Binder1 july 1, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 133

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Economy growing despite insecurity, says Jonathan lPresident condemns attacks on churches near Chibok Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday told foreign investors

not to allow the security challenges facing Nigeria to deter them from investing in its economy. According to him, notwithstanding the terrorist

activities of Boko Haram, the nation’s economy has been making progress. The president, represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the

opening ceremony of the Honorary International Investors Council (HIIC) meeting in Abuja, therefore assured global investors that the nation’s cur-

rent economic policies and indices show Nigeria as a favourable investment destination. The HIIC is coordinated by former British Minister of State for Over-

seas Development and Africa, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey. Jonathan also condemned Sunday’s attacks on churches in a village near Chibok, Borno State, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Key suspect in Chibok girls’ abduction arrested

lFCT orders hotels to submit daily guest lists to SSS, police lSultan laments tagging of Muslims as terrorists Lateef Ibrahim, Emmanuel Onani and Umar Danladi Ado

he military may be close to resolving the puzzles over the abduction of over 200 schoolchildren in Chibok, Borno State in April with the arrest yesterday of a key suspect in the saga. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the suspect was arrested after troops successfully “busted” a terrorists intelligence cell. A statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj.Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “A terrorists’ intelligence cell headed by a businessman who participated actively in the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok has been busted by troops. The man, Babuji CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Super Eagles’ Vincent Enyeama saves a shot by France’s Kareem Benzema during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil...yesterday

Row in confab over new constitution lNorthern delegates allege hidden agenda Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

at the NaProceedings tional Conference were

stalled yesterday as some Northern delegates accused the leadership of harbouring a hidden agenda and plotting to foist on delegates a new constitu-

tion. The Northern delegates pointedly accused the Deputy Chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, of being

the mastermind of the plot. But Akinyemi denied the allegations, saying those making the claims had a sinister motive. Since the conference

began in March, there have been arguments among delegates on how the conference should end and what form its report should take. While Southern delegates canvassed that the conferCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Court frees six accused of killing Funsho Williams Lagos

Storms

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Key suspect in Chibok girls’ abduction arrested CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ya’ari, who is also a member of the Youth Vigilante Group popularly known as Civilian JTF, which he uses as a cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza. His main role in the group is to spy and gather information for the terrorists group. “Babuji has been coordinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town. “The arrest of the businessman who is known to deal in tricycles has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women. One of them, Hafsat Bako, had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested. Prior to her arrest, Hafsat coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group. In her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on the enormity of his task. “Another female sus-

pect named Haj Kaka who doubles as an armourer and a spy for the terrorists group has also been arrested. Until their arrest, all the suspects actively operated a terrorists’ intelligence cell in collaboration with others still at large.” Also yesterday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, directed all hotels in the nation’s capital to forward the lists of their guests to the FCT State Security Service (SSS) and the police command on a daily basis. The hotels are equally required to install security cameras within their vicinity and ensure thorough check of all vehicles entering their premises. The minister, in a state-

ment by his spokesman, Mr. Nosike Ogbuenyi, also directed all residents and residents’ associations in the FCT to embark on “operation know your neighbour” campaign. The measure is to ensure that all criminallyminded elements are detected easily within the FCT. The security department of FCTA is to liaise with the various security agencies in the FCT on the modalities for implementing the ministerial directive, the statement added. It was however learnt that security has been beefed up in and around the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in an apparent response to the security

situation in the FCT. Stern-looking security men, comprising soldiers and riot policemen, were stationed at various strategic locations around the hotel. Motorists driving into the hotel were thoroughly frisked with their trunks checked with metal detector before they could be allowed in. A checkpoint has also been mounted by armed soldiers on the road leading from Sheraton Hotel to the National Mosque. Every vehicle passing through the route was being checked. Most Abuja residents are now avoiding crowded areas, while women are now scared of going to major markets for shopping.

Also yesterday, there were fears that Boko Haram was also targeting some highbrow schools in the Wuse District. Three bomb blasts have been recorded in Abuja and its environs in the last two months. The first and second were recorded in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, killing about 100 people and injuring many others. The latest bomb blast occurred last Wednesday at the Emab Plaza, killing 24 persons, including the Managing Editor (North) of the New Telegraph, Mr. Suleiman Bisalla. Several others were similarly injured in the last blast. Meanwhile, the Sultan CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

29oC 22oC Storms

PORT HARCOURT

27oC 22oC Storms

KANO

37oC 24oC Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

30o C 23oC Storms

IBADAN

31oC 23oC Storms

CALABAR

22oC 17oC Rain Showers

MAIDUGURI

37oC 26oC Rain Storms

ONITSHA

29oC 22oC Storms

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

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Co-ordinator, Honorary International Investors’ Council, Lynda Baroness Chalker and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at the 16th meeting of the council in Abuja…yesterday.

Economy growing despite insecurity, says Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

(where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted in April), that claimed about 30 lives. Jonathan, at the HIIC meeting, reassured the participants that the evil of terrorism threatening national development would soon be defeated. He said: “This administration remains committed to ensuring security of lives and property of Nigerians and all those that reside in this country. “Our security forces are confronting terrorism and any insurgency that seeks to undermine the security of the nation. We will remain unyielding and will continue to reinforce our defences so as to rid the country of terrorism and the forces of evil that threaten our peace and development. “It is auspicious that this meeting is taking place at a crucial juncture

in our journey towards nation building. Your deliberations and suggestions will remain invaluable to our drive for increased investment and our efforts to be globally competitive. “We are better equipped to succeed as a people and as a country in our fight against corruption to improve and build our economy, develop our infrastructure and security of lives and property.” Jonathan added that as the world hopes that Nigeria will become one of the world’s 20 leading economies by 2020, his administration had improved investment climate and the competitiveness of Nigeria’s enterprises. “But the challenges remain. We must not relent in our efforts to sustain a predictable and stable policy environment. We would continue to eliminate as much as possible,

distortions and privileges to create a sustainable level playing ground for all investors. “Let me reaffirm that our efforts under the transformation agenda are yielding impressive results. Today, Nigeria is one of the strongest economic performers in Africa. “For the second year, the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development has declared Nigeria as the number one recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa,” the president stated. Jonathan listed Nigeria’s hosting of the World Economic Forum on Africa in May and the recently launched Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan, which is expected to increase the size of the manufacturing sector from 4 per cent to 10 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

by 2017 as part of the economic milestones of his administration. Others include the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA); Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES); mortgage refinancing programme; rebasing of the GDP and upgrade of infrastructure in educational sector “where access and quality remain real challenges.” “Besides current security challenges, Nigeria’s position as the preferred destination for foreign direct investment in Africa has been maintained. Within the last two months, we have played host to several business delegations from all over the world, including a Chinese delegation of 100 businessmen, 75 Kenyan businessmen, 18 Swiss investors and second largest business enterprise in China, a Fortune 500 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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

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Court frees six accused of killing Funsho Williams Joseph Onyekwere

Lagos High Court yesterday acquitted six persons accused of killing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Chief Funsho Williams, eight years after they were put on trial. Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, in his judgment, discharged and acquitted Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonoma, Mustapha Kayode and Ikponmwose Imariabie over the offence. He held that the evidence adduced by the prosecution to prove the two-count charge of

conspiracy and murder against them was “weak and superficial.” The defendants had told the court on June 9 that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case to warrant calling them to defend themselves. A prima facie case is made out in a criminal trial where the evidence presented is sufficient to secure a conviction unless it is successfully rebutted by the defence. In a no-case-to-answer submission dated May 20, the defence counsel, Okezie Agbara, had told Justice Adebajo that the state’s case against his clients must collapse because

it was built on unfounded suspicion. An analysis of the pieces of evidence adduced by the state at the trial, he had submitted, showed that they were at best circumstantial. For a court of law to base conviction on circumstantial evidence, he had said, it must be of a compelling and irresistible nature to show that the accused persons and no one else were responsible for the crime. “There has been no legally admissible evidence against the defendants’’, Okezie argued, urging Justice Adebajo to hold that the prosecution failed to

link any of the defendants with Williams’ murder. The defence counsel therefore urged the court to dismiss the charge and set his clients free. But the prosecution opposed the application, asking the court to strike it out. Led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Idowu Alakija, the prosecution said it had made out a prima facie case enough to warrant the defendants to enter a defence. After entertaining arguments from the parties, Justice Adebajo adjourned until yesterday for ruling.

In his ruling, the judge upheld that the defence’s argument, saying the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case against the defendants. The state, the judge said, failed to establish the fact that the defendants conspired to kill Williams. While the prosecution alleged that the fourth to sixth defendants, policemen deployed to provide security for Williams, made calls with their co-defendants with the deceased’s mobile phone, Adebajo said: “the state however failed to produce the call logs of the communication in court.” The prosecution, Justice Adebajo held, also failed to show that the mobile phone actually belonged to Williams. Describing the evidence in proof of the charge of conspiracy to murder as

circumstantial, the judge ruled that the court could not convict the defendants on a case that was “weak and superficial.” On the count of murder, the judge said the prosecution was able to show that Williams was actually killed but could not create a nexus between the crime and the defendants. Reviewing the evidence of the pathologist, Professor John Obafunwa, who said Williams was strangled to death, Justice Adebajo said: “I am satisfied that the deceased died, but there was nothing to show those responsible for his death.” Discharging and acquitting the defendants, the judge ruled: “In the final analysis,... the evidence is manifestly unreliable for the court to call upon the defendants to defend themselves.”

Economy growing despite insecurity, says Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; former Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Suara Haruna III, during Saraki’s visit to the governor in Ibadan...yesterday.

Row in confab over new constitution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ence should produce a new constitution, their counterparts from the North have kicked against the idea. However, at the commencement of proceedings yesterday, some Northern delegates claimed that they had sighted a 102-page draft constitution flying around. According to them, the document was being promoted by Akinyemi who appeared bent to get it endorsed at the end of the conference. In view of the weight of the allegations and the counter arguments from those favourably disposed to a new constitution, conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, asked Akinyemi to defend himself. Akinyemi acknowledged that he had always played the role of a mediator in the conference and has been interested in bridging the gaps amongst the contending groups at the conference. “I have always asked

both sides to reach across to each other whenever I sensed an emerging conflict arising from a controversial issue on the floor. “If you are going to be fair, we have heard some people who said they are here to write a new constitution while there were others who said no, that’s not why they were here. “We have an issue coming up which was a discussion on modalities for implementing the decisions of the conference, so I approached those who said they were here to write a new constitution and asked them what exactly they meant by writing a new constitution. They explained. Then, I approached Alhaji (Ibrahim) Coomassie as the head of the Northern delegation, as well as Prof. Gambari, who is a colleague that I wanted to speak with them. “Alhaji Coomassie said the time I picked was not convenient for him but he would send a delegation to speak with me. “I have at various occa-

sions raised the issues with Prof. (Awwal ) Yadudu. I said to them that what I got from those that want new constitution, I told the Northern delegation that if people move for amendment, which we have approved and they said in view of the fact that they moved thus new amendment to the 1999 Constitution, they now have new a constitution,” he said. Akinyemi further explained that he had also met Prof Iyorcha Ayu and a delegation that was opposed to the agitation for a new constitution. He said that meeting might be the discussion he had with some delegates that the Northern delegates had branded as lobbying by the leadership of the conference to have a new constitution. “All I did was to ensure that both sides start talking to each other before we have a big conflict on the floor over a new or old constitution,” he added. But Senator Ibrahim Ida, a delegate from Sokoto

State, said there were some issues that had not been properly explained. He said apart from the document on a new constitution, there was a deliberate attempt to present the document as though it emanated from the conference. “There are two issues, one is on hidden agenda by the conference and reference was made to a 102page document. The document alleged that following the decisions made in the committee reports that a draft agreement has been prepared for discussion and adoption by respective zones. “When the president inaugurated the conference, he made it very clear that the conference should come out with recommendations to see to the betterment of Nigeria. Anybody that is propagating a document alleged to be an agreement arising from committee is deliberately trying to truncate this conference. So it behoves on the leadership CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

company, which pledged to invest in our transmission and power generating sector,” the president said. Chalker, in her remarks, underscored the council’s focus on education and power sectors as drivers of the economy. She said: “Children who go to primary schools do not complete their education; that tells us a lot about the problems of the country. That is why we want to focus on education. “We do not have a separate session on power supply but we do know that Nigeria’s progress again depends on the gas reforms, the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, fuel supply to power plants, speedy implementation of renewable energy and progress plan for developing domestic gas utilisation.” The president at another forum yesterday also condemned Sunday’s attacks by suspected members of Boko Haram on some churches in a village near Chibok.

Jonathan in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, deplored the renewed targeting by Boko Haram of adherents of a particular religion and urged all lovers of peace and unity to condemn the resurgence. He said such efforts by agents of global terrorism to disunite and destabilise Nigeria by callously instigating violence among religious groups in the country were strongly condemnable. He added that he shared the views of Islamic leaders and scholars that no true Muslim will resort to killing of innocent people at any time, especially not during the holy month of Ramadan, to redress any perceived grievance. According to him, Sunday’s attacks on churches and other similar atrocities by Boko Haram are proof that its leaders and members are thoroughly misguided persons who are only using religion as a cover for their reprehensible crimes against Nigerians.

Keshi, Yobo quit Eagles Adekunle Salami Brasilia

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, and team Captain, Joseph Yobo, yesterday quit the national team shortly after Nigeria lost 2-0 to France to crash out of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil. Keshi told newsmen at the mixed zone that

his contract with Nigeria ended with the World Cup and since Nigeria has lost out the contract has ended. Yobo, it was also learnt told his colleagues that he had played his last match for the Super Eagles. At the mixed zone, he also added; “It is time I give others a chance in the team because I have paid my dues.”

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Impeachment: Nyako’s deputy fights back Ibrahim Abdul Yola

mbattled Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bala James Ngilari, yesterday lashed out at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the state for scheming his impeachment along with the Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako. Ngilari, at a news conference in Yola, accused them of vendetta and desperation to becoming a governor just as he described the impeachment process initiated by some

lawmakers against him as “laughable.” The deputy governor who was made the PDP leader in the state following his refusal to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) along with Nyako, dismissed allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him by the state lawmakers. “It became incumbent on me despite the advice of my medical doctors to address the press to clarify allegations of gross misconduct against me,” he said in his first public reaction to the impeachment

bid which a Yola High Court stopped last week. He took time to clear himself of the allegations of gross misconduct against him, saying that “those that are hell-bent in removing me from office were using terminologies to give bent to their allegations. That’s why they used words such as diversion of public funds and clearly failed to stipulate the time the event happened.’’ He explained that he was ready to defend his integrity for the sake of

posterity, particularly as the allegations against him were vague and lacking details which should have been incorporated in the impeachment notice. He disputed the lawmakers’ claim that he diverted public funds, adding: “In order to develop the verse mineral resources in Adamawa State which were left untapped, I advised the governor to invest in the mineral sub sector with a view to reviving the ailing economic sector of the state.”

He said he discussed with investors to fund mineral exploitation but added that since they could only come to the state after mining licences were provided, he requested for N50,380,400 which was released and utilised for that purpose. He accused the PDP stakeholders of vilifying him to further their political ambitions. “You can see, as leader of the party, the stakeholders ought to have invited me to hear my side of the

story when I was being accused. “But instead, they only deemed it fit to sit down and to declare that I should be removed. “Those who are accusing me of diverting Adamawa state funds by saying that I wasted resources on the mineral sub sector should have their heads examined as we initiated the project for the benefit of Adamawa State and did not use the opportunity to divert a single kobo,” he said.

FG deploys troops in Kaduna LG Emmanuel Onani

he Federal Government yesterday announced the deployment of troops in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where gunmen attacked and killed over 30 people a few days ago. Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri, announced the deployment of the troops at a press briefing in Abuja. “The military has already deployed its officers and men in the area to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks, just as efforts are on to get the perpetrators of the heinous acts, with a view to

bringing them to justice,” he said Omeri added that the Federal Government was working with others, including leaders of Kautikeri, Kwada and Birnjuzu communities, all of which came under attacks on Sunday, to arrive at the real casualty figure. “Government acknowledges the attack in Kautikeri, Kwada and Birnjuzu about 10 kilometres from Chibok, Borno State. We understand that there are casualties, including the attackers themselves that were shot by the military while attempting to flee the area. “At present government is working with sources and community leaders, to ascertain the extent of damage and figures as a result thereof”, he added.

Sultan laments tagging of Muslims as terrorists CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, has lamented the tagging of Muslims as terrorists. The sultan, while receiving the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Usman, who paid him a visit at his palace, said yesterday his comment was necessary in view of the untold hardship of intimidation, victimisation and harassment Muslims were experiencing because of the security challenges. He expressed dismay that northern Muslims travelling to the southern parts of the country are being forced to acquire travelling documents before they could enter some states. He called on the tradi-

tional institution to double efforts at defending the rights of Muslims in the country, adding that every citizen should be free to move about in pursuit of their business activities. He also said arrangements had progressed for the distribution of literary works of the leader of the Sokoto Caliphate, Sheik Uthman Dan Fodio to Muslims clerics to assist them in preaching about peaceful and mutual coexisting among the people. The sultan told his guest to uphold the mutual understanding and cordial relationship between the sultan’s palace and that of the Gombe Emirate Council and urged him to work tirelessly for the development of Islam as done by his late father.

L-R: Secretary General, Maritime Organisation for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Alan Luvambano; Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and President Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso, at the opening session of Crans Montana Forum’s 25th annual session in Rabat, Morocco.

PDP: Why we won Ekiti guber poll Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday gave reasons why its candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, won the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, hinging it on the popularity and acceptability of the candidate over and above his opponents. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, at a press conference in Abuja also described the outcome of the election as

a great lesson in Nigeria’s democratic practice and experience. Metuh who was reacting to “some displeasing comments on security situation during the Ekiti election,” said “informed political stakeholders cannot but agree that but for the level of security provided, the good people of Ekiti would not have enjoyed the electoral freedom that characterised the entire process.” He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his consistent commitment to institute a legacy

of credible elections and firmly entrench democratic ethos in the country. According to Metuh, Fayose’s victory became possible as a result of the party’s adherence to due process and internal democracy in his selection as PDP candidate for the election. “The iron resolve of the PDP as a truly democratic party not to impose a candidate threw our process open for mass participation, therefore eliciting popular appeal for our candidate.

“The PDP effectively presented an accurate picture of itself as a national and truly democratic party, committed to unity, peace, rule of law and the overall national interest; in which no individual or group of individuals can claim ownership or appropriate control over and above the majority; and where all Nigerians are afforded a level ground to canvass opinions and aspire to the highest position without regard to ethnic, religious and gender consideration,” he added.

Row in confab over new constitution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

to come out very clearly and disown this document that even carried the logo of the conference. “It is interesting to read that people are being lobbied with money and other considerations. This is an opportunity for the leadership to disown the document before the delegates and the world,” Ida said. Another delegate, Chief Raymomd Dokpesi, explained that there had been several meetings between northern and southern delegates on how

to advance the conference. “It’s absolutely true that Prof Gambari and I convened the national consensus bridge building group when it became glaring that we are going to have problems with the last group of reports and so it became imperative to form an intervention group. membership extended to all delegates and we have been meeting regularly. “From South-South, we have Chief (Edwin) Clark; we have Gen Ike Nwachukwu from the South-East, Chief Olu Falae from the

South-West, Alhaji Coomassie and Prof (Jerry) Gana from the North. This group nominated three delegates from the zones. In our first meeting, we discussed the National Security report and the major issue was state police. “We tried to harmonise and agreed on the need to have state police. “We discussed fears against and reasons for and agreed that it was agreed that in a federal system, a multi-tier police is the best. “Anyone who is honest will testify that it was

agreed at the meeting also that the recommendations of the five reports were embedded in the new document. “Also embedded in that report are some of the arguments raised and discussed. All are tabulated in the document,” Dokpesi said. He stated that consultations were held on certain issues with different groups, adding that there was nothing secret about the document and it was made available to the leaders of all zones as a working document.

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osun 2014

Omisore flays Aregbesola over ‘payment of selected workers’ Stories by Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

O L-R: Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Emeka Mba; Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and Director, NTA-Star Tv Network, Mr. Maxwell Loko, at the launch of Jos City Digital Tv switch-over in Jos…yesterday

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Wabara, Mantu, Ita-Giwa others float Unity Forum

arely three weeks to the expiration of the National Conference, some prominent delegates have floated a post conference platform to sustain the gains of the conference and ensure that Nigeria remained one united country. The platform known as the National Unity Forum draws its membership from across the country. Among its leading lights are a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd), former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim

Mantu and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Chairman of the Committee on Environment at the National Conference. At the inaugural dinner of the forum in Abuja weekend, Wabara observed that there was need for the political elite to keep in touch always in the interest of the unity of the country. He said despite the significant roles Nigeria has played on the international arena, the various groups that make up the country were yet to forge the desired unity which is a prerequisite to true nation building. Wabara, who decried

the spate of bomb blasts and general insecurity in parts of the country, lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for convening the national conference. He expressed hopes that the conference would proffer solutions to some of the current challenges plaguing the country. He lamented that after a century of living together as a country, Nigeria was yet to attain its full potentials. According to him, the lack of the appropriate political structures has been largely responsible for Nigeria's under-development over the years.

Confab seeks independent candidacy Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he National Conference, Tintroduction yesterday endorsed the of indepen-

dent candidacy in the politics of Nigeria. The idea of an independent candidacy is expected to provide the electorate with credible alternatives to candidates sponsored by the political parties. This is part of the recommendation of the Committee on Political Parties and Electoral

Matters. In specific terms, the report recommended that some sections of the Electoral Act should be amended to reflect independent candidacy. The Conference equally approved the establishment of Political Parties and Electoral Offences Commission to handle all disputes arising from elections in the country. The committee recommended that the leadership of political parties be insulated from undue control and interference

from chief executives of governments at all level, in order to restore independence to thee various parties. In order to enhance effectiveness of political parties, the report recommended that the administrative processes should be made transparent and accountable. Similarly, the report recommended that issues such as party membership registers and conduct of party activities be made accessible and transparent to members.

...Adjusts sittings over insecurity, Ramadan Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he National ConferTsittings ence has adjusted its for the remain-

ing three weeks due to concerns for the growing insecurity in Abuja. Its programme has also been slightly altered to accommodate the activities of Muslim delegates during the month of Ramadan. There was palpable anxiety at the conference on Monday as a

security alert stating that the terrorists have plans to attack some unnamed targets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was read to the delegates. The conference has therefore adopted a proposal to set aside two days to consider and adopt the remaining four reports. It has also reduced its working hours from 6.00pm to 3.30pm. The remaining reports include Political Parties and Electoral

Matters, Devolution of Power as well as Political Restructuring and Forms of Government. The security concern followed a point of order raised by Chief Mike Ozekhome on the need for delegates to be more security conscious. Ozekhome said he decided to bring the security alert to the notice of the conference, following the information in the social media that the terrorists were about to strike again in the capital city.

sun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 9 election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday berated Governor Rauf Aregbesola, over what it called payment of salaries to some ‘selected categories of workers’ in the state. Omisore said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, by his Director of Publicity and Strategy, Prince

Diran Odeyemi. He, however, charged workers to be vigilant so as not to be lured with the ‘sweet mouth’ of Governor Aregbesola on the payment of their salaries. The PDP candidate further admonished them not to be carried away by the panicky measures being adopted by the governor to pay salaries to some ‘selected categories of workers.’ “The eleventh hour strategy by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is calcu-

lated at hoodwinking the workforce to support him in getting undeserved second term in office, but this wobbling measure is already dead on arrival. “I want to appeal to the workers against Greek gifts from Aregbesola, who is worried that he had wronged not only the civil servants, but also other peace loving citizens through his anti-masses policies, which have retarded the socio-economic growth of the state and limited the potential of the individuals.”

PDP accuses Aregbesola of training miscreants of the August 9 In a press statement by Iwo and even Osogbo Ainhead governorship election the Director of Publicity and are being trained Osun State, the Peoples and Strategies, Prince by some ex-military ofDemocratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over what it described as the clandestine training of some miscreants by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause terror and intimidate the opposition and the masses. To this end, the party has called on concerned security operatives to be on the alert as Governor Aregbesola is bent on retaining his seat by ‘hook or crook.’

Diran Odeyemi, the PDP candidate, Iyiola Omisore, allegedly said arms and ammunition had long been imported into Osun State by the APC to ensure that all electoral ills that will ensure their continuation in office are perpetrated. “From very reliable sources, the incumbent has sewn uniforms for some youths and they are camped in isolated places like Ife, Ilesa, Ede,

ficers in preparation for the election. “We therefore call on the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the SSS and all those saddled with security issues not to take this piece of information with levity, so that the masses, who really want a change in leadership, will not chicken out because some hoodlums have been paid to kill, maim, harass and molest.”

I remain a strong pillar of PDP, says Oyinlola sun State former govThe communiqué immediate past chief Osoye ernor, Prince Olagun- signed by the Chairman, executive of the state, Oyinlola, yester- Secretary and Convener Prince Olagunsoye day warned politicians within and outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to desist from misinforming members of the public that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting with members of his party in Okuku, Oyinlola said he remain a pillar of the party.

of the meeting, Engr. Oladije Adeniji, Comrade Abayomi Adegoke and Reverend Bunmi Jenyo respectively, however, called on President Goodluck Jonathan, and other PDP leaders to return Oyinlola as the substantive National Secretary of the party as affirmed by the Court of Appeal. The communiqué added that; “The meeting affirmed that the

Oyinlola, is a worthy, dependable, reliable and a trusted leader and that a vote of confidence has been passed on him as a bridge-builder and rallying point for the members of the PDP. Oyinlola would not take any decision without considering the interest of his supporters, his party, the people of the state as well as Nigeria at large, the communiqué said.

Labour Party promises pregnant women free medical care abour Party (LP) canLelection didate in the August 9 in Osun State,

Alhaji Fatai Akinade Akinbade, yesterday met with members of a women group, Women for Positive Change, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Adedayo, assuring them that if voted as governor, accessibility of pregnant women to free medical care would be unhindered. Akinbade, who made the assurance in Osogbo, said pregnant women would be given proper care to reduce

mater nal mortality rate in the state. “Also, my administration would provide diagnostic centres that would be equipped with necessary facilities to take care of people’s health challenges. “In addition to the qualitative free health, my administration would give to residents of the state, classical adequate medical treatment. “We believe one of the surest ways of preserving our future is to pay solid attention

to our present because if we are able to take care of our pregnant women, this will not only reduce mortality rate, but will ensure the delivery of healthy children, who are the future of this country. “I want to assure that, if I am elected governor, my administration would put in place a diagnostic centre that would meet people’s health challenges and at the same time be a revenue generation base for the state.”

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Ohakim: I'm vindicated Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

mmediate past GovIChief ernor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim,

has revealed that in the twilight of his tenure, a massive conspiracy was hatched to denigrate his person and defame his administration. According to him, due to deliberate machinations to make his regime problematic, he left office with more than 1000 petitions against him alleging all sorts of ‘impossible’ things. Ohakim, who spoke with journalists in Owerri, said, “In my time, there was no political assassination; no political intimidation; no bombing or arson. Some people were so desperate to undermine me and

they were able to engineer over 1000 petitions against me but I wish to categorically state that till date, not a single charge has been entered against me in any court in Nigeria” Ohakim expressed regret that the misconceptions that left dents on his administration were largely borne out of the fact that his administration was ahead of its time. Interacting with newsmen in his Burma Retreat country home at Okohia, Isiala Mbano council area of Imo state, Ohakim said that at the time he did not realize how much public education and marketing of his policies he needed to have done before pushing implementation.

Endorsement of lawmaker turns awry in Lokoja here was disquiet over Tkoja, the weekend in LoKogi State capital,

over the endorsement of a member of the state House of Assembly representing Lokoja One constituency, Suleman Babadoko for a second term. The endorsement was by some stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lokoja Local Government Area. The Secretary of PDP in Lokoja, Shaibu Momoh, at a media briefing in Lokoja told Journalists that the party's decision to return the incumbent legislator as unopposed candidate was based on his track record and quality representation for his constituency. But one of the core contenders Alhaji Umar Gwadabe, described the endorsement as a ruse, stressing that, there was

no time the party in the Local Government considered endorsing any candidate. In what he described as a charade, and political blunder, the PDP Assembly aspirant argued that the party is a strong believer of true and internal democracy, saying that some hungry men in the party were trying to endorse his opponent as a consensus candidate. "But funny enough, the leadership has never one day met and discussed consensus candidature. One of the key issues during the stakeholders meeting in Lokoja, was that Lokoja One Assembly seat had always been rotational. It was agreed that it is the turn of ward C, which is my ward that the Assembly seat has to shift from Ward D, where the so-called consensus person comes from.

Dickson approves pension for Sylva Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has approved the release of funds for the payment of the pension and severance allowance to Former Governors, Deputies and other former political office holders. That includes the immediate past Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva. Also approved by Governor Seriake Dickson is the setting up of a fourman committee to look into the review of the ordered revocation of the sales of the Government Quaters in Opolo area of the State to political office holders under

the last administration and the issues that arose from the sack of members of State Government Statutory Agencies and Commissions under the last administration. The committee is made up of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Edmund Allisson-Oguru and the State Commissioner of Justice and AttorneyG e n e r a l , Ke m e s u o d e Wodu. While on the side of the former political appointees were former Secretary to the State Gover nment,Alabo Gideon Ekeowe and the former Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Dennis Otiotio.

Bisalla: NUJ seeks compulsory insurance cover for journalists

... Uduaghan, Sheraton Hotel& Towers condole with NewTelegraph

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja, Dominic Adewole, Asaba

he leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an adequate life insurance policy cover for all practicing journalists in the country to mitigate the hazards inherent in the profession. National Secretary of NUJ Shu’aibu Usman Leman, made the call yesterday in Abuja, when he led an NUJ team to condole with the staff and management of New Telegraph Newspaper on the sudden death of the Newspaper’s Managing Editor,(North) Mallam Suleiman Bisalla. Bisalla died last Wednesday in a bomb blast at the Abuja Emab plaza. Describing journalists’ job as too precarious in the face of insurgency, he said time was ripe for an insurance policy for practicing journalists, saying the profession had lost more of its members to the growing insurgency in the country .

“We are here to convey our sympathy on the sudden death of one of your dedicated editorial members. The issue of security as it affects journalists has been raised several times. We have witnessed so much bloodshed since insurgency started and we have lost some of our members and this clearly shows the precarious nature of this profession. Since security agencies have not been able to quickly curb this menace, we are strongly advocating compulsory insurance cover for all practicing journalists in the country”, said the NUJ scribe, who was accompanied by other executive members of the organ. He described the late Bisalla as quintessential journalist that would be missed greatly by all, noting that he had gone to take eternal rest. In a response, New Telegraph Deputy Editor, Mr. Louis Achi, who received the NUJ delegation on behalf of management, appreciated

the solidarity NUJ had shown. He described Bisalla’s untimely death as loss to all. “If Suleiman was imprisoned like Aljazeera TV journalists, it would have been fair and better but he was brutally taken out suddenly. Today, we are faced with a very bloody situation affecting the practice of the profession”, said Achi. Also yesterday, the management of Starwood Hotels and Resort and the management of the Sheraton Hotel and Towers expressed their condolence to the management of New Telegraph. Delivering a condolence letter on behalf of her organization, the Hotel Public Relations Manager, Nanji Laura Tyem, prayed God to grant Bisalla’ s soul deserved eternal rest. Also yesterday, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, described the death of Bisalla, as “unfortunate.” The governor in a statement signed by his

Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sunny Ogefere, expressed sadness at the loss of an erudite journalist. He said, “I share in the grief of the loss of Suleiman, whom I believe have distinguished himself as an accomplished, versatile and crack journalist, given the stream of encomium and tributes that have poured in since his unfortunate death.” While he observed that Bisalla’s death would be a “big blow” to the trail-blazing newspapers’ management, which has within a year “carved a niche for itself in the industry”, he commiserated with the family, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) of the deceased. “While not diminishing the loss of other victims of the unfortunate blast, as one with a deep passion and love for journalists, I received the news of the death of Suleiman with great sense of loss and sadness.”

L-R: Manager, Abuja Markets Management Limited, Area Complex, Musa Shellewh; Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, Ngozi Imora and Project Manager, Nigerian Road Safety Partnership, Babagana Ibrahim, at a safety rally for business Community in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Kalu still in shock over bombing Isioma Madike

ormer governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has condoled with the management and staff of the New Telegraph Newspaper over the death of its Managing Editor (North), Suleiman Bisalla. Bisalla died last Wednesday in the bomb blast at the EMAB Plaza in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Kalu described the death of the journalist as shocking and saddening, saying that the

media has lost an accomplished and a consummate professional. He described Bisalla as a colleague, who became an unfortunate casualty in the unnecessary insurgency presently threatening Nigeria's very integrity. He said: “Last week was a particularly startling one in this campaign of terror, as militant forces set off a targeted blast in a bustling Abuja market, morbidly timed to maximise the potential loss of life. “From the assault and those that subsequently

followed, we derive that we can no longer believe that threats from North or South are acute, firmly-rooted, nor lacking the capacity to be exported at a large scale.” For the publisher, “to say that the diverse communities that comprise Nigeria, from all walks of life, are today aggrieved with the state of their security, concerned for their wellbeing and that of their country, is a gross understatement.” He regretted the loss of journalists such as Mr. Bisalla, who have

long held dear the tenets of liberty, of freedom, to express opinion with impunity, to live in a way that befits one's self and ultimately, and to prosper on one's own terms in a nation conducive to the pursuit of happiness. He said that Nigeria can only continue its forward-trajectory and grow as an economic steward of the budding continent's emerging markets if it holds these tenets dear and ensures no compromises are made in our struggle for prosperity.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Registration: Judge's absence stalls judgment in suit against INEC Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

he absence of Justice TFederal Gabriel Kolawole of the High Court sitting

in Abuja yesterday stalled the judgment in the suit instituted by Democratic People’s Congress DPC against the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC over the Commission’s refusal to register it as a political party. The court had after submissions of counsel

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (left), exchanging pleasantries with Bishop Cletus Bassey after his investiture as the Archbishop of Uyo Diocese

Terrorism: Makarfi tasks Nyako, others Chukwu David

Abuja

ormer Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi yesterday posited that only responsible leadership by the governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States could end the lingering Boko Haram insurgency and its terrorist activities in the zone and the country at large. Makarfi, who made the statement in Abuja at a media chat with the Senate Press Corps, also warned the governors not to take sides in the security problem, if the battle against the menace must be won by the government, lamenting that the current terrorism in the country was the most dangerous and

worrisome security challenge amongst all the vices confronting Nigeria at the moment. Accordingly, he cautioned the governors to watch what they say, do and how they move, arguing that their body language have a lot of influence on the perception of the people about whether or not they are fuelling the crisis or sincerely tackling the problem. "The governors and all the leaders in those respective states must give the needed responsible leadership. No governor should be seen to take sides in the conflict. If any governor, whether because he said so or his body language indicates that he has taken sides, he will never be able to restore peace. People would continue to fight.

FG goes tough on date-markings on products Dele Alao he Federal Government Tsade yesterday renewed its cruagainst the existence of sub-standard products in the country as it endorsed a fresh onslaught on the enforcement of date-markings on products. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga,

made the government’s position known while launching the “Check the BB (Best Before) Date” campaign of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Abuja. The Council has given a six-month ultimatum to product dealers to stop indiscriminate storing, which could undermine the quality of products.

Qua Iboe fire: ExxonMobil notifies DPR Adeola Yusuf he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday confirmed the receipt of notification from ExxonMobil over the fire incident at its Qua Iboe facility in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. This came as New Telegraph gathered that crude oil loading has resumed on the 400, 000 capacity facility after what the company called a minor fire incident.

In a statement made available by Mr. Ozemoya Okordion of Public and Government Affairs (Media and Communications) of the ExxonMobil, the company insisted that no oil was released in the fire incident. “We notified relevant regulatory authorities. There is no impact to production, that the fire, which was caused by a lightning strike last Friday was safely extinguished by noon of the same day.

Yero threatens contractors Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna

Mukhtar RamaGhasovernor lan Yero of Kaduna State promised to review all

ongoing contracts, just as he threatened to revoke non performing contracts. The governor, who handed down this threat yesterday during inspection of projects in Soba Local Government Area, said his administration will take action against

contractors that have dumped project sites. According to Yero, "the essence of the review is to ensure the completion of projects earmarked in the 2014 budget before the end of December." The governor tasked the contractor to commence the second phase of the Soba-Ikara road, which is laying of asphalt and completion of drainage.

Senators disagree over bill Chukwu David

Abuja

hairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang (Akwa-Ibom-PDP) and Chris Anyanwu (ImoPDP) yesterday disagreed sharply over the power of the National Assembly to legislate on a bill that would be binding on the 36 states of the federation. The two legislators expressed divergent views on the matter at the public hearing conducted on it by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters . The disagreement ensued when Senator Anyanwu, who sponsored the bill, and Ita-Enang, a member of the Committee argued on the critical issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments. Ita-Enang, a lawyer by training and practice, had raised critical legal issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments such as whether laws made by the National Assembly on issues pertaining to sexual offences which are already contained in the laws of the states could be enforced in the state . He argued that the Na-

tional Assembly could not make laws on rape for the states , pointing out that any law from the National Assembly is only enforceable in the federal capital territory FCT. He insisted that the various provisions proposed in the bill were mere re-production of existing laws on rape across the various states of the federation." He said, "The best the National Assembly can do, is to amend the laws, and these are the issues for determination before the public hearing. If the existing laws are weak, what is required is to strengthen them." However, Anyanwu countered Enang's position, stressing that the bill had nothing to do with the numerous legal books being cited by Enang. She therefore, insisted that, the incidents of rape had become common place in Nigeria without any of the existing laws catching up with the perpetrators.

in the matter fixed May 30 for judgement but the court did not sit on that day, but later adjourned to yesterday. Reacting to the development, Democratic People’s Congress through its counsel, Ezekiel Vem’ Ofou, in a letter to the Court’s Registrar, dated June 30, 2014, requested for “expeditious judgment in view of the statutory requirement that all political parties must be registered at least 6 months to a general election.”

Ajimobi wants decorum, decency among politicians Abiola Ajimobi Gonovernor of Oyo State has called politicians to exhibit

high level of decorum and decency in order to ensure a successful and peaceful democratic process, as the 2015 general elections draw near. He stated this while receiving a delegation of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) who paid him a courtesy call at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan yesterday. Ajimobi said that since the objective of any political party was to promote development and the wel-

fare of the people, there should be no need for rancour and bitterness among politicians. The governor affirmed that developmental politics should be the focus of every participant, stressing that good legacy should be the main objective to be pursued by politicians. While commending the initiative of the council for creating a platform for interaction among different political parties to ensure that such interaction is geared towards providing good governance to better the lots of the people.

Kupolokun loses wife

Adeola Yusuf

Group Managing Frianormer Director of the NigeNational Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engineer Funsho Kupolokun is bereaved. His wife, Mrs. Olubukola Olatokunbo died in a London Hospital after a battle with an undisclosed ailment.

A statement issued by the family said that Mrs. Kupolokun was aged 63 before she breathed her last in London. She was survived by her husband and former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Funsho Kupolokun and four children.

DSK advocates inter-faith Ramadan prayers Sabiu Mustapha

JALINGO

he President of DSK TDirector, Foundation and Deputy National Assem-

bly Service Commission, Chief David Sabo Kente, has called on Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to fervently pray for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the country particularly in the North-Eastern region where Boko Haram insur-

gents mostly carry out their evil activities. In a statement issued yesterday by his media aide, Mr. Livinus Saint Kaior, in Jalingo, Kente said, prayer is the strongest weapon against adversity. He however urged Christians to join their Muslims brothers in fasting for lasting peace and unity in Taraba State and the country at large.

Katsina pensioners angry over non-payment of gratuities Ahmed Sani Mohammed KATSINA

igerian Union of PenNchapter sioners Katsina State has expressed dismay over the non payment of gratuity to retired

civil servants amounting to over N3 billion. The Secretary of the union, Alhaji Ahmadu Danmalam, told newsmen yesterday that the amount is for civil servants that retired be-

tween 2013 and 2014. According to him, within the 2013 and 2 0 1 4 , four different batches of civil servants retired from service and none of them received his gratuity.

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Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Insecurity: ‘Nigerians must unite to stamp out terrorism’ Clement James

Calabar

irrespective of Ncaligerians, tribe, religion or politiaffiliation, must unite

against the menace of Boko Haram if the country is to make any tangible progress. This was the submission of the former Commander of the Engineering Unit, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, BrigadierGeneral Christopher Duke (rtd.) yesterday. He made the remark in Calabar, during the formal inauguration of the state, local government and ward executives of a non-governmental organisation, “One Nigeria Initiative.”

