Binder1 march 6,2015 by Newtelegraphonline

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Friday, March 6, 2015

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Vol. 2 No. 380

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N150

Boko Haram severely weakened, says military }6

Reps cut oil benchmark to $54, adopts MTEF

lPeg exchange rate at N198 to $1 Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday

approved the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). It also fixed $54 as oil

benchmark for the 2015 budget as against $65 proposed by the executive. The House also pegged the exchange rate at N198 to $1 just as it approved

the crude oil production of 2.278.2 million, 2.327 million and 2.406 million barrels per day for 2015, 2016 and 2017 fiscal years respectively.

The approval was given after the adoption of the recommendations of the joint Committee on Finance, AppropriaCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

22 days to go... Nigeria Nigeria votes votes

2015

15 20}14 & 15

Jonathan: Chibok schoolgirls not dead lMay 29 handover date sacrosanct, says president lFG, parents of abducted pupils meet in Borno }2

Quick Read L-R: Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; his wife, Abimbola; Mrs. Laila Fowler; Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Otunba Subomi Balogun, during the Night of Tributes and Service of Songs for the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas in Lagos...on Wednesday.

Editorial

Nigeria in danger, says Obasanjo l'Unemployment could create crisis worse than Boko Haram'

Rescuing youths from ISIS }19 Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

News

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan: Chibok schoolgirls not dead Geoffrey Ekenna, Anule Emmanuel and Ahmed Miriga

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday raised hope on the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram 325 days ago in Chibok, Borno State, saying they are still alive. The president, while featuring in a live discussion programme on African Independent Television (AIT), 'Kaakaki,' in Abuja, said the schoolgirls had not been killed by their captors and would surely be rescued by military forces. Besides, the president sent a delegation, led by the Minister of State for Power, to meet some of the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls to assure them that his administration was doing all it could to rescue them from Boko

Haram's captivity. He said had the girls been killed, Boko Haram would have been too happy to display their corpses for propaganda purposes. Jonathan, however, regretted that even though the military was recording a string of successes in the war against terrorism in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, the activities of the terrorists have remained because they were underestimated at the beginning when they were considered as a nonviolent group. He expressed confidence that the military is now in a better position, with about 65 per cent of the platform needed to prosecute the war, to defeat the insurgents. He said the remaining territories still in the hands of the insurgents would soon be liberated. According to him, the

territories yet to be recovered from the terrorists in Adamawa and Yobe states may be recaptured in the next few days. Asked why the Chibok girls have not been found in spite of the military successes, he said: "We still have reasonable territories in the hands of Boko Haram. "We promised that we must get the girls. The good story is that they have not killed them because the terrorists, when they kill, they display. They use it to intimidate the whole society. The girls are alive. We will get the girls. Luckily, we are narrowing down the area of their control. So, we will get them." Jonathan added that the military had been reluctant to move in with full force because of the tendency of terrorists to use captives as human shield, saying, "that is why the

pace had to be slow." On why it took so long for the military to come against Boko Haram, he said: "Yes, I agree that at the beginning, probably we did not really (correctly) estimated the capacity of Boko Haram. It is obvious. Boko Haram started as a non-violent group led by Yusuf, limited to around Maiduguri area. They did not even get to Adamawa. "Just like every group of youths or young people is inclined to criminality, over the period, they expanded their network and linked up with other terrorist organisations like in the North Africa like Al-Qaeda and other similar brands in the world. "So, they continued to build their capacity and it got to a point to know that for you to tackle them in the kind of environment they operate, you need

some specialised equipment to use and we don't manufacture the equipment now." He said the government encountered some difficulties at the beginning in getting weapons from other countries to prosecute the war. He said efforts were ongoing to mop up areas already liberated to ensure that Boko Haram did not re-launch attacks on them in order to enable the Internal Displaced People (IDPs) to return to their homes. The President expressed delight that the mopping up exercises have succeeded so far because there were no new reports of terrorists seizing territories, especially with the collaboration of neighbouring countries' armies which have blocked the insurgents' escape routes. The president also reaf-

L-R: United States Consul Public Diplomacy Officer in Nigeria, Ms. Rhonda J. Watson; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc., Mr. Herbert Wigwe; presidential candidate of KOWA Party, Prof. Remi Sonaiya and United States Consul General, Lagos, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins, during the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month Programme organised by Access Bank to mark the International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in Lagos...yesterday.

