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Vol. 1 No. 314

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

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N150

Investment in fibre optic cables grows by 44.2% }6

Cameroon kills 41 Boko Haram militants in air strikes

Chukwu David

ameroon's army yesterday announced the

killing of no fewer than 41 Boko Haram insurgents during several air strikes carried out against the militants who attacked five

towns and villages within the Nigeria's neighbour's territory. A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

quoted the country's Minister of Information, Mr. Issa Tchiroma, as saying in Yaoundé that the coorCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NEW TELEG

RAPH TUESD AY, DECEM

Extinction

A centenary without History

25&26

BER 30, 2014

Excellence

We’ve repos in Africa, itioned UI as best says VC varsity

Education

28&29

2014: Swe et, sour y ear for

A cross-

section of

lecturers

REVIEW

protesting

educatio n

ASUP strike

at primary level, while and secondary under trees some pupils stillschool learn and sit on ed floors dust infes . revitalise tFollowing the progressi the university Federal system; Governmefailure of the ary alloc ve increase of the num Polytechn budg erous crisent to address ics (ASU sector by ations to the educ et- leges the secto P) and s stagn of educ Federal 26 per cent; trans ation unde ation coun its colability r, and especially ating hough, r to 2014 has to unive Government propfer of Educ the aegis of Colleterpart, ment reachimplement the its inand gone ation Acad rsitie come agreeges of ed with search and s; setting up erty (COE the unive ers in the, but stakehold- teachers, unde ASU), was emic Staff Unio of devel rsity the r educ n union their not. companies opment units reThe ation tor have , the umb by whic nationwide ; and reneg express of the signe continuedsec- of Univ Academic Staff rella mixed feelin ersities d agreement otiation and h started in ASUP strike turn-out (ASUU) Union Other dema October gs over to the union lasted for of event . in 2009, emba the 4, 2013 tor in year, nds are; 10 s within victimisa the sec- nite strike on rked on an indef a non- that of COEASU,months, as well which by vario July 1, 2013, and depo tion clause, prov iDecember which bega as The Ebola us crise was bedeviled was called off sit ision whic of 18, n on N200 scare, structure h on Dece the same Apart from s. seven mont and dragg billion infra mber 12, ed on for for several year. hs, funds confr the pauc an accou revitalisation How months, funds in on July 12, on were all suspended nt with the education onting the ity of longe ever, faced with of the disru the Nige Centr newly appo intervention natio d ria pted acad al the proalso bedev system, the secto n’s to closu strike, whic disbursem (CBN) with detaiBank Mini of emic h resul ster, Malla inted Education re of the calendar, ted of facili iled by acute short r is sity syste payment ent of the fund ls of arau, public unive especially ties, to enable m Ibrahim Shek ture, poor dearth of infra age Federal m for five mont rhas accruof salary arrea s, and strik in primary ing teach him look into rs which struced to the Governme hs, the ment, over-curriculum the ing the strik ers’ dema and teachers develop- reached a comp nt and ASUU nds. crowded dur- theThe action not secondar a nego romi The Fede e. classroom only disru y level academic ral Gove s Presi tiation brok se during pted through ered by where scho , dent the Speci rnment has polytechnics andcalendar in the the the Presi bour Cong of the Nigerian al Assis ol cation, colleges resumption Dr. Doyi dent on Public tant to of the it also frustrated of eduAbdulwah ress (NLC), Com LaAffairs, had students, many rade proof of n Okupe prese Memoran eed Omar, in High espec to be altered er whic billion intopayment of thented a stude National Diplo ially the (MoU) wasdum of Understan h a for nts, ma N200 an accou Central months December signed on Wedn ding this year’ from participat (HND) nt with Bank s comp ing in the Natio the suspe 11, 2013, which esday, Although, of Nigeria. nal Yout ulsory one-year signa py as it lame ASUU is not re-openingnsion of the strik led yet hap- (NYSC) schem h Service Corp KAYODE e and Governme nted that the s February of the institution OLANREW Following e. Federal , this year. AJU s in EDITOR, the its agree nt was yet to ASUU EDUC ment with honour academic activ disruption of the kayode olanrewATION union that ities, highe gerheads has since been the students aju@ newtelegraph clearly stateAcademic r billion woul ernment with the Fede at logonline.com National under the aegis school s that ral of the Asso © Daily Telegra beginning d be released N50 rian union’s for failure to meetGovStudents ciation of Nige demands, ph Publis identified of each quarter at the insta (NANS) the upwa hing Compa which incluthe nces to meet at sever needs in ny Limited de ties. al ment age rd review of the Lagos and took to the stree the unive retire for rsiAbuj ts in to 70 years professors a, While closure from 65 of their protesting ; adequate suspendedthe ASUU strik Like ASUU institution the funding e was . to last year, towards the twilig , ASUP ing, amon is dema ht of the unive with the re-op what theyg others, the remo ndening of rsities in of the Acad Febru tion again regard as discr val of emic Staff ary, that iminast polyt echnic Union of gradu-

KAYODE OLAN reviews the REWAJU major critic issues in al the educ ation sector in 2014.

Page 23

EIGHT pages of EDUCATION

PDP: The secret agenda for S'West T

CONT INUED

Travel Advisory Your guide to local and international flights 4

Family members of passengers of missing Malaysian air carrier AirAsia flight at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya in East Java, Indonesia... Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

FG to clamp down on politicians over inflammatory statements Emmanuel Onani and Wale Elegbede

he Federal Government is set to begin

a crackdown on opposition leaders over alleged inflammatory statements ahead of the 2015 general election.

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, yesterday ordered the Inspector of General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba,

to arrest and prosecute any politician who makes any inciting statements aimed at undermining the exisCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

ON PAGE 27

Quick Read

Editorial

Let TETFund be for public universities }19 Presidency works out unity list for Ogun PDP }8

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Travel Advisory

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 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 AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

Air France

Destination Abuja- Paris Paris-Lagos Paris-PHC PHC-Paris Paris –Abuja Lagos –Paris

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

Departure 23.55hrs 10.55hrs 11:00hrs 21:20hrs 11:00hrs 23:55hrs

Arrival 6:05hrs 17:15hrs 19:15hrs 6:05hrs 17:00hrs 6:20hrs

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

W3 101 W3 102 W3 107 (Mon, Wed & Fri) W3 108 (Tues,Thurs & Fri) W3 103 W3 104 - (Tues, Wed &Thur) - (Tues, Wed &Thur) -

12:00hrs 21:30hrs 23:50hrs

18:30hrs 05:15hrs 05:30hrs

12:30hrs

16:00hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

New York-Lagos Lagos-Johannesburg Johannesburg-Lagos Lagos-Douala Douala-Lagos Lagos-Accra Accra-Lagos Abuja-Accra Accra-Abuja Lagos-Freetown Freetown-Lagos Lagos-Banjul Banjul-Lagos Lagos-Dakar Dakar-Lagos

10:45hrs 09:35hrs 11:10hrs 13:25hrs 07:20hrs 17:00hrs -(Tue,Thur,Sat,Sun) 08:05hrs -(Mon,Wed,Fri) 13:35hrs 18:00hrs -(Daily) 17:00hrs 06:00hrs - (Wed,Fri,Sun) 08:00hrs 17:00hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 08:00hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 15:20hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 21:00hrs -(Mon,Tue,Thur, Fri,Sat) -(Tue,Wed, 01:00hrs Fri,Sat,Sun)

BRITISH AIRWAYS

hrs 14:44hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

London-Lagos Lagos-London Abuja-London Abuja-London

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

17:55hrs 00:00hrs 09:00hrs 22:40hrs

11:55hrs 5:50hrs 14:35hrs 06:00hrs

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

MEA 571 MEA 572

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

Middle East Airlines (Two flights weekly (Tues & Friday) to Lagos) EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-Dubai Lagos-Dubai Dubai-Lagos Dubai-Lagos Abuja-Dubai

EK 7821 (Sun-Sat) EK 7822 EK 7831 EK 7811 EK 761

21:30hrs 14:40hrs 07:35hrs 14:20hrs 23:55hrs

07:40hrs 01:05hrs 12:50hrs 19:45hrs 10:30hrs

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

QATAR AIRWAYS DELTA AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES

ASKY AIRLINES

Destination Lome to Abuja Abuja-Lome- Kinshasa Kinshasa-Abuja Abuja-Lome Lome-Lagos Lagos-Libreville Libreville-Kinshasa Kinshasa-Libreville Libreville-Lagos Lagos-Lome Lome-Lagos Lagos-Libreville Libreville-Brazaville Brazaville-Libreville Brazzaville-Lagos Lagos-Lome

Flight No. KP 032 (Tue-Fri) KP 032 ( Tue-Fri) KP 033 (Wed-Sat) KP O33 (Wed-Sat) KP O40 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP O44 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP O45 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat)

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Departure 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 8:20hrs 10:35hrs 13:00hr 14:40hrs 17:00hrs 7:15hrs 9:35hrs 11:55hrs 13:10hrs 14:50hrs 17:10hrs 07:00hrs 09:20hrs 11:40hrs

Arrival 15:55hrs 18:15hrs 10:00hrs 12:20hrs 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 18:45hrs 08:55hrs 11:25hrs 12:45hrs 14:10hrs 16:40hrs 18:50hrs 08:40hrs 11:10hrs 12:30hrs

Lagos to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Lagos Abuja to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Abuja Enugu to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Enugu Kano to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Kano

ET900 ET901 ET910 ET911 ET930 ET931 ET930 ET931

13:15hrs 09:00hrs 13:40hrs 09:40hrs 12:00hrs 09:20hrs 14:05hrs 09:20hrs

20:25hrs 12:15hr 20:10hrs 12:20hrs 20:50hrs 11:15hrs 20:50hrs 13:20hrs

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

05:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

Lagos-London London-Lagos

VS 652 VS 651

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

EY 0672 (Sunday) (Monday) (Saturday) EY 955

20.45hrs 09:50hrs 09.20 hrs 06:30hrs

07:00hrs 20:05hrs 20:10hrs 11:45hrs

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

Lagos-Kigali

AWB 201 11:15hrs (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) AWB 202 14:00hrs (Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun)

16:45hrs

332 333

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

IBERIA

air maroc

VIRGIN ATLANTIC ETIHAD AIRWAYS

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

17:30hrs

ASKY Airlines international travel tips Earning Miles on ASKY Airlines ASKY is a Lome -Togo based airline that provides an extensive route network within West Africa. The airline provides excellent connections with Ethiopian Airlines flights serving cities in West Africa. Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY provide an end-to-end service for frequent flyers enrolled in ShebaMiles. The airlines jointly provide full coverage of Africa providing full mile earning opportunity for a frequent flyer.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

PDP: The secret agenda for South-West Ayodele Ojo

resident Goodluck Jonathan is making audacious moves to ensure that he gets a large chunk of the 14,298,356 votes expected from the SouthWest during the February 14, 2015 presidential election, New Telegraph has gathered. Sources said the president's strategists had come up with several measures to split the vital votes of the South-West states in order to dim the chances of his main challenger, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from upstaging him. Apart from reaching out to major stakeholders in the South-West, New Telegraph learnt that the presidency, through proxies, is funding the Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) ahead of the 2015 presidential election. New Telegraph learnt that the three fringe parties and some others would, by the second week of January, adopt Jonathan as their presidential candidate. Already, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has adopted the president as its candidate. Although Jonathan is working hard to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mobilises enough votes for him in the South-West, the resort to the fringe parties, according to a source, is to ensure that “with adequate funding, LP, SDP and UPN will deliver some votes for President Jonathan.” The permutation of the APC for an outright victory or forcing the presidential poll into a run-off is anchored on getting the block votes of the NorthWest and the South-West, the two geopolitical zones with the largest voting population in the country, which the party hopes to augment with at least 25 per cent of votes from the other geopolitical zones of the South-South, SouthEast, North-Central and North-East. The calculation is based on the fact that Buhari, with his cult-like followership in the North-West will be able to deliver the zone while the support for the party by key APC chieftains, including a national leader of the party and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, will ensure massive voting for the party's presidential candidate who also picked his running mate,

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) from Ogun State, from the South-West. Therefore, whoever wins in the North-West with 18.9 million votes, and South-West between Jonathan and Buhari is sure of winning the February 14, 2015 presidential election. In the 2011 election, Jonathan polled 2,786,417 votes while Buhari garnered 321,609 votes in the six states in the South-West. But the formation of the APC, coupled with alliance between Buhari and Tinubu, has made the South-West a battleground. With Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) now in PDP, Jonathan is sure of winning Ondo and Ekiti states while the battleground states are Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun. Lagos has the highest number of voters in the country with 6,247,845 votes. Oyo has 2,577,490 voters while Ogun and Ondo have 1,869,326 and 1,558,975 votes respectively. Osun has 1,293,967 voters while 750,753 votes are expected

from Ekiti. “We need to ensure that votes from PDP, LP, SDP and UPN are pulled together to shore up the chances of President Jonathan in the 2015. Very soon, the parties will adopt President Jonathan as their sole candidate. In turn, their activities and campaigns will be funded by the presidency,” a source familiar with the political scheming of the president and his strategists, said. It was learnt that the presidency was working hand in hand with Dr. Frederick Fasehun to ensure that the UPN mobilised votes for Jonathan in the South-West. The resuscitated UPN was founded by Fasehun. In the SDP, the presidency is working with former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who broke away from APC to join the SDP following his irreconcilable difference with Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Osoba recently met with Jonathan at the State House, Marina, Lagos where they reportedly dis-

cussed working alliance ahead of the presidential election. SDP was founded by a former Minister of Finance and one-time joint presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP), Chief Olu Falae. Mimiko, who is LP’s arrowhead, has ditched the party for the PDP, but his surrogates are in charge of the running of the LP. In 2011 election, LP supported Jonathan. Mimiko is the SouthWest Coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign. A source said a member of the House of Representatives and former Ekiti State governorship candidate of LP, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, is being positioned to be the rallying point of the Jonathan’s campaign in LP. Fasehun told New Telegraph that the UPN leadership would soon meet to adopt a presidential candidate, but he declined to state who between Jonathan or Buhari his party

will adopt. He said the readiness to serve Nigerians, love for democracy and zeal to fight corruption were factors that would determine the adoption of a presidential candidate. Fasehun, who denied receiving funding from the presidency, said: “Is it why we are poor? We have no moneybags in UPN. You remembered when we started the idea of UPN; they talked about N2.8 billion pipeline contract from the government, which has not come to me. As at now, nothing like funding from the presidency, but I don’t know what may happen after the interview with me,” he said in a telephone interview yesterday. LP National Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, confirmed to New Telegraph that Jonathan is reaching out to the party. He said: “Certainly, our voice will count in choosing the next president for Nigeria. We are the beautiful bride in Nigerian politics; we are being wooed by President Jonathan's PDP and General Buhari's APC

as well as other presidential hopefuls. “We will do the needful, we shall do the desirable, we are accountable to the people and we shall reflect their aspiration in our decision, which will be made known at the appropriate time.” Ajulo denied the claim that the presidency is funding LP, saying: “In politics, people will continue to insinuate. To the best of my knowledge, nobody is funding us. We pay our bills. The National Chairman, Alhaji Salam Baraden Paiko, a chieftain of NULGE, is a contended man. All of us in LP have something doing; we can pay our bills. “So, no presidency is funding us. While some parties have adopted the president, did you see Labour Party doing that? We are not in a hurry.” Ajulo justified why LP is not fielding presidential candidate in 2015. “This is not an oversight but part of our strategies and principles as a socialist and realist. If we CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

L-R: Director of ICT, Ministry of Education, Mr. Orji Kalu; Head of Tax, Airtel Nigeria, Bolarinwa Akapo; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman; Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, Dr. Musa Babayo and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Alhaji Kabir Mashi, during the award presentation to Airtel Nigeria, for its consistent payment of education tax in Lagos… recently.

Sambo: Kaduna will deliver two million votes for Jonathan Anule Emmanuel Abuja

ice-President Namadi Sambo yesterday gave assurance that with the overwhelming support that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) currently enjoys in Kaduna State, he is expecting over two million votes for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election.

Sambo expressed this optimism on Sunday during a unity and family meeting of the Kaduna chapter of the PDP, which held at the Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kawo, Kaduna. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umar Sani, Sambo also said he expects 100 per cent victory for the party's candidates in other elective posts including that of

the governor. According to him, "Kaduna State PDP is the same and one strong family, and I am happy for the promise they have kept and for the promise they have made to us, that Insha Allah, PDP is Kaduna State and Kaduna State is PDP, and PDP will win the elections come 2015. "It is only PDP today in Nigeria that has its presence at all levels in the country. This represen-

tation is full and strong all over the federation," he stressed. Sambo enjoined all members of the party in Kaduna to work assiduously for the victory of the party in the 2015 polls. "This meeting has confirmed to me clearly and truly that we are the same strong indivisible family," he said. In his remark, Governor Mukhtar Yero urged party members to be

united ahead of the 2015 elections. Meanwhile, Sambo has collected his Permanent Voter’s Card, (PVC) with a call on Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the 2015 elections. He collected his PVC yesterday at the INEC distribution centre located at the Kaduna North Local Government Secretariat, Magajin Gari, Kaduna.

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Investment in fibre optic cables grows by 44.2% Kunle Azeez

he investment by telecoms companies in laying of fibre optic cables across the country has increased this year by 44.2 per cent, according to New Telegraph findings. Nigeria currently has over 11 terabyte of bandwidth capacity lying on the coastal lines in Lagos but taking this capacity across the country has been a challenge. New Telegraph learnt that as at December 2013, the telecoms companies, including MTN, Globacom and Airtel, had deployed a combined total of 68,124 kilometre of fibre optic cabling. Investigation, however, showed that the telcos revved up investment in fibre optic cabling this year in their drive to deepen access to high-speed internet services, as in 2014 alone, telcos have deployed an estimated 38, 000 kilometre of additional fiber optic cabling. This, thus, represents an increase of about 44.2 per cent investment in fibre optic cabling by the telecoms companies. By early 2011, it was

learnt that over 30,000 kilometres of long haul intercity fiber was laid across the country. Meanwhile, telecoms companies in Nigeria have also increased their base transceiver stations (BTS) expansion efforts across the country. Beyond carrying voice signals, the telcos also ensured that their BTS are being designed to make them either 2G-enabled or 3G-enabled to be able to offer data services. New Telegraph gathered that between 2013 and December, 2014, 2G-enabled sites have increased from 22, 578 to 28,289 while 3G-enabled sites have increased from less than 10,000 to 15,048 during the same period.

However, a backbone infrastructure project, started by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has not lived up to its expectation to address the infrastructure deficit in the nation’s telecoms sector. The NCC project is a subsidy-based one designed to facilitate the connection of rural and semi-urban areas to the national transmission backbone infrastructure with the intention to facilitate the build-out of backbone transmission infrastructure. The project is expected to be implemented in all the 744 local government areas, using targeted sub-

sidies. Through the project, which started in 2011, about 1,200 kilometres of fibre optic cabling has been run so far, according to Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, at a recent ministerial briefing in Abuja. According to Johnson, over 170 base stations, in total, will have been deployed only through the USPF to un-served and underserved areas by the end of this year with each of the base stations serving a cluster of communities. “One cluster of 22 BTS in Ondo State, commissioned by the ministry recently, now impact 111 rural communities with an estimated population of

664,500. Also, 158 sites are currently at various stages of completion across the country. Once deployment is complete, an estimated additional 1.6 million Nigerians in various rural communities will then be served by basic ICTs,” the minister said. Following a USPF study carried out to establish clusters of voice telephony and transport network gaps in the country, the ministry was able to create 207 country-wide ICT Cluster Gaps with each cluster having its requisite attributes. These gaps are expected to be filled by 2018 and this action will result in about 40 million Nigerians gaining access to voice services.

Giving statistics on the growth that has been recorded since 2011, when the Ministry of Communication Technology came up with various interventions to bridge the infrastructure deficit, Johnson said total mobile subscriptions increased to 134.5 million as at September 2014 from 95 million in 2011 while teledensity increased to 96 per cent in September 2014 from 68 per cent in 2011. Also, the total mobile internet subscriptions increased to 73.8 million as at September 2014 from 45 million in 2011 and Internet penetration increased to about 52 per cent in September 2014 from about 26.5 per cent in September 2011.

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Mostly Sunny A cross-section of Concerned Inter-party Stakeholders protesting the replacement of Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ibadan…yesterday.

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PHOTO: NAN

PDP secretly funds UPN, SDP, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

must field a presidential candidate, we must field the candidate to win and not to merely participate in the election as some parties are doing. “Our conditions hinged on our principles and ideas must be met for anyone to be our presidential candidate; it is more of feasibility test of which those that approached us failed. “As it is, what we would do is to set up a committee that will scrutinise all the presidential candidates as presented by other political parties and make recommendations to the leadership of the party on the candidate to endorse,” he stated. Text messages sent to Falae and Osoba were not responded to. As part of efforts to

consolidate support for the Jonathan’s candidacy, the Presidency recently facilitated rapprochement between Mimiko and Fayose, making it possible for the duo to now work to ensure victory for the party. As part of the efforts to enhance the president's chances in the South-West, a source told New Telegraph that the PDP leadership is being prevailed upon not to rock the boat in Ogun State. “The party is being cautious in moving against Buruji Kashamu in Ogun State as this won’t be palatable for the PDP. So, the party will tolerate the excesses of Buruji for the purposes of the election,” the source said. According to plan, Mimiko and Fayose are to work with other party leaders in the South-West

to deliver the zone to the president. But another source said the PDP was still having challenges in Lagos State as Jonathan’s strategists believe that the structures of the party in the state are not strong enough to deliver Lagos to Jonathan. The recent defeat of the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, at the governorship primaries, also altered permutations in the state. Obanikoro had given assurances that he would deliver the state for the PDP. According to another source, the party is now counting on former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, and other ethnic nationalities to mobilise support for Jonathan in Lagos.

In Oyo State, Jonathan’s foot soldiers are reaching out to former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala to support the president in the election. Ladoja is contesting the governorship on the platform of Accord Party while Alao-Akala has abandoned the PDP for LP where he is the governorship candidate. Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms Jumoke Akinjide, is the arrowhead of the president’s team in the state. In Osun, governorship candidate of the party in the August 9 election, Senator Iyiola Omisore and Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, are being empowered to match the APC in the presidential election. But the APC said it is

not bothered by the PDP plan. National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told New Telegraph that the party was confident of victory in the 2015 elections. “Whether they want to divide themselves to PDP, LP, UPN and SDP is immaterial to us. What is important are the people. And I can assure you that the people are with us. “We are not bothered by the PDP plot to capture, in their language, SouthWest. While they can manufacture figures they can’t manufacture people. As long as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies are neutral, we are comfortable of a resounding win in the South-West and all over Nigeria in 2015,” he said.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

FG to clamp down on politicians over inflammatory statements CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tence of the nation. Also, it was gathered that security agents have received "lawful" orders to clamp down on politicians found to engage in acts or make comments that could jeopardise the conduct of the elections. This came as the Department of State Service (DSS) warned opposition figures such as Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, against acts capable of undermining the country Adesiyan, at the launch of a book titled: “Watch the watcher: A book of remembrance of the Obasanjo years,” written by Yinka Odumakin, said members of the opposition were employing propaganda to bully President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, the different gang-ups in the country are aimed at seiz-

ing power by all means. He said: “Those disturbing the peace of Nigeria today are former PDP members. These are people that were once ministers, governors and those who have served their terms and were no longer useful in the PDP. They now thought they could gang up again and form a political party and that is why they are saying that even if they don’t win, they will form a parallel government; which is very mutinous. “I have started talking with my Inspector General and the DSS that anybody who makes any inciting statement must be dealt with. This country belongs to all of us and if anyone says anything mutinous, such a person will be arrested and prosecuted, no matter highly placed the person is. “By the grace of God, I am the Minister of Police

Affairs in this country today and I have said and I am warning that anybody who makes an inflammatory statement, who said anything that is mutinous, will be arrested and prosecuted. They should stop the drum of war; anybody who calls for unholy revolution, will be consumed by that revolution. Nigeria belongs to all of us. There is nobody that is untouchable, they might have done it in the past and got away with it, but let them do it now. Anybody who does it now, no matter highly placed, will be arrested and prosecuted. Asked whether the directive won't suggest a clampdown on the opposition, Adesiyan said: “That is why the opposition party must keep shut and watch their utterances. In a gathering where you say people should go to the polling centres with charms, cut-

lasses, guns and the rest is mutinous. All sort of inciting statements should not be condoned. So, whoever says it henceforth would pay for it, I repeat, whoever. This country is established by law and the law must take its course.” Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, described the compendium put together on Obasanjo by Odumakin as timely and innovative, adding that former President Olusegun Obasanjo made several efforts to secure a third term. In his speech, the Director, Special Duties in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Colonel Bello Fadile (rtd), said the book was evidence against Obasanjo’s years of misrule. “He (Obasanjo) is going to go back to that prison because there are a lot of

allegations the government has been overlooking, and you can't do that. If a man says he is honest, let him go to court and prove it. We will bring out the evidence against him and insist that government prosecute him, otherwise, we will go to court and get and order to prosecute any government that doesn’t want to prosecute him," he added. However, on a day Adesiyan ordered a clampdown on the opposition for alleged inflammatory statements, New Telegraph learnt that security agents had also been placed on the alert to crack down on anybody engaged in acts that could jeopardise national security. It was learnt from security sources that there were alleged subtle plans by some "desperate people", whose identities were not disclosed, to "overheat

L-R: Former Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Army, Colonel Bello Fadile (rtd.); Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseni; author, Mr. Yinka Odumakin; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Minister for Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesina, at the launch of a book Watch The Watcher in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Cameroon kills 41 Boko Haram militants in air strikes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dinated assaults on five towns and villages showed a change in tactics by Boko Haram fighters, who have focused on hit-and-run raids on individual settlements in the past. "Boko Haram's campaign to carve out an Islamist caliphate has spread from its stronghold in North-East Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon, raising fears for an already unstable region also threatened by Islamist militants in the Sahel,’’ he said. He added that Cameroon has sent thousands of soldiers to its Far North region to fight off the militants and it launched air attacks on the movement for the first time on Sunday.

"Units of the Boko Haram group attacked Makari, Amchide, Limani and Achigachia in a change of strategy which consists of distracting Cameroonian troops on different fronts. ``Making them more vulnerable in the face of the mobility and unpredictability of their attacks,’’ Tchiroma said. He said no fewer than 34 militants were killed after the army laid siege to a base used by the militants in Chogori and seven others, and one soldier was killed near the town of Waza. Army spokesman, Lt.Col. Didier Badjeck, told newsmen that the Islamists briefly occupied an army camp in Achigachia after

a fierce fight, but withdrew after air attacks. "All the militants had now pulled back into Nigeria,’’ Badjeck said. Both Tchiroma and Badjeck said it was too early to give full details of casualties. Another report by the BBC said about 1,000 militants attacked the five villages, including Amchide, and seized the nearby Achigachia military base. "After that, the Head of State ordered the air force to carry out strikes. With the bombardment, the fighters were forced to decamp from Achigachia," he said. Last week, Cameroon said it had dismantled a Boko Haram training camp on its territory, and

had seized 84 children who were being trained there. More than 40 of its soldiers have been killed in fighting with Boko Haram this year, according to Reuters. Senate President David Mark has, again, urged Nigerians to see Boko Haram as an enemy of the people and unite to defeat the sect. Addressing the congregation at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Otada near Otukpo, Benue State, to mark the last Sunday of 2014, Mark pleaded with the insurgents to give peace a chance. According to him, the activities of Boko Haram showed that they do not represent anything good as they are pursuing an

anti-people agenda. He said what Nigerians earnestly desired was peace, love and unity to heal the wounds inflicted on them by insurgents and Boko Haram adherents. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, circulated to reporters in Abuja yesterday, Mark also implored Nigerians to pray against forces of evil stressing " we must not allow the evil doers to succeed. With prayers God will put them to shame." In his sermon, Parish Priest, Rev.Fr. Kenneth Ode, urged Nigerians, irrespective of faith, to pray for an end the insurgency and terrorism ravaging the land.

the polity". Speaking on the planned invitation and arrests of identifiable "troublemakers", a security source said: "There is need for us to remind some of these politicians and interest groups that freedom of expression has limitations; it must be exercised responsibly. "There are laws and appropriate sanctions against destabilisation comments and threats to national security, peace and order in the country. "We will apply these laws to the letter because we want to ensure that this hard-won democracy must be sustained, while our corporate existence remains so." Asked if arrests at a time of election will not be misinterpreted or exacerbate the situation, the source said that would not stop security agents from performing their duties. When New Telegraph sought the reaction of the Force Headquarters on what the police are doing to check inflammatory remarks by politicians and some stakeholders, its spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, charged the gladiators to be guided by "ethical tenets" while canvassing arguments. Also yesterday, the DSS warned Amaechi and other politicians who may be making "unguarded statement and utterances" ahead of the 2015 elections to desist forthwith, or face the full wrath of the law. It also warned "those seeking to truncate the nation’s democracy by their careless and obviously mischievous utterances and actions" to retrace their steps in the interest of peace. Though, the secret service did not mention Amaechi in a statement by its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Ms Marilyn Ogar, it was clear he was the subject of reference, against the backdrop of a statement credited to the governor, who is the Director General of the Major General Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation. While commenting on the death sentence passed on 54 soldiers by a General Court-Martial (GCM), Amaechi was widely quoting as saying last week in Lagos that the soldiers were right to have protested being deployed to confront Boko Haram without being properly equipped. But the DSS statement, however, warned that the service and other security agencies will not tolerate inciting comments intended to undermine the Federal Government.

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

2015: Nigeria, EU sign MoU on election monitoring Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

head of the forthcoming general election, the Federal Government and the European Union (EU) has signed a Memorandum

RUBBISH

APC Chair dismisses talks of probing corrupt politicians Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie Oyegun, yesterday debunked the fear expressed in

of Understanding (MoU) on the monitoring of the elections holding in February 2015. The pact signed yesterday took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while the Charge d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Alan Munday, signed

on behalf of the European Union. In his remarks, Sheni said Nigeria welcomed the EU as observers of the forthcoming elections because of the importance of neutral observers in the electoral process. He said that Nigeria

...PDP mismanaged the economy, says Okechukwu some quarters that the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari may probe past corrupt political office holders if elected into office as president come 2015. Oyegun declared that Buhari’s presidency would not have anything to do with digging into the

Presidency works out unity list for Ogun PDP ABEOKUTA

he national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have finally resolved to harmonise the list of the party's candidates in Ogun State for the 2015 general election. The list, described as "unity list," was said to have cut across the contending camps in the state chapter, which include those loyal to former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, Prince Buruji Kashamu, and defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Remilekun Bakare. New Telegraph reli-

Electoral Commission (INEC) has given assurance that the 2015 elections would be conducted under the best international practises. He urged the EU to continue to assist INEC to live up to its bidding in the task of conducting free, fair,

Buhari won’t probe anybody, says Oyegun past activities of anybody but will concern himself with Nigeria’s future growth and development. Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Benin, Edo state capital, Oyegun, who faulted the claims by most citizens that Buhari’s government if elected, would send many corrupt Nigerians

to jail, noted the speculations as cheap blackmail being orchestrated by top shots of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC national chairman pointed out that the retired army General may have to contend with “only those who may not want to change from their

L-R: Tinsel actor, Bimbo Manuel; Chief Executive Director, Bufferzone Limited, Akin Fadeyi; co-presenter, Health Access, Gbenga Adeyinka and Scheduler, MNET West Africa, Muyiwa Ojo, at a strategy session for Health Access, in Lagos…yesterday.

Kunle Olayeni

had always been willing to collaborate with EU delegation of election monitors because the presence of international observers during elections usually lend credibility and legitimacy to such elections. Sheni disclosed that the Independent National

ably gathered yesterday that the unity list, which has already been accepted by the Presidency and the PDP hierarchy in Abuja, was presented to Daniel at his Sagamu residence by the party's National Auditor, Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, on Sunday. The list was said to have retained the candidacy of Prince Gboyega Isiaka as the party's gubernatorial candidate in the state. The development came after weeks of intense lobbying and horse-trading in Abuja over the controversy that greeted the party's primaries in Ogun State which were reportedly not authorised by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

Education secured under Jonathan — PDP Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday applauded the Federal Government's education programme for the last four years. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, noted the gains and challenges recorded in the sector and urged Nigerians to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election to guarantee the future of education in the country. Metuh said the PDP has in the last 15 years, progressively grown the education sector as a social instrument for national development and integration through vigorous imple-

mentation of broad-based policies in keeping with its manifesto and ideology. “President Jonathan has not only repositioned the public school system but has also provided the enabling environment for greater participation of private individuals and agencies in the delivery of education services under government regulation. “This is in addition to the massive rehabilitation and upgrade of Federal Government-owned schools as well as the three-pronged programmes of the Almajiri Education System, the first of its kind; the Girl-Child Education and Back-toSchool programmes, all of which have drastically reduced the out-of-school children profile in the country, particularly in the north," the statement added.

corrupt life styles, whose actions have brought the nation under its knees. He berated the PDP for deploying the concept of blasphemy against Jesus Christ due to power drunkenness but insisted that such dangerous trend would serve as punishment to boot out the ruling party come February 14, 2015. According to him, “Only people I can think of who will fear the Buhari Presidency are those who do not want change; are those who want to continue with business as usual, are those who want to continue to profit from the level of corruption in the society”. He stated further that “We will have no apologies for people like that. But it is clear that from the Buhari perspective and that of the APC,the future of the people of this country is too important for us to spend valuable time trying to dig

into the past”. “The first moment of a Buhari Presidency, the outlook is on the future. The message will be clear, whatever you engage in before that is detrimental to the people of this country, please stop it, change has come. It is time for change and anybody who decides that he does not want to be part of change and want business as usual that is his choice”, he said. Meanwhile, the Spokesman of the APC in the South East, Comrade Osita Okechukwu, has taken a swipe at President Godluck Jonathan's economic team, accusing its members of compounding the challenges of the country through their promotion of nebulous and inchoate economic policies. Okechukwu, who was reacting to a recent statement from the Federal Government on the state of the economy, expressed disappointment that in spite of the fall in the crude oil price.

Taxation: Lagos replies Sambo, says “you goofed” Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday lambasted Vice President Namadi Sambo over his comments that the state government is driving investors away with heavy taxation. The VP had, during his recent visit to the state, said that people were leaving Lagos in droves as a consequence of heavy taxation imposed by the state

government. But the state government came hard on the Vice- President over what it termed "lack of viable message to sell to people of Lagos." The state government, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Raji Lateef, said that the VP was not in Lagos for commissioning of a projects completed or initiated by

Protest in Ibadan over transfer deployment of REC Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

he transfer of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, to Oyo State was yesterday greeted in Ibadan, the state capital, with protest. The protesters are be-

lieved to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord, Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). The protesters bombarded the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State expressing rejection of the posting.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

News

NATION'S CAPITAL

Agency cautions developers against flouting building regulations BUILDING COLLAPSE

FEMA Director laments negligence of building contractors Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

Utako area of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Christmas day in which three people lost their lives, the Director, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Abass G. Idriss, has warned recalcitrant developers in the city to adhere to the building

regulations in the coming year 2015 to save lives and properties. Idriss, who lamented the building collapse which occurred around 10am on Christmas day, noted that such occurrence was avoidable if the developer had followed the laid down

regulations guiding construction of building in the FCT. The Director, who spoke through the Head, Search and Rescue of the agency, Suleiman Anas, commended men of his agency for their prompt response to the distress call, adding that two

out of the five workers trapped by the collapsed building were rescued alive. He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were part of the rescue operation at the scene of the collapsed building. Idriss, however, con-

doled with the families of those who lost their lives and urged residents of FCT to always be safety conscious at all times. Two of the workers who sustained various degrees of injuries were rescued and taken to Gwarimpa General Hospital for treatment.

ollowing the collapse of a building under construction at

Nigeria's food import has reduced from N1.1 tr to N648bn – Oronto Douglas Yusuf Shuaib ABUJA

igeria's food import bill has reduced from N1.1 trillion in 2011 to N648 billion in 2012 placing the country firmly on the path to food self-sufficiency, the Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Dougals has said. Douglas, who made this known in his book ‘Transformation at a Glance’ also noted that over eight million metric tonnes of food were added to domestic supply in 2012, making it about 70 per cent above proportion. “Gover nment recently launched a selfemployment initiative under the youth empowerment in Agriculture programme (YEAP) called the Nagropreneur programme” the scheme, designed to encourage youth to go into commercial agriculture; as entrepreneurs plan to develop over 750,000 young Nagropreneurs by 2015. “Federal Government has also launched staple crop processing zones to support investments in the entire agriculture value chain”. “At present, there are significant private investment commitments from agribusiness ventures such as Flour Mills of Nigeria, the Dangote group, Syngenta, Indonesia, AGCO, and Belstar Capital,” he added. “In 2012, 2.2 million metric tonnes of cassava chips were exported, exceeding the target by over 100 per cent, while the 40 per cent substitution of cassava for wheat has been achieved through research and collaboration with the IITA”.