Duke, who was a special guest at the occasion, said if every Nigerian is security conscious, there will be nothing like Boko Haram in the country. “I urge you all to be security conscious. If everybody is security conscious, then there will be nothing like Boko Haram,” he said. He said Nigerians must not be lukewarm about security matters, noting that security is everybody’s business. He said: “Boko Haram is not targeting a particular tribe,norisithittingaparticular religion. So, if we work as a team by reporting strange people in our environment to security agents, we would be abletostemtheir activities.”

Strike: Poly lecturers blame Wike Mojeed Alabi triking Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has blamed the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for the protracted crisis rocking the nation’s polytechnic education, insisting that until the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan realises the danger the minister constitutes to the education sector, there may be no headway in the sector. The union, rising from its two-day National Executive Council meeting held last week at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, said having reviewed the situation surrounding the cumulative 11-month-old strike, members resolved to continue the industrial action until government fulfills all the conditions that necessitated the strike. In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by its National President, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the union ac-

cused the minister of frustrating efforts by stakeholders to intervene and resolve the crisis. The statement reads in part; “We are particularly worried about the disposition and posture of the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nysome Wike, who appears not to have grasped the intricacies of the workings of tertiary education. By his utterances and actions, the minister has tended to frustrate the resolution processes, contradicting himself on most pronouncements concerning reasons for the strike. “Perplexingly, when the House of Representatives Committee on Education convened a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at resolving the impasse, the Hon. Minister of Education had informed the stakeholders that the CONTISS 15 Migration had been queried by the Salaries Income and Wages Commission and an InterMinisterial Committee set up by government to look into the matter."

Alleged $8.4m fraud: Lawyer’s absence stalls Ajudua’s trial Foluso Ogunmodede or the umpteenth time, the trial of alleged fraudster, Mr. Fred Chijindu Ajudua, over a $8.4 million fraud allegedly perpetrated against a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, was again stalled yesterday following the absence of his lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo. Ajudua, who is standing trial before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, of an Ikeja High Court, was charged on a 14-count of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence. The accused person is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC) for allegedly swindling Bamaiyi of $8.4 million while the duo were at the Kirikiri Prison, Lagos, between November 2004 and June 2005. According to the EFCC, Ajudua and others still at large, allegedly defrauded the erstwhile army chief by false claims that the money represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and also to facilitate his release from prison. However, Ajudua while pleading his innocence, had in an application, insisted that Bamaiyi must be put on trial for admitting that he offered a bribe to facilitate his release from prison custody through the backdoor.

L-R: Wife of the new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folasade Onanuga; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; the new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, at the swearing in of Olufemi in Lagos …yesterday

APC wants to embarrass Fayose with EFCC, says PDP • We’ll improve on our performance – INEC ALLEGATIONS The Ekiti election is won and dost. But battle has shifted to newspaper pages Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday raised the alarm over plans by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to embarrass the Governor-Elect of the state, Mr. Ayo Fayose. Fayose was the party’s candidate in the June 21, governorship election in which he defeated the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and 16 others. PDP’s allegation came yesterday on the heels of

a promise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve on its performances in subsequent elections in the country. Making the promise in Ado-Ekiti, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Halilu Pai, said the commission will continue to improve on its performance and give Nigerians something to cheer in next year’s general elections by further raising the standard of elections in the country. But the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said APC’s plan to embarrass Fayose through the EFCC was hatched at a meeting of the party’s leaders in Lagos State. He said the meeting, which allegedly held at the weekend in the house of a top member of the APC, had the national leaders of the party in

attendance. He added that after reviewing the dismal performance of the party in the election, and not being able to fault the conduct of the poll, the APC leaders resolved to embark on a campaign of calumny against Fayose. “One of their strategies is to use the EFCC to harass, intimidate and embarrass the GovernorElect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. They have budgeted huge sums of money in local and foreign currencies to bribe some EFCC officials. This is despite the fact that the anti-graft agency has not been able to establish any criminal case against Fayose all these years. “They have also mandated the outgoing governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to ensure that he frustrates the incoming administration and not to avail it any cooperation

that could help it take off smoothly,” he alleged. Reacting to the allegation, APC Director of Publicity and Media, Mr. Segun Dipe, who refuted the allegations, described the PDP as a ‘bunch of illiterates.’ “It is our concern that Ekiti must not be ruled by illiterates in the first instance. But, how do we do that because we don’t have control over EFCC. Why can’t EFCC embarrass Fayemi? It is because Fayemi has walked clean. “How can APC work on EFCC,? We don’t have power at the centre and EFCC reports to the President. In the short run, we can say Fayose is afraid of his own shadow.” Speaking on the election, INEC said the election in Ekiti has helped in redeeming the image of the electoral body.

Why PDP will win South-West in 2015, by party chief Okeowo Babatope Akure

ational Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the SouthWest, Chief Isola Filani, has said that the imperative of the Yoruba race to be in the mainstream of national politics will make the party win the zone back in the 2015 general elections. Filani, who was speaking in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Gover nment area of Ondo State when a former Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),

Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, led about 1,700 of his supporters from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP. He said the marginalisation of the Yoruba would stop when governors and representatives of the people in the National Assembly are elected under the platform of the party. “The PDP is in charge at the federal level and we do not want to be left out of the mainstream of national politics.” Filani said the PDP in the South-West has staged a comeback to the mainstream of national politics with the

election of Ayo Fayose in Ekiti and would go ahead to win the August 9, governorship election in Osun State. “In Osun State, we have hope. We are just coming from the campaign in Osun and the impression we got shows that we have no problem at all there. All what we need is the cooperation of all PDP members in the SouthWest, just like they did in Ekiti, where they came out to support the party.” Enikuomehin, who was speaking on behalf of others who defected to the PDP, said he was

deceived to believe that once Governor Olusegun Mimiko wins the governorship election under the platform of the LP, he would defect to the PDP. He said many of them were members of PDP in Abuja and members of LP in Ondo State, the development that made them to have two party cards. Enikuomehin added that he and his supporters from Ilaje/Eseodo federal constituency have decided to remain in the PDP and work for the victory of the party and its candidates in future elections.

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

TUESday, JULY 1, 2014

My wife fights my mother, man tells court Bisola Tiamiyu 42-year-old man, Mr Kayode Kolawole, ACourt yesterday asked an Agege Customary to dissolve his 10-year-old marriage.

Kolawole told the court that his wife, Khadijat, was either fighting with his mother or arguing with her. “She is planning bad things for me with the children. The children do not even talk to me like before. She doesn’t use the money given to her for the children’s health instead she uses it for her personal needs,” he said. Mrs Khadijat Kolawole, who is a trader, said that all that her husband had said were all lies. She said: “His mother and I are really close, nothing happened between us. Even when she was sick, I was by her side. It is what his four children see that they are reacting to.” The president of the court, Mr P. A. Williams, said it appeared both parties were not willing to be united. He adjourned the case till July 14.

NIS arrests 10 illegal migrants Dahiru Suleiman Dutse

igeria Immigration Service (NIS) has NRoad apprehended 10 people on Kanya-Babba in Babura Local Government Area of

Jigawa State for trying to leave the country illegally The suspects, seven males and three females, were arrested for not possessing genuine travelling documents. The state NIS Comptroller, Abdullahi Isa Jere, disclosed this while parading the suspects before journalists in his office. He said: “After careful study of the suspects, the NIS observed that they were without valid travelling documents, intending to use illegal route to Niger Republic en route Libya to Europe. “On completion of our investigation, we intend to forward all the suspects to National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIPP) for further interrogation alongside with their kingpin who has specialised in this dangerous business for more than 10 years.” In a related development, Jere has called on the traditional institution in the state to collaborate with NIS officials in monitoring foreigners in their domains. The comptroller made the call while receiving officials of the association of Niger Republic citizens resident in Jigawa Sstate led by Abdullahi Birnin-Kudu. He said: “Doing so will assist the command in documenting proper record for security of both the country and its citizens. “The essence is for us to know they have genuine documents for proper monitoring.” This, according to him, is to guard against violating the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Treaty among African nations. The comptroller also called on foreign nationals who wish to stay in Jigawa Sate but do not have genuine documents to visit Immigration offices in their respective local government headquarters for Resident Permit Registration, to ensure proper documentation.

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

0802 393 8212

Taxi, truck crush 22-year-old girl to death Clement James Calabar

ragedy has struck the family of one Mr Ubi, a businessman in Calabar, Cross River State, when 22-yearold Miss Ruth Ubi was crushed to death. Ruth left the house after returning from church on Sunday to a market at Atimbo, popularly called “urua nyom ebe” (market where spinsters court husbands) to buy foodstuff for her aunt, who simply gave her name as Mrs Eteng. A witness, a hairdresser, who refused to give her name, said Ruth was about to assist a five-year-old boy to cross the road when a taxi came out of a nearby street and knocked her down. “I was trying to open the door of my saloon when I saw a taxi, a Camry car, ‘carry’ the woman from where she was standing to a truck that was passing. The truck smashed her head and her brain splashed all over the place. “The taxi driver, who wanted to stop, drove off. The boy she was holding, however, escaped with injuries and has been taken to the General Hospital,” the witness said. While exonerating the trailer driver, she said people got hold of him because the taxi driver had fled. On her part, Eteng, told our correspondent at her Edim Otop residence, about 1000 meters away from the scene of the accident, that Ruth was sent to the market after church service.

She said:of“I have just come back from File picture a road accident the scene of the accident. I asked her to go and buy some food condiments for us to cook. She over-stayed and just heard people talking in low tones. Nobody told me anything until I got to the scene before I realised that it was Ruth who was involved. “I just decided to walk to the market which is close to where I live. It was along the road, I started hearing whispers from passers-by about what happened along

the main road. Behold it was my younger one, killed by two vehicles. I only met the cap and pieces of clothes that she was putting on.” Asked if she knew the boy who Ruth was trying to help, Eteng said she did not. “They only told me how she was to help a young child to cross the road when she was knocked down, but the child survived,” she said. The truck driver was taken to the Airport Police station.

‘Ibadan Poly holiday reduces Apete flood Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

asualties in the Apete flood disaster in Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday evening would have been more, but for the first semester holiday of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Students of the institution, most of who reside in Apete and settlements around the community, use the bridge more. According to an Electrical Engineering student of the institution, who pleaded anonymity, what really mitigated the number of casualties put at about 10 was the fact that the polytechnic was on semester break. He said that the casualties would have been more because students of the institution were the major users of the bridge. The downpour, which started about 4 pm, lasted for over three hours and in the process washed away the makeshift bridge which the administration of Governor

Abiola Ajimobi constructed in 2011 after the main bridge collapsed as a result of flood then. The collapse of the bridge has cut off the Ijokodo community residents from the Apete community in the area. The residents of the area put the number of those who drowned in the river at between 12 and 25, although official figure of casualties was still being awaited at press time. Meanwhile, armed policemen were still keeping vigil at the scene in Apete, on the outskirts of Iddo Local Government to keep at bay the restive youth protesting alleged negligence and slow pace of work on the construction of the main bridge linking the community with other parts of Ibadan. Business and vehicular activities were still paralysed in most parts of the community with no fewer than 10 pick-up vans belonging to security operatives stationed in strategic locations in the community.

Sympathisers gather at the scene of the disaster

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Accord Party has blamed the disaster on the alleged inability of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) government to set its priorities right. Its Publicity Secretary, Dr

METRO

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

We don’t know why we carry gun, say suspects

Azeez

Akeem

Juliana Francis

wo suspects seem to be playing a hide and seek with detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, after a gun was recovered from them. Detectives are working on the theory that the suspects, Nosiru Azeez (40) and 22-yearold Sukuru Akeem, had been using the gun to rob, but both vehemently denied it. While Akeem said that he only assisted Azeez to collect the gun from one Gbenga, aka Ejanla, the other denied plans to use the gun for any criminal purpose. According to him, it was Akeem, who called him for no reason and said that he had collected the gun from Ejanla. Detectives believed that the only way to move forward in the case is to catch Ejanla, which, according to the suspects, means a ‘big fish.’ The gun was discovered in the possession of Azeez by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). The suspect said that the

OPC men saw him with the gun after he left a party at the Idimu area to urinate. Azeez, who is a commercial bus conductor, is married and have a kid. He said: “This guy, Akeem, collected a gun from Ejanla. I later collected the gun from Akeem and I went to a party. I was drunk and came outside to urinate. An OPC man saw me and alerted the police. They took me to the station and later transferred me to SARS. “God is my witness. I had nothing in mind when I took the gun from Akeem. I had never seen a gun with Akeem before. When I collected the gun from him, I didn’t explain anything to him. I don’t know why I collected the gun from Akeem. I didn’t want to use it to rob. I have never robbed before. “In fact, the gun doesn’t even work. It had become too stiff to fire. I didn’t try to use it. It was the police that made me realise it doesn’t work. The truth is that I didn’t even ask Akeem to collect any gun for me. He was the one who called me on phone and told me that

casualties’ Nureni Adeniran, said in a statement that it was appalling that three years after the flood that ravaged Ibadan on August 26, 2011, the Ajimobi administration had not deemed it fit to complete the Apete Bridge. Although Adeniran extended the party’s condolences to the people of the state, particularly family members, friends and wellwishers of victims of the flood, he described the incident as another manifestation of the neglect of the people by an ‘insensitive’ government. He said: “Accord Party shares this moment of grief with the families of those washed away and killed at Apete, Olodo and Iwo Road in Ibadan. If the government had taken its duties seriously, those innocent souls would not have been lost to flooding.”

he had collected the gun from Ejanla.” Akeem, a welder, said he was shocked to hear Azeez deny asking him to collect the gun from Ejanla. He explained that although Ejanla was new at Idimu, where they all live, but everyone had quickly come to know that he had a gun and belonged to the Eiye Confraternity. The suspect added that there was a joint, where most of them in the area used to meet and drink. It was there they met Ejanla, before they realised he had moved into the area. He said: “Everybody who used to go there to drink knows that Ejanla is a cult member and belongs to the Eiye confraternity. “In fact, many of them in that area belong to the Eiye confraternity. Azeez came to me and asked me to help him collect the gun from Ejanla. I only assisted him to collect the gun. I didn’t ask him what he wanted to use the gun for. “It was the same day that he collected the gun that police arrested him. Azeez didn’t pay me to collect the gun for him. God is my witness. He had already told Ejanla to give him the gun. All I did was to assist him to collect the gun from Ejanla. To tell you the truth, Ejanla is new in the area. We don’t know what he does for a living. I didn’t go to police to report about the gun because I didn’t want trouble.”

Street begging: Lepers seek empowerment Gombe

he Federal Government needs to creTpeople ate programmes aimed at empowering affected by leprosy to reduce the

rampant cases of street begging in the country. The National President of the Association of Lepers, Alhaji Bello Jibrin, who made the plea at the weekend in Gombe during an annual prayer meeting held at the Blind and Crippled Workshop, Kasuwan Mata, Gombe, said the empowerment programme would also help in reducing the hardship faced by members. Jibrin appealed to the state government to look into their matter and assist his members with monthly allowance. He urged government at all levels and corporate bodies to put in more efforts and ensure mass education that would cover his members across the country. Jibrin decried the denial of his members’ participation in government programmes, arguing that they were citizens of Nigeria and needed to be treated as such. He advised people affected by leprosy to always attend hospitals and clinics to enable them to acquire drugs. According to him, the Federal Government needs to make efforts to eradicate leprosy in the country. Jibrin also called on his members to enrol their children in school. He added that leprosy was a major disease affecting citizens, especially in the North.

A street begger

Peoplecrossing the expressway near the pedestrian bridge at Ojota

who breach environTwillhose mental laws in Lagos State henceforth be made to

carry out community services. The Area Commander, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Ikorodu/Ojota unit, Mr Segun Dada, disclosed this in an interview with NT Metro yesterday. This, according to him, has become necessary with the increasing population of persons committing offenses such as

‘Ikare, Okitipupa get Mother and Child Hospitals soon’

Ugo Willie

KAI introduces community service for offenders

Camillus Nnaji

dashing across the expressway instead of using the pedestrian bridges, hawking, illegal erection of stalls among others. Dada regretted that despite efforts made by the government to construct the pedestrian bridges at strategic locations across the state, many pedestrians still put their lives at risk by dashing across the expressway. He said: “On a daily basis, people are being knocked down while crossing the expressway, yet others have refused to learn

any lesson from that. “An average Nigerian is recalcitrant, especially during democracy like this. But we must do our job. Because of the population of people crossing the expressway, we are having a hectic time pursuing them up and down.” Dada added that some offenders might be made to carry out community-based services. He said: “We ask some to sweep the expressway while others do rake and throw away refuse. Those who obey us, we normally set them free after warning them for the last time. But those who refuse to obey us, we charge them to court. “Lagos State Government has taken the issue of safety of pedestrians very seriously by sending out jingles and spot announcements on the radio and television. “Our priority is not to charge anybody to court but to make people aware and comply with environmental laws. We educate pedestrians through the mass media in order to reach out to the public properly.”

Mother and Child Hospital, Akure

overnor Olusegun Mimiko of GOkitipupa Ondo State has said that Ikare and would soon get Mother

and Child Hospitals. Mimiko announced this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the First Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter in Akure at the weekend. The governor added that his administration would remain committed to its Health Revolution Programme to continue to make the state better and healthier. Mimiko, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, said Ikare and Okitipupa would get their own Mother and Child Hospitals to complement the two that had been existing in Akure and Ondo towns. The governor said his vision was that by 2015, at least 20,000 of the estimated 30,000 deliveries in Ondo State would be catered for in the four Mother and Child Hospitals strategically located in parts of the state. He said that the remaining 10,000 children would then be distributed among the peripheral Abiye Centres and the private hospitals. Mimiko said that the feat, when achieved, would be unmatched in the annals of maternal and child healthcare service provision in Nigeria. The governor said the two stateof-the-art Mother and Child Hospitals in Akure and Ondo remained the maternal facilities in Nigeria offering free qualitative health services, including free consultation, admission, medication, blood transfusion and surgical operation to the teeming masses, irrespective of social status, ethnicity or place of residence. He said his administration launched the Ondo State Routine Immunisation Reaching Every Ward Always (ORIREWA) to ensure that immunisation reached all ‘immunable’ children as at when due with a Modern Cold Chain Store built at Oke-Eda, Akure. Mimiko said his health revolution also focused on reducing morbidity and mortality from road traffic accident which, he said, had become daily occurrence on Nigerian roads with the establishment of a first of its kind state-of-the-art Trauma and Surgical Centre at Laje, Ondo with first class facilities where over 120 patients had been attended to.

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Group alleges campaign to wipe out northern Christians GENOCIDE

Intersociety warns that religious war looms Leo Sobechi

he leadership of International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, (Intersociety) has raised the alarm that the concerted attempts to wipe out northern Christians and plunge Nigeria into a religious war was capable of truncating the 2015 general election. In a statement signed by the chairman, Mr.

2.81m

Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety noted that the grim statistics generated from recent killings by the Boko Haram Islamic sect and Fulani jihadists show that serious efforts were being coordinated to “eliminate all Christian communities in northern Nigeria with a view to founding an Arewa Islamic Republic.” In the statement made available to New Telegraph, Intersociety noted with regrets a statement credited to Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the AFP where he stated that “the injustices meted out to northern Muslims by a Christian President fu-

The total population of Taiyuan, China in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

elled Boko Haram insurgency”. Intersociety therefore pointed out that “the ethno-religious cleansing campaigns launched in July 2009 are also targeted at forcing the federal governing authorities in the country to return the presidency to core northern Muslims,” adding that other leading northern Muslim politicians have also not hidden their support and sponsorship of “Christian blood-fornorthern presidency” campaigns. Referring to an earlier letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on Boko Haram terror and tendencies, Intersociety recalled

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

that “in 66 days (April to first week of June), Nigeria lost 1,296 innocent citizens to Boko Haram terror campaigns. Most of the causalities are northern Christians, followed by Igbo-Christians.” “Our recent checks have clearly indicated that between June 23 and June 29, 2014, a period of seven days, at least 258 citizens, mostly northern Christians, have been murdered by the Boko Haram and the Islamic Fulani terror sects,” it added, stressing that the number of Muslim victims in the attacks is too insignificant and accidental. While stating that the

3.4%

The percentage of households with internet access at home in Africa region in 2010. Source: Itu.int

“conduct of general polls is usually very popular among the country’s security chiefs because of fat illicit cash inflows usually doled out to them, especially by gubernatorial and presidential aspirants, candidates and incumbents,” the group urged President Jonathan to rise up to the occasion. Part of the statement read: “It is also sad that what appears to have occupied the mind of Nigeria’s President is how to retain and hang onto office come early 2015. If a president values his or her office seat more than the lives of Nigerians, then this is considered

Dickson raises panel on abandoned NDDC projects Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Bayelsa State GovTson, ernor, Seriake Dickat the weekend

L-R: Right activist KayodeAjulo; Chief Judge of Abuja, Justice Ibrahim Bukar and Dotun Sowemimo, during swearing of Ajulo as a Notary Public in Abuja . PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

a fundamental breach of his or her oaths of office and allegiance to the Constitution and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… “The worst case appears to be that of the Inspector General of Police. As head of the country’s most populated security agency with up to 400,000 officers and men or more that consumes 30 percent of the country’s defence budgets annually it is a shameful thing to note the colossal failure of the force in making any impact in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic Fulfulde terror campaigns against Nigeria and Nigerians.”

slammed the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over abandoned projects in the State. Dickson, who spoke in Yenagoa, while inaugurating a nine-member special committee on the monitoring of NDDC projects in the state, noted that there were concerns that most of the projects awarded by the interventionist agency had been abandoned. Dickson said though the committee was not set up to witch-hunt anybody, the committee must ensure that the state gets its fair share

of NDDC's projects as a major contributor of the funds with which the commission executes its core mandate in the region. He identified the politicisation of the commission as a major factor militating against the effective implementation of development projects, noting that some contractors defraud the state and go scot-free at the detriment of the people. The governor maintained, " There are concerns that some projects are completed and payments made only on paper and because of the over- politicisation of NDDC, you have a situation where people sit down in other places, and get contracts awarded to themselves."

Ex- deputy chairman, Okonkwo, resigns from APC Ebonyi community accuses Temitope Ogunbanke

ne immediate past interim Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Annie Okonkwo, has resigned from the party. Okonkwo, who is also the President of C21 an Igbo socio-political action group in a statement he personally signed yesterday, said he resigned his APC membership because of the party’s scruffy

promises, lack of internal party democracy, and the clannish and sectional disposition of the leadership. He added that APC had no good intensions for the South- East people. The statement read in part: “The National Chairman of the party is aware of my involvement in the formation of this party from the onset when all members were given onerous task of setting up a party to epitomize change. “In all of these assign-

ments, I committed myself financially, mentally and socially. I believed firmly in the lofty ideal we had jointly and severally set for ourselves. “The conviviality, and comrade spirit I had hoped for amongst the progressives in the formation of this party has taken flight. What I see now is a gathering of non-progressives that do not have the interest of the party at heart hence my decision to quit the party.

“I stepped down my gubernatorial ambition for peace to be in the party but instead of being hailed for this sacrifice, I was hunted and hounded which orchestrated my suspension from duty as Deputy National Chairman (South) on a trumped up petition of anti-party activities. “My suspension was investigated by Senator Kabiru Gaya’s Committee which exonerated me from all allegations.”

APGA chieftain accuses Agbaso of high-handedness Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

chieftain of the All AAlliance Progressives Grand (APGA) in Imo State and chairman of the party in Okigwe Local Government Area, Dr. Lawrence Nzeribe, has criticized the leader of the party in Imo State,

Chief Martin Agbaso, over alleged high-handedness and arbitrary removal and replacement of party officials, without recourse to the party's constitution. In a petition addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Nzeribe accused Agbaso who is also a governorship aspirant,

of attempting to hijack the party for selfish reasons. Nzeribe, who was recently elected chairman of APGA in Okigwe zone, narrated how he allegedly became a victim of Agbaso's alleged highhandedness on Sunday June 23, 2014 when Agbaso invited the 27 local

government APGA chairmen for a meeting. Said he, "At the forum, Agbaso had tried to cajole and intimidate us by saying that he nominated and appointed most of us and nobody has come forward to thank him except two people; that this time, it was our duty to pay him back."

Elechi of marginalisation Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

raditional rulers, leadTunion ers of thought, town presidents and

women groups in the seven clans that make up Igboassa Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have described as unfortunate and regrettable the marginalisation the community is experiencing under the administration of Chief Martin Elechi. The traditional rulers and the different groups made their feelings known to New Telegraph when they presented the symbol of authority (Ofor) of the Community to Chief Obinna Ogba endorsing him as their consensus candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone ahead of the

2015 general election. Addressing the people, the traditional ruler of Amezu community, Eze Michael Egbo, said the people were yet to experience any infrastructural, human or social development in the seven years of Chief Martin Elechi, adding that they have been criminally marginalized by the administration. According to him: "The Nkalagu-Nigercem-Ikem road is a death trap, the State Government has frustrated all investors that came to revitalise Nigercem, all the unity bridges, none is sited in Igboassa, our youths after graduation are not given jobs, we would have preferred to remain in Enugu State if we had anticipated the gross marginalisation."

DABIN’S GUBER AMBITION RUPTURES PLATEAU PDP / PAGE 14 | IMO CHARTER OF EQUITY: FESTERING ZONING QUESTION / PAGE 15

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

LABOUR PARTY: HAVEN OF AGGRIEVED POLITICIANS

p-16

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

As the supremacy war in the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rages, KUNLE OLAYENI examines the political options before a former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, as Governor Ibikunle Amosun gains an upper hand in the intra-party feud.

What next for Osoba?

ormer Ogun State governor and one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olusegun Osoba, is probably at crossroads. His dilemma stemmed from the recognition of a factional state executive of the party loyal to Governor Ibikunle Amosun by the APC national leadership as against his own faction. The development was the climax of the supremacy battle in Ogun APC where warring members conducted parallel congresses and produced different executives in the struggle for the party structures. Shortly before the party’s recent national convention in Abuja, the former Interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, inaugurated state chairmen who were elected at the state congresses of the party conducted in April. The inauguration was held amid intrigues and complaints by some states’ delegates. Notwithstanding the outcry from some quarters, Akande tried to calm frayed nerves by downplaying the resultant protests, saying investigation was still ongoing into the controversial emergence of some of the party chairmen. “There are complaints and protests about how some of you emerged. We are not going to sweep these complaints under the carpet; we are going to continue investigations about how all of you emerged. And those of you who emerged not in accordance with guidelines of this party will be thrown out,” Akande had said. For Ogun State, the Alhaji Roqeeb Adeniji-led executive loyal to Amosun got the nod of APC national leadership. In other words, the decision displaced Osoba and tactically stripped him of powers and influence in the affairs of the party in his home state as his factional executive members led by Chief Olu Agemo were not recognised. It was a big blow to the former governor, whose political camp boasts of the state’s three senators, Adegbenga Kaka, Gbenga Obadara and Akin Odunsi, and six House of Representatives members namely Adekunle Adeyemi, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, Kehinde Odeneye, Bukunola Buraimoh, Babatunde Ogunola and Olumide Osoba. The state deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, some House of Assembly members as well as notable grassroots’ politicians also belong to the Osoba faction. When they got wind of the Abuja inauguration, loyalists of Osoba held

Osoba

an emergency meeting where they described the development as “corruption of the highest order.” They queried the rationale behind Akande’s action when the elders’ committee promised by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to resolve the state crisis had not showed up. Osoba particularly expressed displeasure at the decision of the APC national leadership to recognise the faction loyal to Amosun, describing it as “provocation.” He added that it was an indication of the danger ahead. The former governor observed that

the decision would have devastating consequences for the party just as he declared that aggrieved members were waiting for the governor at the general election. He urged his loyalists at ward, local government and state levels to intensify their meetings. Osoba, however, denied speculation that he and his loyalists planned to defect to the newly registered Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He said: “The fight is a political fight. Some people said we should go to court. I said this is not a judicial issue, it is political. If they are greater than us or not, let’s wait till the elections. We will wait

CROSSFIRE The deployment of thousands of heavily armed, gun wielding military personnel for a simple election is not only an apparent rule of force in a democracy, but a reckless display of raw power -Olapade Agoro

Whoever that complains about the use of military during election, is making the greatest mistake of his lifetime. The soldiers who were used never intervened in any way with the way people voted -Ebenezer Babatope

for them at the poll. “There is no greater provocation than the one we suffered. I saw it coming. The war we are preparing for is a political war. The seat of governor is only temporary. Anything that has a terminal date is temporary. “You should remain focused that this will end one day and the people’s power will be in place. If God has revealed your enemy to you, you cannot be killed by him again.” Following the Abuja verdict which seemed to have laid to rest the tussle over Ogun APC structures, Amosun’s loyalists inaugurated the new state executive of the party at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The ceremony held on June 9 was grand and colourful. Party members from the 20 local government areas of the state were in attendance. The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, a House of Representatives member, Segun Williams, former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Ola Bello, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Olu Adebanjo, Chief Dayo Abatan, Senator Dipo Odujinrin, Deacon Poju Adeyemi, Asiwaju Bisi Adegbuyi and Hon. Kunle Elegbede were present. While addressing the gathering, Amosun said he was committed to ensuring unity and stability in the party ahead of the 2015 elections. The governor urged party members to eschew acrimony and intensify meetings at ward and local government levels. He said: “We have a lot of work to do. We cannot allow one member not to be in the fold. We must find a way to unite everybody. We are all winners. Let us appeal to those who are aggrieved to come back. “We should not allow our members to defect to other parties. We have to bring in more members into the party. We have to intensify meetings at ward and local government levels. By God’s grace, the APC will win in 2015.” Perhaps, Osoba had banked on former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi, to reverse the “humiliation” he suffered in Akande’s hands. But Ikimi, whom Osoba’s men had tacitly supported in the race for national chairmanship of APC, was eventually outsmarted at the party’s national convention. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who was sponsored by the camp of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, emerged as the substantive chairman. Odigie-Oyegun’s emergence obviously dashed the hopes of Osoba and his supporters in the APC. Thus, they are left with alternative choices to tinker with in order to remain relevant in the political scene. Pulling out of the APC is one of the options. Osoba had indeed hinted at the possibility of dumping the APC when he told his supporters during a consultative meeting in Abeokuta: “When did we form APC? It’s not up to a year. You people are a moving vehicle and we have dropped the traitors and the betrayers.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

14 POLITICS The governorship ambition of Dr. Haruna Dabin has earned him suspension as chairman of the Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), writes MUSA PAM

he turnout of events in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has prompted many individuals and groups to wonder where the state’s party chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin, got it wrong that warrant his suspension by the state executive committee recently in Jos. Dabin was said to have stabilised the party in the state in the last four years after he succeeded Prof. Dakum Shown in 2011. However, the main reasoned for his suspension New Telegraph reliably gathered was his public declaration to run for governorship position of the state in 2015. For the past three weeks, as a result of this single act, the suspended chairman has been having a running battle with some members of the PDP’s Working Committee and Governor Jonah Jang who doubles as the leader of the party in the state. Both the working committee and the governor insisted that since the chairman has indicated interest to occupy the governorship seat, then he must resign if he wants to contest the 2015 election. This development caused a big division among stakeholders and party supporters. Those close to Dabin view the directive to resign as too rough and a plan to frustrate his ambition, while others contend that the decision is based on the provision of the party’s constitution, which Dabin himself vehemently rejected. The working committee on its part has openly asked the state chairman to resign his position. A member of the committee informed our correspondent that the committee walked out on Dabin during a meeting held at the state party secretariat recently in Jos It was further learnt that the committee was infuriated over the insistence of Dabin to preside over the meeting of the working committee. Many PDP members in the state have accused Dabin of high handedness and financial misappropriation. The source said: “A meeting of the working committee was summoned by the chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin. But at the meeting, members challenged him over his intention to contest the 2015 general election having declared his intention in the media. “Members thereafter advised him to resign based on the fact that he cannot remain as chairman of the party and as party candidate at the same time. And when he insisted, members walked out on him for lack of confidence in his leadership of the party.” It was further learnt that the move to walk out on him unsettled the party chairman as he made efforts to deny informing Governor Jang of his political ambition. Members of the state working committee left the party secretariat with a vow to reconvene soon to commence a process of replacing Dabin as chairman of the party in the state if he fails to submit his resignation letter before then. The members insisted that they would never allow Dabin to chair the party and the working committee while contesting for governorship position on the platform of the same party. However, in what could be described as a drama following that same meeting the party denied asking the chairman to resign. State Publicity Secretary of the party, Peter Shyepsuk in a statement made available to New Telegraph denied the resignation issue. Shyepsuk said: “Let it be stated clearly that the leadership of the par-

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Dabin’s guber ambition ruptures Plateau PDP

Dabin

ty did not at any point ask the chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin to resign his appointment. “What actually happened was that at the commencement of the working committee’s meeting, a member challenged the chairman who was presiding over the meeting to step aside having made his intention to contest the 2015 governorship election to which Dabin said there was nowhere in the party’s constitution that bars an exco of the party from contesting any position. “As the argument went on and Dabin stood his ground, the member then said if Dabin would chair the meeting, he was not going to be part of the meeting and instantly walked out, with three others who backed him.” The statement also stated that the meeting however held as those who remained forming the majority went on to deliberate as usual. Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Transformation Youth Vanguard also described the suspension of Dabin as illegal, and called on the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mua’azu to as a matter of urgency intervene in the crisis brewing in the state’s chapter of the party, which has led to what they said, was the illegal suspension of the chairman. The group described the purported suspension of Dabin by the State Executive Committee after making his intention to contest the 2015 governorship poll in the state as illegal and a calculated attempt to cause division in the party. National Coordinator of the group, Mr. James Nuhu, insisted that Dabin was denied a right to fair hearing before the purported suspension. According to him, “the unfolding events are certainly and surely processes of division within the PDP family on the Plateau, if not promptly settled

The unfolding events are certainly and surely processes of division within the PDP family on the Plateau considering the security situation presently in the state. “The manner in which the State Executive Committee and the Plateau PDP loyal to the governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang, acted portends an exhibition of nepotism and undemocratic ethics. The party at the state level has been enjoying relative peace until the party chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin, informed the governor of his intention to aspire for the governorship position on June 7, 2014 and then hell broke loose. “We call on the PDP at the national level to wade into the matter to save the anomalies by enforcing justice, equity and discipline within its fold on the Plateau to forestall the imposition of anarchy, feudalism and crass indiscipline orchestrated by Governor Jang.” The group noted that the suspension was illegal contrary to the PDP constitution of 2012 (as amended chapter six) section (47:5 which says “any officer elected in to the executive committee of the party at any level may resign his or her office by giving 30 days’ notice in writing to the appropriate executive committee, except in the case of resignation for the purpose of vying for an elective office which shall be effective within the period stipulated in the guidelines issued for such elective office by the national executive committee of the party or the state Executive Committee in the respect of local government elections.” Another group, the Christian Youth

for True Democracy had also called on members of the Plateau State chapter of the PDP to resolve their differences for the betterment of the state before it would be too late. Before Dabin’s suspension, he had issued a press statement raising alarm that some individuals had dished out invitations for a meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to hold without his knowledge. The notice for the meeting where his purported suspension was announced was issued by the state secretary of the party, Mr. Saleh Pam, which was held on Monday June 16 at the Presidential Lodge, Jos. The meeting was presided by the deputy governor, Mr Ignatius Longjan. The communique issued at the end of the meeting included the suspension of the chairman who was absent at the meeting on grounds of alleged misappropriation of party funds in the state, and foralso instituting a suit against the party. The PDP chairman of Qua’an Pan local government area, Mr Noel Maiyaki and Hon. Simon Mwadkon, member representing Riyom/Barkin Ladi Constituency in the House of Representatives, signed the communiqué, which was read by the chairman of Mangu Local Government council, Caleb Mutfwang. Others who also signed the document included Hon. Timothy Golu, member, Plateau State House of Assembly and Gyang Badung representing the state exco of the party. The reasons given for the suspension of the chairman in the communique were as follows: “In view of the deliberate refusal by the party chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin to call meetings of the various organs of the party, for an unduly long period of time, and the consequent failure to render financial accounts to the party. “Given the convincing indications that the said chairman instigated some members of the party, the State Executive Committee is constrained to suspend the chairman pending full investigation by the party’s disciplinary committee within two weeks from June 16.” While some party faithful were happy with the suspension, others were of the opinion that the decision was too hash and capable of creating factions within the PDP in the state. While reacting to the meeting, Dabin said: “I was not invited for the meeting; I only heard it on the radio. We were hoping to hold the state working committee meeting in the office this morning but my staff called to inform me that police came with an order to seal the office and they were asked to go home. The illegal meeting that they are holding can only produce illegal result. Whatever decision they take there, it is not binding because the meeting is illegal.” Investigations revealed that since the inception of democracy in I999, most of those who have occupied the chairmanship position of the party in Plateau State left unceremoniously amidst controversies. Even the last chairman before Dabin, Showm left the office in a similar manner. However, observers are of the view that the present crisis in the state PDP may not do the party much good since the cosy relationship between the governor and Dabin had helped to stabilise the party, when some bigwigs were struggling to wrestle the party from the governor in 2011.

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

STEVE UZOECHI writes on the agitation on the Imo Charter of Equity which has spurred alignment among stakeholders in the state

mo state is made up of three political zones with differing socio-economic and political capacities. The apparent disparity in size and population of the three zones to a large extent represents a political advantage of some sort to some areas over others. Orlu zone (Imo West) has 12 council areas; Owerri zone (Imo East) has nine while Okigwe zone (Imo North) has six local government areas. Against this backdrop, it is viewed that if the governorship seat of the state is left unregulated, that the man from Orlu, who though, may not always win, goes into the race with some numerical advantage. However, knowing fully well that the game of politics is one of numbers; from the time of the first democratically elected governor of Imo State till 2011, it seems zoning had always received a tacit endorsement from the stakeholders while considering the choice for the governorship of the state. In 1979, the political class that emerged following the exit of the military from politics aligned themselves with such accredited political parties as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the Great Nigerian Peoples Party (GNPP), and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) which were the most formidable at the time. In Imo, Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu from Imerienwe in the present Ngor Okpala council area of the state won the NPP ticket for the governorship election at the time. Ukaegbu who is from the Owerri zone (Imo East) area of the state was however prevailed upon by the leadership of the party to relinquish the party ticket to the now late, Chief Sam Mbakwe from Avutu, Obowo council area. Mbakwe hailed from the Okigwe zone (Imo North) area of the state. As a disciplined party loyalist who believed in the supremacy of his party, Ukaegbu heeded the directive of his party’s hierarchy and this paved way for the eventual emergence of the Mbakwe governorship which lasted till December 31, 1983 when the Buhari/ Idiagbon military regime sacked the Shehu Shagari-led civilian government. Then came the Third Republic, when the late Chief Evan Enwerem from Owerri zone (Imo East) held sway as governor of Imo State for 18 months and was deposed by the General Sani Abacha administration. Democracy eventually returned in 1999 and the political turf across the country was thrown open for another round of robust political exchanges. Again in Imo, the zoning question reverberated and was to play itself out again when Chief Humphrey Anumudu from Obazu Mbieri in the Mbaitoli council area of the state clinched the governorship ticket of the People Democratic Party (PDP) but was in the same manner prevailed upon by the party hierarchy to surrender same to Chief Achike Udenwa from Amaifeke in the Orlu zone (Imo West) area of the state. Udenwa eventually governed Imo for eight years (1999 to 2007). So, stakeholders felt power should shift from Owerri zone (Imo East) to Orlu zone (Imo West) in the interest of equity and fairness. In 2007, in the heat of the crisis of succession that hit the Udenwa administration and the PDP leadership in the state, Chief Martin Agbaso of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was thrown up as the preferred candidate of the PDP and who unofficially

Imo Charter of Equity: Festering zoning question

Iwuanyawu

won the election. Having shut down Senator Ifeanyi Araraume form Okigwe zone (Imo North) who won the PDP governorship primaries in the state, Agbaso was positioned to take the governorship seat but agitations in the spirit of the Imo Charter of Equity and existing zoning arrangement saw to his election being cancelled and a rerun scheduled. It was said at the time, that the then chairman of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, who hails from Imo North and understands the zoning arrangement in the state, had insisted that the next occupant of Douglas House must in fairness, come from Imo North otherwise known as Okigwe zone. A succession debate ensued and at the end, Chief Martin Agbaso was swept away by the equity charter in preference to Chief Ikedi Ohakim, from Okohia, Isiala Mbano council area in Okigwe zone (Imo North). Due to the widely held perception at the time, that rightly or wrongly pictured the administration of Ohakim as anti-people, there was a clamour for his ouster. In the chaos, the Charter of Equity was set aside and Rochas Okorocha from Orlu zone (Imo West) that had served a straight eight years in office through Udenwa emerged to the chagrin of zoning proponents. According to Okorocha, “It is an emergency situation in Imo State and under such circumstance; a lot of protocols are shelved until a swift rescue of the situation is affected. My ambition is the presidency, but Imo needs rescue and after I have done that, I will be on my way to Abuja.” And so Okorocha altered the zoning arrangement in Imo State in 2011. Two weeks ago when a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu led a cream of leaders in Owerri zone (Imo East) and majority of the governorship aspirants from the area to Orlu zone (Imo West) to solicit support for the zoning of the 2015 governorship to Owerri zone, he lamented the truncating of the zoning formula by the emergence of Okorocha.