Nigeria's refineries will be ready 2016 - NNPC Chukwu David Abuja

he Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Joseph Dawha, yesterday said that the nation's refineries would be back and ready for optimal operation in the first quarter of 2016. Dawha, who made the revelation while appearing before the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for the 2015 budget defence, also hinted that the NNPC had jettisoned the former arrangement of turn around maintenance (TAM) for the refineries as

it did not achieve the desired result. Dawha assured that all the four refineries would be performing at 90 per cent capacity by 2016, at least. "Yes, the refineries will work again at full capacity. We have plans to bring back the refineries to full capacity. By the first quarter of 2016, all the four refineries in Port Harcourt (two of them), Warri and Kaduna will be ready to refine at optimal capacity," he assured. Dawha, who explained to the Committee that the failure of the TAM arrangement compelled the NNPC to discard the programme, said that the Corporation had reverted

to local engineers. He revealed that each time the builders were told to come for maintenance, they would recommend other companies, thereby deviating from and breaching the original contract terms. Also, giving account of the state of the refineries before the Senate Committee, NNPC's Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Tim Okon, said when the corporation invited the builders from Japan and Italy for turnaround maintenance, they refused to come. Instead, he said, they recommended SAIPEM, a foreign firm operating in Nigeria to carry out the turnaround maintenance

on their behalf. While the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries were built by two Japanese firms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chioda and JGC, the Warri Refinery was built by Snapcogetti of Italy. According to him, when SAIPEM eventually came, it offered to maintain Port Harcourt Refineries at $550 million, Kaduna Refineries at $600 million and Warri Refinery at $180 million. Okon said the bills were unacceptable to them because they were too high despite the fact that the figures were eventually reviewed downwards. He said the high bills prompted the NNPC to send some of their engineers to the

builders abroad to learn the repair processes with a view to saving costs. Following this move, Okon said NNPC began to spend as low as N10 million to maintain the refineries every month as from October 2014. Following this development, he said the four refineries would roar back to life and produce in optimum capacity from the first quarter of 2016. Okon said the refineries had the capacity to process 445,000 barrels of crude oil per day, but they could currently process only 60,000 barrels per day as a result of maintenance problem and movement of crude through the pipelines.

firmed the commitment of his administration to ensure that the rescheduled general elections hold on the new dates. He dismissed speculations that he would sack the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, postpone the elections a second time and install an interim national government. According to Jonathan, the concept of interim national government is not only alien to the Nigerian constitution, it will amount to a disruption of the present democratic order. He said that those peddling such rumours did not mean well for Nigeria. The president said the political space was tougher than it was in 2011, but expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the general elections. On why he should be re-elected, the president listed his administration's numerous achievements in different sectors including roads, power, transport, aviation as evidence of his performance that should be rewarded by the electorate. He added that if given a second term, he would consolidate on his achievements in the next four years. "I agree with you it was easier (in 2011) but PDP is still the dominant party. There is no polling unit in Nigeria where you don't have members of the PDP. "Yes, for one reason or the other, within the party people get angry and may even vote against PDP but in terms of membership of the PDP, there is no party that has that spread. "So, PDP still has the most formidable structure and PDP has better chances of winning a national election," he stated. Speaking on why his re-election may be more difficult than when he was first elected, he said: "Globally, it is more challenging for a president to secure a second term than the first tenure because people get disappointed when their expectations are not quickly met by those they voted for." Jonathan, however, denied that the recent reduction in fuel price was politically motivated just as he assured Nigerians that the ongoing fuel scarcity is being addressed. "For the fuel scarcity, we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure it is taken care of. It is very temporary. Of course, there issues of payment being addressed and CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Travel Advisory

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

W3 101 W3 102 W3 107 (Mon, Wed , Fri) New York-Lagos W3 108 (Tues,Thurs, Fri) Lagos-Johannesburg W3 103 Johannesburg-Lagos W3 104 Lagos-Douala - (Tues, Wed ,Thur) Douala-Lagos - (Tues, Wed, Thur) Lagos-Accra Accra-Lagos

Abuja-Accra Accra-Abuja Lagos-Freetown Freetown-Lagos Lagos-Banjul Banjul-Lagos Lagos-Dakar Dakar-Lagos

-(Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun) -(Mon, Wed, Fri) -(Daily) - (Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri,Sat) -(Tue,Wed, Fri,Sat,Sun)

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

10:45hrs 09:35hrs 11:10hrs 13:25hrs 07:20hrs 17:00hrs 08:05hrs 13:35hrs 18:00hrs

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

AWB 201 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) AWB 202 (Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun)

