Binder1 august 08, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Friday, August 8, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 171

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Oil theft, 2015 polls dampen Nigeria’s economic outlook –ADB Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

ampant cases of oil theft in Niger Delta and possible distraction associated with 2015 general election may

dampen the positive economic outlook for Nigeria, the African Development Bank (ADB) has said. ADB made this known in its African Economic Outlook 2014 report launched in Abuja yester-

day. Nigeria’s economy had grown by 6.21 per cent in the first quarter of 2014, up from 4.45 per cent in the same period last year. This was, however, lower than 6.77 per cent recorded in

the fourth quarter of 2013, while the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated N18, 295, 631.91 or N14, 535,420.95 million in real terms. Nigeria’s economy had grown 6.5 per cent and 7.0

per cent in 2012 and 2013 respectively and is projected by the World Bank to grow at 6.7 per cent, 5.5 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Specifically, the ADB report noted that oil theft

and pipeline vandalism, which have translated to loss of revenue, as well as the security challenges in the North-East, might stifle the positive economic outlook for the country CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

65,000 security agents for Osun guber poll lAPC, PDP trade accusations over ballot papers lGovt declares today public holiday, urges mass voters’ turnout Adeolu Adeyemo, Temitope Ogunbanke, Wale Elegbede, Mojeed Alabi and Johnchuks Onuanyim

bout 65,000 security agents, comprising personnel drawn from the military, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed in Osun State to maintain law and order during tomorrow’s governorship election in the state. The security personnel, according to a source, compose of 15,000 soldiers, 30,000 policemen and 20,000 NSCDC officials, majority of who have arrived in the state. The 65,000 security agents, it was learnt, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; life patron, Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mallam Ismaila Isa; former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega; President, NPAN, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena and General Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Obi, during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Jubilation as Fashola reverses LASU fees to N25,000 lFG grants life insurance to health workers lECOWAS suspends meetings }9 lOgun wants RCCG, NASFAT, others to shelve religious gatherings

Ebola: Obama forecloses sending drug to Nigeria

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Appolonia Adeyemi, Kunle Olayeni, Tunde Oyesina, Chukwu David, Yekeen Nurudeen and Obinna Odoh

nited States President Barack Obama yesterday dashed the Federal Government’s hope of

having experimental drug for the treatment of Ebola to Nigeria and other affected West African countries. Obama said Nigeria and other affected coun-

tries should instead focus on building a “strong public infrastructure.” “I think we have to let the science guide us. And I don’t think all the infor-

mation is in on whether this drug is helpful,” he said. He said the United States is working with European partners and the

World Health Organization to provide resources to help contain the epidemic. “We’re focusing on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Boko Haram: Nigeria is under siege, says Gusau

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Friday, August 8, 2014

APC, PDP trade accusations over ballot papers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

would assist a contingent of 8,000 men and officials of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) that had been deployed earlier in the state. It was gathered that they would be sent to the 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Council to prevent any breach of the peace. Ahead of election, two of the major parties fielding candidates for the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday engaged in recriminations over movement of ballot papers for the poll. The Osun State Government has also declared today as public holiday to allow voters participate fully in the election. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, in a statement in Osogbo, said the holiday was to enable people, who would be travelling to different parts of the state to perform their civic duties, have enough time to do so. Speaking on the readiness of the security agencies to ensure a violencefree poll, the source confided in New Telegraph yesterday that the number

of soldiers deployed for the election was initially 5,000 until yesterday when it was jacked up to 15,000 while the figure of both the conventional and riot police contingents sent to the state has been increased to 30,000. The source explained that men of the anti-terrorism squad are part of those drafted to the state to search for weapons, including improvised explosive devices. “They are doing random picking of individuals to search particularly suspected persons,” he added. NSCDC Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Evan Enwerem, also said a total of 20,000 officials and 100 sniffing dogs had arrived Osun to monitor tomorrow’s election.

According to Enwerem, his men will be professional in their conduct just as he warned troublemakers to stay away from the state. The APC and PDP however continued their verbal war yesterday as they engaged in recriminations over the movement of ballot papers. The APC fired the first salvo with a claim that millions of ballot papers were transported into the state on Wednesday from Abuja in a bullion van purportedly owned by the PDP. But the PDP countered that the APC brought voting materials into the Government House on Wednesday night. The opposition party also said it had uncovered the PDP manual to rig the election with projected fake results in all the 30 local government areas of

the state. APC stated that part of the discovery made in the document obtained was the PDP plan of pre-allotted votes for each local government to make up the number of 406,116 for its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, even before the commencement of voting. The APC in a statement by its state Chairman, Mr. Adelowo Adebiyi and the Director of Publicity, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, alleged that the bullion van was parked at the PDP secretariat until the wee hours of yesterday before it was taken to an unknown destination. “This ballot papers was brought in preparatory to thumb printing them at a Catholic School in Ife Odan and then surreptitiously to be added to the party’s tally in all wards and councils

for the election,” it said. The party said it also had information that vehicles belonging to the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) would be used to distribute ballot papers to the selected areas where the PDP plans to use them to rig the election. According to APC, the crude method PDP is adopting is contrary to the assurances President Goodluck Jonathan gave to the people that the election will be free and fair. The APC also condemned the desperate act of sabotage by the PDP aimed at winning the election at all cost. Giving further insight into PDP’s alleged plan to rig the election, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the rigging plans were conCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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L-R: CEO, National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, Mr. Chika Mordi; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman, UBA Plc, Ambassador Joe Keshi; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and CEO, Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mr. Uche Orji, at the CEO Dialogue Forum with US Congressmen, during the US-AFRICA Business Leaders Summit in Washington DC...on Wednesday.

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Oil theft, 2015 polls dampen Nigeria’s economic outlook –ADB

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

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for the rest of the year and beyond. The report covers 54 African countries and it highlighted their current state of economic and social development as well as prospects for countries in the continent. The ADB noted that the progress made in Nigeria so far, were driven by activities in the non-oil sector such as agriculture, information and communication technology, trade and services. It added that recent decline in oil production had become worrisome. According to the report, “Growth of the oil sector was hampered throughout 2013 by supply disruptions arising from oil theft and

pipeline vandalism, and by weak investment in upstream activities with no new oil finds. “Risks to Nigeria’s economic growth are sluggish recovery of the global economy, insecurity challenges in the North Eastern part of the country, continued agitation for resource control in the Niger Delta and possible distraction from the ongoing reforms as a result of the upcoming 2015 general election. “Negative growth of the oil sector may also continue to drag down overall growth until a lasting solution is found to the challenge of oil theft and weak investment in exploration due to uncertain state of play in the sector as a re-

sult of non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.” The report also said that the country is still facing the challenge of making its decade-long sustained growth more inclusive. On poverty, it said: “Poverty and unemployment remain prominent among the major challenges facing the country. One reason for that is that the benefits of economic growth have not sufficiently trickled down to the poor.” Notwithstanding challenges facing the economy especially unrest in North East part of the country and oil theft in Niger Delta, the Country Director of the AfDB, Mr. Ousmane Dore said that social indicators are beginning to im-

prove as efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been intensified through the implementation of social-sector reforms. “We believe that monetary policy has been successful because the country’s inflation rate currently stands at single digit. “But there is need to put in place policies that will help address poverty to match the tremendous growth, which Nigeria had recorded in recent times,” he added. In his remarks, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu, said government was doing everything to address the challenges.

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

NEWS

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Friday, August 8, 2014

NPAN AGM

L-R: Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph, Gabriel Akinadewo; Editor, Yemi Ajayi; Secretary, Newspaper Proprietorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mr. Feyi Smith and former Governor, Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu at the Annual General Meeting of NPAN in Lagos...yesterday

L-R: Executive Director, The Sun, Steve Nwosu; General Editor, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Executive Director, Bolaji Tunji

L-R: Mr. Kola Oyeyemi of MTN and Ademola Oladosu of Leadership

Deputy Managing Director, New Telegraph, Mr. Felix Abugu

Editor, Sunday, New Telegraph, Mr. Emeka Madunagu

Editor, Saturday, New Telegraph, Mr. Laurence Ani

Former NPAN President, Mr. Ray Ekpu

Publisher Vanguard, Mr. Sam Amuka

L-R: Executive Director, Admin and Finance, Nation, Mr. Ade Odunewu and Online Editor, Lekan Otufodurin

L-R: Managing Director, The Guardian, Emeka Izeze; Finance Director, THISDAY, Peter Iwegbu and Managing Director, THISDAY , Eniola Bello

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Blueprint, Mohammed Idris and Managing Director, The Sun, Femi Adesina

Managing Director, TBWA, Kelechi Nwosu

L-R: Publisher, The Guardian, Mrs. Maiden Ibru and the Publisher, The Source, Comfort Obi

Mr. Lanre Arogundade

Deputy Managing Director, The Sun, Eric Osagie

PHOTOS: Suleiman Husaini

NEWS

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Friday, August 8, 2014

US, Nigeria trade volume hits $36bn

lJonathan pushes for more investments lKalu seeks better deal on power, security Wole Shadare and Anule Emmanuel

he volume of trade and bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States of America has hit $36billion annually. Presidential Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this yesterday in Washington DC where he is attending a peace and security summit between the United States and African leaders. He assured that the volume of trade between the two countries will continue to grow with greater cooperation particularly among private sector players. Speaking at a dinner held in his honour by the United States Chambers of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, President Jonathan said that his administration

welcomed the support of the Obama administration to ensure that Nigeria becomes one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020. While calling for greater direct investment in Nigeria from the United States, President Jonathan declared that recent developments had shown that President Barack Obama was right, when he spoke in September last year, of increasing international recognition of Nigeria’s role in the global economy. He said: “Our economy has since been re-based and it is now the largest in Africa. We are the 26th largest economy in the world and the largest trading partner of the United States in Africa. Latest figures show the volume of trade between Nigeria and the U.S. to be $36 billion and still counting.

“Between last year and now, we hosted the World Economic Forum on Africa which was attended by 1,000 participants from 70 countries. The Forum attracted over $68 billion in investment to the African continent in the form of Foreign Direct Investments as well as private and public investments targeted at projects that would foster the agriculture sector, improve infrastructure such as roads, railways, hospitals, education, skill development and ICT across African countries. “We remain the largest source of natural gas and have large areas of unexploited fertile lands for agriculture. We have a huge stock of untapped solid minerals and we continue to make Nigeria an attractive destination for foreign investors through the con-

stant implementation of our policy of creating an attractive and conducive climate for investors.” The President also told his audience at the dinner that while the oil and gas industry remains Nigeria’s main source of revenue and foreign exchange earner, his administration was working very hard to fully diversify the country’s economy and will welcome greater support from the United States for its efforts to make other sectors of the Nigerian economy more productive. He assured American investors that his administration was taking all necessary action to overcome the Boko Haram insurgency and achieve greater security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria. Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State,

L-R: Trade and Investments Minister, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Chief Executive Officer, General Electric, Africa, Mr. Jay Ireland and President General, Electric, Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, during a Presidential dinner for the renewal of Power Agreements between General Electric and the Government of Nigeria, organized by the U.S. Corporate Council on Africa and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington D.C., United State America...on Wednesday

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that Nigeria has not done enough to leverage on her relationship with the U.S. to promote development in electricity and security. Kalu, who spoke with journalists at the Lagos airport on arrival from the U.S. on Wednesday, said African countries stand to benefit from America’s high technology to promote security and improve power generation. He, however, chided the Obama administration of not doing enough unlike the Chinese who are making more impact in Africa. His words: “I believe sincerely that Nigeria should be able to leverage on American’s high technology in terms of security, power and so on. This is what we are looking at. I believe also that we have not utilised our relationship with the U.S.” He said Obama has not done enough for Africa despite being an African descent. But he described the summit with African leaders as a step in the right direction even as he stressed the need to implement decisions taken at the summit. “President Obama has not taken a special interest in Africa despite being of African descendant. It is disheartening to see that the Chinese have taken over Africa. The U.S. is not doing very well by keeping quiet. So, the investment forum by President Obama is a good step in the right direction and I hope it is going to be implemented and will not just be a talk show because we are in need of cooperation

from genuine partners like America,” Kalu said. The former governor described Boko Haram as a political issue and will remain so. He was optimistic that the current efforts to rescue the abducted Chibok girls would yield result as students would be released. Kalu described the abduction of the schoolgirls by Boko Haram as a blackmail stunt by people who truly hate President Jonathan. He stressed that this would not stop Jonathan from running in the 2015 presidential race. “I cry every night for those girls and I pray for the innocent girls that have not been seen. It is a total blackmail and that will not stop Jonathan not to run. Chief Tony Anenih has already said that Jonathan is going to run and I aligned myself with the declaration. “I will support him fully to run; four years in a life of a country means nothing. So, all the Peoples Democratic Peoples (PDP) candidates should step down for him to run,” Kalu said. He said he is not running for the presidency in 2015 since President Jonathan has been endorsed by the party leadership. “Already Chief Tony Anenih has declared that Jonathan should run. Anenih is the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), which is the conscience of the party. So, we will all align to support him. There is nobody in the PDP that will be running for presidency come 2015.

Boko Haram: Nigeria is under siege, says Gusau

lSpecial Forces reclaim Damboa, other communities – DHQ Emmanuel Onani

he Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, has declared that Nigeria is under siege in the face of terrorism. “It is not just government and security services that are in the war; it is our country that is under siege. “It is our war and war can only be won if we keep a united front, while we are concerned about our present we should also think of our future. “The current challenges in some part of the country remind us that military might alone is not enough to ensure peace,” he said. He therefore called for collective effort in the fight against insurgency in the country.

Gusau spoke at the graduation dinner/award night for Course 22 Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) on Wednesday in Abuja. Gusau, however, said that military power was essential to ensure stability without which it would be impossible to build and sustain peace. The minister said without the support of the people, especially the locals, the unseen enemies in an insurgency would retain the perception that they had the upper hand. He said the armed forces required the total and unequivocal support of generality of Nigerians for their actions to remain legitimate. On training, Gusau said government was focused on renewed collaboration with the NDC

to ensure that senior officers of the military were properly trained to enable them face the challenge of terror “To you the graduating participants, I have cause to believe that you have all earned the right to be conferred with the qualification Fellow of Defence College (FDC),” he said. Gusau stressed that innovation and foresight were needed to curb emerging security threats in the 21st century. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the college in the areas of training, research and development as well as for retaining its position as the centre of excellence. In a related development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that Special

Forces in the ongoing counter-terrorism war have regained control of Damboa and Delwa communities in Borno State, after chasing out suspected terrorists, who had reportedly seized control of the areas, and allegedly hoisted their flag. The disclosure was contained in a statement posted on the official website of the Defence Headquarters yesterday. This is even as intensive operations geared towards reclaiming Gwoza, which was said to have been over-run by suspected Boko Haram fighters, are said to be ongoing. Reports said the whereabouts of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Muhammed Timta, whose father was killed in May, has remained unknown, since after the attack on

the town. Other towns repossessed by troops, according to the statement, were: Mustafari, Manga and Wanga. The statement further noted that, the special operation, which commenced on Tuesday, was intended to rid out suspected terrorists elements, and restore law and order to the areas. It added that the “mopup” operation, will provide an opportunity for the military, to ascertain the casualty figure, while also ensuring adequate protection for the civilian population. The statement reads: “Special Forces in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign have cleared Delwa, Mustafari, Manga, Wanga and Damboa of terrorists who have been

rampaging in the communities. “The special operation which began early in the week is meant to restore law and order to the area and apprehend all terrorists who have been operating in the locality. “The operation which has so far lasted 40 hours has dove-tailed into the mop up phase during which the remnants of insurgents are being cleared from the communities. “The mop up phase will also ascertain the casualties as additional efforts are also been made to ensure the protection of innocent civilians during the operation. “Troops are also involved in manoeuvres to apprehend terrorists who have been attacking Gwoza and surrounding localities since Tuesday causing the death of many civilians.”

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Friday, August 8, 2014

NEWS

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FG grants life insurance to health workers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

public health approach right now, because we know how to do that, but I will continue to seek information about what we’re learning with respect to these drugs going forward.” The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, had yesterday said that the Federal Government was awaiting response from America on drug request. Chukwu spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Defence Identification Centre (DNA) at the Magadishu Cantonment in Abuja. He said that the U.S. has not yet responded to Nigeria’s request for supply of the experimental drug used for the treatment of the deadly Ebola virus. “We have not received any response from them (America), we have made the request; we believe they will respond to us. “But we know that this is still an experimental drug, some of the data required is now being collected, but they are now using it on people,” said Chukwu. Two Americans infected with Ebola have been treated with the experimental drug while nearly 1,000 Africans have already died from the deadly epidemic. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has granted life insurance for any health worker who dies of the Ebola virus. “This insurance scheme covers health workers who may wish to join in the fight against Ebola virus,” he stated. The minister called on the international community to see Ebola virus as a global threats that needs to be jointly fought. The minister highlighted measures taken so far by government which include training of health workers, border screening, provision of personal protective equipment for medical personnel, surveillance of about 70 persons and about eight persons quarantined. In the meantime, the ECOWAS Commission has suspended all meetings involving member states of the commission due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in some West African countries. The Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Toga McIntosh, announced this at a briefing organised by the Nigerian government for the diplomatic corps on Ebola outbreak in Abuja. McIntosh said the management of the commission took the decision as a precautionary measure to check the spread of the virus. He said only meetings that were “very essential” would be convened by the commission but he did not provide any specifics. “We know that all of

our meetings bring together, stakeholders from the member states. “So, on August 4, when we had our management meeting we took a decision to suspend all meetings that will bring us together from our various countries. “Let’s watch this spread and let’s see how this will go down, and then thereafter, we can see how we can proceed. “Except if the meeting is so essential and we are well guided we will approve,’’ he said. Patrick Sawyer, the 40-year-old Liberian and American, who died of the virus in Lagos, flew in from Monrovia to attend an ECOWAS meeting in Calabar. The ECOWAS official said all staff of the commission, including the driver and protocol officers who made direct contact with Sawyer before his death has been placed under surveillance. The vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, Torsh, said that they have concluded arrangements to fumigate all the things that the late Sawyer used or had contact with before his death. As a fallout of the virus, Greece and India have warned their citizens to avoid non-essential travels to Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone because of the outbreak of Ebola virus in these West African countries. A statement issued by the Greek Health Ministry said the recommendation was after a meeting with the Hellenic Center of Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO). The ministry said the country would take “precautionary measures” at ports and other entry points to monitor people coming into the country. Similarly, India Union’s Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan, was reported as saying that the country had taken precautionary steps to deal with any case of the virus. In a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Vardhan recommended that non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria be deferred. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that it has not received any formal communication from Saudi Arabia indicating that Nigeria has been banned from taking part in this year’s hajj exercise following the outbreak of deadly Ebola virus in the country. There has been a report that countries from the West African region including Nigeria have been banned by the Saudi Arabia government against the outbreak of the virus in Liberia, Serria Leone and lately Nigeria. The Commission, in a statement issued by its

Onyebuchi

Public Relations Officer, Uba Mana, stated that only three countries in the West African sub region have been banned from this year hajj by the Saudi Arabia authority. The countries include Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. The Commission maintained that arrangements for this year’s Hajj are ongoing and have not been hampered by any internal or external factors. In Ogun, the state government has written the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Nasrul-Lahi-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) as well as some religious organisations operating in the state to shelve large religious gatherings to contain the outbreak of Ebola virus disease. This came as the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday met with different security agencies in the state towards ensuring optimal monitoring of border areas. Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta yesterday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, confirmed that the government had written letters to some

religious organisations to warn them about the Ebola risk. Soyinka disclosed that the RCCG was informed through a letter to suspend its ongoing 62nd annual convention in order to curb physical contact among religious adherents. He, however, stated that the church was not willing to cancel the convention due to its preparations which had reached advanced stage. The commissioner added that the state government had advised other religious organisations in the state to drop any plan to hold large gatherings, at least in the meantime. Meanwhile, there was confusion yesterday as to the status of the ongoing industrial action by the medical doctors across the country. While the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kayode Obembe, declared that the strike had been called off to enable doctors assist in the national emergency as a result of Ebola, some of the doctors denied such. The industrial action commenced since July 1, 2014. In a press release jointly signed by 1st and 2nd na-

tional Vice president of the NMA, Dr. Titus S. Ibekwe and Dr Bartholomew Okorochukwu, yesterday in Abuja they stated that the strike continues. “At the Emergency Delegates Meeting of the Association held in Abuja on Wednesday August 6, 2014, it was unanimously agreed by also the delegates present after viewing all the demands made by the NMA that Government is yet to attend to the demands to the satisfaction of the Nigerian doctors; thereby upheld that the strike action must continue until government does the needful,” the duo stated. Investigations by New Telegraph revealed that while some top executives favour ending the strike in line with popular demand so as to respond the national health emergency on ground, many delegates from the states opposed the position on the ground that even if the strike would be suspended, government must be made to commit to some compelling demands. As at press time, calls put through to the President of the NMA, Obembe was not responded to. Similarly, text messages to him to confirm that that the strike had been suspended was not replied. Reacting to the development, the 2nd Vice Chairman, NMA, Lagos State, Dr. Olusegun Akinwotu admitted that actually there was disagreement among the doctors during the meeting on Wednesday, “the differences were resolved finally before the end of the meeting.” President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has implored medical doctors to see the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the country as a national emergency that should necessitate

Friday, August 8, 2014

the immediate suspension of their strike and return to duty. In a statement signed in Abuja yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, Mr. Paul Mumeh, Mark enjoined the doctors to be patriotic enough to put aside whatever grievances or misgivings they had with government and return to work in order to help tackle the prevailing health challenge in the country. Mark asserted that if the aggrieved medical practitioners failed to listen to voices of reason to call off their on-going industrial action, it would be tantamount to sentencing the citizens of Nigeria to untimely death. “Nobody is opposed to the doctors’ demands. They are genuine and I think they are reasonable. But what is paramount now is that there is an emergency that demands extra-ordinary measures to tackle,” Mark stressed. But a group, Legal Defence & Assistance Project Ltd/Gte, LEDAP, yesterday filed an action in the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja against the NMA asking the court for interpretation of section 6(6) of the Trade Union (Amendment) Act 2005. Police and soldiers in Sierra Leone yesterday blocked rural areas hit by the deadly Ebola virus. A senior health official said this has become imperative following the declaration of state of emergency by its neighbouring Liberia to tackle the worst-ever outbreak of the disease, which has killed 932 people. Liberian President Ellen Johnson has declared 90 days state of emergency to combat an outbreak of Ebola.

Govt declares today public holiday, urges mass voters’ turnout CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

tained in two documents prepared by the PDP in Osun, and which are now in the possession of the APC. According to the party, the first is a ‘secret’ document that contains a meticulous outline of plans to rig the election, polling unit by polling unit, using pre-programmed ballot papers already designed and thumb printed with vanishing ink in favour of PDP. Oyegun said the second document, entitled ‘’Task Force: Operation - PDP takeover of Osun lists the actions to be taken at most of the 30 local government areas in the state, including thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and instigation of violent clashes. The document, he alleged, contained the PDP

members to coordinate the recommended actions and the APC members to be arrested to pave the way for such actions. APC gave the breakdown of the self-allotted vote figures as contained in the document, as follows: Atakumosa East (10,000); Atakumosa West (10,000), Ayedaade (15,000), Ayedire (10,000), Boluwaduro (5,000); Boripe (10,000); Ede North (10,130); Ede South (10,000); Egbedore (10,000); Ejigbo (15,000); Ife Central (35,000); Ifedayo (7,000); Ife East (33,018); Ifelodun (15,000) and Ife North (20,000). Others are: Ife South (20,000); Ila (10,000); Ilesa East (10,000); Ilesa West (10,340); Irepodun (10,007); Irewole (20,105); Isokan (10,000); Iwo (15,000); Obokun (10,203); Odo-Otin (10,107); Ola-Oluwa (5,070);

Olorunda (15,000); Oriade (10,000); Orolu (7,936 and Osogbo (28,000). It warned INEC and the police not to connive with PDP to thwart the wish of the electorate. But the state PDP Director of Publicity, Prince Diran Odeyemi, in a statement denied the APC’s allegations, saying the party is the one planning to rig the election. The party said APC came up with the allegations to divert attention from its plan to rig the election, which had been exposed. The PDP warned the APC to desist from any untoward act during the conduct of the exercise. But INEC denied knowledge of such development, urging the parties to provide further details. “You should ask them

for specifics of their allegation because this is so amusing. INEC does not operate with political parties, the workings of INEC does not have anything to do with any political party,” Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, New Telegraph. Meanwhile, a reporter with Television Continental, TVC, Ayodeji Morakinyo and his cameraman were yesterday assaulted at the PDP State secretariat by thugs suspected to be working for a political party. The journalists were beaten and taken away in handcuffs by security agents. They were later released. New Telegraph also gathered that some guests were ejected from their hotel rooms by security agencies.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

PDP insists on removing Al-Makura • Umar lambasts legislators

NUMBERED Information minister spits fire as attempts to sack Nasarawa governor heightens Cheke Emmanuel and Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna/LAFIA

he leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State yesterday led thousands of its supporters to a rally to throw to support the attempted impeachment of the state

Governor, Alhaji Tanko Almakura. The move failed this week when the sevenman panel cleared the governor of any wrong doing. That was even as a former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Col Abubakar Umar, criticised the lawmakers for insisting on going ahead with the planned impeachement. The PDP rally, which started from the party's secretariat along Jos road and terminated at the state House of Assembly Complex along Shendam, Lafia, the state capital, was however, peaceful.

Addressing supporters during the event, Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Yunana Iliya, said that they were at the Assembly complex to support their members to go ahead and do everything that is constitutionally necessary to impeach Governor Al-makura. His words: “We are here to give you our support to go ahead and do what is constitutionally necessary to impeach His Excellency Umaru Tanko Al-makura.'' ''As you can see, all of us are here. As founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are giving our support and encourage-

ment to you to go ahead and do everything that is constitutional to impeach AlMakura, because you have the constitutional powers to do so, Don't be intimidated '' said Iliya. Iliya said that impeachment process was a constitutional issue and urged the lawmakers not to succumb to threat and intimidation by the APC-led administration in the state to drop the matter. He appealed to supporters of the party not to be allowed to be provoked but to conduct themselves peacefully to ensuring that the lawmakers achieve their

aim. Also speaking, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, urged the PDP lawmakers to exhausts all constitutional means to impeach Al-makura. He said that the impeachment process embarked upon by the state House of Assembly was entirely a local issue, adding that the Federal Government has no hand in it. The minister warned that the party would no longer tolerate acts of terror and violence unleash on its members in the state as the party would resist such acts. Maku said: ''Let me warn

that we PDP will no longer tolerate any acts of terror and violence unleashed on our members. They went to Tundun Gwandara to burn down a house member because they saw PDP posters on the house they set ablaze a car belonging to our member at the House of Assembly if they stop these acts of violence it will come to their heads'' ''Let me make it very clear: If we blow the whistle today, nobody will work in Lafia. If we decide to do what they are doing, if we blow the whistle and our boys enter Lafia, nobody will be able to work," Maku added.

Mu'azu: All defectors'll receive fair treatment Onyekachi Eze

ABUJA

Chief Olabode George (left) and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, during PDP stakeholders' meeting in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEYAMJU OLOWOJOBA

Jibrilla becomes first APC guber aspirant in Adamawa

Insurgency: We won't give up against our enemies, says FCT minister

Ibrahim Abdul

Abuja

Yola

head of the bye- election, the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Bindow Umar Jibrilla, has formally indicated his intention to contest for governorship of Adamawa State. He is the first aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While submitting his letter of intent to stand for the election occasioned by impeachment of former Governor, Muritala Nyako, Jibrilla said his defection to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was borne out of desire to represent the interest of the people at the senate. According to him, it took a lot of sacrifice for him and other legislators at the National Assembly to dump the PDP in face of threats from the ruling party that they would lose their seats, saying he did not falter because of the conviction that he was working in the interest of Adamawa people.

“I am here to submit my letter of intent to stand for gubernatorialelectionunderthe banner of the APC to seek for the opportunity to serve the people of this state. All along, I have been courageous and consistent in defending the interest of the people I represented at the senate. Even my defection to the APC, alongside former Governor Murtala Nyako was in line with the aspiration of the electorate. That is why I was able to resist threats of losing my seat because I rather lose the seat and remain with the people of my constituency”, he said. Speaking earlier, the Deputy Chairman of APC in Adamawa State, Shuaibu Yamusa, assured the aspirant of the support of the party, saying there will be fair play and respect for democratic norms in the process of electing a candidate for the party. He further extolled the leadership qualities exhibited by Jibrilla in handling of his assignment as the senator representing the Northern Senatorial District.

Yekeen Nurudeen

inister of the Federal M Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday

said that the Federal Government will not give in to the antics of terrorists, insisting that doing such would amount to "relinquishing the future of our country to agents of destruction and this is not an option" Mohammed stated this at a gathering on to prevent Boko Haram attacks on schools in the FCT and how to react in the unlikely event of such an attack. The minister lamented that education, which is the bedrock of national development, was being singled out by insurgents for constant attacks and raids. He remarked that what made the terror threat faced by the country to be different and more worrisome was that most of the acts of terror were targeted at educational institutions. Senator Mohammed stated that the battle against those who declared war on

the educational system was a battle for the heart, mind and soul of the country. "To give in to the antics of terrorists is to relinquish the future of our country to agents of destruction and this is not an option "I recommend that emphases should be laid on school alert and earlywarning systems, attitudinal change, awareness of basic security tips and evacuation drills as well as erection of both institutional and physical firewalls that obstruct unwelcome guests," he said. Speaking also at the event, Secretary for Education in FCT, Kabir Usman, described murder and kidnap of innocent school children as the worst form of emotional trauma. He reminded educational administrators and teachers that they have a responsibility to ensure the safety of school children. His words: "There is hardly any community in the FCT, regardless of how remotely located that does not have a primary school.

he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adamu Mu'azu, has assured old and new members of the party of fairness, transparency and justice in running affairs of the party. Mu'azu spoke yesterday while receiving seven serving lawmakers and two former legislators from Anambra State, who decamped to PDP from the opposition political parties. The decampees were from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party and Labour Party. The National Chairman, who described some of the decampees as "prodigal children" advised them to always relate with the people. "For the prodigal PDP children and non-former

members, you are as good as original members. I assure you of fair and equal treatment. We are not just the largest political party but truly democratic and most transparent", Mu'azu told them. He assured them that the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP will not discriminate against any member, warning them not to be Abuja politicians. Chairman of PDP in Anambra State, Chief Ken Emeakayi, who presented the decampees to the National Chairman, noted that in the 2011 general elections, out of 11 federal constituencies in Anambra State, both APGA and PDP have five members each in the House of Representatives while APC has one. Emeakayi said with the defection, the PDP now has 10 members leaving APGA with only one member.

Derivation not to divide North and South, says Adefuye Wale Elegbede delegate to the ongoing national conference in Abuja, Senator Anthony Adefuye, has called for the maintenance of status quo on the debate on 13 per cent derivation as proposed by the committee on Devolution of Power. He said that the report of the committee was not targeted at creating a North-South dichotomy. Addressing a press conference in Lagos to kick-start activities marking his 70th birthday celebrations on August 14, Adefuye said the recommendations at the Confab will bring the vision for a better Nigeria into reality, stressing that the delegates addressed issues based on facts and not sentiment. “It is important that the recommendation that the status quo be maintained of 13 per cent

derivation but that the affected states be involved in the development of the mineral. Also, that five per cent be set aside from the federation account by the government for the development of minerals. “It is normal for everybody to seek more gains for their regions. There were agitations but they were never passed by the committee. The position of the committee on Devolution of Power on derivation, which I am part of, was unanimous and it was not aimed at creating a north-south dichotomy.” While urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts at rescuing the abducted Chibok girls, he averred that leaders at every level must put people first with a determination to freeing Nigerians from poverty, diseases and hunger.

NEWS

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Fintiri swears-in new commissioners Ibrahim Abdul YOLA

ADAMAWA State Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has sworn-in nine Commissioners to assist him in running the affairs of the state. The swearing in of the commissioners came few hours after their screening and confirmation by the state House of Assembly, who got their list from the acting governor on Wednesday. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony at Government House Yola, Fintiri said they were picked based on merit and much was expected from them in

moving the state forward. Fintiri cautioned them against corrupt practices in the discharge of their duties, adding that the interim administration was committed to handing over a better Adamawa to the next government and would not condone any act of indiscipline. Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Chief John Elias, a former commissioner in the previous administration of Boni Haruna thanked the acting governor for considering them worthy of the appointment and assured that they will not disappoint the people of Adamawa.

APGA decries defection of its members Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi (second right); presenting the key to the new bus donated to the St. Joseph Home for the orphanage, physically and mentally Challenged children to Rev. Sr. Chimbuonyim, Uzodinma in Onitsha

Manage tourism well, Kanayo O. Kanayo charges stakeholders Temitope Sobowale

he board chairman, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Abuja, Mr. Kanayo O. Kanayo has charged those in tourism industry to manage it well so it can generate income to the nation. Kanayo made the charge yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos at the book launch

of the renowned tourism professional, Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe titled “Tourism Destination Management: A guide for policy makers and destination managers.” Kanayo who was the chairman of the occasion stated that tourism was not alien to Nigerians, saying its high time we began to develop the industry in order for it to

generate national income. Fadipe in his remark noted that tourism is now a major engine of growth and development contributing significantly to gross domestic product of many nations. He further stated that “these book takes a cue from the publication of the world tourism organisation, to further help and inform policy

makers and destination managers to obtain as much information as possible to guide their decision making process.” Fadipe also said that tourism is the movement of people from their usual place of residence to specific locations for the purpose of education sightseeing, meetings, conferences and so on.

APC has disappointed Obi donates Bus to orphanage former Governor handed over to a person he Oyo people, LP chieftains ofterTHE Anambra State, Mr. Pe- had confidence would conObi has donated a Bus tinue along the same line.

Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

TWO chieftains of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State have scored the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government low, saying that it has fallen short of people’s expectations. The immediate past chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chief Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, and Wale Olatunji Murphy, made the assertion yesterday

at the flag-off of membership registration exercise of the party in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state. After he registered at the Anglican Commercial Secondary Group of Schools, Orita-Mefa, Ibadan, Alli, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, and governorship aspirant of the party said, “The reports we got across the state have been very wonderful."

Women group petitions EFCC over amnesty fund Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

A GROUP in Warri, Delta State under the umbrella of Warri Women Consultative Assembly has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged mismanagement of funds meant for amnesty program by a member of House of Representatives and other people. The group, in the petition signed by its Chairperson Chief (Mrs) Rita Lori Ogbebor, a copy of which was obtained by New Telegraph in Abuja yesterday, alleged that the fund meant for Itsekiri youths under the

amnesty program since 2012 when the Federal Government gave 500 slots to the Itsekiris have been mismanaged by those it declined to disclose their identities. The group wants the anti-corruption agency to investigate how millions of naira meant for the rehabilitation of 500 Itsekiri youths have been expended since 2012. In the petition dated June 10, 2014, the Warri Women Consultative Assembly alleged that those behind the mismanagement of the funds have been using fictitious names to claim money meant for 500 Itsekiri youths under the amnesty program.

to St. Joseph Home for Orphanage, Physically and Mentally Challenged Children run by the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy in Onitsha. Donating the Bus, Obi said in his 8 years as the Governor of Anambra State, he did his best to reach out to the people, including the orphans and the physically challenged, but that 8 years was not enough to address the needs of the Society, which he said he was happy he

He said what he does now is to continue attending to the needs of the people by soliciting funds and donations from his friends and institutions. Obi commended Mr. Paul Erinne for his great assistance to the Home and for his many other Philanthropic gestures to all segments of the society. Obi said Erinne needed special commendation for what he described as his "inconspicuous and genuine philanthropy."

FG to utilise renewable energy sources to improve power Anule Emmanuel VICE President Namadi Sambo has assured that the Federal Government is adopting a strategy to fully utilise the country's abundant renewable energy resources to enhance electricity supply across the country. The Vice President stated this yesterday when he met with a delegation from Total Nigeria at the presidential villa, Abuja. Sambo, who noted that the global trend in power generation was efficient utilisation of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, of which Nigeria has in abundance, stressed that the President Jonathan administration, was doing everything possible

to ensure it meets Nigeria’s electricity demand. According to him, “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.” The Vice President commended Total for its determination to ensure utilisation of Nigeria’s solar energy as a source of electricity generation, adding that “it is impressive this has been handled in the highest corporate level.” He therefore assured them of government’s commitment to ensure the noble objective was achieved.

Tony Okafor AWKA

All may not have been heard about the defection of four federal lawmakers of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Yesterday, some members of APGA in the state alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan was behind the recent "calamity" befalling the party, and enjoined him

to stop destabilizing the party because of his 2015 presidential ambition. Speaking through their president, Chief Jude Emecheta, a group, Initiative for Good Governance : Willie Obiano Support Group, while briefing newsmen in Awka, they said any attempt by the president to disorganize APGA would work against his (Jonathan's) ambition in 2015 general elections in Anambra State.

Three witnesses testify against enugu deputy governor at impeachment panel Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

THE deputy governor of Enugu state. Mr. Sunday Onebuchi facing impeachment was at the seven-man panel investigating allegations raised against him by the state House of Assembly as three witnesses testified against him yesterday as the panel began formal sitting. The witnesses lined up against Onyebuchi yesterday included the commissioner for lands , Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, clerk of the state assembly, Mr. Christopher Chukwurah and the director of Enugu Government House Medical services. However., the embattled deputy Governor , declared during an interview with newsmen that he is not afraid of being removed from office , saying that before that happens, he must let Enugu

residents and Nigerians know the truthful concerning his travails. He said, “it is true that I am the one standing trial but I want to say also that our democracy is also standing trial. I want to say also that justice is on trail; I want to say also that the integrity of all those involved, including that of the panel members, is on trail." “I believe that no matter how we want to manipulate truth and try to embellish it, eventually, if no, the truth will triumph over falsehood. this is a situation where the person who is being marched did not complain, rather the person, who is marching on him is the one complaining". He stated. He further stated that he was confident that it was a straight forward case, stressing “I believe that I have not committed any crime."

Muhammad Abdullahi laid to rest Yuzarsif Alhassan BAUCHI

THOUSANDS of Muslims faithful yesterday attended the funeral prayers of Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed Abdullahi at his residential Mosque led by the renowned Islamic cleric Sheik Tahihir Usman in Bauchi State. During the funeral session, Governor Isa Yuguda prayed to almighty

Allah in his infinite mercies to grant the deceased al’jannatul firdous and the family the fortitude to bear irreparable lost. The deceased died during an ill-health at the age of 53. He is survived by three wives, nineteen children. Late Ahmad until his death was the Managing Director and Permanent Secretary Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), Bauchi.

news

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

UPN will present presidential candidate, says Fasehun Johnchuks Onuanyim

Abuja

he National Chairman Tgeria of the Unity Party of Ni(UPN), Dr. Frederick

Fasehun, yesterday said his party will present a presidential candidate in the 2015 general elections. Fasehun stated that the party was not registered to be an auxiliary to any other political party, adding; “If any other party was considered to be better, leaders of the UPN would have joined the party.” Fasehun, who spoke after the meeting of the party's National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja, explained why the party did not field candidates for the Ekiti and Osun States’ governorship elections. According to him, the time of registration to the time of the governorship elections in those states

was short, therefore UPN would not make the expected impact it would have made and that would be embarrassing to the party. He assured that the UPN will fully participate in the political contests of the next general elections, including fielding a presidential candidate. Fasehun also said that the decision of the party to set up protem state executives and other lower-level executives was not meant to disregard the contributions of who, he said, “through hardwork and personal sacrifice, have sustained UPN from inception to registration.” He said: “For God sake, nothing stops the leaders of UPN from joining any of the major political parties if we were going to be auxiliary to them. It is an embarrassment to the UPN leaders."

Obey resolutions on SUBEC, APC tells Dickson Chris Ejim

Yenagoa

he leadership of the All T(APC) Progressives Congress yesterday called on

the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, to obey the resolution of the House of Assembly on alleged dereliction of duty by the Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Walton Liverpool. The APC considered the perceived refusal of the governor to discipline the SUBEB boss over his indictment by the House of Assembly as disheartening and a show of shame. APC in a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Fortune Panebi, said the refusal of the Governor Dickson to take action on the resolution of the House is a clear indictment on the

transparency status of the administration. According to the statement; “The APC will want to caution public office holders to carry out their duties within the ambit of the law. This is against the backdrop of the resolution by the Assembly that the unduly sacked staff of the board be re-instated. This is a step in the right direction. “The APC, however, watches with embarrassment and chagrin that the Assembly is silent to the refusal of the governor to take action against the indicted SUBEB boss. The Executive Secretary, Walton Liverpool had admitted, before the Assembly members that he runs SUBEB as a sole administrator. It is disheartening to hear from the board chairman and his members that they were only briefed on issues concerning the running of the board.”

Daniel mourns Ayangburen Temitope Ogunbanke ormer governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has expressed grief over the death of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi. Daniel in a statement issued by his Media Officer, Ayo Giwa, described the late Oba Oyefusi as an extraordinary monarch, who will continue to be remembered as a man of demonstrative integrity and the architect of modern-day Ikorodu. “During his long reign, Oba Oyefusi set an inspiring example of leadership, leaving a legacy of

reputation, integrity and inclusiveness in service to others. This legacy should not only be kept, but passed on to coming generations. “He will surely remain in the hearts of the people as one of the greatest monarchs to have ruled the historical town of Ikorodu,” the former governor noted. He urged the late Ayangburen family, the people of Ikorodu as well as Lagos State government to be consoled with the fulfilled life the monarch lived while on earth and the divine grace, which it pleased God to have endowed him with while praying for the repose of his gentle soul.