Udenwa

Iwuanyanwu had recounted the history of zoning in Imo State. He said: “In 1991, I was among the leaders that decided that for fairness, Owerri Zone should be allowed to produce the governor of Imo State and the late Chief Evan Enwerem emerged with Dr. Douglas Acholonu as deputy governor. In 1998, though I was in All Peoples Party (APP) then, both the PDP and APP zoned the governorship position to Orlu zone which produced Chief Achike Udenwa as governor who served two terms of eight years. In 2007, it was unanimously decided in line with Imo Charter of Equity, that Okigwe Zone should have a shot and Chief Ikedi Ohakim emerged.” According to the Owerri delegation, the emergence of Okorocha in 2011 was a distortion to the existing zoning arrangement in the state. Continuing, Iwuanyanwu said: “We must get back on track as it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the governor of Imo State by 2015. We are here to solicit your support based on equity, justice and fairness to reciprocate, for posterity sake, what others have done for you as a people, to ensure peace and political balance.” In his response, Udenwa, leader of Orlu zone described the visit as brotherly. He said: “I am very happy with the delegation and indeed history is being made here today. Your aspiration is legitimate, your request is in order and I am delighted to see all the known leaders of Owerri zone present with

According to the Owerri delegation, the emergence of Okorocha in 2011 was a distortion to the existing zoning arrangement in the state

almost all the governorship aspirants from your zone which means, there is unity of purpose among the aspirants for power to rotate to your zone and I also hope that when the time comes, you all will go inside a room and come out with a position that will further enhance your resolve to take power.” In a dramatic twist however, the Imo State chapter of the PDP, believed to be the originators of the Charter of Equity came out with a press statement to the contrary. And in a release dated June 16, 2014 and signed by the state secretary of the Party (PDP), Sir George Eguh, the party stated thus: “The state Working Committee of the PDP Imo State wishes to inform all prospective aspirants for all elective positions in the state that the party is committed to a free, fair, transparent and democratic process of selection of its candidates and will guarantee a level playing ground to all aspirants. Party members wishing to contest elections are free to run as the party in Imo has not zoned and will not zone any position to any specific area. The PDP, through its primaries will select the best candidate for all positions and will not impose any candidate(s) on the people in line with the constitution of the party and the reformation, commitment of our new national chairman. “Aspirants are advised to proceed to market themselves to the party delegates and members whose duty it is to determine those to fly the flag of the party. The State Working Committee is not and will never commit itself to any aspirant no matter how lowly or highly placed.” The statement did not go down well with several stakeholders in the Imo PDP, most of who dismissed the statement as the personal views of the party secretary, Eguh. Speaking with journalists in Owerri, Iwuanyanwu and the Owerri zonal secretary of the PDP, Engr. Don C. Njoku accused Eguh of propagating his personal opinion. They said there was never a time the State Working Committee agreed that CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Labour Party: Haven of aggrieved politicians

Mimiko

Twelve years after its formation as a political group, the Labour Party seems to be making headway into South-West politics. WALE ELEGBEDE reports that the party is gradually becoming a refuge for defectors from other parties to realise their aspirations

he visibility of Labour Party (LP) in South-West politics owing to its dominance in Ondo State since 2007 is not in doubt. By virtue of the electoral feat achieved so far on the platform of the party by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the only LP governor in Nigeria. Many are beginning to see the party as the alternate third-leg to the established parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC). Mimiko, who fell out with the PDP on the choice of the party’s candidate for the 2007 governorship election in Ondo State, pitched his tent with a relatively unpopular LP. He became the party’s flag bearer and contested against the late Olusegun Agagu of the PDP. After the polls, Mimiko headed to the court to contest the declaration of Agagu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election. With the pronouncement of the courts in his favour, Mimiko and LP took over in 2009, and that initiated a leeway for the party in the South -West. Consequently, the party started gathering momentum and its rank began to swell with time, extending its tentacles beyond the Sunshine State. For Mimiko, who seems to be the emerging silent power-broker in the South-West, there are two tasks to fulfil: the first is to ensure that the remaining five states in the region hear and comply with the gospel according to LP, second is to deliver the votes in the region to the yet-to-be declared second-term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan. While the actualisation of the former goal suffered a setback in Ekiti State as the party’s candidate for the election, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, came a distant third position, the Ondo governor is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that Jonathan enjoys massive support and votes during the 2015 general election. Aside being instrumental to the wave of appointments done recently in the South-West by the president, the Ondo State Government House in Akure, the

Daniel

state capital, has turned out to be the stratagem centre for the region. Given his grassroots strategy, he has been able to court the support of the Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere. He recently facilitated the meeting of the leaders of the group with President Jonathan in Aso Rock. In fact, it was said that the list of South-West delegates to the ongoing National Conference was compiled and vetoed by Mimiko with Abuja giving its assent to it. For the curious minds in the zone however, the mission of Mimiko in the South-West may after all be an avenue to take his pound of flesh on the APC which in the wake of his re-election bid in 2012 cast different aspersions on him and his government. But the critical question is how far can he serve as the rallying point for both his party, LP and his adopted party, the PDP? Would it be politically strategic for the governor to push for LP candidates at the gubernatorial level, while hoisting the flag of the PDP for president? With massive political alignments and re-alignments already building ahead of the 2015 elections, it is left to be seen whether the twofaced strategy of Mimiko will work for him. Leadership of the party Perhaps, the strongest point of the party is the consistency in its leadership hierarchy. Its chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, was first elected chairman of the party in 2004 and under his watch; the party has maintained control of one state, Ondo and made reasonable incursions in some others. Though the leadership of the party under Nwanyanwu has severally come under scrutiny especially from its major stakeholder, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for its non-ideological leaning, anti-labour stance and the public perception that the party has become a cash and carry party, but the chairman is still holding forth and is on his third term in office. For some analysts, the synergy between Mimiko and Nwanyanwu may be the reason the continued status of the party’s chairman may not be threatened either from within his executive or externally. Before the party’s convention that returned the chairman for a third term last year, the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Mr. Babatunde Ayelabola, challenged the decision of Nwanyanwu to seek for another term, but his opposition to Nwanyanwu wasn’t popular and therefore could not be sustained. Increasing tempo in the South-West More than any region, the party has heightened its pace in the South-West

Bamidele

More than any region, the party has heightened its pace in the South-West as the 2015 general election approaches as the 2015 general election approaches. It has initiated moves to draw into its fold ‘big fish’ politicians who originally make things tick in their former parties, but are now been seen as ‘surplus to requirement’ in their parties. Ogun State Former Governor Gbenga Daniel is leading the pack of functionaries to the LP and has commenced intense political engagements and campaign for his loyalists ahead of 2015. Though the party is relatively unknown and it’s without any significant record in previous elections in the state, it has, however, within a short period of time after the 2011 elections turned into the new bride with many political suitors calling for an engagement. With fraction of internal squabbles evident in the party over the control of the state executive, the posture of Daniel and his recent recognition as the leader of the party in the state by Mimiko and Nwanyanwu, seems to have cleared the coast for the former governor to gleefully anoint his candidate for the gubernatorial election. It is an open secret that Daniel is again disposed to the candidature of one of its allies, Gboyega Isiaka, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) as the party’s flag bearer. The major concern of the party has been the ‘rock the boat’ attempt of a faction of the party led by Bode Simeon, who are opposed to the leadership of Daniel but are said to be loyalists of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, who is also eyeing the Oke-Mosan Government House, but has not publicly identified with the party. After instituting a court injunction against their removal, the faction recently alleged that Daniel offered it a bribe of N16.3 million to take over the party structure. Already, more than seven lawmakers in the state assembly have defected from the APC to the LP after what they tagged as irreconcilable differences with their party. Led by the former Deputy Speaker

of the state Assembly, Remmy Hassan, representing Odogbolu constituency, the lawmakers have started sharpening their political campaign tools to either secure their seats again or move to a higher position. Whatever LP seems to be getting in members in the state, the other two major parties, the PDP and APC, may have been having their ranks depleted. For analysts in the state, however, regardless of the strong footings Labour may be showing, it still represents old wine in new bottle as Daniel, who governed the state for eight years under PDP before moving to PPN in the wake of the 2011 elections, represents different things to different people. Thus, whether the current migration of aggrieved politicians from APC, PDP and others into the party would make a difference in 2015 with the perceived Daniel’s political magic wand or not, is a different kettle of fish. Osun State With the political temperature in the state for the August 9 gubernatorial election getting tensed, the beam of who takes over the Oke Fia Government House is closed on the APC, PDP and the Labour Party. Upon the sharp division in the PDP, former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and other members of the PDP moved out of the party to LP. Already, the party is presently embroiled in crisis with Akinbade being seen as a hijacker of the party’s structure after coming from the PDP. A factional leader of the party, Mr. Bankole Afilaka had sought an order of the court for a motion of contempt of proceeding and set aside the congresses conducted earlier this year. Although, some regarded the crisis in the party as the handiwork of the PDP in the state, others termed the crisis as a manifest of an infant party that is trying to get its footings in the political mappings of the state. Whether the infant traits in the party will guarantee its victory or will get its bearing after the election, only time will tell. However, the major quagmire for the party is how it will juxtapose the conflict of interest between Mimiko and the candidate of the PDP in the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore. Both Mimiko and Omisore are close friends, it was even alleged in some quarters that Mimiko was actively involved in the choice of his friend as the candidate of the PDP. Will Mimiko work against the interest of his party and its candidate or would he abandon his close friend in the warfront of election? CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

A’Ibom 2015: Enwang, Udoedehe’s fight may affect APC’s chances Tony Anichebe UYO

he battle of who controls the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State is currently shredding the walls of the party, as strong members of the party are not taking it kindly with each other. Chieftain of the defunct All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), Captain Sam Ewang and the state leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator John Akpan Udoedehe are currently at loggerheads over who becomes the governorship candidate of the party in the 2015 general election. In Akwa Ibom, there are indications that the governorship election will be between the ruling Peoples Democratic (PDP) and the APC. Though the situation in the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the APC could be likened to other political parties in Nigeria, political analysts are of the view that the party members needs to work together in order to achieve its goal of gaining power from the ruling PDP even as there’s strong indication that next year’s general election will be between PDP and APC. During a recent meeting with some stakeholders of the party, Captain Sam Enwang (Rtd), who is also a former military administrator of Ogun and Rivers States said that the just concluded APC congress in Akwa Ibom was a disgrace to the democratic beliefs of the party, and called on elders of the party to disregard the outcome of the congress, even as he told the elders that it was boycotted. The former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) further stated that ACN failed in Akwa Ibom in 2011 because all the key people in the party were working in tangent with the PDP, which they later decamped to. Enwang further noted, that the same thing is about to repeat itself if nothing is done to arrest the current trend in the party, accusing Udoedehe of trying to sell the party for money, but noted that APC can still win election in Akwa Ibom if appropriate measures are put in place. In his words, “As elders of the great party, I want to urge you people to ignore the said state congress because it’s the same behavior and character of people that led ACN in 2011 where they all decamped to PDP. And it’s the same person that has continued in the party that does not work. We don’t know what he wants, but we believe he’s here to sell the party for money. APC can win election in Akwa Ibom State. And we want the party to grow, that’s why we won’t associate ourselves with fraud because the people of Akwa Ibom State have become so tired of the deceit and fraudulent activities of one man. So, the state congress in Akwa Ibom was null and void and it’s not acceptable by us. This is because there was no serious person that was part of what Udoedehe did, and let him challenge me that he can win election in Akwa Ibom, even two per cent with what he’s doing. “What we want now is for the National Working Committee of this our great party to send people to come and harmonize us. Those paid agents who came and caused confusion in Akwa Ibom as congress committee members are just fraudulent, because I’m sure they were not recognized by the national body of this party”, Enwang said. In a similar vein, Senator John Udoedehe told journalists recently that he had informed the national body of the party that Captain Ewang was engaging in some anti-party activities capable of reducing the chances of APC winning in the forthcoming general election in Akwa Ibom State. Udoedehe noted that the need for a restructuring of the party in Akwa Ibom gave birth to the just concluded state congress, which produced executives to ensure the success of the party next year. The former Minister of State for FCT dismissed in totality the claims by some members of the party in the state that its activities was characterized by irregularities, saying that those spreading such rumours were agents of disunity. He however advised the party to ignore such rumours, saying that APC in Akwa Ibom is currently enjoying the cooperation of all its faithful members and strong supporters. Senator John Udoedehe has promised to reclaim the gubernatorial seat in the upcoming 2015 election in the state. The governorship hopeful said that he won the 2011 gubernatorial election under the ACN, but accused the PDP of being involved in election malpractices

Enwang

and misconduct that saw their candidate emerge as the governor of the state. He said most of the people who collected money in 2011 to enthrone a bad government against the will of the people, have today been dumped by the same person they labored for. Udoedehe said despite being robbed in the last election by PDP, he was determined to reclaim the governorship seat which he knows rightly belongs to him, adding that if ACN was able to defeat PDP in the state during the last election, the APC will do more to elect the people’s will as the next governor of the state, adding that he is the spiritual governor of the state and that it will be made manifest in 2011 when he will reclaim the seat and save the people from poverty and insecurity in the state, which he said has been evident since the entrance of the present administration. The former chairman of Uyo Local Government Area stated that APC is a party to beat in the 2015 general election in the state, and has shown leadership borne – out of sincerity and purpose, saying that the process was democratic and thanked God for the success of their recent congress. Meanwhile, over thirty five members were nominated into the APC state chapter executive with Dr. Amadu Attai a former chairman of the party emerging again as the state chairman, Elder Emmanuel Udoh as the deputy chairman, Effiong Etuk as secretary, Cosmos Brandy as assistant secretary, while Kufre Inyang, Obong Uko Umoh and Emmanuel Oton were nominated as vice chairmen representing the three senatorial districts. Dr. Attai in an interview with newsmen pointed out that the enthusiasm shown by the delegates and supporters in their activities was an indication that

We want the party to grow, that’s why we won’t associate ourselves with fraud because the people of Akwa Ibom State have become so tired of the deceit and fraudulent activities of one man

Udoedehe

Odigie-Oyegun

the party had been accepted in the state and also stated his readiness to take the party to a greater height. However less than one year to the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state, aside Udoedehe, no other politician has openly declared to contest election on the platform of APC in the state, unlike the rival PDP with close to 100 politicians joggling for different position. The fight for the soul of the party in the state by its two prominent leaders, Enwang and Udoedehe has left many wondering if the infighting will allow the party enough time to plan the execution of its 2015 election battle. Though the state PDP is not spared any bitter struggle within its ranks, the thought of using APC in the state as an alternative platform by politicians appear more unrealistic, and a less attractive option than the crisis in their party, because they already have two strange bed follows to contend with in the party.

18 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Imo Charter of Equity: Festering zoning question CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

the party had not zoned any position including governorship to any area. According to Iwuanyanwu, “anybody saying that there is no zoning in Imo PDP is not part of the system because even in our constitution in Nigeria, it is enshrined through federal character. In every state where you have three zones and one zone continues to dominate, there is bound to be problem. This is what we don’t want to happen here by ensuring there is equity in the distribution of positions.” He maintained that all leaders at federal and state levels know that zoning is correct, explaining that the PDP at all levels insisted on zoning as a means of ensuring unity and peace among the people. He said: “So Eguh is not correct. It is his personal opinion. I should tell you the position of the party because I am a member of the Board of Trustees. The PDP as a party supports and encourages zoning in every state. It makes the electoral process easier. Since this democratic dispensation in 1999, Owerri is the only zone that has not tasted power in Imo and that is enough to trigger some kind of agitation.” For Njoku, the Zonal Secretary of the party, “anybody saying there is no zoning is not being fair. Why will chairman, vice chairman, secretary and other officers of the party come from different zones? Is it not zoning? Why didn’t all of them come from the same place?” He said the party would investigate that statement to know the circumstances that led to it because “there was never a time it was discussed at State Working Committee. Even in religion, there is balancing or zoning. That is why when we have a Christian as President, the vice president must be a Moslem.” Njoku maintained that as far as the Owerri Zonal PDP was concerned, that statement was a personal opinion of Eguh. What may have also deepened the agitations of Owerri politicians is the touted gubernatorial interest of politicians of Orlu zone especially from the

Okorocha

PDP. Leading the pack is the senator representing the zone in the nation’s upper legislative chamber, Chief Hope Uzodinma whose utterances indicate that though the zoning arrangement favours Owerri zone, they would still have to fight for the governorship seat. While Uzodinma was reported as saying he would determine his successor at the National Assembly, while he bids for the governorship seat of the state, another Orlu son, Chief Elvis Agukwe has advised the senator to de-

Labour Party: Haven of aggrieved politicians CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

Ekiti State Labour Party came into reckoning in the Fountain of Knowledge state following the entry of former governor Ayo Fayose to contest the Ekiti Central Senatorial District seat in 2011. After a lull in activity, the party came alive again when a former member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, moved into the party to realise his governorship ambition on the party’s platform. With the state governorship election held on June 21, Bamidele came a distant third with 18,135 votes during the election. No doubt, the undeniable presence of the party has been registered in the minds of the people, it is only left to be seen whether the impression will be sustained. Oyo In the Pacesetter state, it is both a picture of newcomers slugging it out with landlords as well as a tale of double dating for the LP. There are allegations that a section of the party is courting Governor Abiola Ajimobi, while there is infighting between the Pace-Setter Advance Movement (PAM), projecting Comrade Olu Abiala’s candidature as the governor in 2015 and other groups in the party.

Recently, a former chairman of Odua Conglomerate, Alhaji Sharafadeen Ali, who is a nominee of Ajimobi joined LP. Also joining Ali to swell the ranks of the party are two commissioners in the cabinet of the governor. During the inauguration of the party’s secretariat in Ibadan recently, Mimiko urged members of the party to close ranks and ensure the party comes top in the state in 2015. Lagos Although there is lull in activity of the party in the state, there are indications that the party may serve as an alternative to certain bigwigs in the APC who may be seeking another platform to realise their ambitions in 2015. For a while, the candidate of Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) in 2007 gubernatorial election in Lagos, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has been repeatedly linked with the party but the party leadership has continued to emphasise that Agbaje has no pact yet with the party. As it stands, the swelling ranks of the LP in the South-West with high profile politicians seems to be pushing it to the fore as the ‘third leg’ after the APC and PDP. But whether its unhidden support for President Jonathan in 2015 will add up to his fledging image or not, is a question that would put political analysts in a quagmire.

sist from playing god as he lacks the capacity to make good his boasts. Agukwe, a former commissioner and the leader of Imo Stakeholders Forum, said: “Whereas the senator can delude himself into contesting the Imo governorship and fail as usual, he should be reminded that only God can give and take power.” He described it as the height of arrogance for Uzodinma to engage in such overreaching boast when his predecessors in office could not wield such

powers. Agukwe also advised the senator to refrain from dragging the Orlu zone PDP into any conflict with the Imo Charter of Equity’s decision to move the governorship to Owerri zone, as the charter was beyond political parties. “Imo Charter of Equity is not a matter to be politicised or attached to a political party. It is a mass action, mutually endorsed by the core stakeholders in the Imo polity,” Agukwe said. However, Uzodinma insists that Orlu cannot play the second fiddle in 2015, as power is never given. According to him, everyone that desires power must work for it. Also, in a recent interaction with newsmen, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a frontline contender for the Imo governorship seat hesitantly noted that zoning was neither a talking point nor a selling point in his campaign. He said: “Fairness is only fair; for me, my campaign is not hinged around zoning but around my competence and character. Zoning is not my strength and neither zoning nor the Charter of Equity informed my decision to run for governor of Imo State, but my personal capacity to deliver on the expectations of the people of Imo State. In any case, let the right things be done.” While the brickbats over the Imo Charter of Equity continue to swing back and forth, kinsmen of Ohakim from Imo North are also in the foray, laying strong claims to the governorship as it is within their right to complete their second term which was truncated when Ohakim was sacked in 2011 after his first term in office. Those from Okigwe zone (Imo North) gunning for the governorship of Imo state include, a two-time senator for the zone, Chief Ifeanyi Araraume, Chief Ike Ibeh, Senator Sylvester Anyanwu and possibly, Ohakim himself. To the average Owerri man however, losing Douglas House again in 2015, would amount to a grave disservice and injustice to their people; a bitter pill which aftertaste would linger for a long time to come.

What next for Osoba? CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

In the past few weeks, speculation has been rife that the former governor and his loyalists are considering defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also, the Presidency is said to be seriously interested in winning over the former governor. The calculation is that the defection of Osoba, with the state deputy governor, three Senators, House of Representatives members and nine House of Assembly members said to be loyal to him would boost the political fortunes of not only President Goodluck Jonathan but also the Ogun PDP ahead of the 2015 elections. A former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, had last year dumped the APC for PDP alongside his supporters. Ogunleye, who was Osoba’s deputy during the days of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) between 1992 and 1993, cited the unsat-

There is no greater provocation than the one we suffered. I saw it coming. The war we are preparing for is a political war

isfactory conduct of local government elections by the Amosun-led administration as his reason for cross-carpeting. Secret meetings were said to have been held recently between the Osoba group and some PDP top shots to finalise the defection. But denials have been the response from key members of the Osoba group. Senator Obadara pointedly described the defection report as a “hoax.” On his part, Senator Kaka said though the PDP and Labour Party (LP), among others, had made overtures to them, they still remained in the APC. “What we are fighting for is justice and democracy; PDP does not represent that for anybody to say I am sure the person is being uncharitable to me. I remain in the APC and I don’t run away from a fight. We will fight until justice is done. We will fight until what we believe is just is done,” he added. Another possibility is for Osoba and his loyalists to stay back in the party to play some “spoiler role.” How this strategy would work remains to be seen as the former governor currently does not have his men in key party positions to push any agenda through. With less than eight months to the 2015 general election, Governor Amosun has, no doubt, gained an upper hand going by present calculation and permutation within the party. But those close to Osoba insist that the ex-governor is not down and out yet and might still have some tricks up his sleeve.

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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

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

TUESday, JuLY 1, 2014

No to losing N243 billion on gas projects

ecent reports that Nigeria risks losing the sum of N243 billion invested in Brass and Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas projects due to uncertainties that have plagued their take-off give genuine cause for concern. Considering the scarceness of investible capital relative to competing destinations and global market swings and oscillations, we urge the federal government and other major partners involved in the projects not to take the challenge lightly. The funds and other critical resources already invested in these projects and the knock-on effect associated with their successful take-off are too princely to be left on the altars of risks, delays and uncertainties. The harsh reality of these developments is clearer when the scenario of dwindling revenue across the various tiers of government in the country is factored in. Over N243 billion ($1.5 billion) of precious resources have already been spent on the 10 million metric-ton per annum Brass LNG in Bayelsa State and the 5.5 million metric-ton per annum Olokola LNG in Ogun State. It is also estimated that while N162 billion ($1 billion) has been sunk into the Brass LNG, the Olokola project has gulped N81 billion ($500 million) of investment fund.

According to the reports, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), accounted for about 49 per cent of this amount given its financial stake in the two projects. The Brass LNG owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with a 49 per cent stake; Eni, 17 per cent; ConocoPhillips, 17 per cent and Total, 17 per cent. It is nauseating that though both LNG plants wear the tag of work-in-progress, they have actually remained prostrate, encumbered by inexplicable factors, for more than five years with no major works going on. ConocoPhillips’ withdrawal of its 17 per cent interest from the Brass LNG project may raise daunting challenges in finding suitable replacement. From available information, every shareholder involved in the Brass LNG project had a gas supply commitment, with Agip and Chevron expected to provide 5.0 trillion cubic feet and 2.3TCF of gas, while Total and ConocoPhillips were to supply 3.2TCF and 2.3TCF of gas in that order. The disequilibrium created by the withdrawal of one of the partners and the need to recalibrate the gas supply equation may be big issues to handle, but these must not be allowed to degenerate into crisis situations. Before ConocoPhilips’ exit

probably on the spur of shifts and change in strategy and global market dynamics, the Chairman, Board of Brass Liquefied Natural Gas, Dr. Jackson GaiusObaseki had expressed hope that the project would take off on or before the end of the first quarter of 2013. Yet the Final Investment Decision (FID), which is a strict condition that must be fulfilled if the project must succeed, has not been signed till date. That the FID for the project has suffered several postponements from December 2006 till this time in 2014 saddens the heart and demands that whatever factors have caused these should be intensely and vigorously attacked immediately. We do not believe that the two LNG projects are jinxed in any way. Even if they are, in any extreme case, we urge that every legitimate step be taken to ensure that the jinx is broken, notwithstanding the fact that big projects like LNG companies are funded through equity and loans, with local and international banks not showing sufficient interests in extending facilities for such. We are encouraged by the reports that contracts for the construction of gas trains engineering and procurement, onshore and offshore works, including loading facilities, have been awarded to Bechtel. With this, we expect that the project will henceforth be expeditiously ex-

ecuted. For, we are convinced that if properly handled, the Brass and Olokola LNG projects would become two other cash-cows in economy. Our position stems from the confidence we have that a little more rigorous marketing laced with juicy concessions and dexterity in developing, analyzing and adopting workable options would deliver the expected result. We are optimistic that it would work in the domestic market even if the major players in the international arena snub the initiative at this stage. The huge successes and heartwarming milestones registered by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas project should give the necessary fillip and spur the stakeholders to greater action in this drive. Fears that the opportunity windows open to the two projects may be petering out may be genuine from the standpoint of experts’ opinion because competition is getting fiercer and the curves of the market shifting more rapidly than expected. Whatever the situation is, our position is that the two LNG projects in Brass and Olokola must not be allowed to derail. The fears may be genuine but we believe the projects must be completed to find space to compete in the global market. We need to act and run very fast in doing this. We need to avoid unnecessary cost escalations. GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Deputy Managing Director/DEIC SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July1, 2014

OPINION Babalakin @ 54: Discourse in forbearance Dr. Kabir Bello

e clocks 54 today, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, SAN, and the need to celebrate this Nigerian legal and business frontliner becomes necessary. It is not very often that such people with pedigree, sound education and exceptional achievements in business and philantrophy bestride the Nigerian landscape. This is even moreso when such an exceptional Nigerian has been the target of vilification and orchestrated witch-hunt over projects that ordinarily ought to be a thing of pride to our country. But what I’d call the vilification of an oasis of genius in a desert of mediocrity, largely over the issues surrounding the Muritala Muhammed Airport 2 and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project should not deter a fair-minded person from applauding a thorough-bred intellectual on his special day. Never for once did his fortitude waver during that twin-faced ordeal that got to a head in late 2012. What comes to mind each time the story of this enigma is being told is his surprising act of forbearance despite the clear injustice meted against him and his proven track record of always staying on the right side of the law. And so I salute the tenacity and courage of this Gbongan, Osun-state-born Cambridge-trained lawyer. He had identified the path of honour and success early in life and his story is always refreshing to tell. After his youth service, Dr. Babalakin started his own firm in July 1988. The firm has blossomed and participated in all activities of the legal profession and now prides itself as one of the largest law firms in Nigeria with over 60 lawyers practicing in Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. It has also produced three senior advocates between year 2002 and now. When I heard from the rumor mill at a time that Dr. Babalakin started business just recently and that his success was because he was largely favoured by Chief

Olusegun Obasanjo, I decided to research into this issue. The result I came up with was particularly alarming and totally contrary to this stated position. By his 30th birthday in 1990, Dr. Babalakin had built three houses in Victoria Island, living in one and renting the two others out. Before 1991, he had built an eleven storey building on Campbell Street popularly known as The Rooftop (named after his roof flat in Selwyn Gardens, Cambridge). The three houses in Victoria Island were named RUMBLINGS because of the furor and the cacophony of noise that accompanied this magnificent feat in 1990. By 1992, he had commenced building of a block of 38 flats at Ikoyi which he later sold to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) formerly Nigerian Provident Fund (NPF). This is the famous Bunu Sheriff Gardens on Probyn Road Ikoyi. He also commenced the development of the Hyatt Regency, Lagos. This project was conceived by Babalakin to ease the strain on hospitality in Lagos in 1993. In 1993, Eko hotel was probably the only hotel that was functioning between Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The design of the project received very high awards internationally. When construction commenced in February 1993, it was stopped abruptly and for no reason by the Government of General Sani Abacha. It later transpired that Abacha and his cohorts saw the emergence of such a hotel as a direct threat to their own interest in the hospitality business. Babalakin was harassed and chased out of the land and was eventually detained on trumped up allegations over the failed bank saga. The failed bank saga opened with fanfare from the Abacha Government. Babalakin was alleged to have taken hundreds of millions of depositors’ money for his own personal benefit. Prosecution by the press was the order of the day. There were few discerning Nigerians who queried the action. Why was Babalakin being vilified so soon after his land was confiscated by Aba-

cha? Was this not strong arm tactics to cow him and make him unable to fight for his rights? On advice of his counsel, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN an outstanding accountant and banker, Otunba Olutola Senbore was appointed to look into the books of Babalakin in Commercial Trust Bank. The result was alarming. Babalakin was not indebted to his bank. He was actually N11million in credit. The debtor was a State Government which acknowledged the debt and was willing to pay but it was convenient for the persecutors of Babalakin to ignore this position. Babalakin challenged this position in Court and obtained the necessary orders. He was subsequently released from detention when it became clear that the mischief of his persecutors was unsustainable. On his return from detention and undaunted by the excessive persecution which lasted 23 months, Babalakin returned to his world of legal practice and property development in 1998 and gradually regained his position as a leader in the two fields. He completed his 13-storey building on Afribank Street which now houses his chambers and acquired more extensive real estate. In 2001, the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport was raised by fire. The forward-looking administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whose aviation sector was manned by Dr. Kema Chikwe decided to experiment with a design, build, operate and transfer option (DBOT). The invitation to bid was duly advertised in the national newspapers including the New Nigeria and the Punch newspaper. The Government appointed its consultants to the project. After a bid session, Messrs. Sanderton Ventures were awarded the concession in 2002. Contrary to the well established rumor mill, the Obasanjo Government did not award the Concession to Bi-Courtney at the onset. If as alleged, Obasanjo had a peculiar interest in BiCourtney, he could have awarded the concession to it ab initio, that is from the beginning.

Fayemi’s example and Fayose’s challenge Ijele Agha-Ibeka

“I

have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.” The above is taken from Governor Kayode Fayemi’s speech accepting defeat in the June 21, 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. “Just moments ago, I spoke with George W. Bush and congratulated him on becoming the 43rd President of the United States, and I promised him that I wouldn’t call him back this time. I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can start to heal the divisions of the campaign and the contest through which we just passed.” This second quote is from Al Gore’s speech conceding victory to George Bush after the post-presidential election heat that threatened to tear the United States, the bastion of democracy, apart in year 2000.

For the sake of balance and neutrality of opinion, I deliberately juxtaposed the above post-election statements, my hope being that it will simplify my proposition in this piece. As sweet as victory may be, great men accept defeat for two major reasons: the first is that, once people have spoken through their ballots, well-meaning politicians read and internalize the sacrosanctity of such testament. The second reason is that no victory is worth the life of an innocent follower who could die in the unnecessary struggle to appropriate power at all cost. For those Nigerians who are given to believing that nobility is alien to Nigeria, I invite them to read the full text of Fayemi’s speech excerpted above, in order to convince themselves that we can be noble if we choose to be. Not minding viewpoints to the contrary, Fayemi took the part of integrity by accepting what the people have said. In the context of the national brand of politics where PDP never sees anything good in APC and APC sees only all that is bad in PDP, the normal scenario would have been for Governor Feyemi

to cry foul and allege massive electoral fraud against him, all as the prelude to rolling out the tanks to fight his “brother” Fayose to a standstill. Such a battle would have left us comprehensively with nothing other than a confirmation of the old aphorism that where two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Having said an emphatic NO to that course of action I see in Fayemi a material for the new Nigeria we are struggling to build. It is true that the PDP candidate won the election and has been appropriately so declared. Yet, I make bold to say that the winners in the election are the Ekiti State people whose votes were made to count. In a broader sense every Nigerian who dreams good and big for Nigeria is a partaker of this landmark success nurtured by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who providing an enabling environment for INEC to midwife a free, fair and credible gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. Having acceded victory, Fayemi has challenged the governor-elect to a bout on the new politics of Ekiti State, where history has been etched in gold by a sitting governor, who was not swayed by

the power and capacity of incumbency at fomenting trouble and orchestrating mischief. What Ayo Fayose has in his hands today is a lifetime opportunity to honour his people, to continue the good deeds Fayemi started, and to jettison partisan politics with all its divisive recriminations in order to provide enduring leadership. Ekiti people have wiped Fayose’s slate clean and presented him another opportunity to correct whatever errors he may have made during his first time in office. To bungle it now will be anticlimactic and regrettable. These times call for scrupulous analysis of each and every advice thrown in the direction of both Fayemi and Fayose. For this political duo – the one bearing the true light of democracy and the other receiving a clean slate baton from his people, I have one advice. Please, for the sake of Ekiti people and the promise of a great future for Nigeria, disband, disarm and discount the entreaties of political jobbers. Now is the time for courage, the moment to stand heroically by the people. • Agha-Ibeka is a commentator on national issues.

ARTS TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

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

All objects, all phases of culture are alive. They have voices. They speak of their history and interrelatedness. And they are all talking at once.” ― Camille Paglia

CULTURE

Streams of Homeland Memories in Offodu-Okeke’s stylistic visual language

Offoedu-Okeke stands by some of the works at the exhibition

Four panel piece, Timely Knock on Wood by Onyema Offodu-Okeke

Tony Okuyeme

he on-going solo exhibition of recent works consisting of 25 acrylic paintings on canvas, by Onyeama Offoedu-Okeke, in Lagos, resonates with nostalgia. Titled Homeland Memories, the exhibition which opened on Monday, June 23, and will run till August 30, 2014, at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos, is coming four years after his last show in 2010. With Homeland Memories, his

“incredible artistry of different techniques from his well-known rectilinear panels with vertical lines and others” is brought to the fore. The style, the organisers stated, encompasses his trade mark rectilinear panels with vertical lines, looking like visual totems, as well as his powerful ‘cranioglyph’ face series. So also are the artist’s tapestroid paintings which promise to ignite the appetite of curious collectors. “In his works, Offoedu-Okeke’s use of geometric alignment and balance shows

Eni Ogun for Soyinka at 80

s part of events marking the forthcoming 80th birthday of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a play, Eni Ogun, written and directed by Wole Oguntokun, will be staged at the Muson Centre Lagos, on July 19 and 20, 2014. Eni Ogun is “a stage play based on the autobiographical works of Wole Soyinka. It explores the personalities of key people in Soyinka’s life – his rather strict school Head Principal father Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, whom the Nobel Prize winner called S.A and his “Wild Christian” of a mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka, who was also a political activist and part of the influential Ransome-Kuti family. It follows Soyinka through the death of his younger sister Folashade during his primary school days, his insecurities at secondary school where he was bullied and his time at the university in London.

A scene in Eni Ogun

an artist who has used his training in architecture and history to create a new highly textured and stylistic visual language that has clear roots in African forms but also offers art enthusiasts a fresh perspective on contemporary Nigerian expression.” Noting that he has been influenced by legends, such as Ben Enwonwu, Uche Okeke, Chuck Close, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, El Salahi, Miles Davis, Le Corbusier and El Anatsui, Offoedu-Okeke’s describes the tapestroid technique as nearly unfathomable layers of impressions. “It is a field of spinning forces, a tableau of vortex systems. Imagine a number of spinning cones arranged in gridformation. What results is a geometric theatre of spinning cones dissolving into optically altering forms, shapes and colours.” According to him, he is inspired by themes such as memories of histories and home, human resilience, ascendancy of the subaltern, thought-scapes as mechanisms of conflict resolution which address challenges and triumphs in human societies. "If the jungle was the protector, muse

and space which held and supplied countless ideas to African artists since the creation of man, then contemplate the fate of art in the present dispensation of careless deforestation," he said. Speaking about his evolution as an artist, the 47-year-old graduate of architecture from the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, said that after his graduation from the university, he went on to become a full-time studio artist and has taken part in over 20 international group shows including exhibitions in Britain, Spain, Germany and Sweden, adding that When he looks at his career, he tends to divide it into three stages. “1990-2000 was my Emergence period. From 2001-2012 was my "Historiosity" period, during which time I did the research and documentation for the ground-breaking book, Artists of Nigeria. I believe I have now entered the Encapsulation period of my artistic journey. By exhibiting this body of works, I am trying to encapsulate my stylistic legacy within the Nigerian Art space and beyond," Offoedu-Okeke said. In Homeland Memories, he displays works that reflect his undeniable African roots and are grounded in his native Igbo cosmology and identity. Born in Aba, Offoedu-Okeke received his architecture degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. He started working as a full time studio artist in 1992 and spent over ten years researching and writing a book on modern and contemporary artists of Nigeria. He had his debut solo exhibition ‘Spring Forever’, at Russian Cultural Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, in 1997. He continued in 2000 with ‘Idioms of Butterfly Kisses’, at Mydrim Art Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos; and 2009 Boudoir Terra-Cotta, at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos; 2009, May-Day: Bless the Head that Bears the Crown, at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos. In 2010, he had another solo exhibition titled Libation: Entreating the Divine, at Quintessence Art Gallery, Falomo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos; and Headload: Utility/ Materiality, at Arc Gallery, Tottenham, London, UK, in 2010.

22 ARTS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

World Press Photo exhibition opens in Lagos Stories by Tony Okuyeme

Fela

Finding Fela begins North American run in August

inding Fela, the documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney which Okayafrica/Okayplayer coproduced alongside Jigsaw Productions and Knitting Factory Entertainment, will begin its North American theatrical run in August. The film’s first official trailer has been released. Announcing this in a release, the producers of the documentary, stated that the Finding Fela soundtrack, which includes 17 of Fela’s classic tracks plus a never-before released live version of “Colonial Mentality” recorded at the New Afrika Shine featuring Femi Kuti joining the Fela musical cast and band in a historic encore to the performance of Fela for Kalakuta,

is now available for pre-order from Knitting Factory Records. “Finding Fela North American Theatrical dates are New York, NY, IFC Center (August 1-7); Denver, CO, Landmark Chez Artiste (August 8-14); Washington, DC, Landmark E Street Cinema (August 8-14); Santa Fe, NM, The Screen (August 8-14); Berkeley, CA, Landmark Shattuck Cinemas (August 15-21); Los Angeles, CA, Landmark Nuart Theatre (August 15-21); San Diego, CA, Landmark Ken Cinema (August 15-21); San Francisco, CA, Landmark Opera Plaza Cinema (August 15-21); Atlanta, GA, Landmark Midtown Art Cinema (August 1521); Boston, MA, Landmark Kendall Square Cinema (Au-

gust 15-21); Philadelphia, PA, Landmark Ritz at the Bourse (August 15-21); Nashville, TN, Belcourt Theatre (August 1521); and Minneapolis, MN, Landmark Lagoon Cinema (August 22-28). The schedule for Finding Fela North American Theatrical tour also include Albuquerque, NM, Guild Cinema (August 22-25); Columbus, OH, Gateway Film Center (August 22-28); Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Museum of Art (August 29-30); Houston, TX, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (August 29 – September 4); Seattle, WA, Landmark Varsity Theatre (August 29 – September 4); Montreal, QC, POP Montreal (September 19); and Memphis, TN, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (October 23).

pening exhibition reception for this year’s edition of World Press Photo holds this Friday, July 4, 2014, at Freedom Park, 1 Hospital Road, Old Prison Ground, Lagos. The ceremony is a celebration in honour of the prize winners of World Press Photo’s 57th Photo Contest and 4th Multimedia Contest. The exhibition, organised by of World Press Photo in collaboration with LagosPhoto Foundation, will run from July 4 - 23 at Freedom Park. Programme of events include The Young Lens, a mentoring session for students by visiting photographers, to be held July 12 2014, in collaboration with Youth Empowerment through Contemporary Art (Y.E.C.A); and World Press Photo - Taruwa Night (Taruwa is a Hausa word meaning ‘gathering’). Created by Gbagyichild Entertainment, Taruwa Night is “a gathering of artistic and intellectual minds, which creates a platform for artistes to express themselves in a comfortable and intellectual setting. On this special World Press Photo edition of Taruwa, the evening will feature an open mic night highlighting the talents of various poets, musicians, comedians and spoken word artistes.” It will hold on July 15, 2014. The programme of events also include The Photo Soldiers, July 16 2014, at Kongi Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, a roundtable discussion with Nigerian photo journalists to share experiences and lay out challenges of the industry, moderated by World Press Photo winner Robin Hammond; and Un-tired Aged Lens: Tribute to the near Forgotten Picturemen, on July 16 2014, at 6pm, at Freedom Park Garden. Un-tired Aged Lens is an evening of tribute to the veteran

Un-tired Aged Lens is an evening of tribute to the veteran picturemen of Nigeria picturemen of Nigeria. The evening, the orgainsers stated, will feature presentations by three revered photographers, Tam Fiofori, Sunmi Smart Cole and Don Barber, as they share and discuss some of the most memorable images taken throughout their respective careers. The discussion will be followed by a film screening of J.D 'Okhai Ojeikere: Master Photographer. 'J.D 'Okhai Ojeikere: Master Photographer’ is an intimate 30-minute documentary film study that explores the study of Nigeria’s current doyen of indigenous photography J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere; his journey from a rural setting to city skyscrapers and his fixed-minded endeavours to become a master photographer. He talks extensively about his highlights in his 60-year career as a mostly self-taught yet assured and excellent photographer. There are simple examples of his work that trace and illustrate his career, and support his view on ‘Photography as Art’ the growth of Commercial and Glamour photography in Nigeria, choices between black and white and colour photography and, analogue and digital photography. He informs that his great passion for photography is driven by a philosophy and his preoccupation as a culture patriot to “capture moments of history”, portray his country “in good faith” and to portray and emphasize “the beauty, glamour and his identity of the Nigerian woman.”