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

17:00hrs 06:00hrs 08:00hrs 17:00hrs 08:00hrs 15:20hrs 21:00hrs

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

Lagos - Addis Ababa ET900 Addis Ababa - Lagos ET901 Abuja - Addis Ababa ET910 Addis Ababa - Abuja ET911 Enugu - Addis Ababa ET930 Addis Ababa - Enugu ET931 Kano - Addis Ababa ET930 Addis Ababa - Kano ET931

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

Middle East Airlines (Two flights weekly (Tues & Friday)

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

HF 851 (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun) HF 852 (Mon,Wed, Thurs, Sat)

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

Flight No. KP 032 (Tue-Fri) KP 032 ( Tue-Fri)

Departure Arrival 14:00hrs 15:55hrs 16:30hrs 18:15hrs

KP 033 (Wed-Sat) KP O33 (Wed-Sat) KP O40 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP O44 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP O45 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat)

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm

Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Nigeria in danger, says ex-President Obasanjo Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday warned Nigeria of a dangerous time ahead if government fails to urgently address the growing problem of unemployment. He said in his remarks at a lecture in Abeokuta to mark his 78th birthday that if government failed to frontally tackle unemployment, the country would soon be faced with a bigger crisis than Boko Haram insurgency. The event, which featured former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), as the lead guest speaker, was attended by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun; former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu; former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni and former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others. Obasanjo said Nigeria could not afford disintegration in view of its huge population, noting that foreign nations are already concerned about the unfolding political developments in the country. He warned that the prevailing unemployment rate could spiral out of control if not urgently addressed by the government and other stakeholders. According to him, the army of unemployed youths could constitute good recruits for Boko Haram or its equivalent in 15 years time. The former president said insurgency groups could not be suppressed with force without dealing with the root cause of the problem. He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity rather than repressing Boko Haram. He said: "There is no reason why any Nigerian child, at this point in time, should not have a basic education, food and nutrition; not only any Nigerian child, should any Nigerian go to bed without food. We have the resources to achieve all that. That we are not achieving it does not mean we don't have the resources. It is because we haven't managed our resources well. "If all other things are right, there should be no reason for any Nigeria who wants to be employed not to have the opportunity for employment. And if all those things that all these young ones are expecting

are not there, in 15 years time, they will be good recruits for Boko Haram or its equivalent; don't let us deceive ourselves. "You can suppress but if other things that are supposed to be there are not there, you will only suppress. Sooner than later, it will rear its ugly head again. And what should be done? It should be removed - root, stem and branches. And I believe that too can be done." According to him, the West African sub-region and Britain especially are worried about Nigeria's situation because they cannot accommodate a fraction of the nation's population. "We are about 180 million now. Our brothers and sisters in West Africa are worried and when they talk to me and I said why they are worried, they said 'if half a million Nigerians go to Republic of Benin, we will overwhelm them. Even Britain is worried. They said their problem is that if one million Nigerians go to Britain, in 10

years, there will be 10 million Nigerians in Britain and they will rather keep us here," he said. The former president, however, said Nigeria would only move forward once it was able to address the leadership challenge. "Anytime we do not get it right, we cannot get any other thing right. Don't let us deceive ourselves; whether it is security, science and technology or innovation or the development of the economy or education, they all boil down to leadership at all levels. May God give us the leadership that occasions like this deserve in Nigeria. Because we have that, we will get there. "I am an incurable optimist about this country, and may be because I have seen in a little bit in my short span of life, a little bit of what is possible and a little bit of what can go wrong and what can be made to go wrong. Then, may be that is why I am incurable optimist and I believe that all will be well in this country. We have no

choice anyway, all has to be well," he stated. Tinubu, in his speech, described Obasanjo as a "nationalist, disciplinarian, teacher and tutor in dignity and boldness." He said the former president kept him on his toes while he was governor between 1999 and 2007. He said if Obasanjo had wanted anything from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would have got it but he chose to be on the side of patriotism, good governance and safety of Nigeria. "Yes, it is true there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics, what is common are common interests. "Each time we disagree on things, principle, I took him to court one time as the president and he saw me and said, 'you took me to court, we can't be friend after the court' and I tell him, 'I didn't take you to court, I took Nigeria president to court' and he said, 'get out of my way' and I told him, 'I wouldn't get out of the way until I get what

