-pollution group has called on oil minister to call Shell to order Adeola Yusuf

T

he Niger Delta Pollution Vanguard Movement (NDPVM), has written a petition to the federal government alleging plans by Shell to pollute the Niger Delta region.

The group, in a petition submitted to the minister of Petroleum resource, alleged plans by Shell to cancel the Trans Niger Pipeline Loopline Project, an allegation refuted by the company.

The TNPL project is expected to put an end to environmental degradation and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

But NDPVM in a statement signed by Alaliboznathaniel, Paul Alakiri and Precious Obonima, declared that the increase in bunkering activities which has been enhanced by the existence of various ruptured points on the pipeline is detrimental to the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration and “its irrevocable commitment to stoppage of crude oil theft and increased revenue earnings that are essential for the development of our dear country Nigeria.”

Spokesperson for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr. Precious Okolobo could not be reached on phone as his cell phone was switched off but a source at his company said that the company had no plan to cancel the project.

“I am not aware that the project t has been cancelled,” he said, adding that the alleged “cancellation is just an the figment of the imagination of those who are peddling the rumour.”

The petition dated August 7 entitled: “Open letter to the Honourable minister of Petroleum resources: Petition Against Shell On Trans Niger Pipeline Loopline Projects (TNPL),” read: “We hereby bring to the attention of the Hon Minister the rumoured cancellation of the Trans Niger Pipeline Loopline Project by Shell.

“The proposed cancellation of this project is inimical to the progress of the Niger Delta region considering the deteriorating environment occasioned by crude oil spillages on the ruptured existing pipeline and the increasing incidence of crude oil theft by persons engaged in illegal bunkering activities.”

According to the group, the TNPL project which, is “expected to put an end to environmental degradation and illegal bunkering may not see the light of the day in view of SHELL’s ill conceived efforts and plans to cancel the project.

The anti-pollution group said: “The award and imple-

Alleges firm plan to cancel TNPL project It's not true, on firm replies mentation of this project will enhance the integrity of the environment and restore the livelihood of peasant fishermen and farmers in the right of way communities whose farmlands and fishing activities have been adversely affected by oil spillage from ruptured pipes and criminal activities of illegal bunkerers.”

It alleged that communities on the TNPL “right of way comprising Ogale, Ebubu, Ejaka, Ejama, Fibalakiri, Mgbegbeboko, Ichikiri, Alakiri, ojikiri, Johnsonkiri, Dikibotorusingha, Adamakiri, West Point and Atabakiri,Cawthorne Chanel, Fusokiri, Atabakiri, Ligakiri, Kuruma, Iwoamakuruama, Obonima, Kuruama, Kalaibiama, Iwoma, Ayambo and Bonny

have been negatively affected by the dilapidated state of the existing TNPL Pipelines.”

It added: “Honourable Minister, The implementation of the TNPL will also create massive opportunities for the Niger Delta region in relation to award of local content contracts to indigenous community contractors and on the job training for the restive Niger Delta youths that will enhance skill acquisition and development which in turn will greatly help the eradication of poverty and unemployment in the region.

“Moreso the implementation of the TNPL will also create a window for the Nigerian Content Monitoring Development Board “NCDMB” to undertake the mandatory Ni-

gerian Content Development training of Nigerians on the NCDMB data base irrespective of their state of origin.

“No doubt the award and implementation of this TNPL projects will lead to the increase in the overall Gross Domestic Product “GDP” earnings of Nigeria and consolidate the recently rebased GDP that has positioned our dear Nation as the biggest economy in Africa.

“We strongly hold the view that SHELL Nigeria in collaboration with its Hague office has developed cold feet towards the implementation of this TNPL project because of the involvement of wholly Nigerian Companies as contemplated by the definition of wholly Nigerian

Companies in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Act “NOGIC ACT, 2010” and the likelihood that a wholly Nigerian Company may likely secure the award of the Contract.

“The divisive and anti nationalistic antecedents of SHELL is well known to every Nigerian with particular emphasis on the infamous SHELL/OGONI debacle.

“We also make bold to state that SHELL’s bickering and continous strifes with host communities in the Niger Delta region which is occasioned by its operational negligence leading to oil spillage e.g BONGA OIL SPILLAGE OF 2011 and insincerity to host communities is the reason for the phased sale of its onshore assets.

“Honourable Minister, we implore and appeal that you kindly call SHELL to order and take patriotic steps like you have always done to protect the Nigerian interest.

Illegal oil refinery

Two firms get Esso’s $497m ERHA North project LOCAL CONTENT Indigenous company, Field Offshore Design Engineering Nigeria, is also involved in the project Adeola Yusuf

E

sso Exploration and Production (E&P) has awarded the New Build West Saturn (NBWS) project for its ERHA North phase 2 in Nigeria.

Seadrill Limited, which would execute the project along with indigenous partner Field Offshore Design Engineering Nigeria Limited, said this in a statement.

Seadrill Limited said that it had secured the contract with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, an ExxonMobil subsidiary.

The project, the company said, is for employment of the new build West Saturn (UDW drillship), in support of the ERHA North Phase 2 project in Nigeria.

The contract is for a firm period of two years plus a one-year option and has total

revenue potential for Seadrill and Field Offshore Design Engineering Nigeria Limited for the primary contract term of approximately $497 million, inclusive of mobilisation.

The West Saturn is a sixth generation drillship, currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje, South Korea with expected delivery in September 2014 and marks the sixth Seadrill unit to commence operation in the last 12 months.

“The unit will initially be outfitted to work in up to 10,000 feet of water and is capable of handling two BOP's, operating in up to 12,000 feet of water and

drilling depths up to 40,000 feet.

Per Wullf, Seadrill CEO, commented, "We are very pleased to be chosen by ExxonMobil, its partners, and Field Offshore Design Engineering Nigeria Limited for this important project. The West Saturn is Seadrill's third rig in Nigeria, working alongside the West Jupiter and West Capella.

“The expansion of our presence in Nigeria is a result of our best in class operating standards, employees, and assets. We are proud to expand our business with these key customers and look forward to continued successful working relationships," he added.

28 business | ENERGY NOT GUILTY SPDC has absolved itself of complicity in the $1 billion payment delay Adeola Yusuf

M

inister of Petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) squabbled at the weekend over delay in implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme report on the cleanup of Ogoniland.

While the minister said in a statement that government is tackling the cleanup with sincerity, the MOSOP condemned the delay on the part of the Federal Government to implement recommendations on Ogoni areas three years after its release.

MOSOP spokesman, Mr Legborsi Esaen, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that it was regrettable that several years after the UNEP report, the Federal Government had not considered it necessary to give it the desired attention.

“MOSOP is shocked that exactly three years after the UNEP report on Ogoni land was presented to the Presidency, no arrangement had been made to save what is left of the Ogoni environment.

“We are concerned that our community members are still drinking water from wells contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, at levels over 900 times above World Health Organisation, WHO, safety limit.

“Presently, the death rate of our people from cancer-related sicknesses is extremely high, especially with very limited cancer screening centres in the country.”

The minister, who admitted that the Ogoni issue has been a protracted challenge, however, declared that the government has not delayed the implementation of UN report.

She said: “It is indeed a protracted challenge dating back several administrations. But I don’t agree that it is an intractable challenge. As with many other long standing unresolved issues in our polity, Mr. President has demonstrated the required political will and has put a road map of actions and engagements in place to move the Ogoniland challenge out of a stalemate situation.

“The challenges had been escalated by an initial break down in trust but we have been able to create a broad base stakeholders involvement approach and have put a structure in place, which we are presently aggressively fine tuning for the purpose of achieving remediation, restoration and reconciliation.

“You may wish to recall that in July 2012, the President approved the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) as a Special Unit under the Ministry Of Petroleum Resources.

HYPREP is the vehicle for the implementation of the actionable recommendations of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report on Environmental Restoration in Ogoniland.

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ogoni: Minister, MOSOP bicker over $1bn UNEP report “I have signed the draft gazette for the establishment of HYPREP and it has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for publication. This document will provide the rule of law guiding the implementation of the UNEP Report.”

The minister added: “The HYPREP intervention is private sector driven with funding from major Oil-Companies operating in Nigeria. Government’s involvement is to the extent of ensuring that funds released are judiciously utilized to fully ensure a robust implementation of the UNEP recommendations.”

Meanwhile, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has absolved itself from complicity over delay in the implementation of the report.

The company blamed the Federal Government for the delay in the implementation of some of the recommendations of the UNEP report concerning oil spills incidents in Ogoniland.

“The majority of UNEP’s recommendations require multistakeholder efforts coordinated by the Federal Government,” Precious Okolobo, Corporate Media Relations Manager, Shell, said in a statement.

But Mrs. Alisin-Madueke said that the recommendation of the report, which is in the public domain spread across government, public health, environmental, operational and community issues.

“I believe. For a start, there are clear suggestions as to institutional structures that will be required to administer remedial actions. The recommendations spread across government, public health, environmental, operational and community issues that need to be addressed. It’s a holistic approach, which brings the views of all the stakeholders on board.

“In addition, the report suggested eight emergency measures that must be taken during the ‘Transition Phase’ while the institutional framework for implementing the various recommendations is being put in place.

“The UNEP initiated a survey of all drinking water wells around those wells where hydrocarbons were observed and arranged measures based on the results.

“Their recommendation includes to ensure that all drinking water wells where hydrocarbons were detected are marked and that people are informed of the danger; provide adequate sources of drinking water to those households whose drinking water supply is impacted; people in NsisiokenOgale, who have been consuming water with benzene over 900 times the WHO guideline are recorded on a medical registry and their health status assessed and followed up and to post signs around all the sites identified as having contamination exceeding intervention values warning the community not to

walk through or engage in any other activities at these sites.

“Others are to post signs in areas where hydrocarbons were observed on surface water warning people not to swim or bathe in these areas; inform all families whose rainwater samples tested positive for hydrocarbons and advise them not

to consume the water; and to mount a public awareness campaign to warn the individuals who are undertaking artisanal refining that such activity are damaging their health.”

The UNEP report recommended an initial capital of $1 billion contributed by the oil industry operators with pre-

vailing interests in Ogoniland and the government to fund the remediation project. NNPC and the oil companies have agreed on a sharing ratio : Joint Venture Partners – 80 per cent, the refineries – 5 per cent and the Federal Government 15 per cent through the Ecological Intervention Fund.

Oil rig

NERC shelves hearing on Geometric vs Interstate Electric case REGRET NERC has said that it regretted the inconveniency the indefinite postponement could cause

H

earing on the legal tussle between Geometric and Interstate Electrics Limited will not hold this week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulating Commission (NERC), has said.

The commission, which had earlier slated the hearing for August 16, said in a statement on its website that the hearing had been postponed.

The two companies are locking horns over the Aba power plants, whose value is estimated to be about $530 million.

The NERC statement, titled “Notice of Postponement of Public Hearing between Geometrics and Interstate Electrics Limited,” said: “Hearing on the issues arising in the case of Aba Power Limited and Interstate Electrics Limited, slated to hold on Wednesday, 16 August, 2014 is hereby postponed.”

The electricity industry regulator said: “A new date will be communicated to the general public,” adding that any “incon-

venience is highly regretted.”

Geometric had earlier engaged in other legal battles.

A high wired legal process was initiated by the duo of Aba Power Limited and Geometric Power Aba to prevent the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from selling or privatising any government enterprise, particularly the two ring-fenced business units in Aba, namely; Aba Business Unit and Ariara Business Unit on the pretext of selling or privatising the entire Enugu Distribution Company without respecting the existing agreements between the Federal Government and Aba Power Limited and Geometrics.

The two companies in a suit number FHC /ABJ/CS/106/2013, filed at a federal high court in Abuja, sought to restrain the privatisation agency from listing the two business units among government-owned companies slated for privatisation.

The legal option was the second phase of the cordon mounted around the two business units after a newspaper advertisement sponsored by Aba Power Limited warned members of the public to steer clear of Enugu Distribution Company.

The agreement dated April 28, 2005, was said to have ringfenced Aba and Ariara Business units within Enugu Disco and leased it to Aba Power

Limited. The notice as stated in the advert was “to inform the general public, especially interested parties in the Enugu Disco, that because of the encumbrance of Enugu Disco, any purported sale, purchase, lease or transfer of any rights whatsoever over Enugu Disco that includes Aba and Ariara business units will be a breach of various agreement entered into with the federal government.

However, in a suit no: FHC/ ABJ/CS/106/2013, Interstate Electrics Limited sought to be joined in the case instituted by Aba Power Limited and Geometrics Power Aba Limited against the BPE, giving another dimension to the controversy.

The Federal Government had in May 11, 2004 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Geometrics Power Limited for the construction of 3 x 35MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant to provide the emergency power to be added to the national grid in line with the power policy of the Federal Government. Article 4.2.3 of the Electric Power Policy directed that the power to be generated through these IPP and EPP should be resold to National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), its distribution subsidiaries or privatised subsidiaries for distribution to the end users.

BUSINESS | ENERGY 29

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

GAS FOR POWER Gas-for-power loss should be tamed with aggressive pipeline emergency repair system Adeola Yusuf

T

otal Exploration and Production (TEPN) has advocated emergency pipeline repair system to end the multi-billion dollars loss to oil spills and transportation of gas-for power in Nigeria.

The company stated this in a presentation at the justconcluded 38th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos.

Two staff of TENP, Mr. Afemena Iyede and Mr. Mobolaji Akinola, did a joint presentation of a paper entitled: “Developing a robust emergency pipeline repair system in Nigeria.

They maintained that there is no industry code regulating emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) in

Oil spill: Total backs emergency pipeline repair system Nigeria.

“There is no industry code regulating EPRS. Various pipeline design and integrity management codes that are available only address pipeline repairs methods,” they said.

Consequently, they called for collaboration among major pipelines operators such as the government, partners (NAPIMS, DPR and NNPC), as well as service contractors to form a world-class EPRS Club in Nigeria.

They listed EPRS Clubs by some operators, contractors and partners in other countries to include RUPE in Gulf of Mexico and PRS in Norway. “World Class EPRS Programme on-going in Persian Gulf by all gas pipelines operators,” they said.

According to the presentation, in Nigeria, DPR guidelines exists, however, EPRS is

a missing link in the country’s guidelines and procedures for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of oil and gas pipeline systems in Nigeria – 2007.

The EPRS critical assets, in the words of Iyede and Akinola, is to mitigate shut down of entire field/loss of revenue, impact on infrastructural developments such as the loss of 480mmscf/d of gas (30% of installed gas capacity for power generation) in Nigeria due to pipeline vandalism, early 2014.

Other benefits according to the experts, are to address issues of ageing assets, continuous extension of life of fields, and the tie-in of new fields (esp. marginal fields/ discovery) to existing nearby export pipeline.

The EPRS will also address some threats and hazards including the ones in volatile

onshore regions such as the Niger Delta, design and operational hazards such as vessel impact, dropped objects, among others.

The duo explained: “It is a team work – logistics is key!

Issues like weak coordination can render the entire system unavailable and cause unnecessary delays, which can become catastrophic, quality control of stocked spares, periodic inspection and maintenance, handling and lifting procedures, test and more tests!

“The recommendations include development of the EPRS early in a project life cycle during design phase.

The industry is to also develop codes and standards and standardise EPRS guidelines/ practice with a collaboration among major pipelines operators, government, partners (NAPIMS, DPR & NNPC), and service contractors.

“A World-Class EPRS Club in Nigeria will help to consolidate database of pipeline failures and repair solutions/ processes to form a lesson learnt database. It will also encourage more Local Content participation in EPRS

related activities.”

On the future work, the TENP staff advocated the need for diverless intervention tools, equipment and materials suited for deep water EPRS. The duo stressed the need for: “More investments in R&D for deep water technologies like repairs of pipe in pipe systems, IPB, hybrid riser systems. Cost effective solutions also needs to be developed.

“A Robust EPRS Strategy prepares you to “pro-act” and reduce losses caused by lengthy response time! Pipelines failures do happen during construction/ installation during life of field and this can be minor damage localised corrosion. Weld defect and metallurgical defect can also be a major damage, including rupture, leakage and sabotage/vandalism. But organised response to identify, assess, stabilise and restore the mechanical and operating integrity of a section of damaged CRITICAL pipeline is critical, while maintaining high safety standards and mitigating against any environmental impact.”

Citi targets Nigeria, others for $2.5bn “Power Africa” funds

N

Mr. Uche Eme, explaining the activities of Total to Taofik Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, and Bernard Oboarakpe, Chairman, SPE Nigerian Council while others watch.

Niger, Chad sign oil pipeline agreement EXPANSION Niger moves to increase revenue from oil through export

A

ll is virtually set for Niger to begin exporting oil through Chad and Cameroon in 2016.

This follows an agreement reached with Chad on the laying of a pipeline from Niger through its territory as a follow-up to an earlier accord with Cameroon for Niger's crude oil to be exported at Kribi on the Atlantic coast

through the current ChadCameroon pipeline run by COTCO. President Mohamadou Issoufou who announced it also expressed the hope that Niger’s oil exports would soon reach 80,000 barrels per day to enable the country make more money for its development.

Oil ministers of the two countries recently reached an understanding on the matter, he disclosed.

Niger, which is one of Africa’s newest oil producers, began pumping oil in 2011 as part of a $5 billion (about FCFA 2,451 Billion) deal with China National Petroleum

Corporation (CNPC), to develop the Agadem Block.

With production from Agadem in the north-eastern part of the country, CNPC supplies 20,000 barrels a day to the SORAZ Refinery in Zinder, a joint venture between Niger and China.

Given that total national demand is only 7,000 barrels, the remaining 13,000 barrels are available for export.

Government, last November, allocated 59 new oil reserves in Agadem to CNPC. Its spokesman and Minister of Justice, Marou Amadou, said that production could reach 1 billion barrels.

igeria is at the center stage of a new fund by global lender, Citi to power Africa.

The Bank, which gave this hint in a press statement obtained by New Telegraph at the weekend, pledged to source $2.5 billion in incremental capital to improve access to electricity for millions of people across Africa as part of the “Power Africa” initiative.

Power Africa is a multistakeholder partnership between the US Government, governments of several African countries and other public and private sector entities, working to accelerate investment in Africa’s power sector over the next several years.

Citi will also leverage its financing expertise in renewable energy to encourage the adoption and implementation of the appropriate technologies for specific markets.

The bank will work with key stakeholders in local capital markets to introduce innovative debt securities and to enhance financial infrastructure.

Accelerating the development of local capital markets will mobilize domestic savings and attract greater international financial resources to the power sector in Africa.

By deploying its systems and technology to enhance the payment and collection capabilities of the various providers in the “Power Africa”

markets, Citi aims to increase efficiency and transparency along the entire supply chain.

Jim Cowles, CEO of Citi for the Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, said, “We are proud to be a partner in this phenomenal project, an initiative to double the number of people who have access to electricity across Africa.

Citi has a unique footprint in Africa and a commitment to enabling progress on the continent through our technical expertise, financing and risk mitigation tools.”

Citi operates in more than 40 countries in Africa with offices in 16 countries, including key markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

Over the past two years, Citi has enabled over $1.5 billion in funding for the power sector in Africa. Citi is also the global leader in placing project finance / infrastructure risk into the international capital markets.

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

30

BUSINESS | ENERGY

SOLUTION New NNPC boss vows to find lasting solutions to some of the knotty issues in the industry

Adeola Yusuf

T

he newly appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha has said he would uphold the principle of transparency and accountability in the day-to-day running of the corporation.

Dahwa, who said this in a statement, vowed that he would find lasting solutions to some of

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

How I’ll run NNPC, by Dahwa the knotty issues plaguing the petroleum sector.

The statement, issued by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, quoted the new GMD to have also solicited for maximum support from the members of staff.

Dahwa also stressed that the moment has come for the NNPC to impact more on the Nigerian society.

Expressing gratitude to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his appointment, he promised to sustain the ongoing transformation of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry in order

to impact positively on the economy.

“The new GMD expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his appointment and assured that the management under him would find lasting solutions to some of the knotty issues plaguing the petroleum sector,” the statement read.

“He applauded Engr. Yakubu for his commitment and dedication to the service of the nation over the last 30 years and wished him well in his future endeavor.

“Dr. Dawha solicited for maximum support from the members of staff stressing that the moment has come for the NNPC

to impact more on the Nigerian society.”

The NNPC spokesperson noted that earlier, the former GMD, Engr. Yakubu had thanked the President for the opportunity given him to rise to the pinnacle of his career and congratulated the new GMD on his well deserved appointment.

Engr. Yakubu described the new GMD of NNPC as a thorough bred professional, who has the intellectual capacity to navigate the NNPC and the entire oil industry to the next level.

Before his appointment as GMD, Dr. Dawha was the Group Executive Director for Exploration and Production of the NNPC, where he was saddled

Schlumberger wins $185m Statoil drilling contract

Why unemployment persists, by steel workers

N

orwegian energy firm Statoil awarded Schlumberger a 1.15 billion crown ($185 million) two-year contract to provide integrated drilling services for several major fields on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Services will include the delivery of directional drilling, measurement while drilling, logging while drilling and mud logging services at Gullfaks, Gullfaks Satellites, Snorre, Statfjord, Tordis/Vigdis, and Visund fields.

Schlumberger Ltd expects the temporary shutdown of its operations in southern Iraq last month in a "security incident" to reduce fourth-quarter profits about 2 percent, the oilfield services company on Tuesday.

"With strong support from the authorities, we are almost back to normal activity levels at this stage, and expect to see continued strong growth for our business in Iraq next year," Patrick Schorn, Schlumberger's president of operations and integration, told an investor conference.

T

New Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Joseph Dawha receiving the hand over notes from former GMD Engineer Andrew Yakubu at the NNPC Towers Abuja recently

Eko power firm to tackle billing challenges TEST-RUN EKEDC has conducted the pilot scheme of the new billing system in one of its eleven Business Districts Adeola Yusuf

E

ko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has said that it would soon put an end to its customers complaints about the veracity of their monthly electricity bills.

The company, which said this in a statement by its Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Godwin Idemudia.

He maintained that these customers might soon have cause to smile as the company has perfected plans to introduce what the Managing Director, Engineer Oladele Amoda, described as “a customer-friendly billing system.”

This system, statement quoted Amoda to have said, is to “re-

with the onerous responsibility of repositioning and setting strategic direction for the upstream exploration and production activities of the NNPC. The new GMD joined the services of the NNPC in 1988. Dr. Dawha as MD IDSL according to the statement, turned around the fortunes of IDSL, which saw it exceeds its target between 2007 and 2010.

The new GMD hails from Biu in Borno State and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1977, a Masters of Science in the same discipline in 1985 and a Doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering in 1988.

place the current system that is dogged with complaints and controversy from customers.”

Engineer Amoda, the statement continued, made this disclosure during the courtesy visit by management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company to the GOC 81 Division of the Nigerian Army Major General Tammy Dibi in Lagos.

Explaining further the Eko Disco chief helmsman, he said new smart meters would be issued to customers so as to eliminate all forms of controversy and customers distrust associated with the present billing system.

He said the pilot scheme of the new system was already being carried out in one of the 11 business districts of the company, adding that so far, it has proven to be effective.

The new system, according to him, would commence with industrial customers on very high energy consumption before it would be introduced to residential and commercial customers.

He said: “We are not unmindful of the constant com-

plaints of our customers regarding the accuracy of our billing system, even though some of the assumptions about our billing system may not always be right, we are nonetheless, working round the clock to introduce a fool-proof billing system that will be acceptable to all’.

The EKEDC boss added that the privatisation of the electricity industry was borne out of the realisation that government alone would not be able to tackle the challenges of inadequate power supply in the country.

He listed some of the challenges militating against regular electricity supply to include obsolete equipment, high level of indebtedness by customers and vandalism of electricity equipment by some criminal elements within the society. He said with steps being taken by the new owners, these challenges would soon be a thing of the past.

The EKEDC helmsman had earlier appreciated the role being played by the Army to ensure security of the entire

country.