Jubilation as Fashola reverses LASU fees to N25,000 Kayode Olanrewaju and Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor and Visitor to the Lagos State University (LASU), Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday announced a reversal of the university’s fees from N350,000 to the former N25,000 across the board. The announcement, which was greeted with applause, was made by the governor at the 19th convocation ceremony of the university for the award of higher degrees. The decision by the government to reverse the fees was hailed by students of the university and their parents, who have expressed dissatisfaction about the hike since 2011. While announcing the measure yesterday, the governor said he had met the

State Executive Council on the issue and an approval to that effect was given. It will be recalled that the administration of Governor Fashola had increased the fees paid by LASU students in 2011 from N25,000 to N197,000 for Arts and Humanities’ students and N350,000 for Medical students. Following several protests from students and civil society groups, the government on June 11, announced a 34 per cent reduction to 60 per cent. The university on June 19 released the new fee to be N76, 750 for Arts and N158, 250 for students in the Engineering and Medicine. But faced with criticisms, the government reduced the fees by a certain percentage, which was not acceptable to the students,

The life expectancy at birth (in years) of men in Georgia in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

who vowed to continue their protest until the fees was reduced to affordable level. Announcing the reduction yesterday, Fashola said with the slash, the university would now run an uninterrupted academic calendar, saying the era when students spent extra years from their expected four years was over at LASU. “With the increment in 2011, some busy bodies tried to use the opportunity to seek undue attention and instigate unions and students against the management and the government,” the governor said. He, however, assured members of the university’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), which disrupted the convocation ceremony on Wednesday that the union’s demands

320,683

The total number of air travel passengers of Owerri airport in 2012. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

would be addressed without further delay. The union had met the governor yesterday, chanting solidarity songs to demand for the payment of their allegedly withheld two months’ salaries for June and July. While appealing to the aggrieved union, which suspended its two-monthold strike last week, the governor said: “Calm down, after the event, we would be meeting to resolve your demands.” Meanwhile, some LASU students, who were agitating further reduction in the fees, went into jubilation following the governor’s reversal order. Students’ Union President, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, hailed the government’s action and eulogised the governor for his kind gesture.

24.26m

The total population of Yemen (rep. 0.35% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

L-R: Author of the book; ”Tourism Destination Management; A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Management’, Mr. Fadipe Sewanu; actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr, Moshood Ojikutu, during the book launch in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Policeman, others arrested over abduction of senator’s mother Chris Ejim

YENAGOA

ayelsa State government yesterday confirmed the arrest of a police corporal attached to the state police command and seven others over their involvement in the alleged kidnapping of 90-year-old Fiorentina Paulker, the mother of the senator representing Bayelsa Central senatorial district, Senator Emmanuel Paulker. The government through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Bernard Kenebai, said the police

corporal was arrested 20 minutes after the mother of the senator was abducted. Kenebai, who described the recent cases of abduction in the state as sad and unfortunate, said it has been uncovered that the incidents were part of a conspiracy by some persons to frustrate the investment drive of the government. The ability of the security apparatuses to respond swiftly to reported incidents and rescue the victims showed that the present administration is poised to sustain the existing peace in Bayelsa. The special adviser,

who also confirmed the involvement of some former militant leaders in the rescue operation, said the government is ready to work with individuals and groups in the areas of intelligence gathering to check incidents of violent crimes. “It is a thing of joy that we have the capacity to respond as we did, Bayelsa residents can go to sleep with their eyes closed,” he said. Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the South-South peace advocacy group, the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative

(LPCDI),General Pastor Reuben Wilson, has thrown more light on the role played by ex-militant leaders in the rescue of the abducted 90-year-old mother of Senator Paulker. According to Wilson, the former freedom fighters liaised with the security agencies, including the police in the area of intelligent gathering, which led to pressure on the abductors and the abandonment of the abducted woman at a fishing camp in Azuzuama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government council of the state.

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ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

Community cries for help as flood destroys 95 houses Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

residents of Umoghun Nokhua community TEdohein State Orhionmwon Local Government Area of have appealed to the Niger Delta De-

velopment Commission (NDDC) to urgently come to their aid, following the destruction of over 95 houses by rainstorm. Thousands of people inhabiting six quarters of the community were displaced after a downpour last week. The Chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr Michael Eghaghe, told journalists yesterday that on August 4, heavy rains overwhelmed the roadside drains under construction in the community and flood washed off houses built with mud in six quarters and destroyed homes and property worth millions of naira. He said: “Though no life was lost, the damage was unnecessary and avoidable. The situation became worse as the drains under construction by Messrs Askay Construction Limited have no discharging points and the area is a flat terrain. “We are hereby sending an SOS to the NDDC, the Edo State Government, the Orhionmwon Local Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately come to our aid to save lives and avoid an epidemic from people living in the open and unhygienic conditions.” Those seriously affected by the rainstorm include the traditional chiefs, youths, aged men and women whose houses were destroyed by the flood.

Group urges CP to investigate member’s murder Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he Kukuruku Youth Renaissance Network in Tterday Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State yesasked the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Foluso Adebanjo to investigate the gruesome murder of one of its members, Daniel Aifegha. Aifegha was allegedly murdered on July 29 in Owan West Local Government Area by some suspected politicians in the area. The President of the group, Mr Theophilus Ibodeme, said at a press conference held in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government that Aifegha was killed in cold blood in his country home, Eme-Ora.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

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

0802 393 8212

Lagoon Restaurant: We’ve no hand in our employee’s death Taiwo Jimoh

he management of the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos has denied complicity in the death of one of its employees, Chris Onaghise, who allegedly fell into the lagoon and drowned. The Managing Director of Lagoon Restaurant, Mr Marcel Chaguri, said he was told that the victim fell into the lagoon when he was doing some cleaning at the jetty. He said: “Two of his colleagues who they were doing the cleaning together, said when he fell, they dived into the lagoon immediately to rescue him but could not trace him.” But Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said in a petition to the Inspector General of Police on behalf the father of the deceased, Mr Orobosa Onaghise, it was a lady who informed him of the death of his son. The petition reads in part: “Our client informed us that on 16th June, 2014, that he received a telephone call from a lady who did not identify herself informing him that something tragic had happened to his son, Chris Onaghise, at his workplace. “Our client rushed down to the Lagoon Restaurant. But despite doing his best to get to the restaurant, he could only arrive there after two hours. Upon arriving at the Lagoon Restaurant, our client was informed that the deceased fell into the lagoon while on duty about 10 O’clock that morning and was still in the lagoon. “When he arrived at the scene of the incident, he demanded to know from the management of the restaurant why no immediate rescue efforts were made to save his son. “Instead of explanation by the Managing Director of the Lagoon Restaurant, one Mr Rami was said to have informed our client that they had no life jackets, divers nor safety apparatus. “When our client persisted to

The spot where he sliped inside the water

know why his son was not rescued, rather the Managing Director called a lady on telephone and identified herself as a Police Officer from Bar Beach Police Station in charge of the investigations.” Keyamo said the policewoman told Onaghise that investigation on the matter had been concluded.’ The father of the deceased, according to him, wondered how the investigation could have been concluded when the body of the deceased was still in the lagoon and none of the witnesses or the management of the Lagoon Restaurant had been questioned. “For the father of the deceased to get to the root of the matter, he met with the Divisional Police Officer of Bar Beach Police Station where the DPO denied knowledge of the existence of the case and the alleged conclusion of investigation,” the lawyer said. The DPO was said to have ordered an investigation and invited all the witnesses, including Chaguri. “When the body of the deceased was recovered the following day, bruises and blood stains were seen all over his face,” Keyamo said. This, he alleged, suggested a physical confrontation with the deceased before the drowning. But a colleague of the deceased,

The late Chris

John Francis, told our correspondent that about 10am that fateful day, about four of them were washing one of stands close to the lagoon. He said: “Chris was washing the canopy at the same time pouring water on the nylon. Suddenly, I just heard a sound of something that fell into the water. I immediately turned to check what could that be, I did not see the deceased again. “I immediately jumped into the lagoon to rescue him because I know how to swim, while two other of my colleagues also dived into the lagoon to save him. “After we searched everywhere and we could not find him, we decided to come out of the lagoon for own personal safety.”

Ebola: Stop eating bush meat, Kogi warns citizens Kaduna LGs acquire 69 tricycle ambulances Muhammad Bashir LOKOJA

ogi State Government Kcitizens yesterday advised its to henceforth de-

sist from eating bush meat to avoid contacting the dreaded Ebola Virus. Briefing journalists shortly after state executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Zainab Okino, said bush meat had been identified as main carrier of the incurable virus. She said: “We will advise the people, particularly those in the habit of using bush meat as their major delicacy, to inconvenience

themselves and stop eating bush meat for now. We are also making efforts to discourage the sales of bush meat in the state.” Okino, however, noted that the government had embarked on awareness campaign to sensitise the people to the killer virus. She also disclosed that the state inter/intra-city transport system would soon be launched by Governor Idris Wada as the buses were already on ground. The newly appointed commissioner added that the council in session approved the construction of a motor park for the new transport system.

Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

he 23 local government areas of Tunits Kaduna State have acquired 69 of tricycle ambulance, 69,000

Wada

insecticide treated mosquito nets and 23 pieces of solar-powered refrigerators and accessories under the unified services arrangement to meet the medical needs of people in rural communities. In an address at the lunch of the ambulances at Sir Ibrahim Kashim House, Kaduna, yesterday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Alhaji Shehu Giant, said the items were bought with financial contributions from all the local governments in order to foster unity in the state. He pointed out that the uni-

fied services arrangement under which the items were bought was fully backed by a law enacted by the state House of Assembly (JAAC Law 2006). According to him, the unified services arrangement has brought together the local government areas to collectively pursue developmental projects and services that are very vital to the people of the state. In his speech, Governor Mukhtar Yero reiterated the commitment of his administration to always embark on programmes and projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people. He noted that the tricycle ambulances, for instance, would be used to convey women in labour and others who might need the service.

METRO

Friday, August 8, 2014

NDLEA redeploys, probes I’m neither a rapist nor commanders over misconduct

robber, says guard

Juliana Francis National Drug Law EnThasheforcement Agency (NDLEA) redeployed three senior

officers over allegations of official misconduct. The NDLEA Head, Media and Publicity, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency also constituted a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations of misconduct levelled against Kaduna State commander and his two deputies. According to Ofoyeju, NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, constituted to investigate the allegations of official misconduct officers. Ofoyeju said that since the issue was still an allegation, the agency would not want to divulge what the misconduct was at this elementary stage. According to Giade, the move was to pave way for an independent investigation following allegations of misconduct against the state command leadership. The chairman also appointed Samuel Azinge as the new state commander. Azinge took over from Mohammed Jibrin Kaka.

Juliana Francis 33, Okilose Alex, is regarded as a Atserial rapist and robber. The security guard from Benin Re-

Giade

Similarly, Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna took over from Obainoke Goddy as the Assistant Commander, Operations and Intelligence while Kenneth Stephen Irmiya relieved Ahmed Mamuda as the new Assistant Commander, Administration and Logistics. “I have ordered the immediate redeployment of the Kaduna State commander and his deputies following allegation of misconduct. In line with the rules of engage-

ment, their redeployment will allow the panel of enquiry to objectively ascertain the authenticity of the allegations and make their recommendations,” Giade said. Ofoyeju said the agency would take further administrative action based on the recommendations of the investigative panel. “Meanwhile, the affected commanders will be given a fair hearing in accordance with the NDLEA rules,” he added.

Taxi driver kills policeman, steals his gun Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

olice in Benue State said Parrested yesterday that they had the alleged mur-

derer of a policeman, Sergeant Bawa Ekoja, attached to ‘Operation Zenda’ unit. The suspected killer, a commercial motorcyclistturned taxi driver, was arrested with the gun he snatched from the sergeant. The suspect, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, was reported to have accosted

the deceased about 6:30am two weeks ago in an ash Toyota Camry car and shot him in the back thrice and stole his gun. Ekoja was on his way home after he had closed from night duty at Bem Hotel located at Ankpa Quarters in Makurdi. It was gathered that since the policeman was killed, security had been beefed up within Makurdi metropolis as the police commenced the stop-andsearch exercise, apparently to check the rising cases of criminal activities in the

state. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed the arrest, said the police recovered the gun from the suspected killer, while investigation into the matter had also commenced. The killing of the policeman came barely two weeks ago after Governor Gabriel Suswam had raised the alarm over the upsurge in criminal activities in the state and had implored the police to brace up to the challenge.

public has been in out of police cell for allegations bordering on rape and robbery. But the suspect, now in police custody, has vehemently denied being either a rapist or a robber. The father of three, however, will have a tough time to convince court of his innocence, for many circumstances seem to be working against him. Alex is not only being questioned by detectives from the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Lagos, on how he came to be in possession of a gun, he is also being accused by two ladies of attempting to rape them while waiving a machete menacingly. The women said the escaped being raped when they agreed to pay him N5,000 each. The security guard is also facing a pending case of rape levelled against him. Alex had denied all allegations, including the old rape case, claiming he was innocent. However, SARS detectives are not convinced, especially since Alex claimed that the controversial gun was given to him by the community where he works, but later said that he recovered it from an armed robber. Police believed he was using the gun to rob and that the machete found with him at his duty post, was his only tool for guarding the community. “He is a security guard, but he used to steal things from people returning from vigil. He also used to rape ladies. A gun was recovered from him. He stopped two ladies going to club and said he must rape them. He collected their phones. “He said that if they didn’t want him to rape them, they should give him N5,000. He wanted to rape them, but the girls refused. They, however, accepted they will bail themselves. He collected N5,000 each from them. “When the girls reached the club, they told the people at the club, who now went and got Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) members. OPC got him and took him to his house. He said it was machete he uses for his work, but OPC found gun in his apartment. When OPC asked him how he got the gun, he said he recovered it from armed robbers,” a police source said.

Okilose

According to the police, after Alex was transferred to SARS, he changed his story, contradicting even his statement in his case file. “Suddenly, for reasons we could not fathom, he got to SARS and changed his story, claiming that it was the community where he used to work as a security guard that bought the gun for him. “He mentioned a particular old man in the community, and two others as those that gave him the gun. SARS went to the old man. He is over 70 years old and sick. When Baba saw SARS men and this guy pointing at him that he was the one who gave him gun, he panicked. His blood pressure rose and had to be rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja. He died the following day. Alex mentioned an innocent man and indirectly killed him,” the source added. Stating his own side of the story, Alex insisted that the community, where he works at Iju-Ishaga, Foursquare Street, contributed money to buy the gun for him to make his job easier. The suspect claimed that he never attempted to rape the girls, but only collected N500 from each of them. He said: “I didn’t know where the girls were coming from, but I saw them running. The time was about 1: am. They said they saw their brother in the club and ran out because they didn’t want him to see them. One of them said she told her brother that she was going to school at Ajah. Maybe the brother came to investigate.

Adedayo: We’ve reduced crime in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA John Edu he Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu TArea Local Council Development of Lagos State, Dr Adesola

Adedayo, said his administration had been able to reduce violence in the council area. Adedayo explained that his administration employed a number of measures to combat crime and youth restfulness. The chairman, who spoke with NT Metro in his office, said that before he was sworn, victimisation of indigenes by all sorts of questionable personalities such as touts, robbers and the likes reigned supreme. He said one of the things he did was to partner with security agencies, particularly the police

in the council area to combat crim. The chairman, in conjunction with the police, procured Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for the Area B Command. Adedayo said his administration also donated four patrol vehicles to the two police divisions in the council in an effort to keep crime at bay. According to him, as part of its determination to reduce crime perpetrated using the cover of darkness, the administration decided to illuminate the roads, particularly the black spots. The streetlight project embarked on by his administration, he disclosed, covers areas such as Gasikiya College Road,

Alli-Dogo and Sari-Iganmu Road leading to Badagry Expressway, among several others. The streetlight which provides 12 hours light, from 7pm to 7am, is powered by generators. According to Adedayo, his administration also economically empowered the youth so that when they are self-reliant, there will be reduction in crime. He said: “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. “There are stories about our local government in the media recently confirming our micro finance. Now if you look at that programme, 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 he will exhaust 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. So, 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 been paid N15,000 each.”

Adedayo

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

2015: I have not endorsed any candidate, says Orji Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

bia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, yesterday said he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2015 governorship election. Orji said contrary to claims by some politicians that they have the endorsement of the governor for the election, there was nothing like that. According to the governor, all the candidates will be given equal and level-playing field to go through the party primary and whoever emerged would be supported. He said: “I want to use

this medium to make it clear to everyone that I have not endorsed any governorship candidate. Anyone who will emerge as the governor must first pass through the party primary and not through any back door.” "The governor noted that politics is around the corner and all manner of people will be seen once again including those who had been sleeping, and have started waking up to make noise; “but it will not be easy for them as the only weapon they have is rumour mongering.” Orji continued: “Abia is a PDP state and will remain so, those who are

trying to take it away will not succeed; the party is one indivisible political entity and behaves as one happy family, so it will be difficult for any other political party to take the state. The things we have done speak volumes and those who will come after us will also continue from where we will stop. Our legacy projects, which are tangible things, are there

for all to see while others are intangible, like the security network, it will stand the test of time, so we are not shaken.” He said the impeachment threat against him was a fluke as he has been having a good working relationship with the legislators, advising those peddling such rumour to find something better to do. Orji added that anyone saying such at the Assem-

The number of Ebola virus cases that occurred in Congo DR in 2012. Source: Who.int

bly risks being stoned to death by the members, who are aggrieved that such rumour is being read in the social media and being linked with them. Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia after his two-week vacation abroad, the governor described the alleged impeachment as the beauty of democracy in that people are free to demonstrate, peddle rumours and say all sorts

73.45%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Austria in 2009. Source: Itu.int

of things. “Rumour mongering is part of democracy, which includes demonstrations, protests and agitations, so people will always say things that are not correct. I want to assure you that there is no impeachment threat against me by the Assembly members. If you say that in the House you run the risk of being stoned,” the governor added.

107

The sex ratio of women to 100 men of Bulgaria in 2012. Source: Un.org

...Zoning tears Abia traditional rulers apart Igbeaku Orji, UMUAHIA he decision of the PeoT(PDP) ples Democratic Party to zone the gover-

norship seat to Abia South in the 2015 election is causing division in the ranks of the traditional rulers in the state. While some approved the zoning on the basis of fairness and equity, others insisted that it has no place in the state’s polity. Those who supported the arrangement argued that it was in line with the resolution of the party, as it would engender peace, fairness and equity since the North and Central zones have produced governors in the past, the South should be given the opportunity to present the 2015 candidate. But, those on the opposing camp argued that all the candidates should be given equal opportunity irrespective of where they come from. According to them, this will create the environment for the best candidate to emerge. They also contended that since the creation of the state, there has never been a time when zoning was respected. The group

maintained that even when the North and Central zones won the governorship, politicians from the other zones were not barred from contesting. Notable among the opposing group are Eze Bernard Enweremadu, in whose palace the group met and rejected the zoning; Eze Emmanuel Chiavoghilefu and Eze Nelson Nmerengwa. They met with other traditional rulers at Enweremadu’s palace and rejected the zoning. Their position, it was gathered, may not be unconnected with the exclusion of the three local government areas of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma (Umuneato) regarded as the head of Ngwaland by the zoning. The three local government areas in Ngwaland are in Abia Central and by the resolution out of the arrangement. But the Abia State council of traditional rulers, in a swift reaction to the opposing traditional rulers, warned the monarchs to desist from organising and participating in political meetings or face the wrath of the council.

Movie on human trafficking opens in London Sony Neme t Mary, a new Nollywood movie from the stable of JBIS Integrated Services Company Limited will open today, Friday, August 8, at the Odeon Cinema in London. The screening at the prestigious Odeon Cinema in Greenwich marks the world premiere of the 110 minutes movie, which centres on the negative implication of sex and human trafficking. Produced by Obi Osotule and directed by Matthias Obahiagbon, St Mary follows the story of Tejiri, who uncovers a massive web of conspira-

cy on human trafficking and crime on board St. Mary, an oil vessel bound for Amsterdam. The well-helmed movie also narrates the story of Nonye, who gets lured by a facebook confidant and friend into a seeming breakthrough in her singing career. Her excitement soon banished caution and her world is thrown into a spiraling string of turmoil and disaster. She lands in a cabal’s dragnet, stripping her away from the safety of her family and imposing a terrifying adventure amidst her pleas for survival.

L-R: Group Managing Director, O'dua Investments, Mr. Adewale Raji; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi and Corporate Affairs Manager, O'dua Investments, Mr. Victor Ayetoro, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Ibadan, Oyo State…yesterday

Kwara takes steps against Ebola virus PREVENTION

Fear of Ebola is the beginning of wisdom, Health Commissioner, Wahab Issa keeps Kwara protected Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

he Kwara State government yesterday rolled out measures to tackle any likelihood of the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the state. Although, there was no report of the disease yet in the state, but the

Commissioner for health, Dr. Wahab Issa, told newsmen that the government had put together both preventive and treatment measures against the occurrence of the disease. Some of the measures include the designation of some hospitals as treatment centres for the disease as well as the provision of three ambulances for suspected victims. Issa said further: “The government has a Rapid Response Committee and an Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee in place. These committees have been replicated at the local gov-

ernment level and are coordinated by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers and focal persons at the ward level. “All General Hospitals have been sensitized and have Ebola management committees in place comprising doctors, nurses and laboratory personnel. “The state has Personal Protective Equipment in stock and has placed orders for more. Three ambulances have been dedicated for the purposes of conveying persons infected with the virus to hospital, one per senatorial district. “Refresher training of

health workers in the care and management of Ebola patients has commenced and will continue. Public enlightenment on radio, newspapers, print and television is currently on-going to further sensitise the people on the dangers of the virus and how to avoid it. “It is pertinent to note that Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly virus with high mortality and no known cure. Thankfully, no case has been reported in the state. The Kwara State government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the disease does not spread to the state."

Attacks on Tivs: Farming activities resume at flash points Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

farming activiNtheormal ties have resumed in troubled points of attack by Fulani insurgents in Tiv villages in Benue State. New Telegraph gathered that normal activities resumed in the affected villages because the victims of the attack, who fled their homes, have returned to start a new life. The villages include Naka, Daudu, Uik-

piam, among others. Reports also said that in Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma Local Government and the country home of the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, the situation is the same as most farmers were yesterday seen working on their farms. It was gathered that some areas that were completely seized by the attackers are now free just as schools that were shut

down as a result of the crisis have been reopened. Most Tiv dominated local councils, including Guma, Makurdi, Gwer, Gwer West and Logo, the homestead of Governor Gabriel Suswam, were invaded by armed Fulani insurgents recently, where scores of innocent people, including children were massacred while thousands of others were rendered homeless. Speaking to New Telegraph in Makurdi, Secre-

tary of Gwer West Local Government, Mr. Mark Dewua, expressed happiness over the return of peace to the area, pointing out that most people who fled their homes during the attack have returned. Dewua commended the untiring efforts of Chairman of the council, Mrs. Eunice Mbajwa, who he said has done the people proud, remaining in the council throughout with security operatives to ensure the safety of the people.

Ashamu: Oyo Central needs quality representation / PAGE 15 | Nigeria not ready for fiscal federalism, says Shehu / PAGE 17

POLITICS

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Deputy Editor, politics

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Chibok girls: Govt’s critics misinformed –Ogbu

p-14

Friday, August 8, 2014

The ambition of the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike to govern Rivers State seems to be creating fresh infractions on a daily basis within the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this piece, WALE ELEGBEDE examines the intrigues and recoil trailing his aspiration

Rivers 2015: Ominous signs for PDP over Wike’s ambition

he ascendancy of Nyesom Wike into the political consciousness of Rivers people and by extension Nigerians was not for all the right reasons. His role in the protracted crisis that engulfed the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was one action that political scholars would have to reconsider especially with the weight of his impact that ensured which his former principal, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who he served as Chief of Staff between October 2007 and June 2011, exited PDP abruptly for the All Progressives Congress (APC). With Amaechi out of the PDP, the scheming over who will emerge as the party’s flag bearer is already on its full scale with few contenders and many pretenders spurring for recognition ahead of the anticipated primary of the party. Though the state PDP has repeatedly said that it does not have any zoning or rotational arrangements in its constitution, many averred that the party may be playing babysitter politics if it decides to ignore the regional factor as enshrined in the dichotomy between the upland and the riverine people of the state. Rivers state is made up of the Riverine (Ijaw, Kalabari, Okrika, Ibani, Andoni’s, etc) and the Upland (Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Etche, Oyigbo, Ogba’). Both Amaechi and Wike are from the Upland region of the state. For analysts, Wike’s aspiration and statements may affect the fortunes of the PDP in the state as the incumbent governor, Amaechi hails from the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality, and Rivers East senatorial district with him, a factor that the riverine people would hold close to their chests when determining who leads them at both the state and federal level. Apparently not budged by the rotation or zoning outlook, Wike recently blew his horn when he spoke with newsmen at his Port Harcourt residence that he has all it takes to run for and win the governorship of Rivers on the platform of the PDP, adding that all the party’s governorship aspirants in the state put together cannot defeat him in their various wards. He said: “I read a lot of things where people say, it is our turn to produce a governor. Assuming what they are saying is correct, does is stop another person from running? What it means

Wike

is that you should face the person in an election. That is the important thing. Most of them who say it is zoned to them, can they win in their local government areas? “I can tell you that if I declare to run today, nobody, of all those that are clamouring that it is their turn, will win me in their wards. So, if you can’t win me in your ward, which person’s zone do you want to use to win the election? For example, in Ogoni where we have Tai, Khana, Gokana and Eleme, those who want to run under PDP, which of them can win me? “Come to the riverine area, those who want to run there, I hear one Rtd Major Anyanya, which one? He won’t win me in his ward, if I want to run. Come to Opobo, who wants to run? Come to Bonny, who wants to run? Come to Akuku-Toru; I read recently that Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack says he wants to run; Walson-Jack, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Tonye Princewill, one Emmanuel Georgewill; which of them will defeat me in their various wards if I want to run?” he asked rhetorically. Giving his thoughts on the calls for power rotation in Rivers PDP, State Chairman of the Party, Felix Obuah said there was no zoning arrangement in the state chapter of the party, adding that the party is giving everyone a level playing ground to contest election on the platform of the PDP if they are interested. “There has never been any act of zoning or upland and riverine dichotomy. I don’t know anything about that in our party constitution. Whatever

Obuah

anybody has said about the adoption of Wike; everybody is entitled to their opinion. I give everybody a level playing ground to do their own. The best candidate will be lifted by my party PDP. Anybody the Rivers people choose to lead them will be returned,” Obuah said. However, the thinking in some quarters is that Obuah is already thinking and acting in ‘fast-lanes’ for Wike’s aspiration. Those in this political school of thought believe that Wike has already pocketed the Obuah-led executive committee of the PDP in the state, forcing it to endorse him for the governorship, and at the same time extract endorsements from some members of the House of Representatives led by Hon. Ken Chikere, as well as from about six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Evans Bipi. A party member who spoke on the

Wike’s desperate aspiration to succeed Amaechi in 2015 has divided the PDP in the state, forcing most chieftains... to shun the activities of the party

condition of anonymity said: “Wike’s desperate aspiration to succeed Amaechi in 2015 has divided the PDP in the state, forcing most chieftains and leading lights of the party in the state, including Senator Lee Maeba, former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, and others to shun the activities of the party in the state.” Continuing on his grasp of political workings in Rivers, the junior minister said: “This is my game; I have been chairman since 1999. There is nobody that I don’t know in the various wards. You know that I headed the campaign of Amaechi in 2011. Is there any ward, any local government that I cannot call the politicians in each of the wards? I am not talking about the local governments, in each of the wards. I know those that matter; I know those that will decide what will happen. It is not by internet posting. “If I decide today that I will run for an election; I am just giving you as an example; check these local governments. Why will everybody be depending on endorsements? You don’t want to go to your various wards, your local governments to build the party and try to make the people have confidence in you and make you to win the election. Each time you leave Port Harcourt, you fly to Abuja, and you are looking for endorsement. When you have been endorsed, who will make you to win the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

14 POLITICS Dr. Chigozie Ogbu, is a professor of medicine and surgery. He also, served as commissioner of health in the old Imo state, and was two times deputy governor of Ebonyi State. Ogbu, a delegate at the national conference in this interview spoke about his state, the conference and national issues. CHARLES ONYEKWERE reports What’s your view of the national conference so far? Some controversial issues arose at the conference especially the memo on devolution of powers and resource control. At the beginning everybody was skeptical even those of us there. The northerners said that there must be 75 percent of majority in arriving at decisions, the southerners said it must be 2/3 majority. That issue continued for two weeks and the management of the conference selected 50 wise men to go and deliberate and find a lasting solution. They did and recommended 70 per cent as majority in any decision that cannot be resolved with consensus. The president canvassed that everything should be on consensus except in cases that could not be resolved. That was the first crisis. The conference now dissolved into 20 committees that had different thematic areas of concentration. It took about four weeks to deliberate at the committee level after which every committee submitted report. After which we went into plenary to discuss the committees’ report one after the other. We were all arriving on issues by consensus. On devolution of power and resource control we had serious problems. What should be the derivation percentage for oil producing areas? A group of members were selected to look into it and they came back and we accepted 18 per cent for states that have the resources, but they added that five per cent of national income for development of solid minerals and five of the same national income for intervention fund including security to forestall crisis like Boko Haram, to rehabilitate victims etc. The person reading it at the floor said that the intervention is for north-west, east and central and delegates reacted with an uproar, saying it is a national fund and not for a particular area. The other five per cent and 18 per cent were acceptable but on the five per cent intervention, some northerners revisited the issue of derivation and insisted that it should be 13 per cent. Finally the conference management took an escapist decision by deciding that derivation formula percentage, solid mineral funds and that for rehabilitation should require technical input. The conference should advise the Federal Government to set up a technical committee that would advise government. It was accepted and that closed the chapter. We then went on recess to give the 20 committees time to write their report. We were supposed to go back on August 4, 2014 but we got information that because of the holidays and work volume, the resumption date is now shifted to August.11. What would be done with the outcome of the conference? The last three days of the conference were devoted to discussions on this. What we finally agreed was that issues that requiring constitutional amendment, those that require the National Assembly laws to implement and those that are administrative in nature and require the president to take action. We must report back to the president who set up the conference. The conference

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Chibok girls: Govt’s critics misinformed –Ogbu

Ogbu

has no right to go beyond him to any other place. How do we ensure that some landmark decisions of the conference would see the light of day due to perceived gang up against their implementation? And is the issue of state creation generating so much interest? Still on the outcome of the conference. The good thing about the conference is that people still came together to ensure that there were acceptable outcomes at the end of every deliberation. There are several landmark decisions taken that if implemented, would make the country more united than it is today. It is our prayer that they come to light. Example is the issue of local government, it was decided that it is a grassroots government and one cannot jump the states where they are and relate with the Federal Government. They share the area and other things with states, so it will be difficult to separate them. Some states that have more wanted to retain the system at all costs. We questioned why Kano with 9.4 million people has 44 LGAs while Lagos with 9.1 million people has 20 LGAs. It is injustice and the only answer they gave was that it was done by the military. And the man who did it was from Kano. That was why we canvassed that LGAs should be state affairs, to create as many as they want or reduce. If this is done, everyone will be happy. Now the south-East on state creation, we felt it was fair to make all zones have equal states, and as such situations should be equal. South-east should have an additional state as the genesis

We all know that conventional powers cannot be used to overcome guerilla warfare. That is why those who say the government is not doing much in rescuing the abducted school girls are misinformed of state creation was the civil war. When the states were being created thereafter, what was the south-east status? That was why they were terribly marginalized. This was argued and everybody at the conference accepted that the zone should have an additional state. Other people also argued on equality of states across the zones. I argued that states are created to address minority issues and not on population. There are other minorities in the country that are badly marginalized. Benue for example is nearing forty years of creation but the Idomas have never been governor. Every year there are promises but at the last minute, a Tiv man would take it. We felt this was bad and called for more states creation to give these minorities chance to have their own state. In the south-east, we would get about four states if that proposal goes through.

They are Etiti, Adada, Njaba and Aba states. I presented Ebonyi stance on state creation at Enugu and said that in every state creation, it must be the voluntary association of the people. People should not be forced together as Etiti would not favour us as we are pitched with people far advanced than us like Orumba South, North etc. This would make us minority there, and would not be good for us. We have been maintaining this stance as those proposing the state creation decided to take two LGAs each from the five south-east states. Here they took Ivo and Afikpo South LGAs though the people are complaining. Onicha and Ohaozara were removed long time ago. I was accused of writing a memo removing the last two, though Dr Sam Egwu said no such memo was written. So the people clamoring for inclusion are those who live outside the state. I met some of them in Abuja and told them that if they want us to belong, they should come home and tell the people because we signed a memo when this started and Dr Igwe Aja Nwachukwu submitted it in Abuja where our name was removed. So anybody saying Ohaozara and Onicha should go is wasting time. Even those in Afikpo South that don’t want to go should not be forced to go. We are getting information that those people still want to go to Etiti; they are alleging that top politicians from these areas are trying to frustrate the moves because of their political ambitions in Ebonyi in 2015, that they cannot match those that would CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Ibukun Tony Ashamu is an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming general election. In this interview with Felix Nwaneri, the president and CEO of Olive Networks, with portfolio companies in Nigeria and the United States, speaks on his vision for the zone if elected into the National Assembly. Excerpts You are running for the Senate in 2015, what is the motivating factor? The motivating factor is nothing but service to the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District of Oyo State, and most importantly to make sure that we get our people out of poverty. Some people say that your ambition is a tall dream; that you should have started from the state level before the National Assembly. What is your reaction to such view? I will say that there is nothing impossible before God, and I belief that the Senate is a platform, which, if put in the hands of the right person, can be used for the benefit of the masses. Oyo Central has a peculiar case, and I believe that 2015 provides an opportunity for my people to produce the senator for the district, and who will in turn do something great for the people of the senatorial district. The argument that one is too young for leadership is not tenable because if we are serious about the Nigerian project, we must give those who have proved themselves in their respective endeavours the opportunity to come on board. What are you bringing new to the polity that past representatives of the district have failed to do? There are lots left undone in Oyo Central as we speak; our roads are in terrible conditions and one of the things that I am passionate about is improving the supply chain of our agricultural sector, as most Oyo Central indigenes are farmers and rural dwellers. A reference point is what Senator Bukola Saraki did in Kwara State. We can ensure efficiency in the sector and through that put money into the peoples’ pockets. Besides that, I have a four-point agenda. First on the list is free education. The concept of free education may sound like a misnomer in Nigeria but it has been done here before and I am a beneficiary. I went to a public school and benefited from the free education initiated by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo before I left for the United States for my first and second degrees. I believe that we can do the same thing in Oyo Central by making sure that we put back all our children who are not in school at present to the classrooms. To me, that is the biggest investment we can make as a people. The second item on the agenda is full employment. We can execute viable projects with the millions of naira that the government is distributing out there in Abuja. Within my first term of four years, I will create 10,000 tax-paying jobs for the people of Oyo Central, which will in turn increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the state. The number three is improving the supply chain of agricultural produce of Oyo Central. Most of our farmers cannot sell their produce until they get to Lagos, but we can bring the market closer to them. The fourth item on the agenda is political education. We will enlighten our people on what the senatorial seat means and what the duties of their representatives are supposed to be. We have seen politicians make promises during campaigns only to abandon the people when they get to power. How will you guard against such? My life shows service, so there is no tendency of reneging on my promises. Twenty years from now, my legacy shouldn’t be being the richest man in Nigeria, but how I have been able to touch millions of lives. I won’t say it is a gift but a calling, so, I won’t get to the Senate and forget the people back home. We have seen that in the past here in Oyo Central; some people who were sent to the National Assembly to represent the people only got there to forget the people, but I see myself as the beginning of a new era. Oyo Central boasts of several political bigwigs and captains of industry who cannot be ignored when it comes to election issues. How far have you gone in reaching out to them? I think politics is all about consultation. We started this process about two years ago and there is a saying that good name is better than silver and gold. We thank our forefathers for giving us a good name, and we don’t intend to soil it. If there is anything; we will continue to project that name the right way and continue to render service to our people. This makes my journey to Senate very easy because the people know that I stand for

Ashamu: Oyo Central needs quality representation integrity. As far as my party’s chieftains and the powers that be in Oyo Central are concerned, I will say that majority of them are behind me, and they have come out openly to endorse me. This has never happened before in Oyo Central. You are running for a position, which its present occupier recently dumped your party, APC, for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Don’t you think that he may have moved to the opposition party in the state with all those who matter in the district? My vision for Oyo Central is about the future. We are not taking about the past. If you interact with the youths in the district, you would be told that they need something to believe in. Unfortunately, there is a wide disconnect between the people of the district and those currently representing them, but I represent that connecting point and I believe the people will determine who will be their next senator. You are coming from a background where people are given responsibilities based on their capabilities, but here, political godfathers play a big role in determining who gets what. Who is your godfather in this project? Would you be surprised if I say God and the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District? You will recall that when President Barack Obama came out to contest the American presidency, many didn’t believe in him. Some people were then of the view that how could a young black man want to run for American presidency until Ted Kennedy, who came from America’s political royalty threw his weight behind him. It was after this that people started taking him serious. I want to put my bet on our leaders here in Oyo Central; they see the future and I bet you that they will take the right decision. Having said that, I will however add that our royal father, the Alafin of Oyo, has thrown his weight behind us and his guidance has been unparallel and of massive help. Also, there are several others. Your area is yet to produce a senator, how do you intend to break this jinx? I think that is what all Oyo indigenes are working together for. It is unfortunate that Oyo federal constituency has not produced a senator even when we have great people. However, I think that people have now seen the light; they know that it is the time for Oyo to produce the next senator for Oyo Central Senatorial District. To this end, we are doing our own beat to make sure that we have a sound manifesto; understand what the people need and articulate them, so that as a senator, I can be able to convince my colleagues to do good to my people. There are other aspirants for the senatorial seat in your party, the APC. What stands you out? I welcome all aspirations. As a matter of fact, I don’t want to be the only one running the marathon, so I want others to join the race. They say that iron sharpens iron, so I want great Oyo indigenes to come out; that will make the race interesting. To answer your question directly, one thing that stands me out is that I represent the future and progress of Oyo Central, which is what the p e o p l e need. I will tell you that the people are tired of politics; they want Ashamu

development; they want their children to get jobs after graduating from the universities. So, my focus on these critical issues stands me out from other aspirants. Are you confident that your party, the APC, will ensure a level playing field in the primaries, given its penchant for consensus in picking its candidates? I think the world is moving on and the people now want fairness. I am a proponent of due process, which is why I am calling on all well meaning indigenes of Oyo to join the senatorial race. I welcome debates that will ensure the emergence of the best candidate. So, as we go into the primaries, I will advise the party leadership in Oyo Central that we should put the people first as well and think about the future of our people. The party’s leadership has so far done a good job, which should be complemented with the selection of a candidate who has what it takes to win the senatorial election for the APC. Stomach infrastructure has crept into Nigeria’s polity. The people are now influenced by material things in electing their leaders. How do you intend to confront this challenge in the election if you get your party’s nod? It is really something to be worried about, but at the same time it presents an opportunity for those who are ready to excel. But I want to put my bet on my people; they have gone beyond stomach infrastructure. Besides that, I also believe that there must be a balance between physical infrastructure and what people term “stomach infrastructure.” Yes, you can construct the best roads in the world, but if the people cannot eat, there is a problem. That is why I keep emphasizing on full employment and free education. If there is full employment, people will look beyond what they are going to eat today. Because they say that a hungry man is an angry man, there is need for public office holders to ensure that the people are not hungry, so that they can easily buy into the various policies and programmes of government; see government’s projects as ones that will add value to the society and not as disservice. When you talk about full employment and free education, how do you intend to achieve these because as a lawmaker, you won’t have executive power? I agree and at the same time disagree with you, because the executive arm of government can only implement projects approved by the legislature. Also, legislators have a way of advancing the course of their people. So, everything doesn’t have to come from the governor or the president; legislators also have roles to play in ensuring employment and free education. As a senator, I will work closely with the government in my state and the presidency to attract projects that will make direct impact on the people of Oyo Central. There is the view that charlatans are gradually taking over the politics and governance in the South-West. What do you make of such view? I think that is why more people are calling on me to get involved. We can’t continue to say that politics if for bad people, because they make laws and implement policies that affect all of us. People with good intentions should throw their hats into the game, and the simple way of doing that is to get involved in the process. You cannot be part of the solution except you are part of the system and I believe that Nigeria can be great because we are yet to see the best days.