I want.' "And then, when we started this present regime of merger and alliances, and we visited him and we told him we wanted him to be a navigator, he said, 'navigator? I will, but I am still in my party (PDP). I will try to avoid partisanship because of Nigeria but if you people put a good team together for the sake of this country, I will give you wisdom. "And if you look at what has been happening since then, Obasanjo is an open book, you read a line, you pick a paragraph, you learn, you comply, if you drink from that fountain of wisdom, you will see value in it, he is very very committed to Nigeria nation. "As we were talking few minutes ago, I said Nigeria is the giant of Africa and he said, 'I hope you will remove the K-Leg' and I said, 'the elephantiasis would be killed', he said by what and I said by APC," he said. In his lecture, Agwai warned the political class against heating up the polity ahead of the general

elections. He expressed worry that politicians have started forming private armies in the build-up to the crucial polls. Speaking on the topic "Imperatives of a National Security Framework for the Development and Progress of Nigeria," Agwai, who is the chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), decried the prevailing insecurity in the country. The ex-military chief noted that the Boko Haram insurgency in some northern states had led to the death of over 4,000 people and displacement of two million people. Agwai, who attributed insecurity to poverty, unemployment and lack of good governance, said the Federal Government must come up with a policy that would reduce insecurity through agriculture. He also called for security sector reform, saying the various security agencies must be harnessed to advance national interest.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Mr. Adam Ismaila; Director, FCT Treasury, Mr. Ibrahim Bomai and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, during FCT budget defence in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI.

Angola displaces Nigeria as Africa‘s biggest oil exporter Adeola Yusuf

igeria has lost Africa’s biggest exporter and explorer status to Angola, monthly market report of the Organisation of Petroleum exporting Countries (OPEC) for February 2015 has shown. This, the report revealed, was due to fewer shipments of the Nigeria’s largest stream, Qua Iboe. Oil exploration activi-

ties in Angola, the report added, has also surpassed Nigeria with higher rig counts. “While Nigeria’s rig count in December and January were 37 and 38, Angola’s rig count stood at 49 and 47 in December and January, 2015,” the 98page report showed. Saudi Arabia leads the pack of OPEC members with 146 and 150 rig counts in December 2014 and January 2015. On crude production, the report, which quoted

the secondary sources, reveals that the total OPEC crude oil production in January averaged 30.15 mb/d, a decrease of 53 tb /d over the previous month. Crude oil output decreased mostly from Iraq and Libya, while production showed an increase in Angola, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. According to secondary sources, OPEC crude oil production, not including Iraq, stood at 26.80 mb/d in January, up by

226 tb/day. Nigeria average crude production in December stood at 1.89 million barrel per day while the country produced 1.899 million barrels per day in January. Angola, however, surpassed Nigeria’s with about 82, 000 barrels. “Angola lifted supply slightly in February, the survey found, partly due to a new crude stream, Sangos. The other West African OPEC member, Nigeria, exported less due to fewer shipments of its

largest stream, Qua Iboe,” the report showed. Meanwhile, OPEC's oil supply has fallen this month as bad weather delayed exports from Iraq's southern ports, slowing an expansion of supplies in the group's second-largest producer. A survey by Reuters also found slightly higher output in Saudi Arabia, a sign that the largest producer OPEC is sticking to its strategy of focusing on market share rather than cutting output.

News

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Boko Haram severely weakened, says military lInsurgents kill 70 in Borno village Chukwu David and Ahmed Miringa

he Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, has said the military has weakened Boko Haram through strings of attacks that have degraded its terror infrastructure. Amosu told members of the Senate Committee on Defence (Air Force) when he appeared before the committee to defend the 2015 budget of his unit that the military operations in the insurgency-ravaged region had totally destabilised and destroyed the Boko Haram stronghold by damaging its command and control in the area. He commended the collaborative efforts of neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Niger in the fight against the insurgents in the North-East that enhanced Nigeria's antiterror campaign. He said: "On the 15th of February, we were in Lagos to harmonise equipment with the ammunition system. It was very clear that we were commencing a major offensive

which was very quick for me to release information that we are going to storm the North-East, we are going to storm the Sambisa Forest. Since then, if you notice, there has not been any major offensive from the Boko Haram terrorists. It is very clear that by our efforts, we have been able to disrupt their communication lines. The command and control is substantially damaged. "Again, their ability to plan is not there. We have also been able to destroy their training stations. So, the issue of regeneration is out of it. "We are lucky again to have our neighbours who have agreed