Responding, the 81 Division GOC, Major General Tibi appealed to the company to ensure a total shift from the old system in order to win customer’s confidence and understanding. The Army chief advocated regular payment of electricity bills by all customers of the electricity distribution companies since the companies would need money to effect the desired change in the system.

He however, appealed to the new companies to also ensure that their services to their customers wore a human face.

Stressing that the visit by the Eko Disco Management was an indication of the very good relationship existing between the company and the Nigerian Army, he said that he would do everything in his capacity as the GOC to sustain the cordial relationship.

General Tibi assured the visiting Eko Disco delegation of the readiness of his division to do all within the law to assist the company at all times.

he Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN) has said that the ‘death’ of the steel industry in the country aggravated the nation’s unemployment rate.

Deputy-General Secretary of the association, Mr Adewale Okesola, stated this in an interview in Lagos.

Okesola said that unless the steel industry was revived, unemployment problem in the country would persist.

He said that the Ajaokuta Steel Company alone, if revived, could employ no fewer than 140,000 Nigerians.

“If Ajaokuta alone can absorb so much unemployed Nigerians, then we can be sure that the other steel firms, if also revived, would employ much more.

“So, let the government ensure the revival of the steel companies scattered around the country.

“By the time Ajaokuta, Delta, Osogbo, Jos and Kastina steel firms are revived, we will not be talking of unemployment in the country,’’ he said.

Okesola added that apart from creating direct employment, the revival of the steel sector would also create indirect employment for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, the revival of the industry would definitely aid the growth of the country’s new automobile industry and the transformation of the epileptic Nigerian Railway Corporation.

He said: “Government knows the genesis of the nation’s calamity in terms of unemployment, except if they do not want to be sincere.

“If government can be sincere and focused; if they can pump money such that the steel industry will pick up, we will forget some of our current plagues.”

The union’s secretary stated that lack of commitment, corruption and politicisation of the steel sector, were responsible for its ruin.

He added that the problems had also hindered all efforts to transform the industry.

BUSINESS | ENERGY

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

SOLAR POWER Total to deliver 1700MW of solar independent power projects in the next five to eight years

Adeola Yusuf

T

he Federal Government has disclosed plan to boost power generation in Nigeria with new focus on renewable energy.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo who said this in Abuja maintained that the issue of power is one of the cardinal points of this administration and anything that will increase the supply of power in Nigeria will be deeply welcomed.

According to a statement by the vice-president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Malam Sani Umar, Sambo made this known when he met with a delegation from Total Nigeria Ltd. The vice-president noted that the global trend in power generation was efficient utilisation of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, which Nigeria has in abundance.

The statement quoted Sambo as saying that President Jonathan’s administration was doing everything possible to meet Nigeria’s electricity demands.

“The issue of power is one of the cardinal points of this administration and anything that will increase the supply of power in Nigeria will be deeply welcomed and the administration will do everything to ensure that it succeeds.”

It said that Sambo commended Total Nigeria Ltd. for

FG to boost power generation with renewable energy its determination to ensure utilisation of Nigeria’s solar energy as a source of electricity generation.

“It is impressive that this has been handled in the highest corporate level,” he said.

The statement said that the vice-president, therefore, assured the delegation of government’s commitment to ensure that the noble objective was

achieved.

It also quoted Total’s Executive Director and leader of delegation, Mr Olubunmi Obembe, as saying in his remarks that the company acquired US-based SunPower, a world leader in solar power operation.

He said this was in the company’s bid to become a major global player in the solar energy market,

Seven Energy has said that it closed a medium term acquisition finance with FBN Bank (UK) and Ecobank Nigeria Adeola Yusuf

S

even Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Accugas have closed a $170 million medium term acquisition finance with FBN Bank (UK) Limited and Ecobank Nigeria Limited to part finance the acquisition of East Horizon Gas Company Limited.

Chief Technical Officer of Seven Energy, an indigenous oil and gas company, Campbell Airlie, said this at the just concluded 38th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos.

Airlie also said that the company has continued to invest in the development of the Nigerian workforce to support its growing investment in gas.

Nigeria, according to him, must harness its gas to power resource to enhance her as-

Obembe said that the company was collaborating with various Federal Government institutions and international partners to fast-track the construction of solar power plants in Nigeria.

“This will be achieved through Public Private Partnership (PPP), particularly with state governments.

“Already, the company

is collaborating with three states, namely Nasarawa, Ekiti and Katsina, for the development of 150MW in Nasarawa State, 80MW in Ekiti and 30MW/100MW in Katsina State,” he said.

Obembe further revealed that the company was at various levels of discussion with other states for the construction of the solar power plants.

Gas plant

Seven Energy, Accugas close $170m EHGC acquisition MEDIUM TERM

31

Oil investment draught drags Nigeria’s economic growth –AfDB RISKS

piration to attain global relevance in energy sufficiency and accelerated growth.

Speaking during a panel discussion on the topic: “The Changing Global Energy Supply Balance and Africa’s Economic Transformation,” Airlie stated that for Nigeria to achieve her economic goals, the country should focus on accelerated development of gas to power initiatives because stable power is a catalyst for the growth of every sector of the economy.

The panel discussion included Dr. Tim Okon representing NNPC's Group Managing Director, Joseph Dawha; Engr. Taofiq Ajibade Tijani, Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Recourses Lagos State; Mr. Bernard Oboarekpe, Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council among others.

Airlie said that in addition to investing more in developing the country’s gas resource, Nigeria needs to improve the skills of indigenous manpower in the sector.

According to Airlie, “Nigeria has some of the best gas reservoirs in the world, but what we need now is not just

the best technology but good skilled hands to manage the technology. That is why I am very pleased with Nigeria’s transformative thinking in the area of gas development”.

The Chief Technical Officer stated that Seven Energy remains at the forefront of developing Nigeria’s gas resource through several investment initiatives in the country.

He said that Seven Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Accugas recently closed a USD 170 million medium term acquisition finance with FBN Bank (UK) Limited and Ecobank Nigeria Limited to part finance the acquisition of East Horizon Gas Company Limited.

Airlie said that Seven Energy was proud to support NAICE 2014 as a demonstration of its commitment to the development of the Nigerian oil & gas industry.

The 2014 NAICE conference themed “Africa’s energy corridor; opportunities for oil and gas value maximisation through integration and global approach”, attracted hundreds of participants across the oil and gas industry value chain.

Oil theft, pipeline vandalism and weak investment constitute a drag in growth estimates Adeola Yusuf

O

il sector accounted for 37 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about a fifth of government revenues, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has said.

The lender, which said this in its Economic Outlook (AEO) 2014, however, noted that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism as well as weak investment currently constitute a drag in growth estimates.

It noted that Nigeria’s growth was mainly driven by non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, trade, information and communications technology (ICT), and other services.

AfDB projected that the growth in sub-Saharan Africa would reach 5.8 per cent in 2014, while the continent as a whole, is expected to grow at between five per cent and six per cent in 2015, a level maintained before

the 2009 global recession.

The report stated that East and West Africa achieved the fastest growth rate of more than six per cent in 2013.

It added that there had been steady progress in economic and social conditions for immediate future prospects for the continent.

The report noted that though economic growth varied widely across the continent, reflecting differences in stages of development clouding availability of natural resources, weather conditions as well as political and social stability, West Africa is expected to continue its rapid growth to more than seven per cent in 2014 and 2015.

Allison-Madueke

32 BUSINESS | ENERGY SOLID MINERALS DG of NGSA says solid minerals hold strong potential for economic diversification Adeola Yusuf

T

he federal government needs to intensify its plans to diversify the economy, Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Mr. Alex Ndubuisi Nwegbu, has said.

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter depends largely on oil proceeds to service about 85 per cent of her budget.

The NGSA boss, who made this call in an interview with New Telegraph, said that there is a need to use the mining sector for rapid economic diversification.

He said: “I am not comfortable with the emphasis laid on the solid minerals sector. I think the basic problem is lack of understanding of the sector by both the policy makers and executors. People easily get discouraged when they invest huge amounts of money on a particular solid mineral and nothing comes out of it, and they decide not to continue.

“Somebody may invest $50 million and find nothing, or he does not find up to a commercial quantity or quality he wants. So, people need educa-

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Geologists to FG: Diversify economy tion about investment in the solid minerals sector, unlike the investment made in real estate, where in a short, while you see structures springing up.

“People are well informed about the oil industry, which is mainly run by expatriates, who understand the sector even though they find nothing after

investing millions of dollars.

So, people need enlightenment on the peculiar nature of the solid minerals sector.”

He explained that it is an “enormous responsibility to be asked to provide necessary information for the wide range of interest groups. We have the competency in terms of the

Staff of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria at the 38th conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos.

Oil falls to $105 per barrel REASON The fall in oil price came after the United States (US) air strike in Iraq

Adeola Yusuf

B

rent crude oil fell toward $105 a barrel at the weekend, following U.S. air strikes in Iraq that analysts said might lower the risk of oil supply disruptions from OPEC's second-largest producer, while U.S. crude found support from a rebounding stock market.

Brent oil prices rose on Thursday on reports that the United States was considering air strikes on the Islamic State fighters who have advanced across Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. But traders took profits on Friday after the Pentagon confirmed the mili-

tary intervention in the north of the country.

"In essence we find U.S. air strikes more bearish than bullish for oil as the act finally draws a line not to cross for IS and re-enforces both the stability in south Iraq and in Kurdistan," said Oliver Jakob, an analyst at Switzerland-based Petromatrix, in a note to traders.

Brent hit a weekly high of $106.85 earlier in the session, but soon entered negative territory and settled 42 cents lower at $105.02 a barrel.

U.S. crude rose 31 cents to settle at $97.65 a barrel, off an intraday high of $98.45. U.S. prices were supported by a sudden rebound in the stock market prompted by news that Russia was ending military drills near the Ukrainian border.

The spread <CL-LCO1=R> between the two benchmarks closed at $7.37.

Both Brent and U.S. crude inverted their upward trajectory in mid-morning trading,

G

currently pumps about 230,000 barrels per day, down from a peak of close to 400,000 bpd in the 1990s.

Drilling deep offshore the Gulf of Guinea is expensive but potentially very rewarding for oil firms, given the similar geology to oil-rich Brazil, where billions of barrels of oil have been discovered.

The companies that have signed contracts are: Impact, Repsol , Marathon, Noble En-

information relevant to their own operations.”

He explained why banks are averse to fund the solid mineral sector. “Not that banks don’t want to fund the sector because we have had interactions with them, and they have said specifically that, one, the money in their custody are people’s money, and before they can commit people’s money into investment, they would be absolutely sure about the investment.

“One of the major challenges in the sector is that investors don’t have enough geoscience information to make investment decisions. The banks are saying, ‘if we don’t have enough geosciences information how can we invest other people’s money?” So, we are not comfortable that people are not sure how we can make returns on investment.

“I grew from the system, so, we already have direction. We are going to make NGSA the primary agency of government responsible for the generation, collation, archiving and dissemination of geosciences. And this is a great responsibility because a lot of agencies rely on these information we generate here.

NGSA is not just about minerals, people in the construction industry, land use planning, military and surprisingly medicine and pharmaceuticals depend on our information.”

3bn barrel of oil discovered in Congo

as initial alarm about escalating violence in Iraq gave way to the recognition that the U.S. air strike intervention could in the long-run secure oilfields not just in the north, but also in the more prolific oil-producing regions further south.

Brent spiked above $115 in mid-June on fears that violence in Iraq would disrupt oil supplies. But prices have fallen back more than $10 over the past six weeks, as it became clear that Iraqi oil continued to flow steadily from southern fields, over 500 miles (900 km) from the escalating violence in the north.

The Kurdistan Regional Government on Friday said its oil export pipeline to Turkey was operating normally at a rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd).

In Kurdistan, producer Afren suspended output at its small Barda Rash oilfield, but Genel Energy said its Taq Taq and Tawke oilfields continued producing and averaged 230,000 bpd this week.

Gabon signs $1.1bn offshore oil contracts with six firms abon's oil ministry said at the weekend that it had signed seven oil contracts with six companies as part of an offshore licensing round expected to attract at least $1.1 billion in investment to the sector.

The Central African country hopes that this tender, its tenth, will help it reverse a chronic decline in output due to maturing onshore fields.

The former OPEC member

training to carry out these responsibilities for the various areas of geo-physics, geology, hydrogeology, geo-chemistry, GIS and remote sensing.

“The synergy of all these specialised groups produces these level of information that address the needs of the people who are desirous of having our

ergy, Petronas and Woodside.

The deals end over nine months of arduous negotiations in which the list bidders has changed several times.

Two companies - U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil and British oil explorer Ophir - invited in late July to enter a final round of negotiations did not feature on the ministry's final list. Australia's Woodside was not invited to the final round, yet was named as a winner.

A

n oil company owned by Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler said at the weekend that it had discovered around three billion barrels of oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an amount similar to the proven reserves of oil producers Britain and South Sudan.

The crude was discovered around Lake Albert on Congo's eastern border with Uganda, Oil of DRCongo said in a statement.

An analysis of seismic survey data "indicates around 3 billion barrels of oil in place", it said, although it was not yet clear what portion was recoverable.

"These are very positive results from our extensive seismic campaign," said Giuseppe Ciccarelli, Oil of DRCongo's CEO. "We continue to believe the project has the potential to provide significant revenues and multiple other benefits to the people of (Congo)."

The nearby Ugandan blocks are estimated to hold a similar amount of oil and are being developed by British company Tullow , France's Total and China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC).

Oil of DRCongo said it now plans to prepare for the drilling of two exploration wells on the site by building infrastructure and relocating local communities.

Resource-rich Congo produces just 25,000 barrels of oil per day from onshore and offshore fields in western coastal areas and is seeking to increase production dramatically to boost growth and relieve poverty.

Oil made up just 1.7 percent of Congo's gross domestic product in 2012, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Oil of DRCongo said production of 50,000 barrels per day at Lake Albert would expand Congo's economy by 25 per cent.

But industry sources say the volumes should be considered provisional and point to the difficulty of exporting the oil from eastern Congo - a region hundreds of kilometres from export points on the shores of the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

"Seismic estimates still need to be confirmed by a serious drilling campaign and I would not be surprised if the amount is reduced by a significant percentage," said one source with experience assessing oil exploration projects in Africa.

Risk consultancy Maplecroft's Ben Payton said oil could, in theory, be exported via a planned pipeline from Uganda to the ocean but added tension between Uganda and Congo made this unlikely.

Oil of DRCongo operates blocks one and two at Lake Albert on behalf of Foxwhelp and Caprikat, both subsidiaries of Gertler's Netherlandsbased company Fleurette, which has several interests in Congo's mining sector.

Campaign groups such as Global Witness say Gertler, an influential figure in Congo with close ties to President Joseph Kabila's government, received concessions at low prices before selling them on for large profits, particularly in a series of mining deals between 2010 and 2012.

PROPERTY&ENVIRONMENT PAGE 33, Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Lagos: Developers lament delay in issuance of electronic C-of-O INTERRUPTION

This has drawn-back housing development and reduced access to development permits Dayo Ayeyemi

W

hen Lagos State government through its Land Bureau launched the electronic Certificates of Occupancy (e-C-of-O) by presenting them to the first set of beneficiaries who were majorly 55 property owners in various estates in January, 2014, the built environment professionals and property owners had lauded the initiative, believing that the delay being suffered in getting title to their properties was over.

However, barely seven months after this new document was introduced, it has now become a great hurdle for prospective property developers seeking Certificate of Occupancy in the state following the alleged inability of government to roll out the new title documents after the first set.

The situation, developers said, have hampered their projects and has made it impossible for them to secure development permits.

A reliable source, however, said that government was having challenges with the e-C-of-O, while prospective property owners still rely on the yellow paper (old C-of-O).

One professional institution seeking title to its land in order to commence the development of its corporate headquarters could not proceed due to the delay in the issuance of the e-C-of-O. Also, the Urban and Regional Planning law 2010 has made collection of C-of-O mandatory before the commencement of physical development.

Director of Land Regularisation in Lagos State’s Land Bureau, Mr Bode Agoro, denied the allegation, in reaction to a text message sent to him on the allegation, saying “ That is not accurate.”

He stated that the Bureau has been issuing e-C-of-O every month since the launch, adding that their release was structured to be gradual and orderly to avoid error.

Agoro said: “That is not accurate. We have been handing out e- C-of-Os every month since the launch in January.

The release is structured to be gradual and orderly so as not to create chaos. The governor has been consistently signing e- C-of-Os and has singed all the

One of the housing projects in Lagos State

e- C-of-Os in his mail box, (over a thousand). They will all get their e- C-of-Os soon.”

But, Principal Partner, Bisi Adedire and Partner, a town planning consulting firm, Mr Bisi Adedire, while lamenting the delay in securing his clients’ C-of-O, said that up till now, he has not got the e- C-of-O, which he applied for over five months ago.

This, he said has slowed down his work since he could not obtain development permits to commence the project since C-of-O is a prerequisite for collection of permits.

He pointed out that the process of C-of-O might take

minimum of six months, but with the electronic C-of-O the process is expected to be faster and easier, but “ it as if we have not gotten it right because the officers in the Land Bureau still have to visit the site, take necessary measurement, combine the coordinates despite all the equipment that Lagos State has put in place,” adding that “the scheme has not been able to achieve the set target.”

“Right now, routine work is still the order of the day,” he lamented.

Adedire blamed human factor for the hitches in the processing of the new C-of-O, saying

that people in charge still want to see applicants physically.

Presenting the documents in January this year to the first beneficiaries, Governor Babatunde Fashola had said that the migration from the paper title to electronic C-of-O was the state’s response to the problem of document counterfeiting.

According to him, the illegal printing of the “Yellow Paper” by some unscrupulous people has affected the reliability of the paper C-of-O as a legal title to properties in the state He said that the new electronic title was to eliminate fraud in the system and ensure efficient

Bureaucracy delays Lagos e-C-of-O –Expert Mr Bisi Adedire is the Principal Partner, Bisi Adedire and Partner, a town planning consultant firm. He spoke on the current issue regarding e- C of O in Lagos

electronic C of O now, which is to make the process faster and easier, you may get it in three months. But yet it is as if we have not gotten it right because the officers in the Land Bureau still have to visit the site, take necessary measurement, combine the coordinates despite all the equipment that government has put in place at a huge cost. Despite this, it has not been able to achieve the set target.

Why have you not be able to secure development permit for your clients because of Certificate of Occupancy?

You see, it has been a policy in the state that before you obtain your building permit you must have your title ready in terms of Certificate of Occupancy, Deeds of Assignment, Deeds of Conveyance and so on. The process of C of O may take you a minimum of six months, but with the

How? Right now, routine work is still the order of the day and moving from one table to the order is still prevalence in the bureau. The process is still very cumbersome as it moves from submission to vetting, charting and valuation of the fee, and payment of all the statutory fees C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 4

Adedire

land administration in the state.

“This new electronic document is more secure as it is designed to eliminate cloning and issuance of documents that are not genuine.

“Those issued with this eC-of-O can be sure they have bought land rather than law suits. The new document guarantees safety of properties,” the governor had said.

Fashola said that government would speed up the process of issuance of the new document to clear the backlog of applications. He, however, noted that those with authentic paper C-ofO had nothing to worry about as the old document still provided temporary legal cover on their properties. The governor further stated that holders of the “Yellow paper” would soon be required to turn in their old document for the new e-C-of-O. Shedding more light on the new document, the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said that the issuance of the e-C-ofO was faster and less cumbersome.

According to Muri-Okunola, applicants who fulfil all necessary conditions will be issued the document within 45 days.

On why property owners in government land schemes were being issued the new document first, Muri-Okunola said that the step was purely for ease of administration.

“We are focusing on properties in government’s plans because we are just starting; very soon, we will extend it to private purchasers of land as well,’’ he said.

34

property & ENVIRONMENT

CAPACITY BUILDING To enhance large-scale housing production Dayo Ayeyemi

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sparklight, American firm to partner on housing, infrastructure

I

n a bid to expand its scope and deliver development projects across the country in a more efficient, effective and faster manner, the Sparklight Group, a property development company based in Lagos, is considering a joint venture plan with Leedco Engineers Inc, an Americabased engineering company to realise these objectives.

The joint venture plan has prompted the Chairman of Sparklight Group, Chief Toyin Adeyinka, to pay a business visit to the President of Leedco Engineers Inc, Mr Dennis Lee, and the headquarter of the company in Califoinia, United States of America earlier in the year; while the later was in Nigeria at the weekend for familiarisation and to strategise towards the conclusion of the deal.

Chairman of Sparklight, Chief Toyin Adeyinka, told New Telegraph that he was motivated to go into partnership with the firm considering its achievement all over the world.

Expresssing the hope about the deal sailing through, he said that the ventuer would help Sparklight do things in a better way, more efficient, economical and faster.

He said: “The relationship, at the end of the day, will bring a lot of progress to us and to Nigeria as a country.”

According to him, the partnership would allow his company to do more in terms of volume of construction works being generated every year.

Besides, he said that the joint venture would provide Sparklight the opportunity to move into urban areas where it had before now being unable to due to inadequate technology.

“For example, in the area of bridge work where I have my background as a bridge engineer, my experience is limited because the environment does not give good opportunity to indigenous company. But with the partnership with Leedco, it is my belief that government will start looking positively to-

Units of 3-bedroom apartment in Sparklight- Gateway Estate, Ibafo, Ogun State

wards indigenous companies,” he stated.

Earlier in the year, Sparklight had expressed its intention for expansion. The company said that it would team up with Chinese and American investors to upscale its businesses and fortify its directors with seasoned professionals and technocrats.

The company claims to maintain an enviable track record in property development. Housing estate/commercial complexes so far developed by the company include Kings Court Estate in Abuja, Sparklight Estate at Isheri, Ogun State, Kings Garden Guest House at Asokoro Abuja and Ola Iya Estate at Badagry, Lagos.

The firm is currently constructing several projects such as Rockview Estate, Obasanjo Hilltop in Ogun State and Phase II Gateway Sparklight Estate, Ibafo, Ogun State and

The relationship, at the end of the day, will bring a lot of progress to us and to Nigeria as a country plans to dedicate 70 per cent of the capital raised for real estate/property development.

Upcoming projects, according to the firm, include Sparklight’s Seme International Market, Gaslight Village, Lekki and Millennium Plaza.

Speaking exclusively to New Telegraph on the partnership, President of Leedco Engineers Inc, Dr. Dennis Lee, whose company has developed projects ranging from highway

and bridge infrastructures to housing, airport, parks, water plant and high speed railroad, among others, in the US, South Korea, Iraq and South America, said that he wanted to work with Sparklight for the development of Nigeria.

Three critical areas they are targeting, according to him, include traffic improvement project in Lagos State, housing and power projects.

He said: “We are looking at three different areas: The number one is the infrastructure development in Lagos State, including the traffic improvement project to ease congestion; also, we want to be involved in power generation which is a major issue in the country as you know; and again, housing project.”

He emphasised that many people in Nigeria need affordable housing, saying that the joint venture with sparklight

would help in this area.

“First of all, I should say that Sparklight is really an organised company in this country in the area of development and engineering; and taking advantage of its local experience and considering our pedigree, having developed projects in many places including United States and Korea by deploying technology, we can develop harmony to work together,” he said Already, he pointed out that Sparklight has developed many housing estates, adding that his company could help to promote the business to bigger scale and in more efficient way.

“That is our concern and I know Nigerians need houses.

We can be involved and do it in a large scale, state by state. In the area of infrastructure, we can work with the government of this country to ease traffic on major highways,” Lee said.

Bureaucracy blamed for delay in Lagos e-C-of-O C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

before the confirmation of the plan. The first thing you need to do is to obtain land information from the Office of the Surveyor General which will take you nothing less than two or three months before the Land Information Certificate could be issued; and without it, you cannot do anything.

I believe that with the e-process, by the time you have your surveyor who prepared your survey plan, submitting it to the Surveyor General’s office, I had thought it will be easier for the ministry to coordinate the activities so that the process can be faster; but the reverse is the case now.

Have you find out what is responsible for this delay despite all that has been said and done?