Africa Fashion reception will boost entrepreneurship, says Duke

ith growing interest in the creative industry in Nigeria, the fashion sector seems to have caught the attention of the Federal Government. To this end, it is set to host the 2014 edition of the Africa Fashion Reception in Bayelsa State between July 5 and 7. The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, the event will see top players in the sector exhibit their products and network with international participants. He noted in a statement that the Fashion Summit will pave the way for a new investment drive for the industry. According to him, the fashion industry is critical of the development of tourism in the country, saying it represents a frontline entrepreneurial hub. The organisers further note that some years ago, two Nigerian designers, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, owner, LDA label and Folake Coker of Tiffany Amber, alongside other African design-

Duke

ers, were selected to take part in the project. This opened a new vista for

made-in-Nigeria dresses. According to them, a real business opportunity

for international fashion and homegrown fashion retailers in Nigeria was opened up. Also speaking about the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Branzuk Gold Limited, Lexy Mojo, says it will be the first time that Nigerian and African fashion will be showcased differently, adding, for the first time, we are opening the world of fashion to African fashion practitioners with a different focus. We are opening the global fashion market to African designers like never before. This is going to be the biggest African fashion market ever known. Branzuk Co-founder and African Patron of the World Fashion Organisation, Gordon Obua, believes that the benefit of hosting an event like The Africa Fashion Reception in Nigeria is huge. According to her, it will build bridges by creating free trade and partnerships among fashion practitioners throughout the African continent.

MOM&PARENTING

NEW TELEGRAPH

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

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Sound communication, effective key for kids

t was a situation of no love lost between Tayo Ogunjobi and his father! They do not even see eye to eye in the house. Reason is that Ogunjobi who lives somewhere in Abule Egba, Lagos, believed that his daddy had never been there for him, never support his dream of travelling abroad to go study medicine. Again, his daddy had twice turned down his choice of woman. Added to Ogunjobi’s grouse is that his father was too authoritative and high-handed. He alleged that his father barks out instructions. “He does not give reasons for his actions.” Ogunjobi also believed that his father was responsible for the death of his mother. On the contrary to the son’s belief, the father felt his son was not connecting and understanding with him especially in his financial and emotional needs. He told New Telegraph that he had no money or means to send his son abroad as at the time he yearned for it. He added that Ogunjobi’s choice of women was weird and terrible, “my son shouldn’t expect me to accept his choice of women. They are what I describe as chewing gum girls.” By the time he had money to fulfill Ogunjobi’s desire. He got pissed off with the boy’s attitude. He said Ogunjobi became distant from him, he stopped running errand for him, stopped washing his dress, plate, he also does not keep the house clean, nor does he assist him at his workshop. “How possible will I spare my money for one who does not want to work for it. It is not possible,” he said. This cat and mouse relationship kept going on between father and son. No mediator to intervene in the situation. The father said there was no need for sitting down to have a tetetete discussion with his child. Gradually, the communication gap widen to an irreversible point. Ogunjobi packed out of the house, got a job, even got married without the father’s presence on the wedding day. Not only that! Ogunjobi denied his father entrance to his house when he had a set of twin. He refused the old man carrying the child. The action got so bad that it earned a bad image for the child. And probably out of heart ache, the father suffered stroke which he is still battling with. “Honestly, I don’t regret my action at all and I don’t care

Communication is, no doubt, an essential part of human existence particularly between parents and children. Parents therefore, need to develop communicative channel to relate personally with their children. The kids need you to listen to them with interest, to respond sensitively and realistically to them, so as to be forthright with them about their own thoughts and feelings, writes JEREMIAH MADAKI

Rev. Saidu

when parents are not there to show love and care to the children, which bring about intimacy, the children tend to source for the solutions to their many challenges, they either join bad gang where they will be introduced to different types of atrocities or turn against their parents through disobedient what anybody says about me,” he said. It’s indeed a terrible situation that seems would take divine intervention for both men to shield their swords of war. The above story is a perfect example of what happens when parents fail to have a sound communica-

Theophilus

tive channel with their children. And the moment communication breaks down; many things are bound to go astray with the children. It therefore behooves parents to take time to talk, interact with them personally. It implies sharing your world with them and allowing them to share their world with you. Andrew Beauty, a businesswoman said poor parental communication has caused serious chaos in most families. Beauty who narrated her own experience wished she had a second chance, had it been there was a sound communication between her and her mother. In her own case, suspicion was the cause for the poor communication. Because of her closeness to her father, she said her mother’s jealousy and suspicion destroyed the happiness of the family, “I had never used a minute discussing with my mother but won’t mind spending a whole day with my daddy,” she said. Unfortunately, she lost her daddy too early. She couldn’t relate or stay under the same roof with her mother but found it easier relating with the gateman than her mother. When her

mother still wouldn’t let her have peace, she went to live with her uncle. Till her mother’s old age, no affection for the woman, in truth, they both sound and behave like strangers to each other. Beauty remembered that whenever she erred, it was her father who will make her feel terribly bad for the offence with mere soft spoken words, but her mother would yell, and beat the hell out of her. She would also be angry with her for days. However, she advised parents to be careful and take time to know the nature of their children. She advised that, to avoid breakdown in communication, parents should learn how to correct their children when they do wrong. They should be friendly and kind in doing that, as it will go a long way strengthening the communication channel in the family. According to Reverend, Dr. Habila Saidu, breakdown in communication between parents and children is caused by several means which could either be through the tight schedules of the parents leaving them with little or no time for their children or strictness of parents towards the children. The parents are not there to pray with the children. They only pray for them which is not the best. He said “when parents are not there to show love and care to the children, which bring about intimacy, the children tend to source for the solutions to their many challenges, they either join bad gang where they will be introduced to different types of atrocities or turn against their parents through disobedient”. In examing communication breakdown in the family, Dr. Saidu said parents should embrace transparency in dealing with their children. Simon Theophilus, a custom officer, emphasised the need for a free flow relationship between parents and children. He explained that when there is communication breakdown in the family, the children tend to behave unusual, keeping quiet unnecessarily. In other words, parents and children stops flowing, the happiness of the family will be shattered. To avoid this, Theophilus said parents should be very free with their children and be very observant. He added that communication becomes broken and poor when parents start having favourite among the children.

MOM&PARENTING

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Macleans, Cod-Liver Multivitamin embark on Mum and Me campaign Angela Davies

acleans Milk Teeth, the premium toothpaste from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), specially formulated for children between the ages of 1-6 years old has in the last one year reached out to thousands of children and mothers with the message on the importance of proper oral health care among children through its ‘Mum and Me’ school activation. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Macleans Milk Teeth and Scott’s Cod-Liver Multivitamin have set the pace in growing a new generation of children with good oral hygiene, health and nutrition awareness culture from the early years. According to the Head of Marketing, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Winston Ailemoh, “The Mum and Me school activation is an important initiative focused at teaching kids about health in an atmosphere of fun for kids, mums, care-givers and teachers. This year, Macleans Milk Teeth toothpaste’s and Scott’s Emulsion’s aim is to reach over 1 million children to demonstrate and educate the

Pupils of Bello Memorial School, Maryland, Ikeja, at the Macleans Milk Teeth & SCOTT Mum & Me School activation

kids and their care givers.” “Our ultimate aim in this year’s Mum and Me school activation is to raise a new generation of children with good oral hygiene and health awareness culture. We believe there is a need to ingrain this habit in young

Nigerians from the early stages of their lives.” ‘In 2013, through the Mum and Me school activation initiative, we reached over 321,800 children in about 2,677 schools in three major Nigerian cities which include Lagos, Port Har-

court and Abuja”. He further added that, “As a way of catering to children general wellbeing and overall growth, we have also introduced Scott’s Orange Flavoured Cod-Liver Multivitamin to this year’s school activation. The premium product is a delicious orange flavoured emulsion rich in natural sources of Omega-3, vitamin A and D, calcium which is required for their body and daily vitality”. Boma Tai-Osagbemi, Assistance Brand Manager, Scott’s also added that, “Scott’s Emulsion helps build up the body’s natural resistance to infections, colds and Flu whilst also developing strong bones and teeth. It also helps promote healthy growth, mental development and strong immunity in growing children, keeping them healthy and active.” Reiterating the need to use the proper toothpaste for children, the Brand Manager, Macleans Milk Teeth, Ms. Uloaku Atueyi said, “Macleans Milk Teeth toothpaste is specially formulated with the right level of fluoride that gently cares for a child’s teeth and gums between the ages of 1-6 years. It contains the right child–safe amount of all the active ingredients in the adult toothpaste especially fluoride.”

Sex preference in the family In Nigeria, as many African societies, the male child is usually preferred to the female child. There are, however, situations or places where the female child is preferred. Parents tend to love and show affection towards one above the other, for different reasons. EDU JOHN sounds out opinions. Oyeyemi Opeyemi the male sometimes because they careful to listen to instructions of their parents before taking action unlike the male child that will tell u he is man enough to make decisions. Babatunde kolawole

I love both but I prefer the female child The female child shows love and respect to the their father than the male child, they also have a caring attitude towards their parents than the male child even after she is married she still place her family in high esteem before her in laws. Olalere Oladele My daughter is my diamond. I will say that the female child shows a sense of belonging to her family above that of her in-laws even after she is married, she doesn’t allow herself to be carried.

Female daughters listen before they act Fathers tends to shower love on the female child than

Parents favourites are determined by the responds of each sex. I prefer both sex but just that my female child usually succumbs to my instructions and give ears to my voice than my male child who will just say “it’s woman’s talk”. Lolo 1

I prefer my mum to my dad. One major reason why I love my mom so much than my dad is because my mum, gives me attention when it comes to an issues that matters to me most, in most cases my mom see my problem as her own personal problems rather than criticising me like my dad would have done. John ThankGod

her biological family but for the male child he remains with the family and even help to multiply the by bringing in others through marriage and by birth. Olasile Babatunde kolawole

Male child is a pride to the motherMothers prefer the male child to the female because they are source of pride to the mothers in the hands of their in laws and also enable her access to speak out her mind on any unwarranted situation with her in laws. Nwanyioma

The male child stays with the family. The female child after she is married have a change of name and thereby forgetting

BUSINESS Tuesday, JULY 1, 2014

What's news ‘Shell, others flare 1.2bn cubic feet of gas daily' International oil companies (IOCs) and their local counterparts operating in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, flare about 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas on daily basis, adding to the on-going massive air pollution in the Niger Delta, Royal Dutch Shell has revealed.

}p-26

‘Nigeria needs $644bn to lift real estate’s input to GDP’ To close just half the current housing gap by 2030, Nigeria would need to invest a further $644 billion, a report by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI)— the business and economics arm of world acclaimed McKinsey & Company, has said.

}p-26

Nigeria has highest number of citizens without electricity, says report Nigeria has the highest number of citizens without electricity in Africa, a new report has revealed.

}p-27

FG mulls cash bailout for new power investors The House of Representatives reaffirmed its believe that the concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill (ASRM) lacked due diligence, New Telegraph has learnt.

}p-30

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) Godson ikoro , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

25 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Why airports projects will not be abandoned – Ortom }p-38

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

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

Expat crew accept pay cut from Nigerian operators IRONY Nigeria loses over N100 billion annually to the engagement of expatriate pilots and engineers

400 Nigerian pilots jobless ers collect between N1.6 million and N1.2 million excluding flying allowances. He said: “Foreign pilots are

now cheaper to hire than Nigerian pilots. They have reduced what they collect from $10,000, $15,000 to $6,000 while their Ni-

gerian counterparts still receive between N1.6 million and N1.2 million. This is serious issue for this country but you cannot blame the operators. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Wole Shadare

ontrary to the norm in Nigeria’s aviation industry where expats earn more than their local counterparts, the reverse is now the case. This is because the expats have agreed to take a pay cut, which is one of the reasons they have remained on the pay role of their employers, New Telegraph has learnt. “The operators are said to be finding it extremely difficult to cope with the high salaries and allowances of foreign pilots and may have entered into a pact for a pay cut or be relieved of their jobs,” said an expat pilot, who craved anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue. Consequently, most of the Nigerian pilots are said to be earning more than their counterparts engaged from Europe and other parts of the world. This development, however, does not affect those flying prominent Nigerians and other business moguls, who are handsomely rewarded with salaries as high as $15, 000 or more depending on their experience and accumulated flying hours. But for commercial airlines, it was part of measures to reduce their overhead and high cost of operations; a situation that led to the influx of foreign pilots in the country. It is no longer surprising to see the flight deck of most airlines full of foreign pilots, as operators prefer to hire them because they are now cheaper than Nigerian counterparts. A former Assistant Secretary General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, told New Telegraph that most of the foreign pilots have had slashes in their salaries from $10,000 to $6000, while oth-

L-R: Chief Commercial Officer, Dana Air, Mr Obialor Mbanuzuo; Head, Commercial, Akwa Ibom International Airport, Mr Uwem Ekanem and Head of Operations, Dana Air, Mr Ememobong Akam Ettete, during the airline's re-launch of its LagosUyo-Abuja route at Uyo International Airport.

Qualms between FG, Shell impede $1bn Ogoni clean-up SOLUTION Only a concerted response by all stakeholders, including government, communities and civil society can end oil spill Adeola Yusuf

he long history of mistrust between the international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria’s oil and gas

industry has placed a setback on the $1 billion clean-up of Ogoniland, investigations by New Telegraph have shown. The IOCs affected in the denigration of Ogoniland, particularly the Royal Dutch Shell, held back its share of the $1 billion due to the lack of diligent coffers where the money would be disbursed. In August 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme published an ‘Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland’ – a study of oil pollution in Ogoniland in Rivers State, a region of the Niger Delta. The Federal Government of Nigeria, as part

of an on-going Ogoni reconciliation process, commissioned the report. About three years ago, the report had said that stakeholders and the Federal Government should contribute $1 billion for the cleanup. But a penny has not been paid by Shell. Although in July 2012, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Dezani Aliso-Madueke, announced the creation of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), with a pledge to fully implement CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8% Feburary 2014 ........................7.7%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167.50 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N227.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • External reserves US$ 37.27 billion as at 26/6/14

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N265.21 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N211.95 Source: CBN

26 business | news TIGHT-LIPPED IOCs and their local counterparts have kept mum on the new deadline for environmental pollution Adeola Yusuf

nternational Oil Companies (IOCs) and their local counterparts operating in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, flare about 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas on daily basis, adding to the on-going massive air pollution in the Niger Delta, Royal Dutch Shell has revealed. Aside from Shell, other IOCs in Nigeria are Chevron, Total, ExxonMobil and Eni (formerly known as Agip). Nigeria is the Africa’s largest gas flaring nation but despite government bans, the federal authorities have been unable to force companies to stop. The federal government, which could not enforce the December 31, 2013 deadline for erring IOCs and their local counterparts in the country, kept mum on the new deadline for the on-going environmental pollution. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, however, said that the new target for the country is not to end total stoppage of flaring but on the short-term to meet 22 per cent of gas flaring reduction by 2017. A document by Shell obtained by New Telegraph at the weekend, however, showed that the company contributed 18 per cent of the total flare. Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Manag-

Shell, others flare 1.2bn cubic feet of gas daily –Report ing Director Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, who presented the document to new men in Lagos, said that his company was working with the Nigerian government and it’s joint venture partners to end flaring of associate gas as soon as possible. “Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, now accounts for 18 per cent of the 1.2 billion cubit feet per day of gas currently being flared in Nigeria,” Sunmonu said, giving credence to the document. According to him, SPDC reduced flaring volume from its facilities by about 75 per cent between 2003 and 2012. It has also reduced flaring intensity, which is the amount of gas flared per barrel of oil produced by around 60 per cent over the same period. Sunmonu said these reductions were the result of a multiyear programme introduced in 2000 to install equipment to capture associated gas from its oil producing facilities, adding that when completed, these projects would take SPDC flaring to below current industry average levels. The Shell boss said: “Although there was a reduction of about one-fifth in volume of gas flared, this was largely due to lower than expected oil production caused by sabotage, theft and related deferment where there were reduced volumes of associated gas and also im-

Expat crew accept pay cut from Nigerian operators C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

“Running an airline is highly capital intensive. They pay their charges, buy aviation fuel at a very exorbitant price, pay their workers and you need to understand the high number of workers they employ; they pay for catering, they maintain their aircraft, which is dollarised, and other costs that make airline business not to be profitable, especially in this part of the world.” The aviation expert said that the situation has a very big implication for the sector in Nigeria, adding that many of Nigerian pilots would be overlooked for their counterparts in Europe and the United States, who are desperately in need of flying jobs in Nigeria and Africa. There are over 400 Nigerian pilots who roam the streets in search of jobs. Some of them had graduated from different flying schools both in Nigeria and abroad many years ago but are yet to be gainfully employed by Nigerian airlines that prefer to poach the best from other airlines. The many years of poaching without training have forced many to go for highly experienced personnel with many

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

hours of flying. He said already, Nigeria loses over N100 billion annually to the engagement of expatriates pilots and engineers when virtually all of them earned astronomical wages, stressing that the situation could worsen particularly when they have accepted to take lower wages.

proved operational efficiencies from the functional facilities. “However, frequent pipeline sabotage disrupted our gas processing systems and impacted negatively on performance, contributing to about a five per cent increase in flare intensity compared to 2012. “Joint venture funding chal-

lenges have resulted in delays to some gas gathering projects, two of these projects, which were expected to gather an additional 35 per cent of associated gas by 2014 to 2015 are likely to be delayed.” Oil flaring was formally banned in 1984 and declared “unconstitutional” by the Ni-

L-R: General Manager Admin./Special Duties Lagos State Waste Management Authority [LAWMA], Mrs Abimbola JijohoOgun; Managing Director, LAWMA, , Mr Oladimeji Oresanya and Group Head Collections Sterling Bank Plc., Mr. Tunde Sonoiki, at the formal presentation of Sterling Bank Branded Kits to the management of LAWMA in Lagos.

INFRASTRUCTURE The total infrastructure in Nigeria could reach $1.5 trillion between 2014 and 2030 in an upside scenario Dayo Ayeyemi

o close just half the current housing gap by 2030, Nigeria would need to invest a further $644 billion, a report by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI)—the business

‘Nigeria needs $644bn to lift real estate’s input to GDP’ and economics arm of world acclaimed McKinsey & Company, has said. This, the report titled “Nigeria’s Renewal: Delivering Inclusive Growth in Africa’s Largest Economy” said, would lift the contribution of the real estate sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $37 billion to $41 billion in 2030. The report listed of the four sectors that could contribute close to $800billion to Nigeria’s

Qualms between FG, Shell impede $1bn Ogoni clean-up C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

the UNEP report, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which said that it welcomed this announcement and has expressed its willingness to support HYPREP in realising its objectives in Ogoniland, was yet to pay its part of the $1 billion. Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, who confirmed this at an event in Lagos, expressed his company’s commitment to the clean-up once government put in place a satisfactory framework for the fund. “Shell is willing to support and contribute its share to the Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Fund, once a satisfactory framework and governance structure is fully established by the Federal Government,” he said in reaction to a question

gerian Supreme Court in 2005, but the new figures show companies on the Delta have only reduced flaring about 15 per cent since 2007. Figures released recently by the World Bank show gas flaring among major oil countries contributes as much to climate change.

by this reporter. Sunmnu added: “As UNEP indicated, a thorough clean-up of Ogoniland, which includes large areas not associated with SPDC JV facilities, will take many years. Before it can be effective, on-going sources of oil contamination, including crude oil theft and illegal refining, must stop. Otherwise, cleaned areas will be re-impacted by further contamination, particularly in riverine and swampy areas where water-borne oil can spread from elsewhere causing re-contamination as well as new pollution.” He expressed dissatisfaction at the refusal of some host communities for the company to clean-up spills caused by operations. SPDC’s entire area of operations, according to Sunmonu, is

covered by pipeline and asset surveillance contracts to ensure that spills were discovered and responded to as quickly as possible. He said: “These surveillance activities primarily employ members of the communities the pipelines traverse. There are also daily over-flights of the pipeline network to detect new theft points. “SPDC is continually looking for new ways to make it more difficult for thieves, for example by burying new pipelines deeper or covering them with concrete, securing well heads to make them more tamper-proof, making repairs and removing illegal taps. Despite these efforts, the menace of theft and sabotage persists, with long-term social, economic and environmental implications.

GDP of $510billion by 2030 to include infrastructure. Other sectors are agriculture, trade and manufacturing. Between core infrastructure and real estate investments, the report indicated that total infrastructure in Nigeria could reach $1.5 trillion between 2014 and 2030 in an upside scenario. Canvassing for effective reforms to grow the housing sector, it noted that Nigeria presents a large potential opportunity for real estate investment if effective reforms in the regulation of foreign investment and land ownership could be enacted. It noted that that despite similar income levels as Nigeria’s, countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia have built significantly more residential, commercial, and industrial space than Nigeria. The report sees real estate as one of the components of core infrastructure sectors. Other components are constitution, transportation, storage, electricity, gas and steam supply, water supply, sewage and waste management. It noted that while infrastructure is not defined as a single sector in national accounts, “in the analysis, we consider core infrastructure sectors (constitution, transportation and storage, electricity, gas and steam supply, and water supply, sewage and waste management) and real estate.”

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Nigeria has highest number of citizens without electricity, says report FINANCE GAP The study also showed that there is finance and support gap for clean energy access in Africa

• Country has 10% of 1.3bn Africans without power

Adeola Yusuf

igeria has the highest number of citizens without electricity in Africa, a new report has revealed. Africa has 55 countries/nations recognised by the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU). The report, a joint venture by sustainable energy charity Ashden, also shows that Nigeria has about 10 per cent of the total 1.3 billion people in Africa who are without electricity. The report revealed how donors, investors, technical experts and policy makers can improve support to enterprises providing access to clean energy in the developing world. “Some 1.3 billion people live without electricity, while nearly three billion people cook on open fires or inefficient cook stoves, damaging health and keeping people trapped in poverty,” the report says. Just recently, Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, said that 120 million Nigerians, representing 60 per cent of the 170 million populations, are yet to be connected to the national grid. Nebo, who said this at the GE’s Distributed Power launch in Lagos, disclosed that 30 million households in the country are also not yet connected to the national grid. Some of the 40 per cent of the population, who are even connected, according to the minister, do not have quality electricity supplied to them at optimal level. All these, he said, have created a vacuum for investors to fill through the active participation in the on-going power sector reforms and privatisation by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Meanwhile, the report by sustainable energy charity says its findings are based on in-depth interviews with leading providers of solar lights and improved cook stoves that use less fuel – and crucially minimise health-damaging pollution in the home – as well as makers of energy-saving ceramic water filters providing rural families with safe drinking water. Those taking part included d.light, EcoZoom, SELCO and support providers such as ERM Foundation’s Low Carbon Enterprise Fund and GVEP. The report, “Lessons on Supporting Energy Access Enterprises,” highlights the problems

A faulty transformer

that such enterprises can face both in raising finance, and ensuring a regular cash flow until a market is established. It recommended that technical assistance providers should strengthen their sales and marketing support services and ensure business mentors are provided for enough time, while policy makers must develop mechanisms to help clean energy enterprises thrive, such as enabling access to local finance. The report also calls on donors to leverage working capital for energy access enterprises. “Grants should be focused on

growth, new programmes and innovation, and funding for obtaining technical assistance from experienced providers. “Investors should ensure management capacity is in place, provide debt for working capital with repayment terms that allow an enterprise to thrive, make financing decisions in good time, and publically champion successful ventures to draw more investment into the sector,” the report adds. With most clean energy enterprises needing finance, especially those at the small and medium end of the scale, key

findings of the report include a need for working capital, with interviewees emphasising that long delays over financing place a huge strain on enterprises. It says that finance that can be accessed quickly, with minimal conditions and that such lines of credit should be more readily available, along with impartial advice on the financing options that exist and guidance on how to attract investors. Support for sales and marketing was also seen as crucial, as well as management support. Ashden Founder Director,

Gas marketers seek tax relief, pact review POLICY NALPGAM has urged government to formulate policies that would further increase gas consumption James Nwabueze Abuja

he National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has urged the Federal Government to grant its members tax relief on all imported facilities.

NALPGAM also appealed to government to facilitate the review of the bulk purchase agreement signed with Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC). National President, NALPGAM, Mr Basil Ogbuanu, made the call in Abuja at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). He urged government to formulate policies that would further increase consumption, stressing that the initial LPG supply scheme introduced by government has paid off in the past. Assuring on a more robust and engaging interface with relevant stakeholders for the

products availability, he noted that the association has made significant success. “We have appealed to government to grant tax relief both on cylinder importation constraints and the bulk purchase agreement with the PPMC. “Earlier in the year, we organised a conference to address some of issues in the industry particularly the issue of LPG cylinder,” he stated. Ogbuanu further stated that through several representations to some state governments and other stakeholders, they have been able to address and resolve all business issues concerning members.

Sarah Butler-Sloss, said: “Increasing access to energy is the biggest challenge, and also the greatest opportunity for reducing poverty in the developing world. “This research demonstrates the catalytic role the right kind of support can play in helping energy access enterprises thrive and grow – so they can transform people’s lives and stimulate development. “We urge donors, investors, technical experts and policy makers to take note of the recommendations of the report, so that appropriate financial and technical support gets to the enterprises that badly need it.” Christian Aid international director, Paul Valentin, said: “Energy provision in many developing countries is poor. New York State consumes as much energy as the 800 million in subSaharan Africa. “People in rural areas are often most affected, even losing out when major electricity generation schemes are built as the power lines go straight to the nearest big city. “Sustainable clean energy delivers immediate benefits. It minimises the air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels such as wood, animal dung and crop waste, which costs an estimated four million lives a year. Education improves as young people can study at night by electric light. And people’s economic prospects improve as local industries prosper.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

KPMG forecasts $1.25tr investments for Nigeria, others NEW HUB KPMG has said that Africa's natural resources now has a focus for both oil and gas sectors Stories by Adeola Yusuf

PMG, at the weekend, reiterated its forecast that Nigeria and other countries in Africa would attract $1.25 trillion oil and gas investments by 2030. Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude producer and exporter, has recently been facing a dearth in investment in its oil and gas industry. The global financial firm, which made this known in a report entitled: “Oil and Gas in Africa,” also predicted a surge in new oil and gas finds. Africa’s key oil producing countries are expected to continue to list among those countries expanding the fastest on the continent, according the report. The continent is home to some of the world’s fastestgrowing economies with many of them buoyed by new oil and gas finds. “Investors estimate that $1.25 trillion will be invested over the 2001 to 2030 period in African energy,” the report said. There are currently 500 oil companies exploring for natu-

ral resources in the continent, considering Africa’s proven oil reserves have grown by nearly 120 per cent in the past 30 years, from 57 billion barrels in 1980 to 124 billion barrels in 2012, according to US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The organisation also estimated that at least another 100 billion barrels are offshore Africa, only waiting to be discovered. In March, Repsol announced its plans to spend $95 million drilling its first well offshore Namibia, proving that exploration in the South Atlantic Coast will ramp up in speed from exploration and production companies. The company is willing to take this risk considering that last year, 11 out of the top 20 oil and gas discoveries made in the world occurred in Africa, according to the company’s January 29 presentation. Cairn Energy PLC commenced drilling operations last month on the Fan-1 well offshore Senegal, making it the first deep water well drilled off the coast and only the second and third deep water wells along the central Atlantic margin of West Africa. “It’s a tremendous risk they are taking and one that raises hope for us,” Petroleum Commissioner, Immanuel Mulunga, told Bloomberg, referring to Repsol’s activity offshore Namibia. “It’s a risk worth undertaking as we believe this block has oil.”

A gas plant

PETROL SCARCITY The association plans to build two refineries to ease fuel scarcity Adeola Yusuf

he Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) plans to build ultra-modern refineries in Bayelsa and Kogi states worth $3 billion. National President, IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, disclosed this during an official visit of the national executive to the western zone of IPMAN.

Senate praises Schneider Electric’s initiatives ne of the global specialists OSchneider in energy management, Electric, said at the

weekend that it got the commendation of the National Assembly for its efforts towards developing sustainable manpower for the nation’s power sector. This endorsement, the company said in a statement, came on the heels of a successful legislative tour of Schneider Electric’s Isaac Boro Energy Training College at Grenoble, France. “The facility tour, which was organized at the instance of Nigeria’s National Assembly, pursuant to the legislature's oversight functions as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, was aimed at exposing members of the National Assembly to the progress made by the Centre’s Nigerian students as well as the Centre’s world class facilities,” the company said. It continued: “In attendance were the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, James Manager and his House of Representatives counterpart, Warman Ogoriba. Others include, Kingsley Kuku, Special

Adviser to the Nigerian President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty programme as well as Marcel Hochet, President and CEO of Schneider Electric English West Africa. “Speaking after the facility tour by members of the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Niger Delta, Manager and Ogoriba commended Schneider Electric on the state of the Centre’s facilities and quality of training received by its Nigerian students, describing it as a huge contribution towards fast tracking the development of Nigeria’s power sector.” The statement quoted Manager to have said: “We are very happy and extremely confident with what we have seen here today. Schneider Electric has taken three unique firsts in the history of the programme. They are the only company to name a training center after a Niger Delta Icon, they have committed to employ 15 of the students immediately and have also committed to assist in placing the rest with their strong network of partners.”

In his welcome, address, Marcel Hochet, Country President of Schneider Electric Nigeria, said, ‘‘Schneider Electric is committed to providing a sustainable developmental platform as evidenced in various initiatives with the Federal government, National Power Training Institute and LECAN. We are happy to receive honourable members of the National Assembly to our training centre and to showcase our innovative solutions, which are visible in our operations. He emphasised that Schneider Electric is committed to producing skilled energy management professionals to support the transformation of Nigeria’s power sector and commended the Federal Government on her efforts and investments in training and education. Also commenting on the visit, Kuku said: “Schneider Electric has proven itself to be the most reliable of all its training partners. It has established a viable partnership with the Nigerian government in the development of the country’s power sector.”

IPMAN plans N480bn investments in refineries He maintained that the new refineries would ensure effective distribution of petroleum products across the nook and crannies of the country. Okoronkwo said that the refineries, which have been slated for ground breaking before the end of the year, are in collaboration with foreign investors. “We are proposing to build two refineries in Nigeria, one in Bayelsa and Kogi to ease scarcity, which is part of the present administration’s agenda. “We are in discussion with our foreign investor, whose arrangement and agreement to commence work will be sealed before July ending while ground breaking is expected to commence in fourth quarter of the year,’’ he said. The president said that “the proposed refineries in two states, if it comes on stream, will go a long way in ensuring availability of petroleum to IPMAN members and ease scarcity in the country.” Okoronkwo said: “We will ensure that the product will get to all nocks and crannies of the country, it will also grow the GDP of the country because they capital flight will reduce drastically. “Where Nigerians are spending $60 dollars in exporting and bringing refined products, the proposed refinery will reduce the cost and stress of exporting crude to bring in refine product. “It will also create jobs and there will be massive job creation where lots of Nigerian youths will be gainfully employed “You will agree with me that it will also stop incessant kidnapping in the country,” he

reasoned. Okoronkwo stated that the proposed refineries will go a long way in opening up the socio-economic growth of the country, which will also key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. He said: “It is our believe that we should be part of the moving force to grow the economy. That is why we can express our desire in this form. “Our investor plans to invest about $3 billion dollars into the Nigeria economy. By July ending, the investor will commence survey and sign agreement. “We are ready to commence the project and we hope to make it work, we are also committing our money,” he said. He said that the leadership of the association has written to all IPMAN banks to unfreeze the account, which had also seen reason to unfreeze it. The president said that the association is also working with NNPC, PPPPRA and PPMC in ensuring product availability. He, however, commended the efforts of the minister of petroleum resource and the managing director of PPMC, for their steadfastness in ensuring prompt and effective discharging of petroleum products to all depots across the country. “Our commercial arm of IPMAN investment is doing well but the moment the refinery comes on stream, it will go a long way to ensure product availability. “Nigerians should try to move beyond the use of kerosene to gas. The gas that is being flared yearly in Nigeria should be harnessed for the betterment of the country.

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MEDIATION NAPE has said that it would hold special management practicum to examine effectiveness in the existing oil and gas policies Adeola Yusuf

ighest body of oil explorationists in Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) said that they are ready to address the age-long disparity between the federal government and the international oil companies (IOCs) on the disparity over the actual number of oil and gas production in Nigeria. President of NAPE, Mrs Adedoja Ojelabi, said this at the Lagos headquarters of the association. He maintained that issues and challenges of oil and gas production accounting and questions regarding metering in the Nigerian oil and gas industry have become topical in the face of incessant pipeline vandalisation and production curtailment. The body said that it would rally the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and international oil companies (IOCs) at a workshop where solutions would be proffered to these issues. “The theme chosen for the Special Management Workshop is especially relevant in the light of recent public discourse on the concerns on accuracy of reported production volumes due to pipeline sabotage, and other causes,” Mrs Ojelabi said. Mrs Ojelabi, who was accom-

Metering disparity: NAPE wades into NNPC, NEITI, IOCs’ bickering panied to the press briefing by Chikwendu Edoziem, and Irewole Ayodele, president-elect and publicity secretary respectfully, maintained that this as well as “questions regarding the efficacy of the metering system in our industry; including the nation’s hydrocarbon production reporting process and stewardship would be addressed.’’ She added: “Coupled with these complex operations, interplay is a potentially emerging concern on the fiscalisation model of the nation’s hydrocarbon production.” Organising committee chairman of the special management workshop, Goodluck Adagbasa, said that the committee has put together an event that will provide a veritable platform for the distillation of ideas that will offer deep insights into global metering standards and technologies and how it can be applied in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. “The Federal Government’s goal of reaching 40 billion barrels reserves and four million barrels per day production by 2010 is yet to be realised even as the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is in the throes of declining reserves and production owing to reduced exploration. “At the same time, the issues and challenges of oil and gas production accounting and questions regarding metering in the Nigerian oil and gas industry has become topical in the face of incessant pipeline vandalization and production curtailment. “NAPE will, at its Special

Management Workshop, examine the effectiveness in the existing policies to drive growth in the oil and gas industry as well as the development of road maps and new policy initiatives on oil and gas production accounting and metering in the Nigerian oil and Gas landscape. “The theme of the workshop, which holds in Lagos, Nigeria, is “Fluid Accounting and Metering Issues in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,’’ he said. The event will have four sub-themes: Current Practices in Oil and Gas Production Measurement in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry; Global Perspectives and Recent Advances in Oil and Gas Accounting/ Metering Technology and Implication for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry; Challenges and Prospects of Effective Oil and Gas Production Accounting and Metering in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry; and Cur-

rent Practices and Standards for Oil and Gas Production Accounting and Reporting in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry. Chairman of the occasion will be Chief Tunde Afolabi, fnape, Chairman/CEO of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited, and the keynote paper will be delivered by the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr George Osahon, fnape. The one-day event, which begins at 9:00am will host speakers and a panel of discussants who are high level industry practitioners, key personnel in government and several local and international experts on Hydrocarbon Metering Technology to offer their insights into global metering standards, issues and challenges. “Speakers at the event include Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Executive Secretary,

NEITI; Mr. Omomafe Pirah, Delta State Commissioner for Oil & Gas Resources; Engr. T.K Braide, Chief Chemical Engineer, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Mr. Ciro Pagano Chairman Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS). “The panel of discussants will be made up of: Mr. Andrew Yakubu, Group Managing Director, NNPC; Mr. Austin Avuru fnape, Managing Director Seplat Petroleum Development Company; Dr. Tim Okon, fnape, Group General Manager, Corporate Strategy and Planning NNPC, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, fnape, Group Managing Director, Conoil Producing Nigeria Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe, Chairman / CEO International Energy Services limited (IESL) and Engr. Elias Mbam, FNSE, Chairman of Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC),”

PENGASSAN: NNPC boss sues for industrial peace James Nwabueze Abuja

he leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been urged to sustain the industrial harmony between it and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr Ohi Alegbe, in a statement, said that Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, made the call recently during the 4th triennial national delegates’ conference of the association in Abuja. According to the statement, the NNPC boss urged sustenance of industrial harmony among stakeholders, noting that the synergy has led to the growth of the entire petroleum industry. He lauded the association for the cooperation and support extended to him and his management team since their assumption of duties. Yakubu stated that over the years, PENGASSAN has contributed immensely to the sta-

bility and growth of robust industrial relations in the country by demonstrating a very high sense of cooperation and maturity in the conduct of its affairs. The NNPC GMD expressed gratitude to the outgoing central working committee of the association for their loyalty and constructive dialogue and enjoined the delegates to elect credible leaders to steer the affairs of the association, going forward. In his keynote address, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, described the role of PENGASSAN as pivotal to the national economy and urged members to continue to maintain the industrial peace in the petroleum sector. Earlier, the outing president of the association, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, said that the oil workers’ unions are fully committed to the growth of democracy and good governance in Nigeria and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB), which is geared towards enthroning transparency in the petroleum sector.

Oil rig

Work starts on 3050MW Mambilla hydro dam soon, says FG James Nwabueze Abuja

he Federal Government would T3050MW soon commence work on the Mambilla Hydro Dam

in Taraba State, Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has said. Sambo was quoted as saying this during an inspection tour of Kaduna. He said that all designs of the major hydro project had been completed and as soon as other logistics are in place, work will resume at the site. These were contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Patricia Deworitshe, an Assistant Director of Press in

the Ministry of Power. The project, which he described as the largest in Africa, will provide increased electricity generation to the national grid and irrigation to the people of Taraba and its environs when completed. According to the statement, Sambo also expressed his satisfaction at the pace of work in the on-going 215MW thermal power plant project in Kaduna, which is about 84 per cent completed. He directed the contractors handling the project to increase the pace of work on the site to ensure delivery by December as the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has signified his intention to commission it.

The thermal power plant when completed will boost another 215MW to the national grid. Sambo assured Nigerians that the president is keeping his transformation agenda alive, as well as his promise to the people in the northern part of the country. “We are doing everything to transform Nigeria and to ensure that power is provided to every part of the country,” he added. Also speaking at the occasion, Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, assured Nigerians that government is desirous in delivering power to the people because it is their inalienable right to have access to this infrastructure.