to work with us. That has given us huge comfort because when they cannot run away to the neighbouring countries, we are sure that we are going to contain them here, and it will be easy to take them down. So far, we are happy and satisfied with what is going on." Amosu thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his support to the military in taking on Boko Haram. Chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, assured Amosu that he would do everything within his power to improve on the funding of the es-

tablishment to enable it to continue to discharge its function effectively. However, despite Amosu's claim that the military has weakened Boko Haram, its members attacked a village in Borno State on Tuesday night, killing about 70 people. According to a member of Civilian JTF from Damboa, Ibrahim Garba, those killed in Njaba village in Damboa Local Government Area included children. He said they were killed for refusing to join Boko Haram when the insurgents invaded the village. He said the insurgents stormed the village about

5:30am and gathered the people in one place and asked them to join the fight against the Nigerian government but many of them refused to do so. According to him, after killing the people, the insurgents set ablaze the village. A security source told New Telegraph in Maiduguri that the insurgents were led by a "Commander Sidi Babangida," popularly known as Abu Sid, who has been on the wanted list of security operatives. He was said to have attempted taking Damboa town on two occasions but failed and has been recruiting more fighters

for the sect in Borno and Yobe states. Efforts to get the Public Relations Officer, Borno State Police Command, Gideon Jibril, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to comment on the attack proved abortive as his phone line was switched off. However, a report yesterday said Boko Haram members had been gathering in Gwoza to launch fresh attacks on troops. The terrorists had asked women and children to leave due to their plan to involve the military, one of the fleeing woman said in an interview with BBC Hausa.

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L-R: General Manager, PEP Stores Nigeria, Mr. Deon Conradie; General Manager, Sales and Distribution, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Kolawole Oyeyemi and Finance Manager, PEP Stores Nigeria, Mrs. Kofo Awonuga, after the signing of the PEP/MTN partnership in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI 29o C 18oC Isolated Storms

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Reps peg exchange rate at N198 to $1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tions, Aids, Loans & Debt Management and Legislative Budget and Research presented by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano). While presenting the report, Jibrin gave the projected gross federally collectable revenue for 2015, 2016 and 2017 as N9.904.87 trillion, N10.284.75 trillion and N10.865.56 trillion respectively. He said the increase in the MTEF’s projection for 2015 for non-oil revenue from N3.539.07 trillion, N3.787.30 trillion for 2016 and N4.018.04 trillion for 2017 should be sustained. In accepting the report, the House approved that the total recurrent (nondebt) expenditure be re-

duced from N2.616.01 trillion to N2.584.08 trillion; total capital expenditure be increased from N633.53 billion to N700.78 billion; total statutory transfers be reduced from N411.85 billion to N368.27 billion and total non-oil revenue to be increased from N3.539.07 trillion to N4.024.11 trillion. Also, it recommended that the total statutory allocation to the National Judicial Council (NJC) be increased from N73 billion to N78 billion. The House, however, noted that these projections are subject to further upward review because of the falling oil prices. It also recommended the scrapping of the N360.94 billion proposed as Service Wide Vote, stress-

ing that all expected line expenditures under this vote should be channeled to various ministries for proper monitoring. The House also resolved “that a drastic reduction in cost of governance and improved revenue collection be undertaken with a view to attaining a healthy recurrent/capital expenditure ratio and that the relevant committees of the National Assembly should oversee the kerosene subsidy provision to ensure its full implementation, availability and accessibility. If this is difficult to attain, then we should do away with kerosene subsidy.” The House also upheld the recommendations that the total expenditure for SURE-P be reduced from

N102.50 billion to N21.03 billion due to fall in the price of crude; diversification of the economy to increase tax bases and the increase in non-oil revenue projection for 2015 from N3.539.07 trillion to N4.024.11 trillion. Similarly, the House resolved that the current government’s policy restricting governmentowned enterprises expenditure to a maximum of 75 per cent of their gross revenue and automatically converting 25 per cent of revenue to government revenue should be pursued vigorously. It called for prosecution of heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) who do not comply with the instruction. Shedding light on the