As a practicing professional, you need to study the environment before you know what is required. We

have been clamoring for the electronic processing of C-of-O, even electronic building plan approval too, so that the process could be less cumbersome and you don’t need to see Mr A or B before you go on to chart.

Through electronic means, the traffic congestion on the road will be less since I don’t need to take my car and drive to Alausa before getting my development permit processed. By the time I submit my document through electronic means, it will be processed easily and fast.

What is the best way to go?

The best for the ministry is to harmonise the process so that there will be awareness. There are lots of posters and fliers around on the wall with the inscription "don’t deal with touts,” but let the staff of the department know that it is illegal to collect bribe because immediately they are remunerated adequately, there would be less burden on the pro-

spective applicants seeking Certificate of Occupancy.

What is the importance of C-of-O to property owners?

It is like somebody who bought a property or a parcel of land without having the authentic right on it. So it is the C-of-O that guarantees your right to the land; and without it, you are just gambling with your money because anybody can come at anytime to lay claim to what you bought. But by the time you have your Certificate of Occupancy, it shows the authentic ownership of the land. That is why it is necessary and government even make it compulsory for you to have the title because it will enhance the value of your land apart from giving you ownership right.

It also enhances the property’ s value and you can use the property to obtain loan in the bank. It serves as collateral. Many people clamour for C-of-O to enable them process their development permit because, without it, there is nothing you can do.

property & ENVIRONMENT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

35

‘Knowledge of modern techniques key to acceptance in Nigeria’ Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director of HOB Estates Limited, Chief Bamgbade Olusegun, in this interview with Dayo Ayeyemi, insists that for Nigerians to adopt modern building technologies, their promoters need to do a lot by creating enlightenment for the populace on the advantages There have been agitations by the build environment professionals that if the nation continues with the conventional way of building, it may find it difficult to build mass houses to bridge the housing shortage. What is your view?.

Building pattern in any given society is majorly centered around some sociological perceptions of the people within such society. The fact that modern building techniques are successfully deployed in certain environments does not mean that those areas who have not fully imbibed the idea lag behind in any form.

How? Many factors are largely responsible for people's apathy towards innovation. For instance, most of the modern building techniques we have been talking about are fixed in nature. They are not open to adjustment and readjustment. Once a house is built without an opening for air conditional, there is no way you can add air conditioner into such a house anymore, but that is not the case with the conventional method. You can break down a part and add your desired interest to the house without any serious hitch.

You may wish to restructure the front view of your house without necessarily altering the engineering designs. This may be very difficult with the so called modern technology, whereas it is a simple issue with the conventional building method.

Using Nigeria as a case study, most elites are not even interested in such modern techniques talkless of the

Bamgbade

mass illiterate populace. It is not in our culture to build houses with steel. Neither is it in our culture to build an all round concrete house that is not amenable to any future adjustment.

The historical argument for the seeming rejection of the modern techniques in building technology in Nigeria has some socio-cultural affinities. We cannot rule out the essence of our sociology of building norms. We are used to building houses in stages in Nigeria. Where a house is built within an unrealistic short period, the people will nurse a belief that the house may not be strong enough for habitation.

Does that mean that these technologies cannot be adopted for Nigerian building industry?

Why not? The modern building technology is okay. It

FG committed to excellent road infrastructure delivery, says Adeyeye

M

inister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, has assured the people of Delta State and Nigerians alike of Federal Government’s readiness to deliver on the presidential mandate of providing critical road infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Adeyeye stated this when benefiting communities of the Utor River Bridge in Delta, Edo and Anambra states, led by the community ceaders of Ebu- Illah, Emu Inyele and Igbedo, visited him in his office in Abuja The minister reiterated unal-

loyed commitment of the Federal Government to deliver on critical road infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.

He disclosed that having known the pedigree of the minister and his team who contributed immensely to the achievements recorded on roads and bridges across the country, he is sure that Nigerians will, once more, experience unprecedented road infrastructure development.

Earlier in his remarks, Chief Sunday Obiafulu Ofunne, who led the delegation, appealed that arrangement for a more permanent work should be made for the future

dualisation of the road so as to accommodate the envisaged high traffic volume when the bridge is eventually commissioned for public use.

He added that the communities “are not unmindful of the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, adding that there is the need for a bye pass to the existing road in accordance with the original blue print.”

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Koro Muhammad, assured that all their demands, as promised by the minister, would be looked into and the Utor Bridge would be commissioned within the next two months.

NCF, SPAR lauch online nature photography contest new initiative to stimulate inAresponses terest and generate positive towards nature conservation issues through the use of photography has been born.

Tagged “The Urban Jungle”, the online photography competition is the first national photography contest of its kind in Nigeria, being organised by the foremost nature conservation group, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) with the support of popular mall, SPARS. The initiative is embracing the technological age and effectiveness of social media hence the

competition is entirely run on the Facebook platform - https://www. facebook.com/urbanjunglenigeria.

According to the organiser, the competition is meant to engage as many members of the public as possible and create an opportunity for the appreciation of Nigeria’s natural environment and raw beauty.

The online photo contest which started on May 1, is expected to continue till the end of November 2014.

"Photos of the month will be announced on the 1st of every month.

Top seven pictures with most "like" will receive prizes each month.

The winning entries will be de-

termined through the number of “likes” from members of the public on the dedicated facebook page.

In November, the top ten finalists will be invited to attend the Annual NCF Dinner Dance and Awards where the grand prize winner will be announced," said the organiser.

This is a very unique initiative to engage Nigerian youths to make use of their time on social media for things that are meaningful, positive and rewarding while supporting the nature. We thank Spar Nigeria for providing the prizes for all the potential winners of the photo competition.

can be adopted for Nigerian building industry but there must be enough sensitisation concerning this. People must be well enlightened for the modern building techniques to gain reasonable acceptance in Nigeria. Real Estate Developers Association; Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria; Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; and many other relevant bodies should create realistic enlightenment for the populace on the advantages of the modern building techniques. For instance, the issue of building collapse will be a thing of the past if the modern building techniques are effectively deployed in building constructions in Nigeria.

However, you will need to be careful in the deployment of these modern techniques because the western world that are selling the idea to you are only concerned with the provision of ready market for their products. They are the producers of the socalled modern building materials. If we should take up the modern building techniques as advocated by the western world through their Nigerian counterparts, there is going to be massive unemployment in the building-related industry. For instance, Dangote Cement Factory may ultimately close down; Dangote Transport Company may follow suit. You can imagine what level of unemployment you would have created in Nigeria because of the so-called modern building techniques. I will strictly advise that our local building industry should be encouraged by creating the desirable infrastructures in order to bridge the gap being experienced in the building industry, thereby creating more employment opportunities for the populace.

Do we need any legislation to make this happen?

You cannot coerce people to adopt an alien building technique against their socio-cultural affinity. It cannot work. There will be zero compliance with such legislation. Whosoever advocates such legislation is anti-people. Such legislation will be resisted.

In the first instance, the use of the conventional building method has little or no significant contribution to the wide margin in the provision of mass houses in Nigeria. The main issue is inadequate finance and executive redtapism on the part of the bureaucratic bottlenecks created by the agents of government in the disbursement of funds meant for mass housing constructions. For instance, I have not seen any developer who has a genuine claim to having collected his Estate Development Loan within an acceptable time frame.

You will be delayed for one funny reason or the other till your project is riddled with unmanageable challenges.

How can we create mass houses with such level of unseriousness? The concerned institutions must sit up !

To prove my stance on my penchant for the conventional building method, my company was able to construct over 100 houses in less than 90 days between March 2007 and May 2007 without loosing quality. That alone has proved the proponents of modern building techniques wrong in their unsubstantiated theory of slow pace of construction with the conventional building method.

The conventional building method is not as slow as to causing any delay in the construction of mass housing.

It is the zeal of the developer that matters.

What are the ways out?

The way out is to encourage the local building industry with adequate infrastructural facilities in order to produce affordable building materials. This in turn will create more employment opportunities in the building industry.

The way out is for government and the people to realise that our local building materials industry must be strengthened to produce exportable quality items and create foreign exchange than to encourage the importation of foreign building materials.

The way forward is to encourage the production of such modern building materials in Nigeria and create employment opportunities for our people rather than creating employment for the foreign countries.

I am particularly concerned about massive job creation in Nigerian building industry than the unwholesome adoption of foreign technologies that have no serious economic comparative advantage to our economy.

We cannot continue to rely on imported building materials under the pretense of modern technology. There is nothing modern in any of these technologies that cannot be produced in Nigeria if we are serious.

36 property & ENVIRONMENT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Lagos to review house density in Omole, Magodo – Commissioner REBUTTAL Lagos says it has not breached its law in Omole Phase II

L

agos State government may soon consider the review of Ikeja Model City Plan to accommodate more density per unit, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Toyin Ayinde, has said.

The planned review may not be unconnected with allegation of illegality and impunity against government by residents of Omole Phase II Residential Scheme over construction of some blocks of flats in the estate.

Ayinde said that although there has been moves to review

all the model plans in Lagos but the state government will embark on them one after the other due to paucity of fund.

He said that currently the final draft for the review of Victoria Island/Ikoyi Model City Plan is on-going, assuring that others will be visited to accommodate current realities.

According to him, the review of density per unit in Omole and Magodo estates became necessary due to the increase in value of land in these areas. He said: “You are not expected to buy a plot of land for N60 million and build just bungalow or one storey building on it. There is no way you can realise your profit.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner denied the allegation leveled against the state government by Omole Phase II Residents’ Association over the alleged building

of illegal homes in the estate, saying that there was nothing wrong by constructing the flats, which, he said, is part of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS).

Residents of the Estate had accused government of breaking its own laws and manifesting impunity by erecting the blocks of flats, adding that government had earlier been written on the matter but refused to respond.

Ayinde explained that there was nothing wrong in the government's action which, according to him, is an initiative to increase housing stock for the benefit of the entire public and citizenry of Lagos State.

He added that the state government is gradually shifting from the policy of low density development to increased density development, pointing out

that such shifting is what is obtainable in other places in the world with large population like Lagos State.

He said: “We must appreciate that Lagos is constrained of land and yet has a population above 22 million. This population cannot be accommodated in low-density development - it is not suitable.

“We must begin to shift from the policy of low density development to increased density as done in other places in the world if we must accommodate the people and their activities. Our Ikoyi and Lekki areas have been experiencing this increased density over the last few years.”

Homeowners will be hit when UK interest rates rise –Study

one in 10 home ownNwillearly ers in the UK say that they sell up if interest rates rise and one third say they will potentially struggle, new research has found.

Around one in 10 mortgage customers have already fallen behind with current payments and a third would cut back on all non-essential spending to make ends meet, according to the survey from mortgage broker Ocean Finance.

With the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, recently suggesting that interest rates could start to rise over the next few months, Property Wire report shows that almost half of mortgage borrowers, 46 per cent, admit they would either definitely or potentially struggle if the interest rate on their home loan went up by three per cent.

A three per cent rise in in-

Chios Garden estate, Agbowa, Lagos

The commissioner explained that before the construction of the buildings started at Omole, the government operated within the provisions of the Physical Planning, Urban Development, Urban Regeneration and Building Control Law 2010.

He appealed to residents of the state, especially house owners at Omole Esate Phase II, to support government in its bid to regenerate the state.

The commissioner added that there was nowhere Lagos HOMS was situated that such infrastructure as road network did not follow, adding that the project would benefit its immediate environment.

terest rates would potentially mean borrowers with repayment mortgages paying an additional £150 a month for every £100,000 owed. UK homeowners were asked how they would cope making the increased payments.

More than a third, 38 per cent, said they would potentially struggle with the increase and would have to look at ways to save money and 7.9 per cent revealed they would definitely have difficulties and would immediately seek to sell their property.

Just over one in three, 35 per cent, of mortgage customers noted they would adjust their current budget so they could make sure they were still able to afford the payments. Only one in five claimed they would comfortably manage if the interest rate on their mortgage increased by three per cent.

Nairobi, Cape Town top Africa as luxury residential prices rise globally

A

ccording to UK-based Knight Frank latest Prime Residential Prices Index, luxury residential property prices across the global index's 32 cities rose by 6.2 per cent on average in the year to June 2014 with Nairobi, Cape Town in 17 and 21 positions respectively, leading in Africa.

Luxury homes in key US cities are now increasing in value at a faster rate than those in several European and Asian cities. Of the 32 prime residential markets tracked by the index, 27 recorded positive annual price growth in the year to June 2014, up from 21 a year earlier.

Jakarta and Dublin stand out due to their stellar performances, ending the year to June 27.3 per cent and 23.5 per cent higher respectively. However, in both cases the rate of growth has slowed in the second quarter.

In Dublin's case, the rate of growth slowed from 5.6 per cent

in the first quarter to 2.1 per cent in the second. However, given Ireland's improving economic landscape and the expiry of Ireland's capital gains tax incentive at the end of 2014, we expect prime prices will continue their upward trajectory in the second half of the year.

In Dubai, prime prices rose by 6.3 per cent in the year to June, down from 11.7 per cent last quarter. The mortgage cap and doubling of transfer fees at the end of 2013 influenced buyer activity more than forecast. New research by Knight Frank revealed 25 per cent 35 per cent of purchases are mortgage financed in the Emirate, more than previously thought.

However, with new supply at the prime level looking limited over the next 18 months we expect prices to strengthen in the remainder of 2014.

Kate Everett-Allen, head of International Residential Re-

search at Knight Frank noted last quarter the improving performance of luxury homes in North America. "This trend has continued in the second quarter with New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco all recorded double-digit annual price growth, placing them in the top 10 rankings," said Ms

Everett-Allen.

With the gradual withdrawal of stimulus measures in the US and the UK, the prospect of rising interest rates and the continual enforcement of cooling measures across much of Asia, it would be logical to assume the index's performance would be weakening.

South Beach Southern condominium apartments

However, the index's annual increase of 6.2 per cent in the year to June is above the longrun average of 4.6 per cent recorded since Lehman's collapse in the third quarter of 2008, underlining the extent to which prime property has become a favored asset class globally.

NCAA, NAMA, NIMET merger: Policy p–38 summersault

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

CATASTROPHE There are dearth of pilots, engineers, aircraft inspectors and other essential workers Wole Shadare

N

ot a few have described dearth of manpower in aviation in Nigeria as ‘train wreck that is coming’. With the huge money that the aviation agencies and the Ministry of Aviation spend in training, the aviation sector cannot meet its requirement to run the business on day-to-day basis. As long as that gap in manpower is there, the need to bring in expatriates is justified.

The problems High price of aviation fuel, high charges and taxes are some of the problems of Nigerian airline operators but the most critical which can lead to the demise of the sector or its takeover by foreigners is lack of indigenous manpower.

The problem of inadequate manpower is so critical that it is predicted that if there is no urgent programme to train Nigerians in the technical areas of the industry in the next five years expatriates would become the only personnel in the engineering and flight operations of every airline in the country.

There are dearth of pilots, engineers, aircraft inspectors and other essential workers in the sector. It is very clear that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria cannot produce the manpower need of the aviation industry in Nigeria. The college is saddled with a lot of challenges that it needs to tackle. It is faced with myriads of problems.

The aviation training college, Ilorin, Kwara State, is also complimenting the NCAT, but still has a long way to go.

With the limited resources that they have there, NCAT has a long way to.

Overcoming the problems Industry operators said the only way to overcome this major challenge was for government to take urgent step towards building more training schools or encourage the private sector to do so and every tier of government should also establish a training programme whereby they sponsor their bright youths to aviation schools both in Nigeria and abroad.

The Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Segun Oni raised the alarm recently and said the airlines did not have any other choice than to employ foreigners because there was dearth of indigenous young aviators that could take up the jobs that are given to the foreigners.

Oni said that the situation was dire noting that the NCAT,

BUSINESS 37

Inadequate manpower, bane of aviation

One of the trainer aircraft belonging to Ilorin Aviation College

Zaria and that of Ilorin were grossly inadequate.

According to the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni, whose organisation invests heavily in training, it cost between $250,000 and $300,000 to train one pilot in the United States.

He said while the rotary wing giant will continue to train Nigerian pilots and engineers to reduce the number of expatriates working in the country, the company’s target are to have 100 per cent Nigerian pilots.

“In fact, we in Bristow we are noted for incubating Nigerian pilot in the rotary wing of the aviation industry. We have the highest percentage of Nigerians trained as pilots in the helicopter wing of the aviation industry, in other words, there is virtually no helicopter aviation company that you do not see ex-Bristow pilot well bread in the Bristow tradition of safety,” he said.

The Bristow Helicopters boss disclosed that the company recently trained six helicopter pilots in Florida, United States, adding that in the next couple of weeks, another six will depart for the United States.

New initiative He lamented that Bristow started an initiative with Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, noting that the helicopter giant would continue to work very closely with Zaria in the Nigeria Content drive and in its drive to

build capacity in the country.

Today, there are about 150 private jets in the country and about 65 commercial aircrafts operating both local and international flights. Despite this, young Nigerian pilots and engineers are still finding it extremely difficult to secure jobs due to influx of foreign pilots into the Nigerian aviation sector.

Employed pilots, engineers This is further buttressed by the Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Grand Patron of Nigerian Professional Pilots (NPP), Capt. Nogie Meggison, who said the number of unemployed pilots would definitely increase from the current 200 to more than 300 by the time over 100 student pilots’ sent to Jordan by the Kano State government graduated later

The government should compel foreign carriers to set up a line station for aircraft maintenance in the country and employ local engineers to assist in turning around the growth of the sector

this year.

Meggison spoke in an interview in Lagos, stressing that this is in addition to pilots being trained under the Federal Government Amnesty programme, as well as the fresh batches of 100 graduating from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and the 40 from International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, Kwara State.

Warning The AON boss warned that unless something is done urgently, such development constitutes a disincentive to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.

He noted that over 400 Nigeria licensed aircraft engineers are also out of job, urging the Federal Government to put in place an employment policy that would ensure these aviation professionals are engaged by both indigenous and foreign carriers operating into the country.

He said an enabling policy that would check the influx of foreign pilots and engineers by foreign carriers through the number of flying hours would go a long way to assist Nigerian licensed pilots.

Meggison said there are over 1,000 foreign pilots engaged by both local and foreign registered airplane flying in Nigeria, adding that there also over 500 foreign aircraft engineers employed in the country.

According to him, “The government should compel

foreign carriers to set up a line station for aircraft maintenance in the country and employ local engineers to assist in turning around the growth of the sector. They should look into other avenues also, if policies are not put in place, the challenge of unemployment of pilots and engineers may not be resolved as soon as possible.”

Investment He disclosed that India, Cameroon, Russia and Egypt as examples of countries, where policies exist that prescribe that on every airplane cockpit, there must be a national passport holder inside.

Also speaking at the unveiling of the 127 pilots and engineers in Lagos, the Principal Manager Aviation, Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Capt Perekeme Porbeni, said that the training on these aviation professionals is the biggest investment by the amnesty office, as each of them can cost three-bedroom bungalow.

He added that the training of the 127 pilots and engineers, who were drawn from the Niger Delta Impacted Community Slot, is part of transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan in the aviation industry.

Porbeni said that aviation industry contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP), adding that it contributes N36.6 billion IN 2011, N42.7 in 2012 and N48 .8 billion in 2013.

BUSINESS | AVIATION

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Emirates begins Abuja Dubai daily direct flight

E

mirates, a global connector of people and places has now connected Abuja, the Nigerian capital, to its worldwide network. Abuja is Emirates 26th destination in Africa and its 144th worldwide.

Emirates flight EK785 landed at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 1, marking the start of the airline’s daily service to its second destination in Nigeria. Services to Lagos were launched just over 10 years ago.

“This new daily flight provides a convenient point to point service for our customers between Abuja and Dubai, and it will meet and further stimulate a vibrant market demand between the two cities. It will also serve our customers in Nigeria and around the network with additional connectivity and daily frequency. Our leisure and business passengers from Nigeria can now better connect to the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia via our hub in Dubai. Customers in Abuja can experience our A380 flagship aircraft to 29 destinations around the world, including popular ones like Beijing, Hong

Kong, Mumbai, New York, Jeddah and London,” said Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates vice president commercial operations, Northern and Western Africa.

“With a fast growing economy, Nigeria is a key market for Emirates. We started operations to Nigeria on 2nd January 2004, with four flights a week from Dubai to Lagos. Since then, our operations have steadily grown with increases in both frequency and capacity between Lagos and Dubai. Today, we fly twice daily to Lagos and now we have added Abuja, giving us a total of more than 12,200 seats a week, which will further stimulate business and leisure travel, as well as trade,” he added.

Dubai-Abuja route is served by an Airbus A340-300 which offers 267 seats in a three-class configuration - 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 213 Economy Class seats.

The Airline said that customers on the route experience Emirates’ award-winning hospitality - from multi-national cabin crew and gourmet cuisine to the ice entertainment system, which offers hundreds of channels of audio and visual enter-

tainment. Customers also enjoy Emirates’ generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business and 50kg in First.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of the airline, offers over 180 tonnes of cargo capacity a week on the route.

The main imports into Abuja are expected to be machinery, chemicals, transport equipment and manufactured goods, while exports include leather, vegetables and foodstuffs.

The additional cargo capacity on the new service will see a further strengthening of the bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UAE. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, the value of bilateral trade stood at US$ 106 million at the start of Emirates’ services in 2004. This increased to $ 857 million in 2009 - a 710 per cent increase in a five-year period.

Emirates flight EK 785 departs Dubai daily at 1050hrs and arrives in Abuja at 1510hrs.

The return flight, EK 786 departs Abuja at 1935hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0550hrs the next morning.

One of Emirates A380 aircraft in flight

…Launches in-flight entertainment for visually impaired

E

mirates, the global connector of people and places, continues to set industry standards by becoming the first airline to introduce Audio Description on movies for visually impaired customers on its in-flight entertainment system, ice Digital Widescreen.

Emirates’ ice (information, communication and entertainment) was recently awarded the ‘World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’ award at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards for the 10th consecutive year. ice now offers Audio Description soundtracks on 16 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures films including Frozen, Saving Mr. Banks, Cars 2, Monsters University , Marvel’s The Avengers, Toy Story 3 and all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Audio Description, increasingly common in cinemas and TV, is a recorded narration explaining the scene during the

gaps in dialogue, while the film soundtrack continues at its normal pace.

In 2007, Emirates also worked with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures to introduce Closed Captions, the technology used by the hard of hearing, for the first time in in-flight entertainment. As well as showing the actors' dialogues in subtitles, Closed Captions also include references to sound effects used in the movie. This August ice Digital Widescreen will offer over 50 movies with Closed Captions.

“Our focus is not just the depth and diversity of our onboard entertainment, but also relevance. Making entertainment accessible to our diverse customers is very important to us. It was our motivation to introduce movies that can be enjoyed by customers with visual difficulties. Our greatest satisfaction comes from delivering an exceptional customer

experience, which we hope our constant innovation fulfils. In future, we want to add more content with Audio Description, so visually impaired passengers can be entertained with an even wider choice of content when flying with us,” said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Vice President Corporate Communications Product, Publishing, Digital & Events.

Emirates’ award-winning ice Digital Widescreen offers a staggering choice of over 1,800 channels of entertainment, including over 400 movies from around the world, hundreds of hours of TV and thousands of hours of music from contemporary to classical. Customers onboard Emirates’ new Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft will now be able to enjoy the ice system on larger personal TV screens with HD resolution: 27-inch in First Class, 20-inch in Business Class and 12.1 inch in Economy Class.

AIR RAGE

WITH

38

Wole Shadare

NCAA, NAMA, NIMET merger: Policy summersault

O

ne would have expected that the highly controversial merger of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) have been put to rest, going by the criticisms that trailed the Steve Oronsanye Committee’s report.

But report has it that the Federal Government may have concluded to seal the ‘deal’ this month end in one of the many bad decisions taken recently in the nation’s aviation sector.

But did the Oronsaye-led committee consult aviation experts, the international Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other conventions that Nigeria is signatory to, before compiling its recommendations and finally submitting it? Did the Federal Government think the implementation through?