There is a wide disconnect between the people of the district and those currently representing them, but I represent that connecting point

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

‘There’s injustice in distribution of LGs’ CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

come out from Anambra and Imo for the governorship seat of Etiti. How true is this? That does not make sense to me. It is not true. When we were under Imo state, I told the people that we do not belong to Imo. The purpose of government is to take care of the people where they live. When we were in Owerri, no Ohaozara man did business in Owerri. So we were not protected where we live. It is not for politics because in four or eight years, the politicians would rule and leave. You should consider the people who’ll be there forever. This is jeopadising their lives forever because no one will relocate his business to Etiti, but here in Abakaliki. The government there would not take care of them here. People should stop misguiding others just because of their position. Anybody who has sense would not want to go there because apart from the governorship, they would face problems associated with this inferiority. I am advocating for the one state for the south-east that has the greater chance of going through, than the one to be carried along with the other states. I know that due to the conditions of some areas, some of the states agitation would go through but the one for the south- east should go through and not to be part of the equalization of states for all zones. 2015 is around the corner. Do you intend to run for any particular position in the elections? No comment. What’s your view on the impeachment of the speaker of the state’s House of Assembly. I should be the one asking you to inform me of the development. It is an exclusive piece. You as news hunters should be informing us of the developments there. Why is Ebonyi opposing the issue of regional government which would help in reducing the powers at the centre? When these things are proposed, it seems easy. No matter how it is coined, it is still going back to the past. Do you want Ebonyi to go back to Enugu? Who would control power at the region? The Nigerian ambassador to Uganda who is from Enugu state told us the story in Uganda where the account of an area that merged with another was frozen. When they asked why, the other said we are one now so should share the same account. This will also happen here when they will tell you that states will deal with Federal Government but it is the regions that would do that, setting off the states. The states are nearer to the people, as the governor of Enugu state told their delegates to support the Ebonyi position. Another thing we suffer as a people is that no one supports any cause for Igbo that does not favour them especially the south. Dr. Chukuwemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra State used to canvass this region issue saying that the southsouth is with us, but when the issue was voted for, all the south-south states voted against regionalism. 28 states voted against it. Each zone votes for issues that would favour them. That is why the American foreign policy favours only things that favour them. Can you ask someone from Benue for example, to go back to Kaduna? On state police Ebonyi does not support state police because force is still used in politics, so state police is out. We are not matured or democratic enough to implement it. But majority of delegates supported it so, we adopted it. The issue of insecurity with bombs everywhere; are you worried, and if so, what

We questioned why Kano with 9.4 million people has 44 LGAs while Lagos with 9.1 million people has 20 LGAs. It is injustice and the only answer they gave was that it was done by the military solutions do you proffer? I am worried like other Nigerians. It is unfortunate as the activities of the Boko Haram sect is anti religion and anti societal. One wonders the reason they are doing what they are doing and none can be found. I keep saying that their reason can’t be because of poverty as is being adduced. We all know that conventional powers cannot be used to overcome guerilla warfare. That is why those who say the government is not doing much in rescuing the abducted school girls are misinformed. The best method now is intelligence to stop them, before they do anything. That is where Israel is good. Even as we are here, one or two of you might be members and we do not know. If force is used to rescue the girls, they might be killed. There is no advice for them. It is a difficult situation. I commend President Goodluck Jonathan because many people in his shoes could have crumbled, yet he has stayed steadfast. Let’s come closer to your profession. Nigerians are worried by the incessant Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) strike. What do you think is the reason for the strike and your solutions to them? I was a senior member of the conference committee on social sector and we felt we should help. We deliberated on the strike in the heath sector and we analyzed it and found out that the Nigerian factor is responsible for the strikes. That is where people are never satisfied with what they are and want to get something else at all cost. In the medical field, there are different professional settings, and each receives special professional training but people want to be another thing. The nurse wants to do doctor’s work. It is anti professional. Each is trained to do specific work. It is a form of envy. It spreads to issues of positions in the field like a nurse aspiring to be CMD when she is not trained on medical practice. Instead of working as a team, they are now divided and scattered. Also the issue of salary structure is a factor. Before 1988, there was one salary structure for all. Some earned higher depending on what one was doing. Before, a graduate in other fields started with level 8 while doctors started with level 10 though they

Ogbu

receive call allowances and others. But today, each medical sector negotiates their salaries-based on agitations that other areas had their salaries increased. Then, if it does not work, they go on strike. So, we felt in the committee that all sectors of medicine should work according to their fields. Also, there should be harminsation of salaries to avoid variation. And leadership in the sector must be enshrined. Doctors should be in charge as they are the ones who train others. When we did our medical practice, we spent three or four months cutting all parts of human beings. No other profession does that but others now say they are more than doctors. So, if the health ministry can deal with these issues and also pay attention to improving facilities at the hospitals, it would help. The House Committee Chairman on Health was overhead saying they would recommend for privatization of hospitals to the Federal Government as a way of ending the incessant strike. What is your take on it? If that is done, no one would go on strike again. But healthcare is a social service. The civil liberties group in their agitation quoted Section 2 of the Constitution which provides that the government should provide adequate healthcare for the people. That if it does not,

is should be taken to court. They said that is the case in South Africa, Uganda etc. But the issue is that how many communities can do that? We removed it in the committee but in the plenary, Femi Falana said that such was in the constitution of South Africa and Uganda but when I downloaded it, such information were not there. So, the best is that government should find ways of providing adequate healthcare for the people. Just like American President, Barack Obama’s healthcare bill, government would supervise the progarmme with people’s participation. When the issue of National Health Insurance Scheme was launched, I told then President Olusegun Obasanjo that it might not work because majority of the people live in the rural areas and they would not cover the whole country. They still launched the programme but those in the urban areas are enjoying while those in the rural areas are finding it difficult to access. Government should make facilities available so that people would access the scheme. Government should make primary health care functional to make health care accessible to the people. As a commissioner in the old Imo state, we initiated the Ama-Atta declaration where health care personnel are trained in dispensaries, clinics then moved to general and teaching hospitals. This would make health care functional and cheaper.

Rivers 2015: Ominous signs for PDP over Wike’s ambition CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

general election? “Mention any one of them that can tell you who is their ward chairman. As I sit here, from my (Obio/Akpor) Ward 1 to 17, I know the entire ward chairmen; I know all the party chairmen in the 23 local governments. I know the state executive committee. I challenge them to tell me who are members of the state exco; who are chairmen of the party in the 23 local governments. How does their ward function? It is not only by going to newspapers, taking up adverts saying,

it is our turn. The issue is how far have they come to make PDP to be strong for that their turn to be realized. That is the point.” Clearly, the tide in the days ahead might become stronger for the yetto-be-declared second term bid of President Jonathan especially with politics of exclusion that Wike seems to be churning out after boasting that he would win in the various wards of powerful chieftains of the PDP like Sekibo, Maeba and Nwuche, who he forced out of the activities of the party in the state without their en-

dorsement, whereby these are the gladiators that that worked for the successful election of the President in 2011, and have at various fora, declared their readiness to repeat same feat in 2015. As it stands, it is left to be seen how the presidency and the PDP headquarters would stem the various shades of desperation from within and outside for the Rivers PDP gubernatorial ticket as anything less may spell doom for the party in 2015- regions, state and federal level especially with the APC already waiting in the wings.

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Ahaji Musa Shehu is the National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and a delegate at the ongoing national conference. In this interview with LADI GBEGI, he speaks on some of the recommendations, and why Nigeria is not mature for a total fiscal federalism among other issues. Excepts

Nigeria not ready for fiscal federalism, says Shehu a referendum. I can assure you that majority of Nigerians will vote for a referendum. The question on the lips of most Nigerians is how much is a senator and rep member receiving as salaries and allowances? This alone is annoying Nigerians, which has been taken to court and they continue to appeal as they don’t want Nigerians to know, it goes to the judges, so with this alone, the referendum will scale through, boycotting members of National Assembly.

Many people see the confab as a failure. What is your take? Anybody saying that is on his own because as far as I’m concerned the national conference is not a failure because this is a forum that comprises of representatives from all geo-political zones, especially now that the nation is facing security challenges that nobody knows the root cause of. I want to say here categorically that there is no better time for us as a people to dialogue than now. And that is why we the members of the conference are insisting that the resolution should go through a referendum because if it goes through the National Assembly, it will not see the light of the day because, one of the issues raised was the cost of running the National Assembly which is too expensive.

How do you see the recent up roar of staff of the federal ministry of finance? That is why we said in the confab that the National Assembly should be part time, not full time. They can sit four times in a month and take their sitting allowances not salaries, housing allowance, drivers allowance, escort allowance, furniture allowance and all the rest. Even in the United States of America, which is our role model it’s not like that. They have only fifteen ministers, but how many ministers do we have in Nigeria? The cost governance is too expensive in Nigeria. For instance, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha alone has about 150 Special Assistants while his Bauchi counterpart has up to 1000 Special Assistants, even if they are paying them ten thousand naira only, it is a lot of money that could be used for infrastructural development in their respective states. But it’s being wasted on SAs that they don’t even know, don’t have offices, all they do is to collect salaries at the end of every month when these governors have collected from the centre to distribute to individuals who are not contributing anything to the economy. This is a waste of resources.

Tell us your experience at the confab The experience has been nice especially having the privilege to be among the wise men and women that were selected from across the federation. It has been fun for me especially when a delegate has a contribution to make, he or she is usually given the audience without interruption. I must say that I enjoyed every bit of it because, I saw a lot of things which includes the good, bad and whatever you can imagine. How would you rate the adoption of the issues you took to the table at the confab? So far I would say most of my recommendations received a positive boost. I called for creation of a transport bank like is done in other parts of the world and it was adopted. I also advocated that government should bring back the toll gates so as to raise funds for the maintenance of roads in the country. This will also create jobs opportunities because good roads save lives, Another that was deliberated at the conference as regards transportation was the load bill, where a vehicle that is overloaded can be charged for the over load. Any vehicle carrying about 20 to 30 tonnes should be discharged to be billed on the over loaded tonnage. We also talked about the creation of express motor parks, where the driver can relax; take their bath before proceeding on their journey, which will drastically reduce road accidents on our high ways. Do you think the resolutions reached would be implemented? Yes of cause, President Jonathan is a listening president who will yield to the voice of the masses, especially with the decisions that are reached, and what you must understand is that Nigerians and the international community are also watching to see what will happen to the recommendations. How do delegates intend to implement the resolution is it by referendum or through the National Assembly as being proposed by some groups?

Shehu

We intend to achieve this through a referendum because we are more in number than the National Assembly members. We are 492 delegates to the national confab representing all states of the federation including political parties, CSOs and NGOs. We have retired generals, serving judges, retired Inspector generals of police; we have ex-senators and former House of Representatives members, ex-states and local governments executives, civil societies, trade unions, etc. And of cause the National Assembly members will not pass most of the resolutions because these are issues that are against them, like we recommended that they should be on a part time basis and not full time, and that they should only be payed seating allowances. But the president cannot achieve this without the National Assembly, because they are representing majority of Nigerians, how do you reconcile this? You talk of the six geopolitical zones which they are representing? I can tell you that the six geopolitical zones are not in the Constitution, but today that is what we are using. Therefore what we must not forget is that before the commencement of the confab, the president gave us two option of implementing the resolutions reached which is either through a referendum or the National Assembly, based on this provision, the confer-

Well I don’t think we are ready for that kind of system where each state will have to survive by what it produces locally, because if we do that now, many states will collapse. As it is, most states cannot pay salaries by themselves ence cannot hold for nothing. So it is not a must that it should pass through the National Assembly. If you are a member of the National Assembly and somebody said because of expensive governance that they should remove you, will you allow that to see the light of day? Are you saying without the National Assembly the resolutions can be implemented? Yes, the president can take it as a national broadcast to the citizens stating that this a report so far brought from the confab, urging Nigerians to debate the report, vote if you want it to be taken to the National Assembly, or if you want it to be taken as

Another issue that seems to be tearing the confab apart is that of resources control, that is, a total fiscal federalism. What is your take on this? What we must understand as a people is that, we all need each other in this country, especially these days of inter-marriages; if you are privileged to marry someone from the same state or tribe then thank God for you! But you really can’t tell where your children’s spouse will come from, so we must tread with caution. Southerners cannot do without Northerners likewise the other regions of the country. For instance, I am from Edo state but I have lived in Kano for the past 30 years. So the issue of resource control should not divide us now that we need each other most so as to be able to fight the enemy of unity. We must look for a way out, the North cannot go against that because the South have looked into issues confronting them, like no land to farm or fish, and the future expectancy of earthquake etc so they said they should benefit more. So the argument was that what is the impact of the initial 13 per cent to oil producing states and you are now talking of another one. We all agreed on 18 per cent for the South-South. So the argument was on the five per cent intervention fund for re-fixing the areas that have been destroyed by insurgents in the North-Eastern part of the country. This intervention fund will be another five per cent because every state has its own resource minerals that can be mined for national development. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

18 POLITICS Adeleke Adebisi (Jnr)

oday, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, the chairman of Lubcon Group and Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant will turn 55. To many people, especially the people of Kwara State, Ibrahim remains one of the reputable businessmen and renowned philanthropist, who has put smiles on the face of the people. Ibrahim has been in the vanguard of creating wealth for the people of Kwara as his micro finance bank, Bluecon established in the state has provided opportunities for less privileged people in the society to have access to soft loans, and this has changed the lives of many people in the state for the better. These affected people remain a major lubricant of wealth creation and this has assisted the economy of the state to be more buoyant through the efforts of Alhaji Ibrahim. Born 55 years ago, Jani attended Kings College, Lagos from where he graduated with a Grade One Distinction and aggregate 06 in the West African School Certificate Examination (WAEC). After his A’Levels in the same school, he proceeded to the United Kingdom to study Mechanical Engineering on a British Petroleum scholarship and graduated with First Class Honours. At King’s College, he also distinguished himself as one of the school’s shinning stars, carting away more laurels at graduation than probably any other student in his set. This effort also fetched him a scholarship from the British Petroleum (BP) to read Mechanical Engineering at Greenwich University, London. He started his working career with BP London before returning to Nigeria to work with African Petroleum Plc. He continued his working career with Unipetrol Nig Plc (now Oando Plc). At Unipetrol Nigeria Plc, he rose to become the Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Property and Development Company (a joint venture between Unipetrol and NNPC). In 1997, he was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigeria Airways from where he returned to private business in 1999. Ibrahim is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Member of the Energy Institute of the UK. In addition, he is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, from where he graduated in 1994. He became President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) from 2009-2011. He is an awardee of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). He is the Chairman of Lubcon Group a conglomerate with lubrication oil blending factories in his home Ilorin, Kwara state as well as another in Tema, Ghana and Addis-Ababa in Ethiopia. He remains the second biggest employer of Labour in Kwara State after the State Government. He has business interests in oil and gas, construction, hospitality industry, manufacturing, and is a Director of Heritage Bank Ltd. Jani is currently promoting the development of a Fertilizer complex in Band, Kogi State that will generate employment for thousands as well as contribute to agricultural development. The proposed plant is for 2000 MT per day, ammonia project for a 3,500 MT per day Urea plant. Ibrahim’s diligence at work, no doubt facilitated his meteoric rise in life. His emphasis has always been on hard work, high productivity, humility, dedication, efficiency and excellence in service. On June 21, 2013, Alhaji Ibrahim was inducted as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka during the 2013 Annual Lecture of the Academy. As a lover of sports, Alhaji Ibrahim every year organises football competi-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Jani Ibrahim: Creating wealth for Kwara people To many people, especially the people of Kwara State, Ibrahim remains one of the reputable businessmen and renowned philanthropist, who has put smiles on the face of the people

Ibrahim

tions among secondary schools in the state. He has resuscitated the moribund Principal’s Cup, a football competition among secondary schools that is intended to integrate the youths and inculcate in them the spirit of sportsmanship.

The development has allowed talented footballers to be discovered for various clubs in the country thereby providing employment opportunities for the players. He plays golf to relax, and also visits the gym or read books. Alhaji Ibrahim

without any iota of doubt is the number two largest employer of labour after the Kwara State Government. He built his business empire in Kwara, lives amongst his people and therefore understands the needs and challenges in the state. Because of his passion to put smiles on the faces of his people, he has decided to throw his hat into the ring to run for the number one seat in Kwara State come 2015. His core focus for Kwara State is derived from his name JANI (Jobs, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Infrastructural Development). Top on his agenda is reducing the cost of governance and tight management of the fiscal resources as well as increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state so that he can address youth education, empowerment and employment to reduce crime and create wealth in the state. He also intends to address education through renovation of schools, re-equipment and re-orientation of d people. On the area of health, Ibrahim intends to improve healthcare by providing drugs to reduce infant mortality and maternal death. •Adebisi (Jnr) writes from Kwara

‘Nigeria not ready for fiscal federalism’ CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 7

So that five per cent will be used to boost other states so as to re-activate the resources they have at their disposal, so that they cannot just be depending on the producing states. This is only the argument. Based on this, the Federal Government has set up a technical committee to sort that out, this also generated another controversy that, Odi that was destroyed but never given any intervention fund. These are the issues. Some people are calling for total fiscal federalism, what is your take on this? Well I don’t think we are ready for that kind of system where each state will have to survive by what it produces locally, because if we do that now, many states will collapse. As it is, most states cannot pay salaries by themselves because of the poor internal generation of revenue. Take for example, in Kano their internally generated revenue is N1billion but they require N6 Billion to pay salaries, so how will they cope without the support of the centre? So what we suggested was that, the sharing formula should continue from now to about five years, until when most states have stated generating their own resources. Some persons have argued that there

should be balancing in states creation, saying the zones that have five should be given one more to ensure balance so that all zones will have equal number, how would you react to this? Yes we have all agreed to balance the states in the six geo-political zones so that there wouldn’t be instances whereby you will not see some zones having six states while the other has five states, and local governments were just created just for creation sake. I believe it will end the security challenges the country is facing presently. So, more states should be created to balance the zones.

What was the resolution on the issue of unemployment? We also discussed on how to ensure that the youths are employed but I challenged the youths because most of them are not employable, because while in school, they were only concerned with obtaining certificates that they cannot defend. I give you an example, there was a lady I employed with a first class certificate, but during the Ramadan season, I asked her to write down the names of people we wanted to send gifts to but she could not spell Nasiru Ahmed. When I asked her, she said ‘daddy you know I schooled in Bayelsa State, they did not teach us how to spell Hausa names’. I was forced to

sack her. That is the case with most graduates today. How do you see the ongoing impeachment threats against some opposition party governors? If you say impeachment is only going on in APC states then, you are wrong; it is the party that impeached their governors? Look at that of Nyako. He’s a man who could not pay salaries for good two months and was receiving federal allocations and other issue. Nyako was not voted for as a person but his political party. That is why we are saying now at the national confab that anybody who is de-camping should start to loose or forfeit his sit, because they did not vote for him as Nyako but they voted for a PDP governor. So if you de-camp you don’t carry the state along with you. We are also taking about removing immunity of elected executives so that anybody found guilty will be charged for it, like what happened in China where a serving governor who attended his son’s wedding ceremony was executed. So immunity must be removed. Tell me of a governor that has finished serving that is not richer that the state. There is a governor who went to South Africa to build a hospital that cost N7Billion when most of our unemployed youths are roaming the street jobless.

EDITORIAL

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

Moving towards Made-in-Nigeria vehicles

o give reality to the Made-In-Nigeria vehicles project, the National Automotive Council (NAC) is unfolding some strategies including making components locally to meet international standards. NAC’s Director, Policy and Planning, Lukman Mahmud, says a material testing laboratory has been established in Zaria, a components testing laboratory in Enugu and an emission testing laboratory in Lagos. Also the idea of Semi-KnockDown, SKD and Complete KnockDown, CKD, import has been adopted to address the demand from the automobile market due to eventual hike on tariff and levy of imported fairly used cars expected to vary from 30 to 50 percent or more. Mahmud said the policy made provision for high patronage from government and incorporates a Credit Purchase Scheme to enable middle-class Nigerians buy cars at affordable prices and pay back within 36 to 46 months at single digit interest rate. To avoid the usual policy flip flop and ensure that investors in the sector are adequately protected, NAC says a critical element of the policy is under legislation at the National Assembly. We commend the Federal Government’s initiative through the National Automotive Council that has now woken up to its responsibilities after years of slumber. It had before now been heavily lampooned and dubbed a lame duck by analysts for its lackadai-

sical attitude in addressing the numerous challenges of the country’s automobile industry despite yearly hefty subventions given to the body without much substance to show for it. The National Automotive Industry Development Plan can be a dynamic launch-pad for the country’s indeterminate automobile industry. If auto making were a beauty contest, the latest initiative may stand a good chance to win. Regrettably, it is not, and this implies that a lot more action still needs to be taken especially in the areas of implementation and quality control if the envisaged auto making renaissance is to be taken seriously. Before the pronouncement of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan in 2013, Nigeria had 14 existing plants across the nation. However, it is commendable and engenders a feel good spirit that the protection and incentives provided to the industry under the new policy have persuaded 16 more companies to establish assembly plants in the country, bringing the total number to 30. For instance, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Leyland, Fiat, Volkswagen and Mercedes, all complete Knock-down assembling plants, were forced to shut down due to the influx of imported cars and second hand vehicles commonly called “Tokunbo”. The case of Volkswagen in particular reached the extreme point that before its privatization, parts of the plant had oddly become depot for pure water business and a choice

venue for wedding receptions, activities that had no relationship whatsoever with manufacturing of vehicles. Now, Nissan is making sport utility vehicles (SUVs) at the plant. Products have even been rolled out as attested to by President Goodluck Jonathan’s and Vice President Namadi Sambo’s test-driving experience of the vehicles as part of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations on May 29. Sadly, the Marcopolo luxury buses which many established transporters massively import from Brazil and use in Nigeria today are products of plants relying on the import substitution and protectionist strategies that failed to work here. We need to meticulously watch out for the gaps and glitches, leeches to the positive outcome of policy crafting, implementation and transmission mechanisms and remain properly guided by past experiences to provide workable safety nets and valves for the interests of all stakeholders and the entire economy. This new policy initiative must be jealously savoured and made to work for its employment and revenue generating capacity, long-term productivity dilating capacity, and contribution to GDP growth, aside unlocking entrepreneurial and instincts in various sectors of the economy and market. Over time, the companies should be in position if well supported and encouraged to build capacity and momentum in developing their export potential. BMW’s plant

which was built in Mexico not too long ago is reported to have overtaken Japan in vehicle exports to the American market already. This could easily be replicated here with the necessary linkages and eyes on the West African sub-regional market that brims with more than 200 million people when Nigeria is excluded. We are under necessity to advocate that the products of the plants are delivered at competitive quality and even lower prices if the vacuum to be created by the absence of ubiquitous “Tokunbo” vehicles must be effectively filled and the fight to muzzle their dealers out of the market won. Among these companies, according to reports, are motor vehicles dealers, resellers, franchise holders and well-known automobile makers. While the positive response to the allures of the new automotive policy is welcome, attention also need to be drawn to the fact that motor vehicle manufacturing is not an all-comers affair. There is also the need to distinguish between manufacturing and assembling of vehicles. We need to resolve the niggling factors and revivify the steel industry, ensure that the companies train local hands and avoid the egregious errors such as unnecessary protection, heavy dependence on government patronage, corruption, lack of innovation and failure to change in response to market swirls and oscillations that brought the 14 earlier assembling plants to their knees. 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.

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OPINION Yoo-hoo! Oyinlola yields like Yo Yo M

en like Prince Olagusonsoye Adedapo Oyinlola make things happen. You cannot but notice them anywhere they storm. Full of life, this retired one-star retired army general gives as much as he gets. The first time I came across that name was, I guess, in 1993.There was crisis in Somalia and Nigerian troops were sent to the Horn of Africa. I remember seeing some of our captured soldiers on CNN.The dead were given no respect. Oyinlola, a Lt. Col., was lucky to escape all the bullets flying around Mogadishu. And it did not take long for him to get a juicy appointment as Military administrator of Lagos state. People talked more about road construction and bitumen in Lagos. I did not buy into that. What made me take a closer look at the officer was his appearance on Peter Elosia’s [Elo Pee] pidgin english television programme. Oyinlola was lively and got my full marks when he told his interviewer about his sojourn abroad. He pronounced ‘Alabekee’ [ Igbo for abroad ] so well that I knew this man must have been a good mixer. For emphasis, he added ‘Obodo Oyibo’ [same meaning]. Oyinlola is a delight when he is talking. And I am sure he also loves to dance. He admitted that as a young officer

in Benin, lived life to the hilt. Yes, i am one of his fans, even if we have not met. I follow him through the media. His newspaper interviews and advertorials always bring out something new. And I know he has so much in common with Chief Theophilus Oladapo Bamigboye. Both were soldiers, share the same birthday- February 3, 1951 and chose wives from Ogun state. Oyinlola’s wife, a Majekodunmi, is Funmilayo. Bamigboye also had a Funmilayo. Bamigboye and Oyinlola served as military administrators under Gen. Sani Abacha, albeit, at different times. And they were in charge of Osun state at different times, after ruling in other states. Bamigboye was in Bauchi, Oyinlola in Lagos. Both men enjoyed the services of a media man, Femi Adelegan while in office. Bamigboye was appointed governor by Abacha ,just as he dropped Oyinlola. I also know that Oyinlola will always remember November. He became military administrator on November 18, 1993. On November 26, 2010, the Appeal court sacked him as governor of Osun. It is also on record that Oyinlola is a peace maker. Remember how he took Major Saliba Daddy Mukoro to Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in Minna so many years after the Gideon Orkar coup. Now I do not have anything against this man playing politics. It is a free world. But I am taking a deep look at his move to the All Progressives Congress[APC], less than a week to the Osun governorship elections. Agreed, President Goodluck Jonathan was not fair to the Okuku Prince. It is not sweet to condemn a man because he is close to your foe. I do not know if that is how to describe

Friday, August 8, 2014

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. I think they are persecuting Oyinlola because of Obasanjo, which is wrong. I once disagreed politically with my own father. That did not stop him from being my dad. Even Oyinlola’s political friend Erelu Olusola Obada was also thrown out. I appreciate her joining the PDP campaign in Osogbo. Oyinlola was absent because he felt Mr. President did not want him. Off to APC.Oyinlola in Asiwaju Tinubu’s camp? Oyinlola dancing on top of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s vehicle? This is good for politics, a testimony that pentecostal churches must celebrate. I remember Oyinlola being tried by a panel set up by Aregbesola. The former governor impressed me with his submissions. It was so spectacular that I dubbed it the ‘Hunter hunted’. And I sent a text to a number I guess belongs to him. It was acknowledged. Politics na waaooh! What I thought Oyinlola should have done, was to float or join a smaller party, from which he could work with APC. That is the Segun Mimiko style. Rashidi Ladoja is doing it with Accord party. Gbenga Daniel is doing same in Ogun. Tinubu, the wise one, did it too. Tinubu and Aregbeseola are true politicians and i do not think they will gain so much from this new bride.All work had been done before Oyinlola’s arrival.I think Oga Segun Oni will agree with me. Reconciliation is Godly, you know. I cannot forget pictures of Oyinlola’s supporters destroying vans belonging to Aregbeseola’s party men. I just hope families of people whose lives were turned upside down would not be forgotten. No enemies in politics.

Oshiomhole and the impeachment gale Ebomhiana Musa

t amuses me whenever I hear people talk about some state governors already marked for impeachment by their Houses of Assembly. Yes, I am amused because the governor of my State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is always listed among these governors whose job may be on the line. To me, it’s like putting gold in the same box as bronze. With all sense of modesty and without prejudice to the performance of these other governors in their respective states, there is a wide gulf between them and Oshiomhole! This is a man who has raised the bar of socio-economic development in Edo State, a man who has entrenched democratic norms in Edo State in the true sense of the word with his one- man-onevote campaign and I dare say that this has become a political slogan for free, fair and credible polls across the 36 states of the federation, and the bug is catching up fast among the Nigerian electorate. He has raised the political consciousness of the Edo people to the extent that never again will any leader pull wool over their faces in terms of availability of resources vis-a-vis their right to basic things of life. Where these basic necessities of life are lacking, they take on those in position of authority in a constitutional and demo-

cratic manner. Here, non-violent protest is a way of life encouraged by Oshiomhole; it’s however not surprising given his background as a labour activist. On a daily basis, the local airwaves are awash with the people engaging in unfettered and robust discussions bordering on governance. The political leaders and their performances are always the focal point of discussion. Perhaps, Edo could be said to be the state with the most vibrant opposition amongst the 36 states and highly tolerated by the government in power. You are dead right if you choose to call this political maturity on the part of government and the political class. The ramshackle mud houses in the state capital of Benin have given way to modern architectural designs now dotting the entire landscape. Yet, Benin has not lost the essence of its rich culture and tradition which has endured for centuries. Street lights and dual carriage ways were never found anywhere in the state capital before the coming of Oshiomhole administration in 2008. Rainfall which is expected to be blessing was like cures to the people of Benin as the city was always flooded whenever it rained. Residents abandoned their homes as lives and property were lost to the ravaging flood which defied solution for decades. But today, the story has changed for good

due to the ingenuity, purposeful and peopleoriented government of Oshiomhole. Suffice it to also say here that the government embarked on an ambitious N30 billion Water Storm project which has succeeded in tackling the hitherto intractable flood menace. Residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed all year round. Those who abandoned their property have gone back and they are singing long live Oshiomhole. These are just the tips of the iceberg of the Yeoman’s job the Oshiomhole administration has been doing in Edo State as acknowledged by the number of accolades received locally and internationally since 2008. Yet, Edo is listed among the states with the least allocation from the monthly handout from Abuja. So, out of sheer shrewd management of this limited fund coupled with a high fiscal responsibility on the part of the government, Edo State is counted among the very few states in the federation where visible monumental developments have taken place. Surprised at what he personally found on ground during his recent social visit to Edo State, former military President, Gen Ibrahin Badamasi Babangida could not hide his feelings. Hear him: “I want to pay special homage to my Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who has been doing so much to transform Edo Stae. As a regular visitor to Edo State, I could feel and inhale the impact of good governance not

only on the faces of the people but also on infrastructure. I saw well cultivated lawns, walk-ways and beautiful road networks. I saw expansions on roads that were hitherto narrow. In fact, the feeling of a transformed Edo State is palpable”. Babangida is not alone in this public acknowledgement of the unprecedented developmental strides of Oshiomhole in Edo State. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan recently displayed a rare statesmanship, putting aside party affiliation and praised to high heavens the efforts of Ohiomhole in Edo State, apparently, to the disappointment of the PDP rabble rouser in the state. In fact, the President earned my personal admiration for that rare courage which is uncommon in this clime, especially given the fact that the governor belongs to a major opposition party that is plotting to sack the president and his party via the polls come next year. These are clear testimonies to the enormity of work and the level of transformation the Oshiomhole administration has brought to bear in the nook and crannies of Edo State. So, those beating the impeachment drum better look elsewhere because Edo is working and the people appreciate their gold, they are determined to guard it jealousely and keep it till November 2016. • Musa is a Benin-based public affairs commentator.

ARTS FRIDAY, August 8, 2014

CULTURE

21 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY oKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future." ― Albert Camus

Prof Lavergne (centre) in a group photograph with Shyllon (5th from right) and some of the participants shortly after his presentation at OYASAF Lecture Interactive session, in Lagos.

From Lavergne, culture awakening through technology, making of Mother and Child Tony Okuyeme

hen African-American sculptor, Albert Lavergne arrived in Ile-Ife, Osun State, about two years ago, on a Fulbright Lecture/research Grant with a mission of building a steel fabricated sculpture and presenting it to the university as a gift from Western Michigan University, in commemorating their 50th Anniversary, it was something of homecoming for him as he considers himself African. For the Professor of Art and Sculpture at the Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, US., the visit was therefore an opportunity to reconnect with his ‘roots’. The product of that visit was is a 14feet steel fabricated sculpture which now stands in front of the OAU Museum in Ife. It explores the theme of mother and child. But behind this gigantic sculpture, lies a stimulating story that interrogates the need for culture awakening through technology; as well as how his encounters with the indigenes, residents and students spawned the idea of mother and child. As the 13th Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) scholar, Prof Albert Lavergne was recently hosted by the Foundation in Lagos, where he shared his experiences in Ile-Ife. Titled A Culture Awakening Through Technology – My Fulbright Experience in Ile-Ife Nigeria, the event which was anchored by OYASAF’s founder and leading art patron in Nigeria, Prince Yemisi Shyllon had in attendance playwright and art patron, Chief Rashhed Gbadamosi, and wife, Mrs. Tinu Gbadamosi; art patron, Chief Okundaye, notable artists such as Olu Amoda, Roqib Basorun and Adeola Balogun; and the Managing Director of Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters. The event also showed that besides being an artist, he is a skilled raconteur,

as he shares his thoughts on family, especially a connection between mother and child with characteristic finesse, picking every word with deliberate cadences. According to him, it was the renowned carver, the late Lamidi Fakeye that inspired him to come to Ife; and despite series of negative news coming from Africa, particularly Nigeria, he came here with only his enthusiasm to guide him. “I am a black man and this is my home,” he says, recalling that when he arrived, the natives were too eager to refer to him as a white man. According to him, he felt uncomfortable with this. “When people call me a white man in Nigeria, I feel offended.” He recalled how the people showed him love, warmth and affection, which served as a tonic for him in the course of the job. According to him, suggestions by the head of department were also useful. He also recalled that at a time, the residents started asking him if he was married and how many children he had. When he told them he was neither married nor had any children, there was palpable shock and surprise among the people. But when the issue appears persistent, he devised an answer to it: explore the theme of ‘mother and child’, with emphasis on the child as a great gift from God. So “for my Fulbright project, I decided to sculpt a mother and a child. With that, I felt, the people would know that I am very productive in my own way.” Lavergne, who until recently was a teacher/researcher at Western Michigan University, U.S, showed - via slides presentation - his process as the sculpture was built, starting from the feet of the mother to the final stage. The 14 ft. sculpture, Lavergne explained, focuses on the family essence on the child as a great gift from God, adding that this is reflected on the face of the mother, as he captures the “moment of

excitement on the mother’s face.” Noting that erecting a sculpture in public space abroad could be a challenge, particularly for an artist who comes from a different culture as himself, the enthusiasm of the larger community at the university in Ile Ife, was the energy he needed. “Once they realised it’s theirs, they made valuable suggestions that made it easier for me to work,” he stated. “Within a month, everybody started bringing babies for me to hold. That blew away my mind. But because people challenged me concerning wife and children, I decided to fabricate wife and child. So, I have a family here now. It was a wonderful exchange. I learnt a lot from the university. And I learnt a lot from the people.” On the challenges he faced, he said the height of the sculpture (14 ft ) was daunting, adding that the job was so demanding that he conceded some weight to the rigour. “I wanted to capture a woman with a passionate and expressive face, not a perfect being as humanity itself is not perfect. But I celebrate the imperfections too in my works. I am proud to be the first American to have a sculpture outside the US,” he said. On his strength in steel fabrication as well as styles, he recalls that growing up and watching his mother fabricate quilts with repurposed fabric pieces without

I wanted to capture a woman with a passionate and expressive face, not a perfect being as humanity itself is not perfect

traditional guide of a model. “Over my 39 years as a teacher/researcher, I developed a unique process of fabricating directly, with metal without the need of a foundry. I grew up watching my mother fabricate colorful quilts with reconstituted fabrics pieces without the need of a model. I was intrigued at the process of how individual sections of clothes, evolved into a large mosaic colorful design. She maintained the capacity to improvise circumstances as her imagination dictated. The quilt’s design was developed in the moment. “My first exposer to metal work came when I accompanied my father to the local blacksmith to have farming tools and equipment sharpened. At the time, I remember being mesmerized by the process that the heat of the fire could transform the metal. As a sharecropper, my father instilled in us at an early age how essential skills in eye and hand coordination were to the survival of our farm,” he said, noting that as he traveled towards discovering his personal conceptual identity and his sculptures grew larger, building for strength and balance became a primary issue. “The law of gravity would always challenge my designs, to transform industrial steel into rhythmic organic looking forms. The process required dynamic engineering of joints. I needed the spontaneity of my mother’s quilts and the practicality of my fathers’ tool making skills.” Lavergne advised fellow artists that whenever they are working with metals they must always protect themselves from visible and invisible chemicals. The lecture generated stimulating interactive session, and was greeted with ovation. In his remark, Shyllon said it is the kind of success that Lavergne has recorded that inspired him to establish the OYASAF grant and fellowship.

22 ART

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Boost for live theatre as The King Must Dance Naked with Human Cargo Tony Okuyeme

ive theatre gets a boost as four plays written by Fred Agbeyegbe go on stage at the Cinema Hall 1, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, in festival tagged Legendary Plays Series. The theatre festival will see the production of The King Must Dance Naked, Woe Unto Death, Human Cargo, and Conflict Resolution. The Legendary Plays Series is initiated by a group of theatre practitioners that are committed to the promotion of epic, historical and contemporary plays and also the reawakening of live theatre performances in our theatres across Nigeria. “It is in a bid to promoting live theatre festivals back to the National Theatre, promoting the Nigerian Cultural Heritage, as well as discovering new talents in the performing arts that this season’s festival of plays is being organised,” the producers said, in a release. Spread across four weekends, the festival begins today, Friday August 8, 2014, with the performance of The King Must Dance Naked as directed by Muyiwa Osinaike, at 6pm, Sat 9, 4pm) and on Sun 10, at 4pm. Woe Unto Death will ignite the stage on Friday 15th (6pm), Saturday 16, (4pm) and Sunday 17 (4pm, respectively). The festival continues with Human Cargo as directed by Williams Ekpo on Friday 22, Saturday 23, and Sunday 24; while Conflict Resolution as directed by Biodun Abe will go on stage on Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31. Human Cargo is an “epigraph” to the occurrence of slave trade and human transportation from Nigeria across the Atlantic to the United States of America, its accompanying harrowing experiences and the natural human desire t o attain freedom from an inhuman institution. It also depicts the tenacity of ideas of subjugation by one human being over another without regard for pigmentation. African kings never die. They merely obey the call of their ancestors. But whilst sitting on the throne, they are gods, second only to the oracle and, most times, tools in the hands of priests; the acknowledged messengers of the gods and the accepted custodians of tradition and custom. While

The artists during rehearsal of the play

it is trite that the voice of men is the voice of God, no one dares ignore the voice of the priest; the only medium through which the oracle speaks. So, where one king goes home and another must take his place; where it is taboo in society that women should have a say in who rules, coupled with a stubborn queen who succeeds in masterminding who sits on the throne against the authority of the priest; the plot is necessarily thickened by a priest who speaks abomination that “The King must dance naked” to assuage famine; whose neck is gallows bound? This is the story of The King Must Dance Naked. The usual belief is that only difficult issues become subject matters of conflict. The truth, however, is that the seemingly most simple issues offer greater conflict possibilities. Humans

It is in a bid to promoting live theatre festivals back to the National Theatre, promoting the Nigerian Cultural Heritage, as well as discovering new talents in the performing arts that this season’s festival of plays is being organised cannot do without land. It is on land that they build and farm. But the same God who created humans also created Rats and the land in which Rats dig their holes as homes. Since rats live in holes in the ground and in most cases already do so before humans erect their houses thereon; who is living in whose house? In Conflict Resolution, Fred Agbeyegbe examines land as a subject matter of conflict between humans and rats; thickens the plot with humans’ dominion over all other creatures, including rats, with very startling revelations

and consequences. Woe Unto Death dramatises the plight of a queen whose husband, the King had laid prostrate to an unknown illness for years, neither dying nor healing. In the plot, a heroine queen emerges in her hour of glory who, determined to keep her husband alive, seeks Death in order to terminate Deaths own life before Death lays his icy hands on her husband, the King. Fred Agbeyegbe also uses the illness of the king, with many wives and children waiting, in an age of greed, haste and disrespect, for survival or demise to demonstrate how one subject can be the object of many conflicting desires. Thereafter, he journeys beyond the mundane into the metaphysical zones of the relationship between life and death; between death, old age, and illness, and the function of each in the complex life of ignorant humans at the mercy of the unknown ravages of nature and dependent only upon the meaningless suppositions of their oracles and their fumbling priests. Legendary Plays Series is supported by Lagos State, National Arts Theatre, National Troupe of Nigeria and the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Art Practitioners (NANTAP), CBAAC, NEG-V CONSULT and others.

Tush Awards pre-event activities to traverse 30 tertiary institutions, says Oyedayo John Enubiak

he pre-event activities for this year’s edition of Tush Awards will traverse at least 30 tertiary institutions in the country and also across West Africa. The train will involve Comedians, Musicians, Fashion Exhibitors and Houses, amongst others which will be revealed soon. Executive Director of Tush Awards, Mr. Oyeniran Oyedayo disclosed this in an interview, adding that Tush Award ceremony would feature four major categories: Student Category, Youth Celebrity Category, The Special Recognition Award Category and the Role Model Awards

Category. According to him, the annual Tush Awards presented by TDA Multimedia is a platform for encouraging, recognising and supporting great talented youths from across the nation who have worked very hard morally, academically, and in their various chosen careers. Oyedayo said Tush Awards had been supporting Nigeria youth since 2009, bringing them together, enhancing collective development of Nigeria; and also reward academic, social, and entrepreneurial excellence. “Our vision is to empower, develop and entertain the average Nigerian youth wherever they are and in what-

ever they do hereby motivating them to impact positively on the society in which they live. He said, the student categories for all youths Tush Awards 2014 are, Most beautiful, most popular male, most popular female, Mr & Miss. Fashionista, big, bold and beautiful, Mr. Personality, Miss Personality, Voice of the year. Others are: Student Entertainment Outfit of the Year, Student Sports Man/Woman of the Year, Best Leadership Trait (Student Union Leaders), Student Artiste of the Year, (who apart from the cash prize, will also get signed into a Top Record Label), Student Company of the Year, Student Comedian of the

Year, Brain of the Year (1ST Class student), Enterprising Student of the Year, Student Model of the Year, among others. The Youth Celebrity Categories are best Youth Comedian, Best Youth Act (music) Male, Best Youth Act (music) Female, Revelation of the Year (music), Best New Act (music) Diaspora, Most Promising Act (music), On Air Personality, On Screen Personality, Best Use of Social Media, Youth Magazine of the Year, and Best Nigeria DJ. Others are Best Youth Act (movie) Male, Best Youth Act (movie) Female, Best Use of Advocacy/Cause, Best Youth Designer, Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Bring back our books resonates in Lagos Ebere Ameh

he hall was not full to capacity; neither did Ifeoma Ndiolo-Enaholo who was billed to read from her books at Terra Kulture last weekend come on time. But as if it were part of the plan, the hall was charged, thanks to Tunji Somitirin who assisted Asabe Abubakar as the anchor. Should we equate it to a classroom? Outside the reading that eventually happened, he turned the event to a platform for the appreciation of the arts and the resuscitation of our ailing reading culture. From Nathan Anayo, a musician who later entertained the guests with his inspiring songs, to Eugene Odogwu, an author who draws inspiration from different mythologies to write on African culture and tradition and Omode, a female undergraduate author and script writer who prefers tragedies to comedies, they spoke glowingly of their different genres of art. That was before Ifeoma read A necessary Lie from her book Juggle the Dice, which set the tone for a very exciting conversation on the resuscitation of our dying reading culture. “Parents are to blame. They are to encourage the children to keep on reading so they won’t lose the culture,” the first contributor insisted. Parents are to encourage the children to keep reading , if not, they will lose the culture,” he added decrying the spate at which video games occupy children instead of books. “How can you teach what you don’t have?,” another queried. “Most parents don’t read, others can’t read. A lot depends on government. Both the parents and the government have a lot to do, but the responsibility is more on the government who have to provide, equip and make the schools conducive for children to learn,” he added. “It is the exclusive reserve of the individual to read or not to read,” was the third contribution from the floor. “Everybody should be able to attain a level of literacy and build the consciousness to read. We have to build institutions that would make reading to be attractive. Even the media are not encouraging us,” he submitted. A young lady who seemed visibly disturbed by the different reactions said, “People of my generation have a short attention span. Many things captivate us. We shouldn’t blame the parents or government, it has to do with us and the Authors. Authors should try and make their books more captivating. That would go a long way in addressing the issue. There are also innovative e-books, which catch the attention of the younger people. I for instance do not read books that do not have pictures,” she said. The fifth speaker feels that emphasis should be focused on learning, not reading. “I can’t read an Art book, I read technical books. There is a general concept of learning by the things you see, the things around you and so much more. The concept of learning generally should be more encompassing than just reading. People read fashion books, etc, but how much value does it add to us.”