BUSINESS | ENERGY

FUNDING The executive and legislative arms of government have agreed that the DISCOs and GENCOs need funding support Adeola Yusuf

he Federal Government is planning a cash bailout for the new owners of the Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and Generation Companies (GENCOs), New Telegraph has gathered. The new owners, who took over power installations on Friday, November 1, 2013, have, contrary to their expectations, been facing difficulties in meeting their revenue target. Minister for Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, had earlier disclosed this when he said that plans were on to establish a Central Bank-controlled fund. He, however, explained that the shortfall in energy supply was the reason why generation and distribution companies were having challenges after they purchased the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets. Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Patrick Ikhariale, had also asked the Federal Government to work out a funding support plan for private sector operators in the energy industry to bridge the cash deficit gap and consolidate the privatisation process in the sector. Ikhariale who met with key players in the power sector to find solutions to the challenges in power generation, transmission and distribution, said that withdrawing funding completely after privatisation has made it difficult for the sector to stabilise fully. Following the hand-over of all PHCN facilities to investors in November 2013, the Federal Government had assured citizens that the privitisation process would result in improved power supply and stability. Meanwhile, investors in the

REVOCATION The House wants the Federal Government’s action on revocation of the concession Adeola Yusuf

he House of Representatives reaffirmed its believe that the concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill (ASRM) lacked due diligence, New Telegraph has learnt. The lower legislative chamber had earlier mandated Committees on Steel, Priviatisation and Commercialisation and Justice to investigate the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill (ASRM), but a source at the House told this newspaper that the general belief among the legislators is that the entire process was en-

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

FG mulls cash bailout for new power investors

privatised power firms and the Federal Government may be heading for a showdown as the deadline for the improvement of electricity supply to consumers ended yesterday without much progress being made. The Federal Government had in January given marching orders to the investors and key operators in the sector to ensure that there was visible improvement in the supply of electricity across the country by June. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, announced the directive, which came from President Goodluck Jonathan, during the inauguration of the Board Chairman of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Waziri. The recent reversal of the moderate gains in power gen-

eration and supply is said to be causing tension in the sector, as operators do not have a clear idea of what the Federal Government’s actions will be, especially for firms that will be found wanting. Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Power Systems, Mr. Jonathan Ogbonna, confirmed to our correspondent on the telephone that the ministry would, by the end of the deadline, review the situation on the ground to determine why the firms had not been able to improve electricity supply to consumers. He said: “If it is discovered that they (the firms) have limitations, the ministry may express some level of understanding. Otherwise, any firm found wanting will be called to

account. “Corrective measures will be proffered; but in proffering the corrective measures, it will be determined whether or not to wield the stick.” Ogbonna maintained that the ministry was interested in ascertaining reasons for the non-performance of some players in the sector so that lessons would be learnt from such cases for the needed adjustment to be made. Admitting that the transition stage should be a learning curve for power firms, he stressed that the ministry would ensure that adjustments were made based on findings, adding that “the situation we have has not been the best.” He said that the ministry would coordinate all the activi-

ties, with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) driving the entire process. Nebo had said: “I wish to charge all the principal sector players to commit to ensuring that power supply to our customers is significantly and visibly improved by June this year as directed by Mr President. “Much is expected of us all and the entire nation is waiting for us. Government will no longer tolerate any excuse of nonperformance from any of the sector players, particularly our new private sector partners.”

‘Why Dangote, partners launch skill-building centre’ angote Foundation has exDfirst plained the launch of the global installation of

(L-R) Dr Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya and President of OPEC; Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Alternate President of OPEC; Günther Oettinger, EU Energy Commissioner; and Abdalla Salem El-Badri, Secretary General, OPEC at 11th EU-OPEC Energy Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Brussels…. Tuesday .

‘Reps believe Ajaokuta Steel concessioning lacks transparency’ veloped in corruption. One of those who still hold firm to this belief, according to the source, is Ben Nwankwo (PDP-Anambra). Nwankwo had earlier moved a motion, which was unanimously adopted without debate when put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha. In moving the motion, Nwankwo noted that the mill and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMC) in 2005 were concessioned to two India firms without due diligence. According to him, the concessionaires, Global Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Global Steel Holdings Limited, allegedly operated in ways contrary to the concession agreement.

He said that due to complaints on the operation of ASRM and NIOMC by the concessionaires, the Federal Government revoked the concession agreement of ASRM in 2007. This, he said, led to protracted arbitral proceedings at the International Centre for Commercial Arbitration in London. The lawmaker said that the pendency of the arbitral proceedings further compounded the woes of the mill. He, however, said that recent disclosures indicated that the Federal Government had “successfully’’ reacquired ASRM from Global Infrastructure Holding Limited in circumstances not clear.

He said that the fate of NOIMC was still not clear. Nwankwo expressed concern that the employment potentials of the mill had not been exploited. He said that when fully operational, the rolling mill was capable of generating no fewer than 15,000 direct employments and therefore urged the House to look into the matter so that the lofty ambitions of the mill’s founding fathers of meeting the nations steel needs and providing employment were achieved. The House, in line with this, mandated three standing committees to also probe the affairs and failure of the mill and report back to the house for further legislative actions.

GE’s Garages programme – an innovation and manufacturing centre in collaboration with Points of Light in Nigeria and GE (General Electric). Director of Dangote Foundation, Adiahmbo Odaga, said at the launch that his foundation was committed to affecting the lives of Nigerians positively with the programme where aspiring makers and entrepreneurs can go to develop new skills and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies. He said: “I am delighted to work with GE to set up a learning environment that is different from the traditional classroom. This programme is unique in that it is focused in both the classroom, as well as in the real-world – providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and production technology.” Odaga added that “the Dangote Foundation is committed to touching the lives of Nigerians through programmes focused on health, education and empowerment. As a significant stakeholder within the Nigerian private sector, Dangote will help produce and maintain the programme and will collaborate on curriculum development for entrepreneurial and non-skilled participants.” Garages Nigeria will run from June 23 to July 11 at GE’s regional headquarters in Lagos, and will expand into a programme dedicated to training skilled entrepreneurs, employable workers and creating employment opportunities amongst service suppliers within the power generation sector. The skills training programme will bring together local partners including the Dangote Foundation and global partners as well as company employee activation specialist, Points of Light, to support sustainable skills and job growth in Nigeria.

BUSINESS | ENERGY

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Power ministry floats anti-corruption unit TASK Power minister has charged the newly constituted unit to be sincere in the discharge of duties

regulatory agencies in the sector to operate transparently, adding that there must be discipline and order. He said: “Those who bought our power plants and promised to give us light must give

us light, the ACTU is critical in this time of transition from public to private hands.” While assuring that the sector will maintain the highest level of transparency and technical efficiency in the

discharge of its mandate, he also stated that the Electricity Management Services Limited (EMSL) would insist that only professionals licensed by a competent authority are engaged to carry out electrical

James Nwabueze Abuja

n a bid to ensure that the gains of the privatisation in the power sector are fully harnessed, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Igali, has declared zero tolerance for corruption, quackery and other vices that undermine the transformation of the sector. The Principal Information Officer, Grace Njoku, in a statement, said that Igali made the remark at the inauguration of the newly reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) of the ministry, in Abuja. “We must set a very clear template for doing things right, we cannot afford to do things wrongly in the power sector” the permanent secretary was quoted to have stated. According to the statement, he charged the Gencos, Discos, Transmission Company, gas suppliers as well as all the

133x32 KVA Transmission Station Network of the Lagos region, Transmission Company ofNigeria (TCN)

GE makes inroads into skills, capacity building SUBSEA GE has said that it is delivering improved technology for subsea production Adeola Yusuf

E oil and gas has said that its customers, partners and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry met at the weekend at its ‘Garage’ programme for an interactive session on the role of technology in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The company, which said this in a statement, maintained that the Garage is an innovation and manufacturing centre where aspiring makers and entrepreneurs can go to develop new skills and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies. “At the event, GE Nigeria oil and gas leader, Uzo Nwagwu, said that technology continues to play a key role in the development of the oil and gas industry, and there needs to be concerted efforts to build skills and capacity in available local manpower,” the statement said. According to Uzo Nwagwu, “the core of GE oil and gas is technology, and this will play a critical role in emerging energy markets. As the oil and gas industry continues to explore

new sources of production, operations are increasing in complexity thus driving significant demand for better technology in equipment and services”. GE, according to the statement, said it is investing significantly in the training of engineers and technicians in the use of the ever-evolving technology. About 70 per cent of the GE oil and gas field service engineers and technicians in Nigeria are indigenous and it expects to see this number grow. The GE Nigeria oil and gas leader explained that GE delivers expertise to Africa by being a “big business” that acts like a nimble, local, “small” business. “We do this by combining a deep understanding of local demands, challenges, and opportunities in the energy sector with GE’s global scale and R&D,” said Uzo. GE, according to the statement, is investing in technology and service sectors that are critically important to the region, such as subsea, artificial lift, CNG and LNG: Subsea production is expected to increase by 35 per cent globally by 2018 as growing demand drives production toward much deeper parts of the sea. The statement added: “GE is delivering technology and services today to develop subsea resources and is developing the technologies that will move processing to the seabed.

installations at homes. Also, the Permanent Secretary called on state governments and private companies to take advantage of the on-going liberalisation and privatisation, insisting that the move would ensure the provision of adequate power for industrial and domestic needs. In his remarks, representative of the ICPC, Mr Justin Kuatsea, said that the commission believes that the war against corruption cannot be won if the wrong tactics are adopted in confronting a problem that has become deeply rooted in all facets of our national life. While charging the newly constituted unit to be sincere in the discharge of its duties, he stated that the mandate to eliminate corruption in Nigeria is hinged on an approach, which combines the punitive, preventive and enlightenment methods. The seven-member ACTU has Mr Daniel Mgbenu as chairman, with others drawn from the human resources, legal, procurement and finance departments of the ministry. The anti-corruption unit was first inaugurated in the ministry in 2002 in line with the directive of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to all the Federal Government MDAs, as part of the renewed war against corruption by all public servants.

Total production underway off Angola roduction is underway in Pdevelopment CLOV, a major deep water 86 miles (140

kilometres) off the coast of Angola in Block 17, French oil and gas major and 40-per cent operator, Total S.A. said at the weekend. CLOV has a capacity of 160,000 barrels of oil per day, with proven and probable reserves of over 500 million barrels, the company said. “CLOV is a flagship project for Total. It demonstrates the Group’s capacity to successfully start-up projects on time and within budget while mastering cutting-edge deep offshore technologies and keeping safety and environment a top priority,” Arnaud Breuillac, Total’s Exploration & Production president, said in a statement. CLOV is expected to bring Total “a step closer to achieving our production potential of 3 million barrels per day by 2017,” Breuillac said. The CLOV project is the four developing fields of Cravo, Lirio, Orquidea and Violeta. It comprises 34 wells and 8 manifolds that are connected by 111 miles (180 kilometers) of subsea pipelines to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FLSO) FPSO unit between 3,609-4,593 feet (1,100 and 1,400 meters) deep, the company said. Block 17 is operated by Total, Statoil ASA, Esso (Exxon Mobil Corp.) and BP PLC. In the same vein, Norway's Aker Solutions reported at the weekend that its subsidiary,

Aker Oilfield Services, has been notified by Total in Angola of the termination of a $250-million, two-year contract for the Skandi Aker vessel. Skandi Aker, a well-intervention vessel, started operations in September 2013 when the contract with Total began. Aker said that the value of

An oil worker

the remaining contract period is about $150 million and that this will be removed from the company's order backlog. The firm added that the vessel's capacity utilization has been 37 per cent so far in 2014 after operations halted at the end of March for maintenance and repairs.

32 BUSINESS | ENERGY BOOST The transmission substations would expand the capacity of the power sector and improve electricity supply nationwide Adeola Yusuf

he Federal Government plans to inauguration three new transmission stations in Adamawa, Kebbi and Lagos. The Ministry of Power, which said this in a statement, added that it had earlier inaugurated four power transmission substations to boost electricity supply across the country. According to government, one of the sub-stations was inaugurated penultimate Saturday in Adiabo, Cross River State, while the other three had been done earlier in Kano. The Minister of State for Power, Mr Mohammed Wakil, said that the transmission substations were designed to expand the capacity of the power sector and improve electricity supply nationwide. Wakil said: “This is one out of the many power projects being completed to expand the power sector in general and the transmission grid in particular so that citizens will eventually enjoy constant power supply for the socio-economic development and growth of our nation,” he said. Wakil said that the sub-station in Adiabo was very sig-

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

FG to inaugurate three transmission stations nificant because it would feed transmission projects such as the one at the Export Processing Zone as well as improve power supply to Calabar and environs. “The issue of low voltage as previously experienced due to the long distance transmission line from Alaoji to Calabar has been addressed. Improved power delivery will also posi-

tively impact on tourism and other commercial activities in the state,” the minister added. He urged the benefiting host communities to cooperate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to protect power installations and equipment located in their areas. “The Federal Ministry of Power has commenced a ‘Safe

Power Infrastructure Campaign’ to create community sensitisation and ownership to deter vandalism. We will soon take this campaign across the six geopolitical zones,” Wakil said. Managing Director, TCN, Mr Mack Kast, said that the inauguration of the substation was a demonstration of gov-

Oil barrel

Oil steadies at $115 per barrel CONCERNS Oil reduced concerns over exports from strife-torn Iraq

Adeola Yusuf

rent crude oil was little changed in choppy trading at the weekend as investors moved to square positions fol-

lowing one of the international benchmark’s biggest weekly falls this year due to reduced concerns over exports from strife-torn Iraq. Prices have dropped more than $2 from a nine-month high of $115.71 hit on June 19 as output from Iraq’s southern oilfields, which produce most of the nation’s 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd), remained unaffected by fighting in the north and west. “Many people are very long, the market’s gotten a little top-

heavy, and we’re susceptible to a correction,” said Stephen Schork, editor of The Schork Report in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Libya’s eastern oil port of Hariga completed the loading of a tanker carrying 600,000 barrels of crude oil destined for Italy last Friday after a protest by security guards ended, the port operator said, further easing supply worries on the world market. Brent rose nine cents to settle at $113.30 a barrel, after falling 79 cents in the previous session.

It lost more than 1.3 per cent last week, its steepest weekly fall since March. US crude fell 10 cents to settle at $105.74 a barrel after ending Thursday 66 cents weaker at $105.84, the lowest settlement since June 11. US crude lost nearly 1.4 per cent during the week, and has fallen $2 since hitting $107.73 on June 20. The spread between the two benchmarks closed the week at $7.56 after having widened to $9.67 on June 19, when Brent hit its nine-month peak.

Gov Amaechi to host energy investment forum State Gover nor, Rtheivers Rotimi Amaechi, will host 2014 “Energy, Environ-

ment and Investment Forum (EEIF)”, which holds in Port Harcourt, organisers of the event said at the weekend. The event, the organizers said in a statement made available toNew Telegraph, is dedicated to renewable energies, energy efficiency, clean technologies and investment opportunities. “The forum, which has the theme “Sustainable energy - the key to africa’s world integration” is being held under the patronage of Governor of Rivers State, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,” the statement read. The EEIF 2014, which is

ernment’s commitment to the expansion of the transmission system. “We appreciate the efforts and the tenacity of government in approving and funding power transmission projects nationwide. If this path is sustained, our transmission grid will grow into a world-class system,” Kast said.

being hosted by the Government of Rivers State, includes a world-class conference, a women’s symposium, a youth forum, as well as a number of corporate meetings and concurrent social events. The forum, which holds at the Dr. Obi Wali Convention Center in Port Harcourt, will attract world leaders, international policy makers, industry experts and investors from the public and private sector and the media, who will gather in Port Harcourt to discuss practical and sustainable solutions to future energy challenges. The Port Harcourt Energy, Environment and Investment Forum 2014 is an African-focused international business

platform that will connect project owners and solution providers to investors and buyers from the public and private sector in a bid to promote sustainable development of the African continent. The EEIF 2014 will present energy and environment sector stakeholders with a unique opportunity to network with their peers, exchange technology, share best practice and form business partnerships that will further promote the global effort for a better and greener future. The forum, according to the statement, will be moderated by Dr. Muhammed, Ibn CHAMBASS – UN Envoy and former Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Presi-

dent, while the speakers include Lech Walesa (former President of Poland), John Kufour, former President of Ghana, Francois Fillion, former Prime Minister of France and Jose Luis Zapatero, 2-Term Prime Minister of Spain. Others are Ian Bowles, former Massachusetts Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs), Mr Eric Joyce, former Member of British Parliament and James Rubin, former Assistant Secretary of US Dept. of State, Professor Edward Ayensu, former Director of African Development Bank, Founder of Global Energy Foundation and Liu Kan, Consular-General, Peoples Republic of China, Nigeria and many other panelists.

Ophir comes up dry offshore Gabon frica-focused Ophir Energy Aoperations has reported that drilling has finished on

its Okala-1 well on the Mbeli block, offshore Gabon, but that the well turned out dry. The pre-salt well, in which Ophir has a 50-per cent net operated interest, was drilled by the Vantage Titanium Explorer (UDW drillship) to a depth 13,875 feet and targeted Cretaceous sands. The well encountered a thick section of Aptian salt as expected as well as well-developed sandstones in the Gamba and Dentale formations. However, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows in the target reservoirs, Ophir said. Ophir’s share of the Okala-1 well costs was partially covered by carries from the company’s joint venture partners, the firm added. Ophir CEO Nick Cooper commented in a company statement: “Okala marks the end of Ophir’s 2014 exploration campaign in Gabon. Initial analysis indicates that the well failed due to either source and/or charge issues at this location. The information gleaned from the 2014 programme will now be used to refine our understanding of the sub-salt basin architecture and source distribution and to direct future exploration activity on the blocks.

PROPERTY&ENVIRONMENT PAGE 33, Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Experts blame apathy for low modern building methods' adoption CUTTING EDGE Huge financial outlay, cultural perception, others blame for implementation Dayo Ayeyemi

nywhere in the world where housing needs of the populace have been largely met, it has been through the use of alternative building technologies in large housing projects. In Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has been in the forefront of employing new technologies in the development of low-income housing. Also, emerging economies such as China, Brazil, South Africa and Singapore have adopted these technologies to produce high-rise buildings on a large scale for their citizens. Popular among these technologies include Structural Insulated Panels, Insulated Concrete Forms, Radiant Wall System, Hydra Foam, TimberFrame, Cob, Stabilised Mud Blocks, Straw-bale, Log, Adobe, Rammed Earth, Plastic Forms and Earth Ships among others. Equipped with this information, some built environment experts had, two years ago canvassed the introduction of alternative construction techniques such as dry construction and building system to fast track the production process and delivery of houses in large quantity for the people. Despite all the papers presented and motivating speeches about the beauty of dry construction method, they have remained materials for the archive as there is nothing on ground to show that the country is toeing the line. It has been said that with the industrialized system, 100,000 housing units can be delivered in a period of six months once the various plants for building component manufacturing is in place. But experts who spoke with New Telegraph at the weekend, have blamed apathy toward these innovative building technologies of many factors ranging from huge capital outlay to cultural perspective and fear of job loss. Speaking about apathy towards some of these innovative techniques, Chief Executive Officer of HOB Estate Limited, Chief Segun Bamgbade, blamed it on sociological perception of the people and fixed in nature of the system, saying they are not open to adjustment and readjustment.

Units of apartments at Royal Sanderton Garden Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

Gbede

Omeife

Bamgbade

According to him, once a house is built without an opening for air conditional, it is always difficult to add air conditioner into such a house anymore unlike the conventional method that one can break down a part and add up his desired interest to the house without any serious hitch. He said: “Building pattern in any given society is majorly centered on some sociological perceptions of the people within such society. The fact that modern building techniques are successfully deployed in certain environments does not mean that those areas who have not fully imbibed the idea lag behind in any form. “You may wish to restructure the front view of your house without necessarily altering the engineering designs. This may be very difficult with the so called modern technology, whereas it is a simple issue with the conventional building method.” Using Nigeria as a case study, he pointed out that most elites were not interested in such mod-

ern techniques talk less of the mass illiterate populace, adding that it has never been their culture to build houses with steel and all round concrete that is not amenable to any future adjustment. “We cannot rule out the essence of our sociology of building norms. We are used to building houses in stages in Nigeria. Where a house is built within an unrealistic short period, the people will nurse a belief that the house may not be strong enough for habitation,” he said. Although, Bamgbade did not condemn the use of modern building technology totally, but he explained that for it to be adopted for the Nigerian building industry, there must be enough socialisation, saying that people must be well enlightened for the techniques to gain reasonable acceptance. The HOB boss stated that Real Estate Developers Association, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and many other relevant

bodies must create realistic enlightenment for the populace on the advantages of the modern building techniques. On a positive note, he stated that the issue of building collapse would be a thing of the past if the modern building techniques are effectively deployed in building constructions in Nigeria. He, however, warned that the country needs to be careful in the deployment of modern techniques, inciting that the western world that have been selling the idea are only concerned with the provision of ready market for their products. He said: “They are the producers of the so called modern building materials. If we should take up the modern building techniques as advocated by the western world through their Nigerian counterparts, there is going to be massive unemployment in the building related industry.” Bamgbade advised the local building industry to be encouraged by creating the desirable in-

frastructures in order to bridge the gap being experienced in the building industry, thereby creating more employment opportunities for the populace. Nigerite has always been at the forefront of innovation building solutions and process offering in Nigeria. Bridging housing deficit of over 16million cannot be just about alternative building material as widely held. According to the Marketing Director of the Company, Mr Toyin Gbede, in recent interview noted that innovative construction method, process and technology has a major role to play in addressing the issue of housing everywhere in the world, adding that Nigerite, leveraging on it’s multinational structure has been researching on how emerging economies of the world have successfully use material, process and technology to resolve housing problem. He said, “We have thus developed Integrated Building Solution using panelised dry construction systems as a viable and modern construction worth considering in our quest to solving housing deficit problem.” Chairman of Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mr. Ladipo Lewis, explained that the use of alternative building materials are widely accepted abroad especially by the private sector. For Nigeria to accept some of these materials, he said the local climatic condition and socio-cultural issues have to be considered. He noted that modular system of building thrived when constructing houses in large scale, where economies C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 4

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Houston EB5 to Nigerians: Invest in Texas property, get permanent residency OPPORTUNITY Investors can become lawful permanent residents of the United States Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

o the doubting Thomas, this information from Houston EB5, a real estate investment company, is real as the firm is offering potential investors, the opportunity of investing in real estate development in one of USA’s most desirable market, Houston Texas. In addition to the prospect of a handsome return on investment on the project, a luxury apartment complex in Downtown Houston called Block 384, the firm said that investing in the project will qualify investors for permanent residency in the United States through the EB-5 programme. Following the success of

Houston EB5’s newest Real Estate project, a $70 million residential tower near the Houston Galleria called Astoria, which tapped a federal programme targeting wealthy foreigners whose investment amounted to $30 million of the total cost of the project and the inherent 100 per cent success rate so far on I526 Green Card approvals, the company has started raising funds for this new project. A statement signed and made available to New Telegraph by the CEO of 3invest Limited. Ms. Ruth Obih, confirmed the new investment opportunity. This new project which will be at an investment level of $500,000 has Randall Davis, a Houston luxury condominium developer and his partner in Houston EB5, Mexico City native and Houston entrepreneur Roberto Contreras, excited about the development of the 240 unit, 8 story block 384 luxury apartment after starting the construction on the Astoria building, a 30-storey condo tower on Post Oak Boulevard.

Thirty investors from countries in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia invested $1 million apiece to the EB-5 Regional Center, a company set up to raise money from foreign investors for a job-creating commercial enterprise. In return the investors can become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Speaking, Contreras said: "Astoria was really made possible thanks to these foreign investors, because one of the reasons there are not more condominium projects is because it's very hard to finance them. "Banks love to finance apartments, but don't love to finance condominiums. The EB5 program has allowed us to complete more projects in the Houston area and we look forward to

expanding our investor reach in countries like Nigeria and Vietnam" The majority of the investors Houston EB5 has subscribed for previous projects are from Mexico and other Latin American countries with Nigeria close behind, said Acho Azuike, Managing Director of Houston EB5 Regional Center. “For future projects we plan to attract more investors from Nigeria because Nigerians are already familiar with the Houston area and we now have a track record of success because of our Astoria project,” he said. The EB5 investment program is administered by the U.S. Citizens Immigration Services under the Department of Homeland Security. It allows investors who make a qualified

investment to fast track permanent legal residency in the United States for themselves and their immediate family without the usual roadblocks or red tape associated with the immigration process. Given that real estate investments remain much safer in nature than typical business investments, compounded with Houston’s strong economic environment participants in Houston EB5’s Block 384 project can expect a more reliable and timely return on their investment. Interested parties in this investment opportunity can make further enquiries as to how to proceed by contacting 3Invest, the project’s industry partner here in Nigeria for further details.

Experts blame apathy for low modern building methods' adoption C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

of scale will set in. Immediate past President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Chucks Omeife, argued that though, it would be difficult to bridge the housing need using conventional method of construction which is block, cement and mortar, but pointed out that the major consideration in the use of industrialized building system was the initial capital outlay coupled with cultural perception of the people. He explained that majority of the building components that would be incorporated when adopting industrialized process must be prefabricated to a specific dimension and standard in a chain of production, which must be set up. According to him, the cost of the setup of the various equipment for each process is enormous though economical on a long-term basis. “When considered using economics of large scale production it will produce cheaper and affordable houses and at a faster rate, the challenge is in the area of continuous engagement for continuous production,” he said. Omeife noted that the system has been deployed in Nigeria but in a limited area, pointing out that the major challenge was the initial capital outlay and guarantee of continuous business if the plant is put in place. He said: “ These are the major fears of would be investors. This is the only way the housing deficit in the country can be bridged quickly within a very short time. One of the major

advantages of the new building system is the reduction in the unit cost of building overtime hence can provide affordable houses for different strata of the society. “The major disadvantage of the various system building apart from initial capital outlay is the issue of maintenance and a total re-orientation in the building industry in terms of skill, knowledge and mind set. Both the professionals and the artisans/ craftsmen in the building Industry will have to be retrained in the light of new building concept, design, technology and materials.” In an attempt to bridge the gap in housing deficit in the country, Omeife suggested a gradual combination of the conventional and the new building system as a good start. “The conventional building system can also be used to deliver houses quickly if all resources are available especially fund. It is the non-availability of fund that makes it look as if it is taking a long time. With adequate planning it can be used to deliver houses but not at the same rate compared with industrialized system,” he said. The various systems include dry construction, wet/dry in a particular ratio, hydro-foam system, steel building system, the South African Moladi system. All these encourage modular form of construction. They also involve the combinations of major construction materials like concrete and steel and also various finishing materials like wood panels, lightweight sandcrete panels, and plastic panels among others.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde (left) and the Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi, during a courtesy visit by members of the institute to the commissioner in Alausa, Ikeja at the weekend.

NIOB seeks synergy with Ogun Housing Corporation T he Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Sikiru Eyinfunjowo Eyinfunjowo, has called for more synergy and engagement of builders in the activities of Ogun State Housing Corporation. He made the plea in Abeokuta while leading other members of the institute on a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Housing Development and General Manager of the State Housing Corporation, Mrs. Jumoke Akinwunmi. According to him, when talking of building, builders must be involved, saying: “We want expansion in the corporation’s building department through employment of more builders.” The NIOB chairman commended the housing agency for utilizing professionals in the building sector in the delivery of affordable houses to the masses.

Eyinfunjowo noted that there were touches of professionalism in all the construction projects being carried out by the corporation in the various estates, noting that this was an indication that government was not compromising quality in all construction works. He said that the institute was always ready to support the state government in its housing drive, emphasizing that the engagement of building professionals would always result in quality service delivery. Responding, Akinwunmi, said that the corporation had always involved professionals like surveyors, town planners, quantity surveyors, builders and other relevant professionals in the housing sector in its housing delivery. Akinwunmi said that the maintenance of Plainfields’ Estate, would be handled by the Estate Residence Association

and there would be documentation of rules and regulations, which would be binding on all residents. She called for more education and re-education amongst professionals, urging them to put in place checks and recertification to checkmate activities of quacks. The Special Adviser enjoined the Institute to create a platform with other professional bodies to come together and rub minds to further develop the sector; saying that the “cost of constant engagement of minds ensure the end users getting value for their money”. She assured that her Corporation would always provide necessary infrastructure in all its estates, particularly drainages for free flow of water; appreciating the institute for their support, she expressed satisfaction on women involvement in the building sector.

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Environmentalists task Nigerians on rising sea level DANGER

Dayo Ayeyemi

A short drama by students during the Flora and Fauna Fancy Dress Competition held by NCF to mark the World Environment Day in Lekki, Lagos

with small rises in sea level. "Nigeria lies in the middle latitudes in the Gulf of Guinea. It is therefore characterized by generally high and strong wave systems which have more destructive impacts on the shoreline and constantly causing shoreline erosion.” Majekodunmi urged that people must not add to the problem through their action, but to create awareness on danger of rising sea level. The Executive Director of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Alade Adeleke, urged the need to develop strategic plans which emphasise the importance, not only of recognizing children as key stakeholders in the policy-making process, but also of promoting environmental education for sustainable development as a means of enabling future leaders. This, he said would help to find innovative solutions to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental degradation in the people and communities. Adeleke added that in the light of the serious challenges of rising sea level being faced by the coastal cities, it has become obvious that people should begin to evaluate their lifestyles

and become more conscious of the impacts of the waste they dispose and rethink options. He stated that by doing this, they would be able to see how they could make sure that they are not contributing to the rising in sea level. “There is need to charge our regulatory bodies on coastal landuse with respect to habour and housing usage of this fragile ecosystem that houses the major cities of the world,” Adeleke said. In their presentations with different costumes to depict the theme of the year, the children persuaded people to save the environment by engaging in culture and attitude that do not have negative impact on the environment. The participating students in different age categories competed in fauna and flora dress competitions to create awareness on reducing the sea level. The presentations were centered on the need to take corrective measures right from homes through proper waste disposal and clearing of drainages. Speaking earlier on competition, the Chairman of the Foundation's scientific committee, Prince Adegoke Ademiluyi, said that Flora and Fauna Fancy

Dress Competition was one of the segments of the NCF World Environment Day School Competitions. “I am particularly delighted with the impact this effort has been creating over the years, part of which is the replication of the idea by most environmental NGOs in Nigeria,” he said. He enjoined Nigerians especially the youth to help spread the gospel of conservation by joining the school conservation program established by NCF. While seeking further support of the corporate world on funding environmental initiative, he added that the progress made thus far by the Foundation has been through the contributions of corporate organisations, groups and individuals. He said: “Over the years we have worked with governments and its agencies to formulate policies which ensured that degradation and other issues that are inimical to the environment are addressed. Yes, the challenges are multifarious and we realize we cannot do it alone. It is for this reason that I urge everyone who reaps benefits from Nigerian natural resources to join hands with us to conserve them.”

Amosun approves housing loan for workers servants in Ogun state, Ctingivil who had lost hope for benefitfrom the affordable housing

scheme of the present administration, due to what they termed as exorbitant prices now have cause to smile as state government has approved provision for housing loan to workers in the state. The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, stated this at the interactive session with

Global environmental crime in Nigeria, others hit $213b oney made through illegal M logging, poaching, fisheries, mining and the dumping

Coastal regions are highly prone to flooding, constituting natural threat to the environment

he fragile nature of Nigeria’s coastal regions is becoming a source of worry to all stakeholders encompassing environmentalists, conservationists, government, students and the youth as the expressed fear about the looming danger if they failed to take urgent action. They all urged the need to take practical action aiming at reducing sea level and save the environment at the elaborate forum where group of conservationists gathered at the 2014 Fauna and Flora Fancy Dress Competitions in Lagos in continuation of the World Environment Day Celebration. According to them, it has become very important to join the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and other groups' effort on climate change enlightenment campaign aiming at sensitising Nigerians, particularly youth across the country and women in rural environment who are the most vulnerable groups to climate change and its attendant impact. With the theme "Raise Your Voice, Not The Sea Level", some conservationists and students from different schools in Lagos, stormed the Lekki office of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, to celebrate the annual event. The theme of the year aimed at encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment in general and to discourage people from all actions and attitude that will increase the sea level. An environmentalist and member of NCF, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, pointed out that the low-lying nature of much of the coastal parts of Nigeria constitutes a natural threat to the Nigerian environment. He said: “Generally, rising to less than five metres above sea level, these coastal regions are highly prone to flooding even

public servants held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta. The programme was tagged: “A day with Mr. Governor” It is part of activities marking the 2014 public service week. He also came to term with workers to reduce prices on the 3, 2 bedroom semi-detached and two bedroom units at Mission One Estate, Laderin, to N5.5 million, N5 million and N4.5 million respectively in place of the 6.8

and 5.5 million naira earlier fixed on the houses. Senator Amosun explained that they were unable to deliver on May 29th earlier promised date for the houses due to change in the initial plan of shell houses to fully completed houses. “When I announced on May 1st to deliver by May 29th 2014, the initial plan by the State Housing Corporation was to construct shell houses, though

it is not easy to construct. Building shell houses would not allow uniformity. We are not just building any kind of houses but quality that Ogun state would be proud of”, he stated. Explaining further, Governor Amosun said that if people follow the pattern in the western world, they might not need to build any house on their own; but rather buy according to their level.

of toxic waste is being used to fund militia and terrorist and criminal groups in Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan and other part of the world. A new report from the United Nations and Interpol has revealed that a threat to global security cost a staggering $213 billion each year. The report estimated that the illegal charcoal trade in East, Central and Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and other West Africa generates up to $9 billion in net profit each year. That's almost three times the street value of illegal drugs in the region. That number is expected to swell as demand for charcoal rises over the next 30 years, with a predicted surge in the population of sub-Saharan Africa by one billion people by 2050, the report said. In the report, "The Environmental Crime Crisis” it was learnt that transnational criminal organizations were making immense profits by exploiting natural resources to fuel their illicit activities. According to Interpol’s Executive Director of Police Services, Jean-Michel Louboutin, to give an idea of the scale of the illegal market, the figure of $213 bn is about 60per cent more than the total global Overseas Development Assistance of around $135 billion each year. The report added: “Illegal logging and forest crime earns traders up to $100 billion each year, up to 30per cent of the total global timber trade. “And the market for Illegal trade of flora and fauna is worth up to $23 billion, including live and dead specimens and associated products, many destined for Asia. Also, Achim Steiner, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said: "Beyond immediate environmental impacts, the illegal trade in natural resources is depriving developing economies of billions of dollars in lost revenues just to fill the pockets of criminals." He said while the report showed there was growing awareness of environmental crime, "the responses to date in terms of impact have not been commensurate with the scale and growth of the threat to wildlife and the environment.” The report explained that criminals from other sectors were being attracted to environmental crime because of a combination of high profits and low probability of getting caught and convicted. "This applies especially with respect to transnational activities, where enforcement has been virtually non-existent until now,” it said.

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Guidelines on living room furniture arrangement Where you place your furniture in a room will instantly set the tone for how you'll live in that room. Here, expert @ www.hgtv.com gives seven must-know tips for arranging spaces, whether you're relaxing, watching TV or chatting with friends Get out the tape measure The first step in arranging a space is determining its size. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of a room. Or, a quick tip: Measure your foot and then walk heel to toe across the room. This is an easy way to estimate the basic size. Then, check the dimensions of the hallways, stairs and door widths Mix furnishings of various sizes Every object has a height, depth and width. To add visual interest to any space, incorporate a variety of furniture with different characteristics. If you're going for a serene, unchallenging area for rest or recovery, keep the furnishing volumes in a room similar. This rustic living space from HGTV Dream Home Use scaled pieces to create balance The size of pieces relative to one another and the size of the space is their scale. Similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of pieces creates a harmonious atmosphere, utilizing the differing physical

qualities of height, depth and width throughout a room Form a healthy relationship The relationship of items to one another to form a pleasing whole is called balance. There are two forms of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Bilateral symmetry is like the human body: There are two of everything. Asymmetry refers to an imbalance, such as two candles of slightly different sizes Use an artist's perspective Look at your space as a painter looks at a work of art. There are visual tricks that painters use to create the appearance of depth in a space. You can use these tools, too. Think Gestalt All furniture arrangements have a certain gestalt, or "totality," a "form." Large rectangular spaces can be dealt with by dividing the "form" of the space into another form. A long, narrow living space, for instance, can be split in two by creating zones of function. Say, one half is for the sofa, or the function of …

Ogun Homeowners’ Charter: Govt increases inspection teams

Ogun State government Tofhehas increased the number inspection teams for home-

owners’ charter programme from thirteen teams to fiftytwo (52) teams in order to meet the needs of the people and have a successful programme. The Director of Land Ratification in the State Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Fatai Adeboyejo, said this when he led a team of surveyors and land officers to Ijebu-Ode, Akute, Sagamu-Ogijo axis, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South and Ado-Odo Ota in continuation of the inspection exercise. Adeboyejo said that on each site, there would be two sets of inspection teams before such property could be validated for Certificate of Occupancy (C of

O) and building plan approval. He said, “Our people should be aware that town planners are different from surveyors and land officers, when the need arises for the surveyors to work on their sites, they must be available, for the surveyors are for another task entirely.” The Director said that the inspection teams are working diligently to inspect 1,800 sites per day. He enjoined applicants to be readily available so that they can achieve their aims and objectives. He also enjoined applicants to provide basic requirements such as survey plan, building plan and proof of ownership on land to surveyors during inspection for them to carry out their job effectively.

Building collapse: NIQS seeks govt’s collaboration SYNERGY This is to promote quality buildings in the society Dayo Ayeyemi

onstruction cost experts under the umbrella of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Lagos State Chapter have urged on the need for further collaboration with government in order to encourage professionalism in building construction in order to prevent structural failure. The collaboration, they said was necessary to promote cordial working relationship between government and the institute. Disclosing this during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban De-

velopment in Lagos State on Tuesday, NIQS Chairman, Mr Olayemi Shonubi, said the association is ready to work with government in the area of monitoring of buildings under construction in order to prevent collapse of structure in the metropolis. He told the Lagos State Physical Planning Commissioner, Mr Toyin Ayinde, that the visit was mainly to seek further collaboration with his office and to explore areas of mutual benefits for the institute and the state government. He commended the commissioner for his achievements since he assumed office especially in the area of building regulations and fight against structural failures in the metropolis. Speaking, Commissioner Ayinde said it is high time professionals come together in order to chart a new course for the society and ensure that people

build right. He expressed worry about the way some professionals designs and construct buildings without any recourse to professionalism, thereby leading to structural failures. He said: “How much is a two-floor building that a professional with design and would not do it well? When we cannot build well in a small project, can we be trusted when it comes to big project? How much of professionals we are if we cannot cost a two bedroom well” The commissioner enjoined quantity surveyors on the need to create passion for the country by doing things right as professionals. “We must see professionalism as a call to duty. We must create value,” he said. He stated that his ministry is working on collaboration with professional bodies since government could not do it alone nor employ everybody.

Strike threat: Holding aviation hostage p–38

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

BUSINESS 37

Arik's B737-800 aircraft

Why airlines go bust There is no doubt that Africa’s aviation industry creates 6.7 million jobs and $6.8 billion for the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, various issues are hampering growth, writes Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE

t is no longer news that Africa has seen many airlines come and go. It is the same story with Nigeria’s aviation industry where many carriers had also come and gone. Many are struggling, a sign that they could go the way of others that have become extinct. The casualties are just too numerous to count or list. They each rise with a wave of optimism, but crash with crippling debt and defeat. The list is endless. Nigeria Airways, Ghana Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Afrique, East African Airlines and Uganda Airlines are just some to have fallen into liquidation. They are new private airlines that have emerged after the demise of these state owned airlines. Many of them now hugely depend on neighbouring airlines in order to fly to the rest of the world. Yet despite all this defeat, Africa’s aviation industry continues to battle on. It is, after all, a significant growth market and worth the fight. So, as old airlines disappear, new start-up

carriers arrive. Some are more successful than others. Air Malawi, 1Time, Cameroon Airlines and Air Nigeria have recently gone bust. However, ASKY, Arik Air, Pan African Airlines and Air Rwanda are thriving. What could be responsible for this? Can existing one safeguard themselves from dying like their counterparts? Brainstorming Last month, African airline chiefs, civil aviation authorities from many African countries, African Airlines Association (AFRAA), aircraft manufacturers and others gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss the challenges Africa’s aviation industry faces. Among the issues, speakers highlighted poor airport infrastructure; high airport fees; market restrictions; exorbitant taxes; aviation fuel; and competition. In his opening remarks, the convener of Air Finance in Africa, Nick Fadugba, listed excessive airport taxes, poor infrastructure and fuel prices that are above industry average as major challenges confronting airlines. “The generally high cost of operations is making African airlines less competitive,” he argues. Most of the speakers lamented that the region’s most significant challenge is the cost of doing business in Africa. They noted that aviation fuel prices are much higher than the world average. “In some countries, airport fees are exorbitant and these have to be reviewed,” he says. Just last year, the Director General of the International Air Transport Association

Aero's B737-500 aircraft

(IATA), Tony Tyler, when he visited Lagos for an occasion to mark IATA Day was critical of African governments. Tyler argues that African governments levy cumbersome airport fees and taxes on jet fuel and airfares. In particular, he cites the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, and adds that the nation’s conflicting rules hinder the airline industry growth. But the problems with government run deep and downward to airline chief executives. Africa’s aviation industry is renowned for being laced with corruption, nepotism and bureaucracy. And it’s these things that link the government to some of the continent’s less scrupulous business leaders. Safety issues Another contentious issue for Africa is safety, for which it also holds a poor reputation. Indeed, African carriers dominate the European

We need to have a sound business development strategy that would enable us to compete with any airline

Union’s (EU) blacklist, which bans certain airlines from flying into EU airspace. Among those banned are all 50 from the Democratic Republic of Congo; all four from Equatorial Guinea; all 17 from Mozambique; all 10 from São Tomé and Príncipe; all seven from Sierra Leone and all 18 airlines from the Republic of Sudan. Added to these are every airline from the Republics of Benin, Congo and Gabon, which each have eight airlines. Clearly more needs to be done in terms of safety, as well as the legislation, documentation and enforcement that surround it. Global standards Tyler argues that aviation’s economic and social benefits can be undermined by the unintended consequences of government action, which are not aligned with the established framework of global standards. “Global standards are the foundation upon which a safe, secure and integrated global air transport system is built. The system is so reliable that we don’t often think about the enormous co-ordination that makes it possible. That is why we need to remind governments of the value of global standards that support aviation and the vibrancy of their economies,” Tyler says. Safety is the prime example of what can be achieved with

a consistent, global approach. The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is the global standard for airline operational safety management. Over the decade since it was established, there has been a clear trend showing that the aggregate safety performance of airlines on the registry is superior to those airlines that are not on the registry. African airlines on the IOSA registry are performing in line with global averages. And in 2012 there was not a single Western-built jet hull loss by any of IATA’s 25 African member airlines. “Improving safety is the biggest issue on Africa’s agenda, and global standards play a crucial role in this area. Last year, nearly half of the fatalities on Western-built jets occurred in Africa. African governments recognise the need to improve safety in the Abuja Declaration’s goal of reaching worldclass safety levels by 2015. IATA is actively contributing its expertise and resources to all the Abuja Declaration’s commitments,” says But once one hurdle is overcome, another is soon met. Although some airlines may not be prepared for competition in a liberalised environment, Naikuni argues that protecting such airlines puts back the whole industry. Non-African carriers have dominated African skies and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 0

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

WITH

Why airports projects won't AIR RAGE be abandoned â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ortom Strike threat: Holding Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Sam Ortom, recently went on inspection of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. The consummate administrator and politician was impressed with on-going works at the airport and assured that the projects would be delivered very soon. He spoke on many issues concerning the sector. Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE was there. How satisfied are you with the airports projects? Work is going on progressively and I am happy with their quality and we are confident the project will be delivered within two years as agreed in the contract terms. In fact, the contractors said that they may even complete the terminals before the two years that was agreed. I am impressed with the level of work done thus far at the new Lagos international terminal. As you are aware, we are constructing same terminal in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. They are being financed with the $500 million Chinese EXIM Bank loan and the $100 million government counterpart funding. Fear that the projects may be abandoned I want to assure Nigerians that the projects will be completed. The projects are part of the aviation master plan dully approved by the federal executive council (FEC). Every single project that was started in the remodelling plan in the phase one, two and three will be completed. It is a matter of stepping up our revenue generation. We have massive opportunities and if we are able to close the gap, we will generate enough revenue and with additional funding from the federal government, we will execute the projects. I want to allay the fears of Nigerians that the projects won't be abandoned. The debts and commitment are there but you can see the massive work going on in the aviation industry today. That justifies the N174 billion debts. Rome wasn't built in a day and there is no way we think we can generate this money within a week. But we intend not to embark on new projects so we can concentrate our energies and ensure we complete the projects started by my predecessor. Perhaps, the only areas we could embark on new projects would have to do with safety and security. I have to do this inspection to have first hand information about the projects. Before now I had set up a committee that is visiting the projects and will soon come up Wigan a comprehensive report on all the projects currently ongoing. You are aware of our master plan to revitalize the aviation industry. This further confirms why we have the commitment of N174 billion! Some of the commitments are on projects that have not even started. There is massive work going at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport. This is just one out if the 22 airports that are being built. As we speak, work is gong in other airports. Some have been completed.