It was learnt that that the sacked Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah had consulted some agencies chiefs but deceived that the idea was good.

But who exactly did she consult? Hope it was not the fake and terrible people who pride themselves as ‘Aviation consultants” who have done more damage to the sector in the past and some who helped to ruin Nigeria Airways.

The Federal Government had hinted that the decision was taken to cut cost and reducing the huge costs of running the agencies. Aviation is not like any other sector. It is very important and has to be made very safe.

Not only would this action drag the sector back 20 years, it would also do incalculable damage to a sector that is already ailing and one that may eventually collapse.

For many stakeholders, the idea is just policy gymnastics

by Abuja; while others who are less charitable argue that it is a mere merry go round.

The ensuing surprise among stakeholders, they argue, was not because of its newness, but that an experiment which failed in 1995, is been repeated so soon, 14 years after it was jettisoned.

Many of such stakeholders swore they have seen such before, but that it did not endure time. recalling that on August 31, 1995, when Air Commodore Nsikak Eduok was Minister of Aviation, he merged the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Federal Government had in May this year accepted the recommendation of the Steve Oronsaye Committee, which proposed that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority, FCAA,

while their respective enabling laws are to be amended accordingly to reflect the merger.

The letter, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Abubakar for the Secretary of the government of the federation and sent to the ministry of aviation, said that the submission of the report became necessary in order for the government to eventually go ahead with the planned merger of the agencies.

The letter emphasised that upon the receipt of the committee’s report; the government had directed each ministry to set up Ministerial Technical Committees, MTCs, for the implementation of the decisions of the White Paper on the restructuring and rationalisation of federal government agencies, parastatals and commissions and ordered it to forward to the government the day-to-day report of the committees.

The letter read in part, “As specified in the circular, each technical committee is to undertake the detailed day-to-day implementation of the decisions in the white paper, as may be applicable to the agencies being supervised by your ministry/office. It is therefore, expected that your technical committee has proceeded with the implementation of the decisions of the white paper as they affect the agencies under your ministry.

“Accordingly, I am to inform you that the secretary to the government if the federation/ chairman of the implementation committee of the white paper on restructuring and rationalization of federal government agencies, parastatals and commissions has directed that each ministerial technical committees should submit a progress report on its assignment to the undersigned on or before Monday 21st July, 2014.

“I am further explaining that the report should provide explicit proposals on how the merger or restructuring of the affected agencies could be effected, including the proposed organizational structure and the required manning levels for each of the merged or restructured agency.”

Besides, another letter from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, dated 17th July, 2014 on the subject matter with the reference number: CAO12/003/772/II and signed by the Director, Human Resource Management, A.A. Tsafe for the Honourable Minister of Aviation, also ordered the affected agencies’ CEOs, to send their progress report through email to abubakr289@yahoo.com before close of day on Friday, 18th July, 2014.

The letter said that this was necessary in a bid to enable it collate and send same to the office of the secretary to the government on or before July 21st, 2014 as directed.

BUSINESS | AVIATION

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

39

Are plane cabins hotbeds of Ebola? that a passenger could board a flight before they have developed the full-blown symptoms.

But so far, the evidence suggests you are unlikely to catch it from someone in the early stages of the disease, before they have started vomiting and bleeding.

“I wouldn’t want to be a passenger next to a guy with Ebola,” admits Edmunds. “But if they are just sitting there with a fever, I can’t imagine the situation being high risk.” Oxford points out that basic hygiene measures should further reduce the chance of infection – even if it can’t eliminate the danger completely. “The Ebola virus is very easily killed; you can kill it with hot water and soap,” he says. “Alcohol rubs get rid of it in a microsecond.”

How much do crowded plane cabins increase the risk of catching and spreading infectious diseases beyond national borders?

WOLE SHADARE, asks

T

he fear of Ebola disease many say is the beginning of wisdom. It is one that the whole world is trying to deal with. The disease which has killed over 900 persons is spreading so fast that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to declare an emergency.

Airlines in West Africa and some parts of the world had begun to impose restrictions on air travel. Frequent flyers are now on guard against coughing, sneezing in fear of spreading the virus. The possibility that much more serious epidemics or pandemics could spread by air travel has been a worry for years, whether it is avian flu, Sars or tuberculosis.

Barak Obama and David Cameron have all raised concern on the outbreak of the disease.

How likely is it to catch a deadly disease mid-flight, and what might stop a sick passenger carrying it between countries?

Outbreak fear The Ebola outbreak is stoking fears of a deadly virus spreading across the world through air travel.

The question people ask is, are plane cabins hotbeds of disease? Frequent flyers are often on guard against sneezing or coughing co-passengers, in fear of catching what they have. Now we are in the middle of one of the deadliest outbreaks of Ebola virus ever: the outbreak started in Guinea last March and soon reached Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Concern in the West has heightened after it emerged that a man had flown on a flight from Liberia via Lome, Togo carrying the virus with fears growing that air travel could quickly carry the terrifying disease around the world.

World leaders including

Transmission controversy The risks of catching an infection from an ill passenger are not as high as you would think, says Christine Pearson, a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Told BBC that, “It’s not any more dangerous than any place where you are in touch with lots of people – like a shopping mall food court for example.

John Oxford, a virologist at Queen Mary University, London, agrees. He points out that the aeroplane ventilation goes from the ground to the ceiling, where the air is filtered for bacteria and viruses before it recirculates. Simulations looking at the potential spread of germs have found that they are generally confined to just a couple of rows either side of the carrier.

F

or the fourth time in a row Lufthansa German Airlines has been voted “Europe’s leading Airline” at the World Travel Awards – an award for the best of Europe’s travel industry following a voting process involving 230,000 travel tourism and hospitality professionals worldwide. Lufthansa was selected as winner from a shortlist of eleven top European airline brands in Athens, Greece. For the first time, Lufthansa also won the top spot as “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” – receiving medals for its First Class Terminal and Frankfurt Airport lounges.

President and Founder, World Travel Awards Graham E. Cooke said, "For over 20 years World Travel Awards has been celebrating those brands which push the boundaries of industry excellence.

In this period Lufthansa has been leading the prestigious

A cabin attendant disinfecting the cabin of an aircraft

Even then, the chances appear to be small, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. The paper looked at a flight involving nine school children who were later found to be carrying the swine flu virus. Just two other passengers, of more than 100 questioned, later developed the illness – and they were both sitting within two rows of the ill school kids. As a result, the researchers concluded that there was just a 3.5 per cent risk catching the illness if you were sitting in those seats. A handful of other studies, looking at measles and TB also suggest that in-flight transmission rates are similarly low.

From studies such as these, Oxford says that “the biggest risk is not on the plane, but in the taxi on the way to the airport”.

However, John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, points out that it is difficult to come to any firm conclusions, even for the more prevalent diseases. The number of studies is small, he says, meaning you can’t find absolute figures for the risk and compare that to the

risk of infection in a school, say.

So it is even harder to assess the risk of in-flight transmission of rare and unstudied diseases like Ebola.

Mode of transmission is clearly a factor. There are a few documented cases of norovirus spreading among passengers – probably due to people sharing the same toilet. But we know that Ebola is relatively difficult to catch: unlike respiratory diseases like colds and flu, it can only be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids like saliva, vomit, or blood, which begins to secrete out of every orifice.

Although it is unlikely that someone suffering the fullblown attack would attempt to fly, it is not impossible. Patrick Sawyer, a US citizen who died from the virus last week, showed some of these symptoms on a flight from Liberia to Nigeria, raising fears for the other passengers. Airline staff and public health officials should be more aware of the dangers now, however, and should place anyone suspected of having the disease in quarantine. “Everyone is on the lookout,” says Oxford.

There is always the chance

Risks If an apparently healthy person carrying the virus lands in a country, there is still room for a second stage of contagion. This is perhaps the greater risk for a global epidemic – undetected carriers are the way that swine flu and Sars spread across the world.

“The history of the spread of infectious diseases is infinitely entwined with improvements in travel,” says Edmunds.

He points out that in the past, the spread of diseases was limited by the length of travel; measles develops quickly, so all the cases would have burnt out by the end of a long voyage.

Since Ebola has an incubation period of up to 21 days, carriers could arrive in a country weeks before symptoms develop – potentially transmitting it to the people they know. “It is an issue,” admits Oxford, but he is optimistic that the infection could still be contained. Anyone showing the symptoms would have a rapid diagnosis before being quarantined, and health authorities would also check anyone who had been in contact with them – such as air crews, passport officials and their families. “All of that can stop it spreading – and it will be stopped.”

Lufthansa voted Europe’s leading airline

Lufthansa's airplane

airline category, winning the title of Europe’s Leading Airline seven times overall and now for the fourth year in a row; an impressive accolade which has been recognized by thousands of travel profes-

sionals around the globe, especially since Lufthansa prevailed in the category of the best lounges as well”.

Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa Jens Bischof said, “Four our crews on board

and our teams on the ground this award is an incredible acknowledgement. Our focus is to be a leader in service & hospitality, a key element of our product enhancements this year, which has been

confirmed by this impressive award. And we will continue!

The integration of our new Premium Economy Class and the accelerated retrofit of our new Business Class on all of our long-haul planes till the summer of 2015 will make us the front-runner in our industry. We won’t rest on our laurels, but gather even more fans for our Lufthansa brand.”

The World Travel Awards as “Europe’s Leading Airline” comes hot on the heels of Lufthansa being voted “Best European Airline in the Middle East” during the recent Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2014 in Dubai and being honored “Best Western European Airline” and “Best Transatlantic Airline” at the World Airline Awards in London earlier this summer.

40

BUSINESS | AVIATION

RESCUE MISSION Out of 70 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), we barely operate to five and only two of these out of Africa Stories by Wole Shadare

F

or mer Commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) has maintained that government needs a policy that would favour the growth of domestic airlines.

He noted that with multiple landings given to foreign airlines, the policy on domestic routes has been skewed to favour international airlines than the local airlines.

Ojikutu noted that since Nigerian airlines do not have capacity to compete with these foreign carriers on international routes, government should ensure they get greater benefits of the domestic routes/market.

According to him, “Out of 70 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), we barely operate to five and only two of these out of Africa. United Kingdom operates 21 flights weekly with two airlines to Nigerian airports, that is, Lagos and Abuja, but we operate only seven flights with one airline to only one UK airport”.

“Similarly, Lufthansa and Air France operate seven flights each weekly to three Nigerian

Expert seeks good policy to save domestic airlines airports of Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt. These airports and routes connecting them are the hubs of the domestic airlines. All these airlines belong to the European market and are in one form of alliance”.

He queried why government policy won’t allow one stop policy for each airline from Europe, Middle East and the United States to create market for domestic airlines.

Ojikutu’s argument brings to the fore the recent granting of Abuja route to Emirates airlines which now brings it total frequencies to Nigeria to Dubai to 21.

The airline on August 1, 2014 launched it Abuja route. It also operates two daily flights to Lagos from Dubai.

Emirates Vice President, Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa, Adil Al Ghaith at the launch said, “With a fast growing economy, Nigeria is a key market for Emirates. We started operations to Nigeria on 2nd January 2004, with four flights a week from Dubai to Lagos”. “ Since then, our operations have steadily grown with increases in both frequency and capacity between Lagos and Dubai. Today, we fly twice daily to Lagos and now we have add-

Ex airport boss decries non-release of funds for aerodrome

A

n appeal has gone to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN to always release monthly allocation funds to airports to ensure sustenance of administration of the system.

A retired general manager South West of FAAN, Mr. Edward Adedamola Olarerin who made this call at a ceremony organized in honour of his retirement from the system said, airports must be given their dues especially the MMIA that generates the revenue.

Olarerin who was emotional in his almost an hour speech on his experience in FAAN, noted that it was frustrating working with some people in the system as a result of lack of dedication, understanding and discipline adding that as an administrator he begged for his entitlements to run the airport.

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

He said starving airports of funds could be devastating and frustrating which had always led to accumulation of debts from contractors especially casual workers and called for a change for the survival of the system.

According to him, there was a time for the period of six months without revenue allocation as an airport manager to run the airport and it was as if it was the end of the world but openness and transparency kept him going stressing that hard time never last but tough people do.

Olarerin remarked he left MMIA a sad man as a result what he called unfavourable practices recalling how he was denied fund to evacuate tankers on the airport road that constituted nuisance for years after applying for its release.

ed Abuja, giving us a total of more than 12,200 seats a week, which will further stimulate business and leisure travel, as well as trade,” he added.

Ojikutu said since the domestic airlines are helpless with the situation they have found themselves, he urged them to merge or go to the capital market to raise fund, adding, “If any cannot operate with five aircraft in its fleet and to operate into no more than three routes, such airline should not be considered for Air Operator Certificate (AOC)”.

He faulted the aviation policy which review he said was hatched in secrecy, stressing that a one-day or so stakeholders’ review of the document cannot be the most professional way of handling the issue.

“Be that as it may, policy ought to be very clear and unambiguous about civil, military, and or private airline operation. An airline without Air Operator’s Certificate cannot and must not carry commercial payload” He therefore canvassed for the right policy to be put in

Aerial view of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

British Airways awards certificates to students REWARD This internship gave us access to extensive and professional aviation training, covering both theory and practice

S

ix Nigerian aviation students have returned home from the UK after successfully completing the inaugural British Airways’ Leaders of Tomorrow programme, an internship aimed at promoting excellence in Nigerian aviation.

The two-week internship included spending a week with the airline’s commercial team in Lagos and another visiting vari-

ous departments from engineering to revenue management at its head office, Waterside in the United Kingdom.

It culminated with Keith Williams, British Airways’ chief executive, presenting the six undergraduate students of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) with global airline aviation training certificates. They are Zaria, Abimbola Caulcrick, Fajemisin Peter Adebola, Adachie Eneojo, Banigo Michael, Ubong George Itok, and Ogunranti Olaluwa.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr Williams said the British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow programme celebrates the aspirations of young aviation students who represent the future of aviation in Nigeria.

Skyway Aviation Handling SAHCOL clinches Emirates Airlines' job ThasheCompany Limited, SAHCOL been picked as the preferred Abuja, Nigeria. strong market presence in the delivery of Aviation Ground Ground Handler for the Emirates Airlines Abuja Operations.

SAHCOL shall be providing total Ground Handling Services to Emirates Airlines' daily flight operations from/to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

By this contract, SAHCOL shall be supplying Ground Handling Services to all Emirates Airlines' Operations (Passenger, Ramp and Cargo) in/out bound

SAHCOL, an ISAGO certified Ground Handling Company, and a 100 per cent subsidiary of the Sifax Group has continued to expand and gain credibility of domestic and international airlines operating within/into Nigeria since the company became privatized in December, 2009.

Spokesman for the firm, Mr. Basil Agboarumi said SAHCOL has successfully established a

place so operators could pull their aircraft together to form a strong carrier and boost their fleet on what he called “Magnet approach”.

He said government could make this happen by introducing a policy that for an airline to operate in Nigeria it must have 30 aircraft. This, he said, would make serious airlines come together under merger and acquisition.

If executed he said this would bring about four strong carriers out of the existing 22 airlines.

domestic and international airline industry, with peerless expertise in providing exceptional Passenger, Ramp and Cargo/ Warehousing services.

He stated that the firm has now become a reference point where efficiency of a successful flight is born, having commenced the implementation of business models geared towards ensuring efficient and speedy

Handling Services to all its customers.

The new face of SAHCOL according to Agboarumi is constantly witnessing massive deployment of modern State-of-theart Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Training/Retraining of all categories of staff, Management repositioning, re-fleeting of vehicles, boosting of clients' confidence/patronage.

He commended the winners for their outstanding performance during the training in Nigeria and United Kingdom.

“We embarked on the Leaders of Tomorrow initiative because we recognise how important a robust and well-run aviation sector is for any economy and particularly one with as much potential as Nigeria. We hope that the knowledge, expertise and experience we were able to pass on to these students will contribute to in some small way to the future of Nigerian aviation,” he said.

Fajemisin Peter, one of the winners who spoke on behalf of the others after receiving their certificates, expressed his delight at the training and thanked British Airways for its determination to implement the programme: “On behalf of all the winners, we want to express our appreciation to British Airways for doing this for Nigeria. This internship gave us access to extensive and professional aviation training, covering both theory and practice and which was championed by experts. With what we have learned throughout the programme, I can confidently say that we will be going back to promote excellence in the Nigeria aviation sector.”

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 41

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

CBN approves N150 dollar exchange rate for Christian pilgrims

CONCESSION Each pilgrim travelling to Israel is entitled to $750.00 while those going to Israel and Rome or Greece are entitled to $1000.00

N156.73 to the US dollar at the apex bank moderated official market (Dutch Auction System –DAS) but a variance with the parallel market where a dollar is sold for N171.

In a circular with reference FEM/FPC/GEN/01/015 on purchase of 2014 Christian pilgrims travelling allowance, sent to all authorised dealers, the CBN said that each pilgrim travelling to Israel is entitled to a maximum of $750.00 while those going to Israel and Rome or Greece are entitled to a maximum of $1000.00.

Godson Ikoro

T

he Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has approved a concessionary exchange rate of N150.00 to the US Dollar for Christian pilgrims.

This represents a concession of about 6 per cent from the prevailing exchange rate of about

The apex bank also emphasised that no pilgrim should be denied the travel allowance on the ground that he /she has no tax clearance certificate.

Furthermore, the regulator stated that this concession on tax clearance was to given to ease the time constraints associated with pilgrims exercise.

In order to further ensure a hitch free passage of the pilgrims, the banking watchdog said that the Chairman or the Secretary of each State Pilgrims’ Board, after due identification,

may be allowed to sign for and collect the PTA on behalf of the intending pilgrims in his/her state on presentation of the approved list and valid passports of the pilgrims listed against the state.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government through the apex bank had approved a concessionary exchange rate of N145.00 to the US Dollar for Christian pilgrims in October 27th, 2012.

This represented a concession of about 7 per cent from

Anti-money laundering group seeks NFIU’s autonomy Godson Ikoro

country cannot allow its booming economy and financial system to be corrupted by financial crimes.

He argued that so far, weaknesses in investigative and prosecutorial capacity as well as judicial corruption have inhibited the war against money laundering.

The GIABA boss said that given the size of the economy of Nigeria and its rapid growth, the security crisis in the northeast and the prevalence of grand corruption, the country is very vulnerable to ML/TF risks cases of financial crimes in the courts.

He noted Nigeria is the engine of growth in West Africa

T

he Federal Government has been urged to ensure the independence of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Director General, Inter Governmental Action Group Against Money laundering (GIABA), Mr. Adama Coulibaly, made this call yesterday.

He stressed that the autonomy of the GIABA would facilitate the removal of obstacles to effective administration of Justice with regard to money laundering and other financial crimes (ML/TF) in the country.

Speaking on the activities of the group, Coulibaly said the

and thus holds the promise of human development in the region.

On the performance of the group, he said GIABA member states have demonstrated their highest commitment to and solidarity with the global fight against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF).

Other milestones attained within the year under review, include the adoption and publication of the first joint GIABA/FATF Typologies Report on Terrorist Financing inWest Africa, the Mid-Term Review of the GIABA 2011–2014 Strategic Plan, and theimplementation of the GIABA technical assistance project on the provision

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Chris Ugwu Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

Naira gains 0.18% on Shell dollar sales

T

he naira gained 0.18 per cent against the US dollar on the interbank market yesterday, supported by greenback sales by a unit of Royal Dutch Shell to some lenders.

The local currency according to Reuters, closed at N162.40 to the dollar, firmer than the N162.70 it closed last Friday.

Shell's local unit sold an undisclosed amount of dollars to some lenders, boosting dollar liquidity and easing pressure on the local currency.

The naira touched a fiveweek low against the US dollar last Thursday, on renewed dollar demand after a recent rally on the local currency.

Traders said some importers brought forward their obligations to take advantage of previous gains by the naira.

Another dealer said if the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) fail to sell dollar by Tuesday or Wednesday, the naira could lose some value again.

Free cable TV: Computer Warehouse partners SES

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

of AML/CFT analytical software to 13 member States.

Furthermore, he said the establishment of financial Intelligence units (FIUs) by Guinea and Liberia in 2013 means that all GIABA. He said the publication of the group’s 2013 annual report, the seventh since 2007, was not only a clear demonstration of GIABA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its work, but also a manifestation of its capacity to produce results through programme implementation, and the significant difference it can make in the fight against ML/TF in the region.

On the implementation of the GIABA 2011–2014 Strategic Plan, he identified seven key goals to be pursued in order to address the challenges of implementing effective AML/ CFT measures in the West African region.

the prevailing exchange rate of about N156 to the US dollar then.

The year 2012 Christian Pilgrimage were also allowed a PTA of between $750 and $1,000 for their pilgrimage to Israel and Rome or Greece.

The banking watchdog however, said that infraction of any of the requirements or abuse of any waiver shall attract appropriate penalty.

The Federal Government had also in September 2012, granted same waiver to Hajj pilgrims.

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

C

omputer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc is partnering SES - a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of over 50 geostationary satellites to bring free cable TV to West Africa.

In a statement obtained from Nigerian Stock Exchange, CWG notified the Exchange that SES (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), in collaboration with service provider, Computer Warehouse Group would announce the launch of a new digital TV platform for West Africa on SES’s ASTRA 2F satellite at 28.2 degrees East.

“This independent and neutral TV platform in Nigeria will be the country’s first free-to-air (FTA) DTH digital TV platform and provide the opportunity for broadcasters to reach millions of satellite homes in West Africa, which are pointing their dishes to 28.2 degrees East.

Additionally, the broadcasters will be able to migrate from analogue to digital TV to meet the digital migration

deadline in June 2015. This new platform will also provide additional growth opportunities for local and international broadcasters.

The platform provides endto-end contribution, ground and space services to local, regional, national and international TV broadcasters across West Africa. SES will be providing the space segment and specific ground services, while CWG will be managing the teleport services as an SES partner teleport operator, providing high operational standards.

The service will start in September 2014.

“The 28.2 degrees East orbital position is SES's prime orbital position for West Africa and its FTA reach is one of the highest in the region.

Today, SES already transmits 28 FTA channels at the 28.2 degrees East neighborhood,” the statement noted.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CWG Mr. Austin Okere, said, “For years, the majority of households in West Africa has been shut out of the digital broadcasting experience.