L-R: President, Coalition of Civil Society Group, Mr. Etuk Williams; Secretary General, Femi Osabinu; Deputy Director Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr. Godfrey Ike and Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr. Bello Mahmud, during the presentation of Certificate of performance in Service delivery award to Coalition in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Yuletide: Fun seekers bemoan New Year: FRSC tests drivers on Abuja-Lokoja road the result of the exercise Olagunju explained Yekeen Nurudeen absence of Christmas tree would be used to make that the choice of Abuja Caleb Onwe ABUJA

un seekers at the Abuja popular Unity Fountain Park, besides the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, have expressed different views about the absence of the National Christmas Tree which hitherto adorned the place with aesthetics that attracts the attraction of both tourists and passers-by. Many fun seekers, who came around for relaxation have continued to wonder what had happened this year as the tree was not decorated to add beauty to the park as usual. Mr. Abdulla Zourhaj, a Lebanese Moslem, told New Telegraph that he was disappointed that the Christmas Tree which gave him a good photographic background last year in the park was not available this year for him to take memorable pictures. Mr. Ademola Samson,

who came to the place to relax with his two kids believed that the insinuation that the government was broke, a fact that was reflected in non-payment of salaries of some civil servants could be responsible. “ It is also possible that the government is saving money for elections that is by the corner, and may not want to spend money on frivolities.” The tradition of using Christmas trees to decorate both homes and public places to depict the mode of the yuletide became a popular practice in the early 20th century. And in the mid-20th century, another dimension of displaying strings of electric lights as Christmas decoration detached from the Christmas tree itself, along streets and buildings was introduced. In 2012, the First Lady, Mrs. Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan lit the first Nigerian National Christmas Tree as part of activities heralding the yuletide season.

ABUJA

ith 48 hours to the year 2015, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has commenced a test for motorists on Abuja-Lokoja express road to measure their blood alcohol concentration levels. The measure, according to Assistant Corps Marshal, Kayode Olagunju, was part of steps to reduce carnage on the road during the yuletide and New Year's day festivities, when the volume of traffic on the route is high. The test, which was being administered by officials of FRSC in collaboration with International Centre for Alcohol Policy, a Non Governmental Organisation, according to him, started on December 17. He disclosed that the evidence based survey was aimed at obtaining reliable data on the level of drunk-driving on Nigerian roads. Olagunju added that

policies that would help reduce road traffic accidents caused by drunkdriving. "The policy will be comprehensive and used for prosecution of drunk drivers whose blood alcohol levels are above the acceptable minimum of 0.05ml of alcohol" he said. Such drivers, he added, are disasters waiting to happen and are unfit to drive.

as pilot for the exercise was because of its centrality as the nation's capital. He, however, revealed that the exercise was being carried out simultaneously in the six geo-political zones of the country with drivers being randomly stopped at strategic checkpoints, where they are known to stop to refresh and most possibly indulge in alcohol consumption.

PUBLIC NOTICE GUNUVI ELDERS AND CHIEFS TRADITIONAL AND CULTURAL ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part "C" of the companies and allied matter act no.1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Chief Hungbo Mathew Awise 3. Joko Joun Hunnowiyon 5. Sosoedo Adansede 7. Agegenu Dansu Samuel 9. Chief Hundenu Toyin

2. 4. 6. 8.

Chief Joshua D. Kuruyo James Makanju Gbenayon Monday Chief Sanpan Hunpe Dasi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster peace, unity and charitable services among members of the association 2. To promote the welfare and general being of members. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barrister Joseph Olumudi

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro 80 passengers rescued 10

Police deny selling cadets’ forms in Benue

Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he police hierarchy in Benue State yesterday denied selling cadets’ forms to members of the public for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP John Bako, who made the denial while briefing journalists in his office, however, confirmed the arrest of five secret cult members during the Christmas celebration. The suspects, he said, were arrested during clashes at Wadata and Modern Market areas in Makurdi metropolis. Bako said the command was yet to receive any information on the cadets’ recruitment exercise. The PPRO appealed to the public to beware of fraudsters out to defraud them, using various tactics. He said: “There has been no advert on the possible release of the forms for interested applicants. Usually what happens is that approvals are made for such exercise and the command would equally publicise the information for interested people. “People looking for jobs need to be aware of online and other media publications to avoid been defrauded. Many people are using this method to dupe people of the little they have. So, job seekers must be conscious of the type of information they make use of.” Bako also said that the five cult members were arrested with three locally-made pistols and cartridges following a tip-off. He added that some of the suspects sustained injuries. The PPRO appealed to the people to be security conscious and report any suspected moment to security agencies.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

from hijacked luxury bus

Dominic Adewole ASABA

en of the Dragon Patrol Team of the Delta State Police Command yesterday rescued a luxury bus hijacked by a five-man armed robbery gang. In the bus were over 80 passengers from Lagos State, travelling for Christmas to the South-East. The hoodlums, it was gathered, disguised as passengers, boarded the bus from Lagos before hijacking the bus at gunpoint on Benin-Asaba Expressway. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident at the state command headquarters in Asaba yesterday, said on sighting the police, the robbers jumped down from the bus and escaped into the bush. She said: “Our men sighted the bus on Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku Road entering into a lonely track road. The team suspected the movement and traced the vehicle. The hoodlums sighted the police and jumped down from the bus and escaped into the bush. “The driver of the vehicle and the passengers were res-

File picture of luxury buses

cued and taken to Ibusa Police Station where they revealed that five armed men unknowingly boarded the bus as passengers from Lagos. “On getting to Umunede, a neighbouring town to Agbor in Delta State, took over the bus and started robbing the passengers. The interception of the police aborted their other intended heinous act.” Kalu also said the police re-

covered firearms from hoodlums operating in a tricycle on Warri-Sapele Road. According to her, the patrol men chased the hoodlums who abandoned the tricycle and fled. She said: “The policemen searched the tricycle and recovered one locally-made single barrelled gun. “Meanwhile, efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing hoodlums.” The PPRO also said that

operatives of Special AntiKidnapping Squad, Obiaruku Annex, while on surveillance patrol within Obiaruku area suspected and arrested a 23-year-old boy, Chukwumun Okolo, Okoroma Friday 22) and Ejimaru Lucky (21) with a bag. She said: “When the bag was searched, one locallymade cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges and a knife were recovered.”

Area boys, commuters loot crashed beer truck

Shun violence, GOC urges Nigerians

Dominic Adewole ASABA

Flora Onwudiwe

or hours yesterday, motorists and commuters were stuck on the ever-busy BeninAsaba-Onitsha Expressway. The gridlock was caused by a lone accident involving a truck belonging to one of the breweries. The driver of the truck carrying beer lost control of the vehicle around the popular Orogbodo River at Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. However, street urchins popularly called area boys took advantage of the incident to drink the beer. Commuters were not left out as many alighted from their vehicles to partake in the free drink. The truck, it was gathered, was conveying beer to Asaba, for the New Year celebration before the accident. It took men of the Federal

File picture of an accident involving a truck carrying beer

Road Safety Commission (FRSC) several hours to free the gridlock. A witness, who identified himself simply as Chinedu, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said the truck could not climb the undulating part of the expressway after it descended a slope on the road. He said: “The truck, carrying over 10,000 cartons of beer was

coming from Benin, Edo State but when it got to that part of the road, it became difficult for it to climb the hill. The driver struggled before he lost control and the truck fell into the ditch.” The driver, who craved anonymity, said he had to slow down after descending the hill because commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, were navigating the hill.

he General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 division, Lagos, Brigadier General Tamunomeibi Dibi, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace the good aspects of their religions that preach peace and shun violence. The GOC made the call while declaring open 81 a seminar held at 65 Battalion Officers Mess, Bonny Camp, Lagos. According to him, Islam which Boko Haram claims to preach does not condone violence. He asked: “If both religions (Islam and Christianity) preach peace why do we have violence? If all agree that there is God, it is good to focus on God’s doctrine than to fight or kill one another.” Dibi added that in the killings in the North-East, the highest number of casualties seemed to be civilians.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

Housewife bathes robber with hot water Juliana Francis

furious housewife in Lagos pored hot water on a suspected robber identified as Kayode Oduto and got him arrested. Oduto and his accomplice, Quadri Lateef, now in the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos, had attacked the woman’s house at Kollington area of Alagbado on the outskirts of Lagos. While the housewife poured hot water on Oduto and used hot pot to hit his face repeated, smashing it beyond recognition, her husband dispossessed the suspect of his gun and pinned him down. Police investigators discovered that Lateef used to live in the area where they went to rob. Lateef told Oduto that he knew every nook and cranny of the area and was sure his knowledge would make the operation easy. Lateef picked a building, which he told Oduto was inhabited by a rich man, simply known as Mr Charles. When they reached the targeted building, the gate was locked, but the generator

was on. The two men quickly scaled the fence since they knew there were no dogs. Oduto switched off the generator and the two men took strategic positions. Oduto had a cut-to-size locally-made pistol, while Lateef had a toy gun. A few minutes after the generator went off Charles stepped out of the house to find out what went wrong. Oduto pointed a gun at his head and herded him back into the house, while Lateef followed closely behind. The robbers ordered the man to bring his money and gold. He told them that the money was in the master’s bedroom. As they were walking towards his bedroom, the man suddenly turned and grabbed Oduto, trying to dispossess him of the gun. Rather than assist his partner, a petrified Lateef just stood and watched. A police source said: “The gun fell down, followed by the victim and Oduto. The man was able to pin Oduto down. Lateef who had watched as his partner was pinned down, took to his heels. “As Lateef took off, the

Cleric donates money, tools to members

Lagos CP, Kayode Aderanti

man shouted thief ! thief ! His wife, who was cooking in the kitchen, rushed out. She had to use a rechargeable lantern to make out the figures on the ground since the generator was off. She saw her husband struggling to continue to pin Oduto down. Immediately she realised what was happening, she ran back to the kitchen.” Investigators said the woman was boiling water, to prepare

‘Poundo Yam,’ before the attack on their home. She rushed back to the kitchen, came out with the hot water and poured it on the suspect’s face. “After she poured him the hot water, she used the pot to hit his face repeatedly. She ran outside and started shouting for help. Other residents ran to help and the police were invited. The suspect’s face was a mess,” the source added.

he leadership of Imole Olorun Cherubim and Sherubim Church, Idioparun at Meiran area of Lagos State at the weekend empowered over 55 members of the church. The beneficiaries included widows, orphans, aged people, school children and other less privileged in the society. Items donated to the members included weaving machines, aluminium equipment, sewing machines, drying machines, Plasma television sets and cash. The General Overseer of the church, Dr Toyin Owoeye, said the gesture became necessary as a contribution to individuals since government alone could not meet the needs of the masses. The recipients could not conceal their joy as tears rolled down their cheeks at the ceremony which was graced by some distinguished ministers of God.

NMA faults police probe of doctor’s death Babatope Okeowo Akure

octors under the auspices of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) yesterday faulted the process adopted by the police in Ondo State in investigating the death of one of their colleagues, Dr David Akintayo Oguntuase. Oguntuase reportedly died on Christmas day in an inferno which gutted his private hospital. The NMA said it had established evidence to show that Oguntuase, a consultant paediatrician at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, was murdered before his body was set ablaze by assassins on December 25 at his Universal Clinic in Akure, the state capital. The state NMA Chairman, Dr Betiku Bamidele, also called on the police to get to the roots of the matter, warning that the association would resist any attempt to sweep the case under the carpet. Bamidele, who addressed journalists, regretted the alleged poor handling of the crime scene by the police.

Owoeye

Anambra speaker distributes yam seedlings Tony Okafor Awka

T The burnt hospital

The chairman said the scene had been a free for all site, an act that could compromise the body of evidence available at the scene. He said: “The scene of the incident was initially a free for all to come in and out of the premises before concerted efforts were made by the NMA on the police to cordon off the environment such that the abundance of evi-

dence be adequately utilised. “The manner of evacuation of the burnt body from the scene was to say the least unscrupulous with a considerable likelihood to compromise the results of investigations. “As if this was not vexatious enough, the scene which apparently was cordoned off following intensive efforts by the NMA, was not the case when it was subse-

quently visited. “The statement by the PPRO of Ondo State Police Command, Mr Wole Ogodo, narrowed the incident to electricity surge even when the neighbours confirmed that there was no electricity supply at the time of the incident.” When contacted, Ogodo said he would not join issues with NMA.

Dafinone Foundation empowers 150 youths Gabriel Choba Ughelli

ver 150 youths across Delta State who completed their programme from Dafinone Foundation Skill Acquisition Centre, Sapele, Delta State, have been presented with starter packs, including certificates, according to their areas of specialisation.

The Director of the programme, Chief Ede Dafinone, while delivering his speech at the event, said the one-year intensive training was designed to put smile on the faces of jobless Delta State citizens. The chartered accountant explained that the foundation had fully equipped over 500 women and thousands of youths in Sapele, Okpe, Jesse,

Oghara and Mosogar communities with different skills. Dafinone appealed to the well-meaning Nigerians to train their women and youths through different skills so that the world could be a better place to live. Earlier, the Chairman of the ceremony, Dr Veronica Ogbuagu, the proprietor of Chinkelly Schools, Ekpan,

said that what Chief Ede Dafinone had done was economic empowerment of women. She appealed to politicians to take impact on their communities positively by initiating programmes for the health and education of children, including women Some of the beneficiaries include Miss Ruth Saibu, Miss Beauty Edani (catering).

he Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinwe Nwaebili, yesterday distributed yam seedlings to farmers in Ogbaru Local Government Area. Nwaebili is also the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the House of Representatives in Ogbaru Federal Constituency. The over 20,000 yam seedlings were distributed to the farmers in Ogbaru Federal Constituency as part of the speaker’s empowerment programme. Speaking during the distribution, Nwaebili said the second batch of the exercise would be held in January. She charged the beneficiaries to utilise the proceeds for the benefits of their families. The speaker, who urged the people to always remember her in prayers, appealed to them to give her their support during the forthcoming election to the House of Representatives. She also assured her constituents of effective representation if elected. Responding, some of the beneficiaries, Messrs Obinna Nsofor, John Nkwocha and Chijioke Nwosu, thanked the speaker for her gesture and pledged to support her political bid.

News

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki, alleging a sudden jump in security threats in the state shortly after Governor Ayo Fayose was declared winner of the June 21, 2014 governorship election. In a petition by the state APC Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent yesterday, the party said even though there were pockets of

1.1%

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Ekiti APC writes NSA over alleged killer squad •You are diverting attention, says PDP

security breaches in the state during electioneering campaigns, the security situation in the state has degenerated. The petition, copies of which were sent to the President, the InspectorGeneral of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Ekiti State Director of the DSS and the state Commissioner

The annual rate of increase in population of Latin America and Caribbean in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

of Police, alleged a leap in insecurity shortly after “Fayose made a special request for the redeployment to Ekiti State, the policemen that formed the nucleus of a killer squad in the state between 2003 and 2006, as confirmed by the Presidential Security Panel Report on Political Killings in Ekiti State.” The petition reads in part: “We are worried by

645

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Ascension in 2005. Source: Itu.int

the antecedents of these police officers when they served Governor Fayose between 2003 and 2006. Our fear is not without basis. A cursory look at the ‘Report of the Presidential Security Panel Investigation of Killings in Ekiti,’ constituted by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005, succinctly leads us to the present fear, as state-sponsored terrorism

£13.9m

The annual salary of Wayne Rooney of Manchester United. Source: Paywizard.co.uk

rears its head again with particular reference to the same officers, who were indicted in that report and who have been recalled by Governor Fayose to his service in Ekiti State.” But reacting yesterday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through the state Secretary, Dr. Tope Aluko, accused the APC and its leaders of trying to divert attention from the numerous murder cases hanging on their necks.

N12.1m

The total capital importation value of the Electrical sector in 2009. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

L-R: Chairman, Christ Apostolic Church, Erio Zone, Pastor Joseph Rotimi; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola and wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose, during the Special Thanksgiving Service in honour of Feyisetan at the C.A.C. Erio Zonal Headquarters, Erio-Ekiti, Ekiti State

‘Pro-democracy groups must reconvene over Buhari’

sun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on pro-democracy activists and groups in Nigeria and beyond to reconvene towards ensuring the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the 2015 elections, General Muhammadu Buhari. Aregbesola said the time is now for those who had in the past rendered selfless services to their fatherland by confronting dictatorial governments and installing democratic rule. The governor, according to a release by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, spoke on Sunday in Osogbo at the 50th birthday lecture and presentation of a book in honour of a renown prodemocracy and human rights activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu. Aregbesola, who spoke before a teeming population of some of Nigeria’s leading pro-democracy activists, who came to honour Shittu, said the current challenges being faced by Nigeria arose from the ineptitude of the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government at the centre. “Wherever you find PDP, you will find misery, poverty, under-development. We must remember that the encounter of our people and experience, especially in the South West geo-political zone, have never brought anything positive.

Osun PDP, APC clash over alleged starvation of funds

Supreme Court upholds Kaka’s election

Adeolu Adeyemo

Abeokuta

OSOGBO

sun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday warned the APC led government in the state to desist from antagonising the Federal Government unnecessarily over alleged rumour being peddled by the APC government that the Federal Government was starving the state of funds. Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, who gave the warning in a statement in Osogbo, threatened to take the party to court if it insists on blackmailing the PDP led government at the centre, all in the name of politics. He described the APC

claim on the matter as false and charged members of the public to disregard it. The PDP boss further frowned on the way and manner the APC is constantly blackmailing the Federal Government that it is deducting its allocations unjustly. To convince people that the APC claim was untrue, Olaoluwa took the allocation released to Osun State government for the month of October and published in November by some Nigerian newspapers as a case study that “N3.4 billion was released to Osun State while consensual deductions of N945 million, which the Federal Government was made the guarantor by Osun State, was deducted.”

Kunle Olayeni

he Supreme Court has upheld the election of the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka. The apex court, in a unanimous judgement, dismissed the appeal filed by Chief Adebisi Adeg-

buyi, for lacking in merit and also awarded the sum of N200, 000 as costs against the appellant. Adegbuyi, who aspired for the senate seat, had challenged the 2011 election of Kaka into the upper chamber of the National Assembly, saying the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) did not conduct a primary election

in the senatorial district in accordance with section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). The All Progressives Congress (APC), substituted for ACN; Kaka and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were the first, second and third respondents in the suit. The appellant had

sought for an order setting aside the nomination of the second defendant by the party and directing the defendant to accept him as the senatorial candidate. He had also sought an order of perpetual injunction, restraining INEC from recognising Kaka as the senatorial candidate in the April 2, 2011 election.

Aregbesola slams Jonathan over strangulated economy Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, at the weekend, lampooned President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that he has bastardised the country’s economy and challenged him to account for over 400, 000 barrels of oil being sto-

len from the country daily or face the wrath of the masses. Aregbesola while speaking at a book presentation to mark the 50th birthday of a human rights activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, described the Jonathan administration as not only enmeshed in self-aggrandisement, but is also selfcentered and greedy and

does not have the interest of the people at heart. He remarked: “Oil, which is the main stay of Nigeria’s economy was being stolen from Nigeria on a daily basis despite huge security apparatus at the disposal of the Federal Government and a security contract to that effect to an ex-militant, Govern-

ment Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. “The Federal Government has the Army, Navy, Air Force and a security contract awarded to Tompolo, yet 400, 000 barrels of oil are being stolen from Nigeria daily and the government cannot account for the theft. What do you make of that?

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECember 30, 2014

2014 review

Constitution

17, 20

Timeline of political events

How state assemblies truncated quest for LGs’ autonomy

Politics

2014 IN REVIEW

For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was win some lose some in 2014. ONYEKACHI EZE reviews some major events in the party in the passing year

How 2014 shaped PDP

or the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the year 2014 recorded several ups and downs. While it could be said that the party recovered from the shock of mass defections of members to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) towards the end of 2013, the party also has a relapse also towards 2014 when some members who felt dissatisfied with the conduct of the primaries, also joined other parties. The beginning of the year witnessed increased pressure on Dr. Bamanga Tukur to resign as PDP National Chairman. This followed disaffection expressed by party members on his style of leadership. This had led to the party losing five of its governors and a number of state and national legislators to APC. Tukur later caved in on January 16. Four days later, on January 20, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as Tukur’s successor. Mu’azu’s coming invigorated the spirit of members. Within weeks, the political misfortune of the party in the National Assembly was reversed. Some members of PDP who had already defected to APC were persuaded to return

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan at the PDP National Convention

by the new national chairman. PDP did not only regain its majority in the House of Representatives, it was also able to poach some foundation members of APC. Among those who joined the party were immediate past governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, his Sokoto State counterpart, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former governorship candidates of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara and Adamawa states, Dele Belgore (SAN) and Dr. Ardo Umar respectively, as well as former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa. This earned Mu’azu the name: “the Game Changer”. PDP, however, lost former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to APC. With increased confidence of members in the party’s national leadership and the stability in the party, more opposition members joined the PDP later in the year. Among them were former Chair-

Mu’azu’s coming invigorated the spirit of members. Within weeks, the political misfortune of the party in the National Assembly was reversed

man of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who was also former presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Chris Anyanwu who was elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and other chieftains of the party. Those who left the opposition parties for PDP were received at colourful ceremonies across the country tagged Unity Rallies. The rallies were held in the geo-political zones. The party, however, came under attack after its rally in Kano to welcome Shekaru and Bafarawa. The rally was held a day after the April 14 bomb blast in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja where about 100 people died. The party and President Goodluck Jonathan (who was present at the rally) were accused of lack of human feeling for dancing at the rally instead of sympathising with innocent Nigerians who were victims of terror attack. Still on the gale of defections within the year, Ondo State gov-

ernor, Olusegun Mimiko who is on his second term in office, left Labour Party (LP) for PDP. Also former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi joined the ruling party from APGA. In accordance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections were held during the year. PDP won the Ekiti State governorship with the return of former Governor Ayodele Fayose as governor-elect on June 21 who trounced the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC. The party, however, failed to win Osun governorship, which was won by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of APC. PDP recovered Adamawa State it lost to APC with the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako by the state House of Assembly. Nyako, who was elected on PDP platform left the party alongside four other governors to APC. But with his impeachment CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Politics

TUESDAY, DECember 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

2014 IN REVIEW

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE chronicles major political events in Nigeria in 2014

Timeline of political events

ollowing a face-off and power tussles between the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and governors elected on the platform of the party, Tukur was forced to resign on January 15. His resignation paved the way for the emergence of former Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as PDP national chairman on January 20. Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and members of his faction in the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 25 defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His Kano counterpart, Ibrahim Shekarau, also dumped APC for PDP on January 29. President Goodluck Jonathan on February 20 suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Lamido Sanusi. On February 28, the Federal Government honoured 100 distinguished Nigerians with Centenary Awards. While the awards were received by prominent Nigerians and some deceased families, the families of Gani Fawehinmi, MKO Abiola and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti rejected the awards on behalf of their patriarchs. Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, also rejected it. Dr. Willie Obiano and Dr. Nkem Okeke were sworn in on March 17 as governor and deputy governor of Anambra State by the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi. President Jonathan on March 17 inaugurated the National Conference with 492 delegates under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Kutigi, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi as vice chairman. Over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, were abducted on April 14 by members of the Boko Haram sect. On May 5, a Boko Haram Commander, Abubakar Shekau, threatened in a video to sell more than 200 Chibok girls the sect kidnapped. Sanusi became the 14th Emir of Kano on June 9 following the death of Ado Abdullahi Bayero on June 6. A former governor of Edo State and All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) presidential running mate, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on June 13 emerged as National Chairman of APC during the party’s first national convention in Abuja. Mr. Ayo Fayose, the PDP gubernatorial candidate defeated incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of APC to win the June 21 election in Ekiti State. On June 24, President Jonathan inaugurated the construction of the N2.4 trillion ($18b) Centenary City, Abuja, to mark Nigeria’s 100 years of nationhood. Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State was impeached on July 15 by the State House of Assembly. Former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on July 23 escaped a bomb blast in Kaduna. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, against all odds was re-elected at the August 9 gubernatorial election on the platform of APC. He defeated Senator Iyiola Omisore of the PDP. After four months of debates, the National Conference ended on August 14 and its report was submitted to President Jonathan on August 21.

A cross section of delegates at the National Conference

Nyako

Shekarau

Enugu State deputy governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, was impeached on August 26 for gross misconduct by the state House of Assembly. A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, on August 26 resigned from the APC following the loss of the national chairmanship position to Oyegun. Ikimi left APC few weeks after former Borno State governor and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of defunct ANPP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, dumped APC for the PDP. On September 5, the South African government seized $9.3 million allegedly meant for the procurement of arms for the Nigerian intelligence services from two Nigerians and an Israeli who arrived the country in a private jet. The money was allegedly meant for the procurement of arms for the Nigerian military. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on October 24 declared his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of APC. Again, South African government on October 6 seized another sum of $5.7 million transferred by Societe D’Equipments Internationale of Nigeria to South African arms company, Cerberus Risk Solutions, for the procurement of arms. Justice Adeniyi Ademola of Federal High Court, Abuja on October 8 sacked Adamawa State Acting Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri on the grounds that the former Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, did not resign from office in accordance with the constitution. Ngilari was later sworn in as the state Acting Governor. Former Head of State and three-time

presidential contender, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on October 15 declared intention to contest the 2015 presidency on the platform of the APC. Fayose was sworn in as governor of Ekiti State by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola on October 16. The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh on October 17 announced a ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram. The ceasefire agreement was later denied by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau. After months of speculations over his second term bid, President Jonathan confirmed on October 23 that he would seek for re-election in 2015. He also accepted his nomination by the PDP as the party’s sole candidate for the 2015 presidential election. On October 28, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, announced his defection on the floor of the House from the PDP to APC and immediately postponed the plenary session of the House. On November 5, President Jonathan unveiled a specially designed commemorative N100 banknote by the Central Bank of Nigeria as part of its contribution to Nigeria centenary celebration. President Jonathan on November 11, in Abuja publicly declared his intention to contest the February 14, 2015 presidential election. On November 20, there was pandemonium at the National Assembly complex as policemen and Department of State Service (DSS) operatives stopped Tambuwal and some House of Representatives members from enter-

ing the legislative chamber. Tambuwal and his colleagues gained access into the complex while some lawmakers resorted to climbing over gates of the complex to access the chamber. Seven pro-Fayose lawmakers out of 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on November 20 impeached Mr. Adewale Omirin and Mr. Tunji Orisalade as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House. The Speaker protempore, Mr. Dele Olugbemi, was elevated to the position of Speaker while Mrs Abeni Olayinka became Deputy Speaker. The Supreme Court on November 21 sacked the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Sanni Danladi, who was impeached by the state House of Assembly in October 2012. Governor Rauf Aregbesola was sworn in for a second term as on November 26 by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adebola Adepele. On December 4, APC held its governorship primaries to elect the party’s gubernatorial candidates for February 28, 2015 elections. Some of the winners of the primaries are: Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna); Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside (Rivers) and former Lagos State Accountant-General, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) Like APC, PDP on December 8, conducted its primaries to elect the party’s governorship flag bearers. Among those that emerged victorious are; Governor Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna); former Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Mr. Jimi Agbaje (Lagos); Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); former chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (Adamawa); former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin (Oyo); immediate Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Udom Emmanuel and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi. Many heavyweights also lost in the election, among whom are ministers who resigned from Jonathan’s cabinet to run for governorship race. On December 9, former President Olusegun Obasanjo launched his threepart autobiography, “My Watch.” The book is still generating controversy. President Jonathan on December 10 got 2,812 ‘Yes’ votes out of the 2,812 votes cast at the PDP Special National Convention at Eagle Square in Abuja to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2015 elections. He also announced his vice, Namadi Sambo as his running mate. On December 11, Buhari emerged as the APC presidential candidate for the February 14, 2015 election polling 3,430 votes out of 6,008 votes cast. He defeated four other APC aspirants: Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isaiah, who scored 974, 954, 624 and 10 votes respectively. On December 17, the Nigerian Army sentenced 54 soldiers to death by firing squad for the offences of mutiny and conspiracy to commit mutiny.

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECember 30, 2014

2014 IN REVIEW C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

and the assumption of office first,of the Speaker of the House Assembly, Umar Fintiri as acting governor and later, former deputy governor, James Bala Ngilari as substantive governor, Adamawa which has been traditional PDP since 1999, returned to the party. Attempt by PDP dominated Nasarawa State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for his deputy, Luka Damishi, who is a PDP loyalist, to take over, however, failed. In the same vein, the court annulled the impeachment of former Taraba State deputy governor, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, by the state House of Assembly two years ago. The court also directed that he should be sworn in as acting governor while Alhaji Garba Umar who has been acting since Governor Danbaba Suntai had aircraft accident in October 2012, was sent packing. The political atmosphere in PDP became charged as the date for the sale of party nomination forms drew closer. There was uncertainty on how the party could handle the backlash likely to arise from presidential nomination contest. Apart from the incumbent, President Jonathan who, by all indications, is interested in seeking re-election, two serving governors from the north – Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, were prepared to wrest PDP ticket from him. After much horse trading, PDP at its NEC meeting on September 18, unanimously adopted Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for 2015. This was after various organs of the party – the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party caucus and the PDP caucus in the National Assembly, had adopted Jonathan as sole presidential candidate. As Jonathan was undecided whether he would seek re-election or not, sycophants took the centre stage, drumming support for the president even before INEC lifted the ban on political campaigns. About 8,000 of Goodluck Support Groups (GSG) fell over one another to “persuade” Jonathan to seek a second term in office. Prominent among these support groups is the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN). Funded by Ifeanyi Uba, former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State in 2013, TAN’s rallies in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attracted a huge crowd among them government functionaries and PDP stakeholders. Though, Jonathan was adopted sole PDP presidential candidate, two other party members indicated interest in the ticket. Son of First Republic Prime Minister, Dr. Abdul Jhalil Tafawa Balewa and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Prof. Akasoba Desmo-Abiola bought PDP presidential nomination forms. However, through its internal mechanism, PDP was able to prevail on Tafawa Balewa to step down for Jonathan. Prof. Desmo-Abiola did not present much challenge since she could not obtain the nomination forms even after one week extension on earlier deadline for the close of the exercise. In line with the INEC guideline, PDP began the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest (EOI) forms for various positions in October. The exercise, which was supposed to end on October 30 was later extended by one week. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambwual left the PDP for APC. His defection jolted the ruling party, which is seeking both legal and every other means to remove

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) at a party function in Calabar, Cross River.

Tukur

Obi

Landmark events that shaped PDP him as Speaker. Apart from the suits filed in court for his removal, PDP is pushing members of the House of Representatives to effect change in the House leadership. The matter came to a head on November 24, when the House members scaled through the gate to gain access to the National Assembly complex. This followed the sealing off gates leading to the complex by security personnel. The House was reconvened by the Speaker to attend to President Jonathan’s requesting for an extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. Prior to this, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba had ordered the immediate withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security details, arguing that by defecting to APC the Speaker had lost his seat in the House. Former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur was suspended for one month by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) for what

the party’s National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon termed “anti-party activity”. Tukur and another member of the party were accused of taking PDP to court without first exhausting internal mechanism to redress their grievances. The former National Chairman, however, denied taking the party to court, and said he was even a defendant in the suit. Also two members of the party went to court to challenge President Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2015 elections having been in office as president since 2010. They argued that by May 29, 2015 the president would be in office five years, noting that he would be seeking third time in office if allowed to re-contest in 2015. The case was, however, dismissed. On November 12, Jonathan formally declared to contest the 2015 presidential election at a colourful ceremony at Eagle Square, Abuja. The president declared to make corruption in the focal point of his administration if re-elected. On November 1, PDP ward congress-

es were held throughout the country. This had ripple effects leading to petitions and counter-petitions from aggrieved party members. This was the beginning of rancorous primaries that led to defections of PDP members to other parties. Even serving state governors who were nursing senatorial ambitions, were forced to drop their ambitions when the reality of eventual disgrace at the primaries dawned on them. The PDP Special National Convention was held on December 10 and 11. The two-day event was for the ratification of three appointments made in the NWC, the ratification of Jonathan’s adoption as sole presidential candidate, as well as some amendments to the party’s constitution. The PDP campaign fund raising was held at Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in the December 20. Over N20 billion was raised at the event. For PDP, 2014 has been an eventful year.

16 4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECember 30, 2014

How state assemblies truncated quest for LGs’ autonomy Recently, the 38 state Houses of Assembly returned the result of their voting on the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution to the National Assembly. PHILIP NYAM and CHUKWU DAVID write that for the umpteenth time, the state assemblies rejected autonomy for the local governments

Assembly for Nigerians through the review process might be frustrated by the state assemblies, especially where and when the issues under review did not receive the acceptance of the governors.

Ihedioha

NUT/NULGE position As desirable as granting the third tier of government autonomy is, majority of the state assemblies have argued that the local government autonomy bill is fraught with irregularities. According to them, it will be improper to leave the local governments unmonitored for the sake of autonomy because there is high level of immaturity at the local government level. Most surprisingly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) led the campaign against local government autonomy. The NUT has consistently maintained that teachers suffered greatly when their salaries were being handled by the local governments.