Yes, some of the projects have been suspended due to paucity of funding but You will agree that the 2014 Budget has been delayed but it has been signed into law by Mr. President and once the funds are released to us, we will make it available to contractors to resume work. We will make sure we complete all the projects that are ongoing but even at that, we have to prioritize to complete those that are close to being completed. We will programme the projects based on their current level of being completed. Though we have funding challenges but through internally generated revenue, we can achieve a lot. We will strive to generate more revenue and plough it back into the system. We also appeal to Mr. President for more funding and we are confident if there are funds he would oblige us. He is very committed to the revamping of the aviation sector. He is the initiator of the transformation in the aviation sector and for the first time a president is devoting this much attention to aviation in Nigeria and committed to revamping the entire 22 airports in Nigeria. This is because besides the five new brand new international terminals and 15 cargo terminals that will further enhance the economy of Nigeria. Appreciable progress has been made. Agreed we are not there yet but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. We are better off today. In the course of our visit, I have noticed some one or two things that need to be fixed and I have told them to fix them so Nigerians can enjoy the benefit. I'm happy with what I have seen. We are not embarking on any project except projects that deals with security and safety. On allegation that some aviation agencies are funding your gubernatorial ambition Let me divert a little bit and clear the air on recent insinuations that the aviation agencies are funding my campaign with N25 million each. Thank God they are here. I can assure you that it is just a political blackmail to attack my rising political profile. Everyone in Benue State knows that I'm a grassroots person, I have worked at the local government level, I have worked at the state level and now I'm a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Before I became a minister, I was the National Auditor of PDP. The agitation for me being governor is coming from the grassroots who are ready to sponsor my campaign. I have no need going into scrupulous ways to fund my campaign as a child of God. The people are ready for my campaign when I make a declaration. For now, I haven't declared my intentions to contest Benue State governorship as I'm still consulting. Human capacity development We have taken steps to address the matter of human capital development and we consider this very critical. We have new technologies and best practices coming up frequently and we need to match recent developments by building capacity for our staff. We need to upgrade our staff skill to meet up the expectations. Training is our priority and we will train our staff to meet professional expectations. We take safety and security seriously and we need well trained staff to achieve safety and security. As an interim measure, I have directed MD of FAAN to engage the retired fire service staff on temporal basis to address the shortage of staff in the fire service department.

Ortom

On the cooling system for the Lagos airport Work is ongoing and right now we are installing new air conditioners at the terminals. For the central a/c, we have awarded the contract and the manufactures are working on it.

Wole Shadare

aviation hostage

ne of the major tools of blackmail in aviation or other sectors in Nigeria is strike. This action is so potent that each time the unions issue ultimatum to authorities, the tendency is for them to be listened to. One cannot fault the decision to embark on strikes because that seems to be the language the government understands as it carries on like the Lord of the manor. Strikes are fast becoming a weapon of war fare to get the authorities to think twice before taking actions that are inimical to the progress of society. But the use of this weapon indiscriminately makes it absurd. What do you make of the threat by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) to disrupt air transport operations based on the inability of the Federal Government to appoint a substantive Director-General for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Their threat to many rational minds amounts to hostage taking. Agreed that the appointment of a substantive Director-General of NCAA is long overdue, the plan to shut or disrupt air transport operations is very mundane. How come ATSSSAN is quick to issue this ultimatum to ground air transport operations as a result of the delay in confirming the appointment of DG designate, Captain Muktar but became mute when some of the biggest sleaze in aviation was perpetrated? Where was ATSSSAN when the BMW bullet-proof cars scam was at its zenith? They chose to keep quiet and looked the other way? Where were they when Aviation Round Table (ART) and other prominent aviators like Captain Dele Ore, Group Captain John Ojikutu, Alhaji Mohammed Tukur among others took the battle to the former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah on how the sector was being manipulated by a very greedy lots including the aviation media who allegedly were on the pay roll of the agencies and the Ministry. Where was ATSSSAN when the scandal of N174 billion FAAN debts broke? To them, it does not matter. The authority would find it difficult to repay these debts in the next ten years. It was a period propaganda reigned supreme. It was a period truth took flight. It was a period where virtually everybody, including the media had a price. It was a period where common sense took flight and replaced by infrastructure of the stomach. It was also a period where we had emergency contractors and media consultants whose qualification was to support the shenanigan going on.

The ATSSSAN and many other unions in the sector are very far from the reality. Efforts should be channeled towards improving the sector rather than what we are currently experiencing. The industry is highly polarized and it was a deliberate plan to maintain the status quo; a situation that has led to a very deep rot in the system, animosity and high level scheming and manipulations that has seen the industry remain where it is. Speaking during the inauguration of the body at the weekend, the president of ANI Mr. Thompson Obafemi, said such calls by ATSSSAN as a result of the non-confirmation of the DG designate for NCAA by the Senate, was not in the interest of the aviation industry in particular and the nation in general, and called on the body to contribute to meaningful development of the industry. According to Obafemi, the union's role in a civil society is not to usurp the responsibility of our elected leaders, by unfairly twisting government's arms to dictate implementation of government Policies or functions. He added that every president in the civilized world has the prerogative of when to nominate and submit the name of the executive officer nominee to the legislatures for confirmation. He said once in the legislature's domain, they too reserve the right to delay, deny or approve confirmation of relevant executive officers, and he warned that Unions have no business in such process. "There's no vacuum caused by having an acting DG in place in NCAA. In fact, the acting DG, Benedict Adeyileka is a consummate and accomplished professional, with vast multi jurisdictional international experience of the industry, well respected by his peers and operators, and has brought stability in regulating the sectorâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nigeria Civil Aviation Act 2006, stipulates that a Director General be appointed, and does not distinguish whether in acting or substantive capacity. The significant purpose of confirming the DG is for qualification screening and ensuring tenure in the position" The truth is that, nobody knows where Obafemi is speaking from. It has become the more you look, the less you see in an industry that is highly politicized. These days, one needs to look very well to know the motives of many groups that are springing up in aviation. Their activities are very curious as there are allegations that many chief executive officers of the agencies are clandestinely setting up or funding groups to protect their interests and to launder their image.

BUSINESS | AVIATION

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Delta celebrates opening of new flight museum INAUGURATION This museum is a testament to the rich history and unique culture of Delta

elta Airlines celebrated the grand opening of its new Flight Museum, a 68,000 square-foot facility located at the airline's world headquarters in Atlanta. The museum traces Delta's history and the development of commercial aviation. The grand opening event marked Delta's 85th anniversary of passenger service, dating back to its first passenger flight from Dallas to Jackson,

Miss., on June 17, 1929. The museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, is housed in the airline's two original maintenance hangars dating from the 1940s. After a significant renovation to the historic buildings funded by the Delta Air Lines Foundation and other sponsors, the museum is now open to the general public. The museum was designated a Historic Aerospace Site in 2011. "This museum is a testament to the rich history and unique culture of Delta, which has always been deeply rooted in our people," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer. "The museum also commemorates Delta's contributions to passenger aviation,

which influences economic growth and development and fosters greater understanding across cultures. We are proud to welcome the world to the Delta Flight Museum as we celebrate our 85th anniversary of passenger service." The museum contains displays and exhibits filled with hundreds of artifacts, many of which have never been on public display. They chronicle more than eight decades of Delta history and the growth and development of commercial aviation. The museum houses a permanent collection of five historic aircraft, including a Travel Air 6B Sedan similar to the one that operated Delta's first passenger flight in 1929, and The Spirit of

Delta Airlines B747-400 aircraft

REWARD As Director General of NCAA, Demuren transformed the Nigerian aviation industry Wole Shadare

former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and currently Chief Executive Officer of Harold Demuren Consulting, Dr Harold Olusegun Demuren, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his Outstanding Services to African Aviation Development. The award was presented during the African Aviation Summit 2014 and 23rd Annual ‘Air Finance for Africa’ Conference & Exhibition held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month. As Director General of NCAA, Dr Demuren transformed the Nigerian aviation industry by strictly enforcing safety and security regulations and ensuring compliance with international best practices in the Nigerian airline industry. In addition, he successfully led Nigeria through the ICAO Universal Safety Audit in 2006, the ICAO Security Audit in 2008 and the successful attainment of the United States FAA/IASA Category One Certification by

Delta, a Boeing 767 purchased for the company by employees in 1982. Also on display is a DC3, Ship 41, that flew for Delta and was restored by Delta employees and volunteers. "For decades, Delta Air Lines has served as a major economic engine for our state," said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, who spoke at Tuesday's grand opening celebration. "It's an honor to be here today, both to showcase the rich history of commercial aviation in Georgia and to honor the thousands of people who have worked to make Delta one of the world's most successful airlines." "The opening of the new Delta Flight Museum represents the addition of a world-class facility that honors and celebrates our city's longstanding and historic partnership with Delta," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who also spoke at the event. "We are delighted to celebrate Delta's 85th anniversary of passenger service and look forward to building on a relationship that solidifies our city's position as the business and cultural center of the South through global engagement and international commerce." The museum features a 117-seat theater and a 30-seat conference room located inside the fuselage of an L-1011 TriStar aircraft. Also on display is the cockpit of a Convair 880 jet. Additionally, visitors can have the ultimate aviation experience and pilot a Boeing 737-200 full-motion simulator, the only one open to the pub-

lic in the U.S., formerly used to train Delta pilots. A tour of the museum starts with Delta's beginnings as a crop-dusting operation in the rural South and takes visitors through the early propeller era of passenger service and into the jet age. A special exhibit honors Delta's founder and first CEO, C.E. Woolman. The display includes a portrait of Woolman along with quotes and personal items. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the museum at their own pace through a selfguided tour, though guided tours are available as well. Special interactive features, including a pilot pre-flight checklist for a Boeing 767 as well as a scavenger hunt, engage children touring the museum. There is also a retail store with hundreds of Deltaand aviation-related items for sale, including aircraft models, clothing and accessories. The hangar space also serves as a unique public and private rental venue to host meetings, conferences and other events with state-of-theart audio and video capability and full catering services that can accommodate a seated dinner for as many as 1,200. Major sponsors of the Delta Flight Museum include the Delta Air Lines Foundation, American Express, Airbus, the New York Yankees, ST Aerospace and Aero BridgeWorks. The full list of sponsors is available at the museum's website.

Demuren bags African aviation award Nigeria in 2010. He also successfully secured the adoption of the Cape Town Convention by the Nigerian government, which paved the way for the unprecedented modernisation of airline fleets in Nigeria during his tenure. Announcing the award, the CEO of African Aviation, Mr Nick Fadugba, congratulated Demuren for his outstanding achievements in particular as Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and for his role in championing the Nigerian airline industry at the global level. He thanked African Aviation for recognising his contribution to the African aviation industry after he had retired as Director General of the NCAA and noted that former officials in Africa are often not recognised for their earlier contributions. He reiterated his continued commitment to promoting aviation safety and security both in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole. The former DG has served on several ICAO Council Working Groups on Environment including the GIACC and informal DGCA Climate Group and also served as the Chairman, ICAO African Indian Ocean Regional Aviation Safety Group (AFIRASG). He was elected Presi-

dent of the 37th ICAO General Assembly in Montreal in October, 2010 and awarded the prestigious Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety award from the FlightSafety Foundation (FSF) for his contribution to aviation safety globally. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of FSF. Demuren has been a Regional Team Leader working vigorously for the COSCAP/Banjul Accord Group and its successful transition to BAGGASOO, (BAG Regional Safety Oversight Organization). He has played a remarkable role in the implementation of the Global Aviation Safety Roadmap, the AFI - Plan and the enhancement of aviation security measures in the aftermath of Christmas Day (25th December, 2009) Bombing attempt on the US Bound North West Flight 253 and Removal of Nigeria from "US Countries of Interest Watch List". He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Frontier Service Group (FSG). African Aviation introduced the African Aviation Awards in 1999 in order to give international recognition to individuals, companies and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to aviation development in Africa. African Aviation was estab-

lished 24 years ago, in 1990, as a vehicle for helping to promote aviation development on the African continent. ‘We firmly believe that aviation can be a vital catalyst for Africa’s economic and social development,’ said African Aviation CEO, Nick Fadugba. The African Aviation Award Ceremony took place during the African Aviation Summit 2014 & 23rd Annual ‘Air Finance for Africa’ Conference & Exhibition held at The Sheraton Hotel, Ad-

dis Ababa, Ethiopia, from Monday, 9th to Wednesday, 11th June, 2014. His Excellency, Dr Mulatu Teshome, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia officially opened the African Aviation Summit 2014 & 23rd Annual ‘Air Finance for Africa’ Conference & Exhibition, Dr Elham Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy, AfC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 0

Demuren (right), receiving his award from Nick Fadugba, CEO, Afican Aviation Services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

NAHCO grows turnover, pays 30k dividend PROGRESS Liquidity position and cash flow of the company have been increased Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

rom a turnover of N7.4 billion in 2012, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has increased its turn-

over by 11 per cent to N8.1 billion in 2013. Chairman of the company, Suleiman Yahyah, confirmed the figure at the weekend during the firm's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja. For 2013 business operations, Nahco recorded increase in Profit before Tax (PBT) by 29 per cent from N853 milion in 2012 to N1.123 billion and further increase in earnings per share by 37 per cent. “Accordingly the Board is pleased to recommend a modest increase of 20 per cent in

dividend payout from 25 kobo to 30 kobo per share,” said the chairman. The chairman further said that the liquidity position and cash flow of the company have been increased. “Our diversification process is still on-going. Our Free Trade Zone Licence has been signed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan…We are developing a 25 years master plan for NAHCO

FTZ in that direction this year,” he said. Earlier, he said NAHCO was ready to help Nigeria move the aviation industry forward, after the company handled record three million international passengers in 2013. Managing Director/CEO of the company Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo said the company’s total asset grew by 25 per cent from N11.162 billion in 2012 to N13.994

billion in 2013. Speaking at the AGM, one of the shareholders Mukhtar Mukhtar said the board and management deserve commendation for what he described as a ‘very impressive result’. NAHCO Aviance Plc is an African diversified group with interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, crew, passenger transportation and service delivery among others.

Why airlines go bust C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 7

hold 80 per cent of the passenger traffic on intra-Africa routes. How can African airlines regain control of Africa’s air industry? Unfortunately, this is a question the airline CEOs could only ask, and not answer. According to experts, African carriers were operating under an unfriendly regulatory framework. They added that markets are protected by bilateral air service agreements. “Unfortunately, there are African countries that prohibit African airlines from flying into their countries. There are countries that deny African airline traffic rights and grant rights to non-African airlines,” they lamented. According to them, African nations should open their skies for African airlines. “We need to whole heartedly imple-

ment the Yamoussoukro Declaration (a 1988 agreement by African countries to open their skies for African airlines).” Some speakers raised concerns about the increasing dominance of Gulf carriers in Africa. Mega-carriers such as Emirates, Gulf Air and Etihad are dominating African skies. How can African airlines compete with giant carriers that are backed by their governments and that have access to cheaper fuel? “We need to have a sound business development strategy that would enable us to compete with any airline,” he told participants. The future of aviation in Africa has the potential to be very bright. Africa’s population of one billion people is spread across a vast continent with a wealth of untapped resources. The African economy is rapidly developing, its people are growing wealthier and governance is more stable.

BA's Leaders of Tomorrow winners announced ix students of the Nigeria London; visiting BA TrainSnology College of Aviation Tech- ing centre in Crane bank as (NCAT), Zaria, have well as the Engineering base been named winners in the British Airways’ Leaders of Tomorrow and will embark on a two-week internship programme to be held in Nigeria and London in July 2014. The initiative aimed at deepening competencies in the aviation sector, saw Abimbola Caulcrick, a student of Abridged Airframe and Powerplant (AAP-8); Fajemisin Peter Adebola; Adachie Eneojo, both PGD students of Aviation Management; Banigo Michael; Ubong George Itok, both studying Standard Airframe and Powerplant (AP-27); and Ogunranti Olaluwa, a student of Abridged Avionics (AAVO13), named as winners. These winners were selected by an independent panel of three judges; aviation writer Wole Shadare, aviation consultant Simon Tumba and petroleum & energy services professional, Tunde Arogunmati. The internship includes a two-week theoretical and practical training in aviation management in Nigeria and

in Cardiff. The programme will be concluded with an opportunity to understudy Keith Williams, Chief Executive Officer of British Airways in London, as well as visiting other departments within the company to get firsthand experience of the workings of a global airline. At the end of the internship, the winners will receive a British Airways’ accredited certification from the CEO to mark their graduation from the Leaders for Tomorrow Academy.

London Heathrow terminal 2

The Queen’s Terminal opens

er Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, formally opened the new home of Star Alliance at London’s Heathrow Airport, unveiling a plaque that names the facility “Terminal 2: the Queen’s Terminal”, in recognition of her long association with the airport. Britain’s Queen, who last year celebrated the 60th anniversary of her coronation, also opened the former Terminal 2 building that once occupied the same site as the new purposebuilt facility back in 1955. The new Terminal 2 started its operations smoothly earlier this month. This latest addition to Heathrow airport will house all 23 Star Alliance member airlines that serve the UK’s only hub airport. So far, United, Air Canada, Air China and ANA have successfully commenced operations there and the remaining airlines will move in gradually by November. This schedule ensures each move is as smooth as possible for passengers. Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance said: “It is terrific

to see this new terminal coming to life as our Heathrow home after so many years of careful planning and construction. We are honoured that Her Majesty the Queen has lent her name to this fantastic new facility which will deliver an excellent service to Star Alliance customers at this major hub.” John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Development Director and CEO designate, said: “Heathrow is delighted to welcome Her Majesty to open her new airport terminal. Today is a celebration of the great work by many people and many organisations from across the country to create a new front door for the UK. “The completion of the new Queen’s Terminal is the culmination of an £11bn private investment programme that delivers a worldclass hub airport that the UK can be proud of,” he added. Heathrow Airport welcomed The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to an opening ceremony attended by over 1,000 people

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 9

Demuren bags award

rican Union Commission was the Conference Patron and Mr Workneh Gebeyehu, Minister of Transport, Ethiopia delivered the Keynote Address to the nearly 200 high-level delegates from Africa and around the world. The Conference was hosted by Ethiopian Airlines, which provided key support and assistance to the successful event.

The Theme of the Conference was: ‘The Next 50 Years: The Role of the African Union (AU) in Supporting African Aviation. The aim of the Conference was to further sensitise African Governments on the key role aviation plays in Africa and provide a high-level forum to focus on some of the critical challenges facing the African aviation industry today which need to

be addressed. The 50th Anniversary of the OAU-AU presented a unique opportunity to highlight to African Governments the critical role-played by aviation in the continent’s economic and social development. In particular, the Summit focused on the growing role of Aviation in Africa’s Economic Development over the next 50 years. The Conference also pre-

who were either involved in the construction of the building or are part of the team now working in the new terminal. Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque that will later be installed in a public part of the building for passengers and colleagues to see. The U.K. Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, gave a short address. During the visit The Queen met various people including the Chairman, Chief Executive and Development Director of Heathrow. Airport; the Chief Executives of the Star Alliance airlines; Luis Vidal, the lead and concept architect for Terminal 2; a group of prominent British retailers who have recently opened premises in the new terminal; Richard Wilson, the designer of the Slipstream art installation situated in the forecourt of the terminal; and various representatives of companies across Britain who were part of the construction team.

sented a valuable opportunity for the African aviation and finance industry to meet with leading international aviation finance and leasing companies to discuss the latest financing opportunities and solutions, as well as to source aircraft. The Conference provided a unique opportunity to network with industry colleagues and old and new friends.

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 41

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Nigerian, S’African banks make high returns British banks tumble world rankings

DOWNTURN Banks in United Kingdom are making less profits

of total global banking profits, down from 11per cent while Nigeria and African banks account for less 1 per cent of global capital, The Banker magazine said yesterday. A study released yesterday by The Banker magazine’s Top 1,000 World Banks ranking noted: “In terms of profit generation, African banks make the highest returns on capital of 24 per cent double the average return for the rest of the globe and far exceeding average returns of only 4per cent in Europe. This is despite African banks holding less than 1per cent of global capital. “Overall, the UK stands in eighth place globally when it

Bayo Akomolafe

tricter regulations and demands for more cash on their balance sheets have sent banks in United Kingdom plummeting down the world rankings. But the reverse was however, the case with banks in Nigeria, South African and other African countries as they made good returns on their capital. Banks in United Kingdom now account for just 2.4 per cent

comes to bank profitability. “The only British bank left in the top 10, HSBC, slipped from 4th place to 5th place this year.” In 2008 HSBC topped the ranking, with RBS in third place. They have been replaced by Chinese banks, which between them now make 13 times the profits made by UK banks. The top two banks in the world, ICBC and China Construction Bank, are Chinese, with two further Chinese banks ranked in the top 10. China accounts for one third of all banking profits, driving global banking profits to an all-time high of $920billion (£540billion). At least the UK’s banks made a profit between them. Italy sits

Naira unchanged on oil firm's dollar sale N163.05 against the US dollar, dealers said, but recovered after Shell sold an undisclosed amount of dollars to some lenders. "Demand was balanced with dollar flow from Shell ... to keep the naira at the same level it closed on Friday," one dealer said, adding that the local units of two foreign banks were buying hard currency for their clients on Monday. Dealers expect the naira to remain stable this week, trading around the N163 mark on possible Central Bank of

Reserves rise Nigeria's foreign reserves rise marginally to $37.26 billion by June 26

he naira was unchanged at N162.90 to the dollar at yesterday's market close, supported by dollar sales from the local unit of Royal Dutch Shell. The naira according to Reuters, had initially eased to

Nigeria (CBN) intervention as more oil companies make their regular month-end oil dollar sales. Meanwhile, Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves rose marginally to $37.26 billion on June 26, up 0.18 per cent month-on-month, from $37.19 billion in May, CBN data showed yesterday. But the reserves were down 22.74 per cent year-on-year, the data showed. Foreign reserves stood at $48.23 billion on June 26, 2013.

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

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

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

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

Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Generates $590m annually

Siaka Momoh

igeria’s film industry, Nollywood is now estimated to be worth about N853.9billion ($5.1billion), about 1.2 per cent of the revised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) number, Financial Derivatives Company’s FDC Economic Monthly has said. According to the FDC publication, an average of 966 films was released per annum between 2005 and 2011. “Nigeria’s average release was only surpassed by India’s during the same period as the 1.2billion population country churned out an average release of 1,202 movies.” The report said Nigerian movies remain competitive in their own unique niche “but are far from comparable to more conventional movie industries”. It added that there persists a huge funding gap between Nigerian film production and those of the Indian and American markets. “This results in

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

the classification of Nigerian movies as semi-professional by global films industry standards, with most productions reflecting an industry of almost vestigial quality,” it said. The report noted: “Even more impressive is Nigeria’s domination of the African movie industry. In fact, the Nigerian movie industry, also referred to as ‘Nollywood’, is reported to be the second largest in the world. Only India’s Bollywood releases more movies than the Nigerian movie industry. In terms of revenue, Hollywood remains the World’s most valuable while Nollywood is Africa’s most valuable film industry, generating $590m annually. “Therefore, it is imperative that the government has continued its support of the industry, recognising the entertainment industry as not just a strategic medium through which the rest of the world gets a cultural education on Africa’s most populous country, but also as a potential source of increased tax revenues and foreign exchange flows.”

Nigeria plans $300m diaspora bond by end-2014 –DMO he Debt Management Office Tissue (DMO) of Nigeria plans to a bond totalling $100-

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX

Nigeria’s film industry worth N853bn –Rewane

Godson Ikoro

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

at the bottom of the countries table with losses of $35billion, while Portuguese and Irish banks also registered heavy losses last year. The Banker Magazine said: “This is the first time since before the financial crisis that we have seen such a large annual increase in global banking profits. Apart from China’s contribution US banks are also doing well and have recovered much faster from the crisis than European banks.” Meanwhile, separate figures from the CBI show that financial services firms are among the most optimistic about the

UK’s prospects, with companies in the sector expecting growth in the next quarter and planning to invest more in marketing and IT. Matthew Fell, CBI director for competitive markets, said: “Firms are focusing on two key strategies for growth in the near-term: finding ways to retain existing customers, by offering them more products and services, and investing to attract new customers.” He added: “The sector is still facing significant challenges. The adverse impact of regulation on business expansion has crept up the agenda and concerns about the ability of firms’ business systems to cope with new demand have risen.”

$300 million aimed at the country's diaspora by the end of the year, Director General, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo said yesterday. Although, the office is still working on it, Nwankwo said it will be a minimum $100 million and up to $300 million, and the bond would launch "before the year ends". The Federal Government chose Stanbic IBTC and Goldman Sachs as lead managers of the diaspora bond in April. Nwankwo said the bond would be sold only to offshore diaspora investors, with no on-

shore portion. Nigeria has no current plans for a regular sovereign dollar bond, Nwankwo added. Meanwhile the DMO at the weekend released its provisional issuance calendar for Q3 2014, and is poised to raise between N255billion (US$1.57billion) and N315billion (US$1.94billion) from the sale of FGN bonds over the three monthly auctions. It stressed the provisional nature of its calendars: that for Q2 originally proposed the issuance of a new 20-year instrument, subsequently withdrawn. The target for the third quarter is seasonally high, which can be explained in terms of the revisions to Q2’s calendar and of caution ahead of the elections due in February 2015.

42 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

30-Jun-14

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

100.00 535.00 500.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 165.17 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

0.25 0.81 2.13 2.83 3.07 3.17 3.92 5.00 5.32 7.58 9.71 14.41 14.89 15.39 16.06

11.18 10.98 11.46 11.45 11.39 11.39 11.39 11.45 11.45 12.05 12.23 12.16 12.16 12.16 12.21

10.56 10.29 11.38 11.39 11.27 11.27 11.29 11.38 11.37 11.99 12.18 12.13 12.12 12.11 12.16

99.48 94.69 102.90 108.55 96.08 94.67 97.86 116.95 82.61 121.15 110.95 119.03 102.20 74.77 84.60

99.63 95.19 103.05 108.70 96.38 94.97 98.16 117.25 82.91 121.45 111.25 119.33 102.50 75.07 84.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,375.01 Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

Description

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.34 0.90 1.38 2.44 2.81 3.02

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.91 13.60 13.37 13.36 12.38 12.39

96.17 88.84 105.09 98.70 97.23 94.77

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.10 0.29 1.17 0.77 1.57 1.57 2.80 2.13 3.50 2.48 4.26 2.67 2.67 3.06 3.13 5.40 3.19 4.05 6.41 6.50 4.31 3.84

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.34 14.18 15.46 14.21 15.63 14.65 16.97 12.34 13.18 13.16 12.38 12.37 16.15 12.39 12.39 12.47 14.13 12.38 12.71 13.68 12.82 13.34

100.10 99.83 96.89 99.69 97.86 101.13 84.90 102.52 102.25 101.93 105.18 104.69 95.69 105.16 107.94 107.75 101.54 107.19 103.34 105.58 105.19 116.70

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.27 0.47 0.50 0.65 0.96 0.81 2.25 2.32 3.25 2.07 2.03 2.19 2.19 4.23 2.30 2.38 3.50 6.38

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

11.88 16.20 19.71 15.87 11.96 13.61 12.34 12.69 12.39 13.21 14.81 16.54 16.40 12.73 13.64 17.46 13.55 14.47

99.82 98.80 98.76 96.19 100.24 100.44 101.20 103.00 101.55 109.30 102.35 102.95 101.94 103.99 104.31 99.36 106.66 103.14

11-Feb-18

3.62

1.00

12.39

93.75

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 16.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

180.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue 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

4.88

4.72

110.39

111.35

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.14

3.92

103.63

104.46

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.28

5.16

107.77

108.67

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

Corporate Eurobonds AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.85

3.16

111.59

112.73

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.98

4.19

104.45

105.90

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.11

5.83

99.56

100.63

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.02

6.40

100.63

102.33

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.64

8.20

94.32

95.68

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.16

4.55

113.15

114.28

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.42

6.21

99.31

100.15

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.11

6.69

103.99

105.50

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.73

5.46

103.46

104.53

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

ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

**Treasury Bills DTM 10 17 24 31 38 45 52 59

FIXINGS Maturity 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.05 10.20 9.90 10.45 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30

Offer Discount (%) 9.80 9.95 9.65 10.20 10.05 10.05 10.05 10.05

Bid Yield (%) 10.08 10.25 9.96 10.54 10.41 10.43 10.45 10.47

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5000 12.0706 13.1253 14.1870

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

10.50

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

162.90 163.13 163.38 163.98 165.14 166.47

163.00 163.39 163.73 164.64 166.32 168.13

O/N Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25 12.26

15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10

15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

14.41 14.89 15.39 16.06

12.16 12.16 12.16 12.21

12.13 12.12 12.11 12.16

119.03 102.20 74.77 84.60

119.33 102.50 75.07 84.90

4,375.01 Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.34 0.90 1.38 2.44 2.81 3.02

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.91 13.60 13.37 13.36 12.38 12.39

96.17 88.84 105.09 98.70 97.23 94.77

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14

0.10 0.29

1.56 3.29

12.34 14.18

100.10 99.83

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 43

Seplat pledges increased earnings Stock market capitalisation hits N14trn S TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

UPBEAT

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

Market sentiment sustained bullish profile on confidence level

Stories by Chris Ugwu

rading activities on the

TOTAL OUTSTANDING floor of theVALUE Nigerian

Stock Exchange Corporate Bonds

(NSE) yesterday continued its LAFARGE WAPCO GTBtransacnorthwards path as tions in the share NGC prices of Nestle Nigeria Plc *UPDC and Seplat *FLOURMILLS Petroleum Development Com*CHELLARAMS pany Plc led other NAHCO gainers to FSDH lift market the capitalisation UBA to N14 trillion. *C & I LEASING The key benchmark indices *DANA maintained positive*TOWER trajectory to close in the green, taking *TOWER supports majorly from UBA highly A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

# #

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

capitalised stocks, which was particularly driven by the two companies. Specifically, the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N97 billion to hit N14 trillion as market sentiments remained positive. At the close of trading, 23 stocks recorded price appreciation, while 36 others constituted the losers’ table. The twin market indicators, the All-Share Index rose by 11.50 LAFARGE 7-OCT 294.86 basis WAPCO points or2014 0.69 per 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 cent from 42,187.62 last Friday NGC 31-DEC-2014 to17.00 close at 42,482.48, while mar10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 ket capitalisation of equities 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 gained N97 billion or 0.69 per 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 from NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 cent N13.930 trillion to 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 N14.027 trillion. 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 Further analysis of the 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 day’s trading showed that MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 Nestle topped the gainers’ taMPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 9-SEP-2018 ble withTOWER N51.10 to close at N1, 14.0000, UBAwhile II 22-SEP-2018 150. Seplat followed 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

eplat Petroleum Develop31-Aug-15 1.17 30-Sep-15 Plc has 0.77afment Company 30-Jun-16 1.57 firmed that the company 30-Jun-16 1.57 would sustain its drive to en19-Apr-17 2.80 sure increased earnings 2.13 and 30-Jun-17 with N24.90 to close at N700.00 returns on 31-Dec-17 investment to3.50its 30-Sep-18 2.48 per share. shareholders. 04-Oct-18 On the flip side, Cadbury The company noted 4.26 that 09-Dec-18 2.67 Nigeria Plc led the losers “with a consistent growth in 12-Dec-18 2.67 with a drop of N1.89 to close production, reserves and profit 14-Feb-19 3.06 02-Oct-19 3.13in at N80.00 per share, while and its recent dual listing 5.40 is GSK Plc shed N1.00 to close at London and 22-Nov-19 Lagos, the firm 3.19 fully set for 12-Dec-19 the next phase of N80.00. 30-Sep-20 4.05 On the activity chart, the building a 27-Nov-20 sustainable long6.41 banking sub-sector dominat- term business with substan31-Dec-20 6.50 31-Dec-20 to Nigeria’s 4.31 ed in volume terms with 113.6 tial contributions 06-Jan-21 3.84 .” million shares worth N1.3 bil- energy security lion in 1,277 deals. The sub- 572.90 Chairman of the company, sector was enhanced by the Dr. ABC Orjiakor, addressing 07-Oct-11 11.50of UBA 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.27 activities in the shares shareholders at the company’s 18-Dec-09 13.17 Annual18-Dec-14 0.47 and GTB Bank Plc. 13.50 first General Meeting 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 0.50 Insurance services sub- (AGM), said 31-Dec-14 Seplat has contin17-Aug-10 10.00 15.00 17-Aug-15 0.65 to deliver09-Dec-15 growth holisticalsector boosted by the activi- ued 09-Dec-10 12.00 37.50 0.96 ties on the shares 14.00 of Wapic ly 06-Jan-11 1.50since inception 06-Jan-16 in line with 0.81 29-Sep-11 13.00million 15.00strategy. 29-Sep-16 2.25 Plc followed with 66.3 its 5.53He noted that 25-Oct-16 2.32 units,25-Oct-13 worth N60.2 14.25 billion in operated crude 30-Sep-10 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 220 deals. oil production had grown3.25 sig30-Nov-12 18.00 0.94 30-Nov-17 2.07 over a 3-year period When the closing16.00 bell rang, nificantly 09-Apr-11 8.01 09-Apr-18 2.03 investors (2011-2013), from 09-Sep-11had staked 18.00 a total 3.63 09-Sep-1811.5 million 2.19 of 408.5 million shares, barrels in 2011 to 18.8 million 09-Sep-11 16.00 worth 1.00 09-Sep-18 2.19 35.00 22-Sep-18 barrels in 2013, with an 4.23 exit N7.5 22-Sep-11 billion in 5,88214.00 deals. 18-Oct-13 15.75 3.00 18-Oct-18 gross production rate at 312.30 De17-Feb-12 17.00 0.54 17-Feb-19 2.38 cember 201301-Apr-19 of 61.7 thousand 01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 3.50 barrels per day . 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.38 Orjiakor said operated aver180.17 age daily production for 2013 was 51.4 thousand barrels per 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.62 Mr. Norden Thurston, said day , with total annual operated 12.00 the promo was an avenue production of 18.8 million barfor both companies to reward rels. Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Bid Yield (%) theirIssue customers and ensure He addedMaturity thatDate the company that they were satisfied. recorded total revenues of “It is our way of appreci- US$880.2 million for the year 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 4.88 2013, repreating our consumers for sev- ended 31 December eral years They 500.00 senting growth of 41 per 4.14 cent 18-Dec-09of patronage. 5.13 12-Jul-18 still have the opportunity of over the 2012 figure. Profit for 01-Apr-10 6.38 12-Jul-23 5.28 buying 7-Up products at the 500.00 the year increased by US$441.2 actual market price with no 1,500.00 million to US$550.3 million, repextra charges. They get one- resenting earnings per share of minute airtime, which is US$1.38. 01-Feb-11 01-Feb-16 “As a major part of 3.85 our 20 per cent of the11.50 value of 450.00 19-May-11 7.50 19-May-16 4.98 the product purchased. It is 500.00 growth strategy , the company 08-Nov-13 6.11 about rewarding our6.00 consum- 400.00 engaged in 08-Nov-18 2013 in a number 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.02 ers and putting them first,” he of bidding processes for the 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 8.64 said.08-Apr-12 acquisition 08-Apr-19 of oil and gas as10.25 300.00 5.16

SevenUp posts N7.62bn pre-tax profit TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Supranational Bond

Sgrowth in pre-tax profit as at AAA/S&P

even-Up BottlingIFCCompany

TOTAL OUTSTANDING Plc has posted a VALUE 133 per cent

Rating/Agency Issuer 31, March 2014. The company’s pre-tax FGN Eurobonds profit year to March 31 rose BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P to N7.62 billion as against BB-/Fitch; N3.2 billion recorded inFGN the BB-/S&P comparable period of 2013, BB-/Fitch; representing a growth of 133 BB-/S&P per cent. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE This was contained in the Corporate Eurobonds company’s financial stateB-/S&P; B/Fitch I ment submitted toAFREN thePLC NigeGTBANK PLC I B+/S&P;Stock B+/Fitch Exchange (NSE) rian GTBANK PLC yesterday. B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC The company’s revenue B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC rose durB/Fitch to N77.89 billion AFREN PLC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 ing the period under review from N64.09 billion recorded in 2013. Description Gross profit also increased by N28.4 billion as against N22.8 billion in 2013, while 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 profit for the year also went up to N6.4 billion N2.8 5.13 JUL 12,from 2018 billion recorded 2013. 12, 2023 As a way 6.38 of JUL rewarding its customers, Seven-Up Bottling Company in partnership with Airtel Nigeria 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 had recently inaugurated a 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 promo of one-minute free 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 airtime. 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 The Head of Marketing, 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 Seven-Up Bottling 10.25 APR 08,Company, 2019

sets. successful96.89 in two 4.44We were15.46 14.21acquisition 99.69 of of 3.23 the bids; the 4.46 97.86 ina 40 per cent 15.63 participating 3.48 14.65 101.13 terest in the Umuseti /Igbuku 5.59 16.97 84.90 fields within OPL283), 1.00 (located 12.34 102.52 with of working 1.79 9,723 Mbbl 13.18 102.25 1.80 13.16 101.93 interest 2P Reserves, and a 40 12.38 105.18 per1.00 cent participating interest 1.00 12.37 104.69 in 4.78 OML 53, which is yet95.69 to be 16.15 completed due to legal proceed1.00 12.39 105.16 1.00brought 12.39 107.94 ings by an unsuccess107.75 ful 1.00 bidder. We 12.47 also are currently 2.74 14.13 101.54 working on a number of other 1.00 12.38 107.19 acquisition targets to grow 1.00 12.71 103.34our reserves on an ongoing 105.58 basis,” 1.94 13.68 1.44 105.19 Ojiakor said. 12.82 1.95 13.34 116.70 He noted that the board approved and paid a dividend of US$0.10 (N16) per share for the 1.00ended 31 11.88 99.82 year December 2013, 5.21 according 16.20 to him,98.80 which going 8.71 19.71 98.76 forward, the company intends 4.88 15.87 96.19 to 1.00 establish 11.96 a core ordinary 100.24 dividend based on conservative 2.63 13.61 100.44 1.00 12.34 101.20 assumptions regarding produc1.34and long-term 12.69 tion oil 103.00 prices, 1.00 12.39 101.55 which should allow the com1.88 13.21 109.30 pany to progressively increase 3.48 14.81 102.35 dividends, in16.54 the absence 5.20 102.95 of adverse macroeconomic con5.06 16.40 101.94 1.35 12.73 103.99 ditions. 2.29 13.64 104.31 “The future of our company 6.11 17.46 99.36 is very bright. We shall strive 2.16 13.55 106.66 to 2.76 maintain14.47 our leadership 103.14 position in the indigenous E & P industry in Nigeria and our focus in following our growth 1.00 12.39 93.75 strategy to seek to ensure delivery of our commitment not only to capital growth but also Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price to remain profitable and dividend paying. We shall seek to Prices & Yields deliver tangible rewards to all 4.72 110.39 111.35 stakeholders,” Ojiakor said. Chief Executive Officer 3.92 103.63 104.46Mr. Austin Avuru, speaking in the 107.77 5.16 108.67 same vein, said the company intends to continue development of its existing properties by improving operational effi3.16 111.59 112.73 ciencies, investing in facilities 4.19 104.45 105.90 and infrastructure to increase 99.56 100.63 oil 5.83 production and positioning 6.40 100.63 102.33 itself to further monetise natu8.20 94.32 95.68 ral4.55 gas resources. 113.15 114.28