42 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

11-Aug-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

100.00 535.00 515.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 220.15 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 35.00

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.13 0.70 2.01 2.71 2.96 3.06 3.80 4.88 5.20 7.46 9.59 14.30 14.78 15.28 15.95 19.93

10.69 10.90 11.20 11.14 11.12 11.12 11.21 11.37 11.45 12.03 12.22 12.38 12.36 12.35 12.19 12.22

9.56 10.11 11.12 11.08 11.05 11.00 11.11 11.30 11.36 11.98 12.17 12.34 12.32 12.29 12.14 12.18

99.77 95.46 103.25 109.00 96.87 95.50 98.42 116.95 82.90 121.05 110.95 117.35 100.82 73.81 84.75 99.48

99.92 95.96 103.40 109.15 97.02 95.80 98.72 117.25 83.20 121.35 111.25 117.65 101.12 74.11 85.05 99.78

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,479.99

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,557.39

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

Description

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.22 0.78 1.39 2.33 2.69 2.90

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

12.03 13.53 13.25 13.11 12.11 12.11

97.42 90.23 105.17 100.67 99.21 96.76

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.18 1.05 0.66 1.18 1.18 2.69 1.73 3.39 2.36 4.15 2.56 2.56 2.94 3.01 5.28 3.07 3.69 6.30 6.39 3.87 3.90

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

14.15 15.34 14.13 15.39 14.41 16.70 12.06 12.95 12.91 12.25 12.10 15.88 12.11 12.12 12.48 13.87 12.20 12.84 13.81 12.66 13.17

99.86 97.30 99.73 98.85 101.51 85.91 102.78 102.76 102.37 105.51 105.29 96.42 105.64 108.48 107.60 102.17 107.22 102.75 104.89 105.41 105.33

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,271.83

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 28.37 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Corporate Bonds

484.10 492.79

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

Aa/Agusto

GTB µ NGC

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

Nil

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

*FLOURMILLS

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto

NAHCO

BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

*DANA NAHCO

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.16

1.00

11.78

99.89

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.35

5.21

16.25

98.98

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.39

8.71

19.71

98.89

17-Aug-10

10.00

5.29

17-Aug-15

0.53

4.88

15.78

96.11

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.85

1.00

11.89

100.58

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.92

2.63

13.52

100.79

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.14

1.00

12.12

101.58

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.21

1.34

12.46

103.32

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.14

1.00

12.13

102.17

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.95

1.88

13.00

109.59

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.91

3.48

14.59

102.67

09-Sep-11

18.00

3.27

09-Sep-18

2.08

5.20

16.32

103.16

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.90

09-Sep-18

2.08

5.06

16.18

101.79

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

4.12

1.35

12.60

104.36

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.19

2.29

13.41

104.68

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.45

17-Feb-19

2.27

6.11

17.22

99.62

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.39

2.16

13.32

107.09

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.26

2.76

14.59

102.60

11-Feb-18

3.50

1.00

12.17

94.50

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

143.81

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

146.77

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

12.00 11.34 Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.02

4.85

109.45

110.40

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.23

4.01

103.21

103.99

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.34

5.21

107.25

108.19

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

1,599.52

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.71

2.96

111.45

112.64

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.89

3.85

104.34

106.16

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.25

5.85

99.07

100.56

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.03

6.41

100.59

102.30

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.62

8.17

94.50

95.88

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

7.79

6.69

107.67

110.05

6.25 APR 22, 2019

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

B/S&P; B/Fitch

FIDELITY BANK PLC

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

AFREN PLC

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.39

6.09

99.41

100.66

B/Fitch; B/S&P

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.02

8.71

98.96

100.15

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.26

6.56

103.42

105.92

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.00

5.10

104.41

105.89

ZENITH BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,660.00 3,759.17

**Treasury Bills DTM 10 17 24 31 38 45 52 59 66

FIXINGS Maturity 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 11-Sep-14 18-Sep-14 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 16-Oct-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.55 10.55 10.45 10.20 10.55 10.55 10.65 10.50 10.65

Offer Discount (%) 10.30 10.30 10.20 9.95 10.30 10.30 10.40 10.25 10.40

Bid Yield (%) 10.58 10.60 10.52 10.29 10.67 10.69 10.81 10.68 10.86

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.2500 12.7673 13.3881 14.3563

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.58

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

11.83

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M 6M

162.30 162.80 163.06 163.65 164.84 166.10 169.76

162.40 163.06 163.40 164.31 166.04 167.73 173.36

O/N Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.50 12.61 13.09

(N'bn)

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

Investors lose N193bn

Stock market opens on a negative note

Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian stock market relapsed from sell offs yesterday, as the bears overshadowed the bulls - leading to share decline in most blue chip companies.

The key market perforTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE mance measures, the NSE All TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Share Index and market capiCorporate Bonds talisation, dropped by one per A+/Agusto; LAFARGE WAPCO cent asAA/GCR market sentiments Aa/Agusto GTB turned red on the back of losses NGC Nil recorded giBbb-/Agusto by two brewering *UPDC A-/Agusto ants and Dangote Cement Plc. *FLOURMILLS BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS The stock market had last A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Friday slowed downNAHCO its momenA-/Agusto tum after recordingFSDH a three-day A/GCR UBA consistent growth. *C & I LEASING BBB-/GCR This wasBB+/GCR due to*DANA profit takBBB+/DataPro†; A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR ing by investors in the wake of *TOWER AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER the cautious optimism that has A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA prevailed in the market in the Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA recent time.

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS Market operators *DANA had predictBBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR ed that the bullish trend that was NAHCO TOTAL OUTSTANDING recorded in the pastVALUE few weeks would taking and TOTALtrigger MARKET profit CAPITALISATION impact negatively on the stock Supranational Bond market when market speculators µ

#

# #

#

AAA/S&P

12.03 13.53 13.25 13.11 12.11 12.11

97.42 90.23 105.17 100.67 99.21 96.76

IFC

slow down to pick profits.

Specifically, the NSE AllShare Index depreciated by 585.73 basis points or 1.4 per cent to close at 42,012.73 as against 42,598.46 recorded the previous day.

The market capitalisation of equities equally plummet

by N193 billion or 1.4 per cent, to close at N13.872 trillion from N14.065 trillion recorded the previous day.

At the close of trading, 27 stocks appreciated in price as 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 against 34 others that depreci13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 ated value.

17.00in NGC 31-DEC-2014 Seplat Nigeria Plc advanced 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 by12.00 N5.00 to close at N695.00 per 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 share to lead the gainers table, 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 while Total Nigeria followed 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 with N1.04 to close at N180.00.

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 Reversing gains, 18.00 C&I LEASINGyesterday’s 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 of DANANigerian 9-APR-2018 shares BrewerMPR+7.00 9-SEP-2018 by N9.14 ies Plc TOWER depreciated 9-SEP-2018 toMPR+5.25 close TOWER at N175.01 per share.

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 Guinness Nigeria Plc followed 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 with a drop of N6.50 to close at MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 N193.50, Dangote Cement 16.00 DANAwhile II 1-APR-2019 15.25 II 14-NOV-2020 fell byNAHCO N3.99 to close at N226.01 per share.

Meanwhile, a turnover of 143.09 million shares worth N1.9 billion in 4,697 deals was 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

recorded in the day’s trading.

The banking sub-sector of the financial services sector was the most active (measured by turnover volume); with 53.8 million shares worth N570.1 million exchanged by investors in 1,217 deals.

Volume in the banking subsector was largely driven by activity in the shares of UBA Plc and Diamond Bank Plc. Also, other financial services sub-sector of the financial services sector, boosted by the 07-Oct-11 activity in the shares11.50 of FBNH 18-Dec-09 13.50 Plc, followed with a17.00 turnover 01-Apr-10 of 2317-Aug-10 million shares10.00 valued at 09-Dec-10 N263.6 billion in 743 12.00 deals.

06-Jan-11

14.00

29-Sep-11

13.00

25-Oct-13

14.25

30-Sep-10

13.00

30-Nov-12

18.00

09-Apr-11

16.00

09-Sep-11

18.00

09-Sep-11

16.00

22-Sep-11

14.00

18-Oct-13

15.75

17-Feb-12

17.00

01-Apr-14

16.00

14-Nov-13

15.25

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 28.37 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.18 1.05 0.66 1.18 1.18 2.69 1.73 3.39 2.36 4.15 2.56 2.56 2.94 3.01 5.28 3.07 3.69 6.30 6.39 3.87 3.90

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.50

NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema 10.20 11-Feb-13

C

onoil Nigeria Plc has reported 301 per cent growth in pre-tax profit for the full year ended 2013.

In a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company’s profit before income tax increased 301 per cent to N4.57 billion, compared with N1.14 billion recorded in 2012.

Revenue also grew to N159.53 billion compared with N149.99 billion recorded in the same 484.10 period of 2012.

492.79 The Board of Directors of the company has recommended 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.16 total dividend payment of N2.78 13.17 18-Dec-14 0.35 billion for its 2013 financial year 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.39 at 5.29N4.00 for every 17-Aug-1550kobo share.

0.53 13.62The dividend 09-Dec-15 0.85expayment is 0.60 06-Jan-16 by its share0.92 pected to be ratified 15.00 29-Sep-16 2.14 holders at the annual general 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.21 meeting (AGM) of the company 20.00 30-Sep-17 3.14 to in September.

0.73 be held later 30-Nov-17 1.95 This represents 300 per cent 7.20 09-Apr-18 1.91in3.27 09-Sep-18 crease over the N1 paid in 2.08 2012.

0.90The company 09-Sep-18 2.08 , in a statement, 35.00 22-Sep-18 4.12 said the dividend has again un2.70 18-Oct-18 2.19 derscored the company’s repu0.45 17-Feb-19 2.27 tation of delivering increasing 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.39 2.05 6.26its returns on 14-Nov-20 investment for shareholders.

143.81 Dr Mike Adenuga, the 146.77 Chairman of Conoil Plc, while previewing the company's per12.00 11.34

Honeywell records 21% turnover growth Issuer

FGN Eurobonds

H

oneywell Flour Mills Plc (HFMP) has recorded a BB-/Fitch; 21 per cent growth in FGNits BB-/S&P turnover for the financial year BB-/Fitch; ended BB-/S&P March 31st 2014.

In aOUTSTANDING report presented to TOTAL VALUE the Nigerian Exchange TOTAL MARKET Stock CAPITALISATION (NSE), the company’s turnover Corporate Eurobonds grew to N55.08 billion from N46 B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFRENyear.

PLC I billion in the last fiscal GTBANK PLC I Profit After Tax (PAT) also B+/S&P; B+/Fitch GTBANK PLCbilfirmed 18 per cent from N2.8 B+/S&P PLC lion to N3.5 billion, ACCESS whichBANK also B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC translated to an 18 per cent inB/Fitch crease in EarningsAFREN Per PLC Share B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

Description

Issue Date

(EPS) from 35.86 kobo to 42.26 kobo.

6.75 JAN 28, 2021 The results, according to the Managing Director , Mr. 5.13 JUL 12,HFMP 2018 Lanre Jaiyeola, reflected the 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 company’s increased output capacity and aggressive push to meet rising demand across its product categories.

Jaiyeola disclosed that de11.50 FEB of 01, 2016 spite the challenge input cost 7.50 MAY 19,increase 2016 pressures caused by in NOV 08, 2018 Flour wheat prices,6.00 Honeywell 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 Mills was still able to achieve a 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 32 per cent 10.25 increase in gross APR 08, 2019 profit from the N8 billion re6.25 APR 22, 2019

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Coupon (%)

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

14.15 15.34 14.13 15.39 14.41 16.70 12.06 12.95 12.91 12.25 12.10 15.88 12.11 12.12 12.48 13.87 12.20 12.84 13.81 12.66 13.17

99.86 97.30 99.73 98.85 101.51 85.91 102.78 102.76 102.37 105.51 105.29 96.42 105.64 108.48 107.60 102.17 107.22 102.75 104.89 105.41 105.33

1.00

12.17

94.50

Conoil’s pre-tax profit rises by 301%

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 43

Sanctity of Truth

T

0.22 0.78 1.39 2.33 2.69 2.90

Price

1,271.83

Sub-National Bonds Tuesday, August 12, 2014NIGER A-/GCR

PLUNGE

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

(%)

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

(%)

corded last year to N10.4 billion 6.75 in the07-Oct-11 period under review, due to deft12-Jul-13 management of 5.13raw material sourcing and efficient 12-Jul-13 6.38 control of production cost.

He also added that the sheer challenge of operating in the Nigerian business environment was evident in the rising 01-Feb-11 profile of company’s11.50 operating 19-May-11 7.50 expenses as it incurred costs 08-Nov-13its trade, marketing 6.00 to deepen 25-Jul-12 and sales activities 7.25 to further 09-May-13 6.88 develop hitherto under-served 08-Apr-12 10.25 sectors of the Nigerian mar22-Apr-14 6.25

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

ket.

5.02 “Growing28-Jan-21 the top line is our number12-Jul-18 one priority, 4.23 even 500.00 as large industry capacity re500.00 12-Jul-23 mains a constant threat.5.34We are committed to the develop1,500.00 ment of higher margin prod1,599.52 ucts and from our results, you can see that investments in 450.00 01-Feb-16 3.71 brand equity are beginning 500.00 19-May-16 to yield fruits as sales of4.89 our 400.00 value added08-Nov-18 products like6.25 sem350.00 7.03 olina, wheat25-Jul-17 meal and noodles 300.00 02-May-18 8.62 contributed more to our portfo300.00 08-Apr-19 7.79 lio mix than22-Apr-19 in the past. This is 500.00 6.39 500.00

formance for 2013 at its 43rd annual general meeting, had assured shareholders that the company remained committed to growing its business in order to maintain its leadership position in the downstream petroleum sector.

"While we are certainly not immune to the challenges the downstream petroleum sector is expected to face in the coming year as a result of non-regulation of the sector, let me assure you that your company is better positioned to weather the 1.00 11.78 99.89 storm", Adenuga had promised.

5.21 16.25 98.98 He also reiterated that, as 8.71 19.71 98.89 part strate4.88 of the company's 15.78 96.11 1.00to sustain 11.89its enviable 100.58 pogies 2.63 in the 13.52 sition industry, it100.79 would 1.00 101.58 improve on 12.12 the quality of its 1.34 12.46 103.32 products and12.13 services 102.17 and en1.00 sure customers 1.88that its teeming 13.00 109.59 always patronise its fuel 3.48 14.59 102.67and 5.20 16.32 103.16 non-fuel products.

5.06 101.79 According16.18 to the statement, 12.60 104.36 the1.35 company's impressive per2.29 13.41 104.68 formance is linked to its inno6.11 17.22 99.62 vative of manufacturing 2.16 means13.32 107.09 2.76distributing 14.59 products, 102.60 and huge financial investment in developing high performance products and the provision of services that match international standard. a trend that we plan to sustain and even grow as we embark Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price on a new phase in our corporatePrices existence”, Jaiyeola said. & Yields The fiscal year ended with a 4.85 110.40 transition in109.45 the leadership of the4.01 company;103.21 the pioneer Chief 103.99 Executive Officer, Mr Folaran107.25 mi5.21 Babatunde Odunayo,108.19 retired after 17 years of service and was succeeded by Mr. Olanrewaju Bamidele Jaiyeola. Prior to his appointment as Manag2.96Director, 111.45 112.64 ing Lanre Jaiyeola 3.85garnered 104.34 had 20 years106.16 experi5.85 in the company 99.07 100.56 ence , working 6.41 100.59departments 102.30 at across strategic 8.17 94.50 95.88 both managerial and executive 6.69 107.67 110.05 management levels. 100.66 6.09 99.41

DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.02

8.71

98.96

100.15

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.26

6.56

103.42

105.92

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.00

5.10

104.41

105.89

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,660.00 3,759.17

11-Aug-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to FIXINGS Money Market Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

**Treasury the FMDQBills OTC PLC

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) 10 21-Aug-14 10.55 17 28-Aug-14 10.55 FGN Bonds 24 4-Sep-14 10.45 31 11-Sep-14 10.20 38 18-Sep-14 10.55 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 45 25-Sep-14 10.55 52 2-Oct-14 10.65 9.25 28-SEP-2014 59 9-Oct-14 10.50 4.00 23-APR-2015 66 16-Oct-14 10.65 73 23-Oct-14 10.65 13.05 16-AUG-2016 80 30-Oct-14 10.40 15.10 27-APR-2017 87 6-Nov-14 10.20 9.85 27-JUL-2017 94 13-Nov-14 10.70 9.35 31-AUG-2017 101 20-Nov-14 10.20 10.70 30-MAY-2018 108 27-Nov-14 10.75 16.00 29-JUN-2019 115 4-Dec-14 10.10 NA NA 122 11-Dec-14 10.75 7.00 23-OCT-2019 150 8-Jan-15 10.25 16.39 27-JAN-2022 164 22-Jan-15 10.45 14.20 14-MAR-2024 178 5-Feb-15 10.35 15.00 28-NOV-2028 192 19-Feb-15 10.40 12.49 22-MAY-2029 206 5-Mar-15 10.35 8.50 20-NOV-2029 241 9-Apr-15 10.25 255 23-Apr-15 10.25 10.00 23-JUL-2030 269 7-May-15 10.15 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 *from the Amortising bonds, TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE # the average life is is acalculated Risk Premium combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Offer Discount (%) 10.30 10.30 10.20 9.95 10.30 Issue Date 10.30 10.40 28-Sep-07 10.25 23-Apr-10 10.40 10.40 16-Aug-13 10.15 27-Apr-12 9.95 27-Jul-07 10.45 31-Aug-07 9.95 30-May-08 10.50 29-Jun-12 9.85 10.50 23-Oct-09 10.00 27-Jan-12 10.20 14-Mar-14 10.10 28-Nov-08 10.15 22-May-09 10.10 20-Nov-09 10.00 10.00 23-Jul-10 9.90 18-Jul-14

Bid Yield (%) 10.58 10.60 10.52 10.29 10.67 Coupon (%) 10.69 10.81 9.25 10.68 4.00 10.86 10.88 13.05 10.64 15.10 10.45 9.85 11.00 9.35 10.50 10.70 11.10 16.00 10.43 11.15 7.00 10.70 16.39 10.96 14.20 10.90 15.00 11.00 12.49 10.99 8.50 10.99 11.04 10.00 10.97 12.1493

Tenor O/N 1M Outstanding 3M 6M (N'bn)

Issuer

Agency Bonds NA

AMCON Modified Duration Buckets FMBN

<3 ***LCRM 3<5 >5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUEMarket TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.58

O/N

11.83

REPO TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) Call 0.13 1M 0.70 3M 6M 2.01

11.50 10.69 12.61 10.90 13.09 13.90 11.20

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Tenor Spot 7D Offer 14DYield 1M (%) 2M 9.56 3M 10.11 6M 1Y 11.12

2.71 11.14 11.08 2.96 11.12 11.05 3.06 11.12 11.00 :Benchmarks 3.80Bond 11.21 11.11 * :Amortising 4.88Bond 11.37 11.30 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 5.20 Management Corporation 11.45 11.36 FGN: Federal 7.46Government of Nigeria 12.03 11.98 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 9.59 12.22 12.17 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.30 12.38 12.34 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.78 Aviation Handling 12.36 Company 12.32 NAHCO: Nigerian 15.28 12.35 12.29 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 15.95 12.19Company 12.14 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 19.93 12.22 12.18 NOTE:

Bid ($/N) 162.30 162.80 163.06 Bid Price 163.65 164.84 99.77 166.10 95.46 169.76 177.56 103.25

Offer ($/N)

Price 162.40 163.06

163.40 Offer Price 164.31 166.04 99.92 167.73 95.96 173.36 184.56 103.40

109.00 109.15 96.87 97.02 95.50 95.80 NA :Not Applicable 98.42 98.72 # :Floating Rate Bond 116.95coupon bonds 117.25 ***: Deferred 82.90 83.20 †: Bond121.05 rating expired 121.35 110.95 111.25 117.35 117.65 100.82 101.12 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 73.81Bank for Africa 74.11 UBA: United 84.75 85.05 99.48 99.78

4,479.99 4,557.39

Description

Issue Date

0.00Porfolio AMCONMarket 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) Total Outstanding 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 1,025.57 968.07 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 1,137.15 951.30 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 745.61 811.72

2,908.33

Value

Rate (%) 11.2500 12.7673 13.3881 Maturity Date 14.3563

100.00 28-Sep-14 535.00 NITTY 23-Apr-15 515.27 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 452.80 27-Apr-17 1M 10.5116 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 10.5588 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 10.5744 300.00 30-May-18 6M 10.9002 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 10.9617 12M 11.0340 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 220.15 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N) 20-Nov-29 BID($/N) 200.00 162.6350 OFFER ($/N) 162.7350 591.57 23-Jul-30 35.00 18-Jul-34

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Rating/Agency

NIBOR

Bonds

2,731.09

FMDQ FGN

28-Dec-11 Weighting by 24-May-10 Outstanding Vol

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 35.45 20-Apr-12 34.83 06-Jul-12 29.72

100.00

Outstanding Value (N'bn) BOND INDEX

Coupon (%)

0.00 Weighting

by Mkt 0.00 Value

17.25 0.00/16.00 35.26 0.00/16.50 39.10 0.00/16.50 25.64

100.00

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.220.35 116.700.35 66.49 0.30

Bucket Weighting

1,301.62 1.00

31-Oct-14 % Exposure_ 24-May-15 Mod_Duration

#

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 16.48 20-Apr-17 35.64 06-Jul-17 47.87

0.22 0.78 1.39 2.33 11.17 2.69 11.83 2.90 12.20

1.00 Implied 2.63 Portfolio Price 2.27 2.00 118.5743 1.00 134.2030 1.00 101.2600

12.03 13.53 13.25 13.11 1,126.21 12.11 1,136.38 12.11 1,181.28

100.00

11.90

118.8721

1,129.16

Implied Yield

INDEX

Indicative Price 97.42 YTD Return 90.23 (%)

105.17 100.67 12.6214 99.21 13.6380 96.76 18.1280

12.9158

1,271.83

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18

0.18 1.05 0.66 1.18 1.18 2.69 1.73 3.39 2.36

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80

14.15 15.34 14.13 15.39 14.41 16.70 12.06 12.95 12.91

99.86 97.30 99.73 98.85 101.51 85.91 102.78 102.76 102.37

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014

Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016

44 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET Daily Summary (Bonds)

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at August 11, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 54 8 62

Current Price 35.87 37.00

Quantity Traded 560,199 24,455 584,654

Value Traded 20,170,424.34 880,837.35 21,051,261.69

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 3.28

Quantity Traded 247,850 247,850

Value Traded 806,239.50 806,239.50

832,504

21,857,501.19

Quantity Traded 27,440 250 4,644 16,102,002 480,548 16,614,884

Value Traded 37,395.12 1,000.00 5,479.92 89,828,535.60 29,304,624.21 119,177,034.85

16,614,884

119,177,034.85

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Daily Summary asLEVENTIS of 11/08/2014 A.G. NIGERIA PLC. Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

79 Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 12 2 7 227 38 (Equities) 286

CONGLOMERATES Totals

286

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE © Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.40 3.95 1.13 5.60 61.00

Value Traded 1,264,727.36 1,264,727.36

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 17.00

Quantity Traded 110,743 110,743

Value Traded 1,866,858.86 1,866,858.86

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 9.46

Quantity Traded 183,610 183,610

Value Traded 1,736,950.60 1,736,950.60

673,342

5,266,456.42

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 15,000.00 15,000.00

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

Quantity Traded 52,200 63,087 294,200

Value Traded 412,380.00 12,225,224.50 8,024,120.40

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 7 7

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol UPDCREIT

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. Food Products Totals Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables

VITAFOAM NIG Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Household Durables VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

56 Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW

3 38 28

8.31 193.50 27.50

No. of Deals 145 6 220

Current Price 175.01 0.88

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 115.00

Quantity Traded 6,048 6,048

Value Traded 730,296.00 730,296.00

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON

No. of Deals 39 82 89 54 49 15 1 329

Current Price 7.40 9.00 77.50 4.19 10.40 22.50 14.11

Quantity Traded 154,209 3,085,561 627,548 2,270,061 1,020,040 766,050 25 7,923,494

Value Traded 1,166,799.90 27,594,687.36 48,629,357.64 9,463,254.72 10,547,944.17 17,315,140.00 335.25 114,717,519.04

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 10 30 40

Current Price 70.54 1,110.00

Quantity Traded 109,620 17,472 127,092

Value Traded 7,732,594.80 19,180,857.40 26,913,452.20

No. of Deals 19

Current Price 4.25

Quantity Traded 227,187

Value Traded 956,817.93

Symbol NB PREMBREW

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol VITAFOAM Symbol VONO

No. of Deals 4 23

Current Price 1.37

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 28 33 61

Current Price 37.97 49.00

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Processing Systems

Quantity Traded 19,416 19,416

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Brewers/Distillers NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals

Current Price 65.00

Current Price 1.10

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Computer Based Systems Totals Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016

1 of 13 Value Traded 397,919.60 397,919.60

No. of Deals 32 32

691

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Electronic and Electrical Products Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

2 of 13 Value Traded 184,545,149.27 453,534.00 205,660,408.17

Petroleum and Petroleum Activity Summary on Board Products EQTY Distributors Totals

OIL AND GAS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Page Quantity Traded 4,075 231,262

3 of 13 Value Traded 5,338.25 962,156.18

Quantity Traded 112,192 115,893 228,085

Value Traded 4,198,463.37 5,685,584.50 9,884,047.87

10,506,123

358,882,879.46

Value Traded 1,787,993.83 100,229.50 1,322,603.34 4 of 13 101,870,659.37 570,138,461.93