Ikon

ince the return of democracy in 1999, the National Assembly has made spirited efforts to ensure that the third tier of government is granted fiscal autonomy but to no avail. During the 2005/2006 experiment, which collapsed with the infamous third term bid, local government autonomy featured prominently. In the last alteration that held in 2010, both chambers of the National Assembly voted in favour of autonomy for local councils but when the proposal was sent to the state assemblies, they kicked against it. This scenario played itself out in the ongoing process as the issue was again thrown out by the state legislature. The National Assembly had in October 2014, forwarded 23 items to the state assemblies for concurrence. While receiving the document on behalf of speakers of the State Houses of Assembly, Speaker of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Ikon, assured Nigerians that they would independently consider the proposed amendments without giving room for any intimidation or undue interferences from their respective governors as experienced in the past attempts at reviewing the constitution. He also assured that the bill would receive accelerated and positive action from the state assemblies. In the Alteration report as approved by the National Assembly, Section 7 of the Bill grants autonomy to the local governments in Nigeria by providing for their funding, tenure, elections, and to clearly delineate their powers and responsibilities to ensure effective service delivery and insulate them from undue interference from state governments. In fact, Nigerians hailed the federal lawmakers for that singular decision to provide autonomy to the local governments because from analytical perspective, it was believed that if this section scaled the hurdle of the state assemblies, it would facilitate the strengthening of the local government ad-

Amaechi

ministration in Nigeria. It is evident that the council system of administration, as the third tier of government is currently being bastardised by the encroachment of the state governments through joint accounts and other arbitrary applications and impositions introduced by state governors. Unfortunately, just as many Nigerians expressed concern and worries that the state assemblies would bungle the project, the state legislators, contrary to their promise, eventually succumbed to the whims and caprices of the state governors and killed the people’s will to liberate the local governments from the imperialist tendencies of the state chief executives. However, before the Constitution review report was transmitted to the state parliaments for endorsement, it was reported that the 36 state governors had risen to protest against the proposal. It was not in doubt that the governors could go to any length to frustrate this move, using the state assemblies. It is constitutionally required that, in the course of any constitution

Jang

State legislators, contrary to their promise, eventually succumbed to the whims and caprices of the state governors and killed the people’s will to liberate the local governments from the imperialist tendencies of the state

alteration, whatever is passed by the National Assembly has to be taken to the state assemblies for approval by two-thirds majority. Reports from stakeholders in grassroots politics, especially local government executives, indicated that, in addition to governors’ interference in the running of local councils, the State/Local Government Joint accounts has resulted in local governments being starved of funds meant for developmental projects. That was why the National Assembly made desperate efforts to tackle the problem through the ongoing constitution amendment process. Since the inception of this dispensation, it has been established that most state assemblies are mere appendages of the Executive or puppets of the governors. It is on record that the governors had in the previous proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution carried out by the 6th Assembly, influenced the state assemblies to reject their own (state assemblies) financial autonomy. No decision could be more suicidal than that singular action of the state parliament, which was taken for purely selfish interest. That incident definitely provoked fears across the length and breath of Nigeria, that most of the good intentions of the National

Governors’ Forum Chairman of the two factions of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Jonah Jang, were reported to have decided to speak in one voice, irrespective of their differences, condemning the action of the National Assembly on the local government autonomy. The two factions were quoted to have said that the federal parliament has no power to determine what happens in the state, anchoring their arguments on the idea that Nigeria is a federation. They posited that, in a federation, the federating states have constitutional powers to determine the structure and system of administration to adopt at the state and local government levels. Consequently, Nigerians have been worried over this situation and want the state assemblies to be courageous enough this time around to counter the governors and grant the muchdesired autonomy to the councils for accelerated development. House stance Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has confirmed that the National Assembly would adopt the position of the state assemblies. Ihedioha, who doubles as the chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review promised that the collation of resolutions by the 36 state assemblies on clauses for amendment of the 1999 Constitution will be thoroughly carried out by the National Assembly in order to achieve a desired end result of the exercise. He said: “We are justifiably proud of the work done by the National Assembly contained in the proposals sent to the state Houses of Assembly for their approval or rejection as the case may be. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Nigeria: Should we break ranks with PDP?

Chied Uche Okoye

s Nigeria not tending towards one party state what with the ruling PDP maintaining a suffocating strangle-hold on the soul of Nigeria? Can any political party other than the PDP win the presidential election in Nigeria in 2015? Now, Nigeria is synonymous with PDP, the political octopus that has seized power at the centre. Since the inception of the fourth republic in 1999, after we had experienced debilitating dictatorships for a long period, the PDP has been ruling Nigeria for fifteen unbroken years. And, the end of the PDP leadership of Nigeria is not in sight given some political factors existing in our country, now. The People’s Democratic Party is nationalistic in out-look as its members are Nigerians from diverse ethnic and religion backgrounds. It is a known fact that PDP is the political reincarnation of NPN, the dominant political party in the ill-fated second republic. It’s on the platform of PDP that the egoistical Chief Olusegun Obasanjo won the presidential election in 1999. In order to placate the indignant Yorubas over the annulled June 13, 1993 presidential election, and to keep Nigeria as one country, the Northern king makers and other interests helped him to win the Presidential election in 1999. So, the imposition of leaders on us has become the enduring feature as well as the legacy of the PDP. And the imposition of political candidates vying for elective poses on party members has become symptomatic of the PDP’S crippling malaise. So, it is evident that PDP was birthed and founded on the foundation of lawlessness and undemocratic norms. Dr Alex Ekwueme, one of the members of the G-34 group that morphed to PDP, lost the 1999 presidential primary election to Chief Obasanjo in hazy circumstances. Was Dr Alex Ekwueme the candidate anointed to be the PDP’S presidential torch-bearer in the 1999 presidential election,

then? In the interest of political expediency and for selfish considerations, members of the PDP hierarchy have set bad political precedents for the party. So those precedents have continued to guide and shape the decisions and polices of the party. So after his third term political gambit was scuttled, chief Obasanjo chose the ailing Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua above other politicians as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2007. In addition to its lack of internal democracy, in the recent past, political big wigs, who belonged to the party were brutally murdered. Were their deaths remotely connected to the internal wrangling and power struggle in the party? Daramola, Funso Williams, Bola Ige, Harry Marshal, and others were dispatched to the great beyond by hired assassins. Little wonder, Wole Soyinka aptly called PDP a nest of killers. Sadly, the police have not found their killers, not to talk of bringing them to justice. But do the Nigerian policemen and women have the capacity to solve murder cases? So, now, Nigeria is in the firm grip of insecurity of lives and property. Armed robbers roam on the expanse of Nigeria, robbing people of their possessions. Kidnapping people for ransom has become a lucrative trade for some unscrupulous people. And members of the dreaded Boko Haram group have occupied some towns in the north-east of Nigeria. The Nigerian Military is struggling to flush them out of the north-east. Yet, one of the cardinal duties of the government is to protect the lives of the people. The fact is, the PDP’s leadership performance, so far, is unimpressive and not cheery. Nigeria is in a sorry state based on any benchmark for assessing countries’ national development. Our educational system is dysfunctional; the health sector has collapsed; and there is infrastructural deficit across the country. But our national woes are traceable to the government’s condoning of corruption. It is the cankerworm that is eating away the fabric of our nation; it is the cancer that is choking the soul of Nigeria to death.

But do we have hope for our country’s redemption? Some political parties coalesced and formed the All Progressives Congress. The party is anything but progressive. It is progressive only in nomenclature. The motive behind the formation of that political alliance is to wrest political power from President Jonathan, who is considered to be unfit and unsuitable to occupy the presidential post on the grounds of his ethnic origin. And,some selfish politicians who lost out in the PDP’S power game migrated to APC. So the APC is still afflicted with the same disease that is troubling PDP. The only thing APC has got right is the successful and exemplary conduction of its presidential primary election. It was done in accordance with the democratic norms and best practices that are obtainable elsewhere. But can Mohammadu Buhari, the APC presidential torchbearer, turn the table against presidential Jonathan, the incumbent president of Nigeria, in the 2015 presidential election? Many odds are stacked against Buhari in the forthcoming election. Can he make in-roads into the Southeast and the South-South and win the people to his side? Fayemi’s electoral loss in Ekiti State is a proof that APC can be beaten in the so-called APC states. And the north is split down the middle by Buhari’s political candidature. The northern political elite and business bourgeois are not favourably disposed to Buhari’s becoming our next president given his inflexible nature and anti-democratic antecedents and precedents. Now, Buhari wears the toga of an ethnic champion and religious bigot owing to his past utterances. He has not been able to live down that reputation. More so, the unreconstructed Buhari, who has provincial ideas and religions bigotry, lacks the intellectual capacity and leadership qualities to take Nigeria to a great economic and technological height. • Okoye, a poet, sent in this piece from Uruowulu–Obosi, Anambra State (08062220654)

Abia Police Command and the Desecration of CKC Aba Sixtus Chibueze Ezennaya

n many occasions, the officers and men of the Abia State Police Command have been to the Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) Aba, a Catholic Cathedral of note, along Asa Road, one of the busiest roads in Aba. Apart from liturgical functions, the beehive of activities of the premises arise from the fact that the premises is a citadel of learning for Christ the King Secondary School with over 900 students. The compound accommodates three primary schools, one of the best Computer Institutes in Abia State and serves as the Aba Study-Centre for Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Anambra State. Neither the activities of these institutions nor the behaviour of people in them have constituted nuisance to the public as to warrant the attention of the police. The reasons for the police visits range from personal to official. Under personal, some of the members of the force are ardent Catholics who come to the Cathedral for their spiritual needs. Nevertheless, policemen and women who come there on official duties are also legion for no day passes without one very important personality or another with police escorts not visiting the compound. But then, it becomes an eye sore, eartickling or starting when some of the members of the police force pursue somebody into the compound for arrest. There have been some occasions when these unthinkable, ugly and sordid incidents happen. Worse still, the police men ignore the

Cathedral security men at the entry point and the sacredness of the church to chase the person straight into the church. On Tuesday 15th October 2013, a team of plain-cloth policemen pursued a driver of a white HASE JIN BEI bus registration number LAGOS XT 570 AKD into the compound. When the policemen were reminded that the place was a church premises, one of them was said to have exclaimed, “What is Church?” It was at this point that “Aba People” closed all the gates of the compound and wanted to deal ruthlessly with the policemen who made that silly comment. The vehicle (not police vehicle) with which they ran into the compound “for their stomach and the illegal duty” was a yellow Hiace bus with registration number ENUGU YF 272 ENU. The windscreens of the vehicle were smashed and all the tyres deflated. In fact it took the quick intervention of some priests in the Cathedral who passionately begged the uncontrollable and angry mob to spare the policemen that saved the situation as the worshippers had sworn to make newspaper headlines the following morning. Thanks again to the “To I/C Aba Area Command, Olusegun Omosanyin (CSP) who came to custody at the Cathedral otherwise only God knew what would have been their fates. Why the incident irked many people was because of the usual way policemen come into the church premises to arrest people. On one occasion, a young man was pursued and he ran into the church and the policeman followed him into the church disrupting the worshippers. Haba! Precisely on Saturday 21st April 2012, policemen invaded

the Cathedral as early as 8.00am simply because of the report that Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State was to be hosted at CKC by a group of Imo indigenes. The police even went to the extent of inviting the authorities of the Cathedra to Umuahia. However, a top ranking officer of the Cathedral Laity eventually went to Umuahia and returned unscathed. On another occasion, Capt. Awa (Rtd) Task force on illegal structures on September 13, 2013 pursued a driver into the premises of CKC and the vehicle of the Task Force destroyed the check point iron bar crossing at ht exit side of the compound in its rampaging speed to catch the driver who mesmerized them. The vehicle of the Task Force was held hostage until the matter was settled. The angry mob that very day also wanted to pour their venoms on the Task Force members but the security men at the Cathedral rescued them. This writer together with Mr. Tony Akabuogu, one time Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, helped to calm down the tense situation. On Thursday 2nd October 2014, a major catastrophe was again averted at CKC Aba. A police Patrol Jeep, NPF 8010C, was nearly burnt down had the security men at CKC opened the gate of the House of God to irate and tumultuous mob. The police Jeep pursed a commercial vehicle driver into the compound. What aggravated the mater was the jumping into the compound through the fence by one of the policemen who boasted that they could arrest the Bishop. The mob first ‘arrested’ him to make swallow his pride and recant his jaw-breaking boast. Thank God, the DPO of Ndiegoro

Police Station (Cameroun Road Barrack) later came to “bail” his men under the protective custody at the Cathedral. The DPO, a man of intelligence, peace and understanding with some priests, calmed what was almost out of control. In the Bible, there are instances where people ran into the tabernacle after committing on atrocity and their lives were spared by the one chasing them (1 Kings 1:50). In South Korea, a country of about 60 million people out of which are 8 million Catholics, Cardinal Stephen Kin Sou-ham who died at 86 on February 16, 2009 while criticizing the repressive governments of Park Chung-hee and Chung Do-hwan for suppressing students activities and Labour union activists, he gave sanctuary in 1987 to anti-Government students activists at Myeongdong Cathedral and told the authorities who came to arrest them, “You will be able to get to the students only after you get past me, the priests and the nuns”. As soon as the authorities read that in a local newspaper, the security agents were withdrawn from the pursuit. In our contemporary society, immediately somebody takes refuge in the embassy of another country, is the person still under arrest? Even in our various traditional homes, if a child being chased by the parents, runs to another person, does one chasing the child continue or give up the pursuit? Do masquerades not cease the pursuit of some one once the person runs into a house? A hole is the safest place for a rat or mouse being pursued ferociously by the cat. • Ezennaya is the PRO, APGA Abia State & Ex-Chairman Rangers Supporters' Club Aba. (08038803962)

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Let TETFund be for public universities

lthough the notion that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) should also be accessed by private universities is not new, the clamour has become particularly strident lately. The proponents have also put up compelling arguments that should no longer be simply dismissed as you would an impetuous demand. According to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities in Nigeria (CVCRPU), it would be wrong to view private universities as institutions established primarily to make profits. Private universities, argues CVCRPU chairman, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi of Bells University of Technology in Ota, Ogun State "are major players in manpower, economic and human development in Nigeria and share a common goal of improving the quality of education." Besides hinting at the irony inherent in the fact that private universities are barred from accessing TETFund whereas contributions to the intervention fund are made by the private sector, supporters also cite a few examples in some western countries where the state offer some form of aid to private universities.

Expanding TETFund's mandate to include private universities is a recipe for crisis... it would be a "travesty of justice" if the federal government accedes to the clamour by private universities Indeed, the important contributions of private universities in making higher education accessible to thousands of youths who would have otherwise been shut out due to the limited admission space in public universities cannot be denied. But it has to be conceded too that the socio-economic experience that gave rise to private universities in Nigeria is not the sort that inspired individuals in Europe or the United States to establish private universities. In the United Kingdom, for instance, there are less than five private universities. This implies that there are more public universities than private ones, unlike the situation

in Nigeria where the number is roughly even - that is if a preponderance of the latter is not the case. What impact would the monies in TETFund - barely sufficient as it is - have if disbursed among such a large number of tertiary institutions? As a matter of fact, the need is particularly expedient in public universities where decades of neglect are evident in both the appalling state of infrastructure and poor quality of graduates. So, the Nigerian situation with regard to the emergence of private universities is an aberration. Expanding TETFund's mandate to include private universities is a recipe for crisis. For chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities' Lagos Zone, Dr. Sola Nasir, it would be a "travesty of justice" if the federal government accedes to the clamour by private universities. One could decipher the position of ASUU on the issue from that remark. Surely, beyond the risk of stoking industrial unrest, there is a remarkably valid point in ASUU's resentment. Profit might not be the ultimate motive behind the decision to establish private universities, yet they are not run as charities either. Whatever goodwill they may have earned in broadening scholarship in

Nigeria and offering an alternative higher education free from strikes and cult wars is, sadly, eroded by the very high fees charged even by those owned by religious groups. But there is a paradox in the public's indignant attitude towards private universities' push for state funds: how could it be permissible for the government to grant waivers, tax breaks or even direct financial aid to private businesses (as was the case in aviation, manufacturing and banking) and yet be considered abhorrent with regard to private investments in education? Well, it could be argued that the government acted then to prevent an almost certain plunge into distress which could have led to massive job loss. On the other hand, a somewhat proliferation of private universities doesn't quite denote a distressed situation. What it suggests, rather, is boom time. So the monies in TETFund should continue to be deployed for the purpose this intervention agency was established. This should challenge private universities to cast their net far and wide and explore the possibilities of raising funds through endowments. These are the sort of goals that should excite universities in the twenty-first century.

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Politics

TUESDAY, DECember 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

How state assemblies truncated quest for LGs’ autonomy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

“Whatever the outcome of the returns from the states, we will accept it as the inevitable consequences of running a federation where the input of the states is a critical requirement. Indeed, the process of amending or altering the constitution is a continuous one. It does not end with this exercise.” Ihedioha added that he felt a personal sense of satisfaction at the way the collective views and aspirations of Nigerians

from all walks of life had been reflected largely in the amendment exercise especially at the level of the National Assembly and therefore assured that the National Assembly would carry out the final step of the exercise with dispatch given the limited time left for the current 7th Assembly. “I feel highly delighted at the event of today which marks another epoch in the annals of Constitution Alteration by the National Assembly. At a personal level, I have a

sense of fulfilment, having guided the Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives in arriving at the Constitution Alteration Bill which was adopted with nearly anonymous positive votes of the two chambers of the National Assembly.” From the Senate Senate President David Mark, while reacting to the development commended the state speakers for concurring to financial autonomy for state assemblies but

said if the local government autonomy is not achieved this time, it could be re-presented in future through similar process. He said: “I appreciate the fact that we have amended some aspects of the constitution and that we are going to amend some aspects of the constitution based on what we have drafted but let me make one point clear; it doesn’t matter how many times we amend the constitution, it doesn’t matter how often we rewrite the consti-

tution, unless the operators are prepared to go by the constitution.” The Deputy Senate President and chairman of the constitution review committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in his response maintained that because laws are made for man, and not man for laws, Nigerians elected to take yet another look at their constitution to further address some salient shortfalls and contradictions in order to deepen democracy and strengthen federal-

ism, adding that, “this is a task the legislature has confronted with dogged determination and an unwavering commitment.” The state assemblies While presenting the report, Hon. Ikon, declared that the state legislators had this time around concurred to financial autonomy for the state assemblies but skipped the proposal on local government autonomy. He noted that the required concurrence from at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly was also given to the constitution amendment proposal for separation of offices of Attorney General and that of the Minister or Commissioner of Justice at both the federal and state level but was not forthcoming in any way on what they did to the one for local government autonomy. According to him, “few weeks back, we the speakers of the State Houses of Assembly were here to receive the resolutions of the conference committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review containing 23 items for concurrence from us and I assured then on behalf of other speakers that we shall stand on the side of the people and democracy as far the proposed items for amendments were concerned. “Today, I am happy to inform you all that with these resolutions of ours we are transmitting to the National Assembly, we have stood on the side of the people and acted to further deepen democracy in our country.” He also stated that they had specifically concurred to the need for financial autonomy for state Houses of Assembly, separation of the office of Attorney General and that of Minister of Justice at both the federal and state levels etc. Looking at the on-going Constitution review process holistically vis-a-vis the actions of the previous assemblies on these critical areas where there are needs for amendments, one can say that the current state assemblies did not fail totally. For instance, in the Sixth Assembly, they refused to grant financial autonomy even to themselves. That has been passed now, even though Nigerians might accuse them of placing selfish interest above public interest. It is an indication that the system is adhering to change and gradually the desired result will certainly come someday.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Concert

Daystar Christmas Carol: Fasoyin’s evergreen song resonates, as My Help debuts

Arts

CULTURE

Jankariwo, Mujemuje, A Dance… for Tomoloju at 60 Quintessential artiste, journalist and cultural activist, Benson Omowafola Tomoloju, clocked 60 on December 18, 2014. His friends, colleagues and teeming admirers rolled out the drums in celebration, telling us more about this great artiste who revolutionised arts journalism in Nigeria. EBERE AMEH was there and reports.

t 1.00 o’clock when the programme was billed to start, the Afe Babalola Hall of the University of Lagos, venue of the 60th birthday celebration in honour of Ben Tomoloju, a quintessential media personage and literary icon, was anything but full. Ben T or Pappy Ben as he is popularly called by friends, associates and mentees, could be spotted fielding questions from the press at one end of the hall while Konkere Fuji exponent and actor, Tunji Somitirin, who was the master of ceremony at the occasion, thrilled the guests with great music, confirming the fact that he is truly an all-rounder. Distinguished members of the academic community from far and near, journalists, artistes and business associates of the celebrant could be seen having a nice time exchanging

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

L-R: Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, Prof. Femi Osofisan, Ben Tomoloju, Fred Agbeyegbe and Prof. Niyi Osundare at the lecture/ book presentation in honour of Tomoloju held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

pleasantries, as they make their way to the hall. Soon the programme started with Professor Niyi Osundare as the chairman and Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya as the Father of the Day. The birthday bash also witnessed the presentation of two books written by Ben T and another, a collection of tributes, a sort of biography of the celebrant, written by his friends and associates. There was also a presentation of Ben T’s musical album titled “A Song for Nigeria”. While Professor Tony Afejuku of the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin was the keynote speaker, delivered a paper titled Thoughts on the Nigerian Media in a Deadly Season, the smart and ever young Baba Fred Agbeyegbe was on hand to do the presentation of the books. Professor Sunnie Ododo from the University of Maiduguri reviewed the book “Flowers’ Introspect”, containing the five early plays of Ben T, while Prof Gbemisola Remi Adeoti of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, reviewed the book, “Jankariwo”. Renowned dramatist and theatre scholar, Prof. Femi Osofisan reviewed “Essentials of a Culture Communicator” - the book of tributes for the celebrant. The Secretary-General of CORA and publisher of Festac News, Mr Toyin Akinosho, took the citation of Ben Tomoloju as encomiums flowed freely when many used the opportunity of the event to appre-

I wanted to be an Engineer because I made a reasonable credit in Mathematics, some crazy credit in Physics and some naughty credit in Chemistry and I was convinced I could study Engineering

ciate this great man of many parts. The audience will not forget the thorough citation of Ben T by Prof Osundare, which came right before the official citation. His Chairman’s remarks soon turned to a citation when he tickled the audience with his story of the ‘small black boy’ he couldn’t afford not to notice at the Christ School, Ado Ekiti. “I was old enough to watch him grow and old enough to watch as he grows,” Osundare noted. “I noticed him, this small black boy. His shorts were smart and clean, but by the next day, the colour has changed, with patches of dirt here and there,” he recalled, to the amusement of the audience. “When he writes, he is good, when he sings, it is wonderful. He will never violate the school rules, but there were certain rules he violated,” the Prof. said, adding that though integrity and hope are in short supply among Nigerians today, Ben Tomoloju has them in abundance. Making his remarks towards the end of the programme, Tomoloju revealed how Osundare tore his forms when he told him he wanted to study Engineering. “I wanted to be an Engineer because I made a reasonable credit in Mathematics, some crazy credit in Physics and some naughty credit in Chemistry and I was convinced I could study Engineering. I got the forms and excitedly took it to Osundare who was not just a lecturer but more of a counsellor and he tore my forms to pieces and trashed it

in the bin. He told me that I was meant for the arts not Engineering. I thank God for that day because today, I have no regrets,” Tomoloju said. Appreciating his precious mother, Mrs Florence Funmilayo Tomoloju, he described her as his source, and acknowledged his darling wife, saying she doesn’t give him any trouble. His children and relatives were also there and appreciated, even as he burst into songs intermittently in thanksgiving to God. A minute of silence was observed at the insistence of the celebrant, for journalists who have passed on, during which he prayed for the repose of their souls. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the books by the indefatigable Fred Agbeyegbe. He presented the books, and bought two sets for his library – one here in Lagos, and the another one at Agbaraotor - with the sum of one million naira, opening the floor for others who bought theirs with various undisclosed amounts. The three-day celebration continued with the staging of “Mujemuje”, a play written by Ben T. at the Arts Theatre, University of Lagos. The play was directed by Michael Ajimati and performed by students of the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos. It ran concurrently with the performance of “Jankariwo”, another popular play also written by Tomoloju, at the Freedom Park, Lagos Island. It was directed by Victoria Adeniyi, the Head of Department of Theatre Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and performed by students of Theatre Arts, OAU. All these were preceded by the staging of “A Dance for Ben T”, performed by a collection of Nigerian Dance Troupes and Guild of Nigerian Dancers at the freedom Park the previous day. There were also staging of the plays “Cataclysm” and “Jankariwo” at the Freedom Park and Arts Theatre of University of Lagos, respectively by 6.00pm on the first day of the celebration. The event was rounded off with an Arthouse Forum at Freedom Park, by Committee for Relevant Arts, (CORA), with a special screening of Documentary Interview with Ben Tomoloju. There was concert, theatre and dance at the same venue, bringing an end to the celebration of the great man of arts.

Arts

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daystar Christmas concert: Fasoyin’s evergreen song resonates, as My Help debuts Olushola Ricketts

rom the gate to the premises, people struggled for space to take part in this year’s edition of Daystar Christmas Carol Concert. Hours before the program started the main hall was already congested despite the fact that people were asked to register online. At the concert titled “Joy to the World”, the excitement was indeed palpable and the importance attached to music in the church reflected a great deal in all the activities showcased throughout the night. It was a night where thousands of people came together to praise God in an atmosphere of laughter and joy. The church’s celebrated choir, “Healing Streams of God”, delivered amazing Christmas carols and electrifying music that cut across different languages and cultures. Popular comedian, Holy Mallam, who was the compere of the concert, used his well-crafted jokes to light up the atmosphere and thrill the audience. Also, 79-year-old Deborah Fasoyin of the CAC Good Women Choir gave the congregation beautiful melodies, including her evergreen “Odun lo sopin” classic. The crowd really enjoyed her and sang along. Speaking with New Telegraph, the music director, Daystar Christian Church, Pinmiloye Olukunle popularly known as K-Sticks, said the aim of the church’s carol concert is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. “We celebrate Him in different ways; people dress well, exchange gift, spend time with their loved ones and all sort of good things happen within that period. The aspect of Christmas that is very important to us too is music,” he said, adding that a lot of people have made it a necessity to come to the gathering yearly because they sing Christmas tunes in a modified way against the usual traditional way. His words: “We make the songs relevant; these are songs we all grew up with. We don’t just sing in the Western way; we try to bring “Africanism” into the songs and modification in our rhythm, drums among others. We do basically 21st century music performance and a reason we have crowd every edition. They do not just come and sit down; we make them participate and sing along with us.” He emphasized that the senior pastor and all the members of the church viewed the day big in the history of the church. “The choir started rehearsal in July and the church has started making plans for sound, light and stage some months ago. A lot went into the event and people had to register online. We also have

Some of the children performing at the Daystar Christmas Carol Concert

viewing centers at Badagry, Abule Egba, Ipaja (all in Lagos) for people who could not make it to the church because of distance,” he explained. Olukunle stressed that the uniqueness of the carol was the way they blended the carol songs. “We had 15 drummers who played African drums. We blended the orchestral of traditional drums with that of the west. So what we do here is not common in other carols. “We had the youth choir singing and

we played different instrumentals, including jazz. We performed different songs, including spiritual songs, upbeat tempo, slow, classical and fuji. We touched different genres of music, so it was hard for anyone to get bored.” The event got to its climax when the church’s senior pastor, Sam Adyemi, officially presented the debut album of the “Healing Streams of God” to the public. Titled “My Help”, the album has since been described as one of the best

gospel collections out of Africa. Generally, the carol was another success story. People even came all the way from United States and other countries to experience it. And despite the fact that there were no guest artistes, it was quite a surprise that people still trooped out en masse. The security system too was commendable, as the Police Antibomb squad and the church security officials were parading the premises constantly.

Monja, Wenegha emerge Airtel One Mic winners Shola Adefuwa

Theatre Arts undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Ekundayo Monja, has emerged winner of the North Region final of Airtel One Mic, a musical talent-hunt competition for tertiary institutions created by leading telecom service provider, Airtel Nigeria. The competition, which was held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, featured five finalists, comprising two students each from University of Abuja, Nassarawa State University and another from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in keen contest for the star prize of a brand new KIA Picanto and a recording deal. Monja, also known as LASE, was adjudged winner by the panel of judges, comprising Jesse Jagz, Black Magic and Masterkraft, after a thorough assessment of the contestants based on creativity, appearance, stage performance and connection with crowd during the freestyle, acapella and studio recorded track performances. Raphael John aka Ray Jey, a Mass Communication undergraduate and Faisal Sanusi also known as Killuminati, a student of Psychology represented Nassarawa State University while Olawale Amao, aka Walzee, a Student of Political Science and his brother, Kunle aka Kronic appeared for University of Abuja. Kevin Godwin Gaiya aka Kevin Words, a Theatre Arts undergraduate of Ahmadu University (ABU), Zaria, as well as

LASE made up the list of the finalists. Earlier in the East Region final of the competition held in Port Harcourt, a first year Music undergraduate of University of Port Harcourt, Olumuyiwa Jeffery Wenegha, defeated five other zonal finalists to win the star prize. The six finalists comprising two students each from University of Port Harcourt, University of Calabar and Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Enugu, the institutions grouped under the East Region of the competition. Wenegha, whose stage name is Acetune, was declared winner by the trio of rap artistes Phyno, Ill Bliss and Masterkraft who were the judges for the competition which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Samuel Ndude, aka Success, a first year Mechanical Engineering student of IMT and Kei Ndutimi, alias Timi Kay, a 200 Level Geology Student of Uniport clinched the second and third places respectively. The North region final marks the successful conclusion of the music talent hunt competition which made waves among students across Nigeria. Alongside Monja and Wenegha, the competition which first took place in May, has produced three other regional winners. Temidayo Omoniyi, aka ‘Zlatan’, an ND 1 Business Administration Student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) emerged the first winner of the competition after defeating other contestants from Federal University

of Agriculture, Abeaokuta and The Bells University, Otta. The second regional contest which involved six finalists from University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State University was won by Oladotun Alade, aka ‘Dotman’, a second year undergraduate of the University of Lagos, while another second year 200 level Psychology student of Ekiti State University, Alalade Ololade, popularly called ‘Jay Dreamz’ defeated other finalists from University of Ibadan and University of Ilorin to win the West Region final. Speaking on the objective of the initiative, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Maurice Newa, explained that Airtel One Mic was designed to discover and promote musical talent in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, in line with the company’s commitment to consistently encourage and empower Nigerian youths towards achieving their dreams through various identified passion points. He reiterated the company’s commitment to continue to provide enabling platforms which will empower talented youths to actualise their dreams. “As a youth-centric organisation, we are committed to empowering talented youths across the country by providing and supporting enabling platforms that will not only provide them the ladder to success but also create opportunities for them to harness their skills professionally,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Extinction

Excellence

A centenary without History

We’ve repositioned UI as best varsity in Africa, says VC

25&26

28&29

Education

2014: Sweet, sour year for education

A cross-section of lecturers protesting ASUP strike

REVIEW

KAYODE OLANREWAJU reviews the major critical issues in the education sector in 2014.

hough, 2014 has come and gone, but stakeholders in the education sector have continued to express mixed feelings over the turn-out of events within the sector in year, which was bedeviled by various crises. Apart from the paucity of funds confronting the nation’s education system, the sector is also bedeviled by acute shortage of facilities, dearth of infrastructure, poor curriculum development, over-crowded classrooms

KAYODE OLANREWAJU EDITOR, EDUCATION

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

at primary and secondary school level, while some pupils still learn under trees and sit on dust infested floors. Following the failure of the Federal Government to address the numerous crises stagnating the sector, and especially its inability to implement the agreement reached with the university teachers, under their umbrella union, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2009, the union embarked on an indefinite strike on July 1, 2013, which was called off on December 12, the same year. However, faced with the prolonged strike, which resulted to closure of the public university system for five months, the Federal Government and ASUU reached a compromise during a negotiation brokered by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, in which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, which signaled the suspension of the strike and re-opening of the institutions in February, this year. ASUU has since been at loggerheads with the Federal Government for failure to meet the union’s demands, which include the upward review of the retirement age for professors from 65 to 70 years; adequate funding to

The Ebola scare, for several months, disrupted academic calendar, especially in primary and secondary level, where school resumption had to be altered for months

revitalise the university system; progressive increase of budgetary allocations to the education sector by 26 per cent; transfer of Federal Government property to universities; setting up of research and development units by the companies; and renegotiation of the signed agreement. Other demands are; a nonvictimisation clause, provision and deposit of N200 billion infrastructure revitalisation funds in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with details of disbursement of the funds, and payment of salary arrears which has accrued to the teachers during the strike. The Federal Government has through the Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe presented a proof of payment of the N200 billion into an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria. Although, ASUU is not yet happy as it lamented that the Federal Government was yet to honour its agreement with the Academic union that clearly states that N50 billion would be released at the beginning of each quarter to meet identified needs in the universities. While the ASUU strike was suspended towards the twilight of last year, with the re-opening of the universities in February, that of the Academic Staff Union of

Polytechnics (ASUP) and its colleges of education counterpart, under the aegis of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), was not. The nationwide ASUP strike which started in October 4, 2013 and lasted for 10 months, as well as that of COEASU, which began on December 18, and dragged on for seven months, were all suspended on July 12, on the intervention of the newly appointed Education Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, to enable him look into the striking teachers’ demands. The action not only disrupted the academic calendar in the polytechnics and colleges of education, it also frustrated many of the students, especially the Higher National Diploma (HND) students, from participating in this year’s compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Following the disruption of the academic activities, higher school students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at several instances took to the streets in Lagos and Abuja, protesting the closure of their institution. Like ASUU, ASUP is demanding, among others, the removal of what they regard as discrimination against polytechnic graduCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

24 Education

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian Breweries rekindles Lagos pupils’ hope Mojeed Alabi

etermined to enhance the quality of education delivery in Lagos schools, Nigerian Breweries Plc, as part of its corporate social responsibilities (CRS), has given a facelift to Adisa Bashua Primary School, Surulere, Lagos. The renovation project was carried in conjunction with its corporate social responsibility arm, the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund not only to give the school a new look, but also to facilitate qualitative teaching and learning in a more congenial environment. According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, the initiative was a product of an appeal by the school authorities and the need to collaborate with the government and other well-meaning individuals to build a sound future for the children. Handing over the project to the school during the handing over ceremony, he recalled: “In June 2013, we received a letter of request from the Head-teacher

L-R: Mrs. Daudu; Mrs. Emma-Uche; Education Secretary, Surulere LGEA, Mrs. Yetunde Abeke Fatoke and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Schools Project, Mr. Laolu Akanni at the commissioning of the renovated school facilities.

of the school and Chairman of Adisa Bashua Street Association seeking our support and assistance for the repairs of damaged facilities in the school. Our company granted this request and the result is what you are

witnessing today.” Vervelde, who was represented by the Lagos Brewery Manager, Mrs. Ethel EmmaUche disclosed that the project was undertaken through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohi-

Administrator lauds school for winning award

werei Education Trust Fund, and explained that the Fund, which was established in 1994, took off with a grant of N100 million. He added that the fund, offers a platform to take an active role in funding education

Don, centre canvass use of mother tongue in schools Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

The pupils and some of their teachers

or winning the maiden edition of International School Award for Schools Working Towards Global Citizenship, the Administrator of Grace Children School and Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun, has showered encomium on the members of staff and pupils of the school. The award was instituted by the British Council. The award presenta-

tion ceremony took place last week at the Lagos Office of the Council. According to Mrs. Edun, the ceremony was the first of its kind in Nigeria, while Grace Children, School was the first and only school in the country to win the award which was competed for by no fewer than 50 schools in the country. The award is given to the school with the best globally recognised curriculum which also makes

the best presentation of scientific and technological innovation by it pupils. For winning the award, the school has been given global accreditation that will last for three years. The Administrator said: “The school is proud of all the staff and the pupils that have worked hard to earn this international recognition. We are indeed very pleased with you all. It is a reflection of the standard of the school.

and research facilities as well as encourage academic excellence in the country. He said: “Through the Fund, NBC had been able to support the development of educational infrastructure in Nigeria. We have constructed new classroom blocks and libraries, renovated existing classrooms, equipped schools with furniture, books and computers to provide a suitable learning environment for students.” He also confirmed that similar projects have been carried out in Oyo, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Benue, Kano, Sokoto and Edo States in the 2014 alone. Besides, Vervelde noted that NBC also supports other youth empowerment and talent development programme including national competitions, national arts competition, creative writing workshop, and the Golden Pen Award initiative to encourage professionalism in journalism practice. Lauding the firm, the Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Gbolahon Daudu, pledged that the facilities would be put into good use and maintained properly for posterity.

he Centre for African Culture and Development (CEFACAD) has urged the government to enforce the use of mother tongue in teaching and learning at primary and secondary school levels in the country. The non-governmental organisation noted that the compulsion of mother tongue in educational institutions would not only preserve indigenous languages from going into extinction, but also enhance the nation’s development. The position was taken at the mother tongue advocacy seminar and official release of an advocacy album titled “Arungun” by Alalaye Taiwo Olabode, which held at the Oke-Ona Conference Hall, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State. Speaking at the event, Olabode disclosed that the mother tongue project was inspired as a result of the threat posed to the existence of Yoruba language. According to him, research has shown that Yoruba language belongs to the severely endangered list of world languages as it has satisfied seven out of the nine criteria developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for determining the endangerment to a language. He noted that since many articles, books, seminars and workshops had proved ineffective, CEFACAD decided to employ edutainment to sensitise, educate and appeal to the people’s sense of reasoning on promoting mother tongue.