As someone who marks papers for undergraduates, I can categorically tell you that the internet has destroyed our youths to the extent that they can’t make complete sentences, even in exam situations, without abbreviating with their internet language Agreeing with a lot that has been said, Fr Mike Umoh, Director, Centre for Media Development of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos added that the whole issue of reading has to do with the transit from analogue to digital. According to him, it is a problem that has affected many facets of our life. “One industry that has risen above it is the entertainment industry. If you are 40 years and above, you are borrowing the digital age. However, a 12 year old is native to the digital age. So what we must be aware of is the prevailing culture of the child. Give a child a book, he may not read, put it in a computer and he will read it. Let’s not remain in the painting age, culture has to be transmitted by the digital. If we have to judge our children, we should judge them by what is available digitally. All of what we are discussing drives home one need, media literacy,” Umoh intoned. Somitirin however, disagrees with Umoh on catching the digital fire and moving with time. “As someone who marks papers for undergraduates, I can categorically tell you that the internet has destroyed our youths to the extent that they can’t make complete sentences, even in exam situations, without abbreviating with their internet language.” Anayo and Abubakar enjoin the others in praising reading. While Anayo, the musician believes that every sentence in a written text paints a picture in your mind, unlike the digital devices, which are abstract and can while books remain with you, Abubakar insists that it doesn’t matter the format through which we

Ndiolo-Enaholo

read. “It is important that we read, and read what adds value to our lives. A man who does not read is as bad as a man who cannot read,” she said. Ifeoma concluded saying that “Until the lion learns to write, the hunter will always tell a story. If you start off a child on how to read, the child would go on reading,” she said, giving credit to her late father for encouraging her by buying newspapers. She later read Martha’s Goof, a

short story from the same book before reading some poems from her second book, Panorama. Questions, especially on the osu caste system practiced by the Igbos, whether she wrote some of the stories based on personal experience, among others were asked and adequately thrashed by the author. It was such an educative and exhilarating experience that the participants would relish for long.

AlimoshoLive newspaper debuts online Olushola Ricketts

limoshoLive, a community newspaper that focuses on Alimosho residents and businesses, has joined the growing number of newspapers in Nigeria. In a chat with New Telegraph, Project Co-ordinator, North House publications (the publisher of AlimoshoLive), Ms. Tolulope Adeniyi, said they set up the platform to encourage good neighbourliness among Alimosho residents. “We know it is a very large community and it may not be so easy to reach everyone, but with the online

platform and even the monthly print edition, we can help people know what is going on in their community and how they can be a part of it. “Apart from encouraging friendship among neighbours, our most important intention is to create a platform for local businesses in the area a residents, she disclosed. to reach om She Un further revealed that statistics had placed the population of Alimosho at about two million, insisting: “strongly believe that in this kind of place, with two million people, no business should close down. You have more than enough market around you. You just need to be able

to reach them.” According to Adeniyi, AlimoshoLive exists to help develop every single resident, family unit and business. She noted that the newspaper was committed to ensuring that residents in Alimosho get the information that take them up the ladder, information that helps them move from where you are to where their hearts desire to be. AlimoshoLive is available online and the publishers intend to use it as a tool to fully integrate members of Alimosho local government and also build a lasting legacy in the local government.

24 TOURISM

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Scooping sand from the flooded shop of the zoo

Flood disaster: Ogba Zoo cries for justice Destroyed animal enclosure

Smashed zoo entrance

As Edo State Government and a construction company, Setraco, continue to act dodge over rescuing the Ogba Zoo Benin following a flood disaster arising from the construction of the Benin Airport Road with the zoo still riling from the devastating effect two years after, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA chronicles the background and issues leading to the key state tourism heritage left gasping for life.

hile motorists, communities, residents and businesses located along the Benin Airport Road – Ogba Village axis now enjoy a smooth and leisurely ride following the recent reconstruction of the road after so many years of neglect but not so for the management and patrons of the Ogba Zoo and nature park, which is still suffering the effects of destruction visited on its assets and wildlife resources during the road construction process. Setraco Company handling the road project was alleged to have excavated the existing gutters and the road embankment and heaped huge debris in front of the zoo in the course of reconstructing the new drainage to the road when November 6, 2012 the rains came and leaving in its wake heavy flooding, which caused heavy damage to the zoo with the fence smashed in many sections leading to serious flooding and damage to animal cages, death or maladies to several animals, destruction to shops and offices as well as to several other infrastructure. The situation occasioned by the flooding was promptly brought to the attention of Setraco management and the Edo State government with a view to getting them to take responsibility for the disaster and to provide the needed reliefs for the zoo to carry on with its operations and promises were

made to this effect. But two years on, despite various appeals and representations to the construction company and the government, no succour of any kind has come the way of the zoo. Rather what has played out is a dodge game of denials and trading of blame among the parties involved leaving while the zoo management continues to rile under the heavy burden of bearing the cost of resuscitating the zoo. Information from the zoo’s website also indicated that following the intervention by the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, throguh a letter to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshimohole, a panel was set up to look into the matter and recommend appropriate actions to the government. Though this panel was set up in September 2013, 10 months after the incident, its findings are yet to be made known to the public. Agitated by this development, Ogba (host) community and some environmental activists recently led a public protest to Government House and the State House of Assembly, alleging insensitivity by those concerned. Following this public outcry, the state government through its Environment commissioner, was said to have invited the zoo management and Setraco to a dialogue where issues surrounding the plight of the zoo was discussed and with settlement to pay compensa-

tion running into millions to the zoo by the construction. As the zoo management awaits the payment of the agreed money to enable it continue with its rehabilitation of the zoo, a new twist has been added to the matter with the environment commissioner alleged to have made a public statement in the media to the effect of absolving the construction company of complicit in the damage to the zoo and rather blamed it on natural occurrence. Worried by this turn of event, the management of the zoo in a last ditch effort to rescue the zoo has written to the State House of Assembly, calling for its urgent intervention in the matter. However, its laments the escalating level of losses to the zoo arising from the inaction of the company and the state government. ‘‘We have suffered a 10 year reversal of the gains at resuscitating the zoo after its previous collapse under government. ‘‘A zoo can die even within a few days once the animals suffer neglect or adverse conditions as orchestrated by the flooding, but following such a horrific incident, we have been denied the benefit of the findings of a mandatory inquiry.’’ While it commended the State government for constructing the road, which previous state has greatly hampered the development of the zoo, it however lamented that it is wrong to

allow the zoo to suffer the effects of a life threatening disaster in the process of having a good road. ‘‘It is commendable that the Comrade Governor built a classic road to be proud of, but should a poor zoo absorb a life threatening flood disaster as its sacrifice for having a new road? It is like killing a community to give it a road! ‘‘Whereas zoos live on charity in other parts of the world, with high institutional support, but in this case, the zoo is being treated like an orphan in spite of its being owned by Government and its immense value for conservation and tourism. Without the extreme measures taken by our management to salvage the zoo this second time around, the situation was again leading the zoo to a second death. The prolonged neglect of restitution for this flood disaster is therefore one too many a problem for such privatepublic sector led initiative in tourism development under a regime touted as being tourism friendly.’’ The Ogba zoo was created from a natural reserve of the state during the military administration of Samuel Ogbemudia and stood out as a foremost and most patronized tourist attraction of the state but years later fell into bad management led to its abandonment. It was only about a decade ago that it was resuscitated under the PPP scheme of the state government and since then the new private managers have laboured to restore the zoo to its place of pride but with this new development, observers and conservation activists in the state say that this may just signal the death knell of the zoo if something urgent is not done by the state government to rescue the zoo or compel the construction company to deliver on its promise.

NTDC to launch Tour Abuja City Project in August

he Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), is set to launch the Tour Abuja City Project this month as part of its domestic promotion programme following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between NTDC and ABC Transport. The project, according to the Director-General of the corporation, Mrs. Sally

Mbanefo, is geared at promoting and marketing tourist sites in Abuja, as its moves to encourage residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to embrace city tour. Mbanefo disclosed that ABC Transport has assigned two sight-seeing busses to the project, adding that, “the busses will pick people from nine designated bus stops to 24 tourist sites/landmarks in

Abuja city.” Meanwhile, the DG has described members of staff of the corporation as the core stakeholders in the Nigeria’s tourism industry, pointing out that neglect of the staff was why the nation’s tourism master plan never worked. “Why all the tourism master plans we have been having in the country did not work is that they abandoned the staff,

and pay no or less attention to the welfare of the staff, that are going to drive the project, direct the strategic imperative of the organization,” she decried. She made this disclosure during a recent retreat for the staff of the corporation, adding that “as a result, capacity building and staff welfare are the priority on my agenda in repositioning

the Nigeria’s tourism industry and promoting domestic tourism in the country. And this, I will execute to the letter.’’ The retreat, Mbanefo said, was organized to equip the staff of the corporation on how to generate revenue, as well strengthening their capacity for enhanced service delivery to tourism stakeholders.

ENTERTAINMENT

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/entertainment

SONY NEME ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com 0811 181 3096

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

OD O W Y L L O N F O T S BE LIST S E E N I M O N 4 1 0 2 1. Actor in Leading Role (English) Kanayo O. Kanayo - Apaye Joseph Benjamin- Don’t Cry for me Gbenga Akinnagbe- Render to Ceaser Tope Tedela- A Mile from Home Femi Jacobs- The Meeting Bob Manuel UdokwuDining with a Long Spoon 2.Actor in Leading Role (Yoruba) Odunade Adekola- Ina Loju Ekun Niyi Johnson- Oritoke Yinka Quadri- Aremo Ite Muyiwa Ademola- Eja Nla Femi Adebayo- Fifehanmi 3. Actor in Leading Role(Hausa) Yakubu Mohammed- Duniya Han Sani Danja- Byrin Zuciya Ibrahim Maishunk- Aduniya Adam A Zango- Ruwan Jakara Sadik Sani- Hadarin Gabas

Niran Adedokun, Kingsley James, Fred, Chief Okocha , Oloketuyi

Fred Amata, Gbemi to host Best of Nollywood Awards  Nominees' list has 150 with two new categories STORIES BY SONY NEME

elebrated Nollywood glamour Boy, Fred Amata and On-Air-Personality, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, has been unveiled as the host of 2014 Best of Nollywod. This is coming, just as organisers of the Best of Nollywood Awards have released the nominees for this year's event billed for October 4th in Port Harcourt.. The announcement, which was made last Friday, inside the Banquet Hall of the Rivers State Government House, at a well-attended media event, reveals a total of 150 entries, out of which 23 were shot films were received this year. According to the head of the screening committee, Niran Adedokun, “The list came out of the best of productions that have been shot or released in Nigeria within the past 12 months… These movies have produced nominees for 30 of the 32 categories emerged with this list. The two newly introduced categories are Best Television Series and Best Documentary.” Though only Igbo films were entered this year, a situation which they are optimistic would be different henceforth; Adedokun further said that as part of the organisers’ determination to promote indigenous movie productions, a new category in movies produced in Nigerian’s three main languages will become a permanent feature of the awards from this year Earlier in his welcome ad-

For the past six years, the Best of Nollywood Awards has been putting a golden seal of excellence on Nigerian movies and the brains behind them dress, the executive producer, Seun Oloketuyi said, “For the past six years, the Best of Nollywood Awards has been putting a golden seal of excellence on Nigerian movies and the brains behind them. Every year has come with its own drama and surprises but we have remained steadfast in our set mission to reward creativity, enterprise and excellence in our beloved industry. That is why for hardworking Nollywood stars and stakeholders, today is a day of reckoning.” The event hosted by beautiful Nollywood star, Bayray Mcnwizu, had the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State government, Chief Peter Okocha. Okocha who unveiled the nominees on behalf of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. had described the relationship with the BON Awards as mutually beneficial. His words, “When a lot of people thought there was insecurity foisted on us circumstantially and when they

thought a situation of self-help had been foisted on us, we said it was not true. We kept saying there was peace and tranquility in the state. But the organisers of BON had the opportunity of coming here to join us in our programmes. They moved from street to street with us to the extent that the Governor agreed to the proposal to host a dinner. So, that allayed the fear of people who thought there was no security in the state. As a result, we were able to regain our lost glory, as nobody was kidnapped or harassed. Therefore, when you (BON) came to our rescue, I don’t see why we should not reciprocate.” On his part, Head, Organising Committee, After the announcement of nominees, Kingsley James, announced plans by the organisers to honour the late filmmaker and director, Amaka Igwe, for her immense contributions to the growth of Nollywood. “We have taken it upon ourselves to continue to remember the late Amaka Igwe; so, we have unanimously endowed the award for the Director of the Year in her name. The award category will now be known as the Amaka Igwe Director of the Year category,” he said. Amata commended the organisers for their ingenuity while applauding his choice as host alongside OlateruOlagbegi. For him: “Hosting events of this magnitude is a natural turf for me and I promise to deliver a superb performance during the awards in October.”

4. Actor in Leading Role(Igbo) Okey Bakasi- Onye Ozi 5. Actress in Leading Role (English) Omoni Oboli- Being Mrs Elliot Ivie Okubaye- Black Silhouette Mary Lazarus- Don’t Cry for Me Clarion Chukwura- Apaye Fati Zanna - Our Difference Ijeoma Grace Agu- Misfit 6. Actress in Leading Role(Yoruba) Bimbo Oshin Ibironke- Feresisemi Yewande Adekoya- Kudi Klepto Bidemi Kosoko- Kori Koto Sheyi Ashekun- Fifehanmi Iyabo Ojo- Silence 7. Actress in Leading Role(Igbo) Ngozi Igwebike- Onye Ozi 8. Actress in Leading Role (Hausa) Fati Washa- Bincike Fati laden- Byrin Zuriya Nafisat Abdullahi- Ruwan Jakara Asmau Abubakar- Hadarin Gabas 9. Best supporting Actor (English) Sidney Esiri- Last 3 Digits Chidozie Nzeribe- A Mile From Home Ayo Maku- Being Mrs Elliot Kalu Ikeagwu- Blue Flames Femi Jacobs- Dream Walker 10.Best supporting Actress (English) Mercy Johnson- Hustlers Uru Eke- Dining with a Long Spoon Evelyn Sin- Seven Rivers Rita Dominic- The Meeting Nse Ikpe Etim- Dream Walker 11.Best supporting Actor (Yoruba) Razak Olayiwola- Sanbe Dele Odule- Kori-koto Muyiwa Ademola- Oritoke Tamilore Martins- Kudi Klepto Jamiu Azeez- Orofo 12.Best supporting Actress (Yoruba)

Biola Segun-Willams- Silence Fathia Balogun- Ina Loju Ekun Biodun Okeowo- Orofo Ayo Adesanya- Sanbe Odunayo Agoro– Osunfunke

13.Most Promising Actor Jamiu Azeez orofo Tamilore Martins kudi klepto Temisan Etsede Sidney Esiri 3 digits 14.Most Promising Actress Ivie Okubaye black silo Ijeoma Agumisfit Jackie Idumogu firs Oyinka Elebuibon sanbe 15.Child Actor in Movie Olamide Davids- Black Silhouette Chisom Okusua- Mama Africa Elitim Wari- Apaye D’Kachy Emelonye- Onye Ozi 16.Child Actress in Movie Carol Micheal- Apaye Toyin Eniola- Oritoke Chinny Okemuo- Onye Ozi Pricillia Ojo- Silence 17.Movie of the Year Apaye A Mile from Home The Meeting First Cause Silence 18.Comedy of the Year I come Lagos Onye ozi 30 Days in Atlanta Our lucky Day mimiado 19.Movie with the best Social Message Oritoke Knocking on Heaven’s Door Black Silhouette Our Difference Dream Walker First Cause 20.Movie with the Best Special Effect A Mile from Home Aduniya Seven Rivers The Origin Ina loju Ekun 21. Best Kiss in a movie Gabriel Afolayan and Jackie Idumogu -First Cause Majid Micheals and Beverly Naya – Forgetting June Joseph Benjamin and Ini Edo – Perfect Plan Monalisa Chinda and Lugo Tourton – Lagos Cougar Blossom Chukwujeku and Ini EdoKnocking on Heaven’s Door 22.Best use of Make up in a movie Seven Rivers Kudi Klepto Cobra Mama Africa Aremo Ife 23.Best Cinematography Osunfunke Apaye Being Mrs. Elliot The Meeting 30 Days in Atlanta 24.Screenplay of the Year A Mile from Home The Meeting Secret Room Render to Ceaser Silence 25.Best Short Film Brave Wages

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 8

26 ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, August 8, 2014

Health insurance awareness benefits for Entertainers STORIES BY SONY NEME

he first annual Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Convention held in Lagos recently came up with some measure of success. The highlights raised, especially were distrust and lack of awareness as major factors hindering the adoption of health insurance by the entertainment industry in Nigeria. That much was contained in a message by Mrs. Adesimbo Ukiri, the MD/CEO of Avon HMO, at the event attended by prominent members of the entertainment industry. They include the President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Ibinabo Fiberisima, General Manager, Copy Right

Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chinedu Chukwuji and a former President of the Association of Nigerian Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP), Jide Kosoko. Mrs. Kehinde Oyesiku, Head, Business Development and Sales, Avon HMO, who stood in for Mrs. Ukiri, explained that this distrust was due to a lack of understanding of the benefits of health insurance and how the system works. Her words: “Health insurance, as a concept, is not entirely new in our society. However, we know that awareness of health insurance in the entertainment industry is limited. This has accounted for the high rate of out-of-pocket expenditure for medical care still paid directly

by entertainers. Thus, this has made quality healthcare services expensive and unaffordable for many.” Mrs. Oyesiku encouraged Nigerian entertainers to subscribe to a health insurance scheme as this would go a long way in achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage. She further urged them to have periodic medical checkups as early detection of ailments may curb the spate of avoidable deaths in the sector. “The good thing is that we, at Avon HMO, are creating awareness on the importance of health insurance and the need for Nigerian entertainers to pay more attention to their health. Now that we have the

Ibinabo and Oyesiku

key stakeholders from the Entertainment and Health Insurance sectors coming together, we are positive that, together, we can chart a new course that will put a stop to the needless deaths in the Entertainment industry,” said Oyekun. The event, which was also attended by notable personalities from the health sector, including Prof. Paul Orhii, Director General, National Food and

Am about to blow the industry up Shola Adefuwa jayi Olusuyi Kolamide known A as Simply Simple is a talented Afro-pop artist. He recently came

up with a single Butterfly that features Nigeria rapper Jhybo. Simply Simple, who is 1oth in a family of 12, studied Industrial Chemistry at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho. In a chat with New Telegraph, Simply Simple, said his music started from me when he listened to R-Kelly albums like Chocolate factory which encouraged him into writing song for his friends back in school. According to him, “I never took music seriously. For me then it was just having fun, but over the years I got stronger in music. It got better when I went to shoot my video in South Africa, I had a lot of good response on social media. A lot of white people reached out for me, love what I do and I saw that as a sign of encouragement, for me that is greater than someone giving you an award before you feel you have achieved. So far, so good as I am about to start in my quest to blow in the industry.” He further said, “I don’t play any instrument; I feel most things come from within, it is good and I have a lot of friends who play, I just feel let me just lay back, just have fun and entertain people.” On his genre of music, he said, “Am an Afro-pop and I do Jazz too. I have actually dropped four singles, and Butterfly is my first single, and in it I featured my colleague ‘Jhybo’. We are both in the same record label and also I have Koga, DJ Slow Down and Omode, I just want people to know what I could do all this.”

2Face’s Ascension is 12th on Billboard igerian superstar Innocent N2Baba 2Face Idibia better known as has made history as the

first Nigerian artiste whose music has been rated among the 12 bestselling in the world. That was a testimony from the Billboard that rated him last week with his latest music, titled Ascension. That has, expectedly got his wife, Annie, dancing as the excited wife of the crooner couldn't hide her excitement as she took to her Instagram page to share the news. "I Am Screaming thank YOU JESUS!!!! This is the 1st time EvER In the world any Nigerian artiste achieved this!!! RecordBreaking! 2Face Idibia? ?The Ascension? Album Is Currently The 12th Top Selling Album In The World", Annie Macaulay Idibia posted. According to Billboard Magazine, the two weeks old album which currently sell on online platform sits at number 12, in the world album category. The category is compiled based on top selling albums across the globe with a focus on sales data. According to the highly influential magazine, "Chart positions are usually determined based on key fan interactions with music, including album sales and downloads, track downloads, radio airplay and tours, as well as streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, Vevo, YouTube, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music.’

The four on Project Fame probation

Project Fame places Clement, David, Emeka, Sola on Probation

Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Prof. Femi Thomas, the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), clearly lived up to expectations. Other notable entertainment celebrities in attendance were Julius Agu, OJB Jezereel, Ngozi Nwosu, Foluke Daramola, Grace Amah, Jennifer Eliogu, Omawunmi Megbele and DJ Jimmy Jatt amongst others. were beginning to have favourites as the intensity of the applause varied with each performance. At the end of it all, the judges were clearly not impressed with the performances and Tee Y Mix did not keep back their views regarding the evening. He advised the contestants to put in more effort in the next show. The following day was another night for the contestants to perform but this time; to avoid probation.But at the end of the day's show, it was evident that the judges were already in full gear and the competition had really started. It was a good night as the contestants thrilled the audience with classic hits from world music legends. After all performances, Emeka, Sola, Clement and David were not fortunate enough to escape probation. The judges didn't mince words with the contestants, as they gave their candid opinion on each contestant’s performance. Top of their concern is the need for the contestants to relax, stay focused, remember their lyrics, be flexible and above all create synergy with the audience.

he MTN Project Fame West Ttants Africa (season 7) conteshad spent last week

they could muster. The show began with delectable hosts; Joseph Benjamin and Bolanle Olukanni giving highlights of the previous show. Then it was time for the contestants to take every one on a journey of sensational music renditions. The audience could barely contain their excitement as they showered the contestants with applause after each performance. It was apparent they

Smooth Promotions announces 9th Headies’ modalities

settling into the Academy, attending classes from members of the Faculty, all in preparation for their very first stage performance as bonafide contestants in the competition. For the contestants, it was a night of making first impressions, and so they put up a breath taking show, singing with every passion and energy mooth Promotions Limited, one of Africa’s leading media and entertainment company, has announced the 9th edition of Nigeria’s biggest annual urban and hip-hop culture awards, The Headies. It is slated for Saturday, October 25, 2014. The statement made available to the media, “The Headies since its inception in 2006, has recognized the distinguished achievements of artistes and entertainers in a number of categories, including Rap, RnB, Dancehall and Alternative. That makes it the biggest event in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar, broadcasted live to over 10 million viewers in Africa and beyond.” It further stated that, the Headies’ committee has put together exciting activities to elevate the brand and Nigeria’s growing music industry within the international spectrum. According to the CEO of Smooth Promotions, Mr Ayo Animashaun: “There is no better way to reward these deserving artistes, where they are not only appreciated by their country, but also celebrated on a plat-

form aligned with international brands. The honour of receiving this prestigious award in their country that is recognized internationally, is one of the many things Smooth Promotions aims to achieve with this year’s organization of The Headies.” As anticipation builds, organisers of the awards are yet to reveal this year’s noteworthy hosts, nominees and special artiste performances for The Headies 2014. However there is no doubt that guests are in for another epic night of world-class entertainment. Last year, the dynamic duo Tiwa Savage and Dr SID opened the awards ceremony to much acclaim and for the first time, The Headies introduced a new category – “Best Alternative Song” which shed light on new exciting contenders.

Meanwhile, organisers have opened its doors to receive music materials for nomination in the 9th edition of the urban and hiphop music awards. Only music materials released between July 2013 and June 2014 qualify for entry. The process opens July 22, 2014 and closes August 30, 2014. As an artiste, if your music materials falls within the year in review, follow the instructions, “Submit 3 Audio CDs, 4 DVDs, 1 Mini DV (with the following info for each song; title, genré, producer/video director, label/ management, and year&month of release); Artiste’s profile; and a portrait photograph (soft copy).” Artistes are to submit the aforementioned materials at The Headies secretariat located at Ogundana Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja – Lagos.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, August 8, 2014

STORIES BY SONY NEME

ocusing on the extraordinary women behind the two men who would change history, Betty & Coretta tells the true stories of Coretta Scott King (Angela Bassett), wife of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (Malik Yoba), and Dr Betty Shabazz (Mary J Blige), wife of Malcolm X (Lindsay Owen Pierre). When their husbands were tragically assassinated, these two women not only inherited the mantle of the civil rights movement in America, each also found herself to be a single mother who had to find a way to raise and support her children. Betty & Coretta explores how these women put aside the differences of their husbands in life to unite in their quest for justice and to keep the ideals of the civil rights movement alive. Does Someone Have to Go airs on Sony Entertainment on Sundays at 20:30 CAT Have you ever yearned to be the boss of your company for just one day, thinking about all the radical changes you’d make in the workplace? Well, in this unscripted reality series, billed as “Survivor meets The Office”, employees are given carte blanche by their fed-up bosses to make some tough decisions at the office – including whether to fire lazy, unlikeable or just plain incompetent co-workers. So, who would you give marching orders to? Lifetime Original Movie: Romeo Killer - The Chris Porco Story airs on Lifetime on Tuesday 5 August at 20:00 CAT This is the true story of a handsome young college student who became the prime suspect in the shocking murder of his father. The quiet town of Delmar, New York, was considered anything but dangerous until 21-year-old Chris Porco (Matt Barr) was accused of brutally murdering his father Peter and disfiguring his mother Joan (Lolita Davidovich) in a savage axe attack - a claim made more shocking when the case's lead detective Joe Sullivan (Eric McCormack) believed Joan had identified Chris as her attacker. Prosecutors believed that beneath Chris' pictureperfect façade was a cunning sociopath who would stop at nothing to keep his lies hidden. Oprah’s Next Chapter: The Voice airs on TLC Entertainment on 07 August 20:00 CAT Oprah makes a special visit to the set of the hit television singing competition The Voice and sits down with all four coaches—Usher, Shakira, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine—who share their personal journeys as artists and how their lives have been affected by the show. Plus, Shakira discusses the challenges of motherhood, Usher shares how he learned to navigate the music industry at a young age, Blake opens up about his marriage to country superstar Miranda Lambert, and Adam reveals what he keeps in his bedroom.

Betty & Coretta airs on Lifetime on Sunday 10 August at 20:00 CAT

Tune in to 'Betty & Coretta' on Lifetime

The Aristocrats airs on Disney Channel from Friday 8 August at 17:00 CAT The fur certainly starts to fly when Madame Adelaide Bonfamille dies, and instead of leaving her fortune to her butler, Edgar, she leaves it to her cat! Edgar is furious, and plots dastardly deeds, including the immediate demise of Duchess the cat and her three kittens. Can anyone help save the cats, or will there be a catastrophe? There are lots of laughs in this feline fun-filled modern Disney classic. Japanizi: Going, Going, Gong! Premieres on Disney XD on weekdays at 16:00 CAT Viewers who enjoy challenging game shows like Takeshi’s Castle will love brand new series Japanizi: Going, Going, Gong! This is a physical game show, hosted by Yoshi Amao, in which contestants compete with a team-

mate against other teams, as they tackle obstacles and challenges to test their mental capabilities, strength and endurance. Premiere episodes of Japanizi: Going, Going, Gong!

GOtv

The soccer action doesn’t stop on GOtv. Make sure you catch the world’s best local and international soccer leagues from 16th of August. M-Net MOVIES ZONE (Channel 2) - GOtv PLUS ONLY M-Net MOVIE ZONE It’s an action packed month on M-Net Movie Zone. Robocop the most loved super cop saves the day yet again. Make sure you don’t miss the action throughout the month of August with our Robocop special starting with Robocop: Dark Justice airing Saturday

9 August, BLACKBELT TV The Young Tiger: After being framed for the murder of a rival kung fu student, a talented young martial artist must track down a gang of blackmailers in order to clear his name and bring them to justice. Airing August 7th at 15:00 and August 12th at 18:00 TELEMUNDO Telemundo is where love, drama and intrigue lives. This August don’t miss the premiere of Broken Angel, a tale of revenge, murder, seduction and love. Will Santa Martinez find out who killed her husband? Tune into Telemundo from 11 August at 5:00pm. Also on Telemundo weekdays is My Heart Beats for Lola, Fearless Heart, Someone’s Watching, Elana’s Ghosts and Labour of Love.

Al Yankovic’s Mandatory Fun is first on Billboard Top 200

rom New York, United States of America came this juicy news that multiGrammy Awards winner, Weird Al Yankovic’s 14th studio album, Mandatory Fun, debuts at number one on the Billboard Top 200, Digital Albums and Comedy charts. The statement further reveals that the album selling just under 104,000 units in its first week. “This marks a personal first week sales best and first number one album debut for Yankovic. The last time a comedy album topped the Billboard chart was 51 years ago, with Allan Sherman’s 1963 releaseMy Son, the Nut. It is also the largest sales week for a comedy album since 1994,” it further stated. On Spotify, Yankovic sets the US record for having the most tracks from one album in the viral top 10 at one time taking the first four spots. Additionally, Al saw an increase of 785 percent in streams across all his albums totaling 3.2 million streams including 2.1 million streams of Mandatory Fun. Yankovic topped

Spotify’s Viral chart globally. Recently, Yankovic kicked off a massive week of promotion with the release of the first of eight videos in eight days. All eight videos (Tacky, Word Crimes, Foil, Handy, Sports Song, Lame Claim To Fame, First World Problems and Mission Statement) have totaled over 46 million views combined in just one week. Yankovic has also teamed up with various production partners such as Nerdist Industries, CollegeHumor, Yahoo (Principato-Young Entertainment), Funny or Die and TruScribe, as well as talented auteurs like Liam Lynch, Jarrett Heather and Tim Thompson.

In the spirit of Mandatory Fun’s bid for world domination, the album peaked on iTunes at #1 in Australia and New Zealand and #3 in Canada and Sweden and has received critical acclaim from around the globe, including The Los Angeles Times which called the album “a stone cold masterpiece” and gave it four stars. Bloomberg Businessweek declared “Weird Al is incredibly deft at recreating any popular music genre” and The Telegraph called Weird Al “one of the most enduring musical acts of our time.” “Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history with over 12 million albums sold. Now in his fourth career decade, he has released 14 studio albums, won 3 Grammys (with 14 nominations) as well as countless awards and accolades for his classics such as “White & Nerdy,” “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Fat,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “The Saga Begins” and many more. Fans can watch these videos on youtube

LYRICS

FOR THE WEEK

CINEMAWATCH (Radio/TV/Events Guide) AUGUST 8 — 15 HIGHLIGHTS

Alahji orezi, moti gbe jo tun tun dey o terere, Mummy and daddy, moti gbe jo tun tun dey o, terere, Abeg i dey beg o, abeg I dey beg o, As you hear the music just dey dance o, Abeg I dey beg o, as you hear the music just dey dance o, Awon temi London ijo shoki niwon jo terere, Awon temi l’America , ijo shoki niwon jo, terere, Awon t’agege, ijo shoki niwon jo, terere, Terere rere. CHORUS; See I know say you like to dance, I know say you like to shake it, I know say you like to groove, I know say you want to make it, Oya se ee eee, Make them know say you sabi o, Baby, jo oo ooo, Make them know say you sabi o, Oya jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tere. VERSE 2: Ina jo ogiri o sa, terere, Orezi gbona pour me water tererere, Eja nla bo, Ti o yo, Elo gbomi nla kano, orezi ti de o, Awon temi Dubai ijo shoki niwon jo terere, Awon temi le Elegushi, ijo shoki niwon jo, terere, To my niggas in Canada, ijo shoki niwon jo, terere, Awon ti l’agege, ijo shoki niwon jo, terere. CHORUS; See I know say you like to dance, I know say you like to shake it, I know say you like to groove, I know say you want to make it, Oya se ee eee, Make them know say you sabi o, Baby, jo oo ooo, Make them know say you sabi o, Oya jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere, Jijo shoki, terere, terere tere. VERSE 3: Lemme teach you how to dance ijo shoki, terere, Lemme teach you how to dance ijo shoki, Put your hand around your neck, And bend to the side, Oya go down, oya go down, Oya go back like you dey reverse, Oya go down and go down, And go back like you dey reverse. CHORUS; See I know say you like to dance, I know say you like to shake it, I know say you like to groove, I know say you want to make it, Oya se ee eee, Make them know say you sabi o, Baby, jo oo ooo, Make them know say you sabi o, Oya jijo shoki, terere, terere tererere,

Friday, August 8, 2014

Zik Zulu gets Ejike Asiegbu back to Nollywood STORIES BY SONY NEME

ans of celebrated veteran actor, Ejike Asiegbu (better known as The Godfather), are in for a jolly good time as their idol has returned to action, in a big budget movie, after some couple of years’ sabbatical. Thanks to an initiative of the Zik Zulu Okafor led Association of Movie Producers, AMP, which is being directed by fellow actor Desmond Elliot. The actor whose acting career dates back to his starring in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s tragedy novel Things Fall Apart, said he reflected on the decision to stage a comeback to what he knows how to do best. His words, “I am still the same Ejike Asiegbu, and a reloaded ‘Godfather’ for that matter. I am like the proverbial wine that tastes better after sometime in the cellar. That is what I am,” he said calmly. I finally made up my mind to come back home, to where I belong and put smiles on the faces of people again. That is

Asiegbu

something I have been doing for over three decades. So, yes, I am back, tell the world I am back and in a big way too because this movie I am on its set now will make Nollywood

quake, that is all I can tell you, for now.” It is interesting to note that while his sabbatical lasted, Asiegbu was busy, during his long absence, was trapped with

the Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN politics, as its president in an era that saw the then moribund body come to life. His tenure recorded lots of positives as it would go down in history was the first time AGN would ever have a functional secretariat. He is credited to have started the Health/ Life Insurance scheme that the present president, Ibinabo Fiberisima is credibly building on at the moment. After his term at AGN, Asiegbu was appointed Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Entertainment, and thereafter an Ambassador to an NGO advocating for the rights and welfare of premature babies. This has seen him travelling across the length and breadth of Africa and Europe on behalf of the NGO. According to him, “I have been busy and all these years, I missed my primary constituency-Nollywood. I missed everything about Nollywood; that is why I have decided to stage a comeback because the pressure has been on me from

family, friends and fans across Nigeria, Africa and the world. Everywhere I went, people walk up to me and the first question they ask is; “why is it that you no longer feature in movies”? “No matter how hard I try to make them understand that I have been busy with so many other things, they don’t understand and the expression on their faces is that of betrayal. It is like I have robbed them of some inner joy and happiness they often experience, perhaps when they see me in a movie. It makes me feel sad, but what can I do? I just had to carry on with the most important things at that point.” It will be a refreshing change to see the familiar face of ‘The Godfather’ once again on our TV screens; one is hoping that years of being off the set won’t affect his roles interpretation, something that had stood him out among his contemporaries, being a trained Theatre Artist.

BEST OF NOLLYWOOD 2014 NOMINEES LIST CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5 Not Right New Morning Living Funeral Alpha Mum 26.Best Documentary Fatai Rolling Dollar Bad Budgeting for Development Seeds of Growth

L-R: All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Rab Bakari, (Diaspora-USA); Christian Syren, (Southern Africa-South Africa); Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada; Delani Makhalima, (Southern Africa-Zimbabwe) and Rita Ray, (Diaspora-UK) at the unveiling of members of AFRIMA Jury in Lagos on Tuesday.

All Africa Music Awards’ jury members unveiled

t was a further boost for the first All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, with the unveiling of 13-person jury panel by the International Committee, on Tuesday in an interactive blitz held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja – Lagos. The experienced and professional jury members from Kenya, Benin Republic, Uganda, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Cameroon, UK and USA are Tabu Osusa, Oscar Kidjo, Richard Kawesa, Christian Syren, Delani Makhalima, Laolu Akins Akintobi, Robert Ekukole, Kiki Toure, Rab Bakari Rita Ray and Angela Martins representing African Union respectively. According to the Executive Producer of AFRIMA,Mr. Mike Dada, “The jury panel is part of the AFRIMA Academy comprising of 527 members, grouped into two layers of adjudicators that is spread across the five regions of Africa and Diaspora, had arrived in Nigeria on Thusday, July 31 for a week-long adjudication

process.” Also present at the event were members of the International Committee: Co-executive Producer and Regional Director, Eastern Africa, Mike Strano, Director, Communications and Brand Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi; Chairman International Media Committee, Steve Ayorinde and Country Director (Nigeria) and CoProducer Kingsley James. Dada emphasized that the core values of AFRIMA are fairness, authenticity, creativity, excellence, integrity and transparency. His words, "In line with our integrity and transparency values, we are trying to ensure that the adjudication process, pre-selection process, the auditing phase, the nomination process and the eventual voting process are all transparent." he further said, "We don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past. We've seen many awards where the people and followers of music in Africa have questioned the integrity and transparency of these

awards. As such, we deliberated and did a lot of research and finally had a model which is the 13-person jury panel and 527 members of the Academy." Oscar Kidjo.who spoke on behalf of the jury, said, "I have been dreaming of such process and initiatives for a while. This is the platform to let the whole world know that Africa is not all about hunger, war and diseases. It is a platform to prove that we have something better to showcase. And most importantly, this is the first time professionals in the music industry in Africa will come together to lift up to the vision of Africa." Dada, didn’t fail to rub it in that, In partnership with African Union, AFRIMA remains a combined effort by music professionals across the continent aimed at celebrating the rich musical heritage of the African continent and encouraging the growth of talented artistes in the Diaspora.” The call for entry was opened on May 15, and initially billed to close on July 21. For

the first time we recorded a high number of 2,025 entries from all parts of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. Entries were from music producers, record companies, video directors, songwriters, artistes, and entertainment journalists. Of the 2,025 entries, received 38 entries were from entertainment journalists. The award ceremony, which promises to be a premium and star-studded event, will take place on November 9. It will be broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations. This will be preceded by the AFRIMA Village, a four-day event of music festival featuring art exhibitions and music concerts between November 4 and 7. There will also be an Africa Music Summit (November 6-7) themed "Reviving the Business of Music in Africa". The two-day conference will be a platform for the music industry stakeholders to engage and deliberate on how the industry can be nurtured and be a major contributor to national and continental economies.

27.Best TV Series Lekki Wives The Johnsons Dear Mother New Horizon Happy Family 28.Best Edited Movie Apaye A Mile from Home Last 3 digits Silence 30 days in atlanta 29.Best Use of Food in a Movie Being Mrs. Elliot Apaye Seven Rivers 30.Movie with the Best Sound Osunfunke Render to Ceaser Apaye Being Mrs. Elliot The Meeting 31.Movie with the Best production design Being Mrs. Elliot Apaye Seven Rivers Iyawo Osun Osunfunke 32.Director of the Year Eric Aghimien- A Mile for Home Desmond Eliiot- Apaye Mildred Okwo- The Meeting Dj tee- Osunfunke Alex Mouth- Silence Revelation of the year (Male) Tope Tedela Adams Kehinde Blossom Chukwujekwu Daniel Ugorije Daniel K Daniel Revelation of the year (Female) Seyi Edun Biola Olasheni Uche nwayanwu Linda Ejiofor

BUSINESS Friday, AUGUST 8, 2014

What's news UBA suspends transaction with Ghana unit The growing inflation in Ghana due to a 33 per cent slump in the country’s currency has compelled the management of United Bank for Africa Plc to suspend transactions with its Ghana unit.

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PHCN retirees groan over five-month Failure by the Federal Government to pay the outstanding fivemonth pension arrears of pensioners who retired from the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria is making life more difficult for the elderly retirees some of whom are already in a bad state of health.

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Pension schemes driving transparency, technology in forex markets Pension funds are helping to drive transparency in the FX markets as broker-dealers are increasingly incentivised to move to electronic trading.

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‘N8.6bn Nigeria’s cashew apple wasted annually' About 80 per cent of the total annual production of cashew apple worth N8.6 billion is wasted annually because the technology to process the commodity into juice is not available, New Telegraph can confirm.