joint committee's recommendation, Chairman of the Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, urged the House not to allow itself to be blackmailed and warned against job cut during the year, despite the dwindling oil revenue. He added that the joint committee’s resolution on the oil benchmark was reached following consideration of $60 oil benchmark adopted by some oilproducing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Venezuela. The Senate had earlier passed the MTEF during which it adopted $52 per barrel as oil benchmark and raised the capital vote from N666.5 billion to N700.78 billion.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Reps summon Alison-Madueke over oil bloc lease Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate allegations of sharp practices bothering on insider trading by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the divestment of Oil Mining Lease (OML11), The House consequently summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and the management of Shell to explain their roles. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta (PDP, Abia) seeking to find out circumstances surrounding Shell’s exit from the said oil block and host communities knowing how interested it was in the build-up to the acquisition process and the role it played in the crisis that engulfed the host communities. While presenting the motion, Abonta told the lawmakers that “Shell Petroleum Company is desirous of relinquishing its interest in some oil blocks, especially OML11, aware of the discrepancies, lack of transparency and insider trading arrangements in the bidding process by Shell Petroleum Development Company." Speaking further on the import of the motion, Abonta stressed that “the motion is asking the House to look at what Shell is trying to do with those oil blocks.” “OML as far as I’m concerned is a leasing agreement which is not forever. It is given and elapses at a given period of time. But what is happening now is not in tandem with our laws. “Based on crisis precipitated by Shell itself, it's trying to leave those oil blocks having set youths of host communities against themselves. They did not adhere to the best international practices, now the place is hot for them and they want to abandon it and go CORRINGENDUM Kogi State Governor is Captain Idris Wada and not Captain Ibrahim Wada as identified in the picture on page 7 of yesterday, March 4, 2015 edition of the paper. Also, the governor's wife's name is Halima and not Farida as she was identified in the same picture, which is re-published on this page. The errors are regretted –Editor

elsewhere. “So the question is that: are they competent to lease it out? Is that the rule? What Shell is trying to do is just like, I rent out my house to you; your rent expires and instead of vacating the property, you

now want to rent it out to another tenant without my consent. “And we are also saying that for peace to reign since we’ve not passed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), let the communities be carried along in the so-

called bidding process for the re-acquisition of the relinquished oil blocks so that they can participate and get some level of ownership if they are interested. “We have local content law which spells out how

things are done taking the interest of host communities and indigenous investors into consideration,” he said. The communities hosting the said oil blocks are: Gokana and Tai Ogoni communities in Rivers

State; Oyigbo, Asa Ukwa oil field in Abia State as well as Adoni, Opobo and Bonny in Rivers State. The motion was unanimously adopted when Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal put it to question.

L-R: First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada and his wife, Halima, at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women rally in Lokoja... on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Senate rejects SECs budget over financial illegality Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate Committee on Capital Market yesterday rejected the 2015 budget proposal of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing it of committing illegalities and other financial recklessness in its operations in the 2014 fiscal year. The committee, while scrutinising the financial records of the commission, discovered that it issued N20 billion bond to the government of Gombe State that was not account-

ed for and still went ahead to grant another N10 billion bond in 2014. Speaking at the budget defence of SEC, Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Ayo Adesina, lamented that the commission went ahead to engage in illegal financial transactions since no money was appropriated to it by the National Assembly in 2014. Contributing, former governor of Gombe State and a member of the committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, said it had become clear how the commission survived without appro-

priation from the National Assembly. "It is illegality for you to spend money outside appropriation because you are not supposed to spend money; whatever money you spent is illegal because you are not supposed to spend money without the authorisation from National Assembly. What you did is illegal,” Goje said. He wondered how the Acting Director-General of SEC, Mr. Munil Gwarzo, approved additional N10 billion to his state without first demanding a comprehensive report of how the

initial N20 billion granted was expended. The former governor regretted that the former DG of SEC, Ms Aruma Oteh, was presented with the same N10 billion loan request and didn't approve, yet the Acting DG went ahead and approved it. "As much as we know, the former SEC Director General, Oteh, despite her inadequacies, was careful enough not to have approved that additional N10 billion. She insisted that the restoration of the N20 billion must be resolved before they give additional money,” he said.

Responding, Gwarzo told the committee that he acted on the report of the commission's ad hoc committee before approving the grant. "Distinguished Senators, I want to assure you that we in the commission are very responsible individuals, we are a statutory body, we comply with all the laws that govern the companies in the capital market." On Gombe bond, he explained that the N20 billion grant was approved by the management after verification and certification of the committee report.

May 29 handover date sacrosanct, says president CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

and we believe that within one or two days, this will completely go. "Until we start refining our crude oil to get our own products here within the country, we cannot get out of some of these problems. It is even really the policy of government. When you continue to export raw materials, you are actually exporting jobs," he said. According to him, the nation's refineries will eventually be privatised as government will continue to encourage private sector that is a better manager of infrastructure.