Olabode said: “In the next 50 years, Yoruba language is likely to go into extinction. And UNESCO has also established that when language dies, culture dies. All the strong and cogent ideas, values, principles, enormous ancestral knowledge die with it when culture dies. “When any people want to develop, they must start from their indigenous knowledge. It is their indigenous knowledge that they will develop to improve with modern knowledge. So, I decided to use another style – edutainment. That is why I produced Arungun. It is a stinging satire that employs music and poetry to criticise our nonchalant attitude towards our language. When you put messages into music, it has a way of getting into your sub-conscious easily and you begin to react to it. “We have discovered that our problem is that of mind set; we have attributed Yoruba language to barbarism and English language to civilization. English is what we use to measure civilization, whereas it is wrong. There is civilization in the development of every culture and that is why we need this kind of informal style to change people’s mind.” Olabode advised parents to always encourage their children to speak the Yoruba language, which he described as “the best medium of instruction.” His words: “How many people are proficient in English language? Parents speak wrong English to their children at home and they don’t speak good Yoruba. So, as a result, the children are not proficient at both languages and that is the greatest problem; it will affect their thinking.”

Education 25

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

A centenary without history EXTINCTION

Despite the significant role History plays in the life of a nation and people, as well as in national development, History as a subject of study has been relegated in schools. Mojeed Alabi

f there were still any doubts that ‘history is in danger of extinction’ in schools, scholars have expressed fears that going by the current trend, Nigeria may probably lose its history. In fact, as the country commemorate its Centenary, many Nigerian children; especially within the age brackets of 18 and 25 hardly know Nigeria’s history and those national heroes who contributed immensely to the political development and Independence of the country. To 21-year-old Cynthia Johnson, and a National Diploma (ND II) student of the Department of Mass Communication at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, national and political leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Amadu Bello and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, among other prominent Nigerian heroes, were neither known to her nor their heroic contributions to the political development of the country. When asked who these heroes were, she simply frowned and said: “I don’t know these people.” Similarly, the 22-year-old Ezekiel Adesawe, an undergraduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Ondo State, though he said he had heard about some of them and others, but could not tell their place in Nigeria’s history. They traced their poor knowledge of the country’s history, especially at Senior Secondary School (SS I) to poor syllabus, which according to them had more of “strange and distanced issues” than Nigeria history that they were familiar with.” “Apart from the fact that my school did not have qualified History teacher, more attention was paid to Government, which seemed to be simple than History which every topic was abstract or about empires. That was why we in our class opted for Government,” Cynthia said. The duo of Ezekiel and Cynthia is not alone in this predicament, as they represent millions of Nigerian youths whose knowledge of the country’s history is as vague as history itself in the nation’s schools. Specifically, on December 19, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released the new N100 Centenary Commemorative notes as part of activities marking the 100 years of the country’s amalgamation, without a sound historical base for the younger ones. Parts of the features on the

A cross-section of students in a class

new notes include cultural heritage and transformation, with the photograph of the late sage and former Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others. However, investigations by New Telegraph showed that few Nigerian youths actually know who Chief Awolowo was, and ditto other past leaders and their heroic deeds, due to the disappearance of History in schools. This worrisome development, according to scholars could be traced to the relegation of the study of History to the background in the nation’s basic and middle schools, as well as poor attention accorded the study of History in tertiary institutions. According to former Nigeria’s Representative to UNESCO, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa, this development has done considerable damage to the country’s development. Omolewa said; “The gradual removal of History from the schools’ curricula has denied the younger generation and indeed the larger Nigerian society the knowledge of their ancestors, sense of values, moralities and the norms in which society was founded.” The former Dean of the Faculty of Education of the University of Ibadan (UI) and Life Patron of the History of Education Society of Nigeria, who described the celebration of the nation’s amalgamation as a misplacement of priority, insisted that until History regains its rightful place of priority in school syllabi, Nigeria might not get it right soon. To buttress Omolewa’s position that History is being phased out from the school system, New Telegraph’s investigation revealed that there is dearth of History teachers in many secondary schools, while many graduates of History are either roaming the streets without jobs, or taking other unbefitting jobs of their status. While lamenting the relegation

The gradual removal of History from the schools’ curricula has denied the younger generation and indeed the larger Nigerian society the knowledge of their ancestors, sense of values, moralities and the norms in which society was founded

of History in school, the former Principal of Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, Alhaja Munirat Ayinla, recalled that only 40 candidates wrote History in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2011 in the entire Kwara State. Also, since the administration of former Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi Akande carried out mass retrenchment of non-science-based teachers, especially History and Physical and Health Education teachers in 2001; there has been no record that History is being taught at any level in the state’s schools. According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), less than 70,000 candidates sit for History yearly in the SSCE nationwide, as against about one million candidates who write Government in the same examination. Statistics have also shown that between 2007 and 2012, the number of candidates that sat for History in the examination ranged between 47,520 and 57,543 annually, while the best performance during the period, based on WAEC statistics stood at 38.24 per cent in 2012. But in contrast, the candidates who wrote Government during the period were between 760,488 and 975,166 with the best performance of 68.10 per cent in 2011. The challenge facing History, investigations by New Telegraph revealed, is not only limited to the basic and middle schools, as higher institutions had already modified the course to make the study of history more attractive to students. Except in the University of Ibadan, where the Department of History retains its name, other institutions including the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Lagos State University (LASU); Osun State University (UNIOSUN), among many other universities have combined History with other disciplines such as International Studies, Strategic

Studies, Democratic Studies, in order to sustain the teaching of the course. But, despite the modification the enrolment figure has continued to shrink on yearly basis. The former Chairman of LASU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and lecturer at the Department of History, Dr. Jamiu Oluwatoki, expressed shock that the situation had degenerated to the level that rather than for the government to rescue the subject from going into extinction, it is the lecturers who are struggling to sustain it. On how the teaching of History was relegated to this level, in his recent lecture at the Conference of the History of Education Society of Nigeria held at the University of Ibadan few weeks ago, Omolewa traced the genesis of the crisis to the events that followed the convening of the 1969 National Curriculum Conference, which was followed by the adoption of the National Policy on Education, and the subsequent introduction of the 6-3-3-4 system of education. The Conference, which was expected to restore hope to the nation’s education system, he said turned out to signal the beginning of the decline of teaching of History in Nigerian schools. Omolewa lamented: “The curriculum reform which grew from that conference led to the reduction of the status of History and eventually, the subject was first removed from the primary and the junior school curriculum, and later at the senior school level.” The don, who flayed such removal, blamed it on some American trained educators including former Education Minister and doyen of Education, the late Prof. Babatunde Aliu Fafunwa, who was said to have attended the New York University, and the impact of the United States of America’s assisted Ohio Project, the Ayetoro CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

26 Education

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Scholars, experts make case for History CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 25

Project and the subsequent influence of the Comparative Educational Studies and Adaptation Centre (CESAC) for the relegation of History. His words: “The new curriculum especially with the introduction of the 6-3-3-4 system replaced history with the Social Studies at the primary school and the junior secondary school levels. It eventually led to what other experts described as the cramming into the second-tier senior secondary school of a History curriculum that ought to take six years to teach and consequently the senior secondary school was affected.” It is unfortunate that the America which some Nigerian scholars copied for the relegation of history in schools however places more premiums on its History and teaching of History in its schools. Besides, Omolewa, who bemoaned the present status of History in the nation’s schools, blamed the country’s leadership for the development, even as he insisted that the decision to relegate the subject was deliberate; “because they do not want the younger generation to know of their evil deeds including how they have milked this country dry.” To him, the leadership of the country is deliberately attempting to destroy everything that has got to do with the people’s history, citing the neglect currently being suffered by the National Archives of Nigeria. Renowned History scholars such as former UNILAG don, and the Governing Council Chairman of the Ekiti State University, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun noted that History is compulsory from elementary to second year of college in the United States, and also in the United Kingdom up to secondary school level. More importantly, it was gathered that no fewer than 138 students, who underwent the United States Pathway Programme (USPP) at Kaplan College, Yaba, Lagos were compelled to study American History before transferring to American universities in May, this year. However, many Nigerian schools that implement the British curriculum, teach British History to their pupils sitting for the IGCSE, while Nigerian History is never taught in the schools. According to Osuntokun, for Nigeria to move out of its present challenges of violence and

Shekarau, Minister

criminalities, the country must learn from its past, and the best way to do this, is to re-introduction History as a subject in the school curricular from primary to the higher school levels. In a similar development, the incumbent President of the History of Education Society of Nigeria, and Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Ilorin, Mrs. Alice Arinlade Jekayinfa, said that the relegation of history in schools is one of the root causes of the social and political problems currently plaguing the country. In a lecture, entitled: “Essential Education Beyond Relegation,” the don explained that: “Without a sound understand-

agency only has a single van to convey archival items round the country. Meanwhile, during the 60th anniversary celebration of the agency, Umar noted that apart from the fact that several documents had been torn, the buildings housing the agency’s offices across the country are currently in shambles while efforts at digitalizing the documents are currently being thwarted by lack of funding. Other stakeholders including the Executive Secretary of the Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiative, Mr. Olalekan Oladapo have continued to criticise the massive spending on the centenary celebration, saying such money should have been invested on reviving the country’s archive and restoring History in schools.

Omolewa

ing of the past, we would find it difficult to fathom how the present challenges evolved and how we might be able to devise solutions to them. “It is not possible for us as Nigerians to have a proper grasp of the nature of religious and communal clashes, riots, conflicts and violence in the country today, without good understanding of our primordial religious, cultural and colonial past; what we were before the arrival of Islam, the colonial masters and Christian missions; and what we became during and after the Islamic, colonial, Christian, and post-colonial eras. This is what History will give us. History, an essential education, has been

relegated and the country is suffering for it.” While insisting that History instills a sense of patriotism and nationalism in citizens which are lacking in the country today, she wondered “how the children would internalise the values of integrity, tolerance and hard work, which are celebrated in the history of our various peoples but which are totally lacking in our public service today?” According to the Director of the Nigerian Archives, the repository of the nation’s historical artifacts, Mr. Umar Abdulyekin, who painted the gloomy picture of the state of the nation’s archive, apart from the level of degeneracy, the

L-R; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, Head of Planning Unit, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Ms. Shola Olujonwo; visually impaired beneficiary of MTN Foundation’s scholarship scheme, Mrs. Oluwalana Rachael and Director, MTNF, Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki during the presentation of MTNF scholarship for blind students in the South-Western axis at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Way out As way out of the present predicament, scholars and experts, especially the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN); and History of Education Society of Nigeria, are making frantic efforts at ensuring that History is accorded the desired position in the school curricula. A member of HSN, and lecturer at the Department of History of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, Dr. Nkem Onyekpe, recalled that the society had approached the National Assembly to sponsor a bill on the restoration of history in schools. But to the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Prof. Sola Adeyeye, the return of history to the school system is a foregone conclusion. He, however, pledged to shoot down any bill calling for the restoration of history in schools. Adeyeye told New Telegraph: “If any bill to make the study of History compulsory in secondary schools is brought before the Assembly, I would personally work and vote against it. History “cannot be more important than the sciences or any other subject,” But, an official of the Nigerian Educational Research Council (NERDC), who craved anonymity, said the agency had received notification from the Presidency to begin the process of according the history priority in the school syllabi. The official, however, confided that the matter was far beyond making it compulsory for pupils, but to get the required enabling environment to make the teaching of history impactful and available to the schools.

Kwara varsity awards N1.8m research grant to 37 students

A Na’Allah

N1.8 million research grants has been awarded by the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, to 37 students of the institution to carry out developmental projects. The beneficiaries, selected from all the six colleges of the university, were awarded the amount based on the nature

and quality of their proposals at the third Undergraduate Research Day (URD) organised by the university. The theme of the event was: “Problem Solving by Research.” In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, recalled that the university has re-

corded unprecedented achievements in the annals of the nation’s education system by cultivating a rich learning culture in which students’ skills are sharpened with life-long problem-solving skills. According to Na’Allah, the idea of the Undergraduate Research was borne out of the need to “build men-

tor or mentee relationships amongst students and lecturers, so that the students will gain the ability to identify the diversities and challenges of today’s society, through the employment of research designs to confront and proffer meaningful, long lasting solutions to the challenges posed by life.”

Education 27

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

An x-ray of education sector in 2014

Abducted Chibok girls CONTINUED FROM PAG E 23

ates, review of the Polytechnics Act, the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission and the release of the White Paper of the visitation panel to federal polytechnics. The unions were also kicking against the poor funding of polytechnics, deplorable condition of state polytechnics, appointment of unqualified persons as rectors of polytechnics and the review of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System and the funding of the CONTISS 15 Migration. Meanwhile, the colleges of education teachers (COEASU) are also demanding, among others, the release of the 2012 Visitation White Paper, implementation of the NEEDS Assessment Report, harmonisation of conditions of service and the granting of autonomy to the colleges to award degrees. However, the Federal Government failed to meet many of these requirements while the then Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, superintended the activities of the ministry. But, the protracted industrial actions, which lasted till July 12, this year, when a compassionate treaty

he maxim that teachers award is in heaven was set aside last week, when the management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, rewarded nine members of staff, who were outstanding in the last one year. They laughed home with cash prizes ranging from N25,000 to N150,000, as well as commendation letters, at the maiden edition of the University Best Staff Award ceremony, instituted by the management to reward staff members who distinguished themselves during the school year. The awardees were Dr. Bolanle Ogungbamila, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Psychology, who came first in the academic staff category and went home with N150,000; while Dr. Francis Gbore, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Biology; and Dr. Moyosola Akomolafe, another Senior Lecturer in the Department of Guidance and Counselling, tied as first runners-up with a cash prize of N25,000 each. Mr. Charlz Olusa, a Principal Assistant Registrar (Sen-

was reached between Shekarau and the striking lecturers, led to the suspension of the strikes. While the dust raised by the lingering strike by the ASUP and COEASU was yet to settle, Nigerians were struck by yet another crisis with the abduction on April 14, of more than 200 school girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State by the Boko Haram Islamic sect. Some of the girls, who were snatched from their school’s dormitories by the Boko Haram insurgents, were said to have managed to escape, while over 200 still remain in captivity. Despite the international outrage being generated by the abduction 259 days ago, by Boko Haram, the Federal Government has not come up with any concrete move to rescue the school girls. Apart from the Chibok girls, other 11 girls were abducted from the Gwoza area of Borno State on May 4, while many schools had been razed and several scores of teachers and students have been killed. Through the attacks by the Boko Haram, especially on educational institutions, about 900 schools have so far been destroyed by bombing, while 176 teachers had been killed between

2011 and now, by the insurgents in the North Eastern states comprising Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Jigawa States which are the hardest hit by the activities of Boko Haram. Following the sack of the Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa’I, and the failure of elevating Mr. Nyesome Wike, the then Minister of State for Education as the Supervising Education Minister to superintend the ministry, the Federal Government named Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as Minister in July. The appointment of Shekarau brought an immediate succor to the troubled sector, with his intervention in the lingering strike of the polytechnic and colleges of education teachers that eventually led to suspension of the strike in July. Besides, as the year rolls away, the students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) are still agonising over the management’s decision to introduce a new fees regime in the institution, which ranges between N61,700 and N75,700 for fresh students from both science and non-science oriented courses. The action, however, resulted to violent protest by the students, which led to the forceful suspension of academic and administrative activities

in the university and subsequent closure of the institution for over one month. While the students and their parents are still counting their losses, the students of the Lagos State University (LASU) and Ogun State-owned tertiary institutions are happy over the slash of their school fees by the state governments. But, beyond the celebration of fees reduction at LASU, the management opened another can of worms few weeks ago, when it announced plans to withdraw 19 PhD certificates, alleging errors in the certificates issued by the university. While the planned withdrawal has continued to generate ill-feelings within the rank and file of the institution, ASUU, which the Chairman of the local chapter of the union is one of the affected holders of the certificates has cried foul over the management’s action, alleging persecution of the union leader. The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) scare which hit the country in July like a cyclone also dealt a heavy blow on the education sector. The Ebola scare, for several months disrupted academic calendar especially in primary and secondary level, where school resumption had to be altered for months, while each school was ordered by the federal and state government to provide hand washers and sanitisers in their schools, as well as ensure hygienic school environment before the schools were allowed to re-open for the 2014/2015 school year. School resumption was not only disrupted, holiday coaching class or summer school programmes were suspended in the schools. In the year under review, the education sector lost one of its greatest scholars, Emeritus Professor Jacob Ade-Ajayi, a renowned Historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who died on August 9, at the age of 85. Ade-Ajayi, as an early writer of Nigerian and African history, was said to have brought considerable respect to the ‘Ibadan School’ and African research.

Reward galore for best AAUA workers

Prof. Mimiko (middle) with other principal officers of the university and recipients of the awards at the maiden edition of the institution’s best staff award.

ate) received the star prize of N100,000 in the senior staff (Administrative and Technical) category; while Dr. Joseph Osakuade, a Senior Master I of the University Staff School, and Mr. Razaq Adeyemo of Bursary Department, who were the first and second runners-up respectively received N25,000 each. The first prize of N50,000 in the junior staff category went to a Data Entry Clerk at the

Registry Department, Mr. Jeremiah Daramola; while each of Mrs. Modupe Daomi of the Bursary Department and Mr. Dele Solomon, an Assistant Library Officer, who won the second and third prizes received N25,000 respectively. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, in his address, entitled: “Making a Culture of Excellence,” said the initiative was to celebrate excellence and establish a culture of ex-

cellence in service delivery in the university. He added that the exercise would further promote the spirit of healthy competition and foster excellence among members of staff of the university, noting that the Best Staff Award has been sustained as an annual event, even as he enjoined the various departments and units of the university to pay attention to the significance of the exercise

and create a culture of identifying their best staff from time to time. He said: “I trust that the headship of the different units is responsible enough to ensure that such exercise in his or her jurisdiction is always thorough, inclusive and transparent. It would be a disservice if an otherwise laudable concept like this is corrupt to become a platform for reward of sycophants.”

Education

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

We’ve repositioned UI as best varsity in Africa, says VC VISION

The Vice-Chancellor of the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the institution is being positioned in the last four years, to be number one in Africa. Kayode Olanrewaju

quiet revolution that has changed the face of infrastructure and academic development at the Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI), and position the institution for the challenges of the 21st Century, has been unfolded. Despite the prevailing inclement financial climate confronting the education sector, the university, under the revolution has continued to experience a systematic uplifting and return to its enviable position by taking necessary strides towards attaining new heights of academic excellence. Leading the revolution, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, in his four-year administration, that the university had undergone infrastructural facelift in line with key indices of a 21st Century University. Part of the steps he took on assumption of office in 2011 to achieve the feat, was to invest greatly in the human capital development of the 66-year-old institution towards improved quality teaching and cuttingedge research. Specifically, in the area of recruitment, the Vice-Chancellor spoke of how his administration modified the process in order to ensure that the best ones are engaged, while members of academic staff have continue to take giant strides and make outstanding impressions on the global plane as evident in many competitive research grants and fellowships that were won in the last one year. Adewole, who noted that adequate infrastructure, had been put in place for a conducive teaching and learning environment, said the university has built a time-tested academic culture and tradition. While describing University of Ibadan, the pride of the nation, as purveyor of intellectualism and knowledge and with active collaboration with about 190 universities all over the world, Adewole noted that the institution had already been repositioned to become the number one university in Africa and among the best 100 universities in the world. His words: “Today, the university maintains its place as a high-level human resources provider for the nation and a key player in research for development activities. The university is already repositioning itself to become the number one University in Africa and among the first 100 universities in the

UI gate

world. The University of Ibadan is the pride of our nation and it has active collaboration with close to 190 universities all over the world.” The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that efforts had been geared towards regular promotion of academic excellence in teaching and learning, saying no fewer than 31 members of academic staff has been promoted to the grades of Reader and Professor this year. “For those who know, getting promoted at the University of Ibadan is like the proverbial walk of the elephant through the eye of the needle,” he pointed out, recalling that with respect to quality learning, the management had also brought back the age-long practice of engaging top doctoral students as tutorial assistants to provide remedial lectures to the large classes where students had some difficulties. So far, the Vice-Chancellor noted that about 35 Tutorial Assistants had been recruited, while pledging the readiness of the university to absorb more into the system. Adewole, while explaining that assessment of lecturers by students has also been introduced into the scheme of things in the university, he noted that the administration has shown tremendous commitment towards creating and funding post-doctoral fellowships. This scheme, which would enable suitably qualified budding career researchers to undertake cutting-edge research for a period of six months to one year, according to the ViceChancellor, took off during the 2012/2013 academic session. Towards developing a fiveyear workable plan for the university, he said a Committee on the Review of the University’s Strategic Plan and Internationalization Strategic Plan, which

Adewole, VC

The university, which churned out about 600 PhDs this year, deserves special attention in terms of infrastructure and overhead

was saddled with the task of producing a draft strategic plan for the five-year period, from 2015 to 2019, is almost completing its assignment. Adewole once noted during the 66th Foundation Day ceremony and congregation for the award of doctorate degrees and conferment of honorary degrees of the institution at the Professor Oritsejolomi Thomas Hall, International Conference Centre of the university, that the university, which parades over 400 professors on its nominal roll and pride itself as the highest producer of Postgraduates in the country, and which churned out about 600 PhDs this year, deserves special attention in terms of infrastructure and overhead. Doing so, he said would situate the university on a pedestal that would enable it to compete favourably with top institutions in the world, as was the case about 40 years ago. Thus, to meet its infrastructural needs and position the university among the Ivy League institutions, the Vice-Chancellor has pleaded with the Federal Government, to accord the Ivory Tower a special attention in form of a special rehabilitation fund by increasing its allocation to run for the next five years. As part of efforts at positioning the university for cuttingedge research, Adewole, a Professor of Medicine noted that a Research Foundation, through which the university funds inter-disciplinary studies that have potentials to impact on the immediate society had been inaugurated in 2013, with N1 million seed money for the take off of the initiative. The Vice-Chancellor, who insisted that the issue of students and staff welfare is a top priority of his administration, said several workshops were organised for the student lead-

ers in order to channel a new course for the practice of virile students’ unionism on campus, which aimed at paving way for a serene and conducive environment for teaching and learning. To further enhance the welfare of students, the management, he said also introduced a work-study scheme for the students. He said: “The scheme was designed to provide students of the university the opportunity to engage in part-time workstudy jobs while on campus. The student-workers are paid wages commensurate with the assigned duties and responsibilities. The scheme is to provide honest money making means for serious and hardworking students who are willing to improve their financial status and to guard against possible social misdemeanour under financial pressure.” Under the staff welfare programme initiated by his administration, he explained that the administration ensured a regular conduct of medical examination for every member of staff at the University’s Health Service. To this end, the Vice-Chancellor expressed delight that the hallmark of his administration had been a new wave of cordial relationship now enjoyed among the management, staff and students. Adewole, while saying that no nation could achieve sustainable development without the enabling environment for sound education, added that his administration has evolved deliberate efforts at fixing the challenges of providing municipal services required for effective teaching, learning and research. But, he was not particularly too happy about the persistent challenges of water and power supply to the university, even as CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Education 29

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Saraki institutes scholarship for Kwara students

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Honeymoon with Ban Ki-Moon

Saraki

Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

ormer governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki has launched a scholarship scheme to assist indigent students in the tertiary institutions in the state with his pension. According to Saraki, an initial sum of N45 million representing his pension since he left office in 2011 has been set aside for the take-off of the project. The former governor said he had been ruminating over how to utilise the pension, but has finally arrived at a beneficial course which he said is targeted at improving the access of promising young Kwarans to scholarships for their education. The project, which will take off with 100 beneficiaries is aimed, among others at enhancing the effective engagement of students in academics; creating opportunities for under-privileged students to participate in the learning process; and, promoting civic engagement among scholarship recipients to better their respective communities. Saraki’s media aide, Bamikole Omishore in a statement on the project said: “Senator Saraki, who served as a two term Governor of Kwara State, and as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) during his tenure, has also announced that he will be donating his accrued pension arrears from the time of his Governorship (N45 million) which he has not taking a kobo of, to kick-start the start-up funding of the foundation. “Senator Saraki has also committed his future pensions from his time as a Governor towards the initiative, to en-

sure the long-term sustainability and viability of the programme. “Recipients of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Scholarship Foundation (ABSSF) will also be mandated to dedicate at least four hours of their time every month to the development of their immediate communities. “Under the guidance of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Scholarship Foundation supervisors in the various institutions, recipients will be tasked with developing community programmes such as afterschool tutoring classes for primary and secondary school students in the community. The aim of the ABSSF is to maximize the impact of the scholarships for not only the benefit of the recipients, but also the benefit of the recipients’ immediate community. The launching of the ABSSF, on December 19, 2014, coincided with the birthday celebration of the Senator. To ensure that the ABSSF is well-funded even after the initial start-up funding is covered by the Senator’s pension, the Aide spoke of plans to initiate ‘Adopt-AScholar’ initiative for friends and associates of Senator Saraki to help contribute towards the programme. “Under the initiative, every year, the friends and associates will receive a profile of scholar in the programme, with a list itemizing the scholars’ needs and be asked to adopt the entire cost of funding the scholar for the year, or adopt segments of the associated cost of sending that scholar to school,” he added. According to him, Senator Saraki has expressed optimism that well-meaning Nigerians will see this as a call to action to promote opportunities for young Nigerians in their communities.

‘UI to be number one in Africa’ CONTINUED FROM PAG E 28

he noted that projects aimed at improving the supply of electricity and water to the campus are being vigorously pursued and are already yielding noticeable results. Among such efforts, according to him, include the dredging of the Oba Dam, which for instance, the university now sources 100 per cent of its water need and no longer buy water at enormous cost, as the university now enjoys regular water

supply. In spite of the efforts in this direction, the Vice-Chancellor hinted that the institution was still grappling with the problem of power supply, while adequate measures were being adopted to improve the situation. However, he listed the various projects his administration had successfully completed, to include the draft of the physical master plan for the university, which has been approved by the university’s governing council.

his Sunday (November 16, 2014), the world marked the International Day for Tolerance. The day was inaugurated in 1996 when the United Nations General Assembly (by Resolution 51/95) invited UN Member States to observe it with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public. The Resolution followed the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995. To mark the day this year thus, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, made a brief but stirring statement that should have resonated across the world, starting from our country. I fell in love with the profundity of Mr Ki-Moon’s message and it is on that basis that invite you feel his passion and honeymoon with him for a few minutes: “We live in an era of rising and violent extremism, radicalism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life. There are more people displaced by fighting today than at any period since the end of the Second World War. Innocent lives are being lost in senseless clashes around the world. The youngest victims are robbed of their childhoods, conscripted and abused, or simply kidnapped for wanting an education. “Democratic and peaceful societies are not immune from prejudice and violence. There is growing hostility and discrimination towards people crossing borders in search of asylum or opportunities denied to them at home. Hate crimes and other forms of intolerance mar too many communities, often stoked by irresponsible leaders seeking political gain. “I have strongly urged world leaders to protect people from persecution and to encourage tolerance for all regardless of nationality, religion, language, race, sexuality or any other distinction that obscures our common humanity. “The International Day of Tolerance is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to work for the recognition and protection of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms that is so essential to lasting peace. “The United Nations is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples. This imperative lies at the core of the United Nations Charter as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Promoting tolerance is also a key objective of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures be-

Therefore, the message of this year’s International Day of Tolerance, which should remain with us beyond the year, is that we should understand one another ing observed through 2022. And the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations is paving the path to greater cross-cultural understanding. “On this international Day of Tolerance, I call on all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. Let us advance against the forces of division and unite for our shared future”. A perceptive reader of Mr Ki-Moon’s words above would inexorably feel that he certainly had Nigeria in mind. Virtually everything in the message is for and about us. There is, therefore, need for us to internalize his message and appreciate the need for mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence. Prior to reading Ban KiMoon, I had told a Radio Nigeria interviewer last week that the idea of tolerance may be Utopian in an atmosphere of injustice. While canvassing mutual understanding, which was used by Secretary- General himself, I noted that tolerance to many people collocates with endurance and there is a limit to human endurance. Though tolerance since the 18th century is associated with “acceptance or patience with the beliefs, opinions or practices of others, a lack of bigotry”, many people cannot divorce it from its original semantic domain of forbearing. Therefore, the message of this year’s International Day of Tolerance, which should remain with us beyond the year, is that we should understand one another. Why do we shed human blood in Nigeria? For ethnicity? For religion? For power? The purpose of ethnic plurality is to achieve diversity, the beauty of which we encounter in a garden of various flowers. Then, the fundamental teaching of all religions is to do good and without being good, even to animals, your religiosity is pure vanity. And, all power will ultimately return to the Most Powerful, Who renders the powerful rulers of yesterday powerless or dead today.

30 Education Mojeed Alabi

he Proprietor of Rockleft School, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs. Titilayo Odutola, has blamed the government regulatory agencies for education for the poor standard of education institutions in the country especially the primary and secondary schools. She said their inability to ensure that schools live up to the identified standards have allowed the springing up of all manners of schools, and thereby jeopardising the future of innocent children. The school owner dur-

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Proprietor blames poor supervision for falling education standard ing her interactive session with journalists in her office on mass failure in external examinations listed some factors including effective and directed study, good note making, and test taking strategies, time management, among others, as solutions to mass failure in the school system. The Proprietor urged the appropriate government agencies to introduce performance chart

with which to rate all the schools in a particular geo-political zone of the federation or throughout the country, with a view to stimulating competition among the schools. The United Kingdom trained educationist explained: “In the United Kingdom and other advanced countries, charts are introduced to rate schools in the order of their performances in which parents and other

stakeholders have the opportunity of knowing the standard of schools their wards and children are enrolled. “Each school, therefore, struggles not to be ranked at the bottom of the table because it will surely affect their enrollment. And, I can bet it with you that the poorest school in the UK can conveniently compete with our best schools here in terms of quality of teach-

ing, facilities, teaching and learning environment.” She, therefore, advised school owners to ensure that qualified teachers are employed and are well remunerated, saying the better the quality of service, the better the performance. She also spoke of plans to improve her school’s annual teachers’ appreciation day, adding that apart from offering them

material gifts, on-the-job training will be part of the reward and that parents and well-wishers will be involved in the subsequent editions.

Council boss counsels students to shun drugs, vices Musa Pam JOS

igher school students, under the aegis of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Students Union, Pankshin, Plateau State have been counseled to shun hard drugs and other forms of social vices that could truncate the education, as future leaders who would pilot the affairs of the nation. The Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council of the state, Mr. Samuel Goar, gave the advice when the conferred an award on the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Daniel Go’em. Meanwhile, the Chairman, who spoke through his deputy, Mr. Ishaya Baltu, noted that nothing destroyed the lives of the younger ones than drugs and crime, which he cautioned should be shunned by any promising youth in the society. He charged the students to realise that as students, they should avoid hard drugs and all other forms of vices such as cultism, hooliganism and violence. Goar tasked the students to be God fearing in all they do so as not to be lured or indulged in any act that would tarnish their images and destroy their future. He described the Secretary, the recipient of the union’s award, as very humble and committed administrator, saying he stood as a pillar to the Council and also described the award as well-deserving and worthwhile. In his remarks, the President of the Students’ Union Caretaker, Mr Na’anwana Godfrey, said that the union had found in Go’em, a very caring and supportive father. “Since the council Secretary was with us in the college as Dean of Students Affairs, he was an epitome of humility and caring administrator.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Property

Energy

Aviation

Oil market adversity: PETAN, stakeholders advocate change of tactics

Slow but steady growth in housing

An admixture of excitement, indifference

Business What's news

NCC designs new policy for telcos A new policy framework that will compel mobile network operators (MNOs) to implement mobile parental control measures on their networks is being designed by the telecoms regulator.

Bank of America predicts tough economy for Nigeria, Venezuela DIFFERENT STROKE IEA’s Birol sees oil price rising near $100 in coming years

Says OPEC ‘effectively dissolved’ surprised if we see, in a few years’ time, again, a rebound of prices,” Birol said. The IEA is the West’s energy watchdog.

Brent crude, on Monday, hit a five-year low below $68 a barrel after averaging around $110 in 2011 to 2013. On Friday, Brent extended losses below

$70 and was set for a second weekly fall, with top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, cutting CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Adeola Yusuf p.32

2015: Shell, Chevron, others mull $170bn investment slit Shell, Chevron and 38 other top oil companies have advanced plans to slash $170 billion investments in the New Year, authoritative voice in global oil industry, Wood Mackenzie, has declared.

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

he Bank of America declared at the weekend that it would be tough for Nigeria to survive a $50 per barrel imminent oil price slide. The Telegraph, which quoted Bank of America’s Head of Commodity Research, Francisco Blanch, to have said this, added that countries without vast reserves such as Venezuela and Nigeria, would struggle to survive. OPEC has lost its competence, as it failed to stabilise oil prices at the last meeting, according to Bank of America. It warns that oil will slide to $50 a barrel leading to wild prices, where only rich Middle East states like Saudi Arabia will benefit. This came as the chief economist of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said at the weekend that he sees oil rising to near $100 a barrel in coming years, some 40 per cent above current prices that have been hit by a supply glut and sluggish global growth. “I think an oil price, which will balance the markets in the next years to come, will be close to $100,” Fatih Birol told a conference in Stockholm, when asked to quantify what level he sees oil prices longterm. “We shouldn’t be blinded with what’s happening now. Looking at the geology, looking at the economics of the oil markets, one shouldn’t be

L-R: Mother of the overall price winner, Mrs Omolayo Fajimi; Welfare Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Mrs Neolyn Nwaokolo-Oba; price winner, Oluwatoni Fajimi and Manager, Employee Relations, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr Debo Atunwa, during the 2014 Total Christmas party in Lagos.

Bayo Akomolafe

ndia has begun a desperate diversification plan for its drug exports to Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and the UAE following the United States hard regulation against its pharmaceutical products. Also, the country is considering new market in new geographies that include countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Japan and those forming a part of the ASEAN Bloc.