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.42

6.21

99.31

100.15

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.11

6.69

103.99

105.50

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.73

5.46

103.46

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

104.53 30-Jun-14

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

**Treasury Bills

10 10-Jul-14 10.05 17 17-Jul-14 10.20 24-Jul-14 9.90 FGN Bonds24 31 31-Jul-14 10.45 38 7-Aug-14 10.30 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 45 14-Aug-14 10.30 52 21-Aug-14 10.30 59 28-Aug-14 10.30 9.25 28-SEP-2014 66 4-Sep-14 10.45 4.00 23-APR-2015 73 11-Sep-14 10.75 13.05 16-AUG-2016 80 18-Sep-14 10.75 15.10 27-APR-2017 87 25-Sep-14 10.70 9.85 27-JUL-2017 94 2-Oct-14 10.75 9.35 31-AUG-2017 101 9-Oct-14 10.55 108 16-Oct-14 10.80 10.70 30-MAY-2018 115 23-Oct-14 10.80 NA NA 16.00 29-JUN-2019 122 30-Oct-14 10.80 7.00 23-OCT-2019 129 6-Nov-14 10.80 16.39 27-JAN-2022 143 20-Nov-14 10.60 14.20 14-MAR-2024 157 4-Dec-14 10.60 15.00 28-NOV-2028 192 8-Jan-15 10.40 206 22-Jan-15 10.45 12.49 22-MAY-2029 220 5-Feb-15 10.45 8.50 20-NOV-2029 234 19-Feb-15 10.40 10.00 23-JUL-2030 248 5-Mar-15 10.40 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 9-Apr-15 283 10.35 297 23-Apr-15 10.25 311 7-May-15 10.15 *from the Amortising Description Rating/Agency Issuer # bonds, the average is Risk Premium is a life combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Agency Bonds

AMCON NA

FMBN ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR

Modified Duration VALUE Buckets

<3 KWARA 3<5 >5 NIGER KADUNAMarket *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO

9.80 9.95 9.65 10.20 10.05 Issue Date 10.05 10.05 10.05 28-Sep-07 10.20 23-Apr-10 10.50 16-Aug-13 10.50 27-Apr-12 10.45 27-Jul-07 10.50 31-Aug-07 10.30 10.55 30-May-08 10.55 29-Jun-12 10.55 23-Oct-09 10.55 27-Jan-12 10.35 14-Mar-14 10.35 28-Nov-08 10.15 10.20 22-May-09 10.20 20-Nov-09 10.15 23-Jul-10 10.15 10.10 10.00 9.90

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

1,006.29 1,137.75 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 683.72 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA2,827.76 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

Volume(Bn)

953.07 951.30 756.74 2,661.11

10.08 10.25 9.96 10.54 10.41 Coupon 10.43(%) 10.45 10.47 9.25 10.65 4.00 10.99 13.05 11.01 15.10 10.98 9.85 11.06 9.35 10.87 11.16 10.70 11.18 16.00 11.20 7.00 11.23 16.39 11.06 14.20 11.11 15.00 11.00 11.10 12.49 11.15 8.50 11.14 10.00 11.19 11.25 11.18 11.11

NIBOR

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Value Outstanding 6M

Rate (%) 10.5000 12.0706 13.1253 Maturity Date 14.1870

(N'bn)

100.00 535.00 NITTY 500.27 Tenor 452.80 1M 20.00 2M 100.00 3M 6M 300.00 9M 351.30 12M 233.90 600.00 165.17 NIFEX 75.00 Current Price ($/N) 150.00 BID($/N)200.00 OFFER ($/N) 591.57

4,375.01

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12by Weighting

0.00 0.00 17.25 BOND FMDQ FGN 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 Weighting by Mkt

Outstanding Vol

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 Rate (%) 27-Apr-17 10.3057 27-Jul-17 10.6758 31-Aug-17 10.9913 11.0005 30-May-18 11.1918 29-Jun-19 11.2221 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 162.8050 20-Nov-29 162.9050 23-Jul-30

35.81 35.75 05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 28.44 31-Aug-10 100.00 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12

Issue Value (N'bn)

978.35 24.56 6.00 INDEX 112.22 116.70 66.49

Bucket Weighting

Value

35.59

14.00 40.23 14.00 24.18 12.50100.00 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50

1,304.32

0.36 17.00 0.36 6.00 0.28 8.50 1.00 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00

OBB

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

O/N

10.50

Spot 7D Offer14D Yield 1M (%) 2M 3M 10.56 6M 10.29 1Y

162.90 163.13 163.38 Bid Price 163.98 165.14 166.47 99.48 170.11 94.69 177.96

REPO TTM (Yrs) BidRate Yield Tenor (%)(%) Call

10.25

1M 12.26 0.25 11.18 3M 13.07 0.81 10.98 6M 13.88 2.13 11.46 11.38 2.83 11.45 11.39 NOTE: 3.07 11.39 11.27 :Benchmarks 3.17 11.39 11.27 * :Amortising 3.92 Bond 11.39 11.29 µ :Convertible Bond 5.00 11.45 11.38 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 5.32 11.45 11.37 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 7.58 Mortgage Bank 12.05 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 11.99 9.71 12.23 12.18 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.41 Contractors Receivables 12.16 12.13 LCRM: Local Management NAHCO:14.89 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 12.16 12.12 O/N: Overnight 15.39 12.16 12.11 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 16.06 12.21 12.16 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Offer ($/N)

Price

163.00 163.39 163.73 Offer Price 164.64 166.32 168.13 99.63 173.74 95.19 184.99

102.90 103.05 108.55 108.70 96.08 96.38 94.67 94.97 NA :Not Applicable # :Floating 97.86 Rate Bond 98.16 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 116.95 117.25 82.61 82.91 †: Bond rating expired 121.15 121.45 110.95 111.25 119.03 119.33 NGC:102.20 Nigeria-German 102.50 Company UBA: 74.77 United Bank for Africa 75.07 84.60 84.90

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 % 06-Jul-17 Exposure_

0.34 0.90 1.38 2.44 2.81 3.02

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00 Implied

11.91 13.60 13.37 13.36 12.38 12.39

96.17 88.84 105.09 98.70 97.23 YTD94.77 Return

Mod_Duration

17.83 36.31 05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 45.86 31-Aug-15 100.00 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19

Implied Yield

11.45 11.86 0.10 0.29 12.21 1.17 11.95 0.77 1.57 1.57 2.80 2.13 3.50 2.48 4.26 2.67 2.67 3.06

Portfolio Price

116.5327 132.3104 1.56 3.29 98.7152 4.44 117.1062 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00

INDEX

1,106.82 1,120.35 12.34 14.18 1,151.59 15.46 1,112.38 14.21 15.63 14.65 16.97 12.34 13.18 13.16 12.38 12.37 16.15 12.39

(%)

10.6823 12.0354 100.10 99.83 15.1592 96.89 11.2384 99.69 97.86 101.13 84.90 102.52 102.25 101.93 105.18 104.69 95.69 105.16

Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014

Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036

44 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at June 30, 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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 41 17 59

Current Price 0.50 33.90 35.01

Quantity Traded 55,500 211,525 329,256 596,281

Value Traded 27,750.00 6,905,869.11 11,707,504.36 18,641,123.47

Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 2,500 2,500

Value Traded 10,125.00 10,125.00

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 3.19

Quantity Traded 540,265 540,265

Value Traded 1,687,406.35 1,687,406.35

1,139,046

20,338,654.82 Value Traded 356,650.08 1,936.00 346,777,420.87

Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CHELLARAMS PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

Symbol

No. of Deals 6 1 626

Current Price 1.37 3.95 5.05

Quantity Traded 256,007 484 67,566,121

No. of Deals 43 676

Current Price 62.00

Page Quantity Traded 148,565 67,971,177

Daily Summary (Equities) AGLEVENT CHELLARAM TRANSCORP

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Diversified Industries

Symbol UACN

U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

CONGLOMERATES Totals

676

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

67,971,177

1 of 13 Value Traded

9,256,530.42 356,392,537.37 356,392,537.37

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 1.37

Quantity Traded 507,266 507,266

Value Traded 692,293.16 692,293.16

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 76.45

Quantity Traded 40,455,167 40,455,167

Value Traded 2,880,863,201.97 2,880,863,201.97

Real Estate Development

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 17.60

Quantity Traded 194,459 194,459

Value Traded 3,436,363.45 3,436,363.45

41,156,892

2,884,991,858.58

Quantity Traded 62,900 62,900

Value Traded 31,450.00 31,450.00

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 Real Estate Development Totals Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

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

1 1

0.50

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 4 65 23 2 99 1 194

Current Price 10.17 200.00 26.70 2.58 171.99 0.77

Quantity Traded Page 62,000 580,566 131,364 10,000 1,346,665 5,500 2,136,095

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 93.00

Quantity Traded 134,706 134,706

Value Traded 13,110,645.71 13,110,645.71

No. of Deals 43 52 32 39 79 3 2 250

Current Price 8.20 9.49 78.00 4.00 11.00 19.75 0.50

Quantity Traded 283,790 689,284 54,062 868,193 4,011,995 40,922 10,000 5,958,246

Value Traded 2,303,672.29 6,500,280.58 4,109,412.61 3,471,468.90 44,528,400.14 777,518.00 5,000.00 61,695,752.52

Quantity Traded 932,809 354,205

Value Traded 74,163,897.76 385,301,110.41

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by CHAMPION The NigerianBREW. Stock Exchange © PLC.

GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Printed 30/06/2014 N NIG. 14:52:36.036 FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

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

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

CADBURY NESTLE

NESTLE NIGERIA Activity Summary on PLC. Board EQTY GOODS PublishedCONSUMER by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products--Diversified Food Products--Diversified Totals

35 83

80.00 1,150.00

Page Quantity Traded 1,287,014

Value Traded 2 599,540.00 of 13 113,864,538.21 3,532,749.58 24,600.00 230,976,398.16 4,400.00 349,002,225.95

3 of 13 Value Traded 459,465,008.17

Symbol

No. of Deals 118

Current Price

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 4.40

Quantity Traded 327,909 327,909

Value Traded 1,395,260.23 1,395,260.23

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 39 57 96

Current Price 37.40 54.00

Quantity Traded 318,517 255,868 574,385

Value Traded 11,556,377.90 13,080,187.25 24,636,565.15

10,481,255

909,336,907.73

Current Price 9.55 6.40 16.89 2.07 28.95 3.30 2.35 7.70

Quantity Traded 6,705,075 11,762,628 7,450,292 2,918,751 12,799,259 8,219,750 3,816,915 46,704,825

Value Traded 64,309,213.65 74,511,960.09 120,891,045.59 5,985,497.08 373,443,383.67 27,166,868.61 8,786,580.86 365,918,991.64

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

714

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 DIAMOND BANK PLC

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 124 DIAMONDBNK 109 ETI 73 FIDELITYBK 68 GUARANTY 278 Daily Summary (Equities) SKYEBANK 111 STERLNBANK 35 UBA 143

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Activity Summary Board EQTY UNITED BANKon FOR AFRICA PLC

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 OASIS INSURANCE PLC Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 33 2 21 280 1,277

Current Price 9.97 0.50 0.99 25.05

Quantity Traded Value Traded 316,030 3,133,647.15 Page 4 of 13 665,000 332,500.00 1,608,058 1,561,289.34 10,667,913 266,971,558.56 113,634,496 1,313,012,536.24

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE EQUITYASUR HMARKINS INTENEGINS MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS OASISINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 32 11 1 1 10 5 14 40 1 3 9 1 92 220

Current Price 0.81 1.06 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.62 0.52 0.85 0.50 0.52 0.52 0.50 0.80

Quantity Traded 4,208,730 29,329,155 45,063 1,000 5,501,050 197,000 1,749,300 10,185,270 12,550 300,000 1,297,828 22,500 13,477,593 66,327,039

Value Traded 3,434,377.57 31,956,998.95 22,531.50 500.00 2,759,525.00 505,090.00 910,936.00 8,633,184.10 6,275.00 156,000.00 690,070.56 11,250.00 11,143,500.63 60,230,239.31

No. of Deals 8

Current Price 0.81

Quantity Traded 217,000

Value Traded 176,450.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

Micro-Finance Banks

MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ActivityNPF Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Banks Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance

Symbol NPFMCRFBK Symbol

No. of Deals 8

Current Price

Quantity TradedPage 217,000

5 of 13 Value Traded 176,450.00

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

Symbol INFINITY

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.61

Quantity Traded 40,000 40,000

Value Traded 64,400.00 64,400.00

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 58 33 384 107 2 21 62 667

Current Price 3.25 3.70 15.60 4.20 0.53 26.00 2.32

Quantity Traded 2,771,442 2,491,879 20,959,363 11,794,096 13,000 188,333 2,246,009 40,464,122

Value Traded 9,002,452.33 9,141,226.00 326,890,734.35 49,532,684.12 6,900.00 4,911,473.71 5,240,111.69 404,725,582.20

220,682,657

1,778,209,207.75

Micro-Finance Banks Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

2,174 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 5 14 29 13 36

Current Price 2.40 3.02 64.00 1.75 1.26

Quantity Traded 32,242 317,670 773,075 458,134 785,245 Page

Symbol

No. of Deals 97

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Current Price

Quantity Traded 2,366,366

Value Traded 52,510,454.94

2,366,366

52,510,454.94

97 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.58

Quantity Traded 162,727 162,727

Value Traded 94,381.66 94,381.66

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 580,000 580,000

Value Traded 290,000.00 290,000.00

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.00

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 98.00 98.00

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,000 4,000

Value Traded 2,000.00 2,000.00

746,747

386,479.66 Value Traded 2,590.00

Processing Systems Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 CHAMS PLC Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 Processing Systems Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF Activity Summary on NORTH.NIG. Board EQTYPLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AFRPAINTS

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 2.72

Quantity Traded 1,000

Symbol No. of Deals ASHAKACEM 38 Daily Summary (Equities) BERGER 10 CAP 26 CCNN 32

Current Price 28.51 9.00 40.00 11.21

Quantity Traded 388,502 65,007 63,581 372,031

Page

Value Traded 11,090,545.10 560,506.06 2,508,473.23 4,220,162.67

Symbol DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 32 3 8 37 189

Current Price 240.00 1.11 5.39 111.00

Quantity Traded 286,997 7,123 185,460 187,064 1,556,765

Value Traded 68,326,305.68 8,089.34 983,468.00 20,745,018.41 108,445,158.49

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX NIWICABLE

No. of Deals 8 1 9

Current Price 1.83 0.50

Quantity Traded 50,500 1,000 51,500

Value Traded 95,839.78 500.00 96,339.78

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AVONCROWN

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.69

Quantity Traded 1,493,460 1,493,460

Value Traded 2,523,947.40 2,523,947.40

3,101,725

111,065,445.67

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 30/06/2014 INDUSTRIAL Totals Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036

200 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 5 5

Daily Summary (Equities)

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services

Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as OIL of 30/06/2014 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 31,150 Page 31,150

Value Traded 171,325.00 of 13 171,325.00

31,150

171,325.00

No. of Deals 60 60

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded Page 6,607,357 6,607,357

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 1,249 1,249

Current Price 29.25

Quantity Traded 42,211,877 42,211,877

Value Traded 1,244,223,036.10 1,244,223,036.10

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 4 45 68 113 39 3 22 294

Current Price 0.50 65.40 4.55 206.30 137.55 70.00 179.60

Quantity Traded 32,000 157,663 1,143,428 257,760 118,335 4,130 86,311 1,799,627

Value Traded 16,000.00 9,914,217.71 5,354,224.08 50,610,940.23 16,036,842.82 274,645.00 15,309,882.70 97,516,752.54

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 37 37

Current Price 700.00

Quantity Traded 127,612 127,612

Value Traded 88,391,134.68 88,391,134.68

50,746,473

1,434,104,337.52

Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Totals

1,640

Value Traded of 13 3,973,414.20 3,973,414.20

Symbol AFROMEDIA

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,000 Page 5,000

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

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 179,503 179,503

Value Traded 180,388.00 180,388.00

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

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 22 11 33

Current Price 5.01 2.07

Quantity Traded 536,960 190,175 727,135

Value Traded 2,697,678.64 378,705.05 3,076,383.69

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 539,960 539,960

Value Traded 269,980.00 269,980.00

Hotels/Lodging

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.82

Quantity Traded 247,000 247,000

Value Traded 202,785.00 202,785.00

Symbol ACADEMY

No. of Deals 1 20 21 42

Current Price 1.71 1.50 4.69

Quantity Traded 2,000 1,973,567 433,100 2,408,667

Value Traded 3,260.00 2,996,975.42 1,900,563.70 4,900,799.12

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 0.90

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 11 37 48

Current Price 2.34 4.85

Quantity Traded 580,830 984,292 1,565,122

Value Traded 1,378,770.00 4,789,389.47 6,168,159.47

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

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 35 35

Current Price 6.24

Quantity Traded 790,217 790,217

Value Traded 4,930,954.08 4,930,954.08

214

10,093,719

23,005,763.26

EQTY Board Totals

5,882

408,517,207

7,570,512,972.30

Equity Activity Totals

5,882

408,517,207

7,570,512,972.30

Daily Summary as of 30/06/2014 IKEJA HOTEL PLC Printed 30/06/2014 14:52:36.036 Hotels/Lodging Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals EQTY Activity Summary on Board SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Advertising Totals

Current Price 5.76

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities) LEARNAFRCA UPL

SERVICES Totals

Page Quantity Traded 3,631,115 3,631,115

Value Traded 2,500.00 of 13 2,500.00

11 of 13 Value Traded 3,273,813.90 3,273,813.90

Daily Summary (ETP) Daily Summary as of Traded 30/06/2014 Exchange Fund Printed 30/06/2014 Name 14:52:36.036

NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF

Exchange Traded Fund

Name Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Value Traded 78,506.60 965,847.40 49,650,551.24 806,290.70 1,009,259.00 6

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 5

Current Price 2,073.00 19.25

Quantity Traded 10 5,190

No. of Deals 6

Current Price

Quantity Traded 5,200

Value Traded 120,961.50

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol

Page

Value Traded 20,730.00 100,231.50 12

ETF Board Totals

5,200

120,961.50

ETP Activity Totals

5,200

120,961.50

FEATURES

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

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

Okeagbe: Agony of a community The people of OkeagbeAkoko community in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State are agonising over the deplorable state of Ikare-Okeagbe Road, which has made life unbearable for them, writes KAYODE OLANREWAJU

or the people of Okeagbe-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko NorthWest Local Government Area of Ondo State, it is a nightmare travelling on Ikare-Okeagbe-Omuo-Ekiti Road.

The deplorable state and the agony being experienced daily on the dusty 12-kilometre road, as well as the 15-kilometre OkeagbeOyin-Omuo Road, is better imagined. But, that has been the plight of the people and others who ply the Ikare-Okeagbe-Omuo Road, which connects the area to Abuja and parts of Ekiti State, in the past seven years. The continued neglect of the road, marked ‘Federal Road’ by the Federal Government and Ondo State Government, is not only worrisome, it has continued to make life more unbearable for the people. The Ikare-Okeagbe Road which, when newly constructed under the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in 1998, would ordinarily take between 10 and 15-minute drive on, now takes between 50 minutes and one hour, depending on the condition of the vehicle. Apart from the social life which has nosedived, much affected are the economic activities of the people that have almost been grounded owing to the poor state of the road, which has been rendered impassable during this raining season. Okeagbe has one of the largest markets in the area. The market, which used to attract people from northern part of the country, is now a shadow of itself for lack of good roads for the traders to transport their goods and merchandise. More worrisome is that many sons and daughters of the community, who usually travel home especially during festivities for the development of the commu-

Okeagbe Road

Mimiko

Onolememen

Bello

nity, seldom go there because of the condition of the roads. It is unfortunate that Okeagbe and Oyin communities, which have produced the likes Pa Z. A. Alabi; the pioneer Nigerian Principal of Nigerian Law School, the late Chief Ogedengbe; former Secretary of College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Professor A. Awobuluyi, former acting ViceChancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Dr Bakita Olufowobi Bello, who have contributed and immensely to the development of the country in several spheres. Apparently worried by the neglect and the attendant poor state of the roads, the tradition ruler of Afa, Okeagbe, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, the Ajana of Afa-Okeagbe, blamed the Federal Government for failure to release funds for the reconstruction of the road, which was awarded in 2009, to Philko Nigeria Limited, a construction company based in Kano. “Despite our numerous pre-

sentations to the government, nothing has come out of it,” the monarch said, recalling that the community leaders have met Senator Borofice, representing the Senatorial District and Hon. Ganiyu Duada, member of House of Representatives, representing the area. “We were advised to write the Senate and the Federal Government, which we had done. Yet nothing has been done to assuage the suffering of the people, who have to toil daily travelling on the pothole-riddled road, which has become farm path. “The situation of the road is such bad that most commercial vehicle owners plying the roads have withdrawn their vehicles from the road, while those of them who still have their vehicles on the road and other car owners have to go to their mechanics or panel beaters daily to fix one part or the other on their vehicles.” According to Oba Fajana, since Okeagbe became the headquarters of Akoko North-West Local Government in the 90s, apart from sitting

the council Secretariat, has not benefitted anything in terms of development, either from the state government or Federal Government. “At times the entire community will not have electricity supply for weeks, while the hospital operates without doctors,” he added. The monarch wondered why Okeagbe has never produced a chairman of the local government, while the five successive chairmen were appointed by the state government from a single town, as if others are not entitled to it. Buttressing the position of the monarch, one of the youth leaders said: “This is an aberration in governance, the state government, especially under the current administration has continued to neglect the town, except the mega-school which is under construction.” According to the youth leader, articulated vehicles carrying cement also damaged the road when they were chased away from plying Oka-Akoko-Okene Road, because of incessant cases of accident in C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 6

46 FEATURES

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Showing love to abandoned, sick children As policemen are striving to offer the generality of Nigerians protection, their wives are also identifying with children, particularly the abandoned and the sick, writes TEMITOPE SOBOWALE

his year’s Children’s Day in Nigeria was devoid of its usual colourful celebration. The people, including the children, refused to celebrate because of the over 200 girls abducted in April by Boko Haram in their school at Chibok, Borno State. But Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Macarthy Street Barrack branch, Onikan, Lagos State, reasoned it was a time, not only to show support for the abducted schoolgirls, but time to empathise with the sick and abandoned babies at the Massey Street Children Hospital. Thus on May 29, while Nigerians were marking 15th anniversary of democracy in the country, the police officers’ wives headed for Massey. The women were led by the President of POWA, Mrs Helen Agbonika, wife of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Adeniji Adele Police Station, Mr. Monday Agbonika. When they reached the hospital and were confronted with the sights of pale and sick babies, they almost broke down in tears. Many of them also fought hard to control their emotions when they saw another set of babies, in incubators, battling for life. Their sad countenance, however, changed to anger, after they were taken to the section where abandoned babies are kept. The women, who are all mothers, said they could not just fathom how a woman, who had carried a pregnancy for nine months, could easily discard her baby at a dumpsite or anywhere else. “I’m ashamed and disappointed with those that call themselves mothers and don’t show or know the true meaning of that word. “They throw their babies away just because of one problem or the other, not knowing what would become of such children later on in life,” the POWA president said. The women went there with loads of gifts for the kids. They were apparently determined to put smile on the faces of the kids. The gifts ranged from diapers to baby food, among other items. The women visited different wards and prayed for the children in both Islamic and Christian ways. One of the women said: “Our hearts bled when we saw those little children with drips on their hands. Some had it on their body. We visited a particular ward. It is called ‘Ward C.’ We saw two lovely

POWA members and the hospital staff during the visit

One of the sick children

babies who had been abandoned by their parents.” Another said: “I wonder how some mothers feel when they abandon their children and run away, blaming it on poverty. I tell myself they are not worth to be called mothers.” One of the abandoned babies is a boy of about five-month-old, while the second is just a month-old-baby baby girl.

Agbonika playing with one of the babies in the hospital

The children ward

Agbonika said that POWA was visiting Massey Children Hospital for the second time. According to her, no matter how many times they visit, they will never be able to overcome the pains and sadness at seeing the kids. She added: “I love to give to the needy and sick children. It breaks my heart when I see these children suffering, especially those in pains. You can just see

their suffering in the hospital.” The women described mothers who abandon their kids as, “heartless women who are not fit to be called mothers”. Parents of some sick kids, who were at the hospital on that fateful day, appreciated the women for their love and kindness. Agbonika charged Nigerians to help the sick children and the needy, “because in them comes a better tomorrow”.

Okeagbe: Agony of a community C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

Oka-Akoko axis. On the efforts of the community so far, the former Speaker of Ondo House of Assembly, Bello, said a series of presentations had been made to the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, while pressure was being mounted on the Directorate of Works, SouthWest in Lagos. Led by the Zaki of Arigidi, the paramount ruler of Arigidi, Bello hinted that several protest letters and petitions had been written to the minister and the contractor handling the road project. “The contractor, Philko Nigeria Limited, Engr. Walid Philko, when contacted, lamented that he

had reported several times to the Zonal Director South-West and minister to mobilise the company back to site. He said since 2009, the road contract was awarded the company has not been paid a kobo,” Bello said. Meanwhile, Bello, who is now the chairman of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, said the state government had ordered the grading of IkareOkeagbe Road, which had been carried out three times in the recent times to make it at least passable. He said: “The state government is planning to extend the grading to Oyin as part of efforts by the Ondo State Government

and the local government to improve the condition of the road. The last grading of the road was carried out in October last year.” Besides, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, according to him, promised in 2010 five-kilometre Okeagbe township roads, which he expressed optimism would be carried out soon. The Information Commissioner, Mr Kayode Akinmade, neither picked calls put across to him, nor replied text message to his phone. Philko told our correspondent on phone that non-release of funds by the Federal Government for the road project was the contract’s major problem.

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

CACOL wants EFCC to probe NDLEA Temitope Ogunbanke orried by alleged monumental cover ups at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan, to exhume the report of the Justice Gilbert Obayan National Committee for the reform of the NDLEA to deal with the situation. The coalition said this was necessary to put an end to what it described as high level of corruption in the anti-drug agency. Speaking yesterday at a press conference in Lagos on this year’s Anti-Drug Day celebration, Executive Chairman of CACOL, Comrade Debo Adeniran, expressed dissatisfaction about reported cases of how some unscrupulous elements in the agency are helping drug barons to evade serving jail terms and ensuring that the suspect, while on trial gets

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ROAD SAFETY….An overloaded bus on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Amosun jittery over 2015, says Daniel lAPC: No, our governor is focused Kunle Olayeni

Abeokuta

ormer governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has taken a swipe at the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, saying that the administration has become jittery over the 2015 general elections. Daniel, who spoke at the inauguration of the Labour Party (LP) secretariat in Odogbolu Local Government on Sunday, flayed the government over its stand on the payment of severance package to former political office holders. He said the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election and the fear of losing his reelection in 2015, induced the governor’s approval of car and housing loans for civil servants, among

other welfare packages, last week. But in a reaction yesterday, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed Daniel’s allegation, saying the government never embarked on panicky welfarist measures, but was focused on its programmes. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Sola Lawal, APC said all recently executed policies of the administration had been long planned and commenced, adding that it was confident that “verifiable infrastructural rebirth of the state would always be translated into electoral triumph for the APC.” Addressing LP members in Odogbolu, Daniel said the government was not only discriminatory, but was playing politics with the issue of sever-

ance package to ex-political office holders, who served between 2007 and 2011. The former governor said he did not discriminate in the payment of severance allowances to those who served the administration of his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, adding that; “Within a period of about six months that we took over, everything was paid. We didn’t discriminate in the payment of severance allowances. But, we now discovered that following the outcome of the Ekiti election, fear gripped them and they said they are ready to pay severance allowance. “When they wanted to pay it, I learnt that they paid about 100 out of over 300 people; they are waiting for others to come and beg before their sev-

erance allowances would be paid. It is a must for them to pay. If they failed to pay, don’t worry, they have eight months to leave power.” The former governor said such outstanding severance allowances would be paid immediately the LP takes over government. He said his recent findings revealed that the government had directed about 2,000 workers, who were recruited at the twilight of his administration in 2011, but who were later sacked by Amosun, to resume duty. Daniel added that though Amosun’s gesture was motivated by APC’s loss of Ekiti, he urged the formerly disengaged workers to go and reclaim their employment with the government.

light punishments. “According to the report of Justice Gilbert Obayan National Committee for the reform of NDLEA, submitted in February 2007, jail racketeering is a vice that is pervasive in the anti-drug agency. Jailevasion is actualised by the prosecution hands in the agency and prison officials, who strike the bargain, said to be usually initiated by the defence team. “It is unheard of that those that are paid from taxpayers’ sweat to fight the war against drugs are the very ones aiding and abetting the nefarious and destructive activities of the drug barons. “CACOL is therefore calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in line with the power vested in it, especially Section 7 subsection (1) a and b, to investigate NDLEA top officials, whether their lifestyles and the extent of their property are justified by their sources of income.”

Insurgency: Jonathan urged to create intervention fund for victims Ahmed Miringa MAIDUGURI

former presidential Adefunct aspirant under the Social Demo-

cratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Umaru Muhammadu Maizabura, has called on the Federal Government to create a special intervention fund to take care of victims of insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. Maizabura in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri yesterday said the Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, assist farmers and

fishermen in the affected areas, especially states under emergency rule. He said farmers in states facing security challenges need special intervention, as the threat of Boko Haram has forced them to abandon their farms, which if something is not done might lead to food scarcity. According to him, fishermen across the shores of Lake Chad have also deserted the area due to incessant attack, adding that many people have lost their means of livelihood in the process; hence the need for government at all levels to intervene.

Lagos contributory pension hits N51.6bn

Four councillors suspended in Benue crisis Maternal health week records

Muritala Ayinla agos State government yesterday said its Contributory Pension Scheme has hit N51.6 billion, adding that about 4,636 retirees from the state public service had received N24.4 billion from the inception the of the scheme. Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, who disclosed this while presenting retirement bond certificates to the 11th batch of 354 retirees, said the government was committed to ensuring that no employee in the public service retires into penury. Hussain said the 354 beneficiaries would smile home with N1.7 billion being accrued rights for their past service to the state prior to

Cephas Iorhemen

the commencement of the scheme in April 2007. He added that the benefits that accrued to each of the beneficiaries had being remitted to their Retirement Saving Account (RSA) with their respective Pension FundAdministrators(PFAs). He said: “I am happy and proud to confirm at this juncture, that with the payment of this second and concluding tranche of the 11th bond presentation, the Lagos State government has paid N3, 510, 405, 212 to 791 retirees, as at the 11th batch." “It's gratifying to recognise that Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration has continually exhibited a high sense of responsibility and commitment to the contributory pension scheme.

Makurdi

least four councilors were AApatyesterday suspended in Local Government area

of Benue State as a new wave of crisis rocks the local government council. Their suspension was said to be over allegations of graft involving the Chairman of the council, Mr. Maxwell Owoicho Oyi. The four were accused of inciting other members of the council against the leadership of the legislative council. Those suspended include the Deputy Leader of the House, Emmanuel Ochekwu, Benedict Adah Sunday, Deputy Chief Whip, Adoche Sunday Olotu and Cephas Okwori. Some of the councilors,

who spoke with newsmen in Makurdi, described their purported suspension as unconstitutional, null and void as it failed to follow the standing order of the council. One of them, Okwori described the process,including the notice of meeting, which led to his suspension and that of others, as a mistake. While he claimed that he was yet to receive any letter of his suspension as at the time of filing this report, Okwori maintained that; “Order 51 of the Standing Order of Apa Legislative House states that any councilor unable to attend the sitting of the legislative council shall inform the leadership as early as possible of his inability to attend,” adding that he duly informed the leadership of his trip to the United States.

impressive turnout in Enugu Leo Sobechi espite the failure of local gover nment council chairmen in Enugu state to pay their counterpart funds for the first round of 2014 Mater nal Newbor n and Child Health Week, (MNCHW) the programme recorded an impressive turn out. Pregnant mothers and children aged under five years at different health centers across the seventeen council areas of the state came out for the event. At various health centres visited by jour nalists while monitoring the exercise,

health workers especially those in Enugu North, Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani and Igboeze north local gover nment areas lamented that they were not well motivated to give the programme their best because the Council chairmen could not pay their counterpart funds. Though the health workers praised the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) for its commitment, support and encouragement to the biannual exercise, they said the local government was sadly missing even as they commended the State Ministry of Health for making the exercise a huge success.

48 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Christian, Muslim leaders must unite against terrorism, says Kwankwaso PEACE Kano governor preaches cooperation in the fight against terror Muhammad Kabir

Kano

ano state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said the only meaningful solution to the continuing killings of innocent lives in the country is for Muslims and Christians to work more closely. He made the call during a one day MuslimChristian Inter faith Prayer session organized by State Sharia Hisbah Board and Nigeria Prayers Group, held at Africa House, Kano Government House.

N36.6bn

According to Kw a n k w a s o, the insurgents do not discriminate between Christian and Muslim, noting that although they initially focused attacks in the North East, their despicable activities have now spread to the North West and North Central, and lately, the South West zone of the country, particularly Lagos state. While stressing the need for Nigerians to come together to tackle the security challenges facing the country, Kwankwaso assured that Kano state government will continue to work hard with religious leaders, both Muslims and Christians, to protect lives and property. “Without security, nobody can dream of going to the church or mosque. Nobody can go to the market

The contribution of air transport to Nigeria’s ‘rebased’ GDP in 2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

and nobody can do anything to develop a state or a nation. And that is why as leaders, we have to join our hands, we have to work shoulder to shoulder to ensure that the insecurity we are facing today in this country is stopped” the governor asserted. He appealed to the former Head of State and Chairman, Nigeria Prays Forum, Gen. Yakubu Gowon to talk to higher authorities and key stakeholders in the country to handle the issue of security more seriously, lamenting that many of them seem to have the wrong impression about the nation’s security crisis. In his remarks, Gowon called on both Muslim and Christian leaders to denounce terrorism and embrace peace, unity and peaceful co-existence

22.6m

The estimated number of infants worldwide still not being reached by routine immunization services. Source: Who.int

among all the diverse ethnic groups in the country, irrespective of religious inclination. Gowon also appealed to Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue lamenting “that the spate of insurgency in some parts of the country has given a bad name to Islam” which he said stands for peace, love and unity. He, however, praised Governor Kwankwaso for summoning the Muslim/Christian interactive session, aimed at promoting unity and peaceful co-existence, as well as to bring to an end the incessant bomb attacks on innocent Nigerians by insurgents. The former Head of State described the Christian/Muslim interactive session as very

23.23%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Cuba in 2011. Source: Itu.int

essential and illuminating, just as he also expressed optimism that in the long run, it would lead to the end of insurgency in the country. Personalities that attended the inter faith session included the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan

Akiolu, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Bishop Ramsom S. Bello, former governor of Cross Rivers state, Mr. Donald Duke, Oba Sikru Adetona of Ijebuland, Bishop Buba Lamido, Shaikh Bala Lau and Arch Bishop Paul Akindeko.

Ekiti election: We are not worried, Ogun APC insists

n the aftermath of the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election of June 21, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has said the party is not worried about the loss of the party to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ayo Fayose. The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal said it is confident that verifiable infrastructural rebirth in the state effected by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun administration would always be translated into electoral triumph for the APC. It debunked suggestions that the Amosun administration embarked on panicky welfarist measures following the trouncing of APC in Ekiti State,

saying that all recently executed policies of the administration have been long planned and commenced. "For instance, the public distribution of severance gratuity cheques to more than 200 past political office holders by the administration on Tuesday June 24, barely 48 hours after the Ekiti election, could not have been planned, processed and executed in such a limited period of time if it was informed by the outcome of Ekiti election", the party stated. APC recalled that at the occasion, the governor pointed out that the exercise was delayed by the insistence of the administration to ensure payment of backlog of pension and gratuity of civil servants before turning to past political office holders.

Akinbade promises free medicare for Osun mothers f Labour Party wins the Irial August 9, 2014 gubernatoelection, then all preg-

L-R: Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri; Omu of Anioma, Delta State, HRH Obi Martha Dunkwu and Enrolment Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mariam Mohammed, during the registration exercise of board members of the Agency in Abuja …yesterday

Eligibility case: Fayose challenges court's jurisdiction Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

kiti State GovernorElect, Mr Ayodele Fayose has challenged the jurisdiction of an AdoEkiti High Court to hear a case filed by a group, the E-Eleven and the Citizens Party on his eligibility to contest the June 21 governorship election in the state. Fayose, through his lead counsel, Mr. Raji Ahmed (SAN) argued that the case be transferred to the

Federal High Court since the case also involved both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He made the submission on Monday during the hearing on the matter. Ahmed said the case, in which the plaintiffs sought to stop his client from contesting the June 21 governorship election was already belated. According to him, the case had no value again

as the election under consideration had been contested and won by his client. He added that the case filed at the court was meant for the Abuja addresses of both INEC and PDP, who were joined in the case, and should therefore be declared null and void. But the lead counsel to the Citizens Party, Norrison Quakers (SAN) opposed the defendant's counsel, saying the case still had substance, regardless of whether the

election at hand had been conducted or not. Also, counsel to E-Eleven, Mr. Raufu Balogun, insisted that the court had jurisdiction to try the case, and should therefore not strike it out. He urged the court to dismiss the plaintiff's counsel's submission for lacking in merit, citing Section 31 of the Electoral Act. Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi later adjourned the case till July 18 for ruling.

nant women in Osun State would enjoy free health till after delivery, the Party candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade has promised. In addition, Akinbade assured that a Diagnostic Centre that would be imbued with state of the art facilities would be established with a view to unraveling health related challenges. According to Mr. Kayode Oladeji, his director of media, Akinbade made the promise while speaking with over 500 women in Osogbo under the aegis of Women for Positive Change led by Dr (Mrs.) Eunice Adedayo. He said in addition to the qualitative free health his administration would give to the indigenes of the state, premium would be placed on pregnant women. This, Akinbade contended would go a long way in reducing incidences related to pregnancies. “We believe one of the

surest ways of preserving our future is to pay solid attention to our present because if we are able to take care of our pregnant women, this will not only reduce mortality rate but will ensure the delivery of healthy children who are the tomorrow of this country”, he said. TheLPcandidateassured thathisadministrationwould put in place a diagnostic centre that would meet the needed challenges and at the same time, be a revenue generation base for the state. The former SSG further promised that the health sector would witness turn around, adding that hospitals that had gone moribund in the state would be made functional through the provision of drugs and related facilities. Akinbade assured that doctors and related medical staff would be exposed to modern trainings so as to keep them abreast with current challenges in the sector.

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Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Amaechi urges protests, stoning to stop corruption DEATH

Rivers governor recommends the crude penalty of stoning to fight corruption Wale Elegbede

ivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged Nigerians to mobilise for street protests as a way to stop the stealing

of public funds, adding that pelting of guilty public leaders could also deter them from diverting government funds for their private use. Amaechi, who was speaking yesterday at the inaugural Freedom House Democracy lecture series in Lagos, averred that public office holders could not fight corruption because the institutions are already compromised and there is no alternative to them.