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 24 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 23 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 5 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GNI 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS 11 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION 1 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC LINKASSURE 2 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 12 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 10 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 23 Daily Summary as INSURANCE of 11/08/2014CO. PLC. NIGER NIGERINS 3 Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE 5 REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC REGALINS 1 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS 1 STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STACO 1 Daily Summary (Equities) WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC 58 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals 181 Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 0.80 1.03 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.50 0.52 0.81 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.82

Quantity Traded 1,636,555 4,620,000 103,500 200 401,240 8,000 250 51,965 2,394,700 3,126,585 55,002 117,140 357 100 200 3,436,562 15,952,356

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

5

of

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 253,140 253,140

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 64 12 462 61 24 42 78 743

Current Price 3.26 3.92 15.35 4.27 0.59 29.20 2.19

Quantity Traded 1,400,526 636,120 9,661,391 3,539,373 1,330,829 2,813,917 3,709,242 23,091,398

Value Traded 4,606,558.28 2,483,690.40 148,348,008.17 15,035,927.31 782,887.75 84,315,300.68 8,123,333.85 263,695,706.44

93,100,908

847,213,270.88

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. Healthcare Providers Totals

Page

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

2,156

Value Traded 252,634.90 252,634.90

Symbol EKOCORP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.72

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 708.00 708.00

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.91

Quantity Traded 70 70

Value Traded 127.40 127.40

Page

6

of

9,641,458.04

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.55

Quantity Traded 210,350 210,350

Value Traded 115,692.50 115,692.50

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 2 8 10

Current Price 5.00 13.72

Quantity Traded 1,000 98,293 99,293

Value Traded 4,800.00 1,348,579.96 1,353,379.96

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 23,500 23,500 Page

Value Traded 11,750.00 11,750.00 7 of 13

NCRSummary (Equities) Daily

Symbol CHAMS

19

333,143

1,480,822.46

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 65 11 16 67 21 25 11 32 248

Current Price 34.02 8.40 39.00 14.80 226.01 1.10 5.63 120.01

Quantity Traded 823,201 90,749 49,931 712,318 24,217 547,140 404,352 61,354 2,713,262

Value Traded 28,001,506.02 768,689.30 2,010,826.99 10,605,950.52 5,508,082.66 623,986.50 2,235,575.20 7,362,459.97 57,117,077.16

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 2.00

Quantity Traded 270,687 270,687

Value Traded 537,479.84 537,479.84

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 1.69 17.11

Quantity Traded 19,504 1,010 20,514

Value Traded 32,961.76 17,826.50 50,788.26

Daily Summary (Equities) AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

Page 3,004,463

266 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.76

1

8 of 13 57,705,345.26

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 1,096.00 1,096.00

200

1,096.00

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 44 44

Current Price 0.54

Quantity Traded 1,623,660 1,623,660

Value Traded 859,427.82 859,427.82

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 332 332

Current Price 27.33

Quantity Traded 3,159,880 3,159,880

Value Traded 86,601,780.93 86,601,780.93

Symbol No. of Deals CONOIL 246 ETERNA 30 FO 121 MOBIL 28 Daily Summary (Equities) MRS 72 TOTAL 11 508

Current Price 75.54 3.81 238.20 174.00 59.50 180.00

Quantity Traded 3,033,285 1,030,988 174,185 51,666 524,788 33,271 4,848,183

Value Traded 232,817,246.52 3,923,039.86 40,757,578.56 8,968,223.76 31,276,398.47 5,988,092.44 323,730,579.61 9 of 13 Value Traded 58,803,883.55 58,803,883.55

9,716,290

469,995,671.91

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 0.91

Quantity Traded 804,510 804,510

Value Traded 736,084.10 736,084.10

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 4 1 5

Current Price 4.40 1.87

Quantity Traded 230,000 5,000 235,000

Value Traded 1,001,801.00 8,900.00 1,010,701.00

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 46,440 46,440

Value Traded 23,220.00 23,220.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 0.77

Quantity Traded 538,849 538,849

Value Traded 404,764.93 404,764.93

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 8,000

Value Traded 4,000.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 2

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 8,000

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 11 21 33

Current Price 1.79 1.53 4.50

Quantity Traded 50 1,482,204 327,310 1,809,564

Value Traded 92.50 2,265,390.08 1,469,056.97 3,734,539.55

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 29 29

Current Price 0.71

Quantity Traded 1,036,560 1,036,560

Value Traded 728,314.00 728,314.00

Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 190,850 190,850

Value Traded 95,425.00 95,425.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 2 42 44

Current Price 2.12 5.00

Quantity Traded 42,000 583,658 625,658

Value Traded 89,540.00 2,932,262.46 3,021,802.46

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals

Current Price 5.93

Quantity Traded 171,504 171,504

Value Traded 1,029,526.61 1,029,526.61

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Media/Entertainment

SERVICES Media/Entertainment Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Media/Entertainment Totals

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Transport-Related Services Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC

Transport-Related Services Totals

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC

Support and Logistics Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

900

Daily Summary (Equities)

CAVERTON

12 12

SERVICES SERVICES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

EQTY Board Totals

Current Price 695.00

Page Quantity Traded 84,567 84,567

Symbol RTBRISCOE

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC

Value Traded 1,309,526.88 4,621,187.26 51,770.00 100.00 200,640.00 4,000.00 125.00 132,795.15 1,288,058.70 2,503,058.60 27,501.00 60,752.80 178.50 50.00 100.00 2,926,623.72 13,126,467.61

2,841,604

No. of Deals 16 16

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Quantity Traded 200,054 200,459 1,329,383 Page 4,083,728 53,804,014

Value Traded 149,772.24 5,964,351.00 2,600,271.00 153,136.80 755,711.60 9,100.00 8,280.00 9,640,622.64

Symbol SEPLAT

Employment Solutions C &as I LEASING PLC. Daily Summary of 11/08/2014 Employment Solutions Totals Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016

Current Price 9.00 0.50 0.99 24.90

Quantity Traded 69,339 1,910,275 41,100 92,590 722,730 1,300 4,000 2,841,334

Symbol COURTVILLE

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of Deals 55 10 26 243 1,217

FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Current Price 2.16 3.15 65.01 1.62 1.04 7.36 1.98

79

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC.

Value Traded 31,518,566.24 79,563,267.57 30,941,939.84 5,762,860.54 181,587,264.96 10,967,705.68 6,995,778.53 117,719,592.53

Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

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

Quantity Traded 3,215,081 12,583,083 1,719,982 2,864,205 6,020,291 3,535,114 3,145,877 14,906,757

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

No. of Deals 4 25 14 11 20 1 2 77

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 9.80 6.30 17.90 2.00 30.00 3.14 2.24 7.90

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANKon FOR AFRICA PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY

ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 120 88 69 67 266 (Equities) 73 45 155

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 DIAMOND BANK PLC

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY Daily Summary SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA

Page Quantity Traded 1,035,205 515,450 1,960,142

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

Page Quantity Traded 359,573 359,573

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSUMER Daily Summary as ofGOODS 11/08/2014 Automobiles/Auto Parts Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

162

Daily Summary (Equities)

5,466,935 Page

10 of 13 Value Traded 4,000.00

10,788,377.65 11 of 13

143,090,396

1,902,009,914.12

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 134.00 134.00

100

134.00

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 250.00 250.00

4,695

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

13

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

1 Symbol CAPOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Totals

Daily Summary as of 11/08/2014 Printed 11/08/2014 15:01:16.016 ASeM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

13

Current Price 1.41

Current Price 0.50

1

500

250.00

2

600

384.00

4,697

143,090,996

1,902,010,298.12

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Page

No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 2,065.00 19.19

12

of

Quantity Traded 7 3,730 3,737

Value Traded 14,455.00 70,875.30 85,330.30

ETF Board Totals

4

3,737

85,330.30

ETP Activity Totals

4

3,737

85,330.30

13

FEATURES

45

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Nigeria: Kitting for the Ebola war

E

bola Virus Disease (EVD) used to be foreign disease confined to some African countries such as Zaire (now Congo Democratic Republic), Sudan, Zimbabwe, etc. Many Nigerians were not even aware of the outbreak of the disease.

However, all that changed on July 20 when a 40-year-old Liberian, Mr Patrick Sawyer, a WASH consultant at his country’s Ministry of Finance, arrived Lagos.

Sawyer, who imported the deadly virus to the country, died a few days later.

But before his death, he had successfully infected a number of Nigerians who had contact with him at the airport and the private hospital where he went to for treatment.

Announcing Sawyer’s death, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, urged Nigerians not to panic, saying there was no outbreak of EVD in the country yet.

Idris also said government was monitoring those who had primary contact with the deceased while tracking those with secondary contact.

But all that changed again a few days later when news flittered into town that one of the nurses who treated Sawyer had died of the disease.

Nigerians, particularly the Lagos residents, became panic-stricken when it was also reported that some unidentified persons who helped the late Sawyer at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, when he collapsed, might have contracted the EVD. Now the fear of Ebola governs relationship in state capitals and other major towns across the country.

Many people now avoid shaking hands, which used to be the major form of greeting in the country.

The Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, probably started it when they refused to shake hands after an emergency meeting on Ebola.

Many people go out with various types of hand sanitizer in their handbags now. That is at the individual level.

At the corporate level, many organisations now observe and encourage visitors to observe a high level of hygiene.

Many organisations which render services to a large number of people, such as banks and eateries, in Lagos now take precautionary measures.

At the VSF office on Billings Way in Ikeja, Lagos, like most banks visited, workers were either wearing hand gloves or intermittently applying hand sanitizer.

One good thing that has probably come out of the war against the spread of the lethal disease is the reintroduc-

The war against the dread Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria is waged on all fronts as the people have adopted orthodox and unorthodox methods as survival strategies, writes ABIODUN BELLO

Health officials waiting to screen passengers at the MMIA

Chukwu

The outbreak is moving faster than we can control it. Countries affected to date simply do not have the capacity to manage an outbreak of this size and complexity on their own tion of culture of cleanliness. Many people have raised their level of personal hygiene. Many people, as advised by medical experts, now wash their hands with soap regularly.

But one of the drawbacks in the whole issue is that some smart alecks are now cashing in on the desperation of the Nigerians to make money.

Because the deadly virus cannot be seen without the use of a magnifier, people, like a drowning man would hang to a straw, are hanging to every suggestion of possible cure or prevention of Ebola.

Many products, claiming to be cure to the virus, have flooded the markets.

A few days ago, some people report-

Two people shaking hands

Idris

edly died after drinking and bathing with water mixed with salt which was claimed on social media to be effective curative solution for Ebola.

At a particular private school in OkeAro, a community in Ogun State sharing border with Lagos State, some cleaners sprinkled water mixed with salt on the premises, claiming that it prevents Ebola Virus from infecting people.

“We heard that salt, when mixed with water, can prevent Ebola. We don’t want the children who are here for the holiday coaching to be infected with the killer disease, that is why we are sprinkling the water,” one of the cleaners, who craved anonymity, said.

Some other Nigerians have also taken the fight against the deadly disease to the spiritual realm. Some pray and fast for personal divine protection against the disease as well as for the nation.

It is common at worship centres now to offer prayer for the nation against the further spread of the disease.

For instance, at the just concluded annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),

held at the Redemption Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, was said to have led a prayer seeking God’s face over the outbreak of the disease in the country.

Also, last Friday, Muslims in Kano State offered special prayers against the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria.

The prayer was in compliance with a directive from the State Council of Friday Mosques Imams.

The Chairman of the council, Sheik Falalu Dan’almajir, said that prayers be offered to seek God’s intervention to prevent the disease from further spreading in the country.

Dan’almajir also urged all Imams of other mosques across the state to continue to offer similar prayers against the disease.

At Al-Furquan Mosque in Kano, the Chief Imama, Dr Bashir Omar, called for continuous prayers against the disease.

Omar urged Muslims to adhere strictly to the preventive measures approved by experts.

He added that prayers were necessary to check the spread of the disease.

Also, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered immediate procurement of protective clothing and essential equipment for healthcare workers.

The President, who declared Ebola as a national emergency, approved N1.9 billion for the fight against the disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also declared the West African Ebola epidemic that has killed nearly 1,000 people an international public-health emergency.

“The outbreak is moving faster than we can control it. Countries affected to date simply do not have the capacity to manage an outbreak of this size and complexity on their own,” WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan, said.

46 FEATURES

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Apapa-Iganmu: Giving fillip to the people’s council The Chairman, ApapaIganmu Local Council Development Area, Dr Adesola Adedayo, has been able to bring development closer to the people at the grassroots despite lean resources, writes ABIODUN BELLO

A

few years ago, areas that make up Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), could only be described as a big

slum.

The council headquarters, Ijora-Badia, could only pass as a ghetto inhabited by the poor. It was the fringe of the periphery.

The LCDA, which was carved out of the old Apapa Local Government by the administration of then Governor Bola Tinubu, was noted for youth restfulness.

Hardly would a day pass without the report of deadly clashes between groups of armies of jobless youths trying to take out their frustration on one another and the society at large.

But with the coming on board of Dr Adesola Adedayo as the chairman, ApapaIganmu is gradually shedding the toga of violence and underdevelopment.

Despite its status as a host to peasants, the LCDA is now ranking among some of the best, not only in the state but in the country.

Realising the import of education to the social and economic wellbeing of any society, the Adedayo administration invested in the sector with the renovation of some of the 16 primary schools in the council. It has not also neglected the welfare of pupils and teachers.

“We have over 15,000 pupils in the about 16 primary schools in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area. We have provided school uniform for the entire pupils, a pair of sandals, a set of exercise books for each of the pupils,” Adedayo said.

According to him, investment in the sector has helped to increase enrolment in public schools.

He said: “Before now, most of these pupils attended private schools. But with the provision of these materials by this administration they now attend public schools.

It is not just limited to this alone, the administration has also been able to improve the school environment by reconstructing school buildings, providing new sets of desks and tables, training of the teachers, giving out of scholarships to some of the pupils and so many things that have direct impact on the overall educational system in the council.”

The administration has also created a huge infrastructural transformation.

It has built new roads and reconstructed some others. Such roads include Alli Dogo, Adeleye Street in Ward B which leads to Orile-Iganmu, Imam Rajii and Bonny Street.

The roads, the chairman said, were

Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Secretariat

Primary Health Centre at Badia

constructed not only to meet Lagos State standard but world standard. The roads also have drainage system.

“These and many others are some of the projects that are physically seen. Also looking at the area like Badia people who knew the area very well before now will testify to it that there has been a tremendous change in the area.

“The Lagos State Waste Management Area (LAWMA) assessed us at the onset, scored us zero, saying we have not done anything in the area. But two years ago, they came back to asses us again and said we have attained 65 to 70 per cent in terms of the improvement in the environment, increasing drainages, building new drainages, disposal of wastages and refuse in the council. We also bought new compactors that go from one ward to another every day to pick refuse, just to supplement what the LAWMA officials may be doing,” Adebayo added.

As part of its determination to reduce crime perpetrated under the cloak of the dark, the administration decided to illuminate the roads, particularly the black spots.

The streetlight project embarked on by the administration covers areas such as Gasikiya College Road, Alli-Dogo and SariIganmu Road leading to Badagry Expressway, among several others. The streetlight which provides 12 hours light, from 7pm to 7am, is powered by generators.

The government also purchased 80kva generator for the council secretariat, purchased and installed 500kva transformer at Ekunjomi Street, Sari-Iganmu in Ward G. It also installed a 500kva transformer at Amusu Street, Badia in Ward E. In conjunction with the police, the Adedayo administration procured Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for the Area B Command. Adedayo also donated four patrol vehicles to the two police divisions in the council in an effort to keep crime at bay.

The administration has also committed enormous investment to the primary healthcare delivery.

It has a Primary Health Centre called the flagship at Olojowon. The centre provides 24 hours healthcare services. Zion Street hosts another healthcare centre which has been equipped with both manpower and necessary basic medical facilities. The others at Sari, Marine Beach and Awosetan are also providing for the health needs of the people.

At the secondary healthcare level, the

Adedayo

One of the ambulances purchased by the administration

government organised a week-long health campaign in 2009 where at least 100 people with cataract underwent surgeries.

Also, 150 others were operated upon for gynaecological cases.

The administration also conducted free treatment of malaria, typhoid, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), among others. It also offered free HIV/AIDS testing and counselling. Nine out of the more than 106 people came forward for the HIV/AIDS testing and counselling tested positive. The government also dewormed all school children in the council area.

Adedayo, who said he did not believe in “stomach infrastructure,” said he had economically empowered the people.

The chairman also said his government had granted N320 million loan under its micro credit scheme over the last three years.

He said over 8,000 petty traders, artisans and small-scale manufacturers in the area benefitted from the scheme.

According to him, the micro-credit scheme is the bedrock of his women and youth empowerment programme.

“A major highlight of this heart-warming report is that customers’ re-payment stood at over 99 per cent while total portfolio at risk (doubtful and bad debt) stood at N1.5 million.

“Considering the canons of lending employed in the packaging and delivery of these soft loans, I cannot but commend the integrity of our people,’’ he said.

Adedayo also said that the repayment level had put to rest the widely held misconception that lending to the poor was risky and fraught with uncertainty.’

“As a politician, I believe that the best way to help the people is to teach them how to fish and not to give them fish. It is better for me to assist somebody to grow in his or her trade than for me to put hand in the pocket and give him or her N200 which will be exhausted at the end of the day.

“I agree that when there is extreme poverty, integrity is usually the first casualty.

But if you look at what we have been doing, you will see that we have been looking at every sector.

“Sometimes ago, we thought that we had a lot of youth that were unemployable, and some that were employable. We picked 230 of them across the seven wards, we asked them to be doing environmental sanitation jobs, once a week; every Thursday. We paid 200 of them N10,000 each, then the remaining 30, we called them Captains, they were paid N15,000 each. It cost this council about N3 million every month. We did it for a year, and that means were able to spend N36 million on our youths.”

Although the chairman has continued to give the council a lift, governance in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA has its own peculiar challenges.

One of the challenges, according to Adedayo, is lack of funds to execute most of the projects conceived by his administration.

Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, unlike other councils in the state, has no manufacturing concerns.

What the council has, according to him, is its people and that is why Apapa-Iganmu LCDA is called the “People’s Council.”

But Adedayo said he was happy to use what the council had, human capital, as a springboard for development.

47

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

2015: Groups seek for change in Anambra Central call has been made for Tinhevoters and stakeholders the Anambra Central

L-R: Eminent Olorunfunmi Bashorun; Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during the governor’s meeting with traditional and religious leaders on Ebola outbreak preventive measures in Lagos…yesterday

18

The life expectancy (in years) at age 60 years of men in Ghana in 2010-2015.

Un.org

50%

The percentage of water that is abstracted for energy production as cooling water in Western Europe and the USA. Source: Unesco.org

4,157

The number of passes made by Germany at the just concluded Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

Give account of your expenditure, Kano govt challenges FG Muhammad Kabir

KANO

T

he Kano State government yesterday reacted to the speculated moves by the Federal Government to commence the probe of the financial activities of the state saying; “We are not only ready for that political brouhaha, but we are urging them to join us in publishing every of their public spending like we do on weekly basis.”

Speaking in an interview, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Nuhu Damburam Abubakar, said Kano since the administration of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwank-

waso, initiated what he called the publication of weekly executive council meetings, which consist of every money spent from the state’s treasury.

He said: “And today, for over three years, the government has ensured that the system is maintained and as such has no fear over any move by either the Federal Government or anybody that so wishes to look into the financial activities of the state, in fact, it is the Federal Government that today, is afraid to let Nigerians know what they are doing with taxpayers money.”

Nuhu said the problem with the Jonathan Presi-

dency was that they are not happy that places like Kano and Lagos, which are the most populous states in the federation, are under the control of the opposition; that is why they are mad in trying to cause confusion in Kano, thinking they will get what they want.

He said: “When talking of lack of probity and accountability, it is the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan that is not only nationally but internationally being questioned about corruption, today you have serious stealing going on in the nation’s oil sector, which has never happened in

the history of Nigeria.

The massive allegation of fraudulent acts by some of his ministers which he intentionally ignores is a case in point.”

The Information Commissioner reminded all that it was only in Jonathan’s government that when an allegation of fraud was raised, rather than tackling it, he would turn on the accuser and ensure that he was dealt with. “This is not a speculation, not allegation, but a fact. It happened in the case of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, it happens to so many other people, who have since fallen apart with the government.”

Ebola: Bayelsa sets up surveillance centres Chris Ejim

YENAGOA

T

he Bayelsa State government has inaugurated an 18-member committee over the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), even as 103 surveillance centres have been set up in all the local government areas as part of measures to check any outbreak of the virus in the state.

The government has also intensified its awareness programme by sensitising the people, calling on them to imbibe the

culture of personal hygiene and noting that it would assist in the prevention and in checking the spread of the deadly virus.

Making this known over the weekend, Governor Seriake Dickson, assured the people that there was no cause for alarm, since the state has not recorded any reported case of the virus, stressing that in the event of any outbreak, the state government has the capacity to deal with it.

According to Governor Dickson, in view of the high fatality rate as-

sociated with the scourge, there is need to treat it as a national security issue, and government will provide all the support that the committee requires to function optimally.

The governor, who called on the people, particularly community and opinion leaders to be watchful for suspected patients with the Ebola symptoms, commended President Goodluck Jonathan, for the urgent steps taken to check the spread of the dreaded disease.

He, however, advised the people against ingesting any unorthodox sub-

stances like drinking and bathing with salt water as two people have died and others hospitalised from such practices.

In his remarks, Chairman of the 18-member committee, Dr. Ayebatonye Owei, highlighted measures taken to include, mass sensitisation of the people, public enlightenment campaign in the rural areas, Federal Medical Centre and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital designated as centres, with isolation wards prepared for the management of the disease.

senatorial district to be circumspect and not repeat the mistakes of the past in electing their representatives to the National Assembly in the 2015 elections.

Making the call at the weekend in Awka, Chairman of Idemili Action Movement (IAM), Dr. Uche Ezeliora, and the President of the association, Nzuko Imeobi, said voters should ensure that they vote for only trustworthy people, who could represent them well, bearing in mind the disappointments of the past.

According to Ezeliora; “The call has become necessary in the face of the appearance of a number of people of questionable antecedents, who are nursing the aspiration to represent the people

in the zone.”

In a statement, the chairman said; “The quality of representation the district got in the last four years left much to be desired and raised the need for a change of guards. But, we must be careful before we make mistakes and allow most of these politicians hoodwink the people.”

Ezeliora noted further that; “The zone suffered unnecessarily in the last four years in terms of representation in the National Assembly, because those we supported and asked to represent us failed. They went there to take care of their personal interests, couldn't connect with the people or be accountable to them despite their promises.

“We insist that we don't want to make the same mistakes in 2015. We should be gunning for a credible choice."

Adeboye disclaims salt water bath theory Foluso Ogunmodede

eneral Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has distanced himself and the church from the news that drinking and bathing with salt water could protect one from the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, which went viral on various social media platforms over the weekend.

Alarmed by the purported cure attributed to him, Adeboye told hundreds of faithful, who had gathered at the church’s redemption camp for this year’s 62nd annual convention that such statement never originated from him.

The general overseer, who spoke through one

G

of his pastors, said it was complete falsehood for anyone to attribute the purported salt water solution cure to him, especially as such never emanated from him.

Many Nigerians reportedly believed by visiting supermarkets to cart away packs of salt to protect themselves against the virus that had killed close to 1, 000 people in Africa in the last few months following the purported cure by Adeboye.

“Our father in the Lord, Daddy GO has never made such utterance, which has gone viral on social media platforms.

It is blatant lie from the pit of hell as he has not spoken a word relating to the disease since its outbreak," the pastor said.

SON gets ultimatum to rescind decision on cement manufacturers foremost human rights AMonopoly group, Alliance Against (AAM), yester-

day gave the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) seven days to rescind its 60-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers to comply with its directive on product labeling and traceability requirement.