"The way people play politics with everything in Nigeria is quite unfortunate. Pump prices are not constant, but are based on changes in the international market. "When I came in as vice-president in 2007, the price of crude oil at the international market dropped to about $40. There was a day it dropped to $38 per barrel and we dropped the pump price to N65 per litre. And we had to keep it up to N97 when the price went up to about $111 per barrel at the international market. "The cushioning gap was because the subsidy became unbearable to

government. So, we had to push it up to N97 per litre. Now that the international crude oil price has dropped back to about $60 or so, it would not be fair for you to still ask Nigerians to pay N97 except you want to deregulate completely," he added. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Power, yesterday met with some of the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls to reassure them of efforts to rescue their children and wards. Wakil, at the meeting which was held behind closed doors, told the gathering that the president mandated him to assure

them that his administration was working hard to bring the schoolgirls back home. A statement by Wakil’s spokesman, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, quoted him as saying that the government is also working to resettle internally displaced persons and reclaiming more territories from the insurgents. “Mr. President is pursuing multi-faceted strategies which address the pains, anger and frustrations of victims. “Our President directed me to tell you that his government is committed to doing everything possible for the safe return of

your daughters. “I am here to convey the sympathy of Mr. President and the entire federal cabinet to you the parents and families, as well as all other victims. “As you are all aware, our military is having the upper hand in this sacred war. We believe, by the grace of God, that your children will return safely,” the minister said. The spokesperson for the parents and families of the schoolgirls, Mrs. Pindar Dauda, thanked the president for his concern and sympathy, while praying for the success of the ongoing military operations to end insurgency.

News

ready, set... Admission body laments drop in candidates registering for exam, says it is ready

Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

total of 1,475,477 candidates including 208 prison inmates from Kaduna and Ikoyi prisons have been confirmed by the Joint Admission, Matriculation and Examination Board (JAMB) to have

friday, march 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

1,475,477 to write 2015 computer-based UTME registered for this year’s computer based Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This year’s UTME is scheduled to hold between Tuesday March 10 and Saturday March 21 across 400 centres in the country and seven foreign countries namely; Ghana, Cameroon, Republic of Benin, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Ethiopia. JAMB Registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who disclosed these in Abuja yesterday at press conference

to announce the Board's preparation for the examination, also revealed that 208 prison inmates from Kaduna and Ikoyi prisons are also going to write the examination. He, however, lamented that the total number of candidates who registered for the examination was a far cry from the last year’s examination, in which 1,632,172 candidates sat for the paper pencil test, the dual based test and computer based. While attributing the

decline in the number of applications to insecurity in some parts of the country, Ojerinde explained that there was a decrease of 156,695 applicants compared to last year, adding that the registration process for the computer based examination has also eliminated the incidence of dual or multiple registration by candidates. The JAMB Registrar, who debunked a report that the Board had postponed the examination,

explained that the transformation to a full blown computer based test mode became imperative in order to resolve the challenges faced by the Board in the conduct of its examination. His words: "We didn't postpone the examination as reported by a national daily. It is not fair to have reported that the examination started on Wednesday. We did not tell them come for examination yesterday. We believe that we have enemies who don't want

this to work. We shall do it. Next week is when examination starts and not yesterday. “The effect of insecurity can be seen in the rate of registration especially in the North. We want to move this country forward, we want to curb examination malpractices and we want to do it the way it is done world over. The president has endorsed our effort. The beneficiaries of pencil based exam did not want the computer based test."

We’ll treat strike as mutiny, IG warns policemen Emmanuel Onani and Clement James Calabar

Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited and International President, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Mr. Babs Omotowa (left), presenting the CIPS presidential badge to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja...recently .

Mojeed Alabi

agos lawyer Mr. Femi Falana,SAN, has appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the sack of the controversial Assistant Inspector General of Police, Joseph Mbu, who he described as “unfit to be a police officer in Nigeria.” Falana, who yesterday announced his appearance in court for a plaintiff, Mr. Tope Alabi, in the substantive suit number FHC/L/CS/149/15, is seeking a declaration that the first defendant (Mbu)

Falana in court, wants Mbu sacked is removed from office for allegedly abusing his powers. His application for leave to serve the Police Service Commission with the suit in Abuja was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba. “We have a motion for leave to serve the third respondent outside jurisdiction," Falana said. The plaintiff also filed three other applications, including motions for interim injunction restrain-

ing Mbu from giving any orders to officers under him during the general elections pending the hearing of the plaintiff's motion for interlocutory injunction; motion for interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain Mbu from giving any orders pending the hearing of the substantive suit, and the motion seeking to abridge the time within which the suit will be heard and determined in view of its urgency.” The matter, which is

in response to the AIG’s alleged threat to kill 20 innocent civilians for any policeman killed during the general elections, is praying the court to direct the InspectorGeneral of Police Suleiman Abba, the Police Service Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) (who are the second to fourth defendants) to declare Mbu’s office vacant and replace him without further delay.