Anambra govt faces contempt charge Onah O Onah, Onitsha on the contempt Htheearing charge brought against Anambra State Government and its commissioners resumes today at Awka High Court headed by Justice PAC Umeadi. The contempt order had earlier been served the past Governor of Anambra State, Commissioner for Environment Service and Government of Anambra State. The order directed the defendant to obey the court order which restrained the Anambra State Government its agent and privies not to demolish or interfere with the business of Chief E.M. Ojukwu and E. M. Ekesons Agencies Ltd at the company’s corporate motor park headquarters in Onitsha, Anambra State pending the determination of the suit. New Telegraph gathered that the said motor

park had for some time now been a subject of controversy and litigation between the state government and its agents as defendants and E.M. Ekeson Transport Company Nigeria Ltd as plaintiff. The order, which was allegedly served on the defendants was adjourned till today for hearing. It would be recalled that the park in issue was on June 17, 2014 demolished by the state government. Our correspondent who visited the scene said the staff of the company and the manager of the park who gave his name as Mr. Samuel told journalists that the demolition took them by surprise because the park had been a subject of litigation and even the court had given an order restraining the government or its agents from disrupting the business of Ekeson group.

Geo-political zoning has harmed the North, says ex-minister Ugo Willies, Gombe

isunity and poor economic power in northern Nigeria has been blamed on the creation of geo-political zones in the country. A former minister in the defunct Shagari administration, Alhaji Magaji Mu’azu, stated this in a chat with newsmen and added that the creation has caused enormous distrust among the ethnic groups in the North. According to him, the creation failed to take cognizance of the fact that the North is multi-ethnic unlike the South-West, SouthEast and South-South where there was less than three ethnic groups or in some cases, just one. He argued that the North would not find this trend easy with regards to its political stability and economic growth. This situation would impact on the economy of the North negatively and pull back or destroy the political and economic power of the area, he said.

The Ubndoma of Gombe said worse still was the absence of unity among the northern political leaders unlike in the first republic. He said they are more concerned with personal benefits rather than the common good. He stressed the urgent need for the North to retrieve its lost traditional values and focus to save the region. On the kidnapped Chibok school girls, the former minister faulted the approach of the Federal Government arguing that action ought to have commenced within one week of the kidnap. Alhaji Mu’azu said strong and decisive force was required to dislodge the insurgency. It is a big joke, he said, for anyone to believe the kidnapped girls could be found and returned intact and safely to their parents. “In the first place, they must be in high psychological trauma and completely out of themselves…” he lamented.

He said: “The only way to stop us from stealing is to stone us. The followership are equally guilty as the leadership. The institutions are already compromised and there is no alternative to them. Nigerians seem not to be against corruption but they are against how long you stay being corrupt. Don’t expect those in public office to fight corruption because you can’t stop a man from eating.

82%

“I still wonder why Nigerians are not on the streets protesting against corruption. While we were students union leaders in the 1980’s, we couldn’t hear that they had stolen $20 billion and we won’t be on the streets protesting. Now, I hear that NANS president now has a car, has special advisers, it’s a shame. The governor added, "nothing will change in this country until you

The percentage of agricultural use of water in low and middle-income countries. Source: Unesco.org

take your power back from us. There is only one way we can take our power back as a people; it is for us to be on the streets. If we continue to recognise them, we will not change Nigeria. If the soldiers shoot and you run away, then they will pursue. The Arab Spring was started by a man who sacrificed himself. Until one of us stands and says “Today is the end of stealing, it can’t come to an end.

$5,702.9m

The capital importation of Nigeria in 2009. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

I have told Nigerians, when you start the protest, I will like to be in front with my wife and children; but it has to come from you,” he said. In his speech, former governor of Lagos state, Senator Bola Tinubu, faulted the current democratic process in the country, stating that the nation was governed through a hybrid process where democracy is often the junior partner and minority attribute.

33.25m

The total number of fixed-telephones subscriptions of United Kingdom in 2011. Source: Itu.int

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun Chapter, Adelowo Adebiyi; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun Chapter, Elijah Ogundiya, during an interaction with the Governor on his Second Term ambition in the 2014 Gubernatorial Election, at Owode-Ede, Osun State…yesterday

Delta monarch faults Arewa over Boko Haram Dominic Adewole ASABA

iqued by the Boko Haram insurgency, the traditional ruler of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso, Abe I, has charged the Arewa Consultative Forum to be determined in the fight against the terrorist group. The monarch, who expressed sadness over the fate of the abducted Chibok girls and hundreds that have been killed in their attacks,

wondered what the group stands to gain afterward. While he noted that Arewa people have, in no small measure, contributed to the growth and development, even the prevailing peace, in his Kingdom, he maintained that the insurgency could only be tackled with collective effort. The monarch stated this yesterday in his palace along Jakpa Road, Effurun, when the Arewa community in Uvwie Kingdom came to present their new leader, Alhaji Suleiman Jau’ru, to

him for blessing. According to the monarch, the relationship between Uvwie people and Arewa community, irrespective of their ethnic, political and religious background, has been cordial for decades. He said, “Arewa people, both at the state and national levels, should rise and support President Goodluck Jonathan and other well-meaning Nigerians, in fighting the menace of Boko Haram so that meaningful peace and development can be recorded in Nigeria.” The monarch who

recently gave a university scholarship to an female Hausa medical student who was born and brought up in Uvwie Kingdom, warned them against indulging in any act capable of truncating the existing relationship between the Uvwie indigenes and Arewa people. Jau’ru, flanked by the spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Jawal Inosa, pledge not to betray the confidence reposed in him and to shun any divisive tendency within the Kingdom, promising to hold the monarch in high esteem.

Anambra communities bicker over Igbo origin five communiAarebout ties in Anambra State at verbal war now over claims of Igbo origin. The communities are Aguleri, Enugwu Ukwu, Oraeri, Igboukwu and Aguleri-otu. But the traditional ruler of Nri, believed to be the ancestral home of Igboland, Igwe Obidiegwu Onyeso, said yesterday that those lay-

ing, claim to the issue were not being sincere to themselves or were ignorant. The Nri monarch, who spoke in his palace said that Umueri and Ora-eri had nothing to claim with the Igbo ancestral home, adding that their histories were different. Onyeso, who traced the origin of Ndigbo from the Bible through

Egypt, disclosed how Eri settled in Agu-ukwu and later became Nri, adding that Nri was the first son of Eri the son of Gad in the bible. He said there were 180 communities who could trace their origin to Nri today where the Ozo title was founded. Aguleri, he added, was the last son of Eri who chose to settle at the river side of Ezu

and Omabala and could not claim that it was the ancestral home of Igboland. But the Aguleri community, a few weeks ago published in some national dailies claims that Ndigbo originated from the area. This literally opened the floodgate of claims and counter-claims by other communities on the issue.

50 WORLD | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Kenyan governor released on bail, says he’s innocent of mass killings

Kenyan politician arrested in connection with the murder of 65 people on the coast this month denied responsibility after a court freed him on bail yesterday. Issa Timamy, the governor of Lamu county, was arrested last Wednesday over the gun attacks, which President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed on local political networks rather than the Somali rebel group al Shabaab which claimed responsibility. “I am not responsible for those attacks.

Why would I kill my own people in my own county? I am innocent and if they (police) think I actually committed the crimes, then they should not have released me,” he told reporters outside the court. Prosecutors said they still intended to charge Timamy with murder, forceful transfer of populations and terrorism related offences, over the killings in the Mpeketoni area of Lamu, the worst attacks since last September’s al Shabaab raid on a shopping mall in Nairobi in which 67 were killed.

Yesterday the judge declined prosecutors’ request to detain Timamy for 14 days, and released him on bail of 5 million shillings ($57,000) cash or a bond of 20 million shillings. Although attacks by al Shabaab in Kenya have grabbed international headlines, ethnic rivalries have festered for decades in Lamu and neighboring Tana River where more than 100 people were killed in 2012 and 2013 in fighting over water and grazing land. Suspicion has fallen on Timamy partly because he is

Family Members Wait to collect the bodies of their relatives at Mpeketoni hospital in Kenya.

U.S. Supreme Court favours companies on birth control mandate

he U.S. Supreme Court yesterday ruled that business owners can object on religious grounds to a provision of President Barack Obama’s healthcare law that requires closely held companies to provide health insurance that covers birth control. The court held on a 5-4 vote on ideological lines that such companies can seek an exemption from the so-called birth control mandate of the healthcare law. The decision means employees of those companies will have to obtain certain forms of birth control from other sources. In a majority opinion by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, the court said the ruling applies only to the birth control mandate and does not mean companies would necessarily succeed if they made similar claims to

other insurance requirements, such as vaccinations and blood transfusions. In the majority opinion, Alito indicated that employees could still be able to obtain the birth control coverage via an accommodation to the mandate that the Obama administration has already introduced for religiousaffiliated nonprofits. The accommodation allows health insurance companies to provide the coverage without the employer being involved in the process.Under the accommodation, eligible non-profits must provide a “self certification”, described by one lower court judge as a “permission slip” authorizing insurance companies to provide the coverage. The accommodation is itself the subject of a separate

legal challenge. The justices ruled for the first time that forprofit companies can make claims under a 1993 federal law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The decision will affect similar cases brought by employers around the country. There are 49 cases in total, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Religious institutions are already exempt from the requirement. The company owners involved in litigation around the country do not all oppose every type of birth control. Some, including Hobby Lobby and Conestoga, object only to emergency contraceptive methods, such as the so-called morning-after pill, which they view as akin to abortion.

from the local coastal community, while the attacks were directed at Kenyans from other ethnic groups who settled in the area from their ancestral homes in the hin-

terland decades ago. Ethnic violence has erupted in the past in Kenya, notably after a contested 2007 election when about 1,200 people were killed in tribal clashes.

Alarm, ridicule over declaration of Islamic state

n al-Qaida breakaway group’s formal declaration of an Islamic caliphate across the stretch of territory it controls in Syria and Iraq sparked celebrations among the group’s followers yesterday but condemnation and even ridicule from its rivals and authorities in Baghdad and Damascus. The declaration was a bold move by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, not just announcing their own state governed by Shariah law but also claiming legitimacy as a successor to the first Islamic rule created by the Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula 14 centuries ago. In an audio recording Sunday evening, the group proclaimed its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph and demanded all Muslims around the world pledge allegiance to him. The announcement risks straining alliances with other

Sunnis in Iraq that have helped the Islamic State achieve its blitz this month, seizing control of a large swath of the country’s north and west. Those Sunnis, including former officers in the military of ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, have backed the Islamic State in hopes of bringing down Iraq’s Shiiteled government but not necessarily its ambitions of carving out a transnational caliphate. Through brute force and meticulous planning, the Sunni extremist group which said it was changing its name to just the Islamic State, dropping the mention of Iraq and the Levant has carved out a large chunk of territory that has effectively erased the border between Iraq and Syria and laid the foundations of its proto-state. Along the way, it has battled Syrian rebels, Kurdish militias and the Syrian and Iraqi militaries.

Kidnapped Tunisian embassy workers freed in Libya

Tunisian diplomat and an embassy worker kidnapped earlier this year by unknown gunmen in Libya arrived at dawn yesterday at a Tunis airport after being freed two days ago. With Libya’s government weak and its armed forces still in formation, armed groups have targeted foreign diplomats for abduction this year to pressure for the release of Libyan militants held in jails overseas. The Tunisian diplomat who worked as an advisor to the embassy was kidnapped in Tripoli in April. The other embassy official was taken separately. “The kidnapped victims have been released and they will be with their families shortly. Right now they are with us at the embassy,” the ambassador, Ridha Bouka-

dhi, told Reuters by telephone. The Tunisian diplomat had been kidnapped just two days after gunmen also took the Jordanian ambassador after they shot and wounded his driver in the Libyan capital. In Aouina presidential airport in Tunis, President Moncef Marzouki and Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa welcomed the two Tunisians who arrived in a military plane. “Tunisia does not leave her sons, we thank the Libyans who helped in the release. a few months ago we shared the grief and now share the joy of their return today”, Marzouki said in a speech in airport. Kidnappers freed the Jordanian envoy in May after a handover of a Libyan Islamist militant who had been serving a life sentence for a bombing plot in Jordan.

Enyeama not to blame for exit – Okocha F Enyeama

ormer Super Eagles skipper, Austin Okocha, has showered praises on Vincent Enyeama for his outstanding performance in Brazil, insisting that the goalkeeper should not be blamed for Nigeria’s loss to France. Enyeama made a string of

saves against the French but failed to punch the ball to safety from a cornerkick which resulted in the opening goal for the French. But Okocha, a veteran of three World Cups, said: “Enyeama is just human, and there isn’t any reason for anyone to criticise him

SPORT

because he is, maybe, the reason why we got to the last 16. “We have to be honest with ourselves; we’ve had a good tournament. In terms of effort, in terms of experience, we’ve gained a lot from this tournament, and if you look at where we were when Ste-

51 49

phen Keshi took over and where we are now, there has been a massive transition and we can only get better from here.” He added: “I don’t think there is any reason to start criticising any player because they have made us proud.”

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ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

TUESday, juLY 1, 2014

kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline. com adekunles@yahoo.com

eagles fail to fly lLose 2 - 0 to France in second round Experts’ comments lRobbie Savage ex-Man Utd player “Do France deserve a 2-0 win? Probably not. But Nigeria didn’t take their chances and lacked conviction.”

lFormer England captain Rio Ferdinand “I think Nigeria will be disappointed. They didn’t get as many bodies forward as they could have done. “What is fantastic for France is that they now have different options with personnel. They will be a threat. You can’t read who they are going to play with and that will be tough for opposing teams. “I love Karim Benzema as a centre-forward, his movement. The one-two he played with Antoine Griezmann would have been goal of the tournament if he had scored. “I was delighted Paul Pogba scored, but the Nigeria goalkeeper was at fault.”

igeria’s Super Eagles, Monday, crashed out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup following a 2-0 defeat in the hands of France in the Round of 16 match in Bras sillia. The Super Eagles who had aspired to move into the quarterfinal for the first time in the World Cup surrendered to Paul Pogba’s second half header and Joseph Yobo’s own goal. It was a terrible 100th international appearance for the Nigerian captain. The French started as firm favourites and it was they who created the game’s first note-

worthy opportunity, when Giroud twisted into space only to slice his left-foot shot wide from 20 yards. However, it was Nigeria who looked the sharper and more purposeful side for much of the first half, and it wasn’t long before they were causing major problems at the other end. The Super Eagles looked, in fact, to have taken the lead after 19 minutes when Emmanuel Emenike prodded into the net from Ahmed Musa’s inswinging right-footed cross. Nigerian celebrations were to prove short-

lived, though, with Emenike having strayed narrowly offside. For France, Pogba was among the most impressive performers throughout and the Juventus midfielder came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the half. Driving forward from midfield, he slipped the ball wide to Mathieu Valbuena and continued his run to volley powerfully towards goal when the cross arrived in the box. Vincent Enyeama, though, proved equal to the challenge, agilely palming the ball away for a corner.

l Kevin Kilbane, ex- Ireland star “The Nigeria defence did not get themselves organised and it was a great run by Antoine Griezmann and Joseph Yobo had not seen him until too late. Nigeria were just not well organised at all.”

France’s Paul Pogba scores his team’s first goal on a header against Nigeria

We don’t deserve to lose – Keshi S

Eagles waving to the crowd after their elimination

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, in the aftermath of Monday’s 2-0 loss to France, has stated that the reigning African champions did not deserve to lose the World Cup second round tie to the former world champions. A goal from Paul Pogba, as well as an own goal from Nigeria skipper, Joseph Yobo, who was making his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, were all the 1998 champions needed to eliminate the Super Eagles and secure a berth into the quarterfinals. On the balance of play, the Super Eagles were a match for the French and had a few chances to wrap up the game before Pogba’s 80th minute opener, and Keshi was only left to rue his

side’s exit at the end of the game. “It’s a pity that we lost because I don’t think our play warranted that,” said Keshi who, visibly sad, added: “We didn’t deserve to lose, but that is football.” He added: “We can always compete with any (top) team. Once we set our mind to it we can play against any team. It’s just that the way we lost is not good.” With his contract yet to be extended by the Nigeria Football Federation, and with a host of interest from a few nations, Keshi refused to reveal whether he will stay put as coach of the Super Eagles. But he did state his belief in the current team’s potentials.

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Moments Africa shone at World Cup Here are five memorable African victories at previous World Cups. Algeria 2 West Germany 1 (1982) The North Africans were at their first World Cup finals and given little chance

against the reigning European champions in the clash in Spain. The Germans thought it was done and dusted. “One player even said that he would play against us with a cigar in his mouth,” Algeria’s fullback Chaabane Merzekane said later. The over confidence cost dearly

Nigeria’s Sunday Oliseh celebrating his third goal against spain

elso Borges set the ball rolling, putting Costa Rica ahead in the penalty shootout that followed their 1-1 draw with Greece in the last 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ on Sunday. Next up to the spot was Konstantinos Mitroglou, who held his nerve to put the Greeks level. By the time Theofanis Gekas stepped up to take his kick, Los Ticos led 4-3, with every player having converted. Facing him was a former team-mate in Keylor Navas. Taking up the story in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Navas said: “We played together at Levante and I remembered what he used to do in training. I was confident he wasn’t going to change the way he takes his penalties, and in the end I was able to keep it out.” Having given his side the edge in the shootout, Navas then looked on as Michael Umana made full use of the advantage by firing home the winning spot-kick, sending the Central Americans into the last eight for the first time in their history. As he celebrated, Navas suddenly found himself engulfed by his jubilant team-mates. Hearts and minds The scene capped a long but ulti-

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

FIFA WORLD CUP

as the Algerians prevailed 2-1 with Rabah Madjer scoring nine minutes into the second-half. The Germans pulled level through KarlHeinz Rummenigge only for Lakhdar Belloumi to hit the decisive goal. Cameroon 1 Argentina 0 (1990) Argentina opened the

1990 tournament in Italy as defending champions against a Cameroon side with few recognised stars. However, Francois OmamBiyik’s headed goal, helped by an awful goalkeeping error by Nery Pumpido, gave them an astonishing 1-0 win. “We hate it when European reporters ask us if we eat monkeys and have a witch doctor. We are real football players and we proved this tonight,” Omam-Biyik said. Nigeria 3 Spain 2 (1998) Nigeria reached the World Cup second round in 1994 and arrived at the 1998 tournament as Olympic champions. But Spain had a squad packed with top talent and were fancied to end their title drought that stretched back to the 1964 European championship. But veteran goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta gifted Nigeria’s second equaliser by Garba Lawal and Sunday Oliseh’s cracking third sealed a remarkable win for the Super Eagles. Senegal 1 France 0 (2002) In a repeat of 1990, another talented but largely unknown African team took on the defending world and European champions and global superstar Zinedine Zidane. The Senegalese, coached by

Memory serves calm Navas well

Navas

mately glorious night for the Costa Ricans, who began to dream when

midfield maestro Bryan Ruiz stroked them into the lead after 52 minutes, much to the delight of a decidedly proTico crowd at the Arena Pernambuco. But just when it looked as if Jorge Luis Pinto’s side would be going through in normal time, Sokratis Papastathopoulos brought them right back down to earth with a stoppage-time equaliser for the Greeks. Reflecting on that agonising moment, the Levante keeper, who was named Budweiser Man of the Match, said: “It was very tough to take because the game was almost over. We handled it well, though. We didn’t give up despite being a man down. We kept our heads and kept believing we could make it.” The first indication that Ticos fans would be in for a heart-stopping finale came on 66 minutes, when Oscar Duarte was sent off after picking up a second yellow card. His dismissal allowed the tenacious Greeks to take the initiative and left Costa Rica with no option but to grit their teeth and organ-

Camerounians jubilate after defeating Argentine in 1990 opening match

Frenchman Bruno Metsu, rattled their opponents from the start and it was no surprise when midfielder Pape Bouba Diop popped up to score in the 30th minute. France and their coach Roger Lemerre seemed incapable of reacting and lost 1-0. Ghana 2 Czech Republic 0 (2006) The Czechs were one of the dark horses for the World Cup after reaching the Euro 2004 semifinals. Ghana were not given much hope especially after opening with a 2-0 defeat by Italy. But with just more than one minute on the clock Asamoah Gyan gave the Black Stars the lead firing past Petr Cech. ise themselves as best they could. By the time the referee blew his whistle to mark the end of extra-time, that man Navas had already made seven vital saves to keep his side in the game. Recalling the moments before the shootout, the 27-year-old custodian said: “We got together in the centre of the pitch and had a chat. The message was that we’d worked so hard to get that far, and we were convinced we could win. I think everyone felt that deep down in their hearts and that’s why we got there in the end. “There are no secrets. There are 25 of us, including the two guys who are injured but are here with us. We play from the bottom of our hearts, for our country. We’ve always wanted to make history and you could see that here.” Then came Navas’ decisive reunion with Gekas. The duo had spent just three months together at Levante in the 2012/13 season, but it was time enough for the keeper to make a mental note of the Greek striker’s penalty-taking preferences. “It’s a fantastic feeling. Thank God I was able to stop it,” explained Navas, who had warm words for his colleagues. “My teammates also deserve praise for putting all their penalties away. I took confidence from that, and it definitely helped me.”

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

fifa world cup

Scolari frowns at rough Neymar treatment

razil coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, believes that Neymar continues to be the subject of overly-physical marking at the FIFA World Cup. Neymar is a doubt for Friday’s last-eight clash with Colombia, having picked up a thigh injury during the win over Chile. Scolari believes the 22-year-old is being unfairly targeted by opposition defenders - likening it to the marking of Cristiano Ronaldo when he was in charge of Portugal. “I have already expe-

rienced this before at Euro 2004, when I was the coach of Portugal,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Then it was Cristiano Ronaldo in the viewfinder. Always subject to ‘special’ marking. “I remember that in the semi-final against the Netherlands he was hit hard after just five minutes and he was forced to quit in the second half. “Neymar is undergoing the same treatment as Cristiano. Every game he ends with swollen legs. After five minutes of the game against Chile he was hit violently.”

Mikel: I’m happy at Chelsea

uper Eagles and Chelsea midfield anchor-man, John Obi Mikel, has poured cold water on speculations linking him with a move away from Chelsea following the 30 million pounds signing of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. Speaking next to Nigeria Coach, Stephen Keshi, at the pre match conference ahead of yesterday’s round of 16 game against France, Mikel told reporters he was eager to team up with Fabregas in the middle for Chelsea. “’I don’t have a problem with the signing of Cesc Fabregas,” he said. “We have played against each other a lot of times. We don’t play in the same position anyway.” The 27 year old Mikel saw limited game time following the signing of Nemanja Matic in January but despite interest from Valencia and Inter Milan, the 2005 FIFA Under-20 silver ball winner insists he is looking forward to his ninth season at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea are my home away from home, my second home. You never know what’s going to happen in football, but I’m very happy at Chelsea and I want to remain at Chelsea.”

Mikel

Transfer Updates

Milan terminate Kaka contract

ilan have terminated the contract of Kaka by mutual consent amid talk of a move to Orlando City. The Brazilian has long been linked with Orlando, who are set to join the MLS from the 2015 season. A statement on the Milan website read: “AC Milan announces that it has today [Monday] terminated the contract of Kaka by mutual consent.”

Mourinho wants Varane

helsea are prepared to send Kurt Zouma outonloannextseasoniftheylandeither RaphaelVarane orEliaquimMangalaafterthe Neymar (middle) World Cup. ThecentraldefenderswerepartoftheFrance squad for yesterday last-16 tie against Nigeria in Brasilia and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants one of them to provide more competition to captain John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic. Chelsea have been interested in Varane and Mangala for some ees classified themselves as time and both have indicated they would consider a move to Stamwhite and 90 percent came from Brazil’s top two economic classes, which repSanchez’s price tag soars resent about 15 percent of lexis Sánchez’s fantastic perforthe country’s population. mances for Chile at the World Cup Similar trends have been have put the forward back in the spotseen at other Cup matches, light, which is great news for Barcelona, though no polls were carwho are hoping to sell the 25-year-old or ried out previously. include him as a makeweight in a deal (he The Datafolha poll was could trade places with Luis Suárez) and can now hold out for based on interviews with a much higher valuation. 693 fans at the Mineirao The latest club to join the chase for the ex-Udinese man stadium in Belo Horizonte who scored against both Australia and the host nation in Brazil and had a statistical margin - are Arsenal, who are understood to be willing to shell out €35 of error of 4 percentage million to bring him in. points. ‘’Sure, there are only whites in the stadium. It comes down to money,’’ said Ana Beatriz Ferreira, aul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, says a 27-year-old parking atthe midfielder will remain with Jutendant in Rio de Janeiro, ventus next season despite interest from who is black. ‘’Nobody I Chelsea. The France international is currently know could find affordable away with his country at the World Cup, but tickets.’’ speculation regarding his future is still rife, with reports claiming a move could happen when he returns. “We have decided not to speak of the transfer market with regards to Paul until after the World Cup. But I can calmly say that his future will still be at Juventus, where he feels very happy.”

White, rich fans fill Brazil World Cup stadiums - Poll

poll published Sunday on the wealth and race of fans who attended a World Cup match in Brazil illustrated what any TV viewer in the nation has seen: Those attending games are overwhelmingly white and rich. That’s particularly striking in Brazil, with its highly mixed population that has more blacks than any country with the exception of Nigeria. More than half of Brazil’s population self-identified themselves as black or of mixed-race in the 2010 census. A Datafolha polling group survey published in the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper showed that at Saturday’s Brazil versus Chile match, 67 percent of attend-

‘Pogba going nowhere’

Colombia not scared of Brazil – Martinez

ackson Martinez insists that Colombia will not be daunted by the challenge of facing hosts Brazil in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Jose Pekerman’s side booked a last-eight meeting with Brazil by beating Uruguay 2-0 on Saturday thanks to a brace from attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. Brazil are considered by many to be the favou-

rites to lift the trophy on home soil, although Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men needed a penalty shootout to avoid elimination at the hands of Chile. Martinez is relishing the challenge of taking on the five-time champions and is adamant that Colombia will not approach Friday’s contest in Fortaleza with fear. “It will be a privilege to play against Brazil,” Martinez said.

Everton, chase Samaras

Martinez

“It’ll be a major challenge for us. We’ll keep working to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

verton’s interest in Greek World Cup hero Georgios Samaras could speed up this week following their elimination from the World Cup. Everton have previously been linked with the possible signing of former Celtic striker Samaras. The 29-year-old was not offered a new contract at Celtic at the end of last season and is a free agent this summer.

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

News Updates Argentina looking to peak against Swiss

ionel Messi’s goals have fired Argentina into the World Cup last 16 but they will look for a better all-round performance when they meet Switzerland on Tuesday. The diminutive four-time player of the year has finally sparked for his country, hitting four of their six goals

Head-to-head

Argentina

Matches

Wins

Losses

Messi

Karagounis ends international career G iorgos Karagounis has announced his retirement from international football following Greece’s FIFA World Cup exit to Costa Rica. The defeat marked the end of a historic tournament for Greece in which they qualified for the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time. And midfielder Karagounis has now revealed that the game will be his last in a

Greece shirt, bringing the 37-year-old’s storied international career to a conclusion. “This was my last game for Greece,” Karagounis said. “We wanted to stay in Brazil another week or even longer, but you can’t change it now.” Karagounis won 139 caps and was part of the Greece side that claimed a stunning victory at the 2004 UEFA European Championship.

Switzerland

Drawn

Goals for

FIFA ranking

as Argentina qualified top of Group F. But Argentina needed Messi’s late winner to overcome Iran 1-0, and they also shipped two goals before beating Nigeria 3-2, lowering expectations of a third world title. They will face their toughest opponents yet in Switzerland, who put seven goals past group opponents Ecuador, France and Honduras, including three from Xherdan Shaqiri. InArgentina’sfavourthough is that more than 100,000 of their fans are expected to flood Sao Paulo ahead of Tuesday’s game, including many inside Corinthians Arena.

But they will have to cope with the loss of Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who is out with a muscle injury after going off in the first half against Nigeria. Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will relish the clash against one of the pre-tournament favourites in what he says will be his last hurrah before retirement. Despite their 5-2 hammering by France, Switzerland have twice bettered Latin American opposition already after their 2-1 and 3-0 wins over Ecuador and Honduras respectively. Their attack will be spearheaded by one of the revelations of the tournament, 22-year-old Shaqiri, who hit all three goals against Honduras to secure Switzerland`s qualification.

‘No special plans for Messi’

witzerland have planned no special measures to deal with Lionel Messi when they meet Argentina on Tuesday, according to coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. The Albiceleste captain made the difference for his side in each of their World Cup group stage games. However, Hitzfeld is confident that his team, as a collective, can deal with the 27-year-old and says they aren’t planning especially for him. “Man-to-man marking against Messi? No,” he is quoted as saying by Blick,

“[We’ll use] a very well-functioning network. In this way each player needs his concentration and attention levels to be extremely high. “We must correctly take care of all our essential [roles], be ready to anticipate and be error free. And in this way, we can stop Messi. I don’t dream about Messi. I enjoy him when I see him play football. I am a fan of his, like everybody who likes football. However, nothing he does on Tuesday will be able to inspire me, regardless of Hitzfeld how successful he is.”

Van Gaal is the best – Kuyt D

irk Kuyt has labelled Netherlands coach, Louis van Gaal, as the best tactician in the world, following their dramatic comeback against Mexico. The Netherlands appeared to be heading for the FIFA World Cup exit door after Giovani dos Santos had given Mexico the lead. However, Wesley Sneijder equalised two minutes from the end of normal time and substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted the winner from the spot in injury time. Kuyt started the game at left-back before making the move up front as Van Gaal changed his system in search of a way back into the contest. However, Van Gaal’s key decision came in the 76th minute, withdrawing star striker Van Persie in favour of Huntelaar. And Fenerbahce man Kuyt feels that the 62-year-old is the most tactically astute coach in the game. “He’s maybe the best tactically there is in the world,” Kuyt said. “It doesn’t matter what system we are playing the players know exactly what to do. He told us before the game already that we could switch system if we were 1-0 down.”

Costa Rican keeper gets teammate’s praise I was scared during shootouts–Neymar N

Giorgos Karagounis (right) battling for the ball against Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz

elso Borges has praised goalkeeper Keylor Navas following Costa Rica’s penalty shoot-out victory over Greece, claiming he must be from another planet. Navas was the star per-

former as his side eliminated Greece in the second round of the World Cup, making a number of superb blocks during the match, before saving Theofanis Gekas’s decisive penalty during the shoot-out.

And Borges hailed the Levante keeper’s leadership skills as well as his magnificent shot stopping abilities. “I think he must have been born on Mars or Venus or some other planet! He’s fantastic,” the midfielder said. “He’s given us so much. He’s a leader on and off the pitch. With his saves, we always get second chances. He’s a great person too, so I think he deserves all of this attention. He’s centre stage now, but we knew from the start how awesome he is. “They equalised but we were actually quite calm. We didn’t go crazy and think, ‘Oh no, here we go,’ we just thought, ‘Okay, penalties it is.’ We held on and our keeper held onto us. And we won it in penalties thanks to him.”

eymar says he aged a few years because of the pressure and anguish of taking Brazil’s decisive spot-kick in their penalty shoot-out victory over Chile. The game had finished 1-1,

Neymar

with Alexis Sanchez’s firsthalf strike cancelling out David Luiz’s earlier effort and eventually went into extra time and then penalties. By the time Neymar stepped up to take Brazil’s fifth penalty both sides had missed two and scored two. The 22-year-old converted his successfully before Gonzalo Jara’s miss secured the win for Brazil and Neymar says he felt the pressure as he took the long walk from the centre circle to the penalty spot. “It was like travelling 5 kms,” Neymar told Mundo Deportivo. “[The penalty was like] I had aged many years. It was an age before hitting the penalty and now I am many years older.”

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

QPR keep tab on Ahmed Musa Emmanuel Tobi

atest reports emanating for England reveal that newly promoted English Premier League club, Queens Park Rangers, are keeping tabs on Super Eagles winger Ahmed Musa following his heroic feat against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. New Telegraph gathered that QPR scouts who have been monitoring Musa in Brazil, could quickly seal the deal

before other European clubs hijack the move. Harry Redknapp’s side has been tipped as the second favourites to make an immediate return to the Championship this season, and the former Tottenham boss will be well aware of his need to add to the playing staff. Currently plying his trade for CSKA Moscow in Russia, Musa could certainly tempt Redknapp into an offer with another eye-catching performance The Hoops struggled for goals all

season in the Championship last term, putting them firmly in the middle of the pack as far as “Goals For” was concerned. Charlie Austin is untried in the topflight, while Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson are both getting to an age where their effectiveness is less consistent. The opportunity to add a young, pacy front man to his forward line is sure to tempt Redknapp, and Musa could well be that man should he continue showcasing his talents. Musa

Lagos ITTF: Oshonaike upbeat Catholic Church football tournament kicks off despite final loss T

Charles Ogundiya

igeria’s foremost female table tennis star, Funke Oshonaike, was over the moon last weekend after her silver-winning performance at the ITTF/ATTF organised Africa Top 16 in Lagos, informing New Telegraph that reaching the final was fulfilling for her. The 40-year-old Oshonaike was beaten in the final by an opponent 20 years her junior, Egypt’s Dina Meshref, who won the encounter against the Nigerian 4-0 on the night. But irrespective of her loss to the Egyptian, Oshonaike insisted it was a fulfilling experience for her especially as no one initially gave her any chance of getting that far in the tournament.

Oshonaike

Speaking to New Telegraph, the Germany-based player said that with her success in Lagos, she has shown the world that she still has what it takes to make an impact in the sport. “The old war horse has done it again,” said an excited Oshonaike, a mother of two. “Nobody believed I could do it, but look at what my God has done for me. “I can’t believe I came this far, but God made it possible. I have no regret losing the final, because she played better on the night. I am happy making it this far. I am fulfilled,” she said. On her way to the final, Oshonaike defeated Egypt’s Nadine El-Dawatly, the tournament’s number three seed, before securing a thrilling 4-3 win over Africa’s top women’s player, Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing, in the semi-final. Up next for Oshonaike is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and she revealed to New Telegraph prior to her departure to Germany, that she will be teaming up with Team Nigeria ahead of preparations for the Games as soon as she receives her invitation from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.

C’wealth Games: Uncertainty trails Para-Powerlifting training tour Mercy Jacob

he Nigeria Paralympics Powerlifting Federation (NPPF) has expressed uncertainty over the scheduled training tour of South Korea earmarked for its athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games as they are yet to get a feedback from the sports ministry. According to the scribe of the federation, Dapo Akinyele, the athletes have been pre-scheduled to travel on Tuesday to South Korea but are in the dark as

no arrangement has been made for the trip. “All I can tell you is that preparations for the Commonwealth Games are in top gear. We have no injury worries and the athletes are raring to go,” he said. “The only snag is that we are supposed to embark on a training tour of Korea, beginning Tuesday, but as I speak to you nothing is happening as we are yet to hear from the Ministry. And as it stands, I can’t say for sure that it is still going to hold.”

SPORT 55

he maiden edition of the Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins football tournament for parishes in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has kicked off. Declaring the tournament open at St. Gregory’s College Ikoyi at the weekend, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins,commendedtheparticipatingparishes for embracing the idea and urged them to compete fairly. The Archbishop charged the organising body, the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) to ensure that the objectives of the

tournament were achieved so the tempo of the colourful opening ceremony would be sustained. Earlier in a welcome address, the President of the Catholic Men Organisation in the Lagos Archdiocese, Chief Emeka Asoegwu,saidthetournamentwouldafford CMOmemberstheopportunitytoexercise their bodies and have access to healthy living in a hectic cosmopolitan city like Lagos. Participating parishes drawn from the fifteen Deaneries in the Lagos Archdiocese had a march past with the Archbishop taking the salute during the ceremony.

Iheanacho, Nwakali’s sale yield N72.9m

aye and Shuttle academies, parent teams of Flying Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali are poised to earn a windfall, following their move to English Champions, Manchester City. Both players reportedly moved to Manchester City last season, but were not Saturday June 28 Brazil V Chile 3-2 (P) 5pm EstadioMineirao, Belo Horizonte listed in any of the City Saturday June 28 Colombia V Uruguay 2-0 9pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro teams. Sunday June 29 Netherlands vs Mexico 2-1 5pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza The club has announced Sunday June 29 Costa Rica vs Greece 5-3 (P) 9pm Arena Pernambuco, Recife that both players will join Monday June 30 France vs Nigeria ?-? 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia up with the team when Monday June 30 Germany vs Algeria ?-? 9pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre they travel to the United Tuesday July 1 Argentina vs Switzerland ?-? 5pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo States for pre-season trainTuesday July 1 Belgium vs USA ?-? 9pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador ing in July. The Blues will pay deQUARTER-FINALS velopment compensation Friday July 4 BRAZIL V COLOMBIA 5pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro fees of around N72.9m Friday July 4 France/Nigeria vs Ger/Alg. 9pm EstadioCastelao, Fortaleza (£270,000) each to Taye Saturday July 5 Netherlands vs Costa Rica ? - ? 9pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Academy and Shuttle Saturday July 5 Arg/Switz vs Bel/USA ? - ? 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Sports Academy respectively, according to the SEMI-FINALS Daily Star Sunday. Tuesday July 8 [W57] V [W58] 9pm EstadioMineirao, Belo Horizonte Striker Iheanacho, 17, Wednesday July 9 [W59] V [W60] 9pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo signed a pre-contract with City in January and has THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF now been granted a work Saturday July 12 [L61] V [L62] 9pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia permit ahead of his move. Nwakali, 17, a versatile FINAL midfielder, is also comfortSunday July 13 [W61] V [W62] 8pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro able in defence.

Brazil 2014 Round of 16 Fixtures

World Record

On Marble

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

– Maya Angelou

Sanctity of Truth

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha TUESday, JULY 1, 2014

The longest time holding the breath underwater was 22 min 00 sec by Stig Severinsen (Denmark) at the London School of Diving in London, UK, on 3 May 2012.

N150

Super Eagles have our attention, for a while

World View

he World Cup has been a welcome break for Nigeria. After weeks of scathing headlines about the remorseless menace of Boko Haram and the slothful response of the federal authorities, it is a release for everyone to lift their heads beyond the lapping currents of extremist threats and onto more gratifying pursuits. Football has a magical and nearunique capacity to unite crowds and stir emotions. Fans of other sports from basketball to boxing to any Olympic discipline will insist that they offer purer spectacles based on athletic admiration. They will say that football is so wound up in national and tribal passions that it is hard to enjoy a game as a neutral. Indeed, rare is the fan who enters a stadium without a favourite. And that is part of the package: we can scream our support and vent our fury from the outside, willing our team on even as we know that it can do almost nothing to help them. Try doing that at the cinema and see how long you are allowed to watch the movie. Pelé famously dubbed football “The Beautiful Game”, but George Orwell was a more brutal observer. The author of ‘1984’ wrote: “Football has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words it is war minus the shooting.” It is an extreme view even if elements are easy to find in most games and amongst most fans (I just spent five days travelling in Israel with a colleague who revels in his loathing of Manchester United). But Orwell touched upon a salient point: there is no shooting in the football wars. If the wild, hormonal urges of fans are limited to simply raging at a faraway screen, surely that is a better channel for their urges than picking up guns, machetes or bombs? But what of the Super Eagles? Once again as a columnist, I am caught on the edge of a deadline, filing just as the game against France kicks off. Almost everyone reading this will already know the result, having lived a thousand emotions while watching the drama unfold on a television in a living room, bar, or village square.

LEO CENDROWICZ Brussels Bureau Chief, New Telegraph

Football has a magical and near-unique capacity to unite crowds and stir emotions

Super Eagles

Keshi

Nigeria has already achieved much this time. Only one other African nation, Algeria, reached the second round. Of course, the row over bonuses leaves a bitter taste: fans like to imagine that players toil for the love of the game (in many ways, this is another whimsy: how many of us would work for nothing?). But this is also a typically Nigerian wrangle, and mercifully it seems to have cleared up. The bookmakers stacked the odds heavily against Nigeria, but

by the time these words roll off the presses, we could already be celebrating an Ahmed Musa hat-trick that delivers one of the World Cup’s all-time great shockers. And that is football’s blessing and curse. At the outset of a campaign, it can send us on dizzying fantasies as we imagine future glories for our teams, with expectations mounting as we cross frontiers like qualification for the World Cup or reaching the second round. And it can knock us into a spiral of misery and despair when inevitably our team fails. And it is inevitable. There are 209 member associations in FIFA (a rare organisation with a worse reputation for corruption than Nigeria – but that’s another story). Of those, 32 made it to the Brazil for the World Cup. Sixteen were in the second round, including, of course, Nigeria. So already, the Super Eagles were in the top 8% as they took to the field against France. But what next? Of all those sides, only one can take the magisterial march to collect that coveted gold trophy at Rio de Janeiro’s Estádio do Maracanã on July 13. That means all but one of those sides will be disappointed losers. But for a brief moment before

that entirely foreseeable demise, fans enjoy their dreams. They put aside their mundane routines and their creeping fears, and they engage in a flight of the imagination. So can I be the first to look ahead for the next footballing rollercoaster of and say, Go Super Eagles, Russia 2018!

OmoBaba

NIGERIA CAN’T SURVIVE NEXT FOUR YEARS, APC WARNS -News

– O ye, prophets of doom!

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