The group at a press conference in Lagos, addressed by its President Mazi Omife I. Omife, said SON was not well intentioned in its ultimatum to cement manufacturers and warned that it will seek legal redress against the organisation if it fails within seven days to annul the 60-day ultimatum given to cement manufacturers on Monday, July 21, 2014.

Omife noted that the group’s demand for SON to rescind its ultimatum

is predicated on two grounds. The first being the ‘unfeasibility of the 60-day ultimatum,’ given that most cement manufacturers will need at least six months to retool their machineries to enable them meet SON’s labeling and traceability requirement.

The second reason, the group said, was that contrary to what SON made it to be, labeling and traceability requirement should not be open ended, instead “it should emphasise only three key factors to wit: (a) manufacturing date, (b) best before date, (c) batch number.”

Omife also regretted that “the 60-day ultimatum given to cement manufacturers by SON was pre-dated by the ill-advised policy on cement standardisation."

48 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ogun: Osoba's house defaced amidst renewed APC crisis Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

T

he crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed another dimension yesterday as unknown persons defaced the house of a former governor and national leader of APC, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

The wall of the exgovernor's house, located at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta

84

was defaced with graffiti derogatory to the person of Osoba.

Sprayed in black paint, the graffiti reads: "Osoba o ni wo tan"; "Osoba gba fun SIA"; "SIA lamo"; "Osoba o tije tan"; and "Osoba gba fun Oga e, SIA loga e."

The words are literally translated "Osoba, you can't survive this". "Osoba, accept SIA as your leader". "SIA (Senator Ibikunle Amosun) is the only recognised leader";

The life expectancy (in years) at birth of women in Iceland in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

"Osoba, you are finished"; and "Osoba, accept your leader, SIA is your leader."

The development fueled resentment among loyalists of Osoba, who had been enmeshed in a running battle with Amosun over the control of APC structures in the state.

The tussle, it will be recalled, led to the conduct of parallel congresses by rival factions loyal to Amosun and Osoba,

14.28m

The total number of air travel passengers of Nigeria in 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

causing to the intervention of the APC national secretariat.

A private security guard at Osoba's residence, who identified himself as Tunde Fasasi, told New Telegraph yesterday that he discovered the graffiti on Sunday morning.

Fasasi explained that he patrolled the area about 3:00 a.m. on the day but found no graffiti on the wall, adding that he

23.99m

The total population of North Korea (rep.

0.347% of world’s population) in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

suspected the action was carried out shortly after.

"I patrolled this area around 3:00am on Sunday and I didn't see anything.

But I guess it was done about 4:00am," he stated.

Reacting to the incident during a telephone chat yesterday, Osoba said he was not disappointed by the graffiti, saying it was part of efforts to destroy him politically.

He said: "Well, I am used to being insulted

Group pledges to mobilise 4 million votes for Jonathan Babatope Okeowo AKURE

political group, VicApromised tory Platform, which to mobilize four

million voters for the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan, has been launched in Ondo State.

The group, which was launched at Ode-Irele in Irele local council of the State with coordinators from the old Western Region comprising the six states of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo and Delta, said the President must continue in office “to consolidate on the great strides that his administration had recorded during this current tenure of office.”

The Convener of the

L-R: Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran; Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos State chapter, Alhaja Nimot Muili and former Chairperson of the association, Mrs. Olayinka Abdul, at the 2014 Public Lecture/ Award of APWEN, in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

VICTORY

Ekiti APC describes Aregbesola's success as triumph of right over wrong Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

E

kiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the victory of the party's candidate in last Saturday's governorship election in Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as the triumph of right over

Aregbesola turns hero in Ekiti wrong and a result of the party’s focus, hard work and dedication.

Aregbesola retained the governorship seat of Osun State by polling 394,684 votes to defeat his closest rival, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled a total of 292,747.

In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, Ekiti APC noted that Aregbesola's victory did not come easy considering the siege by the Federal

Government on Osun, just like Ekiti.

But according to Awe, it had justified the party’s hues and cries that President Goodluck Jonathan and his goons in the PDP indeed committed political rape on Ekiti in the June 21 governorship election.

Awe also shared the belief of Aregbesola that the election was an unnecessarily tensed, tortuous and even traumatic one, saying that the Federal Government, using the instrument of power

to muscle the opposition, could only get away with that of Ekiti, which it used as the guinea pig, "while we were more prepared for them in Osun having unraveled their devilish tricks."

The party said: "Both the Ekiti and Osun elections were unduly militarized in an unprecedented manner. 30,000 legally and illegally armed men unleashing terror on the innocent electorate whom they described as the President’s enemies were unheard of.

Wada launches N110 million city transportation

Muhammad Bashir LOKOJA

overnor Idris Wada of Ginaugurated Kogi state yesterday 12 Ashok

Leyland 30-seater buses known as Lokoja City Bus Service to ease commuter’s movement within the state capital.

While launching the N110.7million City Bus, at the government house in Lokoja, Wada said the

government was determined to transform the transport sector in the state.

Wada explained that the project was financed through SURE-P funds accrued to the state.

As part of effort to manage Kogi state Public Transport Service, Wada pointed out that the State government has employed the services of a consultant, the Planet Project,

to manage the service.

The Governor further stated that the initiative was geared towards ameliorating the sufferings of the masses, adding that when the subsidy was withdrawn, the federal government came out with palliative measure through SURE-P projects.

He however warned the newly recruited drivers to be obedient and have a maintenance

culture in handling the Buses.

Wada also urged the Ministry of Transport to monitor newly recruited drivers and maintenance of the buses, noting that in line with his administration’s determination to transform the state capital, contract for the expansion of Lokoja road from Welcome through Barracks to Nataco junction has been awarded.

even when I was governor in 2002. I am not disappointed. It's part of the game; that is exactly what happened 11 years ago.

For me, I have developed a thick skin.

"Anything anybody says about me at the age of 75, it is too late to malign my name or to destroy my reputation as an elder. All I can say is that may God continue to forgive them.

We should pray for them, may God forgive them."

group, Emmanuel Igbasan, a cleric and accountant, who addressed a gathering made up of mainly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the council led by its chairman, Steven Akinmuda appealed to Nigerians to support the Jonathan government in its quest to develop the country.

According to him, despite the huge noise from the camp of the opposition, President Goodluck Jonathan is undeterred in working forthe good of this country and its people.

“He is truly a gift to Nigerians even though he is the most vilified and the most criticized of all the presidents that have ruled this country. "

Oyo commissioner urges farmers to maintain peace yo State Commis- ered in their numbers at OMr.Ambali sioner for Agriculture, Tede over the allegation Hammed has against BATN by a group advised tobacco farmers in the state to be steadfast and continue their working relationship with the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) without fear, saying the government will not allow any company to shortchange farmers in the course of selling their farm produce.

Hammed stated this during a fact finding visit to the tobacco farmers in Oke Ogun area who gath-

of individuals that the company was overusing tobacco farmers and underpaying them for their products and also engaging their little children in tobacco farming instead of being in school.

Ambali added that the present administration in the state would not fold its arms and allow any group of individuals to tamper with the welfare of farmers.

‘Omisore, condemned to lose' Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

All Progressives ConAinngress (APC) lawmaker the Ogun State House

of Assembly, Mrs. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo yesterday said the fielding of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, for the August 9 governorship election was a huge plus for the incumbent governor.

Mrs. Adeyeye-Oladapo said the APC should be thankful to the PDP for fielding Senator Omisore

against Aregbesola.

Adeyeye-Oladapo made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Benin Edo state capital.

She said the character and antecedents of Mr. Omisore was what worked against him at the polls.

According to her, the greatest role to the success of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was carried out by the PDP, adding that APC should be magnanimous enough to thank them for fielding Senator Omisore as their candidate.

NEWS 49

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

FG inaugurates national trauma centre Anule Emmanuel

T

he Federal Government has commissioned a National Trauma Centre in Abuja.

The facility is to cater for severely injured patients and also reduce medical tourism.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented yesterday by the Vice President Namadi Sambo, performed the commissioning ceremony of the center located at the National Hospital, Abuja.

President Jonathan reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing world class healthcare services to Nigerians, through adequate funding; provision of modern facilities and

10.29

well trained personnel; ensuring conducive environment for healthcare workers, as well as institution of people oriented policies.

He said: “Providing modern healthcare infrastructure such as this Trauma Centre and others is a cardinal objective of our Transformation Agenda, as prioritized under the National Strategic Health Development Plan”.

He stressed that a Trauma Centre functions optimally when its component units work together.

The President therefore charged all healthcare workers, particularly those that would be assigned to the Centre to work in unity, maintaining that “as health

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Thailand in 2010.

Source: Itu.int

personnel, you are all integral to the delivery of the comprehensive care that would be needed by distressed patients.”

Speaking on the Ebola virus disease outbreak, the President appealed to Nigerians not to panic and to take the highest possible care in hygiene and contact by adhering to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of health.

“We have put measures and facilities in place, for detection and management and are working in concert with the international community to stem its spread. We must remain at high alert,” he stated.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the Centre was one of many projects

17

contained in the Federal Government’s strategic plan aimed at providing efficient, cost effective and timely healthcare services to Nigerians.

He said the Centre would handle all forms of trauma, whether from falls, fires, accidents, natural or man-made disasters, including terrorist activities.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the National Hospital Board, Dr. Tony Okam while thanking the President for his support to the Hospital, said the Centre is the first of its kind in the country. He also said that the Centre was a hospital within a hospital, with state of the art healthcare facilities, a well trained personnel and a helipad, to mention but a few.

610,000

The life expectancy (in years) at age 60 years The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Thailand in 2007. of women in Mozambique in 2010-2015.

Source: Blatantworld.com Source: Un.org

Ladoja: Omisore, not PDP, lost to APC in Osun Sola Adeyemo, IBADAN

Leader of the Nmerational Accord party and forgovernor of Oyo

State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has said that the loss of the last Saturday's governorship election in Osun State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was actually not a loss by the Peoples Democratic Party but its candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore.

While congratulating Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the victory, Ladoja said the party lost because of Omisore's lack of acceptable personality to galvanize the support of the people of the state.

Speaking with journalists at the installation of Nureni Aderemi Adeniran as the 3rd President of Rotary Club of Ibadan, Jericho-Metro District 9125 at the weekend, Ladoja said the people of the State were desirous of change, but could not find it in the two-term Senator.

He recalled what he said after the Ekiti State election that the Ekiti people voted for Ayodele Fayose and not the PDP, and that it was contrary in the Osun State experience. He stressed that the people did not reject PDP but Omisore because of his controversial personality.

PDP chieftain applauds Uduaghan over LG primaries Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

Chieftain of the PeoA(PDP), ple’s Democratic Party, Dr. Moses Adag-

babiri has applauded Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for ensuring that democratic principles are entrenched throughout the local government councils in Delta South Senatorial district during the PDP primaries in Delta State.

Addressed journalists after Governor’s meeting with the Delta South PDP leaders, party executives and chairmanship aspirants of Delta South, Adagbabiri appreciated Uduaghan for his quick intervention in the Burutu chairmanship debacle, adding that he is a true leader who acted prompt-

ly to save crisis from erupting in the councils.

He prayed to God almighty to grant the governor more wisdom for him to continue with his visionary leadership services to Deltans. He called on Deltans to rally round the administration Uduaghan in other for him to finish strong.

“I totally agree with the governor’s intervention on Burutu chairmanship debacle. Ebekeme is my beloved younger brother and Chief Edwin Kiagbodor Clark is my father and our national leader. Ordinarily if two brothers are vying for a position, a father can intervene for the purpose of peace; and that was what our amiable governor has done so I honestly want to thank him for his fatherly intervention."

New Era educates students Gabriel Choba, UGHELLI L-R: Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church; former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jaknde; Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief Executive Officer, Inside-Out Limited and Rave TV, Mrs. Agatha Amata, during the inauguration/dedication of Inside-Out media headquarters and Rave TV Studio in Lagos.

PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

Ebola: Ambali tasks immigration service on vigilance PARTNERSHIP

Unilorin and NIS come together to confront a common disease Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

V

ice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali has appealed to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to intensify efforts in its drive to prevent the influx of people with Ebola virus into the country.

Ambali made the appeal when he received the Comptroller of Immigration, Kwara State Command, Mr. Peter Aburime in his office at the Univer-

sity. The Vice-Chancellor who stated that the University has 229 international students from 17 countries across the world described the disease as “very deadly and terrific”, saying it has become a point of duty for the Immigration Service to put its eyes and ears on ground to avert the spread of the virus into Nigeria.

While pointing out that the country needs the Immigration Service now more than ever before because of the outbreak of the Ebola virus, Ambali urged the government to act fast on the preventive measure in the interest of the citizens. He said that the University Senate has approved the sensitisation of the University com-

munity on how to prevent the disease and therefore tasked the Immigration Service to keep the University abreast of government directives on the Ebola outbreak.

Earlier in his address, the Comptroller, Mr. Aburime had assured the Vice-Chancellor that the Immigration Service is placing close surveillance on the nation's borders in order to curtail the spread of the Ebola virus in the country.

He explained that over 1000 Corps have been trained and are being deployed to man the nation's borders, noting that illiteracy, which he described as a major problem at the borders, has slowed down the ECOWAS regional integration plan.

The Comptroller thanked the Vice-Chancellor for making the University a leading education institution in the country and for the existing cordial relationship between the University and the Immigration Service and also for its support to the Service during the last Immigration recruitment exercise.

recent spread of EbTtoheolaNigeria virus disease, EDV has made it

imperative for members of the society to become aware of the nature and dangers of the disease and the preventive measures to avoid infection and further spread of the disease.

This is part of the reasons management of New Era Model Schools, Effurun have taken the campaign to the schools and the society at large, during her recent lecture on Ebola virus and how to prevent it, as well as the

symptoms and how it can be contracted.

Proprietress of the school, Dr. Anne Bazuaye, while making the presentation, noted that although the virus may have entered into Nigeria but it will die here only if the people can be more hygienic by washing of hands with disinfectant or sanitizer regularly as well as the fruits they eat.

Other preventive measures according to Dr. Bazuaye included the avoidance of bush meat, contact with the corpse of infected persons, handshaking, visiting sick places as well as praying regularly.

...INGRA charges Wada to curb spread Muhammad Bashi LOKOJA

nmental AtiveNon-Gover Organization, Initiafor Grassroots Advancement (INGRA), has charged Kogi State Government to put up stiff measures to curb the spread of the deadly

Ebola virus in the State.

The Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu who said the recent outbreak of the Ebola Epidemic Worldwide has brought to fore the serious gaps in the health systems both at the national and state levels.

Aliyu while addressing journalists yesterday in Lokoja stressed the need for the State to be more vigilant in view of its strategic location as a gate way between the Southern and Northern parts of the country, with the attendant influx of people.

50 WORLD | NEWS

NEWS

Maliki digs in as U.S. pushes for new Iraqi government

I

raqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was battling to keep his job yesterday, deploying forces across Baghdad as erstwhile allies nominated a replacement and the United States warned him not to block popular demands for change. With Sunni fighters from the Islamic State making new gains over Kurdish forces north of the capital, the United States hopes a consensus government can stem bloodshed that prompted the first U.S. air strikes since troops pulled out in 2011. Widely accused of a partisan obstinacy that has fueled the com-

munal violence tearing Iraq apart, the Shi’ite Muslim premier went on television late on Sunday to denounce the ethnic Kurdish president for delaying the constitutional process of naming him prime minister following a parliamentary election in late April.

But fellow Shi’ites nominated Haider al-Abadi, a long-time Maliki ally, in his place as the struggle for the premiership descended into judicial wrangling and a power play on the streets of the beleaguered capital, where militias and special forces seen as loyal to Maliki took up strategic positions. After Washington en-

dorsed the efforts of President Fouad Masoum to break three months of political deadlock, Secretary of State John Kerry called on Maliki not to resort to force or “stir the waters” when Iraqis were seeking a change of leader.

But Maliki, lifted from obscurity to take office during the U.S. occupation in 2006, has made clear he will not go quietly. In pointed remarks, Kerry said: “The government formation process is critical in terms of sustaining stability and calm in Iraq and our hope is that Mr. Maliki will not stir those waters.”

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Osun: Jonathan took a courageous stand, says Kwankwaso Muhammad Kabir KANO

T

he Kano State Governor, Mallam Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan deserved to be congratulated for not only accepting the outcome of the Osun State election but for taking the courageous stand of openly congratulating the newly elected Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola who won last Saturday Elections.

Kwankwaso said: “One should congratulate Abuja people for congratulating the

Governor of Osun State for winning the elections, because it is a courageous stand they took, and I believe they meant it, because they have no any other option but to accept the outcome’.

The Kano State Governor, who was speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the elections that saw his party the APC winning, noted that the result was rather a clear message of what the PDP should expect in 2015, because Nigerians are done with them and the era of tyranny and forceful collections and imposition of people is over.

Foundation boosts Abia security with vehicles Igbeaku orji UMUAHIA

M

TN Foundation has donated five Hilux Toyota double cabin vehicles to the Abia State government to boost its security network.

Presenting the vehicles yesterday at the Government House, Umuahia, a director in the Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, said the decision to identify with the state government’s security effort was borne out of the recognition of the security breakthroughs re-

corded by the government.

He said the gesture would not have been possible if the governor was not a focused and worthy partner of the Foundation, adding that they were not pressurized to do what they had done but embarked on the project because Abia State government deserved it.

“We advertise our programmes in the media for governments and organizations to apply and any one that meets the criteria will win the programme,” Okoro said.

Lack of qualified staff, logistics hamper environmental sanitation in Benue Iraqis chant pro-government slogans and wave national flags to show support for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Egypt stops Human Rights Watch staffers at airport

E

g yptian authorities stopped the executive director of Human Rights Watch and another U.S. staffer from entering the country yesterday ahead of the release of a critical report by the group on mass killings by security forces last summer, the group and security officials said.

This is the first time Egyptian authorities have stopped staffers from the New-York based group from entering the country. Executive Director Kenneth Roth and Middle East and North Africa Director Sarah Leah Whitson were to brief diplomats and journalists on the findings of their investigation into the bloody events in July and August last year following the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

The report, which was to be launched Tuesday, documents the deaths of hundreds killed in six different incidents, including

in one security raid on a sit-in of Morsi supporters at Cairo’s Rabaah el-Adawiyah Square described by Human Rights Watch as the worst massacre in Egypt’s modern history. In a statement yesterday, Human Rights Watch said Egypt’s police and army “methodically opened fire with live ammunition,” killing at least 1,150 protesters during the dispersals of the sit-in and five other demonstrations. No one has been held accountable for the crackdown and no formal investigation has been made public.

An airport official said the two were turned back on instructions from a security agency, without elaborating. The two had spent nearly 12 hours in Cairo International Airport, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. “It appears the Egyptian government has no appetite to face up to the reality of these abuses, let alone hold those

responsible to account,” Roth said in a statement. Tweeting from the airport, Roth said the Rabaah “massacre was too ruthless for Egypt’s head-in-sand approach to work. Barring HRW won’t make the world forget.”

Human Rights Watch said it had shared its findings with the government but received no reply.

The group said it still plans to release its findings Tuesday, although a scheduled conference in Cairo is unlikely to take place. One of the report’s main researchers, Omar Shakir, a U.S. citizen, also left the country yesterday. Shakir said the group had sent Egypt’s Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry, chief prosecutor and its ambassadors to Washington and the U.N. its findings during and after the investigation to give it time to share its versions of the events. But lacking a response, the group had to piece together the government’s account from public and media statements, he said.

Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

T

he Benue State Environmental Sanitation Agency (BENSESA) is grappling with the challenge of inexperienced and qualified staff as well as a functional office accommodation and logistics to tackle environmental sanitation in the state. General Manager of the agency, Mr. Ediga Akpa, disclosed this to New Telegraph in Makurdi

yesterday. Akpa stated that as part of strategies to arrest the situation, a Joint Task Force on environmental sanitation made up of staff of the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment and BENSESA have been formed to address the problem.

Akpa stated that sanitation was a very critical aspect of human life, and noted that government will not rest on its oars in maintaining the sanitary condition of the state to further improve on the health needs of the people.

Navy tinkers next move on Delta community crisis Joe Obende WARRI

A

fter several attempts to broker peace between the two warring groups in Ugborodo, Itsekiri host communities to the nation’s $16billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, the Nay now seems at loss as to what the next move should be.

The refusal of the warring

groups to embrace peace has become a recurring headache to the Commander of Nigerian Navy Flagship, NNS Delta in Warri, Navy Captain Musa Gemu, as it could stall the progress of work on the EPZ project.

Gemu, who has been in the forefront of peace brokerage for the feuding communities, told New Telegraph weekend that he had told representatives of the communities during a meeting at his instance to get back to him with their peace resolutions before the end of last week.

Ebola virus: Togo want another venue for Guinea match

T

ogo want the Confederation of African Football to move their Africa Cup of Nations tie from Guinea because of fears over the Ebola virus.

The September 5th or 6th match is part of the first round of group qualifiers.

It is estimated that Ebola has killed over 300 people in Guinea, where the dis-

ease was first detected, before spreading to Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“We are scared by the situation prevailing in that zone,” the Togo Football Federation said.

It added that it would follow advice from its government, which would likely prevent the party from travelling to Guinea.

In recent weeks, countries around

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

the world have advised their citizens not to travel to the affected countries and on Friday the World Health Organization said the spread of the virus was a global health emergency.

Nations Cup qualifiers involving Sierra Leone are already under scrutiny after the country said it would not host any football matches until further

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

51

notice because of Ebola.

CAF is yet to rule on requests from Togo and Sierra Leone to move qualifying games away from Ebola-affected areas.

Sierra Leone wants to play its home qualifiers in neutral countries - possibly Gambia, Morocco or Senegal.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Did you know?

32 goals were scored by substitutes in 2014 World Cup more than in any previous editions.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Blaise Matuidi of France (left) challenging Ogenyi Onazi of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria at Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. France won 2-0.

Ajibade Olusesan

S

uper Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has said that Rwanda can upset Nigeria’s quest of qualifying for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup slated to hold next year in Morocco, if the team allows complacency.

Eagles will open their qualifying campaign against the Amavubi on September 5 in Calabar, and the Lazio star said the African champions must beat the East Africans to make their qualification easy.

He said although the Rwandans were less fancied, they could pose a big problem to Eagles if they were underrated.

Onazi enjoined his teammates to see the game as another final, insisting that starting the qualifiers in front of home fans puts more pressure on the team.

“I thank God for what this team has been able to achieve in the past few years.

I am looking forward to the next outing for my country. Rwanda is going to be

Onazi raises Rwanda alarm

another tough match because there are no minnows in Africa anymore.

“We have played against the socalled small teams and most of the time they are the ones that will give you the toughest problem. So, we don’t have to underrate them, we have to play as if this is the final of the Nations Cup. We are the African champions and every team will want to beat us. It comes with pressure but we are equal to the task,” he said.

The former My People FC player also expressed his ‘profound happiness’ over the proposed extension of Coach Stephen Keshi’s stay as the handler of the team. He said the development would ensure Eagles soar to another level.

“I am very happy of course for this development. Our coach has started a very good project and it is heart warming to hear that he will be allowed to continue with the project. He is one of the best coaches around and I am

sure Nigeria will be happy to see what this team will achieve in another few years,” he said.

The player also declare himself fit for the Rwanda match saying that; “I will surely be available for the match. I am fit now and I should play a few games for my club before the qualifiers.”

South Africa and Sudan are other countries competing in the same group with Nigeria for places in the forthcoming Africa Nations Cup in Morocco.

52

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Summer beyond my wildest dreams -Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy tells the BBC he is playing “the best golf” of his life after securing the US PGA Championship.

T

he Open champion, 25, landed his second ma- on Sunday when he was the only player jor in as many months - and says he will cele- in the top 20 of the field to shoot over brate at Manchester United’s opening Premier par on the front nine.

Wet conditions made the 2008 Ryder League match.

“I’ve got a week off now and I’m going to enjoy it,” Cup course “as gettable as a major course will ever be”, according to McIlroy told BBC Sport.