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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

CREDIBILITY Such financial donation by SEC to IST could influence IST’s judgement in a dispute that may involve SEC and other market operators

Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Pensioners’ support for Jonathan dips over failed promises }p-31

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

protected, told our correspondent: "The board does not have the power to approve N410 million to IST because the amount is not budgeted in SEC 2014 budget. The directive that the money be taken from capital market development fund is even worrisome because the CMDF at present, does not have

any structure or procedure in place for its administration." Another source corroborated that SEC’s action has cast doubts on the integrity of IST as unbiased stock market tribunal arbiter. He quoted section 285 of Investment Securities Act of 2009 (ISA), which states that

IST shall exercise jurisdiction to hear and determine any case or dispute involving SEC and other market operators, investors. He added that such financial donation by the commission to IST could influence IST’s judgement in a dispute CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Simeon Ogoagbulem and Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

riticisms have trailed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) N410 million donation by board of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to the Investment and Security Tribunal (IST), for enhancing the latter’s operations. SEC's board at its 75th meeting, which took place on Thursday March 27, 2014, after deliberation, endorsed N410 million financial assistance, which was to be deducted from the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF). The inclusion of IST as beneficiary of CMDF, which also received endorsement of then Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, according to the board, was due to IST’s vital role in capital market, and was granted with a proviso that it does not increase transaction cost in the market. But insider sources, who spoke with our correspondents on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment on it, berated the boards decision, saying that it violated many subsisting provision and rules . A document exclusively obtained by our correspondent showed similar request by SEC in a memo in 2008 routed through the Ministry of Finance requesting for the Presidency’s approval for the release of N500 million for the purchase of headquarters building for IST, was turned down. One of the sources, which pleaded that his identify be

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor

NEW TELEGRAPH

SEC’s N410m gift to Investment Tribunal raises dust

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

L-R: Regional Investigation Manager, Hewlet Parked Computers (HP), Godfrey Eyles; Chief Executive, Halliday Finch Africa, Mr] Sam Mattock and Director–General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu and Head of Customer feedback and collaboration, Nwaoma Oluye, during HP Anti-Counterfeit conference in Abuja.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Visafone loses 434,580 subscribers in 11 months DEATH GALORE The once vibrant CDMA firms that have ran into troubled waters include Starcomms, Intercellular, Multi-Links and MTS First Wireless Jonah Iboma

isafone, Nigeria’s sole vibrant mobile network operator using code division

multiple access (CDMA) technology has been experiencing steady decline in subscription numbers in the past year. According to figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and analysed by New Telegraph, Visafone has lost over 434,580 subscribers in the past 11 months. NCC figures show that Visafone had 2,004,010 as at March 2014 compared with the 2,438,590 it had as at September 2013. The decline in figures has been steady as the firm lost over 350,000 between September and December 2013, while over

58,000 have been lost this year. 0perators using CDMA technology in the country as recently repored by this newspaper, suffered a loss of 3.5 million subscribers in March. The number of CDMA subscribers plunged from 7,620,525 to 4,083,672 between February and March 2014, depicting a decline of over 3.5 million. Generally, CDMA operators have been suffering a serious decline in their fortunes. NCC recently listed many of them among the 14 operators declared CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE June 2014................................8.2% May 2014....................................8% April 2014.................................7.9%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Aug 01)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N168.50 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N290 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $38.942bn as at 24/07/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at Aug 01)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N263.12 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N209.70 Source: CBN

30 BUSINESS | NEWS DEFAULTS Ghana Association of Bankers said the currency’s weakness may trigger defaults among borrowers of foreign loans Sunday Ojeme

with agency report

he growing inflation in Ghana due to a 33 per cent slump in the country’s currency has compelled the management of United Bank for Africa Plc to suspend transactions with its Ghana unit. The cedi slump this year remains the worst performance among over 150 currencies tracked by Bloomberg Quoting an analyst at NKC Independent Economists in Paarl, South Africa, Melissa Verreyne, the report said that while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan and bond issue would help support the cedi, Ghana also needs to curb spending and narrow the deficit. “They’re not really willing to tackle the reforms that they

Weak cedi: UBA suspends transaction with Ghana unit have to do,” Verreyne said by phone. “Until they address the fundamental concerns, I don’t think the cedi will recover.” For companies that import goods, inflation, spurred by the weak currency, is the biggest issue. Ghanaians hoarding foreign currency has worsened a dollar shortage and further stoked consumer prices. Produce Buying Co., Ghana’s largest purchaser of cocoa from farmers, delayed plans last month to borrow $30 million from France’s development agency as the cedi’s slide boosted its repayments. United Bank for Africa suspended cross-border transactions with its Ghana unit, while the Ghana Association of Bankers said on July 18 that the currency’s weakness may trigger defaults among borrowers of foreign loans. Ghana’s economy is in crisis after years of uncontrolled state

SEC’s N410m gift flayed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

that may involve SEC and other market operators. Beyond the sanctity of IST, which SEC’s N410 million financial assistance is likely to put in disrepute, one of the sources said that the gesture was a violation of Federal Government circular issued by the office of Secretary to the Federal Government addressed to all MDAs in 2008 on the need to adhere to financial regulations in cooperation between MDAs and other arms of government and between MDAs and their parastatals. In the circular addressed to all MDAs, government frowned at ministries accepting or requesting for funds and financial support, including loans and purchase of vehicles or financial support from parastatlas under their supervision. Contacted for management’s response, Media Adviser to SEC's Director-General, Obi Adindu, declined comment. He told our correspondent on phone that he had no comment on the issue raised. The SEC DG, Ms Arunma Oteh, is currently on the last lap of serving her first term tenure which ends this December. But a staff of the commission said that she has hatched a plan to retrench staff, a proposal said to have been made to the board. Confirming information of impending mass sack to our correspondent recently, a senior staff of the commission, who spoke in confidence, said that every staff is already aware that DG has proposed to the board. "We heard that she proposed to lay off what she classified unproductive staff. In fact, right now, there is a case of a woman, Mrs Aisha Adamu

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

(formerly in accounts unit) summarily sacked on trumpup charge. They accused her of cheating during promotion examination conducted by Financial Training Centre, Lagos. They claimed they caught her using her phone to cheat and the same person they accused was among the staff promoted when the promotion list was released. They sacked this woman without giving her a query, no committee or panel was set up to investigate or probe the allegation," said the staff. Speaking on phone with New Telegraph, Adindu said: "All that you claimed you heard are fiction to me. When people personalise issues and shy away from addressing real issue, but cry wolf and invent stories, such do not add up. Someone was caught cheating right inside the promotion exam hall conducted by a renowned training body, FITC. The remedy for such fraud was applied to the person. The person has not denied she did not commit this fraud or when has exam fraud been elevated to the standard norm for promotion?" Adindu rhetorically asked. On the impending mass sack and why he didn't confirm or deny it, he said that there are apparent cases of incompetent hands within the commission. Adindu said that there are established cases of staff that came through influential personalities by way of introduction notes and complimentary cards but can't even deliver on their schedule. He also cited an instance of a senior staff discovered to have forged a certificate to secure employment, adding that the fellow hurriedly turned in his resignation when he realised that the game was up.

spending, which has pushed up consumer prices and prompted companies, including the nation’s biggest buyer of cocoa, to postpone plans for expansion. The continent’s largest gold producer after South Africa sought help last week from the IMF, ending months of contradictory statements about whether it needs emergency aid. Slumping prices of gold and cocoa, two of Ghana’s main exports, undercut steps taken to narrow the budget deficit and made targets to reduce the shortfall “too ambitious,” Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, said last Tuesday in an interview in Washington, where he was attending the US-Africa Leaders Summit. The IMF programme will include support for the nation’s balance of payments, he said. “We believe strongly that we are putting the right mechanisms in place,” Terkper said. “It is about the certainty of policy that comes with an IMF endorsement.” Foreign-exchange traders took little cheer from the approach to the IMF, sending the cedi tumbling by as much as 6.9 per cent to match the record-low

of 3.95 per dollar on July 30. Ghana’s indecision about how to deal with its economic issues is at the heart of worsening sentiment toward the cedi. The currency of the world’s biggest cocoa producer after neighboring Ivory Coast slid 6.2 per cent on July 30 as Ghana’s authorities said that they preferred a “home-grown strategy” to an IMF loan and planned to sell $1.5 billion in Eurobonds to shore up the nation’s finances. In an about-face, the government said on August 1 that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed his economic advisers to “open discussions” with the IMF. “While the government’s intentions in seeking IMF aid are laudable, we don’t believe that this is enough to shore up investor confidence,” Nema Ramkhelawan-Bhana, an analyst at Rand Merchant Bank, a unit of South Africa’s secondbiggest lender, said on Tuesday by phone. She points to Zambia’s kwacha as an example of how things could be different for Ghana and the cedi. From being the world’s fifth-worst performing currency from

January through March, the kwacha rallied to become the biggest gainer since May after Zambia took action to curb its trade deficit. “It was a race to the bottom for both those currencies,” Johannesburg-based Ramkhelawan-Bhana said. “But in Zambia, the central bank stepped in with almost extreme tightening measures, and the kwacha came back quite quickly. In Ghana, there has been a lot of to-and-froing so the market doesn’t have any confidence.” Ghana raised its forecast last month for the 2014 budget deficit to 8.8 per cent of gross domestic product, from 8.5 per cent, as state workers’ pay ballooned to almost 70 per cent of tax income. Since having most of its debt cleared in 2005 as part of a global debt-relief campaign for poorer nations, Ghana boosted borrowing while failing to keep spending under control. Ghana issued $750 million of 10-year Eurobonds in July 2013 with a coupon of 7.875 per cent notes, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The nation is planning on going ahead with another offering of Eurobonds, Terkper said.

L-R: Executive Director, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Mr Tolu Osinibi; Deputy Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Mr Omamofe Boyo and Head, Communications of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs Uche Mojekwu, at the agreement signing ceremony of Oando’s acquisition of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips, in France,

Visafone in steady decline CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

inactive in the telecom sector. The drop in subscribers using CDMA technology in the March was one of the highest the sector has recorded in the country. A very high decline in CDMA phones subscribers was recorded last December, when the figures fell from 11,241,343 to 7,684,028 within one month, according to NCC figures. CDMA operators, many of whom had only regional licences, once provided a viable and reliable alternative to national mobile networks that use the GSM technology. CDMA services were often

considered very reliable and their terminal devices more affordable. Mobile phone subscribers using CDMA technology have been declining steadily in the past three years following the inability of operators to meet market challenges. As a result, many of them have either almost folded up or operating skeletal services. The once vibrant CDMA companies that have ran into troubled waters include Starcomms, Intercellular, Multi- Links and MTS First Wireless. The challenges faced by CDMA operators made the former NCC Executive ViceChairman, Mr Ernest Nduk-

we, advice them to embark on mergers in order to remain competitive. Although, this was belatedly attempted in 2013 under a name called CAPCOM, the inability of the firms involved to iron out their differences has since left the merger plan comatose. Some experts, including the President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, believed that NCC’s decision to unify the call termination rates of both CDMA and GSM operators, led to the death of the former as the cost of making calls on these networks became very close to that of Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) operator companies.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Pension

Pensioners’ support for Jonathan dips over failed promises Jonathan

A group of retirees in a workshop

Afolayan

DISAPPOINTMENT The expected welfare packages for Federal Government retirees have refused to show up

Sunday Ojeme

he excitement that greeted President Goodluck Jonathan’s promises to assuage the plight of pensioners all over the country is beginning to die down as the Federal Government fails to meet the demands of the retirees with some of them still living in their pitiable conditions. The pensioners, spread across all Federal Government agencies and institutions had thrown their weight behind the president as soon as he promised that their pensions would be paid as at when due as well as meet other demands that had been pending. Initial Expectations Specifically, the pensioners said that pension administration had fared better under the current administration until recently when the various chapters under the National Union of Pensioners started agitating over the non or delayed implementation of improved welfare packages ranging from a 33 per cent increase in some cases and 53 per cent increase. Pension payment was said to have fared better in the last three years under President Goodluck Jonathan than it was in the past. Although it is yet to be perfect not to be faulted, the current payment system ushered in a lease of life for the retirees. Unfolding developments revealed that the non-contributory scheme which, hitherto, witnessed a number of casualties involving elderly pensioners, has improved in terms of regular payment devoid of the strenuous activities that

characterised verification and payment in the past. Prior to the current administration, railway pensioners, for instance, easily became the reference point as far as neglect, hardship and other form of derogatory expressions were applied in describing the depth of their frustration. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NRC chapter), Alhaji Rauf Balogun, gave a hint on Jonathan’s effort when he said that things had improved for the pensioners better than it was in the past. He said: “We are grateful to this administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The President has fulfilled his promise of paying pension regularly as at when due. While we appreciate his concern and quick intervention in that regard, we also want to appeal that he should give directive quickly on harmonising the pension across board. “The monthly pension is regular but the general complaint is harmonisation of the pension with other Federal Government agencies. The PTAD initiative While former President Olusegun Obasanjo came up with the new Pension reform Act 2004 as a way to out of the non-contributory scheme and the pensioners almost abandoned to their fate, the current administration has been able to address the matter to the extent of creating the Pension Transition Administration Department aimed at not only improving the welfare of the pensioners but also to take stock of their assets and liabilities. This is also in line with the setting up of the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company aimed at coordinating and managing the pension assets of the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria. With the emergence of PTAD, the railway pensioners were quick to demand that the administration expedite action on the payment of over N34.8 billion arrears owe the retirees between April 2011 and December 2012. This was in addition to the call for harmonization of the railway pensioners with others who retired from other agencies.

The minimum a railway pensioner earns is N5,000 compared to N8,000 earned by his peer in other agencies. “Even if the 33 per cent is eventually approved we will still be underpaid. We have written series of letters to the minister and he set up a committee and the committee believes that we have a case so they are working on it. “We are over 18,000 spread across the country. We cannot give the government any ultimatum, we are only appealing but we are hoping it will come on time. We want the harmonization done before the 33 per cent increase otherwise we will still end up being underpaid.” Although there are pockets of protests by a few pensioners from the various sectors, there is, however, a consensus among them that Jonathan administration had displayed more willingness to salvage the situation more than previous administration. Grievances However, in the last few months, emerging development from the various unions and chapters reveals a group of disorientated retirees whose original support for the president as their messiah have continued to wane due to his inability to make possible the implementation of the promised welfare package. In a recent memo to the president, the Federal University Pensioners Association lamented that the president had not deem it fit to fufill the promises he made to the elders who retired from an environment he was part of before becoming

As elderly people and believers in the solid integrity of the executive President and No 1 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we could not expect that the President will renege on his promise

the president. According to the memo, “As elderly people and believers in the solid integrity of the executive President and No 1 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we could not expect that the President will renege on his promise. “This communication therefore is intended to remind your Excellency that the expected approval for the implementation of the 53 per cent pension increase with arrears in fulfilment of the executive promise is long overdue. Note that this promise has to do with very elderly people and so no reasonable undertaking of this nature should not be flicked. “The continued delay in the implementation of the 53 per cent pension for years is doing more harm to your exalted name as well as to the economy of the country, since unnecessary accumulation of arrears is a deliberate invitation to economic murder through inflation.” Precisely at the beginning of April, the National President, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr. Abel Afolayan, set the ball rolling in Abuja when he threatened to involve the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the union’s next phase of protests over their demands and non-provision of payment of pension in the 2014 national budget. The expected involvement of the labour unions, according to Afolayan, is to get those who are currently employed to be wary of continued failed promises to retirees by the government as they too will become pensioners in future. According to him, with the involvement of both the NLC and TUC labour centre, it is certain that all Nigerians workers, who are praying to be pensioners one day, will join on sympathy ground nationwide protest which may likely come up in the future. Government should be told that civil pensioners in Nigeria (about five million) form a large voting block and to neglect them is not in the best interest of either the Federal Government or the state governments. The frustration has been so severe to the extent that attempts at meeting pension committees of the National Assembly have failed to yield results, a pointer CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

business | PENSION

suRprises Failure of goverment to meet pension obligation raises question over electricity privatisation Sunday Ojeme

ailure by the Federal Government to pay the outstanding five-month pension arrears of pensioners who retired from the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria is making life more difficult for the elderly retirees some of whom are already in a bad state of health. New Telegraph gathered on Wednesday that the arrears, which was six months in all, was cut down to five after officials of the National Union of Pensioners (PHCN chapter) met with some stakeholders from government. In a chat with New Telegraph, spokesperson of the factional arm of the union, Mr Olu Ayeni, said that the current situation on ground and the direction the pension matter was heading confirmed his position that the Federal Government was bent on seeing all old pensioners in the country dead. He said that his resolve not to align with the union executive from the beginning was due to their perceived connivance with government to make life more difficult for the pensioners by denying them their entitlements. He said: “I said it from the beginning that government and those in charge of pensions for PHCN pensioners were scheming to ensure that they put a stop to the payment of our pension. Imagine, this is the fifth month and nobody has been

PHCN retirees groan over fivemonth pension arrears

paid anything. Some of those elderly are sick and on routine drugs yet there is no money for them to buy the drugs. Is that not death sentence by government? “Even when we were under NEPA (Nigerian Electricity Power Authority) I know things were bad but I had thought with the privatisation of PHCN all the rubbish about pension would come to an end, but today it has become worse.” Ayeni also queried how the money realised from the sale of PHCN facilities was spent if the plight of pensioners was not put into consideration. He said that the fact that government was struggling to pay pension showed that the sale was highly underestimated and facilities shared among themselves. He also alleged that rather than pursue the pensioners’ case, the union leaders chose to conspire with the management of NELMCO to deny them their benefits because of the N1,500 deductions they collect from the pensioners at the end of every month. “I think there is a mix up. Our union is not doing anything to help us. What they are interested in is the deduction of N1,500 from each retiree monthly. The retirees are about 25,000, so you can see how much they make from the deduction. That is why they don’t want us to be paid off so that they can continue with the deduction. They don’t want that to stop,” he added. He recalled that the decision by the government to transfer

Pensioners’ support for Jonathan dips CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

to the fact that the elderly citizens are gradually being left on their own despite the huge promises the government had made in the past. Burning issues For a long time, various issues had been tabled before the Federal Government both by the national body of the NUP and other chapters of the union according to their grievances. Among the issues the pensioners want addressed are outstanding arrears of pension and gratuity due to pure federal pensioners and state pensioners with federal shares; outstanding 33 per cent pension increase and its arrears, which has been implemented for military pensioners months ago, nonchallant attitude towards pensioners welfare by many state governments with exception of a few states; non-harmonisation of pension for most pensioners; non-approval of minimum pension for pensioners as has been done for Nigerian workers; illtreatment of federal parastatals and private sector pension-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

ers; primary school pensioners ill-treatment by state governments; local government pensioners maltreatment by state governments. Five per cent counter-part funding by Federal and State government for payment of primary school and local government pensioners which has since been stopped. Not left out in the battle to get the president fulfill his promises are the federal universities pensioners who are feeling abandoned after serving the country meritoriously. The National President of FUPA, Dr. Ayuba Kura, who described the attitude of the Federal Government towards pensioners as insensitive, said, “The entire members of FUPA and other pensioners in Nigeria have been waiting anxiously to see that the Federal Government honours its promise concerning the 53 per cent pension increase awarded to pensioners since 2009. “Pensioners are disappointed with the manner the government is handling pension issues in Nigeria. This shows that the present administration has no respect for the elderly.”

the pension liabilities of PHCN retirees under NELMCO to PTAD was just a ploy to further manipulate pension payment. He said, “It is all a ploy to make life more difficult for the poor pensioners. They are looking for a way to further delay the payment. They know what they are doing but we will go ahead with the struggle. “What we have been agitating for is for them to pay us off instead of subjecting us to this unbearable situation. Just imagine the other day somebody coming up with the excuse that the delay in the payment of pension in the country is because the Federal Govern-

ment had deployed funds towards fighting insurgency. The question I am asking is why don’t they use their salaries and allowance to fight insurgency, why that of pensioners?” New Telegraph recalls that the Federal Government had approved the transfer of the management of over 20,000 PHCN pensioners from the NELMCO to (PTAD). The Managing Director of NELCOM, Mr. Samuel Agbogun, had said the capitalisation of PHCN pension’s provision as opposed to recurrent and inadequate budget appropriation was responsible for the delay currently being experienced in the

payment of pensions, adding that the Federal Government came up with the transfer plan from the NELMCO to the PTAD to put an end to the irregular payments to the pensioners. He also attributed the delay to the huge finances deployed by the FG to fighting insurgency and other security challenge in the country, saying that following the reoccurring challenge that had led to inability to promptly pay the PHCN pensioners, the Board of NELMCO in its last board meeting resolved and directed that their payment and management obligations be transferred to PTAD within three months.

L-R: Commander 31 Field Brigade, Minna, Brig Gen Abba Muhammad Dikko; Director, MTN Foundation, Alhaji Muhammad Danlami and Niger State Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida; Deputy Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto and others, during the commissioning of some Toyota Hilux, donated by MTN in Minna.

Pension schemes driving transparency, technology in forex markets

ension funds are helping to drive transparency in the FX markets as brokerdealers are increasingly incentivised to move to electronic trading. Concerns on overcharging of FX fees and alleged manipulation of the popular 4pm benchmark have led to demand for change. FIX Trading Community OTC Products Committee cochair and Etrading Software managing partner Sassan Danesh said: "Demand for increased transparency in the FX markets is being driven by the underlying clients such as pension funds. "There is much more awareness from the buy-side as to what they are paying for the FX transaction and [if] is it reasonable. Everyone is looking at cost transaction analysis these days but you need transparency to do this." Clarity on FX trades has been stifled somewhat as around 30% of all FX trading volume is still

executed through voice trading. Many institutional investors still want to put through large trades in one lot, which are mostly executed via voice, although Danesh said this is "starting to change, but slowly". Broker-dealers are also under pressure to improve efficiency as bid offer spreads are "tremendously squeezed". "In order to get enough business through broker-dealers need to increase trading flow through trading electronically." Danesh said embracing electronic trading will help to improve transparency, just as it has done in the equity markets. "As more flow is done electronically, more trades can be visible to the wider market, whereas when it's done via voice it's harder to capture and distribute," he added. While most regulated markets have to meet post-trade transparency requirements, no such rules exist in FX and therefore it is harder to get a

true sense of pricing. Yet too much transparency could bring other problems, particularly with large trade orders. "One of the dangers with too much pre-trade transparency is if a pension fund wanted to do a big order in buying sterling and the market found out about it, there is a risk the market could move against the fund before the transaction takes place. If the market is going to be fully electronic then we need it to act like the equity markets where big orders are chopped up," Danesh said. The difficulty is that many large schemes usually prefer to pay a dealer to take on the trading risk associated with dripfeeding a large FX order into the markets over time. Schemes could benefit from smaller orders by being able to look at saving on the bid/offer spread charged by the dealer through placing orders directly onto electronic FX platforms, according to Danesh.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Agric

BUSINESS 33

Hard Facts l Imagine waking up one day to be

told you’re about to be evicted from your home. Being told that you no longer have the right to remain on land that you’ve lived on for years. And then, if you refuse to leave, being forcibly removed. For many communities in developing countries, this is a familiar story.

l In the past decade, more than 81

Source: Google

Land grabs and food security Buying off land means buying off limited fresh water deposit; this invariably means the seller mortgaging its scarce fresh water deposit. Only a few know this writes SIAKA MOMOH

he assault on poor communities' land is coming from more than one front. First, we heard the rich countries needed land to grow foods to meet their food needs. Following this in quick succession was the need for land to farm food for production of biofuel. Promoted as a green solution to the EU’s energy needs, biofuels have become an integral part of the EU’s energy policy. EU’s need EU was faced with the demands to reduce its emissions to tackle climate change and depleted oil reserves and so its member states approved the Renewable Energy Directive in 2010.Under this policy, EU biofuels consumption is expected to double between 2010 and 2020. Increased demand for biofuels has resulted in a rush for land in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as companies seek to take advantage of targets and cash-in on the financial incentives on offer. Such moves have resulted in land grabs and human rights abuses, as indigenous communities are pushed off their land to make way for biofuels plantations. What follow are food shortages which drive up local food prices. Nigeria’s involvement The Middle East countries,

otherwise known as the Gulf States, that are seeking food security, have moved into some Sub-Saharan African countries to lease lands to grow food crops for their population. Though no concrete contract has been entered into by Nigeria, reports have it that moves have been made by some powerful Nigerians to draw Nigeria into the race. Enbong Jimie Idiong, chief executive of Global Corp Ltd, was quoted by Reuters to have said "Nigeria has the terrain to provide 100 percent of the Gulf's food needs”. Nigeria has around 71.2 million hectares of farmland, of which less that 50 percent is being used, according to data from Global Corp Ltd. "We need investment to fully utilize this land and we will allow the investors to export back 100 percent of the crop and this will create employment opportunities for people in Nigeria. The land could be leased for up to 30 to 40 years at a cost of around $10,000 per hectare for that period,” Idiong said. Informed industry sources reveal that during the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua regime, former Minister of Agriculture, Abba Ruma and former Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, discussed the issue of leasing farmlands to Gulf States. However, the discussion was inconclusive as a result of the demise of Yar’Adua. There is also unconfirmed report that First Trustee, an arm of First bank Plc is involved in a $1.8 billion farmland lease deal between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates. Concerned stakeholders Some industry stakeholders have raised their voices against what some now call ‘Arabs land grabs’. Writing on ‘Re-Colonization of Africa through Buying Agricultural Land: Wealthy Na-

tions and their Multinationals on the Rampage’, Akinyi Princess of K’Orinda-Yimbo said: “Africans are being colonised again and this time not with the power of weapons but through Africans themselves selling their continent willingly. The 99- and 999-year lease – a remnant of colonialists – surely cannot fool anybody. This is equivalent to a full century and/or full millennium which translates into three and a half to thirty-four consecutive generations of Africans,” For him, “Africans are selling the one natural resource they can’t afford to sell – their land. Especially arable land. The new colonialism is vast in Africa, with the buyers being wealthy countries unable to grow their own food. The Arabs are back fleeing their barren sands to turn Africa into their granary like they did one and a half millennia ago (in Egypt at the time).” But Muda Yusuf, DirectorGeneral, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) thinks differently. He argued: “Currently, there is serious underinvestment in the agricultural sector. Over 80 per cent of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country is in oil and gas and the telecoms sectors. There is virtually no FDI in the agricultural sector. The country has abundant arable land most of which is lying idle. We need

The new colonialism is vast in Africa, with the buyers being wealthy countries unable to grow their own food

all the investment we can get in agriculture. “The sector has huge potentials for job creation and poverty alleviation. Such investment would also benefit the country through technology transfer and accelerate the development of mechanised farming. Of course, there would be guidelines to ensure that the country benefits maximally from such investments,” Yusuf stated. Obiora Madu, chief of Multimix Academy, a frontline import/export training institute who endorsed the Arab project said: “I do not have any problem with this situation. What is the percentage of arable land in Nigeria currently being cultivated? Agriculture stands as the only way out of the mass unemployment. The Arabs will not bring all the workers from their country, neither will they take the land when they are going. I am sure that the multiplier effect of their activity will have positive impact on the GDP as well as employment. “Contract farming is happening everywhere else in the world but oil has become a stumbling block to agriculture in Nigeria. I do not agree with the term land grabs. We met this land and we will leave it when we are going. If the Arabs are going to improve our lives by utilising a resource we abandoned, so be it. When the Zimbabwean farmers were coming to Kwara State people said the same thing but now the state is the better for it,” Madu disclosed. Gulf States in the forefront The Gulf States are said to be in the lead in this new investment. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, controlling about 45 percent of the world’s oil, are buying up agricultural land in Egypt, Ethiopia, C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 4

million acres of land worldwide an area the size of Portugal - has been sold off to foreign investors. Some of these deals are what’s known as land grabs: land deals that happen without the free, prior, and informed consent of communities that often result in farmers being forced from their homes and families left hungry.

l The term “land grabs” was de-

fined in the Tirana Declaration (2011) by the International Land Coalition, consisting of 116 organizations from community groups to the World Bank.

Hunger

l The 2008 spike in food prices trig-

gered a rush in land deals. While these large-scale land deals are supposedly being struck to grow food, the crops grown on the land rarely feed local people. Instead, the land is used to grow profitable crops—like sugar cane, palm oil, and soy-often for export.

l In fact, over 60 per cent of crops

grown on land bought by foreign investors in developing countries are intended for export, instead of feeding local communities. Worse still, two-thirds of these agricultural land deals are in countries with serious hunger problems.

l In 2011, 769 families were forced

out of their homes and off their land in Polochic Valley. Their crops and homes were burned. And three people died. Over 100,000 people signed to get the Guatemala Government to declare support for the Polochic communities and, to date, 140 families have had their land returned. The campaign continues.

l To send a global message about

land grabs, thousands of Oxfam supporters and Coldplay fans sent photos and videos of ordinary things out of place, echoing the displacement of land grabs. These clips were edited together into a music video that helped raise the profile of land grabs during the campaign targeting the World Bank.

Action now

l As demand for sugar increases, so does the rush for land to grow it. Oxfam has found that companies that supply sugar to Coke, Pepsi, Associated British Foods and other food and beverage giants are kicking poor farmers off their land and robbing them of their rights – leaving many homeless and hungry.

BUSINESS | AGRIC

FOOD SECURITY In some African countries, the importance of fish to nutrition and to their economies is particularly high. So what will people do if fish stocks change because the ecosystem itself begins to collapse? Siaka Momoh

he growing impact of climatic change on farms will make it difficult to feed the 9 billion world population by 2050, said United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, at the three-day US-Africa Summit held in Washington DC. According to him, “the seven billion people that we’re focused on feeding today is going to become more than 9 billion people by 2050 that is 35 years from now. And more than half of this population growth, I would add, is expected to occur in Africa.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Climate change: World population may go hungry by 2050

“But on top of that, the growing impacts of climate change are going to put extraordinary stress on our ability to be able to produce the amount of food that we need to be able to feed those increasing numbers, and, I might add, to feed from increasing numbers from agricultural locations that are increasingly under greater stress and duress.” Kerry who made these remarks at a working session on Resilience and Food Security in a Changing Climate explained: “We’re not talking about some distant future. We’re not talking about some pie-in-the-sky unproven set of theories as they were in the earliest days of population growth or other challenges that we face. The impacts of climate change are already being felt everywhere in the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and everywhere in between and around. And they’re only going to get worse unless we are successful next

year in President Obama’s and many other leaders’ goal to go to Paris and get a global agreement with respect to the reduction of greenhouse gases. “All you have to do is look at the extreme conditions that farmers are dealing with around the world: hotter temperatures, longer droughts – just look at California, for our instance, and other parts of the world – unpredictable rainfall patterns. I just came from Delhi where they’re having torrential rains in some parts way above the levels they’ve ever had, and as – India as a whole, 25 percent below their average. Intense wildfires, and you can run the list; I’m not going to run it today. But there’s a legitimate question that has to be asked, which is: How do livestocks thrive or even survive under those conditions? What happens if the great rivers of the Himalayas that literally are the life source for so many billions of people on both sides begin to be diverted and dry up

because the glaciers are disappearing and the snow levels change?” He added: “All you have to do is look at our ocean. The same carbon pollution that drives climate change is literally changing the ocean’s chemistry. And we just had two days of a major conference in the State Department on the subject of the oceans. That is making it more and more difficult for species like clams and mussels to exist in its waters. Crustacea, all crustacea, are affected by increased acidity. “Between ocean acidification, over-pollution – excessive pollution and overfishing, the three great challenges of the ocean, our fish stocks are in serious trouble in almost every fishery of the world. And what will that mean for the 3 billion people who today exist on seafood as their major source of protein? In some African countries, the importance of fish to nutri-

BoI to assist agro-processing business FUNDING Small enterprises to smile as BOI promises them funding he Bank of Industry (BOI) Tcilities is set to provide credit fafor Small and Medium

scale Enterprises (SMEs). Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, said this while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Investment at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

Land grabs and food security Cameroon, Zambia, and Uganda as well as in Cambodia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia. Even South Korea is reported to have grabbed a staggering 960,000 hectares in Sudan, the largest country in Africa, where at least six other rich countries are said to have secured large land-holding – and precisely where the local population is among the hungriest and least secure in the world. The Saudis too are reported to be negotiating 500,000 hectares in Tanzania. Companies for the United Arab Emirates have snapped up 324,000 hectares in Pakistan. Highly populated countries like China, South Korea and India have acquired swathes of African farmland to produce food for export. Philippe Heilberg, a US businessman, has laid claim to 4,000 square kilometre of fertile ter-

‘‘Bank of Industry has concluded plans to act as a propelling catalyst towards the realization of the Federal Government’s Industrial Revolution Plan (IRP) by leveraging on providing handy financial assistance to businesses and firms especially in the areas of agro-processing,” he said. The bank chief said it is the plan of the institution to move Nigerians from small-scale farming and food processing to industrialized agro-industries. Olaoluwa said that the bank has been mandated to promote the nation’s industrial sector particularly by giving the necessary facilities to SMEs.

Nigeria poised to attract investors at 2015 Milano Expo

Source: Google

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

tion and to their economies is particularly high. In Sierra Leone, 70 percent of the animal protein people absorb comes from fish. In Ghana, it’s 51 percent. In Gambia, 49 per cent! So what will people do if those fish stocks change because the ecosystem itself begins to collapse? “But the intersection between climate change and food is not just about quantity. We’re now seeing that carbon pollution is also making some of the food that we do grow less nutritious than it used to be. For example, rising carbon dioxide levels translate into lower levels of zinc and iron in wheat and other cereal grains. This means that people not only struggle to have enough food to eat; they may also suffer from a so-called hidden hunger; they’re eating, but they’re still deficient in certain micronutrients that keep them healthy.”

ritory in a deal with the family of a notorious warlord in south Sudan where land is not in short supply. Grabbed land and farming The grabbed hectares of land are used mostly to grow staples or biofuels—wheat, maize, rice, Jatropha. The Egyptian and South Korean projects in Sudan are both for wheat. Libya has leased 100,000 hectares of Mali for rice. By contrast, in the past, farming ventures was for cash crops (coffee, tea, sugar or bananas). Buying off land means buying off limited fresh water deposit. This invariably means the seller mortgaging its scarce fresh water deposit. Only a few know this. In fact, water scarcity was largely responsible for Saudi Arabia and a number of Arab countries moving out to grab land for farming.

The great water grab? 97.5 percent of water globally is salt water, covering 1.365 billion kilometres cubic feet whilst 2.5 percent is fresh water covering 35 million kilometres cubic feet. Also, 70 per cent of world fresh water goes to agriculture, 20 per cent to industry, and 10 per cent for human consumption. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the chairman of Nestlé, claims: “The purchases weren’t about land, but water. For with the land comes the right to withdraw the water linked to it, in most countries essentially a freebie that increasingly could be the most valuable part of the deal.” He calls it “the great water grab. Editor’s Note: What do we do? Please send your reactions tosiakamomoh@ yahoo.com; isaacmomoh717@ gmail.com

will be part of the ongoNigeria ing 2015 Milano Expo in Italy. This was disclosed on Mon-

day during the visit of the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fulvio Rustico, and a four-member delegation from the Milano 2015 Expo to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina. According to Adesina, “Nigeria’s focus during the expo will be to attract analytical investments into the country. Nigeria wants to be a global player in the food world, having observed the challenges globally in terms of food security.” The minister said that Nigeria’s full agricultural potentials are yet to be unlocked. In the area of fertilizer production, Nigeria hopes to turn out over 5.9 metric tonnes of fertilizer every year, he said. Adesina emphasized the role that groups such as the AgroBusiness Group, Financial Services Group and the private sector in general are expected to play at the Milano Expo since it is the objective of the Federal

Government to drive Nigerian agriculture through the organized private sector. He said that Nigeria’s ability to attract investments into the country at the Milano Expo would justifiably be the only way to measure the country’s success at the Expo. There is a need for State Commissioners for Agriculture under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure to project the Staple Crops Processing Zones (SCPZ). Ambassador Rustico said the participation of Nigeria at the expo provides a platform for the country to come and showcase her experience in agriculture. He said Italy is convinced that Nigeria can make a difference. About 120 countries are expected to participate at the Milano expo, with 41 countries coming from Africa. Nigeria is expected to occupy the 12th largest space at the expo, covering almost 3000 square metres. The expo titled: “Feeding the planet, energy for life” opened on May 1, 2015 and runs for six months to October 31, 2015.

BUSINESS | AGRIC

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Friday, August 8, 2014

‘N8.6bn Nigeria’s cashew apple wasted annually' INFRASTRUCTURE Ninty-five per cent of all cashew shells are waste because there is no infrastructure for value addition Siaka Momoh

bout 80 per cent of the total annual production of cashew apple worth N8.6 billion is wasted annually because the technology to process the commodity into juice is not available, New Telegraph can confirm. National Publicity Secretary of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) Sotonye Anga, disclosed this to our correspondent. He said: “We can derive cashew apple juice from the cashew apple; you know we pro-

duce over 1.08 tons of cashew apple of which over 80 per cent is wasted annually. The value of this total production is N10.8 billion and 80 per cent of the loss incurred due to wastage – unprocessed apple, is N8.6 billion.” Cashew apple is the fruity part of cashew attached to cashew nut. Other product variants derivable from cashew are cashew kernel from the raw cashew nuts, and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) from the cashew shell. Losses are also recorded in respect of some of these variants. Anga said: “Currently, 95 per cent of all cashew shell is wasted and termed as waste in Nigeria. Because we lack the infrastructure to do these value additions, therefore, we earn far below what we should have earned when we add value to our cashew. This is why

it becomes most important for the country as a matter of urgency to set up a N10 billion Cashew Intervention Fund, a special fund to support the cashew sector and enable it build appropriate cashew processing infrastructure.” Meanwhile the NCAN National President, Tola Feseru, said the association was already in advanced discussions with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport (NEXTT) to provide evidencebased advocacy to facilitate access to technical assistance to its members to strengthen their capacities. Feseru said that the discussions would help improve the fortunes of its members, as experts have identified low production yields, low value added, poor access to finance and high energy costs are some

of the challenges the Nigerian cashew industry was facing. These factors, he said, have also been identified as the major constraints stopping the sector from fulfilling its potentials as one of the main sources of non-oil revenue for the country. Nigeria is currently ranked as the sixth largest cashew producer in the world, producing 150,000 metric tonnes cashew nuts though studies show that it has the capacity to quickly move to the second position with the required support of key stakeholders. Experts have identified low production yields, low value addition, poor access to finance and high energy costs as some of the challenges facing the Nigerian cashew industry and these have constrained the sector from fulfilling its potentials as one of the main sources of non-oil revenue for the country. NCAN is looking to develop the cashew value chain, improve crop yields through new

plantings, introduce better farm management practices, efficient aggregation, storage and logistics as well as attract new investments into processing of both the raw cashew nut and the cashew fruit. These interventions, the association believes, would better harness the potentials of the sector for development. Anga said: “The collaboration between NCAN and NEXTT will leverage on the momentum built so far and to further strengthen our objective of harnessing the potentials of the cashew subsector and ultimately create more jobs across the value chain. The partnership will cover capacity building, value addition and improved transportation channels from the hinterlands to the final destination where the goods are needed.” Nigeria, according to him, currently earns about N35 billion annually from cashew and over 300,000 families in Nigeria depend on cashew for their livelihood.

COMMODITY PROFILE

Coffee production near record levels

Cashew fruit

Agricultural Commodity Prices - Grains Commodity CBOT Corn CBOT Wheat CBOT Oats CBOT Rough Rice CBOT Soybeans CBOT Soybean Meal CBOT Soybean Oil ICE Canola

Softs

Commodity ICE Cocoa ICE Coffee "C" ICE Sugar #11 ICE Orange Juice Conc ICE Cotton #2 SFE Greasy Wool CME Lumber TOCOM Rubber CME Ethanol

Livestock

Units USd/bu. USd/bu. USd/bu. USD/cwt USd/bu. USD/st USd/lb. CAD/mt

Price 373.25 565.75 340.75 12.66 1,072.00 344.70 36.35 440.20

Change +6.00 +13.25 +7.75 -0.02 +6.25 +1.10 +0.48 +0.90

% Change +1.63% +2.40% +2.33% -0.16% +0.59% +0.32% +1.34% +0.20%

Contract Dec 14 Sep 14 Dec 14 Sep 14 Nov 14 Dec 14 Dec 14 Nov 14

Units USD/mt USd/lb. USd/lb. USd/lb. USd/lb. cents/kg USD/tbf JPY/kg USD/gal.

Price 3,197.00 189.70 16.16 140.80 64.22 336.00 201.10 1.89

Change +18.00 +0.30 +0.03 -0.30 +0.48 +5.50 -1.40 +0.01

% Change +0.57% +0.16% +0.19% -0.21% +0.75% -% +1.66% -0.69% +0.48%

Contract Dec 14 Sep 14 Oct 14 Sep 14 Dec 14 Aug 14 Sep 14 Jan 15 Oct 14

Time(ET) 11:19:07 11:18:51 11:16:25 11:16:45 11:20:09 11:19:17 11:19:16 11:19:47 Time(ET) 11:19:28 11:19:43 11:19:56 11:14:36 11:19:19 11:18:00 05:59:55 11:01:14

Commodity Units Price Change % Change Contract Time(ET) CME Live Cattle USd/lb. 155.23 -0.43 -0.27% Oct 14 11:19:41 CME Feeder Cattle USd/lb. 220.38 -0.88 -0.40% Sep 14 11:19:31 CME Lean Hogs USd/lb. 102.03 +0.35 +0.34% Oct 14 11:19:36 Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price. Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

The vast majority of coffee production - over three tons for every four tons grown - is exported, flowing from developing countries (like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia) principally to industrial ones.

lthough fluctuating from year to year, coffee production has been on an overall steady upward trend; writes World watch Institute Senior Researcher Michael Renner. World coffee production during the 2013/14-crop year was just slightly over 9 million tons, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nigeria produces 2700 tonnes per annum (2013 figures). The vast majority of coffee production-more than three tons for every four tons grown-is exported, flowing from developing countries (like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia) principally to industrial ones. The largest consumers in 2013/14 are the European Union (consuming nearly a third of the world's total), the United States, and Brazil. Coffee experiences tremendous price volatility. World market prices are set in New York and London, far from the places where coffee is grown. Because a number of developing countries depend heavily on commodities like coffee for the bulk of their

export earnings, extreme price fluctuations have destabilizing impacts on their economies. "Extreme price volatility also threatens the livelihoods of many small producers," writes Renner. "An estimated 25 million people worldwide cultivate this labour-intensive crop, but many are small-scale producers who derive limited economic benefit compared with the traders, roasters, distributors, retailers, and investors." The social and environmental conditions under which coffee is produced differ among countries. Concerns are far ranging, including, workers' rights and child labour, as well as the use of agrochemicals, deforestation, and impacts on biodiversity. Co-operatives play an important role in empowering rural communities-improving their access to knowledge, inputs, and finance, as well as providing fair market access. In Ethiopia, the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union provides important educational and health benefits for its members and has a bank providing pre-harvest financing and insurance against crop loss. In Costa Rica and India, co-operatives have become leaders in the production of carbon-neutral coffee. Multiple initiatives have emerged that seek to define and implement more sustainable practices. The key standards are fair trade (guaranteeing a minimum price for smallholders), organic (replacing inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides with organic ones, and often requirCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Investment opportunities

Investing in seafood processing for export Nigeria is endowed with a very extensive coastline that is bristling with many species of fish and other sea animals that can be processed and sold in the international market Don Abraham

ny food processing business, especially the one that will export its finished products to earn foreign exchange, is the toast any day of any visionary investor. To underscore the full import of this statement, we will explore and develop here the potentials of one of such businesses as a viable investment window. In doing so, we will highlight the untapped, lucrative investment opportunity in locally establishing a factory to process and export the finished products of the seafood catches from our seashore made by trawlers as the raw material input. Nigeria is endowed with a very extensive coastline that is bristling with very many species of fish and other sea animals that can be processed and sold in the international market to earn foreign exchange. Market for the seafood There is a large export market yearning for headless/peeled and undeveined/peeled and deveined pink/brown shrimps, frog legs, lobsters, etc. especially in Japan, Spain, Belgium and other European Union countries. Here demand for these products by far outstrips supply. Out of the 300 metric tonnes(mt) of raw materials

that will be processed per annum, the net exportable shrimps meat will be 172 mt of HLB, 67 mt of PUD/PD and 15 mt of non-export-worthy meat. The last one will be sold in the local market. The investor can also export frog legs and even chicken legs to earn foreign exchange. He can also process on contract basis for customers who bring in their raw materials for the purpose in order to generate further income for the venture. To export sea foods, and indeed any products, profitably and successfully, one needs to have at his finger tips all it takes to get into export market trade, how to finance it from the various financial institutions, the necessary good quality measures needed, the names and addresses of honest, reliable and genuine buyers, dependable local sources of good quality products, how to source a confirmed order that is backed up with genuine payment, how to repatriate and use his export proceeds, etc. Any serious and interested investor can pick up from this writer for the asking a copy of “Understanding Export Trade and Finance.” Raw and packaging materials The major raw materials for the factory are pink/brown shrimps, fish fillets, lobsters, white shrimps, others could be added; there is no limiting the input to the ones I have listed here. Bleaching powder will also be used during processing. They are all available in the country throughout the year and require relatively small working capital to process. For packaging, master cartons, polythene paper, packing straps and clips will be needed for the duplex packets of the finished products that will be exported. For those that are not exportworthy, poly-bags will be used. With adequate arrangement made with some trawling com-

panies for steady supply, the raw materials will be available throughout the year; Going into trawling business is capital-intensive and will therefore be outside the scope of this business. Equipment/accessories needed Processing will be done manually in a standard processing hall. The following equipment and accessories will be needed. They are: (a) Processing tables, (b) About 40-50 mt capacity cold room for freezing and storage (c) A 10-15 mt refrigerated/insulated motor vehicle, (d) Facilities to dispose off waste (e) A power station of adequate capacity (f) Weighing scales and trays, strapping machine(s) (g) Relevant office equipment, furniture and fittings. Staff The venture is primarily labour-intensive and will employ a total of 45 staff. This will cover all the relevant cadres of

skilled and unskilled manpower to be made up of management and administrative, casual and permanent processing staff. All these are locally available and will not pose a problem to any interested investor. Processing operations Briefly, these start with the receipt of the purchased raw materials, sorting of these, washing, weighing, icing, grading, peeling/deveining, packing in trays, freezing, packing and strapping in master bags and storage awaiting export. The factory will run for 25 days a month on a single shift of eight hours per day and produce a minimum of 25 mt of per month of sea food using the catches from our seashore by trawlers as the major raw material input. This works out at 300 mt per annum. The finished products are going to be headless/peeled and undeveined/ peeled and deveined pink/ brown shrimps. Viability A detailed analysis of the

project shows that it will generate 29.5 per cent return on sales and 202 per cent on total investment in the first year of commencing commercial operation. Conclusion Seafood processing is a steady cash generator for the investor. Embarking on it will generate employment opportunities, technology acquisition, enhance the foreign exchange earning capacity of the raw materials by adding value to them before they are exported, salvage and convert to money much of the raw materials that will otherwise have resulted substantially in waste etc. It has positive cash flow, good earnings potentials and is cash-based business. This project is therefore recommended to those who are interested in helping, for good profit, to alleviate the food crisis that is presently ravaging the world. Don Abraham can be reached through Email: talk2dco@yahoo.com

Fish processing factory

Coffee production near record levels Reshaping agric by creating perennial plant varieties C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

ing coffee to be shade-grown), Utz Certified (incorporating a set of social and environmental criteria), and Rainforest Alliance (based on integrated pest management principles and including provisions for worker welfare). In 2009, it was estimated that coffees certified as sustainable under these various initiatives represented 8 per cent of worldwide coffee exports. Certified coffee is growing rapidly, however, and at recent growth rates could reach 20-25 per cent of global coffee trade by 2015. Growers will need to pay increasing attention to climate change. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and rising pest incidence will increasingly affect future coffee production, requiring adaptation measures.