India seeks pharma market in Nigeria, others The country had complained that its drug exports were increasingly coming under regulatory fire in the United States. It feared that its pharma exports would miss the target of $25 billion set for 2014-15 following the US hard position. According to a Morgan

Stanley report and analysis of 582 drugs sold in the US by six leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, United States is India biggest market that accounts for 25 per cent of the country’s cumulative drug exports. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE November 2014........................7.9% October 2014............................8.1% September 2014.....................8.3%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel As at Dec. 28)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N180 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N290 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N238

l Foreign Reserves – $35.19bn as at 18/12/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Dec. 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N168 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N263.39 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N205.41

Business | News

LOW AWARENESS

Majority of parents have been found to have limited awareness of mobile network parental controls Kunle Azeez

new policy framework that will compel mobile network operators (MNOs) to implement mobile parental control measures on their networks is being designed by the telecoms regulator. This was contained in a new report released the Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), obtained by New Telegraph at the weekend. Titled “Parental Control Measures for Mobile Telecommunications Networks,” the research work stemmed from the need to consider developing policy framework on mobile parental control in line with best practices. The Commission said though some mobile network operators in the country have started introducing certain tariff structures with the aim of providing protection to children from exposure to inappropriate online (internet) contents, NCC has initiated this move to provide a harmonised and concrete policy for operators to implement. Parental controls within the mobile telecommunications network is the application of software and service tools that are designed

NCC designs new policy for telcos to help parents and guardians monitor their children’s access to inappropriate websites and contents while using mobile phones and other smart devices. It could also be seen as a new feature designed to let parents set controls for their children’s computer use. “The Parental Controls is associated with user account, which is the account your children log on to with the computer/ mobile device. You can also choose to use activity reports to view your children’s online activities,” the report said. According to the Commission, key findings from other jurisdictions have shown that majority of parents have limited awareness of mobile network parental controls; that only technically savvy parents understand and apply mobile parental controls; and that there is no harmonised legislation or regulation for mobile parental controls. It was also found that in other countries, only a few mobile network operators have keyed into the Child On-line Protection initiative guideline as provided by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to protect children from harmful content. Major forms of parental controls deployed by mobile operators in other jurisdictions, as gathered by NCC, are usage controls, content filtering and location/monitoring control; while some mobile operators have some form of parental controls and web content

India seeks pharma market in Nigeria, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Moreover, European countries such as Spain, Greece, Germany, France and Italy are also on this focus list that essentially aims to counterbalance the heavy reliance currently on the US market for export of active pharmaceutical ingredients and niche formulations from the country. It was learnt that Indian drug companies were witnessing a severe pressure on their pricing power in the conventionally lucrative US market, something that is evident in a Morgan Stanley analysis of 582 drugs sold in the US by six leading Indian pharmaceutical companies. The report shows that

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

about 86 per cent of these drugs did not register any change in price during calendar years 2013 and 2014. The market diversification plan also comes at a time when the Indian pharmaceutical exports registered their slowest growth in over a decade, surging a measly 1.2 per cent to $14.84 billion last fiscal. According to the country’s commerce ministry data, in 2012-13, the country’s pharma exports totalled to $14.66 billion. The growth registered in 2013-14 was the slowest in nearly 15 years, the previous slowest growth having been clocked in 2009-10 when pharma exports grew by just 5.9 per cent.

filters on their network by default. In the meantime, the report has recommended the need for the regulator to mandate all MNOs to implement mobile parental control measures on their network and ensure that they create adequate awareness on the

available mobile parental control measures/ apps on their networks. It also suggested that NCC’s Consumers Parliament and Outreaches should feature parental control measures in telecoms for the next three quarters; MNOs should educate parents and

guardians on the procedure to activate the apps while also stressing the need for operators to be encouraged to offer the mobile parental control app service for free or at very minimal cost in order to foster the uptake. New Telegraph learnt that finding an appro-

priate balance between ensuring that children have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and at the same time ensuring that they are protected from violence, abuse and exploitation while using ICTs, can be challenging.

L-R: Marketing Manager, Recare Limited, Mr Austen Umeania; Public Relations Manager, Mrs Toyin Adepegba; representative of Living Fountain Orphanage, Ms Tracy Kadiri and Chief Executive Officer, Recare Limited, Mr Ramesh Hullur, during the donation of food items to the orphanage, in Lagos

2015: Shell, Chevron, others mull $170bn investment slit SLIDE

Interest in financial commitment in more projects to decline Adeola Yusuf

hell, Chevron and 38 other top oil companies have advanced plans to slash $170 billion investments in the New Year, authoritative voice in global oil industry, Wood Mackenzie, has declared. Oil price rout, which the analyst said was the main factor for the investments cut, is already dragging into the New Year. The top 40 oil companies would, according to Wood Mackenzie, collectively need to slash spending of 37 per CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

prices in another indication it would maintain output in an oversupplied market. Oil markets have been volatile since last week’s decision by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to cut production. The crucial changes in the global energy industry are also caused by the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Years of oversupply

cent, to keep net debt flat if global oil were at $60 a barrel. “The plunging oil prices will prompt energy companies to cut investments in new projects by 25 per cent or more in 2015, Reuters reported the analysts to have said, as firms “try to stay cash-flow positive and keep debt in check.” This cut would be in addition to $9 billion in cuts announced in the last few weeks by the companies. “In total, there are about $127 billion of global industry projects at risk of deferment,” Wood Mackenzie said. With oil prices down over 40 per cent since June, some companies, including ConocoPhillips, have slashed spending by 20 per cent. But because crude prices have yet to stabilise, other companies are waiting to draw up budgets.

“Many are buying time on 2015 capex and production guidance while hoping for a stable baseline to plan from,” Capitol One Securities said in a note to clients. “We think cuts of 25 per cent or more versus a year ago are on the way and won’t be unusual.” Whiting Petroleum Corporation said that it would not release its 2015 capital spending plan until February, citing volatile oil prices. Budgets from Chevron Corp and Exxon Mobil Corp are also due out in early 2015, along with comprehensive spending surveys from industry analysts at Cowen and Barclays. The spending reductions, once announced, are likely to be the biggest in years. But the US government still expects output to be the highest in decades as productivity for new wells rises.

Bank of America predicts tough economy for Nigeria, Venezuela will bring down oil prices allowing Europe to look for cheaper sources of gas. If oil producers don’t manage to curb that oversupply, the bank expects the price will slide to $50 per barrel. It will take around six months to end the one million barrels a day of excess oil in the market. “We expect a pretty sharp

rebound to the high $80 or even $90 in the second half of next year,” said Sabine Schels, the bank’s energy expert. Crude oil has lost around 40 per cent of its price since the beginning of the year, and is hitting five-year lows. The price of Brent crude has fallen below $66 per barrel at 14.00 MSK.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Energy Oil market adversity: PETAN, stakeholders advocate change of tactics WAY-OUT

Oil industry players proffer solution to market adversity Adeola Yusuf

he Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil industry have said that the Federal Government must look inwards for a more effective strategy for translating its huge petroleum resources into rapid industrial and economic growth. Chairman of PETAN, Emeka Ene, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, and other speakers at the annual business dinner and award ceremony hosted by PETAN, tasked government to reorder its economic priorities in the face of declining oil revenue. They all, according to a statement, drummed hard on the need for the country to look inwards and tap its indigenous human and capital resources in driving full industry operations in the petroleum industry in order to efficiently retain and recycle capital incountry. This, according to them, means that the drive for increased local content of the petroleum industry by successive administrations of the Federal Government has been quite timely and strategic against the dreaded oil price burst which currently threatens commerciality of operations. According to NCDMB’s secretary, Nwapa, who was one of the keynote speakers at the event, the local content policy has progressed beyond reversal and oil price drop means that indigenous players in the industry must rise to the challenge of driving the industry at times of commercial adversity. He urged PETAN and other associations in the industry to assume more responsibility at critical moments to ensure the survival of the Nigerian petroleum industry. He added that the only way out of the tight oil price curve was for the different business interests in the industry to unite in tackling a common problem. “Collaboration among local and international players in the industry is what is required to sustain NCD,” he

L-R Regional Health Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Dr. Femi Oduneye (right), and the National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, at the donation of two buses to the SOS Children’s Village, Isolo, Lagos, by NNPC-SNEPCo; and the handing over of the upgraded and equipped clinic to the Village recently.

declared. Nwapa pointed out that the indigenous players in the oil and gas industry had escaped the average psychological limits in the country, stressing

that the mind-set of the industry had developed above the Nigerian psychological template. He said that recent advances and milestones recorded by local players indicated that

investors had started advancing into new frontiers driven by strong belief in local capacity to deliver on tough assignments in challenging terrains. The NCDMB secretary not-

Unpaid bills: Angst as BEDC officials, Police are attacked PROSECUTION

Police has charged two youth of Iyahmo community to court Adeola Yusuf

olice have charged two youths of Iyahmo Community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State to court over alleged attacks on its men and the staff of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). A source at the Nigerian Electricity Regulating Commission (NERC) also disclosed that BEDC had petitioned it over the youth’s alleged tripping of the 33KV line that passes through Iyahmo community each time supply is restored. This has affected the electricity supply in Auchi, including the Army School of Engineering, Nigeria Army, Auchi. It was also gathered that some youths from the community, which was disconnected on the ground of indebtedness to BEDC Auchi Business District to the tune of

N3,361,717.95, stormed the office of BEDC Auchi Business district and Urban Service unit respectively, requesting an immediate restoration of electricity supply to the community. Meanwhile, there was tension in the community after the electricity consumers in the area allegedly attacked staff of BEDC, policemen and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to them. One of the police officers was said to have been hospitalised with a broken ankle, while his NSCDC counterpart was also hospitalised with a broken arm. This has prompted the Edo State Commissioner of Police and Director of State Security Service (SSS) to intervene to broker peace between the community and BEDC. Four youths were, however, arrested and two charged to court. Further checks showed that the row in the community, which was caused by unpaid bills running into millions of naira, is one of the two challenges facing the distribution company.

ed that the capacity and efficiency so far demonstrated by indigenous oil companies that acquired divested assets have addressed the concern about the sustainability of government’s local content policy, adding that wisdom of President Goodluck Jonathan in enacting the policy into law had been justified. Nwapa lamented that the decades wasted in depending on the multinational joint venture operators to groom the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for exploration and production operations proved futile, stressing that no group of players would realise Nigeria’s national aspirations in the industry better than indigenous players. “The hope of the industry must be planted in the indigenous players,” he said, adding that industry tradition has started altering in favour of local content. He pointed out that the changing tradition had made it easier for violation of Nigerian Content provisions to be very obvious whenever it happened.

Drop in oil prices to persist, says IMF

he recent drop in oil prices should persist, helping to boost global economic activity by up to 0.7 percentage points next year, two senior IMF economists wrote in a blog on Monday. Brent prices have fallen over 46 per cent since the year’s peak in June of above $115 per barrel, sped up by the November decision of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to reduce production. Saudi Arabia has also convinced its fellow OPEC members that it is not in the group’s interest to cut oil output, no matter how far prices may fall, the kingdom’s oil minister said. “Overall, we see this as a shot in the arm for the global economy,” Olivier Blanchard, the IMF’s chief economist, and Rabah Arezki, head of the commodities research team, said in the blog. The boost to the global economy would be between 0.3 and 0.7 percentage points above the Fund’s baseline world growth forecast of 3.8 per cent from October.

Business | Energy

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW The energy sector has its fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly in the outgoing year, reports Energy Editor, Adeola

Feats, intrigues dominate

he former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, announced in January that $20 billion oil revenue was missing. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) denounced this claim with bags of audit reports from globally-recognised audit firms and this set the year 2014 on a journey of intrigues, which also culminated in some achievements. The good Nigeria, which became the biggest economy in Africa in 2014, attained remarkable refining capacity with its four refineries producing at over 60 per cent capacity. The privatisation of power sector, which climaxed on November 1, 2013, got the necessary boost in the year 2014 as multimillion dollars grants from foreign and local lenders were secured for the sector. The country also enjoyed relative stability in its crude production which is put at 2.3 million barrels daily average output. This is largely due to government’s ability to sustain the relative peace in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region. Another feat recorded by the Federal Government in the oil and gas sector in 2014 is the stability in fuel supply. This has significantly curbed the fuel scarcity that usually dots the downstream sub-sector of the nation’s oil industry. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, achieved this feat through prompt issuance of quarterly allocation for fuel imports to marketers through the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA). The minister also wrote Nigeria’s name in gold at the global front with her emergence as the first female president in the history of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Conference of Gas Producer Forum. The bad The year, which ends with non-passage of the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and an announcement of a new hike in electricity tariff also witnessed the suspension of multi-billion dollars Ogidigben Gas Free Trade Zone Project in Delta State due to communal bickering. The non-passage of PIB in the year also caused $40 billion draught in Nigeria’s oil and gas. Political ambition in Nigeria is hardly about the corresponding responsibility. This is the case with the delay of the PIB

Alison-Madueke

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

passage that a House member attributes to the “legislators’ focus on election/re-election bid. Senators want to become governors and House of Representatives’ members want to move to the senate.” This bid clearly relegates the PIB to the background despite its gains. The non-passage of the PIB is, according to the report, responsible for reduced investments, reduced crude oil production, reduced government revenues, increased debt and increased borrowings. The ugly The United States (US) also squeezed Nigeria’s oil from its market in the year, in which prices of crude, Nigeria’s biggest revenue earner, fell to a six-year low. Nigeria’s oil centric economy is threatened by the US demand for Nigeria’s crude oil that crashed to zero barrel per day coupled with the possible 1.3 million barrels per day exports from the US by 2019. US’ highly effective plan to squeeze out Nigeria from its oil market hinted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) achieved its five-year target in six months. With over 85 per cent of Nigeria’s budget serviced by the crude oil revenue, other export options are Asian countries that may switch to the US export by 2019. Nigerian crude oil exports schedule for February, 2015 also crashed to around 1.87 million barrels per day (bpd) from around 2.03 million bpd in January, shipping lists showed on Tuesday. Crude loading for exports are done ahead and lists for February export levels are expected to be lower due to less of the benchmark Qua Iboe grade, Reuters reported, quoting traders who cited expected maintenance.

US’ highly effective plan to squeeze out Nigeria from its oil market hinted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) achieved its five-year target in six months

However, exports levels were still higher than for much of 2014, as there was relatively strong production of other grades such as Brass River and Bonga. Grade cargoes for February loading in barrels per day are: Abo 1 - 29,000, Agbami 7 - 244,000, Amenam 2 - 68,000, Antan* 0 0, Bonga 6 - 204,000, Bonny 5 - 171,000, Brass River 6 - 135,000, and EA 1 - 34,000. Others are Erha 3 - 102,000, Escravos 5 - 170,000, Forcados 6 211,000, Qua Iboe 8 - 271,000,Yoho 1 - 34,000, Usan 4 - 143,000, Okoro* 0 0, Okono 1 - 34,000, Pennington* 0 0, Okwori 1 - 23,000, Oyo* 0 0, and Olowi* 00. All these made a total of 57 1,871,000 barrels per day. OPEC, under the leadership of Alison-Madueke, also declared that it would not cut oil production even if the price drops to $20 a barrel. The group’s leader, Saudi Arabia, which was criticising calls on OPEC to cut production quota, said that it was unfair to expect the cartel to reduce output if non-members do not, Saudi Arabia said. “Whether it goes down to $20 a barrel, $40, $50, $60, it is irrelevant,” the kingdom’s oil minister, Ali al-Naimi, said in an interview with the Middle East Economic Survey (MEES), an industry weekly. Meanwhile, the country could not meet its target to boost power generation to 5,000 Mega Watts (MW). Instead, the Nigerian Electricity Regulating Commission (NERC) announced a new hike in tariff for power users. Although the commission shelved implementation of new electricity tariff hike for residential consumers, it began the implementation of the new billing last Tuesday. Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, who corroborated this position, said that NERC had

given six months tariff window to the residential electricity consumers. “For the avoidance of doubt, there will be no increase in electricity tariff for residential consumers for six months until NERC begins to see improvement in electricity supply,” he said. The new tariff will, however, be reflected in the January bills of business owners and manufacturers in the country. Meanwhile, a new tariff regime on gas supply to electricity producers in the country came into effect on Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Amadi, who earlier announced this tariff in Abuja, kept mum on what the new tariff would be. He, however, said that it would not adversely affect residential electricity consumers who are expecting a hike in electricity bills in line with the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), the template guiding adjustments of electricity tariffs in the country. The pending new gas tariff regime would, according to the NERC’s boss, ensure adequate supply of gas to power plants towards improved and sustained power supply to attract new investors into the sector. “The objective of this facility and support is to ensure that the power sector is viable and reliable,” he said, adding that the new arrangement would translate to higher cost of business because producers of goods and services would naturally transfer part of the cost to consumers. The impact on consumers, by way of higher prices for goods and services, he argued, would not be immediate. “Essentially, we have our own commitment, which is basically to ensure cost recovery, both the CBN and the banks that are doing this and for other investors, who may want to invest either in upstream and downstream sectors,” he said. NERC would, according to Amadi, continue to ensure the tariff is cost-reflective, pointing out that the new measure would not constitute a burden on consumers immediately. He said that the expectation is that with more gas coming to the power plants, there would be more reliability in power supply in the next two to four months, with the facility and other interventions aimed at increasing capacity. Besides, he said that the ongoing metering plan would ensure that consumers were more comfortable with increased electricity supply. “Essentially the tariff is guaranteed… and it will allow for full recovery and ensure that there is no risk that is not fully covered in this transaction,” he explained. Last line All these challenges dotted the achievements made in the energy sector in the year 2014.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Estate surveyors brace for opportunities in concession contracts p.36

35 Nigeria should go green like other nations, says Ka’Oje p.36

Property&Environment YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW

Slow but steady growth in housing tors were waiting until after elections before commencing work.

LAND ACCESSIBILITY Implementation of Land Use Act remains a challenge

Challenges The industry is, however, still suffering from issues such as lack of adequate long-term funds, high interest rates, regulatory bottlenecks and inadequate linkage between housing finance and the capital market. It is also pointed out that lack of favorable financing from banks, high transfer rates, double taxation and complex land tenure system may negatively affect the growth of the real estate industry if not tackled.

Dayo Ayeyemi

ess than 48 hours to draw curtains on year 2014, many players in the housing sector comprising home seekers, government, private developers and investors would find it difficult to forget major happenings in the industry during the outgoing year. Though the yearnings of 17 million Nigerians to have a roof over their heads have not been met, most activities during the course of the year indicated the seriousness of all stakeholders to tackle the nation’s accommodation gap head-on. While many positive steps were taken to tackle the issue of housing finance and affordability questions, nothing much was achieved in the area of land reform as many Nigerians, especially homebuilders, real estate developers and major institutional investors still go through rigorous procedures to access land, secure title document and perfect the registration of their property from the authorities. Real estate grew at 10.4 per cent in third quarter of 2013 compared to 10.9 per cent in third quarter of 2012, the N6.4 trillion Nigerian real estate was expected to grow by 10 per cent in 2014. Nigeria’s real estate sector currently accounts for 7.6 per cent of the country’s recently rebased Gross Domestic Product of $509.9 billion. Experts’ view Assessing the performance of the sector in 2014, some industry players concluded that nothing serious was achieved, while others said they had seen a lot of opportunities. Port Harcourt based estate surveyor and valuer, Mr Mark Emmanuel, said that nothing serious had come from government’s angle. He blamed low performance of the sector on government’s lack-lustre attitude towards providing houses for the income group in the country. He noted that contribution to the housing sector had been from the private developers, saying they (developers) have been in the lead of rolling out houses, urging the government to help in the areas of policy and housing mortgage. The view expressed by Emmanuel was different from Mr. Akin Olawore, a Lagos based estate surveyor and valuer, who stated that the sector witnessed a lot of foreign investments. “We saw a lot of foreign investment manifested in the number of grade A office complexes, malls coming up. Many malls are ongoing in Lekki and outside

President Goodluck Jonathan

Lagos too,” he said. He added that there had been a lot of international retailers’ malls that came up while the Abuja Centenary City is ongoing. Besides, he stated that the year also witnessed the completion of the gestation of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC). According to Olawore, practitioners have seen a lot of incursion from their colleagues from abroad as they came in to compete with the locals. He noted that challenges such as the implementation of the Land Use Act, dearth of long-term fund and high interest rates still slowed down activities in the sector. “However, with the consolidation of the Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and a fully operational Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), the sector is still expected to offer a broader scope of activities and prospect for estate developers resulting in affordable mortgages and increased homeownership for the middle and lower class Nigerians,” he said. Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Chapter, Pastor Stephen Jagun, explained that no appreciable progress had been made, adding that what Nigerians have been having were policies yet to have the desired impact on the citizenry. He called on government to realise that “shelter is a paramount need for man hence housing should be given priority.” Outstanding events in the sector Housing Finance The coming to reality of the NMRC, a secondary mortgage which inauguration took place in February 2014 and witnessed by President Goodluck Jonathan, a project where 10,000 mortgages were introduced to Nigerians to signify the commencement of the home mortgage. According to the Managing Director of NMRC, Mr. Sonnie Ayere, the 10,000 mortgages were oversubscribed as over 10,000 Nigerians seeking accommodation applied and have since

Housing Minister, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi

been prequalified. The nation’s Primary Mortgage Banks, Ayere said, had been urged to help the people process their mortgage. Lagos HOMs The Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS), a government initiative to encourage and support home ownership of First-Time Buyer (FTB) residents of Lagos State to purchase decent and affordable homes through the provision of accessible mortgage finance at the last count has made over 500 tenants home owners in various government schemes.

The 10,000 mortgages were oversubscribed as over 60,000 Nigerians seeking accommodation applied and have since been prequalified

Housing development To fast-track the availability of 10,000 housing units for the mortgages, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, swung into action by conveying stakeholders to workshops on how to achieve the target of realising one million housing units for the country per year. She also conveyed them to the launch of Final Draft 40 years Roadmap for the Housing, Urban Development and Land Administration. Besides, the minister set up various committees for the conduct of the National Housing Survey, survey on Federal Government landed property in all states of the federation; review of the National Building Code, repositioning of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Federal Housing Authority respectively. She ensured the acquisition of land in some states for housing development while also partnering the private developers to increase housing stock. Developers’ efforts On housing development, there was not much from the real estate developers due to anticipation over the coming elections. Construction activities were slowed as funds were being diverted to campaigns instead of contracts. According to observers, new inves-

On-going projects Eko Atlantic: The potential and would-be investors of the multi-billion-naira Eko Atlantic City project saw lot of improvement as the developers of the emerging city scale up its infrastructural development. The first paved road in the emerging city was illuminated by streetlights while its residential and commercial tower blocks under construction can now clearly be seen from Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island and the Marina on Lagos Island. FESTAC Phase II A major milestone in the nation’s housing and urban development sector was recorded during the year when the Federal Government and Messrs New Festac Property Development Company Limited signed an agreement for the concessioning of the reclamation and infrastructure development of Festac Phase Two in Lagos The Federal Government is expected to earn an estimated N25.765 billion per annum as premium for 30 years of the concession apart from additional N150 million annually as ground rent. Beyond the financial benefits, 50,000 housing units will be delivered and their construction would create thousands of job opportunities. Rainbow Town Development The first phase of the N82 billion Rainbow World upscale mixed-use estate in Port Harcourt being developed by the Rivers State Government, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Rainbow Town Development Limited has reached 60 per cent completion stage. The RTDL is the Special Purpose Vehicle formed to actualise the project and has a mandate to drive and manage the re-development of the old Rainbow Town into a premium real estate haven. Located in the Trans-Amadi business/industrial corridor of the Rivers State capital city, Rainbow World occupies 23.24 hectares of land. On completion, it will deliver 1,181 upscale residential housing choices distributed into terrace, detached and high-rise condos.

Business | Property & Environment

PPP A paradigm shift in provision of infrastructure facilities for the populace Dayo Ayeyemi

erturbed by the recently introduced austerity measures coupled with the devaluation of the naira by the Federal Government as a result of the tumbling global oil prices, real estate practitioners have started seeking modern ways of packaging their products through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the face of eroding government revenue. In preparation for the challenge, the professionals, under the aegis of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), with the approval of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVABON), were gathered in Lagos at the weekend to look at how concession contracts could help in the packaging of affordable housing schemes for the populace and the benefits inherent for members of their profession. They also used the opportunity to appraise how developed economies have used the models of PPP to develop their infrastructures such as road, railway, bridges, airport and power. They noted some concession contracts in Nigeria such as Murtala Mohamed Airport Terminal II, Lekki-Epe Road and Lagos-Ibadan Road concessions and the associated challenges. The theme of the National Mandatory Continuing Professional Development seminar was: “ Expanding The Real Estate Value Chain Through Con-

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Estate surveyors brace for opportunities in concession contracts cession Contracts.” To set the ball rolling, Head of Department of Estate Surveying and Valuation Management, University of Lagos, Professor Nubi, stated that governments all over the world never had all the resources to meet all their needs as modernisation has brought so many needs in the areas of infrastructures such as roads, houses, rail system, power, bridges, seaports and airports, hence the need for PublicPrivate-Partnership. According to him, there was no way government could provide all the infrastructures, private investors that have access to funding must come in to help. “Government business is to create enabling environment. It has access to land and provision of law but lacks access to money, hence the need to marry the two,” he said. He enjoined estate surveyors to position themselves well in the area of preparation of viability and feasibility appraisal reports for concession projects. He also expressed concern over the issue of property registration in the country, calling on government to sort out the problem with the land tenure system in the country since all investments are based on land. He said: “There is need to sort out the land titling system.” Urging Federal Government to learn from South Africa experience, Nubi stated that the challenges facing land assembly, affordable construction options and real estate financing in Nigerian cities could be addressed

through discussion with all parties and the will power to do it together. According to him, industry practitioners, contractors, construction companies, financial organisations, real estate developers and government agencies must sit and work together for them to set an achievable agenda for the real estate sector in Nigeria. He explained that successful use of the PPP in other countries was generally based on the political will to initiate the process, go through the tendering and procurement phase, have influential and capable human resource driving the project

from government officials to investors and even project staff; and that all must come with the appropriate skill set and mindset to interact with one another, bypass bureaucracies and see the project through. Principal Partner, Diya Fatimilehin and Company, Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehin, in his paper on: “Building a Team for a Concession Project,” gave the rudiments for effective concession process, mentioning some of the critical factors to ensure success during the procurement, construction and life cycle of concession contracts According to him, the concessionaire must have a good

relationship with the contract awarding authority and there must be multidisciplinary and versatile project team for effective running and elongating the life of the project Critical factors, according to him, encompass effective management of cash, delivering tasks on time and favourable financing terms. He warned that successful concessionary projects required rational pricing mechanisms that incorporate end-users willingness to pay, compliance by all parties to contractual agreement, clear policy statement for the adoption of BOT, including regulatory and legal issues.

Trinity Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.

Nigeria should go green like other nations, says Ka’Oje President of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Mr. Bala Bawa Ka’Oje, was made fellow of the Association of Chartered Building Engineers of United Kingdom by Micheal Wadood and Dr. John Hooper, the President and Chief Executive of the association. In this encounter with Shuab Yusuf, in Abuja, Ka’oje spoke on the need for Nigeria to go green like other countries of the world. He also advised government to involve professional bodies in policy making Having been awarded the prestigious fellowship of the Association of Chattered Building Engineers of United Kingdom, can you tell us about yourself with regard to the construction industry? Well, I stated my career in the building industry with the Sokoto State Ministry of Works as pupil building engineer. Of

Ka’Oje

course, after a short while, I went to do my Masters degree, specialising in concrete structure. When I came back to the ministry, I worked as the Head of Department of Structural Engineering. However, when I came back from Srilanka, I was appointed a director at a very young age. Having served the state for about 25 years, I left the ministry as a substantive director and moved to Julius Berger (Nig) Plc as a senior civil engineer. I want to inform you that my main practical experience I gathered while working

with Julius Berger for about 15 years have been improved upon in my area of specialisation. I had to join professional bodies and I was a very active member of Nigerian Chattered Builders - the main area of my practice. As an active member of Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), I was elected its president in 2005. While I was the president of NIOB, I was also working very hard with the Council for Registration of Builders in Nigeria (CORBON) as a board member. But when I left the presidency of NIOB, I was then elected into the position of President of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN). As the president of APBN, I started thinking of how Nigeria could go green like other countries and continents such as South Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and among others. About three years ago, we attended United Nations (UN) Habitat in Kenya for the same purpose, there we were told about the importance of going green by nations. However, when we came back, we handed our reports over to the then Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, as I am talking to you, nothing has happened to that effect. We are still dialoguing with the World Green Building Council (WGBC) in Canada. We are working closely with them. They are equally working very closely with South Africa and Ghana. We started the same time with Ghana,

but today, Ghana is far ahead us. The government of Ghana supported our colleagues financially and otherwise, and they are doing very fine to that effect. Here in Nigeria, we are still working. We have gotten an office and have equally registered Nigerian Green Building Council (NGBS). We did that because we do not want to continue to wait for the government since we want the country to move forward. We have the belief that sooner or later, the government would know its benefits and embrace it. Those are some of the activities I carried out for the nation. I am not only happy for having been working very closely with my professional bodies in Nigeria, but also with those outside the country, especially in the United States (US) and United Kingdom. Based on your international reputation, can you tell us other ways you have been helping Nigeria with regard to your profession? I am well known in construction engineering by those in the profession and those who are not in the profession. I offer counseling in the industry. I go to universities to give lectures freely to those who are studying building. I have headed some of our professional bodies successfully and have been fighting for the development of building construction in this Nigeria.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Aviation

Incessant airport delays: Is the sector losing the plot? p.38

Nahco assures on cargo clearance at Lagos Airport p.38

YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW

An admixture of excitement, indifference resources, had sleepless nights to ensure that all the gaps the Americans noticed when they came eight months ago were closed. A former Acting DirectorGeneral of the agency, Benedict Adeyileka, could not hide his joy when he briefed the media, explaining the tortuous road the agency went through to retain what could have been an embarrassment if the nation had been unable to retain the feat it achieved in 2014 when the former Director-General, Dr. Harold Demuren, and his team achieved what looked impossible in 2010.

The past 12 months witnessed mixed feelings for travellers, analysts and operators in the Nigerian aviation industry. Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE, highlights some of the landmark events in 2014

espite some of the problems encountered in the sector, the aviation industry in the outgoing year did relatively well in the area of safety and improved capacity on all routes. Stella Oduah’s bulletproof cars saga The year 2014 started slowly for the aviation sector as there were uncertainties over whether the erstwhile minister, Stella Oduah, would be sacked or not. The situation also took a toll on virtually everything. Millions of naira was spent to burnish the image of the minister. The controversy that trailed the purchase of two bulletproof cars at N255 million through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), by the former minister of aviation, which happened late last year continued into year 2014. It was one scandal that really exposed the graft in the sector. Not a few believed that her removal would pave the way for meaningful business in the sector. The slogan, “Stella must be sacked” was deafening and President Goodluck Jonathan buckled under immense pressure to push her out of his cabinet. To aid the sack was the frequent plane crashes during her tenure, which worsened matters. Her utterances that the Associated plane crash that occurred on October 3, 2013, was an “Act of God” infuriated not only stakeholders; It was an embarrassment, to say the least. She was eventually sacked on February 17, 2014. The development came to Nigerians in different ways. While some saw it as a step in the right direction in fight against corruption, others saw it as a mistake made in haste. Airport terminal remodelling Some of the remodelled airport terminals, no doubt, made travel more enjoyable, notwithstanding the controversy that trailed the secrecy of the project execution. The former minister vigorously pursued the remodelling project with so much passion, but her removal over allegation of graft has led to the abandonment or slow pace of work at the four new international airport terminals that are under construction in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano. It is being undertaken by a Chinese firm.

Chidoka

Oduah

But the Federal Government has said that none of the airport remodelling projects will be abandoned. The former Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who took over from Oduah, assured that the Federal Government would not embark on any new project in the aviation industry until the on going ones were completed in the two years agreed in the contracts. There have been speculations that the ministry will abandon some of the projects scattered across airports in the country, on which about N174 billion had been spent. While explaining that some projects were initially suspended due to lack of funds, Ortom said that contractors had now resumed work after the president had signed the 2014 budget into law. Sack of aviation chiefs Nobody saw it coming. The sack of aviation chiefs came less than three weeks after Oduah was removed. Nobody knew what could have led government to remove four top chiefs of aviation agencies in one fell swoop. It was the first time an action like that would be taken by any government. The action saw Saleh Dunoma replace George Uriesi as Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Benedict Adeleyika took over from Capt Fola Akinkuotu as Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Adeyileka has since been relieved of his job. Murtah Usman is now the substantive DG of the aviation regulatory body; Ibrahim Abdulsalam (General Manager, Procurements, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency) (NAMA) replaced Nnamdi Udoh as NAMA’s Managing Director. Capt. Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick, Government Safety In-

spector & ICAO Focal Point for Nigeria on line Aircraft Safety Information Systems (OASIS) replaced Capt. (Mrs) Chinyere Kalu as Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). Experts raised the fear that the action would set the sector back.

Three airlines... began operations this year, boosting airline business in Nigeria. Nobody knows the attraction. Perhaps, there were things that they saw that others may not be seeing

Category One success The aviation community celebrated last September’s confirmation that Nigeria had retained her Category-One certification status (commonly called Cat-One within the industry) It again confirmed in clear terms that the reforms in the aviation sector were not only receiving international recognition, but global acclamation. The economic benefits of retaining Cat-One are numerous, including the positioning of Lagos as a hub airport in the region. Four years ago, the country was first awarded the much-coveted status after an audit of the worthiness of her airspace by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Before now, the whole nation was apprehensive because of some incidents, the instability at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which saw the removal of a director-general, and the manner a former minister of aviation almost ran the sector aground with unprecedented interference in the affairs of the aviation regulatory body which FAA frowns at. In fact, many had written off the chances of the nation retaining the rating, especially when India lost its Cat-One a few months ago. All the indices for failing the test were glaring. But trust Nigerians to put their house in order any time they are faced with what looks like a tough challenge. They quickly mobilised

New airlines Three airlines, Azman, Discovery and Air Peace began operations this year, boosting airline business in Nigeria. Nobody knows the attraction. Perhaps, there were things that they saw that others may not be seeing. They could have possibly seen how others failed, which could have informed their decision to come into a sector that is not only highly capital intensive, but just has a little profit margin. The new interest in the airline business by investors with deep pocket, especially in the oil and gas sector, has brought an admixture of excitement and indifference from experts and travellers who have questioned whether they would remain in business for long considering how some highly capitalised airlines had fallen by the way side in the recent past. Much ado about national airline One issue that dominated the media this year was the plan by the Federal Government to float a national carrier. Nigerians expressed their support for it. Majority felt that Nigeria, like many other countries of the world, deserved a national airline. If not for any other thing, the floating of the airline would help to reduce capital flight through foreign airlines. For now, no Nigerian carrier has the capacity or capability to compete with the weakest European or American airline. Nigerian airlines are so small and fragmented to compete. Oduah made effort to float a national carrier. The arrangement was marred in serious controversy just like previous attempts. She was probably not schooled on how to go about it. Just recently, Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, said that Nigeria would spend $2 billion over the next four years to float a new national carrier and rebuild its airports to meet international standards. Last line As year 2014 runs to an end, it is hoped that the aviation sector will build on the little successes achieved in the outgoing year, thereby attracting more travellers and businesses.

Business | Aviation

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nahco assures on cargo clearance at Lagos Airport DECONGESTION All hands have been on deck to ensure that the backlog is cleared

Stories by Wole Shadare

he Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of nahco aviance, Mr Norbert Bielderman, has assured that clearance of goods at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, was ongoing and should end by the first week of January. The company’s spokesman, Mr Tayo Ajakaye, in a statement, quoted Bielderman as saying that everything was under control and work was progressing at full blast. “All hands have been on deck to ensure that the backlog is cleared. Currently, we have cleared ap-

proximately 60 per cent. We are hopeful that the situation will be back to normal by the end of the first week of 2015. We currently do 24 hours decongestion on the tarmac, which has yielded positive result.” The nahco aviance boss restated that the seven-days-a-week work strategy adopted by the company had gone a long way in reducing the volume of cargo on the tarmac. According to him: “Through a joint agreement between terminal operators, clearing agents and Customs, it was decided that work be put off for the public holidays of 25 and 26 of December 2014. Full operations will resume on December 27 till the end of 2014. This will enable all concerned to have a little rest and re-energise. This position was agreed between all stakeholders in cargo clearing business.” Bielderman also disclosed that because of the nature of the task at hand, the senior management team and himself would be on

ground during the holidays and would continue to work until the situation gets back to normal. His words: “Due to the situation in cargo, I will not be going on leave. My senior management team and myself will be on ground during this holiday season until the situation is back to normal in cargo.” He commended the excellent working relationship with stakeholders, adding that everyone was doing great to ensure the situation is contained, particularly Customs and clearing agents’ leadership. He, however, appealed to importers for their understanding during this period, even as he promised that nahco aviance was doing everything possible to ensure that their shipments delivered safely without further delay. “We truly never envisaged this situation. However, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to guard against a repeat of this ugly incident,” he re-assured.