“I don’t know if I can parade both the Claret Jug South African Ernie Els - and Phil and the Wanamaker Trophy at Old Trafford on Sat- Mickelson’s four birdies by the turn gave him hope of reclaimurday. I’ll try!” ing a title he won in 2005.

McIlroy, a United fan, will watch “I am disthem play Swansea City fresh from A YEAR OF CHANGE appointed in winning his fourth major.

2013 2014 the outcome,” He said the manner of his latest Jan - Aug Jan - Aug said Mickelson, victory was particularly satisfying.

0 4 who finished one “I gutted it out,” McIlroy, who Wins 1 2 stroke behind McIlroy on wrapped up victory in the gather- Runner-up 15 under, but earned his first 5 11 ing gloom by one shot, explained. Top tens top-10 result of the season. “If “It was different from my previ- Missed cuts 4 1 I could have finished the last five ous major wins. or six holes strong it could have “To win my second major this year and a fourth flipped the way I feel about the whole year. by the age of 25, it’s just incredible.

“My game is starting to come around a little bit.

“I’m going to celebrate and share it with the people who are close to me. I’ll be back home in Northern Next year is what I’m looking in on. It’s where we start our points for the Olympics, which I’m keen on.”

Ireland at the end of the week.

Golf will make its debut at the 2016 Rio Games, “I’m going to go to Old Trafford and watch the first game of the season on Saturday, and bring the [Open along with rugby sevens.

Mickelson, whose birdie on 18 gave him second trophy] Claret Jug with me. That will be a great thrill.”

Sandwiched between McIlroy’s major wins this place outright, is now guaranteed a place on the Unityear came victory at the WGC Bridgestone Invita- ed States team for September’s Ryder Cup meeting tional and he justified his favourite tag in Kentucky with Europe at Gleneagles.

Sharing third place were Swede Henrik Stenson and to win the US PGA by the single-stroke advantage he Rickie Fowler. The American became only the third held at the start of Sunday’s play.

His win, a fourth in 2014, is in marked contrast to man in the modern era to finish in the top five of all four his form of 12 months ago, when he was winless at majors in a season, joining Tiger Woods and Nicklaus.

Despite his consistency, Fowler awaits a first major the same stage of the season.

After a high-profile split with tennis-star fiancée victory and boasts only one PGA Tour win in his career.

“This is probably the one that hurts the most for me Caroline Wozniacki in May, McIlroy won the BMW Championship at Wentworth within a week and his this year,” said the 25-year-old after his three-under-par sensational form since has seen him reclaim the final round. “This one I felt I could go out and win it.”

Sunday’s play looked under threat early when world number one spot.

“Winning the Open was huge for me and I said I early torrential rain caused a near two-hour delay, wanted to back it up,” added the Northern Irishman. which prompted Els to call for an abandonment.

“I didn’t think in my wildest dreams I would have a summer like this. I just played the best golf in my life.”

His latest win means McIlroy has equalled the number of majors won by Jack Nicklaus at the same age, although he has some way to go to threaten the American’s record total of 18.

But the Northern Irishman’s quest for a fourth major and second US PGA Championship stuttered

Rory Mcllroy

WHAT THEY SAY Nine-time major winner Gary Player: “Lights out. Congratulations Rory McIlroy on your fourth major at the PGA Championship. Great back nine. True grit. Respect. My very best. GP” Two-time Open Champion Greg Norman: “Out of darkness comes the brightest star in the future of golf.

Congratulations Rory McIlroy. You seized the moment at the right time.”

Four-time European Tour winner Matteo Manassero: “I was glued to the TV...they mainly talk about his driving but the strength of mind he showed is incredible!! Rory McIlroy is a great champion.”

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Maigari may return to NFF Ajibade Olusesan

B

arring unforeseen circumstance the sacked President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, may return to his position.

Maigari, last month, was dismissed from the board by NFF Executive Committee after he was found guilty of gross misconduct including misapplication and misappropriation of funds.

But New Telegraph learnt on good authority that the Bauchi state-born administrator has played some high wire politics to reclaim his seat and he is close to realising his ambition.

New Telegraph had last week reported that the Bauchi State FA chairman enlisted the service of the Chairman of the People Democratic Party, Adamu Muazu, to prevailon President Goodluck Jonathan to order his return to the office.

And reports have emerged that the PDP chair, who incidentally hails from the same state as Maigari, has actually pleaded Maigari’s case with Jonathan and the President had ordered that the embattled football administrator be reinstalled to see out his tenure.

“Maigari may return to his position as the NFF president because PDP chairman met with Jonathan at the weekend and Mr President has instructed that he should be allowed to finish his tenure. So, we are expecting that to happen anytime,” the source said.

Moses ready to fight for Chelsea shirt Emmanuel Tobi

S

uper Eagles winger, Victor Moses, has expressed determination to fight for a regular starting shirt while relishing his return to Chelsea after going on loan to Liverpool last season.

Moses made his first appearance for Chelsea at the weekend in their 2-1 preseason victory over Ferencvarios of Hungary although he was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta in the 65th minute.

The former Wigan player however reiterated his determination to fight for a place if given the opportunity by Chelsea coach, Jose Mourhino.

“It’s a good thing to be playing for Chelsea once again, I’m excited because I always want to prove my

SPORT

53

abilities, my loan spell at Liverpool has improved me mentally and technically and am ready to put in my best if given a chance by the manager.” Moses told Chelsea TV. Moses, who is being chased by Aston Villa, West Brom and Crystal Palace, started his Chelsea career with a flourish as he won the Europa League with the team in 2013 scoring vital goals in the run in.

However, he couldn’t add to his tally of 23 matches under Manager Rafa Benitez when Jose Mourinho took over the team and decided to loan him to Liverpool.

Milo Basketball action begins in Lagos Brila FM stages Football Live, Ifeanyi Ibeh Wave Your Banner

T

he final round of the 16th edition of the annual Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship gets underway on Tuesday at the National Stadium, Lagos, following the arrival of all 12 teams scheduled to take part in the country’s foremost basketball tournament for high school students.

The championship, whose preliminary round commenced back in March across the country with 7530 secondary schools jostling for one of the 12 tickets to the Lagos finals, will see four games taking place on Tuesday in both the girls and boys categories.

First to take to the basketball court of the National Stadium’s Indoor Sports Hall at noon will be the pair of Saint Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, and West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.

Immediately following the Group A encounter will be the Group B tie between Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan and CAC Grammar School, Akure.

It will thereafter be the turn of the boys to take to the court as defending champions, Ilupeju Grammar School, Lagos taking on Saint Augustine Seminary, Ezzamgbo, by 3 pm, while Jesus College, Otukpo, squares up against Osadennis High School, Asaba by 4 pm.

Action from the 2013 Milo Basketball Champions between Team Abia (left) and Team Bayelsa

Rivers beats Delta in Judo Ifeanyi Ibeh

R

ivers State, at the weekend, emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Prince Timothy Nsirim-sponsored National Judo Championship, which took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Rivers emerged champions with six gold, six silver and six bronze medals ahead of Delta State, who ended the championship with five gold, four silver and four bronze medals. Third position went to Nasarawa State, who clinched five gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

A total of 152 judokas, drawn from 19 states and nine clubs, took part in the championship, which lasted from August 6 to 9.

A

s the European football season hots up, Nigeria’s first and only all-sports station, Brila FM, is ready to boost its package with a new programme, tagged Football Live. The Sports Radio is also set for this year’s edition of Wave Your Banner, holding this weekend.

The new programme is aimed at monitoring live games and exclusive reports across Europe and not just in the English Premier League.

Spain, Italy, Germany and France will also be well covered by Brila partners abroad as the station is set to captivate its teeming fans with the new, informative entertaining package, Football Live.

Chairman/CEO Brila Group, Dr. Larry Izamoje, stated that Football Live will run from 12:30 to 7:30 PM Saturdays and Sundays.

According to him, live eyewitness reports from the Ligue 1, Bundesliga, EPL, La Liga, Serie A, etc will be the order of the day.

“The Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup

opened our eyes to many things. We realised that there were actually top stars everywhere, especially outside England. Football Live will follow all the top stars, Neymar, David Luiz, Ibrahimovic, Messi, Ronaldo, Totti, Lewandowski, Mikel etc. It will be total,” he said.

Dr Izamoje also noted that there would be plenty of time for fans of all these top European teams to connect when they meet in Fans Corner shortly before the weekend matches.

“Interactivity will be in full swing, shortly before the matches Saturdays and Sundays. Fans will have a 30 minutes window to get together briefly and banter before matches at our studios. They will also link up with fans abroad,” Izamoje stated.

The station meanwhile is getting set to host fans of different clubs in the 6th edition of its annual football party, Wave Ur Banner on August 16th across three of its stations in Lagos, Abuja and Onitsha.

Falconets will be tough, says England coach Moyosore Makinde

E

ngland coach, Mo Marley, has predicted a tough match when they battle Nigeria’s Falconets in the last group game on Wednesday at the Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Canada.

England drew 1-1 with Mexico in Moncton to leave Group C as the most evenly balanced section at the FIFA

U-20 Women’s World Cup. Marley hopes to stop the Nigerian team which defeated South Korea 2-1 to top the group with four points.

“Our next game against Nigeria will be tough. The players are disappointed with the result against Mexico and I appreciate that because it will bring the best out of them. The further we go in the competition, the more crucial the games become,” he said.

54

SPORT | EURO FOOTBALL

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ibrahimovic denies Juve claims

P

Real Madrid

UEFA Super Cup

‘Sevilla not afraid of Real’

S

evilla President Jose Castro has said the club has nothing to fear in the European Super Cup against Real Madrid.

“We are happy to be in another final. We’re playing against a very powerful economic rival, and therefore a powerful football rival,” Castro said.

“It’s going to be a very complicated final but Sevilla intend to reign in Europe this season. The team has trained with an intensity that scares the opposition.

We can make it very complicat-

ed for Madrid. We’ll win or we won’t but we won’t be defeated.

“Real Madrid’s pre-season doesn’t worry me. I’m focused on my team. I’ve seen them with incredible intensity from day one. This team has ambition and is capable of anything.

“We’re not afraid of anything, we’re Sevilla. We have proven to be reliable in finals.”

Castro also recalled the 2006 European Super Cup which saw Sevilla overcome Barcelona, with goals from Renato, Freddie Kanoute and Enzo Maresca.

aris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has dismissed claims that he would like to end his career at former club Juventus.

In an interview with Swedish coach Stefan Hansson, published

by Tuttosport, it was claimed that Ibrahimovic could indeed return to Juventus.

But Ibrahimovic said: “A person named Stefan

Hansson has been making comments about me.

“I would like to clarify that I do not know this person. I have never met him, he has never been my coach and we have never talked on Skype.

“Normally, I would not even comment on matter like this, but his comments have reached unreasonable proportions, so I felt compelled to react.”

Ibrahimovic

Man Utd agree deal with Cuadrado

M

anchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado as they look to close a deal ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

According to reports in Spanish newspaper Sport, United have agreed a deal with the player ahead of Barcelona, who have also shown interest

in the Colombian international, although terms are yet to be agreed between the two clubs, the Metro reports.

New United boss Louis van Gaal had been expected to overhaul the squad since his arrival but has yet to wield the axe or splash the cash as time continues to run down before the start of the season on Saturday.

Maradona slaps reporter after event with family

A

rgentina great Diego Maradona slapped a reporter on the face after attending an event with his family last weekend.

Maradona also called the journalist an idiot during the confrontation outside a theatre in Buenos Aires.

It wasn’t clear why Maradona was upset, though local media said the discussion appeared to be related to his former wife.

Video images showed the former player leaving his car and telling the reporter not to mess with him just before slapping him with his right hand. The journalist did not immediately react.

Fans and reporters had surrounded Maradona’s car to talk to the former star, who answered

M

M

iroslav Klose has confirmed his retirement from international football, ending a 13-year spell with Germany.

The Lazio striker netted a record 71 times for Die Mannschaft in 137 appearances, winning the World Cup this summer.

The 36-year-old broke the record for most goals scored at the tournament with 16 and is also the only player to have played in four or more World Cup semi-finals.

The veteran said in a statement: “The win in Brazil was a childhood dream and I am proud and happy to have helped make it happen.

“It was the best thing to close my international experience [at this point].”

Cuadrado

Drogba hopeful ankle injury is not serious

D

idier Drogba is hoping that the ankle injury he suffered during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros on Sunday is not serious.

The Ivorian forward was substituted after 28 minutes during the pre-season victory for José Mourinho’s men and revealed that he will undergo

Maradona

had Stadium.

“City are a top club in Europe. For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress. I want to win titles and I believe I can do this.

I am ambitious and this is why I am here,” Mangala said.

treatment this week in a bid to be fit for the Blues’ Premier League opener against Burnley next Monday.

“I twisted my ankle and I couldn’t continue,” Drogba told Chelsea’s website.

“In the next few days we are going to do some treatment and I hope everything will be better.”

Klose

‘No Moreno agreement’

a few questions and was about to leave when he became upset.

Maradona’s son and his ex-wife were with him inside the vehicle.

S

Man City complete Mangala deal

anchester City on Monday announced the signing of France central defender Eliaquim Mangala from FC Porto.

The 23-year-old Paris-born Mangala becomes the sixth signing of the summer and will quickly rejoin his old Porto teammate Fernando at the Eti-

Klose announces international retirement

Moreno

evilla president Jose Castro says no deal has been agreed with Liverpool over left-back Alberto Moreno just yet, despite reports to the contrary.

The Spain international has been the Reds’ number one target for the position since the transfer window opened, and have recently returned to talks after initially

pursuing other targets.

“There have been negotiations [for Moreno], eight or 10 days ago, but there has been no agreement and nor is there today,” he told the club’s official website.

“If Liverpool’s offer is suitable he will leave. If not, he’ll stay and nothing will happen, absolutely nothing. We’ll be at ease.”

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Supporters Club office shut as crisis deepens lMembers in free-for-all fight lCrisis truncates trip to Canada Vincent Eboigbe

T

he crisis besetting the Nigeria Supporters Club has taken a new turn as the clubhouse in Surulere, has been shut following the fight that broke out between the two factions of the club two weeks ago.

The fighting, it was learnt, started when members were preparing for a meeting which was allegedly disrupted by a certain Baba Ibeji who was said to be loyal to the Chairman of the Club, Mr. Vincent Okumagba.

Baba Ibeji was said to have stormed the meeting throwing chairs everywhere; the ensuing melee saw broken bottles freely used by both factions.

A member of the club who pleaded for anonymity blamed Okumagba who it was alleged incited Baba Ibeji to disrupt the meeting.

“Okumagba is the one causing the whole problem. He is the one that stopped our meeting from holding using his people. But the clubhouse was not shut down; it was Alhaji Aderenle Yusuf, the deputy president general, through which we got that property that

closed down the place pending when we are able to resolve the matter. Again, it was Okumagba that decided that we won’t be going to Canada to support Falconets yet he took over 80 names to the Canadian High Commission for visas,” said the source.

“But when President General of the Club, Rafiu Ladipo, heard about it he went to the High Commission to let them know that we were not going to Canada since we just came back from the World Cup in Brazil and are yet to settle down.”

But Okumagba debunked all the allegations while also speaking to New Telegraph on the telephone on Monday.

The chairman maintained that it was Ladipo that was behind the crisis as he had prevented him from ruling since he was not a Yoruba man.

“I’m from the Niger Delta and in the history of the club it is only Yorubas that have been chairmen,” Okumagba noted.

“When I decided to contest in 2012, Ladipo and his people ganged up against me. When it was clear I would win the election, they went to court but the court ruled that status quo be

25 years after, Nwosu eulogises late Okwaraji Charles Ogundiya

F

ormer Nigeria international, Henry Nwosu, has heaped extolled the qualities of late Nigerian football icon, Samuel Okwaraji, who died 25 years ago while playing for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking with New Telegraph, the Gateway FC coach said he would forever remember the late midfielder who, in Nwosu’s opinion, was one of the best players Nigeria ever produced, and who served his country diligently right up till his death on August 12, 1989.

“He was friendly with everybody not minding where you came from,” said Nwosu, recalling the former Antwerp of Belgium player. “He was a wonderful player who served his fatherland with everything he had.

“I used to tell him ‘Sam, no matter how many people you dribble, if you don’t score

goals, nobody will remember you’.

“And we both celebrated his wonder strike against Cameroon at the group stage of the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, in Morocco,” recalled Nwosu, referring to Okwaraji’s second minute strike in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against the Indomitable Lions.

Speaking further, Nwosu urged upcoming players to learn from Okwaraji’s patriotic zeal, even as he advised those in positions of authority to immortalise the player.

“It is very unfortunate that nothing has been done to immortalise this hero,” continued the former Super Eagles skipper. “The Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission should do something for him for the whole world to see.”

Speaking also, Okwaraji’s brother, Patrick Okwaraji, said his family is disappointed the football star has yet to be immortalised by the country he died for.

maintained effectively meaning that I should be allowed to rule.

“I became chairman when Mr. Yisa Bashorun resigned and I was his deputy, but Ladipo has not been happy since.

They were recruiting thugs so we thought that the clubhouse should be shut so that people don’t lose their lives.”

On the claim that he took over 80 people to the High Commission for visas, Mr. Okumagba was dismissive, describing the allegation as malicious in the least.

“I’m not the public relations officer or protocol officer of the club so how could I have taken people to the High Commis-

sion? It is not my job,” he said.

“What we agreed was that members should not go to any embassy using the club’s name, that we won’t do that as a body.

That they could apply for visas so long as they did so as individuals. You can verify what I’m saying from the Canadian High Commission. It is not a hidden matter, so to say I took names there is malicious.”

The Supporters Club has been mired in crisis for over two years and it came to a head during the last world Cup in Brazil. Some members accused the executive of the body of fleecing them of huge sums of money (each member

paid over N300 000) for their trip to the South America nation. But they complained that arrangements made on their behalf were shoddy. They specifically bemoaned the substandard accommodation, difficult transportation and poor feeding during the World Cup. But the Secretary General, Samuel Ikpea, had dismissed the accusations then, saying that given the constraints within which they had to worktaking over 300 members to Brazil at a cost of N312 000 for air ticket per person, costly hotel accommodation, travelling huge distances etc. -they did their best for members.

Okagbare

Okagbare becomes new Africa’s fastest woman Charles Ogundiya

B

lessing Okagbare, on Monday, confirmed her growing status as Africa’s queen of the track after winning the 100 metres title at the on-going African Senior Athletics Championships in Morocco she added that to the sprint double she achieved at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Okagbare won the 100m race in 11.00secs ahead of fierce rival, Cote d’Ivoire’s Claude Murie Ahore, who fin-

ished in 11.03secs.

Nigeria’s Gloria Asumnu couldn’t get on the podium as she finished in fourth place in a time of 11.49secs, while the other Nigerian in the final, Lauretta Ozoh, finished seventh in 11.74secs.

Speaking after her victory, Okagbare, who was beaten to second place at the 2012 edition of the African Championships in Benin Republic by Gabon’s Ruddy Milama, said; “I am very happy to have won the title. Just coming straight from the Commonwealth Games, my body is

tired, but my coach told me to just focus and execute the race, which was what I did.”

In the men’s 100m, Nigerian duo of Mark Jelks and Monzavous Edwards finished second and third respectively behind Cote d’Ivoire’s Wilfred Hua, who won the race in a time of 10.05secs.

Nigeria’s Ogho-Oghene Egwero finished a disappointing fifth in the final.

Earlier on Monday, Nichole Denby, won a bronze medal for Nigeria in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 13.27secs.

Ebola virus: Togo want another venue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

Even away games involving the Sierra Leone and Guinea teams could be problematic after the Seychelles prevented the Sierra Leone squad from entering its country last month because of fears they could bring

in Ebola.

After Seychelles authorities refused to let the Sierra Leone party in, the Seychelles Football Federation was forced to forfeit the game and its place in qualifying.

Sierra Leone are due to play Ivory Coast and Cameroon, as well as Congo, in the last round of qual-

ifying, which runs from early September to mid-November. Guinea have been drawn in a group with Ghana, Togo and Uganda.

The qualifying competition will decide the 15 teams to join host Morocco at the Nations Cup finals in January and February.

World Record

On Marble

Opportunities don’t often come along.

So, when they do, you have to grab them

– Audrey Hepburn

Sanctity of Truth

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

The longest human tooth extracted measured 3.2 cm (1.26 in), which was removed from Loo Hui Jing (Singapore) in Singapore, on 6 April 2009.

N150

How Ebola is shaking Africa, America and Europe

E

xactly 25 years ago this week, the Ebola virus landed in the United States for the first time, at an office park near Washington Dulles International Airport. The appearance of the deadly virus triggered panic amongst public health officials as they scrambled to cope with a contagion that kills almost everyone infected. Although that variant turned out to be non-lethal to humans, and no-one in the US has yet died from the strain, the very name Ebola still has the power to chill authorities in America and beyond as the ultimate killer virus.

Ebola, of course, is back again.

The current outbreak emerged last December in Guinea and spread across the region to Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It might be tempting to make a geographic link with the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus was first identified in 1976 and earned its name, but the regions are still some 5,000km away. Yet such is the nature of modern life, distance matters little when it comes to such diseases. While Nigeria has now joined the ranks of countries reporting fatalities, fear of contagion is just as strong in Europe, the US and elsewhere.

This is a rare moment as leaders join forces to combat a common threat. European and American health experts are liaising with their regional counterparts on how to contain a disease that defies treatments.

Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan declared the outbreak of Ebola “a national emergency” and approved more than $11 million to help contain it.

On Saturday, the European Union announced an additional €8 million ($10.7 million) to support efforts to contain the spread in West Africa. It is the fourth increase of EU aid for this crisis, bringing total aid to €11.9 million ($15.9 million). The latest EU funding - channelled through the European Commission’s humanitarian partners on the ground, including UN agencies and NGOs - will provide immediate healthcare to the affected communities and help contain the spread of the epidemic. In addition, a second European mobile laboratory will be deployed in the coming days to the region, to provide support to diagnostics and testing.

The flurry of actions reflects the irrelevance of borders when it comes to such health threats. Ebola is still one

World View LEO CENDROWICZ Brussels Bureau Chief, New Telegraph

The epidemic is already taking a devastating toll in Nigeria and the three other West African countries

Ebola patient receiving treatment. Inset: Ebola virus

of the most aggressive and deadliest viral diseases known to man, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), with up to 90% people infected with the virus dying. There is no known cure.

The latest outbreak is unusual, spreading faster and farther than normal. This is likely thanks to human contact, or the movement of dead bodies that are infected with the virus, and part of the contagion effort is focused on effective quarantining of infected areas.

The epidemic is already taking a devastating toll in Nigeria and the three other West African countries: to date, the outbreak has seen 1,711 cases and 932 deaths, including many health workers.

The economic toll is also being felt in West Africa as people stay away from work and foreign companies pull staff and resources out of danger areas. British Airways has also announced that it is suspending flights to and from Liberia and Sierra Leone, while companies like heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar have evacuated personnel

from Liberia. The World Bank says the outbreak could shrink economic growth in Guinea from 4.5 percent to 3.5 percent this year. Nigeria and the other countries hit by Ebola ultimately could require financial help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

But no-one is in any doubt that it could spread to richer nations. Last week, UK border staff threatened to go on strike, angry that not enough is being done to protect them from the chance that passengers arriving in Britain are infected with Ebola.

This all comes as the first person in Europe to be treated for Ebola is being given an experimental drug: Spanish priest Miguel Pajares, 75, remains in isolation in a hospital in Madrid after being flown back from Liberia. He is thought to have contracted the disease while treating patients with Ebola at a hospital his Catholic humanitarian group runs.

It sometimes takes a disaster to shake people out of their complacency and bring them together. This is certainly a crisis. How it will play out over the next weeks or months

is unclear, but it has already shown that it does not matter whether you live in Lagos or London: when nature spits its venom, it can strike anyone, anywhere.

OMOBABA

SENATORS DON’T TAKE BRIBES, SAYS ENANG

– But they accept gifts!

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 Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.