Regional highlights: • South America is the dominant producer of coffee and accounted for 45 per cent of global output in 2012/13, followed by Asia (30 per cent), Central America (13 per cent), and Africa (11 per cent). Asia's share has risen dramatically from a half-century ago, when it was just 5 per cent. • There are two main types of coffee. Arabica beans are a sweeter and milder type grown in higher altitudes (cultivated mostly in South and Central America), whereas Robustas have a more bitter flavour and are grown in lowlands (mostly in Africa and Asia). Arabica's once-dominant role has diminished as Asian producers have risen in importance. • In the Netherlands, 40 per cent of all coffee is certified sustainable; in the United States the figure is 16 per cent.

erennials are growing all around us - in fields, forests, and grasslands. These plants regenerate themselves each year and survive through a hardy network of roots. Unfortunately, many farmers in the industrialised world rely on monocultures of annual crops that need to be planted from season to season and can place a heavy toll on soil, water sources, and biodiversity. Sixty-nine per cent of global croplands are composed of cereal, oilseed, and legumes-all crops that need to be planted annually. But organisations like The Land Institute are asking why perennial crops aren’t in modern farming. The Land Institute is aiming to reshape agriculture by creating perennial plant varieties that regenerate year after year and have a range of environmental and nutritional benefits.

The United States currently loses 1.7 billion tons of topsoil a year. Developing perennial varieties of grains, legumes, and vegetables can help save precious soil. While plant ground cover prevents soil erosion, the main difference lies in the roots. Jerry Glover, agroecologist and Senior Sustainable Agriculture Advisor to the US Agency for International Development, explains: “Perennial roots go deep - some as deep as 10 feet - and they will sustain the plant for many years. Those deep, better-established roots also help cycle nutrients in the soil and make them more available to plants.” Researchers at The Land Institute are currently working to develop perennial grain varieties that create substantial yields - and more resilient food systems. Perennial crops are developed either by selecting wild

perennial plants with the best crop potential (domestication), or crossing annual grains with a related perennial species (hybridization). Varieties currently being developed include kernza (a wheat-wheatgrass hybrid), sorghum, sunflower, and wheat. Sorghum, a food staple in some African countries, can account for up to 40 per cent of African diets. According to Andrew Paterson, research professor and director of the University of Georgia Plant Genome Mapping Laboratory, developing a perennial sorghum crop would meet challenges of food security, climate change, and energy supply. By providing multiple harvests, the perennial crop would increase farmers’ incomes and by preventing erosion, conserving nutrition, and providing

• Daniele Nierenberg of Food Tank, wrote in from the US

38 FEMINIque How did you come about the decision to run for the gubernatorial seat? I’ve always had a passion for politics and it became more of a desire for me to be active because I discovered that if you do not take a step of faith and be active in the process, we’ll still have the same cycle over and over again. Evil thrives when good people sit down and watch instead of taking an active role. So I believe that as part of the process we can offer change, we can offer a credible alternative to the people. What plans do you have for the State if elected? As a state, we have prayed and desired a change in the quality of leaders we’ve always had. I believe the time is right for a new kind of politics - a politics of love, politics of accountability, a politics where the good of the people is the focus. I will, as a matter of priority, focus on policies about education. I’ve written about it in my vision statement, which can be found on my website www. ifeyinwaokafor.com. I have written about 20 articles on a sector by sector basis, analysing where we are and where we can be if we have the right people in office. We must go back to ensuring that our children in nursery and elementary schools are given a right foundation because early learning is key to success in the future. We also want to ensure that our teachers and lecturers are well paid and well trained so that when they come to the classrooms they can deliver quality education to the students. I believe that teaching should be a place where the best minds are attracted. First class graduates in Nigeria should be able to come to teaching as their first choice not to other professions. I plan to make teaching one of the best rewarded and motivated professions. I’ve talked about water, technology, transport, housing, I’ve talked about what I’ll do for women and how we can deliver 21st century infrastructure and at the same time providing a social welfare and a safety net for people. We are proposing reforms in all sectors. I believe strongly in John Maxwell’s saying that ‘everything rises and falls on leadership’. As a people, how far we shall go and how well we shall do is determined by the person we put in charge of our resources. So, it is important that we look at the quality and integrity of our candidates to ensure that we are selecting the right people into offices. We are used to hearing politicians reel off plans and promises, how do you plan to actualize yours, given the resources that would be at your disposal? We are not the richest of states when it comes to internally generated funds but it is an issue of administration and management of the little we have. It is about administration and prudent management of the resources and being accountable to the people. Right now we are administering questionnaires to individuals in each Local Government Area in Imo State, asking them their priorities - what they would want my administration to do for them. We give priority to each local government so that we know that we are doing what the people want, not just what we want for them. We are doing what I call “authentic democracy”, which is the real participation of the people in making decisions that will affect them. Looking at our books, I see areas of wastages. As an accountant, what we need immediately is prudent tightening of our spending. There are excesses, which we can reduce through reforms to bring in without necessarily spending so much.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Ify Okafor, woman who wants to eject Rochas Ifeyinwa Okafor is a PDP gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in the 2015 elections. A First Class graduate of Law from the University of Bradford, UK, with an MBA from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. She is also an alumnus of Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, University of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. Okafor, who is a Lagos based industrialist spoke with EBERE AMEH on her inspiration and plans for Imo. Talking about the 35% affirmative action, do you think you can slug it out with the men given a level playing ground or you need your party’s assistance? Again, I talk about time and chance. Voters are becoming more enlightened, they have seen that they have to make the right choices so that there can be what I call a real change. Now that 35% won’t just be granted to us, we have to fight for it. We have to showcase ourselves to the party as being acceptable to the people. The party wants somebody who will be acceptable to the electorate, who they are sure that if they give the ticket, the electorate will vote that person into office. I believe that I am that person because the youth are excited that a young person is coming, the women are excited that a woman is coming in too. Many people believe that we need to move away from what we have always had to a more qualified candidate. As a First Class Law graduate, Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Administrator with verifiable management track records who has the value of love, excellence and accountability and commits to developing and empowering people, all I need is a level playing ground. Let’s talk about your family, how did they take this your ambition to run for the gubernatorial position in a country where politics is still a do or die affair? Okay. I talk about three people - the deaf, the doubters and the davidians. The deaf people don’t want to hear it. They are scared that it is a rough terrain, that you could be harmed, your children kidnapped, relatives threatened or your house burnt. I call them deaf people because they love me so much they don’t want any harm to come to me. I have the doubters. They are those who say yes this is wonderful, but is Nigeria right? Will Imo State accept your

As a woman what are your chances of winning the election in a country where politics is almost seen as a prerogative of the men? Perhaps There is something we call time and chance happening all over the world. Right now you if Nigeria will find that women are becoming more emwere led by powered both economically and politically. We have women coming up as presidents a woman we even in Islamic nations like Afghanistan, would have where a woman is governing one of the provinces. If you look at the just concluded won the World Cup, Brazil; the host nation, Germaworld cup ny; the winner of the championship, and Argentina; the first runner-up, are countries led by women. Perhaps if Nigeria were led by a woman we would have won the cup too (laughs). But the truth is 35% of all elective and appointed offices given to women has been a PDP policy to help women. However, we won’t be getting it on a platter of gold. Women have to stand up and fight for it. They have to stand up and say, ‘we are qualified, we are capable and we are deserving and demanding our 35%.’ At every level of governance we want 35% representation, because all over the world, women bring value to the table. We bring a new perspective, we have a sense of peace and conflict resolution and we can offer these when we are called to join in decision making.

Okafor

politics of good governance, of integrity and accountability? All these sound nice on paper but will your party give you the ticket? Will the people accept you? Those are the doubters, they see the potential but they think I need another 10 or 15 years to actualize it. Then come the davidians. We know how David came from nowhere and brought down Goliath. Now these people believe that yes, you might look like the underdog but watch out we are coming and we are supporting you. We are ready to give our lives for you because we see in you the quality of person we have always wanted. We have always prayed for the David of our time and with just my saying I want to aspire they have put so much resources and so much energy and time to back me up. They are my champions. My family is concerned about my safety but they are also very supportive. We have submitted everything to God because it is He who gives the vision. I’m still afraid because there are dangerous people out there who do not want this kind of vision to come to pass because they are benefiting from the current corrupted system. There are other people who just feel why you? So I do have my fears and at the end of the day when I go to bed I remind God that ‘this is what you asked me to do, so you will not allow me to perish in the process’. That is what makes me wake up every morning and still go out there because there are people whose destinies depend on Ifeyinwa Okafor getting into that office. Those who have knelt and cried ceaselessly for a good leader. So, if I am the answer to that prayer I cannot hide from that call, I cannot.

sport fanzone

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Commonwealth Games

Nigerians want President Jonathan to reward athletes With the success of Nigerian athletes at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland, New Telegraph’s Moyosore Makinde speaks to sport lovers on how the Federal Government should reward them.

FG must invest on preparation

Cash reward will boost athletes’ moral

overnment needs to start preparing ahead of major competitions .They shouldn’t just reward the athletes with money, but giving other sports the kind of attention should give to football. These athletes also need facilities to enable them train better so they can improve on their performance.

overnment should give the athG letes some money for a job well done. They should also provide them with

sport facilities. They should be engaged in training both home and abroad. Also the government should take the issue of banned substances seriously.

OBASOGIE DAVID, Sports Analyst

MONICA OLOGUNNAGBA, Housing Officer, UK

FG should improve athletes’ welfare

FG should give them car, houses

he federal government should not T forget in a hurry what happened in the Commonwealth Games, it should

hey should be rewarded with cars and houses to make them comfortable and also continue to sponsor the athletes in their training and welfare.

be a challenge to the government to make adequate preparation with regard to welfare and other incentives that athletes will be willing to make Nigeria proud anywhere they go.

Blessing Okagbare, Nigeria and Commonwealth 100m, 200m champion

Red carpet reception will do

he best way to reward these athletes for their outT standing performance is for the government to give them a presidential welcome back from the

CHIEMELA ONYEBUENYI, Business Analyst

BLESSING ONIMOLE, Student

They should be rewarded like the Super Eagles

Athletes should get employment and not cash

he Federal Government should reward Tproperties the athletes with cash and landed hose who are interested in public offices just the way the Super Eagles T should be absolved as staff in the civil service were rewarded after they won the 2013 or maybe the sport ministry, but no

African Nations Cup in South Africa. This will encourage Nigerians to embrace other sports rather than the massive rush for football which has led to several age cheat scandals.

cash gift.

competition. The President, as part of his love for excellence in sports, should roll out the red carpets to honour deserving athletes who have done well for their fatherland. OLALEYE MICHAEL, Student

Athletes should get foreign scholarships

EJOVWOKE OKEME, Port Harcourt

he federal government should make sure these Ttraining athletes are well taken care of in terms of proper with good welfare package. They should be given scholarship so that some of like Ese Brume can become world champions in the nearest future.

Peace Owolo, Student

DOMINIC OTIEDE, Port Harcourt

Athletes deserve same They deserve the best They deserve to be well treated treatment as footballers hey deserve to be given a rousing welcome back ur athletes have done very well at the

T home with a good reception. They served their OCommonwealth Games. I will say they overnment should treat athletes the way country well so I think they deserve the best from deserve the best of treatment from our G footballers are treated. I feel they should t h e country for their efforts. Also for them country’s officials on arrival from the be given a good reception on their arrival. Not

only that, they should also be given and provided with good and experienced coaches who will train them not only physically but also morally.

to do better in other competitions, they should have good training facilities and equipment. IHENACHO GODSPOWER, Engineer

SEYI ALIU, Trader

Athletes need good facilities

he athletes should be appreciated in order of their performance at the games. They should be equipped with the necessary facilities, good coaches and also good managers to look after their affairs. They also need good environment for training so they can concentrate. MR. DEMOLA, Civil Servant

Athletes deserve cash, land rewards

athletes did well at the TwillheCommonwealth Games. I say they should be ap-

preciated well like the footballers were appreciated when they won the AFCON. They shouldn’t stop by just g i v - ing them a warm welcome but they should be provided with better facilities to prepare for future competitions. ACHERU BENEDICT, Accountant

They should be appreciated

hese athletes should be Tperformances. rewarded relative to their They should be

Games. We placed 8th on the final medals table with 36 medals. We certainly did well. So they also deserve to be treated well. SHONIBARE AKOLADE, Student

Same treatment like footballers hen these athletes are well apW preciated by their country, there won’t be a problem calling them up for

appreciated well so when next they are called for national duty they won’t be reluctant to serve. OGUN RICHARD, Student

FG must pay athletes well think the best way to reI ward these athletes is to pay them well and take care of

their welfare. That is very important because when that is done the players will be motivated to do more for their country. SAMUEL ADENIJI, Civil Engineer

national duty. They should be taken care of, just the way footballers are taken care of, they should receive the same treatment.

OYENUGA JOSHUA, Fashion Designer

FG must increase their allowances

hese athletes have been paid their allowances T and other entitlements, but that still is not enough. There should be rewards and honours for all medalists who did well at the tournament. IFETAYO MICHAEL, Computer Engineer

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adeolaomoyusuf@yahoo.com 0803 438 0340 FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2014 l 10 Shawwal 1435 AH

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH Life after Ramadan QUESTION

How can I deal with post Ramadan blues? ANSWER And we don’t have to leave all Ramadan routine in Ramadan. We can pick some of the extra acts of worship to stick with throughout the year. It can even be one small good deed that we continue to do. The Prophet Muhammad said: “The deeds most loved by Allah (are those) done regularly, even if they are small.” (Al-Bukhari, 1970 and Muslim, 782) In my early days as a Muslim as I was learning the prayer and getting used to fasting in Ramadan, I learned of a short sunnah (extra) prayer that is prayed after Isha— called Witr. I started to pray Witr during Ramadan and kept up the practice afterwards. This continuity after Ramadan made me feel like I was taking a part of Ramadan with me and it eased my sadness when the holy month was gone. Like with the practice of Witr, we can make some of those good deeds we started in Ramadan into habits. We already started to form the habit in Ramadan, so why stop now? If we keep up some of our Ramadan practices, we can make the habit stick, keep up our spirits and our level of iman. By doing this, we can even feel like we are taking a part of the holy month with us. Be Specifically Grateful When trying to beat the blues and specifically the post-Ramadan blues, we can think of gratitude as a road that leads to contentment. I recently attended a seminar entitled “How Islam Can Save Us from Psychological Depression” hosted by 315-NISA and given by Sr. Haleh Banani, M.A. in Clinical Psychology. During the seminar, Banani gave the advice to not be grateful for what you have, but to be specifically grateful. Banani said that when her clients sit down and write out the specific details of their lives that they are grateful for, their mood improves greatly and they became more content. When I thought about the process of not just being grateful but specifically grateful, I thought about my sight. When I thought about my ability to see in general terms, I realized that it is hard not to take it for granted. I realized that I would never be able to be truly grateful without knowing what it was like to not have this sense. So I tried Banani’s “be specific” approach. I thought about being able to see the curve of the smiles on my loved ones’ faces. Then I started to look around and realized how brilliant the architecture around me is and how the leaves on the trees in summer are an array of gorgeous greens. TO BE CONTINUED

E X H O RTAT I O N “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allâh likes not each arrogant boaster” Quran 31:18

Boko Haram

AMP chief advocates better understanding of Qur’an, Bible by Muslim, Christians NO COMPULSION The former President of AMP has reiterated that there is no compulsion in religion Stories by Adeola Yusuf

chieftain of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Zakariyyah ‘Sunkanmi Ajiboye has called on Muslims and Christians to have better understanding of all scriptures. Ajiboye, the immediate past President of AMP who said this in a rejoinder he wrote to an article by the well revered Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie commended the Catholic Priest for joining other Nigerians in condemning activities of the dreaded Boko Haram group. He however blamed the lack of thourough understanding of Qu’ran for some verses, which he said Okojie quoted out of context. He said: “We need to educate ourselves more before we quote from the books so that we don’t mislead, create or increase fitnah in the land. “Opinion leaders should quote messages that unite and not those that can create divisions. As much as possible, we should understand our neighbours’ religion so as to be able to live with them comfortably.” Ajiboye said: “It is important to correct the context behind the revelation of the verses quoted by the well revered Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie in his article published in the Guardian of Wednesday May 21, 2014. Just like many eminent persons in Nigeria and other parts of the

L-R: A lecturer at Markaz Islamic and Arabic Institute, Lagos, Alhaji AbdulQuadri Zakarriyah, Mudir, Sheik Habebullahi Adam Al-Ilory, and a guest lecturer from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, Sheik Gamaal Roshwaan, during presentation of certificate of appreciation to Roshwaan recently.

world, he condemned the activities of Boko Haram. “However, he quoted some verses of the Holy Qur’an out of context. The revelation of the Qur’an can be divided into three phases: during the first phase of Mohammed’s (SAW) prophesy; during the persecution of Muslims and Hijrah to Medina and during the rulership of Mohammed (SAW) as the head of Arabia Peninsula. It is a known fact that there were Paganism and Christianity before the advent of Islam. “The pagans rose up against Muslims and they went to the extent of driving the Prophet (SAW) and his followers out of Mecca to Medina. Even when Muslims had left Mecca, the pagans still followed them and

wars were fought and won. All through these periods, justice was upheld amongst the Muslims and non-Muslims. “Most importantly, women and children were protected all through. The quoted verse, “Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth , (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” Qur’an 9:29.” According to Ajiboye, “Jizya is a tax levied by an Islamic state on its Non-Muslim citizens in exchange of the protection offered to their lives, wealth, honor and the civil rights rec-

ognized for them.” He continued: “They are not forced to partake in wars nor pay. The principle is that they may profess their own faith if they so wish, but they must submit to the laws of Shari’ah in all civil and criminal matters, except in their family laws. Jizya is a token of such a submission. They are not legally required to pay Zakah, a ritual levy imposed on the Muslims, but they may enjoy the benefits of any social welfare scheme offered by the state to its citizens. Jizya is one of the resources from which such schemes may be offered to its Non-Muslim citizens. “Just like the modern day, we all know what happens to non-tax payers in the western/ modern world.

Social security will end poverty, violence, says group

roper implementation of Social Security has been identified as panacea for poverty and recruitment of the poor people to cause social disturbance during elections, Jamahiyat Taawun of Nigeria has said. The association said this at a workshop themed: Credibility of elections and electoral security: Role of Civil Society Organisation (CSO) in Osogbo, capital of Osun State. A communique issued at the end of the workshop of all CSOs should educate the electorates on the need to be law abiding during after elections. Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Professor R. D. Abubakre emphasized that the workshop on

the role of Civil Society Organisations in ensuring credibility of elections and electoral security was properly timed in view of the election of gubernatorial candidate in the State of Osun on August 9, 2014 and the General Elections in early 2015. He drew attention to the interest of the United Nations Organisations as evidenced from a workshop in Conalcry Guinea through its West African Office between November 24, 2008 and 26, 2008. The theme of that workshop which was succinctly put as Ballots not Bullets Elections and Security in West Africa, the role of security institutions during electoral processes. The Chairman noted that what has been rejected in that

Workshop is what Nigeria finds to be fashionable. He called on the civil society organisations to see their roles as similar to those of the referees and lines men in the game soccer. They are expected to blow their whistles as soon as a foul is seen by them as being committed. The communique however showed that the workshop agreed that “csos should take-up the assignment of re-orientating people for morality in politics and promote ideal norms. “Government should implement social security scheme in order to erradicate level of poverty and eliminate recruitment of poor people to cause social disturbance during election;

“Csos should advocate through their respective representatives in the state and national assembly to amend section 139 of the electoral act such that any proven violence during elections renders the result of the election invalid; “Csos should advocate through their respective representatives in the state and national assembly to amend section 174 (1) (c) and 211 (1) (c) such that the power of the attorney general to discontinue and withdraw criminal cases do not apply to those charged with committing electoral offenses.” Other agreement reached at the end of the workshop are “that the citizen should be vigilant, respect and encourage the rule of laws.

CRIME

NEW TELEGRAPH

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JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

Abba: Taking police to next level Juliana Francis

mmediate past Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, became the number one policeman in Nigeria on February 2011. He handed over the mantle of leadership, Mr. Suleiman Abba on August 1, 2014. One of the greatest achievements of Abubakar is perhaps his tenacity in attempting to transform the Nigeria Police Force. He wanted a police force, which would be respected and people friendly. This led to his coming out with the Police Code of Conduct. A good number of people argued that slight changes were noticed in personnel of the force, but just like there would always be Judas among the 12 disciples, some policemen had continued in their corrupt ways. Abubakar had also tackled corruption headlong. He made sure police caught in the web of corruption, were dealt with. Indeed, his tenure witnessed a high output of bribecollecting policemen and women caught on phone cameras. He instituted the dismantling of road blocks across the nation. Under his tenure, President Goodluck Jonathan visited the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, saw its deplorable condition and refurbished it. At least about 13 helicopters were bought to boost the flying wing of the police. He not only built several police hospitals across the nation, he also established police intelligence schools and upgraded the police intelligence departments. He moved for the renovation of the Louis Edet Building, the Force Headquarters. Achievements of police rank and files were recognized and commended in his administration. He procured about 2,000, patrol vehicles, empowered the marine police with patrol boats, introduced the camouflage uniform and established the police mortgage bank. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Police has been adjudged one of the best by the United Nations in international peacekeeping missions. He came up with the police housing scheme, but many junior officers lampooned the scheme, insisting that the price tag for the houses were grossly out of their reaches. Promotions were stringent in his tenure until towards the tail end of his administration. In March 2014, he promoted 1296 Police officers. There was also the promotion of 24,118 officers in the same month. The major security troubles, which dogged Abubakar’s footsteps and even now appeared unresolved, are the dreaded Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen attacks and kidnappings. The Boko Haram sect, under Abubakar, witnessed the outrageous killing of several policemen. These same monsters

IGP Suleiman Abba

Abba receiving handing over note from his predecessor

are the insecurity problems, waiting behind the curtains, for Abba. Meeting with senior policemen on Tuesday, Abba avowed his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the ongoing war against violent crimes and insurgency. Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), speaking with NT about the new IGP and revealing his belief in Abba possibly taking the Nigeria Police Force to a new height said: “I’m happy that the new IGP, Abba, is a lawyer. I have spoken with him, to congratulate him and he has assured me, he would like to collaborate, with the human right community, in ensuring, that the police take the issue of human right seriously. And for me, that’s commendable. Once you can get the entire police force to respect human right, the sky

would be the limit. “However, on the part of the government, it’s not enough to change the leadership of the police. Government must fund the police. The police must be equipped. We must train and retrain the police, so that we can have one of the best police services in the world. Right now, the government has ignored and neglected the police, to the detriment of security in the country. These same policemen and women, when they are sent outside the country, on peacekeeping missions, perform very well, which means given the resources, they’ll satisfy the yearnings of Nigerians.” The National Coordinator of the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma said that any IGP, irrespective of tribe or reli-

gion, will not make any meaningful impact, in a corrupt system, where he dances to the whims and caprices of the ruling power and the president. His words: “Unless an IGP decides to rock the boat, get into trouble and/or make history, he can make no much difference in a perverse and rotten system! Since the news broke of the appointment of Mr. Suleiman Abba by the Nigerian Police Council as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), I have been inundated with questions from a lot of people about what I think about him. I have been asked to assess the performance of the former IGP and to say whether I think the new IGP will perform better. “My answer is that the performance or otherwise of any IG does not depend so much on the individual or the personality of the appointee as it is on the system and institutional structures in place, as well as the political interest and ideology of the ‘regime’ or government in power. “Are the Nigerian police structured for efficient performance and effectiveness? What is the foundational philosophy and doctrine guiding the Nigerian police: force focus or service orientation? Is it regime policing or democratic policing? Is ours a predatory police- a force of occupation or a ‘police force for democracy’- a people’s police? What are the leadership qualities and the procedure for the appointment of an IGP? Who determines who the IG becomes? Are there stakeholder-involvement and public input in the appointment process? “What are the criteria for determining who becomes an IGP- political or professional consideration? Are educational qualification, leadership qualities, experience and ‘proven integrity’ considered? Does the IGP have security of tenure? Who holds policy and operational control of the police? To whom does the IGP answer or behold? “Put succinctly, where does the loyalty of the IGP lies? To whom is the IGP accountable: is it to the people via elected representatives (parliament)? Is it to the law, to the executive or to the president who appoints and can fire him/her at will? Does the IGP have the independence and operational autonomy to discharge his duties impartially and professionally? As long as the organizational structure, institutional culture and the legal and normative frameworks governing the Nigeria police promote partisanship, corruption and human rights abuse, it will remain difficult for any IGP- even if that IGP is an angel borrowed from heavento perform professionally and effectively. Under this prevailing circumstance, there can be no qualitative difference between one IGP and another except in terms of the individual’s scruples, sensitivity to public opinion and concern about history.”

CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Osun poll: Militarising elections in Nigeria Juliana Francis

fter the just concluded Ekiti State election, where political observers noticed heavy presence of security agents, especially of soldiers, people had kicked against such waste of man-power of security offices, in view of the need of such soldiers at northern part of the country to defend Nigeria from the continual onslaught of the Boko Haram members. Although Ekiti State election was perceived as free and fair, but some people described it as, “terrorism of the federal might.” Despite some short comings associated with Ekiti polls, many Nigerians decided to move on and wait for the Osun State election. The waiting is almost over, as the election, which is basically between Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples’ Democratic Party(PDP), is billed to take place tomorrow. But several Nigerians appeared not to be happy with what they are already seeing in Osun State. It is the intimidating presence of different security agencies in the state. It was gathered that different security agents, in different shades of uniforms, have been trouping into the state since last week. Indeed, someone said: “You’ll think a war is going on in Osun State.” Concerned by recent developments in Nigeria, especially by the now frequent presence of soldiers in states where elections would be taking place, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) and Journalist for Democratic Rights (JODER) decided to jointly organize a ‘Save Nigeria’s Democracy Roundtable,’ to provide a platform for civil society and other key stakeholders of the Nigerian democracy project to come together and discuss critical issues bordering on the survival of democracy in Nigeria. Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), who was one of the guest speakers at the event, spoke vehemently on the Nigeria Police and freedom of expression, further describing the use of soldiers in elections as, ‘militarisation of elections.’ Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju of CSNAC said: “The deployment of federal might to crush or restrict opposition as exemplified by the massive deployment of police and security forces in Ekiti State during the governorship election in June and the ongoing militarisation and show of force by unwarranted security personnel deployed for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election of August 9, doesn’t portend well for Nigeria. “The frequent use of the police and other security agencies to suppress dissent and intimidate opposition, in particular, the abridgment of groups’ fundamental rights to exercise their freedom of expressions, particularly, through peaceful assembly, protest and dissent, all portend coming disaster with regards to the securi-

Debo

Soldiers on patrol

The militarisation of election is happening because they want to create crisis! The soldiers are there, not to protect anybody, but to protect those who want to rig the elections ty, integrity and credibility of the electoral process and the survival of democracy in Nigeria.” NT gathered that about 41,000 security personnel, including members of the Nigerian Civil Defence Service Corps (NCDSC), have been drafted to Osun State. Soldiers alone are about 12,000, while Department of State Security agents are over 5000. A police source claims: “Divisional Police Officers(DPO) from Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Edo States were mandated by powers from above to submit three policemen for the Osun polls, on the expenses of the DPO. Two DPO lamented to me, asking where they were expected to get money to sponsor policemen from their stations.” Falana, who is bitterly against the use of soldiers in elections, said that soldiers

Suraju

Falana

Battle ready troops

were beginning to take over the duty of the police. He explained that according to the constitution, all security agencies have their duties spelt out for them. The soldiers, he said, were supposed to protect the integral territory of the county and anything aside from that was an aberration. This was even as he insisted that the State Secret Service (SSS), changing to Department of State Security (DSS) was illegal. He added: “Now soldiers are doing police work and nobody is saying anything about it. The police have been abandoned. Aside from mounting road blocks in Ekiti State during the election, where they collected money, soldiers played no role in the Ekiti election. It was still the police that made arrests. “The essence of militarising elections is to intimidate the opposition. Obasanjo started it. Soldiers are supposed to protect the country. Soldiers do not guarantee free and fair elections. Soldiers have no business with elections. The numbers of soldiers we had in Ekiti State election, we didn’t have such in north east, where they’re needed. True, nobody wants to die. They run away from Boko Haram because money meant for them are cornered by senior officers. I noticed that soldiers sent to Ekiti had no name tags on their uniforms. It’s not about election, but the entire process of doing things.” The Coordinator of Coalition Against

Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) in Nigeria, Mr. Debo Adeniran, said that right now, Osun State has been turned into a military barrack. He added: “The state has been turned into a barrack. Whatever they do, they should not harass people into not being able to enjoy their freedom of movement. Soldiers in the state curtail people’s movement. Why should Osun people’s movement be restricted? And why are some of the security agents wearing face masks? What are the masks for? Nigeria can’t see democracy unless there’s revolution. It’s either bloody revolution or not. The administration of Jonathan has condoned everything negative. “The militarisation of election is happening because they want to create crisis! The soldiers are there, not to protect anybody, but to protect those who want to rig the elections. Soldiers should be far away from the election. Let them go back to their barracks.” Another lawyer, Barrister Wahab Shittu chirps in, “Deployment of soldiers in election is unconstitutional. It’s an attempt to subvert the will of the people. What are the police doing, if soldiers are there? The police are supposed to ensure that the election goes well.” Lampooning the change of SSS to DSS, Falana spat: “We have SSS, not DSS. It’s illegal! DSS was part of the military. DSS is not known under our law or constitution.”

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 43

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Nigeria contributes $2.5bn as MTN revenue hits $6.7bn •Airtel raises $350m from unit sale

NIGERIA’S KEY

The mobile network operator, which connects more than 215 million people in 22 countries in Africa and the Middles East, said during the period under review, subscriber numbers increased 3.5 per cent to 215 million with revenues surging 11 per cent to $6.7 billion. MTN Nigeria posted a healthy performance in keeping with market prospects but the South African operation remained under pressure and steps were taken to improve its

MTN Nigeria revenue soared 21.5 per cent to $2.5 billion, while MTN South Africa revenue were 7 per cent Jonah Iboma

TN Group yesterday released its six months performance to June this year with growth realised in data and mobile money.

•Etisalat sells 2136 towers to IHS in lease back pact

performance, MTN said. MTN Nigeria revenue soared 21.5 percent to $2.5 billion for the period under review while MTN South Africa revenue were 7 per cent lower at R19.1 billion ($1.7 billion). The figures were consistent with the last quarter when revenue from Nigerian operations outstripped that of South Africa, the headquarters of the firm. Details showed that data revenue surged 38.9 per cent to $1.1 billion, while data users were 7.3

Ughelli Power invests N65bn in plant

•Governor praises Benin Disco Abdulwahab Isa

resenting 46 per cent of the 972 MW available capacity. He explained that the short/ medium/long-term goal include "gradual increase of plant output while stabilising energy sent out to conform with industry standards till the original plant installed capacity of 1000MW is met by end 2015.” Besides, he said the company also intends to expand its plant capacity by the installation of 1000MW Greenfield power plant by the end of 2018. He noted that about 70 per cent of its current assets in the plant employ US technology. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, commended the company for the local content of the man-

Abuja

he core investor of Ughelli Power Plc has invested N65 billion into the power plant and also raised its capacity from 170 Mw to 972 Mw. Chief Executive of Transcop Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi said this when the Senate Committee on Privatisation paid an oversight visit to Ughelli Power, according to a statement by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). Fadeyibi said that the core investor has raised the plants capacity from 170 MW (at handover of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria successor company to the core investor in November 2013) to 420MW- rep-

agement team. Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has commended the management of Ughelli Power Plc for the level of development and investment within six months of take over. He said that the Delta State Government decided to invest in the power sector so that the profit would be used to subsidize power supply to the rural communities in the state. The Governor, who made the observations when the Senate Committee on Privatisation paid him a courtesy call in Warri, also praised the management of Benin Distribution Company for its effort at boosting power distribution within its area of operation.

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

Godson Ikoro

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

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

tor in Nigeria, is expected to close later this year. Etisalat currently enjoys good rating from the industry regulator on its network in Nigeria and the partnership with IHS is designed to promote network sharing, ensure higher quality, sustain reliable mobile services, lower overall costs and also promote a cleaner environment through reduced diesel usage and increased investments in alternative energy solutions. According to a statement, IHS said over the past 18 months, it had installed a large number of alternative energy sites in Nigeria. These investments in addition to further investments in its state-of-the-art Network Operations Centre mean that uptimes of over 99 per cent are achieved on its owned sites. Under the terms of this transaction, IHS has committed to investing a further $100 million in the towers acquired, on advanced generators, efficient batteries and alternative energy solutions to reduce diesel consumption and improve efficiency of grid use. Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said: "Continued demand for mobile connectivity along with increased consumption of data requires reliable and effective networks that are also cost efficient for network operators. The decision to sell our passive infrastructure to an experienced commercial partner, such as IHS, is part of our strategy to increase network coverage and capacity, which is already rated number 1 for quality of service by the NCC.

Nigeria’s infrastructure spend to hit $77bn by 2025

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

per cent higher at 88.5 million. However, voice revenue continued to be negatively impacted by forceful competition, regulatory pressures and a weakening economic environment in key markets. "We continue to explore opportunities to expand our product offering outside of traditional voice and expect to increase our presence in the digital space by leveraging technology and maximising the opportunity of low Internet penetration in many of our markets," MTN said. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel Ltd, India's top mobile phone carrier with operations in several African countries including Nigeria, yesterday raised $349.6 million from a share sale in its unit Bharti Infratel Limited. The move was done to comply with a rule that requires listed companies to have a minimum 25 per cent public shareholding in India Bharti Airtel, which as of end-June owned 79.4 per cent of Bharti Infratel, sold up to 85 million shares, or an about 4.5 percent stake, through the stock exchange. The sale was covered 1.27 times at an indicative price of 251.71 rupees per share, stock exchange data showed. In a related development, Etisalat Nigeria has also announced the sale of 2,136 of its towers to HIS Holding Limited (IHS) as part of what it called "a broader strategy to drive improvements in the quality of its network performance and to accelerate roll out of 2G and 3G coverage and new services to its customers. The transaction, the first by a major mobile network opera-

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

espite the menacing insurgency, which has cast a pall on the nation’s development, the overall infrastructure spending in Nigeria is expected to grow from $23 billion in 2013 to $77 billion in 2025, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has said. It also said that with a more investor-friendly environment, oil investment is also likely to boost this projection further. Furthermore, the report gave the overall infrastructure spending in the sub-Saharan Africa, which has been projected to grow by 10 per cent a year over the next decade, exceeding $180 billion by 2025. According to the report, “Nigeria and South Africa dominate the infrastructure market, but other countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania are also poised for growth. It said that growth prospects in most of the region’s economies look promising, as they were not affected as much by the

global financial crisis of 2008. PWC is a multinational professional services network and is the world’s largest professional services network. Its report also revealed that a substantial increase in spending in the basic manufacturing sector is expected in sub-Saharan Africa. The report mentioned that infrastructure spending overall is forecast to reach around US$60 billion by 2025 for South Africa, having grown by 10 percent on average a year. It also predicted that South Africa is likely to lose share of regional spending relative to Nigeria. Nigeria’s better fiscal position and oil revenues will likely enable it to outperform South Africa over the coming decade. The Nigeria’s infrastructure on the front burner includes power generation and distribution, railway rehabilitation, good roads and bridges, information and communication technology infrastructure and telecommunications, oil exploration and manufacturing projects among others.