Dana’s MD-83 aircraft

Dana Air renews operational license

s a confirmation of its improved safety and stability in its operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has renewed the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Air Limited, just as the airline hopes to get safety certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2015. The airline said it earned AOC after passing through an exhaustive and successful audit of its entire operations by NCAA. Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of the airline, Alberto Mansilla, said: “As you may be aware, the AOC is valid for a period of two years and auditors from the regulatory agency scrutinised our entire operations by reviewing our manuals, safety procedures,

maintenance culture as well as the status of our equipment. At the end, the agency was satisfied with the state of our operations as we demonstrated full compliance in accordance with the high level of the professionalism of our entire work force.” The airline said it was one of the airlines selected by IATA in Africa to go through safety processes to earn the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is a high safety status earned by IATA member airlines. Dana said it entered for the IOSA implementation initiative in 2013, which consists of programmes organised by IATA where the company is deeply monitored and guided through workshops to ensure the success of IOSA audit.

“We are working at submitting fully to the IOSA programme and we are certain that Dana Air will be on the registry by the 2015 deadline. We just successfully completed the 3rd IOSA workshop and are currently doing a baseline review aimed at ensuring our readiness for the IOSA audit scheduled for August/September 2015,” Mansilla said. He added that the company was working with the representatives of the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, searching for the best option for aircraft acquisition. The company, he noted, planned to totally re-fleet, disclosing that hopefully, the first Dana Air owned and Nigerian registered Boeing 737 would arrive after the IOSA registry in September, 2015.

AIR RAGE

WITH

Wole Shadare

Incessant airport delays: Is the sector losing the plot?

ir transport has in recent years become a basic and vital segment of Nigeria business and social life. Air transportation has some specific characteristics that give it natural advantages over other compelling transport mode. The ability of air transport to overcome natural obstacles of land and sea as well as its comparatively high speed, makes it a favoured mode for the accelerated movement of certain goods and persons. The festive period has exposed the underbelly of air transport. It has also made nonsense of what the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, tries to achieve to make air travel seamless. Many people were left stranded in many parts of the country. While the reason for some delays were understandable, most of the carriers cancelled flights without informing travellers before hand the reason for the cancellations. Chidoka had expressed concern over incessant delays at various airports. He recently said that delays in air transportation were prevalent and very costly. The Minister had recently launched passenger service portal, adding that the helpline would send clear signals to airlines on how to be time conscious. Wherever an airline experiences arrival delay, automatically there would be departure delay. Departure delay can also occur when

the pilot in command intentionally delays in order to carry a full load. In a situation like this, he wants to make more money for the airline and in turn gets an increased salary. There is also take off delay, which is caused by tower by not giving clearance on time for engine start. While arrival delay can also occur enroute to the port destinations as a result of low and thick clouds, which makes the pilot to take right of course or left of course, descend or ascend. Before the pilot can do any of these things, clearance has to be gotten from the tower. If there are other aircrafts waiting, the pilot has to stand by. Eventually, time is lost as a result of all these little things, causing arrival delay. On the runway, there can be a situation whereby four or five aircraft want to take off. Taking off has to be done one after the other. In this case delay occurs. Traffic congestion comes into play. To reduce the level of airport delays due in Nigeria, the efficiency of the airport system must be improved, which should be a joint venture between the airport authorities and individual airlines. With the contribution and co-operations of airport authorities, airline operators, transport managers and the government, they could help in solving the phenomenon at our airports.

Medview partners German carrier as airlines set to begin Dubai flights

s preparations are in top gear to operate flights to Dubai and Jeddah, Medview Airline at the weekend entered into a partnership agreement with a German carrier - Hahn Air, for the sale of its flights in 190 countries by travel agents. Under the umbrella of the Hahn Air e-ticketing platform, over the 91,000 travel agents hooked on to the system can sell Medview Airline flights from any destinations even where they don’t have offices. The Hahn Global Distribution System (GDS) provides travel

agents with the tools to issue single or multiple connections tickets of Medview Airline, whether on domestic or international flights. Beaming with smiles, Medview Airline Managing Director/CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said the partnership agreement with Hahn Air was a welcome development as the aviation industry is highly globalised. The airline currently operates scheduled flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Yola and the West Coast beginning with Accra.

Photo | News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Cross-section of Horse Riders set for Durbar, during the 2014 Kaltungo cultural festival in Kaltungo, Gombe State.

Picnickers at the Bar beach, Victoria Island, Lagos.

L-R: Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie, at the commissioning of a 60-bed Specialist Hospital, Ewohinmi, Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo Stateâ&#x20AC;Śrecently.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Staff of Heritage Bank Limited, during the presentation of food items to Hearts of Gold Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospices in Lagos.

Picnickers during the Yuletide at Alpha Beach, Lekki, Ajah, Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Some of the graduands of the first Adult Walimotul Quran of Awayewaserere Arabic and Islamic Trainee Centre, Akute, Ogun State. They are from left, Alhaja Toliat Ambal; Alhaja Monsurat Raheem; Alhaja Mudirat Famosa and Alhaja Idowu Raji.

L-R: Chairman, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Prof. Oyinade Odutola-Olurin; Managing Director, Mr. Boudewijn Haarsma; and Director, Chief Samuel Bolarinde, during the court-ordered meeting of the company, in Lagos.

Wife of the Chairman, Kwali Area Council, FCT Abuja, Mrs Abigiel Daniel (right), donating foodstuff to a widow as part of her efforts to alleviate the suffering of orphans and elderly women in Abuja.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

By Kaycee

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

MOYIN & FRIENDS

NTPuzzle

By Ayo Oyerinde

NTJokes AKPOS AND HIS TWO DRUNKEN FRIENDS SUDOKU - Answer to No 22

SUDOKU - No 23

— Naija joke

Akpos and his two friends attended a party and got themselfs drunk......On there way home they chatted a cab(taxi).When they entered, they told the driver there destination.. The driver noticing that they were drunk started his car and turned it off..He turned and told them that have arrieved at their destination......they paid the taxi driver his money,, and he was happy that his plan worked... to his grtest suprise while AKPOS was coming down he gave him a sound slap....the driver thought that Akpos knew what he did but decided to ask Akpos why the slap and Akpos answerd ``YOU ALMOST KILLED US````

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

How to play ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

SUDOKU

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row , column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells. A region has thicker lines surrounding it. This simply makes it easier to play the game.

— (OMODAN A PASTOR) My beloved brothers and Sisters in d Lord we are in year 2013, So I want each One of u to tell me Ur new year Resolution (Sabisabi Raise up his hand) ok Sabisabi tell us SABISABI: Pastor my new resolution na I have no Shoes OMODAN: Y SABISABI: So dat I go fit become president of Naija How was our day OMODAN:

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

PROTECTION

Bank customers offered key security tips needed to shield them from falling victims of electronic fraud while doing transactions Kunle Azeez

igerians engaging in various forms of electronic transactions during this Yuletide have been urged to be more security-conscious when carrying out their transactions as fraudsters are on the prowl to defraud unsuspecting bank customers. The advice was given in a statement issued by the Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) signed by its Media and Strategy Development Manager, Mrs. Ntia Nnene Sylvia. In a statement made available to New Telegraph yesterday, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the association, Mrs. Regha Onajite, said that there was a need for Nigerians to be security-conscious, especially at this festive season, when a lot of transactions take place with the use of various

Yuletide: E-PPAN alerts bank customers to fraudsters’ antics payment instruments. She said, “Be it shopping physically at merchant outlets using the Point of Sales terminal; mobile banking/payment; online transactions or even at the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), the banking public should realise that typically, fraudsters also use this festive season to launch their nefarious activities against unsuspecting bank customers.” Onajite said that the onus, therefore, laid on the individual, first; to consider safety in all transactions, saying this would require some extra and conscious effort by the individual to protect itself from fraudsters. She noted, “Like we all always tell consumers, it is very safe to use any of the payment instruments but to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of electronic fraud, we advise consumers to follow some safety tips such as looking after their cards and card details at all times; trying not to let their card out of their sight when making a transaction, and not leaving their cards un-

protected public places. “We also advise that on no account should you share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone; ensure you are the only person that knows your PIN. Your bank will never ask you to disclose it; anyone who asks you for your PIN is a fraudster.

Keep it secret, keep it safe and protect your PIN.” She added, “We always advise that never use an ATM at any isolated location, especially at night and weekends. ATMs are generally very safe. However, they do, sometimes, attract criminal attention. So,

Godson Ikoro

equel to the positive acceptance of alternative payment system by the banking public, the currencyin-circulation in third quarter of the year declined by 0.9 per cent to N1.534.trillion, the Central Bank of Nigeria has said. In its Third quarter (Q3) report recently released on its website, the apex bank said that on month-on-month basis, the currency in circulation declined by 0.9 per cent in contrast to the growth of 3.1 per cent recorded at the end of the preceding month. The development, relative to the preceding month reflected largely the 4.6 per cent fall in its currency outside bank component. Review month amounted to N6.961.9 trillion, indicating an increase of 4.2 per cent above the level at the end of the

As at N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Offer 163.38

preceding month. This reflected largely the 13.9 and 6.3 per cent rise in deposits of “Others” and banks respectively. According to the CBN, of the total deposits, the percentage shares of the banks, Federal Government and “Others” were 50.9, 44.2 and 4.9 per cent, respectively. Reserve money (RM) rose by 4.0 per cent to N5.076.8 trillion at the end of the review month, reflecting the trends in bank deposits. Meanwhile, available data indicated that the money market rates were relatively stable during the review period. The banking system was awash with li-

quidity surfeit, occasioned by maturing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bills, Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) credit posting for the maintenance period, Joint Venture Cash (JVC) call and fiscal injections through statutory revenue released to the three tiers of government. Furthermore, CBN bills of diverse tenors were floated at the Open Market Operations (OMO) segment to mop up the liquidity surfeit in the system. In the review month, Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) was more predominant as there was liquidity surfeit in the banking system.

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

Spot ($/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX

Bid 163.4000

aira appreciated yesterday against the dollar at both the official and parallel markets, a survey showed in Lagos. The currency was traded against the greenback at between N191 and N190 respectively at both markets. Naira gained N2 to the dollar from the N193 and N192 it sold on December24. The currency was sold at N191 to the dollar at the Bureau De Change (BDCs) from N193 on December 24. It was traded at N190 to the dollar at the black market since last week. However, the Naira had remained stable at N168 in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since December24. It equally remained firm

against the Pound Sterling at the official market of N260.36k. The currency also appreciated against the Pound Sterling at the BDCs, trading at N292, or a gain of N2 from the N294 it sold on December 24. Also, the Naira was sold at N293 to the Pound Sterling at the parallel market since December 24. At the official market, it was sold against the Euro at N204.48k, while exchanging against the Euro at the BDCs for N235 compared with N238 or gain of N3 from December 24. Naira sold at N233 to one Euro at the parallel market as against the N235 traded on December 24.

Skye Bank appoints interim MD for Mainstreet Bank

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

Currency in circulation drops to N1.534 trillion

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

have completed a transaction, put your money and card away before leaving the ATM. If the ATM does not return your card, report it immediately to your service provider. “It is also recommended that you destroy or preferably shred your ATM receipts, ministatements or balance enquiries when you dispose of them. If you think someone has seen your PIN, you can change it at the next ATM or by contacting your bank.

Naira appreciates against dollar in parallel markets

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

you still need to follow common sense precautions when withdrawing cash. “At the ATM point, when entering your PIN, stand close to the ATM, use your free hand and your body to shield the numbers in case someone is watching you over your shoulder. Once you

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

kye Bank Plc has appointed Mrs Amaka Onwughalu as the interim Managing Director for Mainstreet Bank, according to a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday in Lagos. The bank said that directors of Mainstreet Bank had also resigned their appoint-

ments. Onwughalu would also oversee the affairs of the bank as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD). The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) formally handed over the management of Mainstreet Bank to Skye Bank Plc on December 18.

Business | Financial Market News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

29-Dec-14

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 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

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

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

535.00 581.39 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 414.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 178.00

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

0.32 1.63 2.33 2.58 2.67 3.42 4.50 4.82 7.08 9.21 13.92 14.40 14.89 15.57 19.55

14.07 15.52 15.25 15.26 15.27 15.36 15.46 15.50 15.45 15.11 14.44 14.39 14.33 14.81 15.21

13.56 15.41 15.17 15.18 15.19 15.24 15.37 15.38 15.39 15.04 14.39 14.33 14.26 14.75 15.15

96.92 96.50 99.65 88.79 87.37 87.92 101.70 71.86 103.90 95.50 103.28 88.56 64.46 71.00 81.00

97.07 96.65 99.80 88.94 87.52 88.22 102.00 72.16 104.20 95.80 103.58 88.86 64.76 71.30 81.30

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,783.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,359.69

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.40 1.14 1.95 2.31 2.52

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.38 18.25 17.41 16.30 16.25

93.80 98.96 97.78 95.61 92.55

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.85

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.67

4.44

18.76

96.17

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.68

99.08

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.80

4.46

19.46

95.23

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.80

3.48

18.50

97.37

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.31

5.59

20.89

80.79

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.35

1.00

16.81

96.04

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.01

1.79

17.10

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.18

1.80

17.13

94.74

92.94

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.77

1.00

16.41

93.37

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.38

1.00

16.28

96.79

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.38

4.78

20.06

89.43

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.56

1.00

16.26

96.61

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.81 4.90 2.88

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.29 16.49 18.03

98.51 93.42 93.10

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.34

1.00

16.35

96.09

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.91

1.00

16.48

88.95

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.01

1.94

17.42

91.19

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.49

1.44

16.81

94.17

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.52

1.95

17.32

94.18

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Corporate Bonds

468.62 430.59

Nil

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.01

8.71

22.49

99.96

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.39

4.88

18.67

96.59

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.34

09-Dec-15

0.70

1.00

15.48

98.03

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.54

2.63

16.26

98.58

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.75

1.00

16.53

94.76

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.82

1.34

16.83

96.03

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.75

1.00

16.28

92.89

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.77

1.88

17.40

101.85

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.78

3.48

18.99

95.99

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.94

5.20

20.61

96.31

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.94

5.06

20.47

101.83

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.73

1.35

16.75

92.52

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.05

2.29

17.65

97.16

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.14

6.11

21.45

92.87

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.01

2.16

17.47

96.80

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.88

2.76

18.25

89.41

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.81

80.96

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.81

87.43

NGC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

126.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

118.52

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.12

1.00

16.32

85.44

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.34

1.00

16.48

84.63

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.21

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.33

5.98

102.07

103.85

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.49

4.87

98.85

100.82

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.64

6.39

98.28

99.91

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,496.00

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

31.15

24.78

83.00

88.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

7.01

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.47

99.48

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

11.17

10.34

88.25

90.38

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

8.25

7.35

92.67

95.52

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

24.99

20.79

62.54

71.04

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.49

95.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

13.31

12.43

85.18

87.81

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

8.56

98.00

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

6.63 DEC 09, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

09-Dec-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

19.11 10.95 10.66

19.11 10.58 10.66

56.75 92.50 87.00

56.75 94.13 87.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

9.85

9.23

94.00

96.88

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,190.51

**Treasury Bills DTM 10 17 24 31 38 45 52

FIXINGS Maturity 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15

Bid Discount (%) 12.96 14.22 13.40 13.41 11.86 13.68 13.71

Offer Discount (%) 12.71 13.97 13.15 13.16 11.61 13.43 13.46

Bid Yield (%) 13.01 14.31 13.52 13.56 12.01 13.91 13.98

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.5433 14.6023 15.2700 16.3262

Rate (%)

OBB

11.17

O/N

11.58

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 11.42

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

183.00 184.34 184.62 185.30 186.55

183.10 184.44 184.76 185.75 187.53

0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

06-Jul-12

0.00/16.50

66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.85

06-Jul-17

2.52

1.00

16.25

92.55

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.67

4.44

18.76

96.17

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.68

99.08

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.80

4.46

19.46

95.23

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.80

3.48

18.50

97.37

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.31

5.59

20.89

80.79

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.35

1.00

16.81

96.04

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.01

1.79

17.10

92.94

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.18

1.80

17.13

94.74

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY,*BAYELSA DECEMBER 30, 2014 A-/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

CONSOLIDATION A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto

*EKITI *NIGER

SEC extends A/Agusto; A-/GCR deadline *ONDO A/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE byAa-/Agusto; nine months AA-/GCR‡ LAGOS A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

A/Agusto

*OSUN

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

LAGOS

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI Stories by Chris Ugwu A/Agusto A-/GCR

Business | Financial Market News

262 market operators comply with new capital requirements 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.77

1.00

16.41

93.37

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.38

1.00

16.28

96.79

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.38

4.78

20.06

89.43

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.56

1.00

16.26

96.61

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

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.81 4.90 2.88

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.29 16.49 18.03

98.51 93.42 93.10

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.34

1.00

16.35

96.09

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.91

1.00

16.48

88.95

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.01

1.94

17.42

91.19

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.49

1.44

16.81

94.17

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.52

1.95

17.32

94.18

deadline to September compliance by capital requirements by nine their capital base from in pursuant to section 468.62 market operators, with months, to September 2015. N20million to N1billion. 313(6) of the Investments 430.59 market operaIn a notice pasted yes- the new minimum capi- 30, 2015. It was the belief of the and Securities Act (ISA) Corporate Bondshave met terday on the SEC’s web- tal requirement which tors “We commend the com- regulatory bodies that 2007, approved the new 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.01 22.49 99.96 NGC dead- mitment capital retheNilnew capital requiresite and obtained by New has a compliance 01-Apr-10 of all stakeholdthe firms would be able8.71 minimum 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 10.00 3.61 17-Aug-15 0.39 4.88 18.67 96.59 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC ment set by the SecuriTelegraph, the board of line of December 31, ers to building a world to meet the requirements quirements for all cate12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 A-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 12.00 9.34 09-Dec-15 0.70 1.00 15.48 98.03 *FLOURMILLS tiesBB/GCR and Exchange Comthe Securities and Ex-06-JAN-2016 2014. class capital market to06-Jan-16 boost the market. But2.63 gories16.26 of capital98.58 market 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-Jan-11 14.00 0.60that 0.54 *CHELLARAMS 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto;(SEC). A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 13.00 15.00 its 29-Sep-16 1.75 16.53 94.76 the issue generated con-1.00 operators. mission at The board expressed enables Nigeria realise NAHCO change Commission 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 satisfaction with the A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.82market; 1.34 16.83 FSDH Following the96.03 amendThis is just as the apex its meeting of December ef- aspiration of a prospertroversy in the 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 2.75 16.28 92.89 UBA 22, 2014 reviewed the sta- forts made by all operapitching market opera-1.00 ments, regulator has extended ous and peaceful nation. the capital re18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.64 30-Nov-17 1.77 1.88 17.40 101.85 *C & I LEASING tus report on the level of theNil recapitalization tors, particularly those Recapitalisation attors against the regulaquirement for brokers MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 16.00 6.30 09-Apr-18 1.78 3.48 18.99 95.99 *DANA who have complied09-Sep-11 with tempts have been 2.90 made tors. They considered MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 18.00 09-Sep-18 1.94 5.20 dealers 20.61 was increased 96.31 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 N70 million to the new requirements. since the the amount as 1.94 too outra-5.06 from 20.47 09-Sep-11 16.00 last exercise 0.80 but 09-Sep-18 101.83 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR 14.00 met brick 35.00 22-Sep-18 3.73 1.35 N300million. 16.75 UBA It, however, took22-Sep-11 cog- they have wall. geous. For92.52 brokers 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 15.75 2.40 18-Oct-18 2.05 17.65 *LA CASERA nisance of the effect of In 2008, the Securities However, given the2.29 only, the capital97.16 requireMPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 17-Feb-12 17.00 0.41 17-Feb-19 2.14 6.11 21.45 92.87 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS the global economic sitand Exchange Commistransformation ongoing ment was increased from 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.01 2.16 17.47 96.80 01-Apr-14 16.00 Nil *DANA uation and approved an sion (SEC), in collaborain the capital market N40 million to N200 mil15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 5.88 2.76 18.25 89.41 NAHCO with increased for dealers, it tion with the Nigerian 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBICextension IA 30-SEP-2024 of the deadline A/GCR 30-Sep-14 11.93 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.75 volume 1.00 lion; while 15.81 80.96 STANBIC IBTC 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 15.44 9.75 15.81 STANBIC IBTC of30-Sep-24 transactions, the1.00 was raised for compliance with the Stock13.25 Exchange, directfrom87.43 N30 milTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 126.63 board of SEC recently lion to N100 million. new minimum capital ed the firms to increase TOTAL CAPITALISATION 118.52 omeMARKET capital market growth and developoperators on Mon- ment. Supranational Bond day said that the He said that cash in10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.12 1.00 16.32 85.44 equity price volatilityAfDB in duced policies of1-FEB-2021 the 11.25 AFDB Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.34 1.00 16.48 84.63 had resulted in much cheaptheTOTAL nation’s capital VALUE mar- government led to loss he Nigerian bourse 24.95 Volume in the sub-sector OUTSTANDING continued to trend 21.21 ketTOTAL would persist until of jobs, stressing that the er valuations, so it is likely was largely driven by activiMARKET CAPITALISATION northwards route for that selected market players ties in the shares of Royal first quarter of 2015. nation’s unemployment Outstanding Valueadvantage,” Samir GaThey Rating/Agency told the News rate the sixth took Plc. Issuer would increase atDescription Issue Dateday following Coupon (%) susMaturity Date Bid Yield (%) OfferExchange Yield (%) Bidand Price FBNH Offer Price ($mm) Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the completion of capital tained buy pressure. dio, head of Africa strategy Also, the banking subEurobonds Prices &boosted Yields in FGN separate interviews market operators recapiThe key market perfor- at Standard Chartered Plc sector by activities in Lagos that the market talisation. mance measures, the NSE All in London, said. “It remains in the shares of Zenith 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 6.33 5.98 102.07 103.85 Bank would stabilise after the to be seen if these gains can “The capital market Share Index and market capand Access Bank Plc followed BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.130.68 per 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.87 98.85 general be sustained given the 5.49 lower with will continue to nosedive italisation, rose by a turnover of 100.82 142.6 milBB-/S&P elections. BB-/Fitch; cent 12-Jul-13 as market sentiments Mazi Okechukwu with cash dependent polioil price and risk aversion lion shares98.28 valued at99.91 N1.9 bil6.38 JUL 12, 2023 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 6.64 6.39 BB-/S&P Unegbu, a former Presi- cies introduced by the govextended gaining streaks fol- towards Nigeria’s tradable lion in 1,439 deals. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE The number of gainers at dent, Chartered Institute ernment,” Unegbu said. lowing investors’ high opti- 1,500.00 assets at the moment.” TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 1,496.00 Meanwhile, a turnover of of Bankers (CIBN), said Unegbu said that mism. the close of trading session that the capital market scarcity of funds in Consequently, the All- 602.2 million shares worth was 37 while decliners closed Corporate Eurobonds would continue to nosethe economy due to the Share Index gained 235.1 ba- 450.00 N4.6 billion in 4,606 deals was at 25. 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I 01-Feb-11 11.50 01-Feb-16 31.15 24.78 83.00 88.00 sis points or 0.68 per cent to 500.00 dive because of cash 2015 general elections recorded in the day’s trading. Seplat 100.63 Petroleum100.63 Nigeria 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 7.50 19-May-16 7.01 7.01 dependent policies incontributed to the declose at 34,663.92 as against Other financial services Plc led the gainers’ table 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.47 7.47 99.48 99.48 sub-sector02-May-18 of the financial troduced by regulators. in the capital 34,428.82 recorded 6.88 the previ- 300.00 with a gain per cent 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY velopment BANK PLC 09-May-13 11.17 10.34 88.25of 10.2590.38 market. N355.12 per Unegbu said that unous day while market capi- 400.00 services sector most to 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 6.00 08-Nov-18was the8.25 7.35close at92.67 95.52 share 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II He also urged discern08-Apr-12 of equities 10.25 appre- 300.00 08-Apr-19 20.79 62.54 71.04 friendly government talisation active during the day 24.99 (mea- while Caverton Nigeria Plc 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK 22-Apr-14 6.25 or 0.68 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.49 7.49 Champion 95.50 95.50 economic policies such ingPLC investors to take adciated by N77 billion sured by turnover volume); and Breweries fol8.75 May 21, 2019 B/S&P DIAMONDvantage BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 13.31 12.43 85.18a gain of 87.8110 per of low prices of as B/Fitch; devaluation of the per cent as market sentiment with 305.5 million shares lowed with 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 300.00 07-Aug-20 8.56 8.56 naira, brokers and Buworth N565.6 million ex- cent equities at the nation’s remained green. 8.25 each98.00 to close 98.00 at N3.30 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 19.11 19.11 56.75 56.75 “The collapse in the stock reau De Change capitalbourse to increase their changed by investors in 807 and N6.49 per share respec9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 10.95 10.58 92.50 94.13 market in the fourth isation affected market stake deals. tively . 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD in the market. 23-Jul-14 8.00quarter 450.00 23-Jul-21 10.66 10.66 87.00 87.00 total of 262 reg-

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE istered capital 30, TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION µ

#{r}

Capital market volatility to persist until 2015, says Operators #

#{r}

Stock market records sixth-day high

B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14-Aug-21

9.85

9.23

94.00

4,760.00

96.88

29-Dec-14

4,190.51

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS FIXINGS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” Money basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee **Treasury financial Bills Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, Maturity performance or fitness a particular purpose any of(%) the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action basis DTM Bidfor Discount (%) Offer of Discount Bid Yield (%) Tenortaken on the Rate (%) of the Information. FGN

10 17 24 Bonds 31 38 45 Rating/Agency 52 59 66 73 80 87 94 101 108 NA115 122 129 136 220 248 339 353

8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 Issuer 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 NA 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15

12.96 14.22 13.40 13.41 11.86 13.68 Description 13.71 13.00 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.19 13.05 16-AUG-2016 13.59 15.10 27-APR-2017 13.75 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.95 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.60 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.59 16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.42 7.00 23-OCT-2019 14.00 12.89 16.39 27-JAN-2022 11.63 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.49 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.12 12.49 22-MAY-2029 11.85 8.50 20-NOV-2029 14.60 10.00 23-JUL-2030 14.40

12.1493 18-JUL-2034

12.71 13.97 13.15 13.16 11.61 13.43 Issue Date 13.46 12.75 23-Apr-10 12.94 16-Aug-13 13.34 27-Apr-12 13.50 27-Jul-07 13.70 31-Aug-07 13.35 30-May-08 13.34 29-Jun-12 13.17 23-Oct-09 13.75 12.64 27-Jan-12 11.38 14-Mar-14 12.24 28-Nov-08 11.87 22-May-09 11.60 20-Nov-09 14.35 23-Jul-10 14.15

18-Jul-14

13.01 14.31 13.52 13.56 12.01 13.91 (%) Coupon 13.98 13.28 4.00 13.51 13.05 13.97 15.10 14.18 9.85 14.43 9.35 14.09 10.70 14.12 16.00 13.97 7.00 14.65 13.47 16.39 12.13 14.20 13.10 15.00 13.08 12.49 12.89 8.50 16.89 10.00 16.73

12.1493

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE # Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 Total Outstanding Modified***LCRM Duration Buckets 0.00/16.50 Porfolio Market LCRMValue(Bn) II 20-APR-2017 Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 FMBN

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Value

535.00 23-Apr-15 581.39 NITTY 16-Aug-16 452.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 13.6629 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 13.9819 300.00 30-May-18 3M 14.2489 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 14.2999 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 14.7141 12M 15.0201 600.00 27-Jan-22 414.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 NIFEX 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 591.57 23-Jul-30 BID($/N) 182.1250 178.00 18-Jul-34 OFFER ($/N) 182.2250

Coupon (%)

24-May-12FMDQ FGN0.00 BOND 03-Apr-12 17.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Outstanding Vol Value 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50

1,012.25

1,034.18

32.63

34.28

3<5

1,376.69

1,365.98

43.09

46.62

564.19

769.57

24.28

19.10

2,953.13

3,169.73

100.00

Market

Sub-National Bonds

(N'bn)

Rate (%) 11.5433 14.6023 15.2700 16.3262 Date Maturity

OBB

11.17

O/N

11.58

REPO

Tenor TTM (Yrs) Call 1M0.32 3M 1.63 6M

Rate (%) Bid Yield 11.42 15.13 14.07 15.32 15.52 16.28

Tenor

(%)

Bid ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D Offer Yield 1M 2M (%) 3M13.56 6M 15.41 1Y

2.33 15.25 15.17 2.58 15.26 15.18 2.67 15.27 15.19 3.42 15.36 15.24 :Benchmarks 4.50 15.46 15.37 * :Amortising Bond 4.82 15.50 15.38 µ :Convertible Bond AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 7.08 15.45 15.39 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 9.21 15.11 15.04 FMBN: Federal Nigeria 13.92Mortgage Bank of 14.44 14.39 IFC: International 14.40 Finance Corporation 14.39 14.33 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.89 14.33 14.26 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 15.57 14.81 14.75 O/N: Overnight 15.21 15.15 UPDC: UAC19.55 Property Development Company NOTE:

WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Offer ($/N)

183.00 183.10 Price 184.34 184.44 184.62 184.76 185.30 185.75 Bid Price Offer Price 186.55 187.53 187.80 189.27 96.92 97.07 192.08 194.99 96.50 96.65 201.21 206.68

99.65 99.80 88.79 88.94 87.37 87.52 87.92 88.22 NA :Not Applicable 101.70 102.00 # :Floating Rate Bond 71.86 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 72.16 103.90 104.20 ‡ : Bond rating 95.50under review 95.80 †: Bond rating expired 103.28 103.58 N/A :Not Available 88.56 88.86 {r} :Issuer in receivership 64.46 64.76 71.00 71.30 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 81.00 UBA: United Bank for Africa 81.30

4,359.69

Agency Bonds

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Outstanding 6M

4,783.63

TOTAL *for theMARKET Amortising CAPITALISATION bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration Rating/Agency

NIBOR

Bonds

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

INDEX 24.56

3.00 112.22 Bucket Weighting 116.70 66.49

322.970.33

Maturity Date

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 % Exposure_ 20-Apr-17 Mod_Duration 06-Jul-17

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

0.40 1.14 1.95 Implied 2.31 Yield 2.52

# Risk Premium (%)

2.63 2.27 2.00 Implied 1.00 Portfolio Price 1.00

Valuation Yield (%)

16.38 18.25 17.41 INDEX 16.30 16.25

Indicative Price

93.80 98.96 97.78 YTD Return 95.61 (%) 92.55

13.94

15.38

116.3803

1,105.38

10.5375

0.43

46.21

15.34

119.1766

1,009.14

0.9142

0.24

39.84

14.91

86.0681

1,006.29

0.6287

1.00

100.00

15.17

110.2259

1,052.56

5.2561

308.85

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.67

4.44

18.76

96.17

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.68

99.08

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.80

4.46

19.46

95.23

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.80

3.48

18.50

97.37

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.31

5.59

20.89

80.79

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.35

1.00

16.81

96.04

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.01

1.79

17.10

92.94

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.18

1.80

17.13

94.74

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.77

1.00

16.41

93.37

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.38

1.00

16.28

96.79

Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014

Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011

Business | Capital Market

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011

Daily Summary (Bonds)

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at December 29, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 19 7 27

Current Price 0.50 25.35 24.25

Quantity Traded 100 146,509 34,292 180,901

Value Traded 50.00 3,703,290.76 873,072.32 4,576,413.08

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 2.28

Quantity Traded 460,209 460,209

Value Traded 1,067,312.67 1,067,312.67

641,110

5,643,725.75

Quantity Traded 125,000 22,478,382 2,570,964 25,174,346

Value Traded 156,882.04 85,298,817.03 90,002,369.79 175,458,068.86

25,174,346

175,458,068.86

AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 CONGLOMERATES Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

Diversified Industries Totals

48 Symbol No. of Deals AGLEVENT 9 TRANSCORP 264 UACN 90 Daily Summary (Equities) 363

Activity SummaryTotals on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES

363

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other Published by TheCOSTAIN Nigerian Stock © (W A) Exchange PLC. G CAPPA PLC Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

No. of Deals 5 1 6

Current Price 0.81 14.46

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 60.66

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 24 24

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 GOODS Printed CONSUMER 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.25 3.78 35.00

CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Value Traded 1 65,160.00 of 12

25 81,025

343.50 65,503.50

Quantity Traded 15,000 15,000

Value Traded 864,450.00 864,450.00

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 196,275 196,275

Value Traded 1,905,330.69 1,905,330.69

Current Price 100.00

Quantity Traded 5 5

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

292,305

2,835,784.19

Quantity Traded 2,442,842 387,903 422,653 1,146,528 4,399,926

Value Traded 15,703,399.68 59,438,482.35 9,732,482.17 182,613,999.11 267,488,363.31

38 Symbol No. of Deals CHAMPION 57 GUINNESS 87 Daily Summary (Equities) INTBREW 38 NB 76 258

Quantity Traded Page 81,000

Current Price 6.49 159.45 24.23 161.00

Page Quantity Traded 8,086 8,086

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 160.00

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 38 114 135 12 95 1 1 396

Current Price 4.79 6.18 39.40 3.52 6.50 18.05 0.50

Quantity Traded 371,544 3,606,533 2,747,575 147,172 1,811,954 1,766,752 75,545,721 85,997,251

Value Traded 1,760,245.46 22,136,063.93 108,406,079.77 513,471.26 11,928,078.52 31,889,873.60 37,772,860.50 214,406,673.04

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

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 21 154 175

Current Price 40.00 995.00

Quantity Traded 172,468 677,117 849,585

Value Traded 6,923,276.50 662,880,968.72 669,804,245.22

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 40 3 43

Current Price 3.90 0.98

Quantity Traded 658,551 150,000 808,551

Value Traded 2,487,715.39 143,000.00 2,630,715.39

Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Household Durables Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011

VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.

Current Price 24.55

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol UNILEVER

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 143 DIAMONDBNK 16 ETI 14 FIDELITYBK 76 GUARANTY 255 SKYEBANK 152 STERLNBANK 36 UBA 234 Daily Summary (Equities) UBN 14 UNITYBNK 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Value Traded 6,545,305.85 19,663,309.51

92,792,092

1,175,268,720.92

Current Price 7.10 5.69 18.00 1.64 26.26 2.94 2.31 4.94 7.80 0.50

Quantity Traded 25,046,855 550,659 38,841 7,538,364 22,881,454 4,780,516 6,302,000 11,371,476 67,800 100,000

Value Traded 179,176,580.43 3,139,320.86 678,716.26 12,222,865.95 584,451,837.27 13,918,664.84 14,200,394.15 56,939,887.26 524,948.55 50,000.00

Value Traded 10,687,025.80 1,051,057,871.65 1,927,048,113.02

No. of Deals 30 3 2 1 1 16 19 3 3 4 3 53 138

Current Price 0.75 0.94 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.05 0.66 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.60

Quantity Traded 1,681,702 Page 67,100 44,611 2,259,713 12,000,000 5,000,050 1,055,954 1,000,000 6,500 5,141,755 385,000 6,948,911 35,591,296

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 132,432 132,432

Value Traded 104,919.96 104,919.96

No. of Deals Current Price DailySymbol Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 777,561

Value Traded 2,204,897.58

Symbol CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 12 551 128 31 17 40 807

Current Price 3.77 9.10 2.80 0.50 29.18 1.63

2,389 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 1 4 9 24 5 2 45

Current Price 2.18 3.57 50.00 1.58 0.78 2.14

45 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,190,094 37,568,937 33,109,601 231,789,265 111,084 976,136 305,522,678

Value Traded 4,463,217.74 343,245,303.28 92,785,334.74 118,211,022.50 3,128,078.43 1,632,935.51 565,670,789.78

483,873,215

2,524,868,556.38

Quantity Traded 250 86,500 23,800 596,598 76,000 10,954 794,102

Value Traded 520.00 308,805.00 1,131,474.00 912,233.36 57,000.00 23,054.16 2,433,086.52

794,102

2,433,086.52

Quantity Traded 33,333

Value Traded 16,666.50

Page

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

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.39

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 169,500.00 169,500.00

83,333

186,166.50

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 58 2 7 12 120 1 1 54 255

Current Price 22.40 9.00 39.00 10.39 193.79 0.87 4.30 82.37

Quantity Traded 637,764 7,000 101,802 244,405 982,584 100 60,000 539,096 2,572,751

Value Traded 14,165,595.54 59,100.00 3,970,228.00 2,478,102.65 193,816,252.02 91.00 258,000.00 43,402,968.14 258,150,337.35

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 28,000 28,000

Value Traded 38,080.00 38,080.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 27.78

Page Quantity Traded 53,000 53,000

7Value Traded of 12

Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment Services Activity Summary on and Board EQTY

259

1,472,161.68 1,472,161.68

2,653,751

259,660,579.03

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 620,597 620,597

Value Traded 310,298.50 310,298.50

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 203 203

Current Price 19.00

Quantity Traded 6,046,167 6,046,167

Value Traded 115,416,914.66 115,416,914.66

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 11 23 81 17 1 17 150

Current Price 40.11 3.00 227.25 151.20 53.20 157.00

Quantity Traded 356,479 2,417,214 713,957 12,404 55,036 23,922 3,579,012 Page

Value Traded 14,298,583.69 7,403,356.08 158,867,898.76 1,931,115.90 2,927,915.20 3,720,954.15 189,149,823.78 8 of 12

Exploration Production Daily Summary as ofand 29/12/2014 SEPLAT 15:20:11.011 PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Printed 29/12/2014 Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 49 49

Current Price 355.12

Quantity Traded 603,567 603,567

Value Traded 214,330,258.04 214,330,258.04

10,849,343

519,207,294.98

Current Price 0.69

Quantity Traded 143,000

Value Traded 98,575.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 10

Page 9 of 12 Current Price Quantity Traded 143,000

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 7 1 8

Current Price 3.94 1.23

Quantity Traded 237,002 4,000 241,002

Value Traded 908,837.68 4,680.00 913,517.68

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 21,211 21,211

Value Traded 10,605.50 10,605.50

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 3.82

Quantity Traded 36,270 36,270

Value Traded 134,166.80 134,166.80

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 11 14 26

Current Price 1.18 1.40 4.05

Quantity Traded 2,104 99,181 457,500 558,785

Value Traded 2,587.92 133,395.33 1,845,170.00 1,981,153.25

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

407

Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011 ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 10

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Value Traded 1,216,993.50 4 of 12 62,711.00 22,305.50 1,129,856.50 6,000,000.00 15,477,275.98 687,919.49 500,000.00 3,250.00 2,570,877.50 192,500.00 4,181,044.15 32,044,733.62

Page

Symbol ETRANZACT

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Building15:20:11.011 Materials Totals Printed 29/12/2014

BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

Quantity Traded 195,562 728,693

2.82

Value Traded 16,666.50

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Quantity Traded 11,130,224 52,818,620 142,626,809

Quantity Traded 33,333

Current Price 0.95 19.85

AFRIPRUD

Current Price

ICT Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary

No. of Deals 22 476 1,439

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Current Price 34.10

No. of Deals 4

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 13,118,003.66 3

Symbol

OIL AND GAS Totals

Symbol WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

No. of Deals 26 76 960

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011 SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC

Quantity Traded 533,131

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 29/12/2014 INDUSTRIAL Published byPackaging/Containers The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011

2 of 12 Value Traded 1,275,414.45 1,275,414.45

Symbol 7UP

ICT Computer Based Systems Computer Based Systems Totals

SERVICES Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals Current Price 3 0.55 3

Quantity Traded 97,545 97,545

Value Traded 53,649.75 53,649.75

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals Current Price 4 1.70 19 4.73 23

Quantity Traded 343,920 1,369,178 1,713,098

Value Traded 584,724.20 6,638,324.56 7,223,048.76

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals Current Price 11 3.30 11

Quantity Traded 136,770 136,770

Value Traded 450,751.00 450,751.00

2,948,681

10,865,967.74

4,605

620,102,278

4,676,427,950.87

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 42,000.00 42,000.00

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Daily Summary as of 29/12/2014 Activity Summary on Board Printed 29/12/2014 15:20:11.011

Daily Summary (Equities) ASeM

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services OMOLUABI SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price OMOSAVBNK 1 0.84 Daily Summary (Equities) 1

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Page 50,000

of 12 42,000.00

ASeM Board Totals

50,000

42,000.00

Equity Activity Totals

4,606

620,152,278

4,676,469,950.87

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 10.42 2,098.00 15.63

Quantity Traded 5,000 9 5,000 10,009

Value Traded 52,100.00 18,882.00 78,150.00 149,132.00

ETF Board Totals

10,009

149,132.00

ETP Activity Totals

10,009

149,132.00

Page

Value Traded 98,575.00

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Features

Terrorism: Equipping journalists for objective reportage American University of Nigeria trains journalists on objective and accurate reportage of insurgency in the North, reports NELLY ATING

eporters, editors and producers covering insurgency in the North-East recently returned to the classroom to retool and catch up on trending perspectives to delivering on a routine beat. About 57 journalists, comprising reporters and gatekeepers, drawn from the print, broadcast and online media, from Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Bauchi and Adamawa states, attended a “Peace Journalism” workshop organised by the American University of Nigeria (AUN), at its ultra-modern Robert Pastor e-library resource centre, Yola. With the theme: “Redefining the role of journalists in peace building,” the workshop set out to offer journalists an in-depth intellectual and professional perspective to the task of reporting news in time of insurgency and to a nation in search of order, stability and development. The workshop was a part of a larger peace conference for peace activists from five north-eastern states, sponsored by the AUN-Adamawa Peace Initiative (API). ‘In the words of the workshop’s key facilitator, Dr Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, “with the Boko Haram insurgency becoming more violent and intractable, workshop organisers felt it was a propitious time to launch a comprehensive, practical training for local journalists on peace reporting, so they can see themselves not only as journalists but also as peacemakers”. As a field of academic study, said Jacob, who is the acting chair of AUN’s Communications and Multimedia (CMD) programme, peace journalism has crystalized in the last 10 years. However, in practice, it is yet to be well developed, particularly in Nigeria. The workshop afforded AUN and its partner in community-wide peace building, API, the opportunity to introduce this concept to Nigerian journalists. It was the very first peace journalism workshop in Nigeria. The workshop was facilitated by AUN pro-

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Tools of journalism

fessors, Jacob and Don North – a veteran journalist with rich experience in reporting conflicts from Vietnam to Latin America and Iraq. In a keynote address, AUN’s President, Prof Margee Ensign, articulated the role of the media in a pluralistic democracy. Ensign, who spoke on “The press and democratic reform in a changing world: Building alliances for good governance and accountability,” highlighted some of the critical challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from political instability to weak institutions. She argued for a more assertive role for the media in holding governments and political leaders accountable. Democratic reform, Ensign said, could only be achieved when political leaders are held accountable for their actions and inactions. According to her, the press has a crucial responsibility in this regard. The keynote address was followed by three workshop sessions and an interactive panel discussion led by resource persons with strong industry experience. At the sessions, participating journalists also made their own invaluable contributions to factors militating against objective, accurate and factual reporting from the front. In the first workshop session entitled: “Principles and practice of peace journalism,” the lead facilitator, Jacob, explained the concept of peace journalism and illustrated its step-by-step application. A video report on a recent Boko Haram bomb attack in Maiduguri from the local TVGotel was shown

and compared with another report of the same event using peace journalism lenses. The second report was produced by the CMD Programme at AUN. Participants discussed the differences between the two videos and noted components that distinguished the second report from the first. Also in this session, participants were introduced to basic theories in conflict transformation and peace building to help them have a better grasp of conflict analyses and peace initiatives Jacob, who has researched and published on the UN’s public information operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Somalia, discussed numerous basic theories in conflict reporting. During the second session on “Framing peace: Models of peace news reports,” Jacob and North explored the journalistic concept of framing and why it is important to create appropriate ‘pegs’ that provide peace-orientated solutions to news reports about the insurgency and violence. The workshop also compared and contrasted visual images of peace journalism with those of war or conventional journalism. During the panel discussion on objectivity, North led other journalists in a panel discussion on objectivity in peace journalism. Joining him were Premium Times’ Managing Editor, Mojeed Musikilu, New Telegraph’s Managing Editor and senior columnist, Suleiman Uba Gaya, Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Aisha Ibrahim, who stood in for NUJ President, Mohammed Garba, among others. Gaya, deputy national president, Nigerian Guild of Editors, represented the NGE President, Mr Femi

Adesina. The panel dissected the concept of objectivity in journalism, bringing in members’ rich professional experience in defining the concept and analysing its many limitations as a guide. Participants also contributed their opinion on how objectivity weighs against peace journalism. At the end of the panel discussion, there was a consensus that peace journalism is not an affront on objectivity; rather it increases fairness, balance and accuracy. In the concluding session, participants were given exercises to compare and contrast peace journalism reports with conventional journalism stories. Meanwhile, the workshop provided participants the opportunity to join the Peace Journalism Network, whose objective includes providing an online forum for journalists to share experiences, exchange notes and develop best practice in peace reporting. Journalists can also peer review each other’s work, compare notes and confirm facts before reporting. In addition to various resources, the website of the network will also contain contact information of peacemakers, community and religious leaders as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working on peace building and conflict transformation issues and projects in various communities, from which reporters can confirm reports or get crucial news leads. The next workshop is scheduled for January 2015. • Ms Ating, who participated in the peace journalism workshop, writes from Yola

FEATURES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Aig-Imoukhuede and his passion for health Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former chief executive officer of Access Bank, receives honour for his many contributions to healthcare issues on the African continent, reports GODSON IKORO

side from his reputation as an accomplished business leader and one of Africa’s brightest professionals, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede seems to have moved ahead of his peers in ventures that impact humanity and enhance the quality of human lives. His innovative contributions and selfless roles in elevating global health standard have established him as a vociferous voice in the global health space, and notably as a private sector leader with commitment to wellbeing of mankind. Since his retirement from Access Bank as group managing director and chief executive officer about a year ago, he has become even more distinguished and resolute in his pursuit of a healthy world. This selflessness, which earned him defining roles in some of the world’s most influential and significant health organisations, has also positioned him for recognition in the African sub-region. At a moment when the sub-region is under the siege of the deadly Ebola disease which has claimed thousands of lives, and still drawing on the resources of the international community and global health organisations, Aig-Imoukhuede remains undaunted by the challenges of bearing the torch at this crucial moment. His positive outlook and contributions to health in the sub-region has again earned him the admiration and recognition of the West African Infectious Diseases Institute (WAIDI) with other notable Nigerians - Alhaji Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group and General Theophilius Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum. These outstanding Nigerians were honoured with the Nigeria Health Leadership Award for their contributions to strengthening of the Nigerian health system and the West African sub-region by WAIDI and the West African Academic Alliance at a symposium and gala night held in Abuja, recently. For those who are familiar with Aig-Imoukhuede’s pedigree and passion, occasions such as this tender different meanings to his compassionate mind. Soon, the world will find construal of this statement in the chains of ground-breaking innovations and initiatives that will be pioneered by WAIDI. This will be largely propelled by coalescence of Aig-Imoukhuede’s relentless pursuit of perfection in matters of human health, and WAIDI’s uncommon competence and tenacity of purpose. Aig-Imoukhuede is perhaps the only African who has had the greatest impact on the continent’s health matters; his footprints are more evident than that of any living or dead

President Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington DC, Mr. Robert Mallet (left), Aig-Imoukhuede, Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof James Ekpoke, and Apera at the event.

African. His quest for addressing Africa’s health challenges is legendary and remarkable. In his capacity as first African co-chair of GBC-Health, a coalition of over 200 private sector companies and top Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), focussed on meeting most pressing global health challenges, Aig-Imoukhuede has shown a resolve that signals the readiness and willingness of African private sector leaders to provide the required support in addressing global health issues and the health concerns of the African continent. This leadership role was highlighted at an aside event organised by the United Nations a couple of years ago when he led Access Bank in his capacity as GMD/CEO to make donation of $1 million to the Global Fund under the “Gift from Africa” Project. Also, at this same event, which tilldate is internationally regarded as the greatest show of commitment by African private sector leaders, AigImoukhuede’s influence and interaction with other business leaders on the African continent delivered additional $5 million to the Global Fund’s fight against the triple pandemics of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria which have ravaged and impoverished the continent for centuries. In his role as chairman of Friends of Africa, an organisation that is focussed on eradication of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by mobilising political and financial support from African governments, the private sector and civil societies, AigImoukhuede leveraged his extensive network in the private sector and recognition in government circles to the advantage of the organisation. More specifically, Aig-Imoukhuede lends his professional acumen and insightful mind to the service of the organisation by shaping and approving strategies that facilitated attainment of the organisation’s goals of making Africa a healthy planet. A distinct voice in advocacy, his tenure as GMD of Access Bank, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions earned the financial institution its description and acknowledgment as bank of best practice. This

posture is reflective of the leadership focus and agenda pursued by AigImoukhuede. The institution championed numerous industry defining initiatives and programmes that did not only impact humanity but guarantees the inviolability of the Nigerian banking sector. Notable among these initiatives is the Nigerian Banking Sector Lending Principles which has its origin in Access Bank. Access Bank enlisted Nigeria in the comity of global economies by winning coveted awards and recognitions through responsible business practices and consideration of globally acceptable standards in its operations. The bank, at various times, won the FT Sustainable Bank Award, African Banker Socially Responsible Bank of the Year Award and Business in Community Award for Excellence. In describing Aig-Imoukhuede, a respected social commentator said: “He is an unusual combination of attributes that would continue to marvel anyone that follows his endeavours. Aig is success exemplified, for his name is etched in gold in the history of banking in Africa but the most astonishing side of his life is his dedication to humanity and health issues in particular. “The velocity at which he dissipates his energy and resources in pursuit of health issues across the globe would always single him out. He has shown and convinced the world that business could cater for people, and not just care about profit.” This perspective highlights how Aig-Imoukhuede and his commitment to global health issues are perceived but he is fully geared to offer more to mankind. Aig-Imoukhuede, who currently is the vice president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Fellow of the National Economic Management Team of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, holds very close to his heart, issues of health and socio-economic wellbeing of mankind. His contributions are too significant and deserving of recognition hence the honour done him by WAIDI. The organisation instituted its Nigeria Health Leadership Award

instituted in 2014, to recognise corporations and individual citizens who demonstrate exemplary commitment and generosity towards the vision of the Nigerian health system. The Interim Director, WAIDI, Lorwa Apera, said: “Awardees support the growth and wellbeing of fellow Nigerians through their investment in education, healthcare, emergency response and advocacy.” WAIDI, established in 2012, is uniquely positioned to partner various groups in advancing research and capacity building on infectious health and related health challenges in Nigeria and the West African subregion. It is an organisation with a strong university membership. The organisation is a veritable platform for investment to strengthen collaboration within universities, universities and private sector, and the universities and government for a healthier Nigeria. The organisation is set to serve member universities and individual researchers, to conduct high quality and locally-relevant research in all areas of infectious diseases by providing specialised infrastructure, improved compliance with global clinical and research standards, international linkages and collaboration, and access to new sources of funding. WAIDI is an offshoot of Accordia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving health in Africa through establishment of locallyowned “Centres of Excellence” in health. Accordia established the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University in Uganda, and has since continued to support that institution through provision of targeted assistance and financial support. IDI is an acknowledged regional leader in the field of HIV research, training, prevention and clinical care services – and serves as an example to the world of what is possible when the right investment is made in Africa-owned institutions. Accordia’s quest to replicate this births WAIDI.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

BZF protests continued detention of leaders Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

group, the Biafran Zionist Federation (BZF), has protested across the South East zone of the country against the continued detention of its leader, a lawyer Benjamin Onwuka, and 10 other members of the organization following the alleged

30%

The percentage of the population under 15 years in Ecuador in 2012. Source: Un.org

attempt of the group to take over Enugu State Broadcasting Service in a bid to declare the state of Biafra. The protest marches, which took off in Enugu, also took members of the group to the South Zonal office of the Civil Liberties Organization, where the CLO zonal director, Olu Omotayo, received the group’s petition against

the Federal Government over the said detention of Biafran Zionists. Complaining over the delay in the prosecution of the detainees, National chairman of BZF, Comrade Cyril Onyia, said; “When the criminal charge against them came up on December 8, it was adjourned to December 18 for argument on the bail application of

68.49

The teledensity of Nigeria in 2011. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

the accused persons”. However, when the matter came up, the court failed to sit but rather, it adjourned the case to February 9, 2015, a reason the members gave for going out on the region-wide protests march”. The group claimed in the petition to the CLO that the adjournment was a ploy to ensure that its leader, Onwuka,

1.3m

The total population of Mauritius (rep. 0.019% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

and the other detainees would be in detention till after the general elections so as to frustrate the realization of the demands of the BZF. The group contended that the continued detention of the Biafran leader and others has given a lot of inspiration to them to continue to demand for the unconditional release of the detainees,

adding that they are being unlawfully detained by the Federal Government of Nigeria. BZF, also pointed to alleged atrocities against Ndigbo in Nigeria, especially in the on-going incidence of insurgency in the North, complaining that the Nigerian federation has done nothing visible to save the people under siege.

3.85%

Group kicks against National Health Act

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Bhutan in 2005. Source: itu.int

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano (middle), commiserating with victims of an auto crash along the Awka Etiti-Iseke, Express way…yesterday

2015: More groups drum support for Ugwuanyi Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

he ambition of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has received a boost as several groups from across the state, have declared support for the PDP candidate in the 2015 gubernatorial election. In separate solidarity declarations, the Igbo-Eze South Leaders Forum led by a University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Ikenna Omeje and the Council of Elders and Stakeholders of Olido Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government area in the Enugu North senatorial zone of the state, the parties said the choice of the candidate remained the best decision ever taken by the party since the creation of Enugu State. The two groups declared their support last weekend following news that in the

current lingering legal tussle over the December 8 PDP governorship primary election in the state, which had pitched the national headquarters of the party against major stakeholders of the party in Enugu have been resolved. In their solidarity message signed by Omeje, the members of the Igbo-Eze South Leaders’ forum, commended Governor Sullivan Chime and leaders of the party in the state for living up to their words by zoning the seat of governor to Enugu North zone which has not had it for about two decades now, calling on former aspirants to join the candidate in building a bigger support base to win the election next year. In the case of Olido Community, the people of the area in a statement expressing approval for the emergence of the lawmaker as consensus candidate of the ruling party in the state, said, the Olido.

he Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), has kicked against some provisions of the National Health Act 2014, expressing worry that it may expose Nigerians to exploitation in medical service delivery. The Imo State Chairman of the Association, Dr. Philip Njemanze, stated this while briefing Journalists yesterday in his office, noting that government has failed the people by passing a bill that subtly legalizes human organ trafficking, insisting that the people must be made aware of the intricacies and long term implications of the said law. Njemanze, stressed that government cannot claim ignorance of the bill adding that it was first presented to the National Assembly in 2008.

Imo: Araraume vows to reclaim mandate Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

ne of the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial aspirants in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, yesterday declared that he would reclaim his mandate which he alleged was wrongly given to the Deputy Senate president, Emeka Ihedioha, in the controversial December 8, governorship primaries of the PDP in Imo State. Addressing a crowd of

supporters and PDP loyalists who thronged his convoy from the Imo airport through the streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital to his campaign office along Onitsha road, Owerri, Araraume, said that he was the actual winner of the December 8, 2014 governorship primaries, maintaining that he won with 336 votes to Senator Emeka Ihedioha’s 325 votes. He also noted that the incident of over-voting that was recorded was

as a result of the efforts made to manipulate and compromise the genuine result of the primaries. He however, expressed, delight that the leadership of the party was very well disposed to ensuring that the right thing was done. He said; “I can assure you that no injustice would survive 2015. And I am pleased that the leadership of the party desires the best for the party and insists that justice must prevail

given the situation on ground. Fortunately, we stand on the side of justice and as such we shall reclaim our mandate.” Explaining why it became necessary to institute proceedings at a Federal High Court, Ararume urged Imo people to discountenance lies deliberately fabricated to mislead Imo people adding that beyond the question of candidacy, ‘the process to reclaim Imo from maladministration has already begun’.

‘South-East traders yet to adopt presidential candidate’

he South-East Amalgamated Market Traders Association (SEAMATAS), said on Monday that it had not adopted any canidate for the 2015 presidential election. The association’s President-General, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, said this at a media briefing after an emergency meeting

held in Onitsha, Anambra. According to him, the market leaders are still consulting on the matter and that the consultation had become necessary for avoidance of sentiments and bandwagon syndrome. ``Today, we have resolved that South-East traders have not adopted

anybody as their candidate for the 2015 presidential election. ``Let me assure you that by the 15 of January (2015), we will convene a general meeting of all the market leaders and their secretaries in the SouthEast, we will adopt a candidate in that meeting. “Yes, like I said before

that we are not politicians, we are doing our legitimate business. So what we are saying is to create an enabling environment for us to do our business. “So we need a candidate that would assist traders. We are not politicians; we are not taking issue with any political party.

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH - SOUTH

2015: MOSOP, Ogoni protest marginalisation Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

undreds of Ogoni, including women and youths from different socio-cultural groups yesterday staged a peaceful protest within Port Harcourt, over their alleged political marginalization in the scheme of things in the region. The protesters, who were coordinated by the

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), said that the Ogoni 2015 project, which aims at electing a governor from Ogoni, come 2015 remains alive and strong. They converged at Rumuola Bus Stop, along the ever-busy Aba Road as early as, in the early hours of the day as rode in buses from the Ogoni hinterlands of Khana, Gokana, and Tai Local Government Areas, and were joined by other Ogoni

indigene resident in Port Harcourt. For almost two hours, they sang, danced, and distributed hand bills, which quotes the Ogoni Bill of Right (OBR), stating, “Ogoni should be guaranteed adequate and direct political representation as of right in all Nigeria national institutions.” They carried placards, some of which bore inscriptions like: “We reject unequal political system in Rivers State,”

“adequate political representation is the right of all Ogoni,” and “MOSOP decries political slavery.” The protesters, who were escorted by policemen in Hilux trucks from Rumuola to Isaac Boro Park, were later addressed by MOSOP President Legborsi Pyagbara. Pyagbara, who wore a shirt with the inscription of MOSOP, said that the Ogoni will continue to resist “internal colonialism where our brothers want

to confine us to political slavery.” He noted, that Ogoni, were totally against injustice that aims at making them wait for another four years after the end of the present administration, stressing that it was failure on the part of government to snub the Ogoni Bill of Rights. He added: “We launched the Ogoni Project 2015 for the governorship in the spirit of rotation… The party has

jettisoned our request and making mockery of democracy, which we fought with our blood. “We have come all the way from Ogoni to this capital of injustice, where fairness and equity have been undermined.” He said, that the ogoni have reached the stage where political traitors will not be allowed with their game, just as he said that the political leadership in the state has refused to honour its promises.

2015: Cleric predicts Jonathan’s victory Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

cleric, Bishop of His Presence Ministry Port Harcourt, Dr. Bob-manuel Ibioku, has predicted that President Goodluck Jonathan would triumph in the 2015 presidential election, despite the seeming odds, stating that the president is destined to continue to be the president beyond 2015. The cleric, who also predicted victory for Mr. Nicholas Mutu, the House of Representatives member representing Bomadi/ Patani Federal Constituency, at the 2015 polls,

posited that no amount of opposition against the ambition of the President would alter the will of God. Ibioku stated this during in his sermon at this years’ Akugbene for Christ crusade organized by Akugbene Christian Fellowship where he charged the congregation to be duty bound to pray for the country’s political leaders. He tasked Nigerians on what he called their duty to advice, guide and counsel the leaders to fulfill their contractual obligation to the people, stating that they should not relent on their obligation.

2015: Naval boss urges men to vote Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (left), handing over a broom, the symbol of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the former Chairman, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, Mr. Saturday Owulekhue, after he decamped to the APC, in Benin City.

Clement James CALABAR

APC, PDP bicker over state Leaders raise the alarm over Reps he outgoing Flag OfT ficer Commanding candidate’s substitution (FOC), Eastern Naval of infrastructure in Edo the state. Command, Rear AdmiCajetan Mmuta BENIN

he All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State yesterday engaged in a war of words over the state of infrastructural development by the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The brickbat, followed television photo footages on the alleged deplorable state of infrastructure in some parts of the state which the opposition PDP has deployed against the ruling APC ahead of 2015 general elections. The Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Comrade Godwin Erhahon, in a statement said: “Nothing seems to justify recent call by Edo State PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, for psychiatric examination of political leaders than the extent to which he has continued to degenerate to use of vulgar and abusive language , illogical arguments and

fallacies in his campaign.” But the PDP said yesterday that the said documentary was aimed at exposing the "lies and deceit Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has engaged in telling Nigerians as he celebrated his sixth anniversary." The PDP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said that it chose to use the said television programme photo footages to reveal many of the reckless approvals and expenditure of the government that can easily pass as stealing from the people. Erhahon, stated. “That Chief Orbih has continued to use photo footages of the bad state in which PDP left Edo roads and schools in an attempt to blindfold the people on how well the APC government has transformed them shows that he has lost sense of reasoning.” He noted that only a person who has gone out of his sense that would rain abuses on the governor and his mother the way Orbih, has degenerated to recently.

FOUL PLAY Stakeholders kick against alleged substitution of candidate

ome political stakeholders in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State, yesterday cried out against alleged plan to substitute the name of the purported winner of the December 6th Federal House of Representative primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Hon.Nimibofa Ayawei with another aspirant, Hon. Henry Ofongo. According to the Southern Ijaw Leaders, though the letter of the alleged substitution has been sent to the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), they, however, noted that the substitution of Ayawei with Ofongo by the national leadership of the PDP, was insulting and a show of might that will destroy the party through a protest vote during the 2015 general elections in

One of the concerned leaders of the local government,Comrade Tonye Ebitei Robert, described the alleged substitution as an act of injustice to the party faithful in the state, stating, "How can the PDP be thinking of substituting the name of bonafide winner of the primary election with someone who lost the party primaries. it is not fair." Robert, in a statement made available to New Telegraph said, "Injustice to one PDP member is an injustice to all. The just concluded party primaries in the PDP for the office of the House of Representatives,which was contested by Hon.Nimibofa Ayawei, Hon.Henry Ofongo and Diepreye Abaye Leghemo on the 6th of December,2014. Aside from 74 delegates for the election,party leaders,including the First Executive Governor of the State,Chief DSP Alameiseigha, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly,Hon.Kombowei Benson,the Chairman of the Council,Remember Ogbe,were present."

ral Charles Medani, has urged officers and Ratings of the command to participate in next year’s general election. Medani, who gave the advice yesterday in Calabar, while handing over the leadership of the command to his successor, Rear Adm. Henry Babalola, said by so doing, the Nigerian Navy will contribute its fair share to the development and help in stabilising democracy in the country. According to him, it was the responsibility of the Navy to support the Independent National Elec-

toral Commission (INEC) to ensure a peaceful and successful conduct of the 2015 general elections. `Às citizens, you are entitled to vote for candidates of your choice, but as uniformed personnel, you must be strictly neutral in discharging whatever security responsibilities that you have been ordered to carry out in support of INEC,” Medani charged. He, however, told the officers and Ratings to exercise their voting rights while in mufti, saying; `Ìf you must vote, go through the process in mufti and without drawing any attention to your military status.” `Òn no circumstances must you compromise your political neutrality in the electoral process’’, he said.

IYC applauds Otuaro as Delta's deputy guber candidate Joe Obende WARRI

jaw youths, have lauded the nomination of Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, as deputy governorship candidate to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in Delta State, describing the step as giving a sense of belonging to the

politically marginalized ethnic group of the state. The youths spoke through a statement from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), signed by its Spokesperson, Eric Omare, who called on all ethnic nationalities in Delta State to support the ambition of the duo in the 2015 election.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

BRICKBAT

Kaduna has nothing to show for high allocation from file, ex-Minister alleges Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

ormer Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the Kaduna State government has received over N600 billion from the Federation Account in the last seven years with nothing to show for it. El-Rufai, who made this allegation as guest of Freedom Radio Hausa programme, “Barka da Warhaka” yesterday, also said the state government is the second most indebted state in Nigeria after Lagos State. “Although Lagos State is more indebted than Kaduna State, but it has the capacity to pay. Governor Babatunde Fashola generates N20 billion monthly internally, but Kaduna State does not get N1 billion from internally generated revenue,” he pointed out. The former minister also said Kaduna State receives the second highest monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account in the north after Kano State, ‘yet it has nothing to show for it.’ El-Rufai, who is the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), added

News 49

NORTH

El-Rufai accuses Sambo, Yero of financial recklessness that his criticisms were not borne out of partisanship, but because other PDP states like Gombe and Katsina States are executing laudable projects, wondering ‘why should our own PDP government in Kaduna be different?’ The APC governorship candidate also faulted the state government’s claim that it used most of the monies accruing to it in the last seven years paying debts as the government is

still indebted to contractors to the tune of N20 to N30 billion alone. According to the former minister, the debt which runs into several billions of naira, accrued in the last seven years because the Ahmed Makarfi administration had liquidated all debts by 2006. “Namadi Sambo did not inherit any debt in 2007 when he assumed office as governor of Kaduna State,” he added. El-Rufai recalled that

the country had exited external debts in 2005 during the Obasanjo administration, but what remained were debts between states and the Federal Government. “By 2006, the Makarfi administration had paid off all domestic debts,” he said, adding that “this fact can be verified from the website of the Debt Management Office (DMO).” He lamented that the present PDP administration in Kaduna State has

saddled the state with so much debt in the last seven years that the incoming government will find it difficult to execute most of its projects. The governorship candidate promised free education in Kaduna State up to Junior Secondary School level if elected governor of the state. “Our own free education will not be like that of the PDP; under our administration, parents will not pay any levy at all,” he clarified.

KADUNA

he former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, may soon be dragged before a federal high court on allegation of certificate forgery. APC governorship aspirant, Senator Mahmud Kanti Bello, who disclosed this while addressing a press conference at his Kaduna residence, alleged that the postgraduate certificate in Water Quality Control and Management which Masari had presented to INEC was forged. Bello, who trailed behind Masari at the party’s primaries, said the court will have to verify his allegation and if the certificate allegation is true, the Katsina State APC gover-

Dahiru Suleiman DUTSE

t least N87 million was realised during the launching of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Support Fund launched in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, with N5 million coming from the chief launcher, Hon. Sabo Muhammad Nakudu. Other donations were from friends and associates of the chief launcher, who gave N50 million, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, the Jigawa State APC gubernatorial candidate, N5 million, his associates, N5 million. Similarly, all the eleven APC contestants to the National Assembly seats from the state donated N250, 000 each amounting to N2.750 million, Hon. Kemba Madobi, N500, 000, Senator Abdullahi Ojo, N500, 000. Other donations also include N10 million from a good Samaritan, Hadejia Women Leader of the APC, N5, 000, her Gwaram counterpart, N5,000, the Jigawa Buhari Youth Vanguard, N10,000, among others.

Monarch seeks FG's intervention in Benue/Taraba crisis Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar (second left); Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sidi (third right) and Chief Medical Director, Gombe Specialist Hospital, Dr. Reuben Maifantaya, during their visit to the hospital to sympathise with victims of bomb explosion in Gombe…at the weekend. PHOTO-NAN

Masari may be sued over certificate claims Emir: I didn’t endorse Kwara Ibraheem Musa

APC raises N87m campaign support fund

norship candidate should be disqualified. He said he has ordered his lawyer to file a suit at the federal high court this week, challenging the eligibility of the former speaker to contest the governorship seat. Showing newsmen a photocopy of the certified true copy of the contentious certificate, which was endorsed by Ibrahim K. Bawa, Acting Director (Legal) INEC and dated December 16, the document said the Middlesex Polytechnic had awarded the diploma “to Aminu Bello, who successfully completed an approved course of study from January 4 to March 26, 1982.” The certificate, which was dated March 25, 1982, was jointly signed by the academic registrar and examination officer and the director and chairman of the academic board. Bello, however, said that upon enquiry from

the registrar, it was discovered that the polytechnic does not offer such postgraduate diploma in Water Quality Control and Management. He also wondered how Masari could have obtained a postgraduate diploma certificate in 81 days as contained in the certificate. “I have nothing personal against Masari, but if the APC, which stands for change must effect the change, then we must do the right thing, once he can prove to the court that the certificate is genuine, I will personally lead his campaign team, but if proven otherwise, the law should take its course. “I have written to the party, others have written on the same forgery against Masari even before the primaries, but the party failed to do anything, I have given notice that I am going to court because I need change.

PDP guber candidate Temitope Ogunbanke

mir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has debunked the report in an online medium that he has endorsed Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola, for the February 14, 2015 election. The Emir in a statement issued in Ilorin by his spokesperson and Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Woru Mohammed, described the story as grossly irresponsible, concocted, inciting and an attempt to drag him (Gambari) into the murky waters of politics. Mohammed said the Emir as a father cannot slam his door against any political party, adding that holding reception for any political party in the palace did not amount to endorsement. It will be recalled that

Ajibola visited the Emir during the weekend in his palace, where Alhaji Gambari reportedly described “the emergence of Ajibola as PDP governorship flag bearer in Kwara State as a sign of good things to come in the state.” The Emir’s spokesmen said the report on the purported endorsement of Ajibola by Alhaji Gambari was unethical, advising journalists to follow the ethics of their profession to the letter and do away with inciting stories capable of causing confusion as the 2015 general election draws nearer. He noted that the action of Magajis Forum in the Emirate, which identified with the present administration, was borne out of the government’s monumental achievements, stressing that not even the Emir or anybody, compelled them to do so.

orried by the danger posed by renewed hostilities between Fulani herdsmen in neighbouring Taraba State and Tiv farmers in Benue State, a Tiv monarch, Chief Fezanga Wombo, has called on the Federal Government to urgently wade into the matter to douse the intractable strife once and for all. Besides, Wombo, who is the paramount ruler in Katsina Ala Local Government of the state, appealed to the Federal Government to consider the recent resolution and agreement reached by the two states as the only panacea towards ending the impasse. Addressing newsmen in his palace, Wombo said the renewed hostilities were uncalled for. He said: “Bearing in mind the huge resources and the time committed to finding peace in the area during the joint Benue and Taraba States peace committee, it was high time the matter is addressed to bring enduring peace between the warring sides.

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WORLD | News

Ekiti obtains moratorium from banks

AirAsia plane suspected to be at ‘bottom of sea'

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

ith regular payment of workers' salaries becoming a tedious task for governments across the country, Ekti State Government is hinging its hope on an improved economic situation by mid next year to clear outstanding commitments, investigation by New Telegraph has revealed. In that respect, it was gathered that it has entered into a six-month moratorium with banks it has financial transactions

with and which it isowing some money. Though there has been conflicting figures as to the debt profile of the state, the immediate past administration of Kayode Fayemi put it at over N36 billion, while the current government of Ayo Fayose put it at over N69 billion, the state owes commercial banks over N15 billion according to investigations. Apart from compulsory monthly deductions of N600 million made by some banks on the remnant of the N25 billion bond raised from the Capital Market by Fayemi, banks are also paid N700 million monthly on the over N15 billion owed them. It was gathered that the

Fayose’s administration had to enter into an agreement with the banks for them to stay action on the monthly commitment of N700 million for six months, so that it could use the money to augment federal allocations and be able to pay its workers their salaries. The state gets an average of N2.3 billion monthly federal allocation. Out of the said amount and from about N100 million monthly internally-generated revenue, about N1.2 billion goes to payment of salaries and another N800 million as subventions to agencies, institutions and others.