44 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

7-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

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

0.14 0.71 2.03 2.72 2.97 3.07 3.81 4.89 5.21 7.47 9.60 14.31 14.79 15.29 15.96 19.95

10.57 10.88 11.18 11.09 11.06 11.07 11.15 11.33 11.34 12.02 12.18 12.14 12.14 12.14 12.19 12.14

9.52 10.11 11.10 11.03 11.00 10.94 11.05 11.26 11.25 11.96 12.13 12.10 12.10 12.09 12.14 12.10

99.77 95.40 103.30 109.15 97.00 95.63 98.60 117.15 83.24 121.15 111.20 119.16 102.34 74.94 84.75 100.03

99.92 95.90 103.45 109.30 97.15 95.93 98.90 117.45 83.54 121.45 111.50 119.46 102.64 75.24 85.05 100.33

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,479.99

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,567.45

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***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

0.23 0.79 1.40 2.34 2.70 2.91

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.65 13.50 13.21 13.08 12.07 12.06

97.38 90.12 105.23 100.59 99.17 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

0.19 1.07 0.67 1.19 1.19 2.70 1.74 3.40 2.37 4.16 2.57 2.57 2.95 3.02 5.29 3.08 3.70 6.31 6.40 3.88 3.91

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

13.90 15.30 14.12 15.35 14.37 16.66 12.03 12.89 12.88 12.19 12.07 15.85 12.06 12.06 12.36 13.81 12.14 12.64 13.61 12.60 13.11

99.91 97.31 99.75 98.86 101.54 85.93 102.83 102.93 102.44 105.73 105.35 96.46 105.79 108.65 108.07 102.31 107.42 103.60 105.78 105.60 105.52

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,271.28

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

484.10 494.25

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

0.17

1.00

11.59

99.91

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.36

5.21

15.98

99.05

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.40

8.71

19.52

98.95

17-Aug-10

10.00

5.29

17-Aug-15

0.54

4.88

15.79

96.14

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.86

1.00

11.86

100.59

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.94

2.63

13.48

100.79

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.15

1.00

12.08

101.64

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.22

1.34

12.42

103.39

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.15

1.00

12.07

102.32

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.96

1.88

12.96

109.67

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.92

3.48

14.55

102.74

09-Sep-11

18.00

3.27

09-Sep-18

2.09

5.20

16.29

103.25

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.90

09-Sep-18

2.09

5.06

16.15

101.81

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

4.13

1.35

12.54

104.57

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.20

2.29

13.37

104.76

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.45

17-Feb-19

2.28

6.11

17.19

99.71

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.40

2.16

13.26

107.27

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.27

2.76

14.39

103.40

11-Feb-18

3.52

1.00

12.12

94.65

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

143.81

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

146.94

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 11.36 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

5.07

4.91

109.15

110.07

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.29

4.04

102.96

103.88

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.40

5.27

106.79

107.75

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

1,594.55

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

4.85

3.87

104.43

106.15

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.13

5.83

99.50

100.63

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

8.72

8.17

94.21

95.89

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

7.63

6.36

108.21

110.63

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

8.91

8.67

99.36

100.27

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 3,762.85

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56

FIXINGS Maturity 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 11-Sep-14 18-Sep-14 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14

Bid Discount (%) 9.85 10.40 10.35 10.20 10.40 10.50 10.55 10.65

Offer Discount (%) 9.60 10.15 10.10 9.95 10.15 10.25 10.30 10.40

Bid Yield (%) 9.87 10.44 10.41 10.28 10.50 10.63 10.70 10.83

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.9583 12.7678 13.4520 14.2019

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.54

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

10.79

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

162.55 162.93 163.18 163.80 164.93 166.23

162.65 163.19 163.52 164.46 166.11 167.86

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 10.58 12.77

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***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

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

0.23 0.79 1.40 2.34 2.70 2.91

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.65 13.50 13.21 13.08 12.07 12.06

97.38 90.12 105.23 100.59 99.17 96.76

1,301.62

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 45

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Friday, August 8, 2014 Sub-National Bonds

1,271.28

Sanctity of Truth

FG to sell N100bn bonds Wednesday 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

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

• Naira loses 0.58% against dollar Stories by Chris Ugwu

Issue Date

he Federal Government plans to auction N100 billion ($617 million) in bonds with tenors rangTOTAL OUTSTANDING ing from three toVALUE 20 years at TOTAL MARKET auction nextCAPITALISATION Wednesday, the Corporate Bonds Debt Management Auction A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO (DMO) said yesterday. Aa/Agusto GTB it will ofThe debt office said µ NGC Nil fer 15 billion naira in three-year, Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC 50 billion naira in*FLOURMILLS 10-year and A-/Agusto BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS 35 billion naira in 20-year debt. A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO All the bonds are re-openA-/Agusto FSDH ings of previous issues. A/GCR UBA

Meanwhile, the naira eased 0.58 per cent to a five-week low against the US dollar yesterday, on renewed dollar demand after a recent rally on the local currency. The local unit according to Reuters, closed at N162.70 to the greenback, a level last seen 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 on July 2, and weaker than 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 Wednesday's close of N161.75. 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 It10.00 initially touched a low of UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 N162.90 during mid-day trade. 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 Traders said the month-end 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 dollar sales from oil compa14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 nies that had provided support 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

Caverton’s revenue rises 21% Offshore Support sound corporate governance Cperaverton Group Plc has recorded a 21 among the marker players. cent growth in revenue for "At the exchange we try

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

0.19 1.07 0.67 1.19 1.19 2.70 1.74 3.40 2.37 4.16 2.57 2.57 2.95 3.02 5.29 3.08 3.70 6.31 6.40 3.88 3.91

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

13.90 15.30 14.12 15.35 14.37 16.66 12.03 12.89 12.88 12.19 12.07 15.85 12.06 12.06 12.36 13.81 12.14 12.64 13.61 12.60 13.11

99.91 97.31 99.75 98.86 101.54 85.93 102.83 102.93 102.44 105.73 105.35 96.46 105.79 108.65 108.07 102.31 107.42 103.60 105.78 105.60 105.52

the half year ended 2014. to nurture African champiThe result of its financials ons, we believe that by listfiled with the Nigerian Stock ing your company, you are Exchange (NSE) showed the on your way of becoming an company’s revenue grew by African champion," he said. for the naira in the past three 21 per cent, from N10.317 bilManaging Director of weeks, has ceased so far. lion in 2013 to N12.505 billion the company, Mr. Olabode "We are expecting that the in 2014, while total assets rose Makanjuola, while addressNigeria National Petroleum by 10 per cent, to N41.917 bil- ing capital market commuCorporation (NNPC) will come lion in 2014, from N38.025 bil- nity on the floor of the Exinto the market soon to sell dol- lion the previous year. change said the company lars and this should help calm 484.10 However, the company’s has metamorphosed from the market," one dealer said. 494.25 net earnings dip by 12 per a humble beginning to a The government-owned cent from N1.793 billion to leader in the off shores ser07-Oct-11 07-Oct-14 0.17 1.00 11.59 over 99.91 NNPC supplies a 11.50 substantial 11.80 N1.585 billion. vice industry the past 18-Dec-09 13.50 13.17 18-Dec-14 0.36 5.21 15.98 99.05 amount of the dollar flows The admission of Caver14 years. 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.40 8.71 19.52 98.95 in Africa's biggest economy. 5.29 that the 96.14 demand ton Offshore Support Group 17-Aug-10 10.00 17-Aug-15 0.54 4.88He noted 15.79 Traders are also expecting in- 13.62 Plc to the 09-Dec-15 Exchange recently for expansion 09-Dec-10 12.00 0.86 1.00 capital11.86 100.59lured 06-Jan-11 14.00 06-Jan-16 2.63 company 13.48 to list 100.79 flows from offshore investors 0.60 had swelled the market0.94 capi- the on the 29-Sep-11 2.15 1.00 101.64 participating at a13.00 local debt 15.00 talisation29-Sep-16 by N3.8 billion. floor of the12.08 Exchange, as the 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.22 1.34 12.42 103.39 auction next week.13.00 Chief Executive Officer company intends to 102.32 leverage 30-Sep-10 20.00 30-Sep-17 3.15 1.00 12.07 of the NSE, Oscar Onyema, on to expand its 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.73 30-Nov-17 1.96 1.88the platform 12.96 109.67 09-Apr-11 16.00 7.20 09-Apr-18 was another 1.92 3.48 14.55 102.74 said the listing capital base. 09-Sep-11 18.00 3.27 09-Sep-18 2.09 5.20 16.29 manifestation that the Ni"Our plan is to be 103.25 the Afri09-Sep-11 16.00 0.90 09-Sep-18 2.09 5.06 16.15 101.81 geria bourse is on the right can champion and the leader 22-Sep-11 14.00 35.00 22-Sep-18 4.13 1.35 12.54 104.57 path of becoming the Afriof offshore support services 18-Oct-13 15.75 2.70 18-Oct-18 2.20 2.29 13.37 104.76 billion two weeks ago and 17-Feb-12 17.00 17-Feb-19 2.28 6.11 17.19 99.71 can exchange of choice. company in the continent. proposed an interim dividend 0.45 01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.40 2.16 13.26 107.27 He noted that Caverton We know we have the wherepayment of N1.10 per share. 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.27 2.76 14.39 103.40 has taking a hold step by withal because of the favourDavid-Borha said the bank 143.81 adding N31.829 billion to the able legislation as regards was aiming for a 15 per cent 146.94 loan growth for the second- market capitalisation of the the local content initiative of the Federal Government half of 2014, targeting busi- Exchange. 10.20 3.52 1.00 94.65 that the Exchange which has12.12 come to stay,” he ness11-Feb-13 customers, after it grew 12.00 He said11-Feb-18 12.00 said. will continue to introduce loans 18 per cent in the first11.36 more products to meet the Caverton’s operations half. need of wide range of local have also been significantly The bank said it had a mix Outstanding Value Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price and international investors, buoyed by the opportunities of between 30-35 per cent of its (N'bn) adding that the management provided by government’s loloans in foreign currency and Prices & Yields is deter mined to ensure cal content policy. the 07-Oct-11 balance in local6.75currency. 500.00 28-Jan-21 5.07 4.91 109.15 110.07

Stanbic IBTC to raise N30bn in capital BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR

*TOWER# UBA

tanbic IBTC, the Nigerian *LA CASERA # BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS arm of South Africa's StanBBB/GCR *DANA dard Bank, plans to raise A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO up to N30 billion VALUE ($184.79 milTOTAL OUTSTANDING lion) Tier CAPITALISATION II capital, a preTOTALin MARKET sentation on its website said Supranational yesterday . Bond AAA/S&P IFC CEO Sola David-Borha conTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE firmed the capital raising durTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ing an analysts conference call yesterday but said the actual Rating/Agency Issuer amount would depend on market and regulatory FGNconditions Eurobonds guidelines. She did not provide BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 a15.75 timeline. MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 "We will continue to focus 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 on our client base 15.25growing NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 across target segments and key sectors and maintain rigour in credit process," David-Borha said. 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 Shares in Stanbic IBTC, which have gained 37.2 per cent this year, were flat yesterday at N29.34 each. Description The mid-tier bank reported a 50 per cent rise in its firsthalf pretax profit to N19.62 6.75 JAN 28, 2021

Ecobank sells $200m in notes for capital cobank Transnational Inc. cent, according to information according to the person. Austin EEcobank (ETI)’s unit in Nigeria – from a person with knowledge Osokpo, a spokesman for EcoNigeria Plc, sold of the offering, who asked not bank, didn’t immediately reFGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.29

4.04

102.96

103.88

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.40

5.27

106.79

107.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00 sold

Corporate Eurobonds

$200 million of dated suborB-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I dinated notes due in 2021 to GTBANK PLC I B+/S&P;lenders B+/Fitch join in Africa’s largGTBANK PLC est economy raising funds B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC through B/S&P; B/Fitch debt sales. FIDELITY BANK PLC B/Fitch AFREN PLC The issuance according to B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITHof BANK Bloomberg has a yield 9 PLC per B/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC cent and a couponDIAMOND of 8.75 per B/S&P; B-/Fitch

FIRST BANK PLC

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

$450 million of bonds on

come rose 15 per cent to $194 million for the six months through June. The stock rose 4.6 per cent to 2.96 111.45 112.64 N18.33 as of 3:01 p.m. 106.15 in Lagos, 3.87 104.43 adding to its 13 per cent advance 5.83 99.50 100.63 this year. The 195-member 6.41 100.59 102.30 Nigerian (NSE) All 8.17 Stock Exchange 94.21 95.89 6.36 108.21 110.63 Share Index has gained 3.1 per 6.09 in 2014. 99.41 100.66 cent Ecobank’s Nigeria 8.67 99.36 unit isn’t listed on the100.27 bourse.

1,594.55 July 18.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

to be identified because they 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 weren’t authorised to speak 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 publicly. Deutsche Bank AG and 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 Standard Chartered 7.25 JUL 25, 2017Plc were 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 the lead managers. 10.25 APRexpected 08, 2019 The notes are to be 6.25 APR 22, 2019 eligible as Tier 2 capital by the 8.75 May 21, 2019 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 6.63 DEC 09, 2020

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

spond to questions he requested 01-Feb-11 11.50 be sent by e-mail. 19-May-11 7.50 Access Bank Plc sold $400 08-Nov-13 6.00 million of subordinated notes 25-Jul-12 7.25 6.88 last09-May-13 June with the yield falling 08-Apr-12 10.25 80 basis points since they were 22-Apr-14 issued to 8.7 per cent6.25 by 2:46 p.m. 21-May-14 8.75 in Lagos. First Bank8.25of Nigeria 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13

6.63

The banks are raising money to help01-Feb-16 fund power, oil ex450.00 3.71 ploration and manufacturing 500.00 19-May-16 4.85 projects in Nigeria, Africa’s 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.13 biggest crude producer. 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.03Eco300.00 02-May-18 bank Transnational, a 8.72 lender 300.00 08-Apr-19 7.63 based in the Togolese capital 500.00 22-Apr-19 of Lome that operates6.39 in 36 200.00 21-May-19 8.91 African countries, said net in300.00 07-Aug-20 7.26

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.00

6.56

103.42

105.92

5.10

104.41

105.89

3,660.00 3,762.85

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

7-Aug-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products,FIXINGS fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms ofMaturity Use and Disclaimer Statement. DTM Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%)

**Treasury Bills

7 14-Aug-14 9.85 14 21-Aug-14 10.40 21 28-Aug-14 10.35 FGN Bonds 28 4-Sep-14 10.20 35 11-Sep-14 10.40 Issuer Description 42 18-Sep-14 10.50 Rating/Agency 49 25-Sep-14 10.55 56 2-Oct-14 10.65 9.25 28-SEP-2014 63 9-Oct-14 10.45 4.00 23-APR-2015 70 16-Oct-14 10.65 13.05 16-AUG-2016 77 23-Oct-14 10.60 15.10 27-APR-2017 84 30-Oct-14 10.40 9.85 27-JUL-2017 91 6-Nov-14 10.25 98 13-Nov-14 10.70 9.35 31-AUG-2017 105 20-Nov-14 10.20 10.70 30-MAY-2018 112 27-Nov-14 10.80 16.00 29-JUN-2019 NA NA 119 4-Dec-14 10.05 7.00 23-OCT-2019 126 11-Dec-14 10.75 16.39 27-JAN-2022 154 8-Jan-15 10.15 14.20 14-MAR-2024 168 22-Jan-15 10.25 15.00 28-NOV-2028 182 5-Feb-15 10.35 196 19-Feb-15 10.15 12.49 22-MAY-2029 210 5-Mar-15 10.35 8.50 20-NOV-2029 245 9-Apr-15 10.25 10.00 23-JUL-2030 259 23-Apr-15 10.15 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 273 7-May-15 10.10 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE *from the Amortising bonds, # the average life is calculated Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

9.60 10.15 10.10 9.95 10.15 10.25 Date Issue 10.30 10.40 28-Sep-07 10.20 23-Apr-10 10.40 16-Aug-13 10.35 27-Apr-12 10.15 27-Jul-07 10.00 10.45 31-Aug-07 9.95 30-May-08 10.55 29-Jun-12 9.80 23-Oct-09 10.50 27-Jan-12 9.90 14-Mar-14 10.00 28-Nov-08 10.10 9.90 22-May-09 10.10 20-Nov-09 10.00 23-Jul-10 9.90 18-Jul-14 9.85

9.87 10.44 10.41 10.28 10.50 10.63 (%) Coupon 10.70 10.83 9.25 10.64 4.00 10.87 13.05 10.84 15.10 10.66 9.85 10.52 11.02 9.35 10.51 10.70 11.17 16.00 10.39 7.00 11.16 16.39 10.60 14.20 10.76 15.00 10.91 10.74 12.49 11.01 8.50 11.01 10.00 10.94 12.1493 10.93

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Issuer

(N'bn)

Value

Rate (%) 10.9583 12.7678 13.4520 14.2019 Maturity

OBB O/N

REPO Tenor TTM (Yrs)

Date

100.00 28-Sep-14 535.00 NITTY 23-Apr-15 515.27 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 452.80 27-Apr-17 1M 10.4409 27-Jul-17 2M20.00 10.5373 3M 10.6417 100.00 31-Aug-17 6M 10.7020 300.00 30-May-18 9M 10.9015 351.30 29-Jun-19 12M 11.0130 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 220.15 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 Current Price ($/N) 22-May-29 150.00 BID($/N) 200.00 162.1875 20-Nov-29 OFFER ($/N) 162.2875 591.57 23-Jul-30 35.00 18-Jul-34

Call 1M 0.14 3M 0.71 6M

AMCON

Modified Duration FMBN Buckets

<3 ***LCRM 3<5 >5 Market

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description

Issue Date

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00Porfolio FMB 24-MAY-2015 Market Total Outstanding Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 1,026.51 968.07 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 1,138.45 951.30

746.16 2,911.12

10.54

Tenor

10.79

Spot 7D 14D Offer Yield 1M 2M (%) 3M 9.52 6M 10.11 1Y

Rate Bid (%) Yield (%) 10.58 12.77 10.57 13.33 10.88 13.80

2.03 11.18 11.10 2.72 11.09 11.03 2.97 11.06 11.00 :Benchmarks 3.07 11.07 10.94 * :Amortising3.81 Bond 11.15 11.05 µ :Convertible4.89 Bond 11.33 11.26 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 5.21 11.34 11.25 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 7.47 11.96 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of12.02 Nigeria 9.60 Finance Corporation 12.18 12.13 IFC: International 12.14 Management 12.10 LCRM: Local14.31 Contractors Receivables NAHCO: Nigerian Company 14.79 Aviation Handling 12.14 12.10 O/N: Overnight 15.29 12.14 12.09 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 15.96 12.19 12.14 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 19.95 12.14 12.10 NOTE:

Bid ($/N) 162.55 162.93 163.18 163.80 Bid Price 164.93 166.23 99.77 169.93 95.40 177.70

Offer ($/N) 162.65 Price

163.19 163.52 Offer Price 164.46 166.11 167.8699.92 173.56 95.90 184.70

103.30 103.45 109.15 109.30 97.00 97.15 NA :Not Applicable 95.63 95.93 # :Floating98.60 Rate Bond 98.90 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 117.45 117.15 83.24 83.54 †: Bond rating expired 121.15 121.45 111.20 111.50 119.16 119.46 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 102.34 102.64 UBA: United Bank for Africa 74.94 75.24 84.75 85.05 100.03 100.33

4,479.99

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Agency Bonds NA

O/N 1M 3M Outstanding 6M

NIBOR

4,567.45

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

BondsTenor

811.72 2,731.09

28-Dec-11

Weighting by 24-May-10 Outstanding Vol 03-Apr-12

09-Dec-11 35.45 20-Apr-12

06-Jul-12 34.83

29.72 100.00

0.00

Weighting0.00 by Mkt Value 17.25

0.00/16.00 35.26 0.00/16.50

0.00/16.50 39.11

25.63 100.00

978.35

24.56 Bucket Weighting

3.30 112.22 0.35 116.70

66.49 0.35

0.30 1,301.62

1.00

1,271.28

31-Oct-14

% Exposure_ 24-May-15 Mod_Duration 03-Apr-17

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

0.23

1.00

0.79 Implied Yield

09-Dec-16 16.53 20-Apr-17

06-Jul-17 35.64

1.40 2.34 11.13 2.70 2.91 11.81

47.82 100.00

12.19 11.88

Implied 2.63 Portfolio Price 2.27

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

11.65

97.38

INDEX13.50

2.00 118.5128 1.00 1.00 134.1549

13.21 13.08 1,125.63 12.07 12.06 1,135.97

101.2023 118.8163

1,180.61 1,128.63

YTD Return 90.12 (%) 105.23

100.59 12.5630 99.17 96.76 13.5972

18.0606 12.8628

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA

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

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17

0.19 1.07 0.67 1.19 1.19 2.70 1.74

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00

13.90 15.30 14.12 15.35 14.37 16.66 12.03

99.91 97.31 99.75 98.86 101.54 85.93 102.83

46 business | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at July 17, 2014 Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019

Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014

Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 15.10% FGN APR 2017 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FG9B2017S2

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 109.95

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 114,323.12 114,323.12

100

114,323.12

100

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as&ofBAKER 07/08/2014 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 Pharmaceuticals Totals

114,323.12

Daily Summary (Equities)

Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties

Activity SummaryFEEDS on Board LIVESTOCK PLC.EQTY

Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 21 13 35

Current Price 0.50 34.44 37.00

Quantity Traded 100 94,021 57,420 151,541

Value Traded 50.00 3,224,437.17 2,122,547.45 5,347,034.62

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 150 150

Value Traded 607.50 607.50

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 35 35

Current Price 3.24

Quantity Traded 1,276,294 1,276,294

Value Traded 4,084,049.51 4,084,049.51

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Totals

Diversified Industries JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

71 Symbol JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014Construction Infrastructure/Heavy Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014

Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY N NIG. FLOURon MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products--Diversified Totals

No. of Deals 1 228 56 285

1,427,985 Page Current Price 1.13 5.57 61.00

285

Quantity Traded 100 7,784,239 488,130 8,272,469

Value Traded 108.00 43,487,887.92 29,766,123.80 73,254,119.72

8,272,469

73,254,119.72

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 1.18

Quantity Traded 325,335 325,335

Value Traded 378,653.16 378,653.16

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 65.00

Quantity Traded 8,813 8,813

Value Traded 578,947.53 578,947.53

No. of Deals (Equities) 12 12

Current Price 17.00

Quantity Traded 163,728 163,728

Value Traded 2,782,818.00 2,782,818.00

497,876

3,740,418.69

Symbol UAC-PROP Daily Summary

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Computer Based Systems Totals ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

9,431,691.63 1 of 15

Symbol COSTAIN

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,000 Page 5,000

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

No. of Deals 15 41 13 1 143 213

Current Price 8.31 200.00 26.65 2.58 186.90

Quantity Traded 251,581 88,167 13,182 100 790,577 1,143,607

Value Traded 1,989,244.76 17,630,730.76 356,622.30 246.00 147,236,814.22 167,213,658.04

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 115.00

Quantity Traded 1,772 1,772

Value Traded 213,969.00 213,969.00

Symbol No. of Deals DANGFLOUR 37 DANGSUGAR 59 FLOURMILL 109 Daily Summary (Equities) HONYFLOUR 37 NASCON 50 NNFM 8 300

Current Price 7.40 9.00 79.35 4.19 10.42 20.65

Quantity Traded 94,683 2,240,610 966,703 552,806 1,582,023 465,930 5,902,755

Value Traded 729,369.24 20,169,046.00 76,809,127.24 2,298,813.02 16,501,026.28 9,621,986.82 126,129,368.60

Current Price 4.28

Quantity Traded 416,596 416,596

Value Traded 1,717,112.57 1,717,112.57

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 39 66 105

Current Price 37.97 49.00

Quantity Traded 225,250 332,269 557,519

Value Traded 8,483,238.01 16,243,334.43 24,726,572.44

8,087,400

368,023,725.92

Current Price 0.50 0.80 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.50 0.54 0.79 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Current Price 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.83

Quantity Traded 1,200 4,531,755 290,750 530,800 300 100 506 501,460 300 1,000,010 2,900 333,300 799,060 1,835,073 211,000 276,543 200 200 505 Page Quantity Traded 200 200 50,200 Page 953,645 11,320,207

Value Traded 600.00 3,627,469.06 291,312.50 265,400.00 150.00 50.00 253.00 259,040.47 150.00 500,005.00 1,450.00 833,590.00 431,517.40 1,467,627.55 105,500.00 139,143.50 100.00 100.00 252.50 5 of 15 Value Traded 100.00 100.00 25,100.00 6 of 15 790,159.05 8,739,170.03

Symbol INFINITY

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.52

Quantity Traded 105 105

Value Traded 159.60 159.60

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 66 29 374 50 1 28 78 626

Current Price 3.19 3.90 15.31 4.30 0.53 29.30 2.13

Quantity Traded 1,301,103 249,519 7,019,219 8,285,442 153,614 262,529 2,081,135 19,352,561

Value Traded 4,145,682.08 983,649.57 107,253,433.48 35,227,830.62 81,415.42 7,720,442.27 4,502,367.63 159,914,821.07

150,769,373

1,994,496,853.35

2,214

Page

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 5.00 14.44

Quantity Traded 1,000 2,000 3,000

Value Traded 4,750.00 27,440.00 32,190.00

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.21

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 210.00 210.00

Page 9,100

7 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP Daily Summary CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER FIRSTALUM IPWA Symbol PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 65 4 12 (Equities) 94 29 14 1 1 No. of Deals 7 94

Current Price 33.73 8.60 39.00 15.19 230.00 1.10 0.50 0.50 Current Price 5.37 123.00

Quantity Traded 483,946 7,164 67,049 1,942,325 166,011 334,100 100 100 Quantity176,600 Traded 1,031,555

321

4,208,950 Page

of 15 35,750.00

Value Traded 16,354,512.45 59,447.30 2,709,699.85 29,759,036.02 38,106,823.75 388,376.00 50.00 50.00 Value Traded 905,523.00 126,758,557.06

215,042,075.43 9 of 15

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.92

Quantity Traded 81,866 81,866

Value Traded 157,749.78 157,749.78

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 17.11

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 1,790.00 1,790.00

Symbol NIGROPES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.46

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 7,090.00 7,090.00

4,291,916

215,208,705.21

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 27,400.00 27,400.00

5,000

27,400.00

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL PLC. Daily Summary as ofNIGERIA 07/08/2014 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AFRINSURE 2 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 28 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 16 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 17 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GNI 2 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS 1 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC HMARKINS 2 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS 13 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO 2 LAW AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION 2 Daily Summary asUNION of 07/08/2014 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC LINKASSURE 5 Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 9 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 15 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 30 Daily Summary (Equities) NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS 5 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE 11 REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC REGALINS 1 Activity Summary on Board EQTY SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS 1 FINANCIAL SERVICES STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STACO 2 Published by The Nigerian Stock Brokers Exchange © Services Insurance Carriers, and Symbol No. of Deals STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STDINSURE 1 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIC 1 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC UNIVINSURE 2 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC 47 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals 215

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol CWG NCR

SERVICES SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Value Traded 197,182,163.09 10,049,377.46 179,547,808.39 17,132,460.43 335,273,106.36 14,759,610.92 3,136,026.32 Value Traded 198,593,517.02 8,221,359.03 4 541,528.00 of 15 Value Traded 538,046.63 860,315,329.26 1,825,290,332.91

Value Traded 14,840.00 537,529.74 552,369.74

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals

329 Symbol

No. of Deals 2 2

BOCGAS Daily Summary (Equities)

RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 Hotels/Lodging Totals Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Activity Summary PRESS on Board EQTY UNIVERSITY PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals SERVICES

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Published by The Transportation Nigerian Stock Exchange Road Totals © Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 Specialty

INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC Specialty Totals

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 58 58

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 5,444,033 5,444,033 Page

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 354 354

Current Price 26.70

Quantity Traded 3,654,934 3,654,934

Value Traded 97,901,149.04 97,901,149.04

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 24 40 94 53 34 14 259

Current Price 68.70 3.99 238.50 173.90 58.90 176.02

Quantity Traded 268,475 920,499 221,917 327,677 84,564 31,825 1,854,957

Value Traded 18,317,138.66 3,673,246.99 52,319,470.53 56,924,574.24 4,999,885.00 5,602,928.00 141,837,243.42

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 699.99

Quantity Traded 116,486 116,486

Value Traded 81,465,755.00 81,465,755.00

11,070,410

323,989,395.87 Value Traded Value Traded 142,169.80 142,169.80

Daily Summary (Equities)

689

Value Traded 2,785,248.41 102,785,248.41 of 15

Symbol Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded Quantity142,182 Traded 142,182

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 4.40

Page Quantity Traded 376,136 376,136

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,647,635 7,647,635

Value Traded 3,825,012.60 3,825,012.60

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST

No. of Deals 2 33 1 36

Current Price 4.50 0.71 3.88

Quantity Traded 4,000 5,795,050 100 5,799,150

Value Traded 17,120.00 4,016,096.60 369.00 4,033,585.60

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 27 28

Current Price 1.60 4.48

Quantity Traded 5,000 469,060 474,060

Value Traded 8,100.00 2,070,183.87 2,078,283.87

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 0.86

Quantity Traded 610,906 Page 610,906

Symbol INTERLINK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 4.90

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 2,796.00 2,796.00

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

Quantity Traded 64,300 731,035 795,335

Value Traded 138,830.00 3,712,635.42 3,851,465.42

Quantity Traded 125,400 125,400

Value Traded 776,616.57 776,616.57

212

15,973,404

16,876,596.26

4,635

201,375,364

3,012,914,158.14

Daily Summary (Equities)

AIRSERVICE NAHCO Symbol CAVERTON

6 54 60

2.21 5.03

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 6.19

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Current Price 5.76

OIL AND GAS Totals

Quantity Traded 20,058,306 1,572,925 9,820,242 8,493,873 10,981,661 4,740,154 1,424,888 Quantity Traded 25,479,507 961,332 1,083,056 Page Quantity534,166 Traded 34,378,344 119,528,454

Quantity Traded 2,600 565,446 568,046

Value Traded 250.00 250.00

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 10.00 6.44 18.33 2.04 30.40 3.16 2.20 Current Price 7.90 8.61 0.50 Current Price 1.01 24.99

Current Price 5.96 0.96

Quantity Traded 500 500

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 149 DIAMONDBNK 46 Daily ETISummary (Equities) 157 FIDELITYBK 81 GUARANTY 304 Daily Summary (Equities) SKYEBANK 59 STERLNBANK 35 Symbol No. of Deals UBA 179 UBN 71 UNITYBNK 12 Symbol No. of Deals WEMABANK 24 ZENITHBANK 241 1,358

No. of Deals 2 11 13

Current Price 0.50

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

No. of Deals 20 20

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment Services Published by The Nigerian Stockand Exchange © Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol OMATEK

Activity Summary on Board NATURAL RESOURCES TotalsEQTY

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

701

Value Traded 3,100.00 3,100.00

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

Value Traded 1,272,541.60 46,748,003.67 3 of 15 48,020,545.27

7,829,501.49

Quantity Traded 5,500 5,500

Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC Tools and Machinery Totals Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 GOODS Totals Printed INDUSTRIAL 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019

Quantity Traded 18,040 42,111 Page 60,151

970,431

88 Current Price 0.57

Building Materials PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price 74.25 1,110.00

Value Traded 68,765.00 1,670,826.00 5,710,400.04 167,692.85 211,817.60 7,829,501.49

No. of Deals 3 3

ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DNSummary MEYER PLC. Activity on Board EQTY FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS IPWA PLC

No. of Deals 15 43 58

Quantity Traded 31,900 552,000 91,272 102,862 192,397 970,431

Symbol COURTVILLE

Daily Summary as of GOODS 07/08/2014 INDUSTRIAL Printed 07/08/2014 Building15:03:19.019 Materials

Value Traded of2,500.00 15 2,500.00

Current Price 2.15 3.00 65.01 1.64 1.13

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 FINANCIAL15:03:19.019 SERVICES Printed 07/08/2014 Banking Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY BANK PLC. Activity SummaryTRUST on Board EQTY SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED BANKon FOR AFRICA PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY UNION BANK NIG.PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES UNITY BANKStock PLC Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

No. of Deals 10 24 24 16 14 88

HEALTHCARE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Daily Summary as of 07/08/2014 Crop Production Totals Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

Daily Summary (Equities)

11 of 15 Value Traded 1,656,078.40 1,656,078.40

Value Traded 509,588.00 12 509,588.00 of 15

Activity Summary on Board ASeM OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CAPITAL OIL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Petroleum Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Daily Summary as of and 07/08/2014

Symbol CAPOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Printed 07/08/2014 15:03:19.019 OIL AND GAS Totals

SERVICES Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers JULI PLC. Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Totals

Quantity Traded 10,000 Page 10,000

1 Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Daily Summary (Equities) JULI

Activity Summary on Board ASeM SERVICES Totals

Current Price 0.50

Current Price 1.84

Value Traded 5,000.00 of 15 5,000.00

10,000

5,000.00

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 175.00 175.00

100

175.00

10,100

5,175.00

Page 3,012,919,333.14 14 of 15 201,385,464

4,637

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 2,033.00 19.37

Quantity Traded 40 10 50

Value Traded 81,320.00 193.70 81,513.70

ETF Board Totals

81,513.70

ETP Activity Totals

81,513.70

NEWS 47

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Post-UME examination: Students write under candle light in FUTO Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) PostUniversity Matriculation Examination (PostUME) that took place at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) incidentally became an assault on qualitative education in the country as students took the examination with candle lights. An exercise billed to commence by 9am was by almost 7pm forcing the Post-UME candidates to write the examination with candle lights, torchlights, mobile phone lights

and rechargeable lanterns, a development that is widely believed to have compromised the standard of the examination. The examination among other places held at the University’s1000-capacity hall and other halls within the vicinity and one of the candidates confided in New Telegraph that in his hall, the invigilator, who he believes is also a lecturer in the University had to drive his car close to the hall and beam his headlamp on the hall to give light to the outraged examination candidates. Dependable FUTO sources heaped the blames for the examination flop on the Deputy Vice Chancel-

lor (Academics), Professor B.N. Onwuagba who was accused of unduly delaying the examination to forestall leakage. The source said: “Professor Onwuagba is the cause of the confusion and late commencement of the examination. Can you imagine he started photocopying materials for the examination by 5pm? And this is an examination that was billed for 9am. No examination regulation justifies this.” A top University official who craved anonymity, told New Telegraph in a telephone conversation that what transpired on was not deliberate as Professor Onwuagba had

suddenly taken ill on the examination day and by the time the situation was salvaged, it was already late. “It was an unforeseen situation and entirely nobody’s fault. Professor Onwuagba’s health challenge rubbed off on the examination and it was unfortunate it turned out that way”, the source said. The University spokesman, Mr. Chike Ezenwa said the incident was unfortunate but definitely not deliberate. He explained that the examination was a three-day affair and other days beside had ended in good time and under very conducive environment.

APGA defection: Councillors pledge support for Obiano Tony Okafor

Awka

midst mass defection AGrand in the All Progressives Alliance (APGA), Anambra State chapter, about 326 councilors in the State yesterday stormed the Government House to renew their unflinching support to the governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the APGA leadership in general. The councilors under the aegis of Anambra State Councilors’ Forum (ASCON) and led by their state Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Okpaleke assured the State governor of his members unalloyed support and cooperation . They implored the governor to assign more roles to them as a way to bring them nearer to the state government, adding that as grassroots leaders they had

the capacity to mobilize and garner people's support for the government. Receiving the councilors at the Conference Hall , Government House, the Special Adviser to the governor on political matters , Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike said he would take their message to the governor accordingly. Uzodike who described councilors as the bed rock of democracy enjoined them to mobilise their people to participate in the forthcoming re-validation of voter's card exercise so that they could obtain permanent voter’s cards that he said would make them relevant in next year’s elections and subsequent ones. He commended the councilors for organizing themselves under one umbrella, assuring them of government’s patronage henceforth.

INEC deploys 5000 workers for voters' re-validation in Anambra Tony Okafor

Awka

head of the 2015 genAIndependent eration election, the National

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Fatai Opebiyi; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka and Commissioner for Education, Mr. Segun Odubela, at a press conference to sensitise the public on Ebola virus disease in Abeokuta...yesterday. PHOTO: KUNLE OLAYENI

22.69%

The percentage drop of air travel passengers of Katsina airport (2012-2013) Source: National Bureau of Statistics

160,000

The total number of internet users in Barbados in 2005. Source: Blatantworld.com

The number of attacking shots blocked from Brazil at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

Ebola: Bayelsa proclaims readiness to tackle virus lDep. gov heads committee to check encroachment on govt land

he Bayelsa State Government said it has made elaborate preparations to tackle any outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus in the State. Addressing Government House correspondents after a State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei disclosed that the State government has also set up a 13-man Taskforce to map out strategies as well as liaise with other notable local, national and international health institutions to confront any cases of the virus in the State. The Committee has the Commissioner of Health, Dr Ayibatonye Owei as chairman, Dr Biribina

Samayin as secretary, Dr Wakiente Ombu, Dr Douye Aganaba and Dr Taribara Sigah Ekere as members. Also to serve as members are Dr Oyeyemi Abisoye, Mrs. Kenisuomein Walson, Dr Israel Jeremiah, Comrade Biobelemoye Joy Josiah, Mrs Monica Azazi Olarinde, Dr. Zuobeni Agade and Mrs Shakirat Azazi. According to the Commissioner, some of the measures being put in place include, training programmes for all health personnel in health institutions across the State, because they are the ones, who are mostly at the risk of contracting it. Dr. Owei explained that, health personnel will be trained in collaboration

with the state ministry of health, World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal Ministry of Health and the centre for disease control, stating that, the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital have been designated as Centres to handle patients in case of an outbreak of the disease in the State. He disclosed that provision has been made for protective equipment for health personnel, while sensitization programmes to enlighten the public have been ongoing on radio, television and newspaper with designated emergency phone lines to be contacted for any suspected cases. The health commission-

er advised members of the public to be very cautious and take their personal hygiene seriously by washing their hands regularly, stressing that the virus can be contracted through personal contact, especially through the body fluid of an infected person. “The Ebola scourge is real as the state government and indeed, the Ministry of Health is working towards tackling the scourge," Owei said. “Those who have developed the symptoms such as cough, diarrhea, severe pain, bleeding through the nose, eyes, mouth, should be handled with care and be reported to any of the designated centres”, he said.

Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded arrangements to deploy about 5000 ad hoc staff for the permanent voters’ card registration and revalidation exercise billed for August 15 to 17 in the State. Briefing reporters during a meeting of the Inter -Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Awka yesterday, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu said training of the staff, which would include members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for the three –day exercise would commence on Monday next week. The Inter Agency

Consultative Committee has the State commissioner of police, Mr. Usman Gwary as chairman, with heads of other security operatives, as well as the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and the National Population Commission, NPC, as members. He explained that about 101 units, which were not captured during the previous elections, would be captured this time. He said about 58 of such units were located in Awka South local government area, while the rest were located in the other local government areas. He directed those who lost their voters’ cards during flooding that occurred in the state two years ago to come to the commission for clarification, adding that he would personally issue them another card if their names were found in the voters’ register.

Union removes president Onah. O. Onah

Onitsha

nitsha Iron Rod and Oimpeached Steel Drivers have their Presi-

dent General, Chief Augustine Oti over alleged gross misconduct and embezzlement of public fund. The decision was reached at a general meeting held in Okopoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, where Chief Oti was accused of working with revenue touts across the nation who have become a torn in the flesh of the truck drivers. After reading the im-

peachment speech by one of the aggrieved members, the entire members of the Iron Rod and Steel Drivers association unanimously adopted the proceedings. The impeached president was also accused of having defrauded the drivers to the tune of undisclosed millions of naira through dubious means. The group said that instead of the already impeached president to join hands with his members to fight the touts stationed in the different locations on the federal highways he regrettably connived with them.

48 NEWS

OSUN 2014

Sanctity of Truth

Governorship election should not be militarised, says NLC Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

ess than 24 hours to the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the deployment of armed security personnel to the state by the Federal Government. NLC in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National President, Abdulwahid Omar, said such measure is not helpful to the growth of the country’s democratic culture. It argued that militaris-

5.6m

ing the governorship election portends an infringement on the rights of the electorate, who it noted may refuse to participate in the election as a result of the intimidating presence of armed security agents. “We are worried by the deployment of armed security men and women to Osun State as part of preparations ahead of the governorship election scheduled to hold tomorrow across the state. “We believe this cannot be helpful to the growth of any democratic culture as it portends an infringement on the rights of the

The total population of women in Cuba in 2012. Source: Un.org

electorate, who may refuse to participate in the election as a result of the intimidating presence of armed security agents,” it said. NLC said the situation has become more worrisome, following reported shootings across the state capital by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) shortly after arriving the state for electionrelated duties. While wondering the justification for such action by the SSS, the labour body cautioned that the state should not be turned into a war zone, adding that there have

11%

The percentage of drought disaster of world’s water-related natural disaster between 1990 and 2001. Source: Unesco.org

been credible elections in the past without resort to over-militarisation. It argued that peaceful elections are possible in any part of the country without armed monitors if political actors are ready to play by the rules. “While we do not discountenance the importance of security for peaceful and orderly elections, over dramatisation of the use of force and arms defeats the very essence for which security is needed. We dare say this roadshow may be more useful in combat zones with insurgents or armed robbers or even crude oil thieves.”

3.8

The average number of cautions (yellow cards) per match at South Africa 2010 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

Friday, August 8, 2014

Falana: Only banana republic uses soldiers for elections Juliana Francis agos lawyer and human LFalana rights activist, Mr. Femi (SAN), has charged

journalists and Nigerians to rise up against the deployment of soldiers in elections, saying that only a banana republic does so. Speaking with journalists at Ikeja, Lagos State on Tuesday, Falana said politicians, including President Goodluck Jonathan, should be educated on the unconstitutionality of deploying soldiers for elections. Falana said: “I want to enjoin the media, to educate these people, so that they don’t continue to treat

us like we are in a banana republic! There’s no civilized society in Africa, I don’t want to talk about Europe and America, that deploys troops, soldiers for election purpose. “Ghana, South Africa, just had elections, soldiers were not involved. Restricting people’s movement is another primitive way of conducting elections. But once you’ve restricted movement, what do you need soldiers for?” Falana argued that in a state where election is holding and someone wants to walk from one ward, to another, “a common police can stop the person.”

CACOL disagrees with Jega Temitope Ogunbanke he Coalition Against TCOL) Corrupt Leaders (CAhas disagreed with

the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, over his claim that taking photographs of ballot papers by voters is illegal. CACOL in a statement issued by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran, argued that snapping of ballot papers by individual voters should not violate the secrecy of any election. He said: “Everybody should be free to snap his own ballot paper. That shouldn’t constitute a crime. Taking photograph

of your own ballot should not violate its secrecy. Basically, citizens should be allowed to take as many photographs as possible; they should be allowed to stay around to take as many photographs as they like and nobody should be intimidated except they are perpetrating evil. “If INEC doesn’t have anything to hide, they shouldn’t bar people from taking photographs. That would increase transparency. The ballot paper is the constitutional property of every voter, so should be allowed to snap his ballot, if he so wishes." “It only becomes an offence if you attempt to take the photograph of other people’s ballot papers."

Students charged to conduct themselves during election Adeolu Adeyemo, OSOGBO Security men at INEC headquarters, Osogbo, in preparation for the Osun State governorship election...yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Protect your votes, Buhari tells APC supporters SOLIDARITY

APC leader and Presidential hopeful Bukhari, lectures supporters on civic responsibility Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

ormer Head of State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Bu-

hari (rtd), has called on the party’s supporters and the entire electorate in Osun State to protect their votes during Saturday's governorship election. Buhari, who spoke through the Director General of his campaign organisation, the Buhari 2015 Support Group Centre, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, also urged the APC supporters to remain steadfast and vigilant, so as to forestall any form of rigging or manipulation

of the election. In a solidarity message to the APC and the people of Osun, Dembo encouraged the party faithful not to allow themselves to be intimidated by the heavy presence of security agencies, stating that; “Under normal situation, elections need no military presence.” His statement, however, reminded the security agencies deployed to the state “to remember that they are being funded by tax-payers money, hence

must work in the interest of the people and not that of any political party.” Also, it advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “to ensure that a credible, free and fair election is conducted that would receive international acceptance and see their duty as a necessary one in the democratic development of the country,” adding that the commission is “therefore expected to work without fear or favour.

ew hours to the conFgovernorship duct of the Osun State election,

the leadership of the students’ unions in the state yesterday appealed to their members not to allow themselves to be used for electoral fraud during and after the exercise. The students’ body made the appeal in a statement signed by its President and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ibikunle Isaac and Comrade Bamidele Oludare, respectively. The statement reads in part: “We are the leaders of tomorrow, they would say, but which nation do we intend to lead if we betray its future now? Let us

‘Oyinlola’s defection marks exit from South-West politics’ Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

ormer Deputy National FDemocratic Chairman of the Peoples Party (PDP) South, Alhaji Shuab Afolabi Oyedokun, yesterday said the defection of the former governor of Osun

State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marked his exit from the politics of the South-West. Oyedokun in a statement in Osogbo, said: “He has taken the wrong step out of the cocoon into which he has entangled

himself with his joining the APC. He has finally nailed his political career in the South-West.” Meanwhile, Oyinlola in a press conference yesterday, said he has nothing to do again with the politics of Osun State and that he would now play his poli-

tics at the federal level. “It is definitely an irony of fate that Oyinlola, who has squandered the goodwill which the PDP has lavishly extended to him at both the state and national levels, is the same person crying loudest as he approaches equity with

soiled hands,” the former Deputy National Chairman remarked. “In the light of this, Prince Oyinlola would need more than a passing condemnation to explain the roles Otunba Iyiola Omisore, played in building his political achieve-

as Nigerian students conduct ourselves at the polls as peaceful citizens and cast our votes as critically minded individuals. “Good people of Osun should employ their critical mind at the polls. It is important that we continue to secure the future of the state with our votes as our conscience and the generation will demand that we account for actions today. “Let us conduct ourselves as peaceful patriots, let us desist from all forms of electoral violence and manipulation of the polls. “We must not allow ourselves to be used as political tools in the hands of the political gladiators for their unholy intentions during and after the elections." ments. “Still he could not explain to us how his loss of the national secretaryship of the party translated to the claimed marginalisation of Yoruba race as the position still remains occupied by an indigene of Osun State, Prof. Wale Oladipo,” Oyedokun added.