Falana raises the alarm over new Health Act lSays 10 million women may die annually Wale Elegbede

ormer President of West Africa Bar Association (WABA), Mr. Femi Falana yesterday raised the alarm over the passage of the new National Health Bill by the National Assembly, recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan, warning that the over 10 million women may die if the Act was not repealed. Speaking to newsmen

yesterday in Lagos, Falana said the law is a license for medical personnel to be killing innocent Nigerians, adding that there are certain provisions of the Act that disregards the consent of Nigerians to the type of medical treatments that they want to get. While alleging that the Bill Gates Foundation of United States introduced Sections 48 and 51 to the controversial Act, he queried why the West should

missing AirAsia jet carrying 162 people could be at the bottom of the sea after it was presumed to have crashed off the Indonesian coast, an official said yesterday, as countries around Asia sent ships and planes to help in the search. The Indonesia AirAsia plane, an Airbus A320-200, disappeared after its pilot failed to get permission to fly higher to avoid bad weather during a flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore two days ago. Flight QZ8501 did not issue a distress signal and disappeared over the Java Sea five minutes after requesting the change of

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

course, which was refused because of heavy air traffic, officials said. "Based on our coordinates, we expect it is in the sea, so for now (we think) it is on the sea floor," Soelistyo, head of Indonesia's search and rescue agency, told reporters when asked about the missing plane's likely location. A senior Indonesian civil aviation source told Reuters that authorities had the flight's radar data and were waiting for search and rescue teams to find debris before they started their investigation into the cause. Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan said the search was focused on an area of 70 square nautical miles between the island of Be-

litung, off Sumatra, and Borneo island. He said the sea there was only 50 to 100 meters deep, which would be a help in finding the plane. Ships could hunt around the clock, but aircraft were expected to suspend operations at dusk. Air force spokesman Hadi Tjahjanto said searchers were checking a report of an oil slick off Belitung. They had picked up an emergency locator signal off the south of Borneo but no subsequent signal was found, he said. On board Flight QZ8501 were 155 Indonesians, three South Koreans, and one person each from Singapore, Malaysia and Britain. The copilot was French.

protect the rights of animals in their countries and recommend the violation of human rights in Nigeria. “We wish to point out that the National Assembly has violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians to life, human dignity, privacy and freedom of thought, conscience and religion by authorizing medical doctors to remove organ of living persons in Nigeria without their informed consent.

Alao-Akala: My campaign will be issue-based Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday vowed that his campaign for the governorship of the state in the 2015 general elections would be issuebased and not based on sentiments. Alao-Akala said this at the inauguration of his Campaign Committee in Ibadan, where he cautioned members of the party against violence and

campaign of calumny. He also appreciated supporters of the party for their belief in the party to improve the socio-economic development of the state. The committee, chaired by former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the state, Dr. Kola Balogun, comprised Chief Caleb Oyaniyi as General Secretary; Alhaji Rasak Folorunso as Chairman, Media and Publicity, and Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin as a member of the Planning, Research and Strategy sub-committee of the 32-member committee. The former governor

stressed that, “the reality of today is that our country faces its most serious economic crisis as a result of dwindling price of oil on the international market. The implication of this is that there is a major challenge ahead. “Therefore, it will require an experienced leader and great party like ours to provide hope and bring the genuine change we can bestow to Oyo State citizens. Hence, it is a major task for this committee to champion issue-based campaign by sending our messages of hope and reality to all citizens of Oyo State.

2015: LP yet to adopt presidential candidate Onyekachi Eze Abuja

ith less than one and half months to the presidential election, the Labour Party has advised Nigerians not repeat the past mistakes by voting for political parties whose policies and programmes are anti-masses. The party, however, explained that its decision not field any candidate for the presidential election was not an oversight but a

strategy. "LP as at the close of submission of candidates to INEC did not field presidential candidate", said Dr. Kayode Ajulo, National Secretary of Labour Party. "This is not an oversight but part of our strategies and principles as a socialist and realist party. If we must field a presidential candidate, we must field the candidate to win and not to merely participate in the election as some parties are doing".

Ajulo, in an interview with newsmen yesterday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the Labour Party conditions were hinged on its principles and ideas, which must be met by anyone who will be adopted as LP's presidential candidate. According to the National Secretary, most presidential candidates who have approached them have failed feasibility test set by the party.

Relatives and next-of-kin of passengers on the AirAsia flight QZ8501 waiting for the latest news on the search of the missing jetliner at Juanda International Airport,Indonesia yesterday.

Egyptian court bans Jewish festival

n Egyptian court permanently banned a Jewish celebration that has taken place since the 1979 peace deal with Israel and asked the government to remove the tomb where it takes place from a list of official shrines, judicial sources said yesterday. The court said its decision was due to "moral offences" committed in previous years at the

three-day festival celebrating the birth of Rabbi Jacob Abu Hasira. It did not elaborate on what the offences were. Jews, mostly from outside Egypt, have congregated every year at the 19th century tomb around Jan. 1 even though the festival was canceled for security reasons after the 2011 uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak. Yesterday's ruling

would make the ban permanent unless a higher court overturns it on appeal. The court called for the government to reverse the 2001 recognition of the festival by state tourism officials and to remove the tomb in Egypt's Nile Delta region of Buheira from a list of recognized shrines. Local residents have previously complained of the disruptive security presence that comes with the festival.

Virgin Atlantic develops landing gear trouble

Virgin Atlantic passenger plane has carried out a "non-standard landing" at Gatwick airport after "a technical issue with one of the landing gears". Virgin had said flight VS43 travelling from Gatwick to Las Vegas had to return to the West Sussex airport. The aircraft circled repeatedly

between Gatwick and the south coast of England apparently to burn off fuel. The plane is a Boeing 747. Airport emergency services were on the runway. A Virgin spokesman said: "Virgin Atlantic can confirm that flight VS43 on December 29, travelling to McCarran International Airport Las Vegas, returned to

Gatwick due to a technical issue with one of the landing gears. "The aircraft is preparing to implement a non-standard landing procedure at Gatwick airport. A further update will be issued as soon as possible." Gatwick confirmed there was "a Virgin Atlantic aircraft looking to return to Gatwick."

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Sports News

International Football

Atletico Madrid return excitesTorres

Djokovic eyes winning start in 2015

ITTF Africa: Egypt’s Lashin wary of Nigeria, Congo

Sport

Did you know? That the first Sky television rights agreement was worth 304million over 5 years

Rio 2016: Don’t put pressure on Okagbare – Udo-Obong Charles Ogundiya

F Okagbare (right)

Tennis

ormer international, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has urged Nigerians not to put much pressure on African queen of the tracks, Blessing Okagbare, in the year ahead. The Sydney 2000 Olympics Games medallist in 4x400m relay believes the competition will become tougher for the Commonwealth Games double gold medallist (100 and 200m) . According to him, 2014 is

what is called ‘down year’ in athletics when top athletes decided to rest in preparation for the World Championship coming up the next year and Olympics Games a year later. “Her performances in the last two years were remarkable, but we should not be carried away and make sure we didn’t put pressure on her. “Year 2014 in athletics is what we call the down year, a year where we don’t have the World Championship and

the Olympics, so most of the top athletes don’t put in too much, they use the year to rest. “They don’t put a lot into the year. But like I said, her performances in the last two years remain key for her confidence. But come 2015, the World Championship year and 2016, the Olympic year, the competition will become tougher,” he said.

Musa aims higher after CAF snub Ifeanyi Ibeh

SKA Moscow forward, Ahmed Musa, has set his sights on improving his game in the hope of making it harder for anyone to ignore him in future CAF Africa Player of the Year polls. The Nigeria international failed to make the final threeman shortlist for this year’s 2014 African Player of the Year polls with selectors opting for the trio of Cote d’Ivoire’s Yaya Toure, Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Musa’s compatriot and Super Eagles skipper, Vincent Enyeama. Those who voted, and who

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Deputy Editor, Sports

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

ended up eliminating Musa from the final shortlist, are Head Coaches or Technical Directors of the various national football associations affiliated to CAF. And the former VVV Venlo of the Netherlands star now hopes he can do enough to get their nod next time, even though he is happy to have even been considered for the continent’s top individual award in the first place. “I am not really disappointed because it is a huge honour to have been included (in the initial five-man shortlist) in the first place, so for that I am very grateful,” said Musa. “There are so many good players from Africa who did very well this year and continue to do well, so I have every reason to be glad that my name was even mentioned. “Personally, I believe it was a good year for me. The only sad part is our failure to qualify (for the Africa Cup of Nations) but my exclusion from the final list will motivate me to even do better so that next time I am shortlisted it would be very difficult for anyone not to vote for me regardless of where I come from,” added Musa. Regarding the African Player of the Year polls, the trend over the years has been for most national associations to vote along geopolitical lines, with most Francophone countries opting to vote for players from the French-speaking na-

I am not really disappointed because it is a huge honour to have been included (in the initial five-man shortlist) in the first place, so for that I am very grateful

tions while the Anglophone countries tend to vote for players from the continent’s English-speaking nations. But Musa believes that is not the case, insisting that anyone who emerges as this year’s winner from among the shortlisted players at the upcoming ceremony in Lagos would be deserving of the honour, even though he is clearly rooting for a particular player to emerge victorious at the end of the day. He said ; The three players remaining were fantastic this year and they all deserve to win. “But I personally want our captain (Enyeama) to win as he was incredible for his club and was our best player at the World Cup.”

Musa

SPORT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

ITTF Africa: Egypt’s Lashin wary of Nigeria, Congo

QPR consider Yakubu option

he presence of Yakubu Aiyegbeni in the stands to watch QPR lose 2-1 to Arsenal on Boxing Day has sparked off transfer talks of a possible reunion with Harry Redknapp. According to the Daily Mirror, the Nigerian striker is one of the names on the wishlist of transfer targets in the January window of the QPR manager. Redknapp had worked with Yakubu while in charge of Portsmouth when he signed him from Israeli club, Maccabi Hafia, on loan in January 2003. The last appearance in the English top flight

lTips Quadri for Star Awards Ajibade Olusesan

efending champion, El-Sayed Lashin, has said that Nigeria and Congo Brazzaville would be threats to Egypt’s title ambition at the International Table Tennis Federation Africa Senior Championships holding next month in Cairo. Lashin admitted that it would be difficult for him to retain the men’s single title because of the quality of Nigerian players led by Aruna Quadri. Aside Nigeria, Lashin said Congo Brazzaville, which recently naturalised two Chinese players, would be a team to beat. Lashin said: “We know that table tennis in Africa is on the rise at the moment, it is always very hard for any country to dominate the tournament. It is

always very tough against Nigeria and Congo Brazzaville. I heard that Congo just got two Chinese players and this is going to put a lot pressure on us as the host nation. Although I like to play under pressure and I look forward to this. “As the host country, we will remain positive because it is going to be hard for us in front of our fans. We will surely have more players in the competition as the host and most especially in the singles events.” He added that that he has to be at his best to hold on to the men’s singles title in Cairo come January 23 to 29. “I will surely give my best and I know it is not going to be easy at all. I need to fight to the end to ensure that nobody takes my title away from me. I need to hold on to the title and I have started working hard for this,” Lashin said.

Tottenham,West Ham target Musa representative of Ahmed ottenham Hotspur are Musa, with one of his cliT still interested in Ahmed ents Reuben Gabriel practicMusa and a move for the striker could be in the offing in the January transfer window. The Nigeria international was linked with a transfer to White Hart Lane three years ago, but he disappointed Spurs chiefs after penning a long term deal with CSKA Moscow. West Ham have also made enquiries regarding the availability of the Nigeria international, but Spurs appear to be favourites for his signature should he severe ties with the Russian champions. The reason for this is that Tottenham Hotspur have an excellent working relationship with Tony Harris, the

ing with the club before his switch to Waasland-Beveren. ‘’Tottenham Hotspur are still showing interest in Ahmed Musa. It’s still at an early stage. Musa will cost a lot for any potential suitor. ‘’West Ham have enquired about him, so things will be a little complex,’’ a source close to Musa told SL10.ng. Speculation is rife that the Super Eagles star could leave CSKA Moscow sooner rather than later, as the club have shown interest in three other forwards including Guangzhou R&F’s Aaron Samuel. Ahmed Musa has two more years before he comes off contract with CSKA Moscow.

Quadri

for the 32-year-old Nigerian forward was in 2012 with Blackburn Rovers when the club were relegated. Yakubu has also played for English clubs like Leicester City, Everton and Middlesbrough in a time that spanned about a decade in the United Kingdom.

Aiyegbeni

I want to play at 2016 Olympics –Taiwo Charles Ogundiya

ut of favour Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo, has expressed desire to play at the 2016 Olympics Games if given the opportunity by the coach of the national U-23 team, Samson Siasia. Speaking with New Telegraph in Lagos recently, the Bursaspor FC of Turkey defender said it would be a dream comes true for him to be part of the Olympics team. Taiwo missed out from par-

ticipating at the Olympics under Siasia in 2008 when his then club, Olympique Marseille, failed to release him for the competition. “Maybe I can get the opportunity to play at the Olympics again. I have never played at the games before and this will be a better opportunity for me again especially playing under coach Samson Siasia,” Taiwo said. The former Queens Park Rangers player added that the new Dream Team could win the 2016

Olympics. “I know it is early to talk about winning the Olympic Games football in 2016 because we are yet to qualify, but Siasia can do the magic,” he said. On his continued absence from the Super Eagles, Taiwo said, “if given the opportunity to come back to Nigeria and play for my country, I won’t hesitate to do so. “It’s so sad that I have been away from the national team but I am happy that I am still alive today.”

NFF sends second batch of referees to London A

second batch of elite referees, this time 20 in number, will depart Nigeria for a two –week capacity building exercise in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2015. The delegation will be led by Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and will also include the Chairman of Nigeria Referees Association, Alhaji Ahmed Maude. Already, ARIK airline has offered to fly the 22 persons at half the fare to the United Kingdom, while Seina Marine

Limited is bankrolling the exercise. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Seina Marine, Mr. Scot Tommey, said on Monday: “We are delighted to be a part of this because we believe in the well-articulated vision of Mr. Amaju Pinnick for Nigerian football. The 20 referees who will benefit from the second exercise are: Hadiza Musa, Bosede Momoh, Uloma Nwogu, Paul Umuago, Jelili Ogunmuyiwa, Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Jeremiah Akure, Francis

Agbaegbu, Ahmed Rufai, Iheanacho Chukwuemeka, Dele Atoun, Suleiman Jimeta, Abubakar Audu, Obieze Okiridu, Ezenwanko Obiora, Ishyaku Ibrahim, Sunny Atu, Sani Mohammed, Jibrin Isa and Mohammed Aliyu Jingi. “It is an ongoing exercise. We want to have a pool of 60 referees who will be fully prepared and able to handle matches in the Nigeria Premier League and other domestic competitons without fear or favour,” NFF President, Pinnick said.

countdown to 2015 AFCON

Maiga a surprise pick for Mali M

etz forward Modibo Maiga has surprisingly been named in Mali’s 23-man squad for the African Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea after missing the entire qualification campaign. The 27-year-old, on loan in Ligue 1 from West Ham United, has not played for his national team in over a year and will not have fond memories of the Nations Cup finals after contracting malaria at the 2012 tournament that was co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Coach Henryk Kasperczak provided few other surprises in his squad, with Bordeaux midfielder Abdou Traore also returning after more than a year out of

the national team. Ajaccio goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko can perhaps feel the most aggrieved at missing out, with N’Tji Michel Samake from local side Duguwolofila Mali preferred despite not appearing on the preliminary list of 35 players announced by Kasperczak last week. The team will be captained by veteran Roma midfielder Seydou Keita and also includes Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Bakary Sako. Mali, who have finished third at the last two continental finals, have been drawn in a difficult Group D along with Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Guinea in the Jan. 17–Feb. 8 tournament. Maiga (left)

Ghana, South Africa keep squad options open

itle favourites Algeria have named a final squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea while Group C rivals Ghana and South Africa are still undecided. New Ghana coach Avram Grant, who guided Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final loss on penalties to Manchester United, chose a 31-man provisional squad. And South Africa counterpart, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba, called up 34 players for a post-Christmas Johannesburg training camp. Cape Verde Islands, Gabon and Mali have also picked final squads for the biennial 16-nation African football

showpiece at Equatoguinean venues Bata, Ebebiyin, Malabo and Mongomo. Other contenders to select provisional squads of varying numbers include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal, Tunisia and Zambia. Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea and Ivory Coast have yet to reveal their hands ahead of a January 7 deadline for final player lists. France-born Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff included 18 of the 23 players who went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and took the North African country to the knockout stage for the first time.

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Transfer News Liverpool target unhappy Lavezzi

FC are targeting PSG’s unhappy Liverpool man Ezequiel Lavezzi. Lavezzi has refused to travel to Mo-

rocco to meet up with the rest of the PSG squad for a mid-winter training retreat. And it is now being claimed that the player is looking for a move away from the Parisian giants and could go for a meagre £8m, which is almost half of the £17m PSG were demanding in the summer. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the player has turned down an offer to renew his contract and has since been told by the club that they are looking to renew their squad.

Arsenal agree Podolski deal with Inter

Podolski is set to join InterLofukas nazionale on loan for the remainder the 2014-15 season.

The 2014 World Cup winner has fallen out of favour with Gunners boss Arsène Wenger, failing to make a single start in the Premier League this season. Despite numerous injuries in the Arsen a l midfield and attack this season, Lukas Podolski has been limited to only 99 minutes of Premier League action in seven substitute appearances. The 29-year old has made a further four appearances in the UEFA Champions League, including one start, totalling 129 minutes, where he has scored three goals.

Atletico Madrid return excitesTorres

ernando Torres has expressed his delight at agreeing a deal to join Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan until the end of next season. The striker struggled to make an impact in Italy after joining the Rossoneri from Chelsea in August, scoring just one goal in 10 Serie A appearances before the winter break. However, after agreeing a permanent trans-

fer to the Italian club, the 30-year-old will now return to the Vicente Calderon until the end of next season and he revealed his elation at the move, which will officially be completed on January 5 when the transfer market reopens in Italy. “This has been a fantastic club over the last few years winning many trophies. There is a time when everyone must go back home,” Torres said at the International Sports ConferTorres ence in Dubai.

evilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak has S confirmed via Twitter that he will be moving to England in the January transfer

window. The Poland international only joined the Andalusian outfit in the summer, moving from Stade de Reims for a reported €4.5m, but has impressed enough in La Liga this term to have had a host of clubs after his signature. The 24-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, Southampton and Newcastle and says he will be playing in the English Premier League for the remainder of this season.

Djokovic

ovak Djokovic has his sights set on the Mubadala World Tennis Championship title as he bids to kick off 2015 with a win.

Juventus set to sign Rolando

are close to completing the signTransfer ban: Barcelona ing of Porto’s centre back Rolando. Juventus know fate today The Serie A champions are looking to strengthen their defence in January and have he Court of Arbitration for Sport will made a €1 million loan bid which includes a €6 Ttoday (Tuesday) announce the final demillion buy-out option for the player. cision on Barcelona’s two-window transfer

Fenerbahce were also linked with the 29-yearold who previously played along side Bruno Alves. The Portugal international has one and a half years remaining on his contract. English Premier League sides West Brom and Aston Villa have both been linked with the 29-year-old in recent weeks. Rolando made 29 appearances on loan at Serie A side Inter last season.

De Bruyne agent dismisses transfer talk

he agent of Wolfsburg winger Kevin De T Bruyne has dismissed reports linking his client with a move.

The former Chelsea player has been one of the inspirations behind Wolfsburg’s rise tosecondintheBundesligaattheturnofthe year, and his performances have reportedly caught Manchester City and Bayern Munich’s eye. His agent Patrick De Koster says there is no truth to the rumours, though, insisting he will be staying with Wolfsburg for many years to come.

Djokovic eyes winning start in 2015

Sevilla star confirms EPL switch

ban, and the verdict will determine whether the Catalan club can sign any new players before January 2016. Barcelona was handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA due to inconsistencies in youth transfers, and the club was also given a fine. Barcelona appealed the decision and the case has been studied by CAS for the past several months. The final decision is set to be made public on Tuesday. According to newspaper AS, the Barcelona board is not very optimistic, and don’t believe that CAS will go against the ruling earlier made by FIFA. The Barcelona representatives have tried to convince CAS that the irregularities in youth transfers are solely administrative, and have also issued additional documentation to CAS. If CAS upholds the ban, Barcelona won’t be able to sign until January 2016, but will, however, be able to renew players contracts.

Ibrahimovic kills a 500-pound moose with first shot eadline news on the sports pages H on Swedish paper Expressen over the weekend was a story about the vacationing Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The PSG striker is currently in Sweden for the holidays, and Ibra has spent time hunting in the wild. In a story that Ibrahimovic

resembles a classic Zlatan myth, Zlatan is said to have killed a massive 500 pound moose with his first shot of the day. Although hunting is legal in Sweden, animal rights activists have been unhappy with the publicity the Zlatan killing story has been given.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Birmingham’

The world number one will take on either Stanislas Wawrinka or Nicolas Almagro in the semi-finals on Friday, with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Feliciano Lopez potential final opponents should the Serb reach Saturday’s showpiece. Djokovic, who reached the French Open final and won Wimbledon last year, believes victory at the Mubadala Championship would be the ideal start to 2015 as he bids to retain top spot in the rankings and add to his seven Grand Slam crowns. “The countdown really is on to the start of the new season starting in Abu Dhabi. We’re just days away, so I’m genuinely excited,” he is quoted as saying by Gulf News.

ormer Birmingham owner David Sullivan claims the Blues could have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £6 million (€7.6m) before he moved to Manchester United in 2003. The Portugal international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as an 18-year-old and moved to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth €15.5m. Ronaldo went on to spend six years at United, winning the Champions League and three Premier League titles before signing for Real Madrid in 2009. However, Sullivan claims Bir mingham could have captured the teenager who was offered to the Blues before opting to sign for the Red Devils.

Ronaldo

Terry happy with display despite draw

ohn Terry has called for “quiet arrogance” from Chelsea as they continue their quest for a first English Premier League title since 2010. Jose Mourinho’s side ensured Ch will finish 2014 top of the table with a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday, a result that sees them stay three points

Terry

clear of Manchester City – who were held 2-2 by Burnley. Terry was happy with their display despite dropping points, and he expects Chelsea to dig deep if they want to claim a fifth top-flight title. “We know we’re playing well but teams out there are making it tough for us,” he said. “We are top of the league and everyone wants to beat us or upset us. “It’s about putting a good run together now. “We are playing some really good football and it’s important we maintain the way we’re playing and the mentality we are playing with as well: a kind of quiet arrogance.”

McIlroy ends year as top player R

ory McIlroy made it a career total of 60 weeks as world number one on Monday with the final golf rankings of the year. The Northern Irishman started the year as world number six, but after wins in the British Open in July and in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the start of August he was back at the top. He cemented that position with his fourth major title win at the US PGA Championship and ended the year almost three ranking points clear of second-placed Henrik Stenson of Sweden. Tiger Woods, who was top-

ranked at the start of the year, slumped to 32nd due to a run of injuries and related problems with his swing.

McIlroy

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Revealed: Jonathan's friends aiding Buhari

igeria's presidential election is 46 days away. But one of the major tragedies facing the PDP candidate, incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan is that by their actions and overzealousness, many of his aides, friends and associates are doing a great disservice to him. Many of them still delude themselves that divisive utterances and manipulation of religion are going to serve as effective tools in 2015, as it did in 2011. They do not seem to realise that Nigerians are now wiser, knowing very well that both Christians and Muslims bear the brunt of their leaders' failings or incompetence. Muslims and Christians drive on the same bad Nigerian roads, buy from the same market, spend the same currency. There is no strong naira for Christians or weak one for Muslims. Instead of presidential aides and associates of President Jonathan to market him as the leader that has made unprecedented strides in agriculture, or one that has enriched enrolment into basic schools from 23 million in 2010 to 29 million two years later, they are busy offending millions of northerners and Muslims and making them turn their backs on the President. There are so many positives to market Jonathan with: In the first ever meeting I was privileged to have with the President in 2012, he felt offended when I told him, in response to a question he asked me, that I was an indigene of Kano State. He remarked that young men of my generation represent the best hope for this country, and that we should always look at ourselves first and foremost as Nigerians. By invoking religion, trying desperately to paint General Muhammadu Buhari as a Muslim fundamentalist who is going to introduce Shari'a in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria, with a view to getting Christians to hate the man and vote against him, these supposed friends are making it look as if the President hasn't achieved anything positive to market him with. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is a leader I hold in deep esteem. But I am getting more and more disappointed in him these days, owing to the way he goes about disparaging Islam in the way he hurls insults on Buhari, as well as abusing the Hausa-Fulani for the same reason. No Muslim worth the name, for example, will be happy with Fani-Kayode's description of Buhari's behaviour as belonging to the "6th century Saudi Arabia," as he did in his article entitled: Questions Buhari Must Answer, published in his column in this newspaper on December 15th, instant. Perhaps even worse is his quoting a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bosun Emmanuel, whose sermon, as quoted by Fani-Kayode in his article entitled A word for Yemi Osinbajo, published on December 22nd, instant in this newspaper, as telling Christians not to have anything to do with Muslims. He quoted the pastor as saying, in his 'famous sermon' titled 'The Nigerian Church', that "woe be unto any believer who joins hands with the enemies of God in an attempt to bury the Church and destroy the gospel." He was, in that article, trying hard to paint the vice-presidential candidate of the APC, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in dark light for accepting to play "second fiddle" to a man who is a "notorious troubler of the (Christian) faith." He added an unfortunate clincher: "woe unto the children of light that secretly delight in darkness and that seek to thwart the counsel of God for their na-

Brass Tacks SULEIMAN UBA GAYA suleimanuba1@gmail.com 08035676295 (sms only)

Fani-Kayode

Oritsejefor

A vast majority of those causing all sorts of trouble and drawbacks for this country are less than 3.5 percent of the population, those aged 65 and above, and many of them can be found around both Jonathan and Buhari, among Christians and Muslims tion by joining hands with the sons of Boko and the daughters of Haram." I know the man is going to try to deny this or colour it in some other way, but the fact remains he has succeeded through these write-ups, among several others before then, to alienate Muslims and make them a subject of mockery by Christians. What the Fani-Kayode's of this world don't seem to know is that there are millions of Muslims out there that want to vote for Jonathan in the forthcoming presidential election, as they did in 2011. Showing contempt for their religion could only make many of them change their minds. My senior colleague, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, writing in his column, Conversation With Azu, published in Leadership newspaper of last Friday, quoted the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, a collection of the main conservative Christian churches, as planning a "52 weeks of all-round prayers for Nigeria," which, very unfortunately, specifically includes praying to God "to upturn all plots by the All Progressives Congress if their hidden agenda is to

Metuh

Islamise Nigeria." The same group also wants God to "to purge corruption in the opposition," conveniently ignoring the corrupt in government, whose actions are badly affecting tens of millions of downtrodden Christians, not just Muslims. But what do these people take their fellow Christian brethren for, people who cannot read between the lines and see this as a cheap, sad way of campaigning for President Jonathan? Do they think attacking Islam (though they hardly do so directly) is going to appeal to Muslims and make them re-elect the President? Can anyone between Jonathan and Buhari win the presidency with only the votes of members of his faith? We all know it isn't possible for anyone, however powerful, to Islamise Nigeria, as falsely being peddled by some religious leaders. But the consolation is that even among their flock, these leaders are fast losing respect, and it is the reason this time around, religion will not be manipulated to play

such a significant factor in determining who wins next year's presidential election. For me, a Hausa-Fulani Muslim, I feel very, very bad to see this going on as a campaign for any presidential candidate because many of us of my generation don't even care whether the next president is a Christian or Muslim. All we care about is the Nigerian leader that would deliver the goods - make this country a better place for all, irrespective of our diversity. And, I bet you, this belief is shared by the 75 percent of the Nigerian population that are under the age of 35, who are being denied legitimate opportunities just because they were not born with silver spoons in their mouths. Similarly, it was totally uncouth for the PDP National Secretary to call General Buhari an illiterate jackboot, as he did lately, just because the man doesn't hold a Ph.D, as Jonathan does. Does this man know that 80 percent of the over 67 million unemployed Nigerians (rated by the National Bureau of Statistics) do not have university degrees, and that he could incur their wraths by this reckless statement? And for those making the mistake of lumping all Muslim as Boko Haram, let them know that majority of us are guided by the Holy Qur'an and teachings of the great Prophet of universal peace and harmony, who freely told all Muslims, in a charter of privileges and rights he granted all Christians at Mount Sinai in 628 C.E., to fight for Christians. He said, "the Christians are my citizens, and by Allah I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslim's houses. The Muslims are to fight for Christians. Their churches must be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants." The Holy Prophet of Islam concluded the charter by directing all Muslims the worlds over to abide by this covenant till the Last Day (of judgement). A vast majority of those causing all sorts of trouble and drawbacks for this country are less than 3.5 percent of the population, those aged 65 and above, and many of them can be found around both Jonathan and Buhari, among Christians and Muslims. The voices of Chief Tony Anenih (a Christian) and Alhaji Tanko Yakasai (a Muslim) were among the most hilarious in the effort to stop Jonathan from assuming the presidency in acting capacity in 2010 when President Yar'adua was terminally ill and the nation was tottering. Today, they are shockingly among the biggest beneficiaries and enforcers of the Jonathan Administration. In the same vein, one should not be surprised if Chief Edwin Clark or Asari Dakubo become kitchen cabinet members of a Buhari Administration. It may sound impossible, but it is the way of our politicians. It is, therefore, up to such leaders of the young generation as Femi FaniKayode to lead in the crusade for peaceful, united Nigeria where Muslims and Christians have equal rights to prosper. In achieving that, they don't have to lump up all Hausa-Fulanis and insult us as having the tendency of 'born to rule' or any such nomenclature. Personally, I don't believe in it. It isn't a workable idea. They should therefore tone down their divisive campaign. It is an evil wind that will blow no one no good, especially as Nigeria is bigger than both Jonathan and Buhari.

Suleiman Uba Gaya

Sanctity of Truth

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Revealed: Jonathan's friends aiding Buhari

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HIV and oral lessons GUEST COLUMNIST

Samuel Awosolu

IV meaning the human immunodeficiency virus attacks, the whole body systems organs and functions. The oral cavity and related regions are not exempt from the infection. HIV infection is a chronic infection without any treatment, invariably fatal resulting in AIDS-Acute immunodeficiency syndrome. The initial period of infection may be symptom free (latent/ window) period. The hall mark of the HIV disease is infection and multiplication (replication) of the virus. A component of the immune system, the CD4 expressed by T- lymphocytes in the blood is depleted. This makes it easy for the person infected to have illnesses that would otherwise not have resulted. These are all categorized as opportunistic infections, the statistics of HIV infection are varying and it actually increasing in some cherries, by increase it is new infection rate , whilst the rate has stabilized in other cherries with improved therapies, more awareness, less ostracism in the society. The wicked joke peddled around in recent times is that it is better do have HIV than EBOLA. The columnist would rather have none. The average time from the acquisition of the HIV infection to the development of AIDS defining opportunistic infection like pneumonia tumors is about ten years (10)years, thereafter the survival rate averages about (2) years. This is without any antiretroviral therapy. Stages of HIV infection Viral transmission The primary mode of transmission is via sexual intercourse in the order of anal greater than vaginal greater than oral in the risks of acquisition. There are other means, intravenous drugs users, contaminated blood transfusion product rarely seen these days but still possible especially in individuals receiving multiple transfusion without proper /inadequate screening of blood products. Traditional marking, circumcision or possibly barbing saloons pedicurists’, manicurists, tattoo artists, piercings for ear-rings, belly rings, belly buttons, tongue piercing ornaments have their ever present risks. The sexual practices most prone are unprotected sexual practices. The presence of ulcers around the genital regions, oral regions increases the risk. Maternal to fatal transmission is another conduit. Occupation health- the health workers have a risk is most percutaneous exposure – this risk must pronounced in surgical procedures – in dentistry literally all procedures have a tendency of needle stick injury or percutaneous exposure or contact of spray /body fluids with mucous mem-

brane of the eye, nose, mouth, hence the compulsion of personal protection equipment. Gloves, face mask, head cap goggles, are a compulsion in dental surgery. The method of transmission will not affect the cause of the disease. the whole cycle from transmission to acute primary (initial) infection (4 weeks to 6 months after ) to circumcision (whereby antibodies are detected in the blood -8 to 10 years after infection )to a symptomatic infection to early symptomatic infection and finally AIDS defined infection . There are several manifestation of HIV infection. Effort will be made do group them. FUNGAL INFECTIONS. These are opportunistic in that usually they do not occur unless the immune system has been suppressed. These mainly are Angular cheilitis, erythematous

candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis. A few of the features seen in this case which may affect both sides of the mouth. It may be on one side of the mouth or the other. The candidiasis shows smooth areas of the tongue without the studs and papillae. The presence of candidiasis may lead to a burning sensation on the tongue, the whitish growth or membrane on the tongue, can be wiped which may bleed. The lessons could be seen on the palate, cheeks, near the lips or the back surface of the tongue.

Tumours (Neoplasms) of the salivary (Saliva producing) glands are seen. The tumours of the salivary glands could be seen in children or adult. The enlargement may not be cancerous. The enlargement is typically due to the involvement of defense or immunity cells LYMPHOCYTES into the salivary glands. Since the salivary glands produce saliva, anything that disrupts the normal flow of saliva will lead to a reduction in the quantity of saliva in the mouth. The condition is known as XEROSYOMIA – DRY MOUTH.

VIRAL OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION The herpes simplex virus and the herpes zoster virus are opportunistic infections seen in HIV infection. A descriptive condition known as hairy leukoplakia could be observed in several people with HIV infection. These are sympathetic (without symptoms) while or grey lesions located on both lateral surface of the tongue. These lesions cannot be rubbed off. The lesion seen in herpes simplex, and herpes zoster are resides (blisters) on the lips referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, form ulcers and later crusts BACTERIAL OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS These affect the gums (gingival) there are characteristic redress and straight linear bard along the gum margin of the teeth. They are not due to poor oral hygiene.

IDIOPATHIC CONDITIONS There are a few conditions that affect the oral cavity in HIV patients like ulcers of different sizes which can occur at the smooth surfaces of the oral cavity and tongue. They cause pain as when infected, difficulty in swallowing) and do not heal quickly: the ulcers can occur due to viral infection like herpes (herpetic ulcers on the gums, palate and back surface of tongue dorsal surface increase coloration darkening) of the oral mucous membrane due to increased production of adrenalin by existing melanocytes. Melanin is a pigment synthesized from a protein trypsine that gives the skin its darkened colour. It is the reduced or complete lack of melanin that causes albinism The melanin excess or discoloration seen in HIV infected patients does not result in any symptoms but is aesthetically unpleasant to the patient This discoloration is usually located on the palate and tongue, whatever the oral manifestation of HIV infection, the symptoms could be picked up at the dentist. Any ulcer infections need to be reported to the dentist

NEOPLASM This is an abnormal growth that is cancerous in nature. Chiefly seen in the Karposi sarcoma a very invasive malignant tumor. The presentation can be a red, bluish swelling with ulcerations on the gum, palate and tongue.

• Awosolu, a dental surgeon wrote in from Lagos

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