NEWS 49

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

Fashola tasks Corps members on integrity, devotion Ewoh Victoria and Shadrack Yusuf of Lagos State, Gla overnor Babatunde Raji Fasho(SAN), has urged Corps members to take every segment of their orientation course serious and ensure that they serve their fatherland with integrity, devotion, loyalty and accountability. The governor’s admonition was contained in an address read on his behalf by Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Batch “B” National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, yesterday. A total of 1,977 Corps members comprising 837 males and 1,140 females were sworn- in at the

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (2nd left), inspecting a guard of honour mounted by 'Batch B' corps members during their swearingin ceremony at Okada, Edo State…yesterday

Nigeria, GE renew infrastructure development agreement T he Federal Government and the General Electric (GE) have extended their landmark, first-of-its-kind Country-to-Company (C2C) agreement for another five years. The event took place in Washington DC during the US-Africa Heads of State summit. As part of the bilateral agreement extension, GE will continue leveraging its advanced technology, expertise and global pedigree to address the infrastructure deficits in the critical sectors that are integral to the development of Nigeria’s economy, including Power, Transportation and Healthcare. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga signed for the Federal Government while GE Africa CEO Mr. Jay Ireland and Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, CEO GE Nigeria signed for General Electric. In 2009, GE signed the C2C agreement with

the Nigerian government under late President Yar’Adua. The goal of the agreement was to grow the country’s economy to one of the 20 largest in the world by 2020 - the Vision 20:2020 initiative - and improve the lives of its 167 million citizens. Following significant progress, the agreement was revalidated in 2011 by President Yar’Adua’s successor, President Goodluck Jonathan. One of the commitments GE made to the Nigerian government at the signing of the C2C agreement was to add 10,000MW of incremental power to the national grid. Since signing the agreement in 2009, GE has helped to add over 4,000MW installed capacity and now supplies the turbines used to operate a number of Nigeria’s power plants. This work is being done through joint development agreements with other partners and sponsors, including the Independent Power Projects (IPP). “I am incredibly

proud of what GE and Nigeria have accomplished together over the past five years. GE has invested heavily in the nation by way of finance, people, technology and supply chain capabilities because we share the vision, aspirations and hopes of the Government and people. We look forward to the next phase of the C2C relationship and the continued success of the Vision 20:2020 initiative”, said Ireland. President Jonathan said: “Our partnership with GE has been very successful and the whole country is seeing the benefits. The Countryto-Company agreement is an integral part of achieving our Vision 20:2020 initiative and I am pleased at the positive impact it has had on jobs, transportation infrastructure, power supply and healthcare.” Since 2009, GE has made significant investments in improving core areas of Nigeria’s economy. The company has about 500 employees country-wide, 90

percent of whom are indigenous Nigerians. Completion of GE’s planned manufacturing and assembly facility in Calabar will generate extra 2,300 direct and indirect jobs and utilize 100 local suppliers. This is complemented by GE’s commitment to investing $2 million to modernize a technical college in Cross River state. The college will act as a feeder to the Calabar facility when completed. Last month, GE launched the global installation of its “Garages” program in Nigeria – a skill-building innovation and manufacturing centre, where aspiring makers and builders of all levels can go to develop new skills and learn about modern manufacturing technologies. The first location outside of the U.S, GE Garages in Nigeria include curated speakers sessions and workshops amidst a fully equipped ‘fab lab’, which includes hardware such as CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers and injection molders.

Activist wife arraigned for murder Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

former media aide to the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha and his wife, Mrs. Chioma Samuelson Iwuoha were yesterday charged to the Magistrate’s Court 1 sitting in Owerri for the murder of

one Franklin Okoli. During the arraignment of the couple, their counsel, Barr. Emperor Iwuala, who led four other lawyers to represent the two accused persons in the case, observed that the police knew that the Magistrate Court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain murder cases, but only came to the

court to get the couple remanded in prison custody. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Vicky Isiguzo, also remarked that her court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a murder case. However, while making an order to remand the couple in the Federal Prisons Owerri, the mag-

istrate directed the police counsel, Mr. B. Wuelor, who appeared for the Commissioner of Police, Imo State to forward the case file to the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) Imo State for further action. The case was adjourned to the 15th August 2014 for DPP’s report.

event. The governor assured the Corp members of peaceful stay throughout their service years. “I wish to assure you that the Government of Lagos State will do her best to ensure you have a memorable stay in Lagos State. Therefore ensure you put in fresh ideas and new drive to support the government through your dedication to service as this will help in the development of the state. “My dear Corps members; a lot is expected of you, from your parents and the nation. You are therefore advised to eschew all forms of negative acts such as cultism and drunkenness while in camp. Instead, be part of every effort towards ensuring your proper induction."

PDP accuses Yobe of non-performance Hassan Jirgi DAMATURU

ecretary of the Peoples SPDP) Democratic Party( in Potiskum local

government, Mohammed Alkali has accused Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam administration under All Progressives Congress ( APC) of poor performance in the State, saying it has no single project in the State. Speaking to newsmen shortly after paying a sympathy visit to the families of those who lost their lives and the injured in last week’s twin bomb blast in two mosques in Potiskum, Alkali criticized the APC led government. The twin blasts killed eleven people and injured

35 persons. Most of the injured are receiving treatment in Potiskum general hospital. " I, on behalf of my boss and former minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, extend our heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and the injured. Whoever that is responsible for this wicked act, God will expose and punish”, said Alkali. According to him, Dr. Ngama, a Yobe State governorship aspirant in 2015 assigned him to represent him and offer assistance to the victims, their relatives and even the health workers. He stated that Ngama is a philanthropist who enjoys assisting the needy always.

Alleged extra-judicial killings: Fulani herdsmen petition STF, NHRC, Police Buhari Bello, JOS amilies of two herdsFSobbe men, Hajiya Hauwa and Alhaji Idi, in

Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State have petitioned the Special Task Force (STF), commander over alleged conspiracy alleged extra judicial killings of their wards, by men of the STF. In a petitioned dated 30th July to the Commander, which was signed by Counsel to the families, Barrister Ahmad S. Garba, they said on the instructions of Flight Lieutenant Bulama, of the Sector 7 Barkin Ladi Command, the STF men conspired and arrested their children Sanusi Sobbe and Kabiru Idi on July 23rd this year, at Tenti in Bikkos Local Government Area. The petition said the duo were arrested follow-

ing family disputes between them and the duo of Alhaji Ibrahim Baru and Haruna Sobbe, on the issue of alleged cattle rustling. According to the petitioners the dispute between the two was determined by the State High Court, in case PLD/ J139C/2013. They stated that the court discharged and acquitted the dead persons of any offence and that the decision went against the wishes of Haruna Sobbe who then conspired with the men of the STF, and re-arrested the deceased.

CHANGE OF NAME

OYEFESO

I Formerly known as Rukayat Abolanle Gawat wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rukayat Abolanle Gawat-Oyefeso. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

50 WORLD | NEWS

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Russia hits West with food import ban in sanctions row

ussia is imposing a “full embargo” on food imports from the EU, US and some other Western countries, in response to sanctions over Ukraine. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said it would include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports. Australia, Canada and Norway are also affected. Russia is also banning Ukrainian airlines from

transit across its territory, he said in televised comments to the government. Furthermore, the Russian government is considering banning transit flights for EU and US airlines in retaliation for sanctions over Ukraine, he said. Barring airlines from Siberian airspace would significantly increase costs and flying time for many jets bound for Asian destinations.

EU food exports to Russia last year were worth 11.8bn euros (£9bn; $15.8bn) while US food exports to Russia were worth 972m euros (£772m; $1.3bn). Russia was the EU’s second-biggest market for food exports (10% of total), after the US (13%). The European Commission said the Russian embargo was “clearly politically motivated”. It is considering how to respond.

Western governments accuse the Kremlin of fomenting the unrest in eastern Ukraine by supplying weapons and expertise to the pro-Russian separatists. Last month the EU and US tightened sanctions on Russia, with Brussels applying restrictions to key sectors of the economy as well as individuals. The first round of sanctions came after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region in March. The crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 last month, killing 298 people, exacerbated tensions

between the West and Russia, as the separatists in eastern Ukraine were widely blamed. It is strongly suspected that a Russian missile system was used to down the jet. Dutch investigators have suspended work at the crash site, saying it is too dangerous, and Ukrainian forces battling the rebels in the area say their ceasefire has now ended. There has been heavier shelling on the outskirts of rebel-held Donetsk as Ukrainian troops edge closer to the city. Several civilian deaths were reported.

Obama signs veterans’ health care overhaul

People buy imported fruit at a supermarket in downtown Moscow yesterday.

Air Algerie AH5017 black box tape ‘unintelligible’

he cockpit voice recorder from the Air Algerie flight that crashed in Mali in July is damaged and unintelligible, French investigators say. They said the team was unable to extract information from one of the two black boxes found in the wreckage. Flight AH5017 went down en route to Algeria near the Malian town of Gossi, killing all 118 people aboard. France took a leading role in the investigation after 54 of its citizens were killed in the crash. French officials have said they believe bad weather was the likely cause of the crash on 24 July but have not ruled out other possible explanations. The voice recorder used magnetic audio tape - common to older aircraft - but this was found broken and had to be repaired, Remi Jouty, president of France’s BEA air accident investigator, told reporters at a press conference last week Thursday. “There is sound on the tape but it is unintelligible,” he said. “The device seemed to be recording but we don’t yet know why it did not work, except that this was not a result of the crash itself,”

Mr Jouty said, adding that it may have been caused by a “simple technical problem”. The system of using magnetic tape has since been replaced by digital technology in modern aircraft. Mr Jouty also said it seemed likely that the plane had broken up on impact instead of in the air, based on the strong concentration of debris in one area on the ground.”When we look at the trajectory, this leads us to believe that the plane did not break up into several pieces while in flight,” he said. “This does not exclude that damage was caused during the flight.” Meanwhile, the French army says investigators have left the site after transporting all useable DNA material to French laboratories, according to the BBC’s Alex Duval Smith in Mali. The Malian army is guarding the site, which includes a container full of the passengers’ personal effects, she says. Shortly before losing contact, the pilots of flight AH5017 had asked permission to change route due to bad weather after taking off from Burkina Faso. In addition to the French citizens, there were also 27 victims from Burki-

na Faso and further passengers from, among others, Lebanon, Algeria, Canada and Germany. One victim was British. All six members of the crew, who were Spanish, died in the crash.

eterans may soon have easier access to government-paid health care under a bill President Barack Obama signed into law yesterday, the government’s most sweeping response to date to a public uproar over system wide problems that have rocked the Veterans Affairs Department. With service members, lawmakers and military leaders looking on, Obama put his pen to the bill at Fort Belvoir, an Army base south of Washington, where he held up the legislation as a rare example of Republicans and Democrats working together effectively. Denouncing delays in care for veterans as wrong and outrageous, Obama said the government would keep

moving ahead with urgent reforms to ensure veterans have the care they’ve earned. “This will not and cannot be the end of our effort,” Obama said. “We have to make sure the VA system can keep pace with the new demands.” The $16.3 billion measure allows the Veterans Affairs Department to hire thousands of doctors, nurses and other health professionals at the VA’s nearly 1,000 hospitals and outpatient clinics nationwide. Under the new law, employment rules will be revised to make it easier to fire senior VA executives judged to be negligent or performing poorly. Congress approved the measure last week before taking a five-week recess — one of the few significant bills approved this year by both the House and the Senate.

Libya calls for UN-supervised ceasefire

he newly inaugurated Libyan parliament has threatened to act against warring militias who do not abide by its call for an immediate cease-fire, which it said would be supervised by the United Nations. The parliament’s call late Wednesday is among its first since it convened in the eastern city of Tobruk, after violence swept through the capital, Tripoli, and Libya’s second largest city of Benghazi. In a statement obtained by The Associated Press yesterday, the parliament called on “all warring parties without exception,” to enact an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire, ending all violence and attacks on civilians and civilian areas.” Any U.N. supervision of a cease-fire would require approv-

al from the U.N. Security Council. Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, the current Security Council president, told the AP: “I’ve just seen these reports. As far as I know we have not received any request for U.N. supervision of a cease-fire. If we do, then we’ll obviously look at it.” Also Wednesday, the parliament made changes to a previous constitutional declaration, giving itself more powers it said would help it rein in out-ofcontrol militias. The parliament’s call could very well fall on deaf ears however, like several other appeals for ceasefires made by the outgoing interim government. Militias have grown in power since the toppling of dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The decision came as representatives of the governments of neighboring Egypt and Algeria, as well as the United States, expressed

“deep concern” about violence in Libya and possible regional repercussions. In a statement issued after the representatives met Wednesday, the group urged for an immediate ceasefire and talks and expressed opposition to “outside interference in Libya’s transition.” Some politicians and lawmakers expressed support for international intervention to help stabilize the country. Awash with weapons and dominated by militia fighters, they say only an outside force can put an end to the fighting. While many Libyans fear foreign intervention would only spark full-fledged civil war, advocates of the idea want to see a repeat to the NATO intervention in 2011 that broke the back of Gadhafi’s heavily armed brigades.

Falconets coach laments draw against Mexico

onaolapo will rule the game in Nigeria -Toriola

Super Eagles ride the high currents

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NFFto e d u l c con l a e d i Kesh k e e w next Ifeanyi Ibeh

he Nigeria Football Federation has concluded plans to hand a new deal to Stephen Keshi after disclosing on Thursday that it has mandated its secretariat to finalise an agreement with the former Super Eagles skipper to continue as head coach of the national team. The NFF’s Executive Committee met on Thursday at its secretariat in Abuja, and a communiqué released at the end of the meeting by its media department and signed by Executive Committee member, Emeka Inyama, stated that the football body was taking the step after Keshi expressed interest in continuing as coach of the Super Eagles. “Having received a written expression of interest from Mr. Stephen Keshi

That Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón became the oldest player to ever make an appearance at a World Cup finals when he came on for Colombia v Japan (43years 3days)

Keshi

Ahmed d n a n e e r G , s member lAxes board Keshi’s contract wasn’t the only issue to continue as Head Coach of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, the Executive Committee mandated the secretariat to reach out to Keshi to conclude the details of his contract and signing by next week, so that he can resume work ahead of the fastapproaching 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series,” read the statement. Keshi, whose contract expired in July, and who has been holidaying in the United States since leading the Super Eagles to the second round of the last FIFA World Cup, took charge of the national team in November 2011 and during his two and a half years as manager led the side to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. If a deal is, expectedly, reached between the NFF and Keshi, then the former Nigeria defender will take charge of the Super Eagles’ 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, taking place in the first weekend in September.

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the NFF’s Executive Committee deliberated upon at Thursday’s meeting though, as they also decided to hand out a six-month ban to one of its member, Chris Green, a decision followers of the recent spate of dramas that have been taking place since Aminu Maigari’s impeachment as NFF president feel could be closely related to the body’s upcoming elections. Those in attendance at the meeting included the acting NFF president, Mike Umeh, and according to the communiqué, Green, who was also present at the meeting, was banned “for reasons of glaring anti-Board activities, including facilitating and participating in an unauthorised gathering in Abuja and giving media interviews that tended to put the NFF and Nigeria football in bad light.” The ‘unauthorised gathering’ being referred to in the communiqué was the one which took place last week Thursday

in Abuja and which had in attendance 26 State FA chairmen. At that supposed Congress, which took place at Serob Legacy Hotel, the decision was reached to annul the earlier impeachment of Aminu Maigari as NFF president. They also rejected the appointment of Mike Umeh as acting president and all other decisions taken by the Umeh-led board in the aftermath of Maigari’s impeachment. A day before the Congress though, the Umeh-led board called it off on the grounds that it did not meet the required 30-day notice as stipulated in the NFF statutes, a decision that didn’t go down well with the 26 State FA bosses who proceeded to hold the Congress. Green, the Rivers State Football Association boss, wasn’t the only one to come under the hammer of the NFF, as another Executive Committee member, Yusuf

CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

Don’t blame me for Amalaha problem –Wrestling coach Ajibade Olusesan

N Amalaha

ational wrestling coach, Emmanuel Oshomoh, has said his technical team cannot be held responsible for the international embarrassment Chika Amalaha’s drug ban has caused the country.

The 15-year-old tested positive to banned substance after winning a gold medal in weightlifting at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Many pundits have blamed the coaches, suggesting that the teenager might have not been well guided by her tutors.

But in an interview with New Telegraph in Lagos, Oshomoh said his hands were clean saying the weightlifting technical crew did its best to ensure that all of the participating weightlifters abstained from drug use. “I don’t know why anyone will blame me for Amalaha’s issue. We, as coaches did our best

to educate these athletes about the issue of drugs but it is easy to take horse to the stream but you can’t force it to drink water. I was not in the same room with her, I only spend few hours with her and I don’t know what she does in her room. We were not even in the same hall,” he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

52 SPORT

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Friday, August 8, 2014

stay at Barca Crotone ready to snap up Oduamadi Dani Alves toarcelona coach Luis Enrique says

Liverpool set to hijack Falcao from Real

Serie B side,Crotone,are on the verge of Ifromtalian announcingthecaptureofNnamdiOduamadi AC Milan.

Milan based sports daily, La Gazzetta Dello Sport,said that an agreement has been reached with their Serie A counterparts, with the Calabria based team set to unveil the winger in a matter of days if not hours. ‘’We are awaiting the signature, but I think it is now done. Know the player well having faced him several times as an opponent,’’ manager Massimo Drago told the newspaper. Nnamdi Oduamadi’s exclusion from Nigeria’s World Cup squad did not do any damage to his rating,having distinguished himself in the second half of last season for Varese, scoring four goals in 12 games.

Cardiff City complete Adeyemi deal

ardiff City have completed a move for Tom CBirmingham Adeyemi who joins for an undisclosed fee from City.

The 72 reported earlier this week that Adeyemi had handed in a transfer request at Birmingham rejecting an initial bid from an unnamed Championship side but the 22-year-old has got his wish and signs a threeyear-deal at the Cardiff City Stadium. Speaking to the club’s official website, Adeyemi spoke of his delight at signing for the club. “From the outside looking in, Cardiff City has a very strong squad that will challenge for a quick return to the Premier League this season. “Itooknopersuadingfromthemanagertocomehere.Itwasafantasticopportunity for me to work with somebody like him and to play for a club like Cardiff City.

iverpool have joined the race to lure Radamel Falcao away from Monaco. The Anfield club have a firm interest in taking the Colombia star on a season loan which would cost around £10million with a view to making the deal permanent. Liverpool have earmarked the Monaco forward after going cool on Wilfried Bony at Swansea and seeing QPR striker Loic Remy fail his

medical. Although Falcao has just recovered from a cruciate ligament injury, Liverpool scouts watched him against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last week where he scored the decisive goal in their 1-0 friendly win and suitably impressed. Karim Benzema snubs Premier League clubs by signing contract extension at Real Madrid, tying him to the Champions League winners until 2019.

a i r a M i D : G S P e v i s n e p x too e nd del Rey a the Copa final in e a u m g t-Ger pions Lea m a h aris Sain C le as one Nasser A im emerg h w president sa en in ut a d’s star m as ruled o of Madri Khelaifi h r a st d eal Madri 13/14. move for R a Liga dicat- 20 in , a ri a ever, the L M w i o D H l e g n A sed to ntina the Arge have refu t e a id th s g in o exparture nal is “to ut his de o o ti a le n u r r te in ar rival r his club. ing the fo w ” o e ll v si fo n e p ndrigue z, r has conti ames Ro J f o The winge ith a re now g linked w h PSG a g in u e o b y th ll a u for his adrid the race y from M f a o w t a u e o v o m PSG mer and nature this sum ster sig e aria, it is h c n a M s a s for Di M “A as well e held osely at we hav ve been cl th e u tr United ha tion. l Madrid g his situa with Rea s lk ta monitorin s ntino Perfuture wa dent Flore si re p Di Maria’s spec i said at a t of much Al-Khelaif ” z, e the subjec t r, bu rence. st summe press confe ulation la th o b in ng role his starri

BsquadDani“forAlvesnow”remains part of his but stopped short

of ruling out his exit from the club. The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer move amid ongoing rumours that Paris Saint-Germain are keen to lure him to Ligue 1. “Alves is a Barcelona player and a very good one,” Luis Enrique stated at a press conference. “I know him well and for now he is with Barcelona. I am delighted with his presence in the team.” Alves joined Barca from Sevilla in the summer of 2008 and has since developed into a key player at the Catalans.

Robinho agent upbeat over Santos move

agent Marisa Ramos is Rwillobinho’s confident that a move to Santos go through in the near future.

Reports have linked the Brazilian with a move away from San Siro, and MLS outfit Orlando City were thought to be among the favourites to secure the forward’s services. “This possibility is true,” Ramos told UOL Esporte. “[It] depends on [when the] TMS [Transfer Matching System] is released, the system of FIFA. “If it happens within the statutory period, he may debut [against Corinthians on Sunday], or will be for the next game.

Juve plan shock bid for Wilshere

areliningupabidforArsenal JTheuventus midfielder Jack Wilshere. London Evening Standard says

the Serie A club have sounded out English-based agents to explore through informal channels whether the Gunners would be willing to sell the 22-year-old. No formal enquiry or offer has yet been made after the suggestionwasrejectedbymanagerArseneWenger,whoearlier thisweekchallengedthemidfieldertobecomea“consistent presence” in the team this season. ItisbelievedthatWilshereisalsohappytoremainatArsenal assumingheholdsdownaregularstartingberthandJuventus are therefore waiting for more encouragement from the Gunners or the player before making an opening bid.

Madrid lead chase for Cech eal Madrid are set to lead a Rgoalkeeper three-way tussle for Chelsea Petr Cech.

Cech’s future has been thrown into doubt after Thibaut Courtois returned to the Blues following a three-season loan with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, which could see the current number one deposed after a decade in between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. According to the Daily Express, former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly keen on landing the stopper although it is not known whether the move would be to increase competition with Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu or replace Real’s long-standing stopper. Jose Mourinho is said to be considering using Cech as leverage in negotiations for centre-back Raphael Varane, 20.

Ayew eye Liverpool move

lympique Marseille winger Oto Liverpool. Andre Ayew is chasing a move

The 24-year-old is keen to leave Marseille following their disappointing sixth place finish in Ligue 1 last season but his £60,000-a-week wages have put off Serie A rivals AC Milan and Napoli. He has been linked with Premier League trio Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle as well as a host of European clubs, but he is desperate to join the Anfield club. L’Equipe says Newcastle United could go in for Ayew after being spurned last summer.

Dzeko eagers for new Man City

eager to discuss new EThedintermsDailyDzekowithStarisManchester City. says the Bosnia striker is

heading into the final 12 months of his current £150,000-a-week deal but is set to pledge his long-term future to the champions. It is understood he is willing to put pen-to-paper on a three-year extension for the same wages he is on now. In a recent interview Dzeko said: “The main thing is that I’m happy at City. “It’s very important you feel the confidence that a manager has in you and last season was proof of everything I said.”

SPORT 53

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Lagos SWAN invites 33 players for Paul Ogazi testimonial

he coaching crew of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has invited 33 players to camp for a testimonial match in honour of retired Sports broadcast journalists, Paul Ogazi, billed for Monday August 11 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The match which will see the main Lagos SWAN team battle with the Lagos Veteran SWAN team is part of activities to celebrate Ogazi who recently retired from NTA as Manager, Sports, after spending over 20 years with the outfit. Topping the list of the invited players are: Goalkeeper Ladi Egbedire (Silverbird TV), captain Wale Joseph (The Tribune), Raymond Nwaduba (SportsDay) Kalu Emmanuel (NTA), Jide Alaka (Goal.com), Wale Ajose (Complete Sports, Gift George (NTA), Femi Obong Daniel (Cool/Wazobia FM), Henry Esabunefe (SportsDay) and with Sean Amadi (Brila FM), Also invited by Coaches Tobi Emmanuel (New

Telegraph) and Ayo Bada (The Niche) are six new players discovered during the 2014 Lagos SWAN Cup won by SportsDay Newspapers. They are: David Chukwu (NTA), Dare Adeshina (TVC), Omisore Yemi (TVC), Wilfred Mong (City FM), Stanley Uwem (City FM), Akindele Samson (City FM) Meanwhile, some of the players expected to feature for the Lagos SWAN Veteran team include: President of Africa Sports Journalists, Mitchel Obi, Chairman of Brila Group, Larry Izamoje, Lagos SWAN Chairman, Fred Edoreh, Kunle Solaja, Ejiro Omonode, Felix Awogu, Niyi Oyeleke, Tony Nezianya, Mumuni Alao, Harry Iwuala, Godwin Enerkhena, Dare Esan and Duro Ikhazuagbe. Others members of the team are, Peter Edema, Felix Okugbe, Taye Ige and Onochie Anibeze, Ben Alaiya, Adekunle Salami, Dapo Sotiminu, Chris Opara, Tony Ubani, George Aluo, Jide Alabi, Jenkins Alumona amongst others.

Falconets coach laments draw against Mexico Ifeanyi Ibeh

oach of Nigeria’s women’s U-20 team, Peter Dedevbo, has expressed disappointment at his team’s failure to secure a win in their opening match of the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Canada 2014 against Mexico. Nigeria’s Falconets forced the Mexicans to a one-all draw in Moncton which left Group C finely poised after England and Korea Republic played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day. It was a game that saw the Nigerians missing a flurry of chances thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Cecilia Santiago, who is

also the first-choice keeper of Mexico’s senior national team. And speaking after the game, Dedevbo was full of praise for the Mexican goalie even though he was unable to hide his frustration at his side’s inability to get the better of Santiago on more than one occasion. “There are some matches that, although you expect to win, you can’t manage to do so, and I’m a little bit disappointed,” said Dedevbo. “But it was a good fight between the two teams. “I have to say that Mexico’s goalkeeper, Cecilia Santiago, is impressive and produced a good performance (against us),” added

NFF to conclude Keshi deal next week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

Ahmed, was also suspended and banned from all football-related activities for a year. Also at Thursday’s meeting, the Executive Committee received the report of the sub-committee it recently set up to review the bans that had been clamped on eight people, including former NFF board members, Taiwo Ogunjobi, and Rumson Baribote, even though no decision was reached on whether to unban or reduce their lengthy bans with the committee agreeing to decide on the matter at its next meeting. Thursday’s meeting had earlier been scheduled to take place on Wednesday but had to be moved following a meeting between members of the Umeh-led board and the leadership of the National Sports Commission where they deliberated on issues that have crept up in the build-up to the August 26 NFF elections.

Don’tblamemeforAmalaha problem–Wrestlingcoach

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

“What happened to Amalaha is unfortunate but there is nothing we can do about that. She confessed that she took some certain drugs but not the one the report says she took. They said she used masking agent to cover up the drug but we are surprised because she could not have done that deliberately. The thing about testing is that

if you take Paracetamol Nigeria’s Loveth Ayila being challenged and Panadol or you take by Mexico duo of Fabiola Ibarra (L) and Mariel Gutierrez during the FIFA an overdose a test might U-20 Women’s World Cup match at come back as something Moncton Stadium on Thursday. else. Chika is a little girl, she just made that mistake but it is not what the reports revealed,” he said. orld football governing body FIFA But in a letter dated AuThe coach also added have demanded for a full explagust 4, 2014, to NFF general that athletes were tested secretary Musa Amadu and nation regarding the dismissal of before the start of the signed by deputy secretary Aminu Maigari as president of the competition but the result Nigeria Football Federation. general Markus Kattner, FIFA was not out before they Maigari was allegedly sacked by demanded a more detailed exheaded to Glasgow. his executive committee on July 24. planation leading to Maigari’s sacking.

FIFA writes NFF on Maigari’s removal

Dolphins don’t owe players, says GM Charles Ogundiya

Dedevbo, who now looks forward to his team’s upcoming game against the Koreans on Saturday. “Looking ahead to the next match I want to work on every position on the field - goalkeeper, defence, midfield, but the most important thing we need to improve on is our finishing,” added Dedevbo. Mexico went ahead through Fabiola Ibarra who slotted home from 20 metres after an inadequate headed clearance from Nigeria goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii as she attempted to nullify a swift counter-attack. The Falconets, however, drew level three minutes before the interval through Osarenoma Igbinovia, who made the most of a defensive error to expertly fire the ball from distance high into the corner of Santiago’s goal.

eneral Manager of Dolphins FC, Joe Johnson, has said that the club is not in the habit of owing its players. Since the introduction of the enhanced salary package by the League Management Company, there have been reports of players being owed backlog of salaries at various Nigeria Premier League clubs.

However, the Dolphins GM has come out to state that the Port Harcourt -based side are not one of the clubs that fall into this category. “We do not owe anybody, declared Johnson. “In fact, we are one of the few top flight clubs that are able to meet up with the new enhanced salary. “What is pending was what I met on ground such as the sign-on fees that were abolished by the League Manage-

ment Company. But immediately the state government release funds, we are going to settle the 2013 sign-on fees we owe,” added Johnson, who is hoping his side can secure a continental ticket come the end of the season. “We are targeting a continental ticket at the end of the season and the only way to achieve that is to make our players happy by paying them what is due to them,” he said.

Blatter

They asked for the agenda of the executive committee meeting that sacked Maigari, the conditions for the amendment of the agenda and whether the president was given the chance to defend himself. The world football ruling body also expressed surprise that despite the lifting of the suspension of the country, the situation in Nigeria has become “so inextricable”. Elections to the executive committee are due to be conducted on August 26. And on the heels of the letter from FIFA, the NFF executive committee on Thursday suspended two other members, Chris Green and Yusuf Ahmed, for what they described as “anti-board activities”.

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ifestyle

Bayelsa United defender

Best Food: Rice and beans Best Drink: Red wine Best Colour: White

Best city visited: Cologne, Germany Best Club Supported: Man Utd, Real Madrid Best Car: Fast cars Best Designer: Dolce and Gabanna Best Perfume: Tom ford Best Music: R & B, Hip Hop Best Actor: Bruce Willis Best Actress: Angelina Jolie Best Competition attended: CAF Champions League Best boot: Nike Best Jersey: No 2

Iheanacho, foreign stars to miss Lesotho game

anchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho and Spain-based striker Isaac Success will miss Nigeria’s 2015 AYC qualifier against Lesotho. Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba further disclosed that Chidera Eze from FC Porto, Musa Yahaya of Tottenham Hotspurs as well as Dele Alampasu, who is training with Genk in Belgium, will equally not be available for the August 16 match in Kaduna. “Kelechi (Iheanacho) was to have been released by Manchester City at least a week before the match, but the club’s recruitment officer has called us back to say they have plans for him and so he will no longer be available,” Manu said. “Isaac Success will also not be released by Granada as he has begun playing for the first team. “Tottenham Hotspur have said they will only release Musa Yahaya for the return leg match. But we can cope because we have an abundance of talent.

Onaolapo will rule the game in Nigeria -Toriola Ajibade Olusesan

ranked outside top 500 in the world beat his more illustriormer table tennis African ous Indian opponent who was champion, Segun Toriola, ranked world number 44th has tipped youngster Ojo in the team’s last game in the Onaolapo as a good potential bronze medal match. of the game in the country. Accolades have continued to Onaolapo was the star man trail the teenager’s heroics and as Nigeria picked bronze medal Toriola said the youngster dein the table tennis team event at the just concluded Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 19-year-old who is

served the plaudits. He said although the Ondo state-born athlete has the potential, his performance was surprising even to his senior colleagues. “Onaolapo is a lad who has big a future ahead of him; he’s young and has been disciplined.

I am very impressed with his performance. When we played against India I never expected that he would beat world number 44 the way he did. He is strong and bold and I can see a very big future ahead of him, everybody is happy for him,” he said.

Jimoh scores four as F/Eagles drub academy side Ifeanyi Ibeh

Onaolapo

wara Football Academy youngster, Wasiu Jimoh, on Thursday, scored four goals as the Flying Eagles annihilated Amakson Academy of Abuja 7-1 in a tuneup game. The game, which was put in place to prepare the Flying Eagles for their final Africa Youth Championship qualifier against Lesotho on August 16 in Abuja, saw Jimoh grabbing the opener on 16 minutes

when he jabbed home from a right cross by Ifeanyi Nweke. He then made it 2-0 on 32 minutes with a long-range shot, before completing his hat-trick in the 64th minute with yet another long-range effort. He then added a fourth in the 78th minute with yet another classy effort. Amakson first appeared to be up for a fight because after 36 minutes their lively skipper Isaac Udoh pulled a goal back with the Flying Eagles then leading 2-0.

It was a sublime finish by the impressive Udoh as he went past two defenders before slotting beyond goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo. After Jimoh fired his third and fourth goals, substitute Abubakar Lawal increased the tally to 6-1 after he was set up by Sulaiman Abdullahi. The hard working Abdullahi completed the rout on the dot of 90 minutes from the penalty spot after Bernard Bulbwa was felled inside the box.

Super Eagles ride the high currents Sanctity of Truth

Friday, August 8, 2014

SPORT 55

In a time when coaches and managers come and go with reckless abandon, Nigeria is trying to lead the way forward on the African continent.

Keshi

world and sixth in Africa. At the end of the tournament, they had moved up ten more places on the global scene, and only Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire were ranked higher in Africa.

Nigeria’s Onazi contesting with France player

lthough coach Stephen Keshi resigned after the Super Eagles bowed out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in the Round of 16, the former Super Eagles lineup international captain is still in negotiations to keep his job. Supporters in the football-mad will try to do to my utmost best to west African nation are hopeful that a positive an- bring back joy to Nigerian people. nouncement from the two parties will come soon. There are challenges all over the place but I just have to keep my History focus and see what happens.” Since 1960, the only coach who has spent a longer time in charge of the Super Eagles was Dutchman World Cup jump Clemens Westerhof, who guided the fortunes of the In February, Nigeria were team from late 1989 till after the 1994 World Cup. ranked 47 after finishing third Keshi’s longevity is all the more remarkable given at the African Nations Champithat he is still in the mix after three international onship, which is a tournament events, but that’s a mark of his success. Most signifi- in which only players from the cantly, in 2013, he brought Nigeria their first African local leagues are eligible to play. title since 1994, when the former defender captained They then embarked on a series of the side under Westerhof. friendlies against higher-ranked But it is not only in terms of titles that Nigeria teams. Draws against Greece, has benefited from Keshi’s expertise as the team is Mexico and Scotland, as well as a ranked higher now in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World 2-1 defeat against the 13th-ranked Ranking than it was when ‘Big Boss’ took over. At team in the world (in June), USA, the time, the Super Eagles were ranked 44 in the saw the Super Eagles continuousworld. Now they are currently ranked ten places ly climb in the rankings. The West Africans were drawn better. After being handed the job in 2011, Keshi said that he was determined to take the side to success. “I into a difficult group at the 2014

FIFA World Cup Brazil, facing Argentina, Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group F. A draw against Iran, a victory against Bosnia and a 3-2 defeat against Argentina saw the Super Eagles advance to the second round, where they faced France. And although a 2-0 defeat sent them packing, they secured enough points to further climb on the FIFA ladder. Before the start of the tournament, Keshi received some support from Westerhof, who told journalists: “Stephen Keshi is the boss; he decides which team he picks. Let Keshi do the job... He has already achieved results so far by winning the African Cup of Nations Cup, and qualifying for the World Cup.” At the start of the World Cup, Nigeria were ranked 44 in the

Keshi’s impact Keshi shies away from saying that the upsurge in Nigerian football fortunes is based on his coaching, but he told FIFA.com that he was confident that consistency made a difference. “When I was employed, I chose a path I would follow and I have followed that path. I have not strayed from that path, and I think that the results show that we are on the right path with the national team.” It could well be that should Keshi stay in charge of the team, a successful campaign in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers – where the Super Eagles are facing South Africa, Sudan and Rwanda – could see the Nigerians climb even higher in the FIFA rankings. Although their current ranking of 34 is still some distance from their highest placing – fifth in the world in April 1994 – Keshi could well be the man to take them closer to that position.

World Record

On Marble

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.

– Plato

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 FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

he name Patricia Hearst would not make meaning to most Nigerian, and in the same way the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) would trigger any sense of familiarity for them. In the early 70s though, a lot of Americans were forced to take note of both entities, in roughly the same context currently confronting Nigerians. The 60 and 70s witnessed a series of societal upheavals in Western Europe and the United States. In America the agitation against the segregation of blacks birthed the Civil Rights Movement which saw Martin Luther King Jnr emerging as one of the leaders, with his non-violent approach inspired by Mahatma Ghandi. Then there were those who preferred something more radical and wanted something that would overturn the general power structure. The Black Panthers chose a path of being militant and utilizing violent tactics, because they did not see anything wrong in using the same approach the system meted on them. But even amongst the whites, leftist ideologies were making some of the youths and intellectuals to challenge the established political leanings and the country’s involvement in Vietnam Thus emerged groups like the Weather Underground Organisation (Weathermen) and the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). Europe, especially Germany, had its fair share of such urban guerilla movements including the Red Army Faction (RAF) whose core initiators trained in an LA Fatah camp in Jordan. Some of the groups used kidnappings as part of their terror tactics. The SLA kidnapped Patricia Hearst, heiress to the Hearst publishing fortune. For two months she was kept hungry, abused, brutalized and brainwashed with the anti-capitalist ideology of her captors. The resultant effect was that she changed her name, and even issued a derogatory statement against her family. One of the ways the SLA raised funds was through bank robberies. After one of such robberies, a security tape recording showed Hearst and her kidnappers in action. She was eventually arrested with some members of the group. She was arraigned for bank robbery, but her defence lawyer argued that she had committed the crime because of the circumstance of her captivity, whereby her state of mind had been altered. The Hearst case again brought to public attention the issue of captive-bonding, more popularly known as Stockholm syndrome. It is a psychological phenomenon that explains the empathy and sympathy hostages have for their captors, and is considered a form of traumatic bonding. The term was coined after an attempted bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden in August, 1973. For six days there was a standoff, as two robbers held several bank employees hostage in the bank’s vault, strapping them with explosives. The hostages subsequently fought off the police who tried to rescue

N150

Time to give a damn

Graffiti

EMMAN USMAN SHEHU prohabe@hotmail.com - 08051614969 (sms only)

them, and blame the police instead of their captors. Even after being freed, one of the hostages funded the legal defence of their captors. Thus the classic captor-prisoner phenomenon finally found a name. For 116 days, 219 school girls from Chibok have remained captives, most likely in Sambisa forest. Unlike Hearst and the Stockholm bankers, the girls’ conditions of captivity are less favourable, far from any urban environment. Thus the classic traits of capture-bonding – uneven power relationship between captor and captive, threats of physical injury or death, and instinctive selfpreservation acts by the captive – are bound to highly manifest. In a two day period during the recent Sallah festivities, four bomb blasts occurred in Kano, signaling a new ugly dimension in the Boko Haram insurgency. The suicide bombers were females. For those who have kept close tabs on Boko Haram, this step up is not surprising. It has not only evolved from a ragtag group of zealots, but it has also shown strategic progression in deploying tactics, a situation that left the Nigerian security agencies on a frustrating back foot. The use of female bombers is known to be a dangerous step up for insurgents. The insurgencies in Lebanon, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, South East Asia, and closer home in Somalia, have taken advantage of this lethal tactical concept. A suicide bomber requires little training and the mobility factor ensures not only maximum efficiency, but the point of attack can be adjusted to fit an immediate challenge. The female factor adds both the element of surprise and the enhanced possibility of evading detection because of several cultural and religious norms. Female suicide bombers are basically of two types. There are the so-called “willing warriors”, whose motives are essentially to avenge a personal loss brought upon by the oppressive tactics of the military. Most women who became suicide bombers from Lebanon to Iraq, were on a mission of revenge. Then there are those who fit into the Hearst paradigm. Those who have been kidnapped but in the period of captivity became sympathetic to the cause of their captors. Unfortunately from the remains of

Smallest waist-living person: Cathie Jung (USA, born 1937), stands at 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) and has a corseted waist measuring 38.1 cm (15 in). Un-corseted, it measures 53.34 cm (21 in).

A female suicide bomber

one of the female bombers in Kano, there is a growing feeling that the facial features resemble those of an abducted Chibok girl. There are some worrisome developments from the recent Kano bombings. It could be that Boko Haram is deploying an army of female suicide bombers across the country, in cells that would be activated when the need arises. The group has already shown that it is capable of creating sleeper cells. What happened in Kano could have been a test run, given that despite alerts within the period, the bombers reached their supposed targets with relative ease. It is also a situation that totally alters the security architecture which until now has been more favourable to the elites, especially those in leadership positions. That is about to drastically change. Despite the high security cover at his disposal, a female suicide bomber accounted for the life of India’s former Prime Minister, Rajiv Ghandi, on May 21, 1991, along with fourteen others in his entourage. The efficient deployment of female suicide bombers, and that the insurgency has reached this alarming stage, should be a nightmare in official circles. The safety margin for most Nigerians, especially those in authority, has seriously narrowed making convoys very vulnerable. It is time to give a damn about getting those abducted girls out of the maniacal hands of Boko Haram. There can be no

more tenable excuses. The reality is that, as of now, there is no evidence of an ongoing rescue operation. Not even a whisper. A few days ago President Jonathan mentioned, in America, that negotiations are going on through third parties. The statement did not register any conviction with the Americans as evidenced by the weighty editorial in USA Today. As usual, Reuben Abati has taken up the gauntlet in his boss’s defence by saying that only irresponsible people would claim that there is no rescue operation. Both Jonathan and Abati need to be reminded that it is the height of irresponsibility to play politics with the lives of 219 teenage schoolgirls. The mere fact that the identity of the negotiators, at least for the sake of verification, could not be mentioned, confirms the growing notion that nothing is happening by way of a rescue. There is the feeling also that negotiations have been hampered because most of those in government’s custody cannot be legitimately accounted for, so there is nothing to offer for a tangible swap. In this context, the Kano bombings could be a message from Boko Haram that its patience is running out. Every day those girls remain as captives in a highly hostile environment, the possibility of their being unleashed on a country that has failed them mounts. The country failed to protect them as students, and it has also failed them in their greatest hour of need as captives in the hands of heartless terrorists. The authorities should not hope that in some spectacular way, the captives will out of their own desperate design, find a way of escaping. That is not only a misplaced hope, but a cruel way to handle the fate of bona fide citizens. It is time to give a damn about rescuing the girls before Sambisa becomes a new synonym for Stockholm syndrome. It is time to ensure the girls do not come back as mobile explosive devices.

OMOBABA

CUSTOMS MOVE TO CHECK EBOLA AT BORDERS – News

– Haba, do imported goods contain EBOLA?

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