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, has warned police officers against breaching the Police Regulation and the Laws of the Federation, especially embarking on planned industrial action. The police boss said any officers that flout the police rule will be severely dealt with. He said the planned work-to-rule is tantamount to mutiny. "For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Police Force will never tolerate any iota of indiscipline in the form of a strike, or work-to-rule among its personnel. Any officer found to be engaged in such a despicable act will be arrested and sanctioned in line with the Police Regulation and the Laws of the Federation," he said. Abba's warning was contained in a statement signed yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police. It is coming on the heels of reports that some policemen had threatened to embark on strike on March 28, ostensibly to push through certain demands. Abba also warned

"members of the public" to desist from inciting junior police officers against constituted authority, warning of the inherent dangers it portends for democracy, public safety and overall security. Also, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, said any policeman who spearheads or participates in any strike action should be ready to face the consequences of such action. The AIG, who spoke in Calabar yesterday while addressing officers and men of the command, however, dispelled rumour of any impending strike action in the force. He said the police force has assured its personnel of better welfare packages before, during and after the forthcoming general elections. While dispelling the rumour of an imminent strike by some policemen, he said none of the officers and men under his command intended to embark on the protest. He warned that it would amount to an act of mutiny for any police personnel to engage in any strike action. “There is no doubt that any deviation from the oath of allegiance is not only unpatriotic but amounts to mutiny to say the least, and will be met with appropriate punishments and sanctions,” he said.

Reps caution FG against selective tax laws enforcement Committee frowns on poor Amnesty budget Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to discontinue the selective enforcement of tax laws and to urgently reconsider the discretion-

ary granting of incentives, waivers and other concessions. The House gave the advice after adopting a motion brought by Hon. Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo) on “Rebasing the Nigerian Economy and need to Bridge the Gap in Tax- to - Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) Ratio”. Consequently, the House advised the Federal Ministry of Finance to direct the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) , to ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the national tax policy and procedures in tax collection across board.

Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, yesterday decried the slow pace of budgetary releases for the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty

Programme in the 2014 appropriation despite its security and social importance to the Niger Delta region and the country. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Warman Ogoriba (PDP, Bayelsa) made this observation at the budget defence with officials of the Amnesty

programme in Abuja. Ogoriba, who expressed the readiness of the committee to assist the programme, enjoined the Amnesty Office to fulfil all outstanding obligations to aggrieved agitators, who are feeling left out of the scheme, as well as those already captured.

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, march 6, 2015

News

national

HDP faults judgement on Jonathan's eligibility Tunde Oyesina Abujaa

he Hope Democratic Party (HDP), yesterday faulted the Court of Appeal’s judgment which on Tuesday, which affirmed the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest in the March 28 poll. The party alleged that the legal action which brought the judgment was pre-arranged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), using one of its chieftains, Mr. Cyriacus

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), presenting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Presidential Merit Award to Dr. Francis Ayomoh, winner of the 2012 Tony & Awele Elumelu Prize for Excellence in Medicine in Abuja

PDP to APC: Leave First Lady alone thumbs up

Party backs First Lady's attack on General Buhari Onyekachi Eze and Igbeaku Orji

he Pe o p l e s Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, saying she was spot on in her assessment of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari as being “brain dead”. In a statement yesterday by the Director, Media and Publicity of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the party also warned the APC to desist from attacking Mrs. Jonathan or be prepared "for a relentless verbal blitzkrieg, the

l Jonathan’ll surpass 35% for women, says First Lady likes of which you have never seen before.” According to FaniKayode, the First Lady was right in her description of Buhari. “The First Lady has spoken in a courageous and forthright manner and, most important of all, she has spoken the bitter truth. Instead of crying like spoilt little brats and complaining, the APC and the Buhari Campaign Organisation should live with that bitter truth and leave her alone. “She has every right to express herself in any way that she deems fit and she is entitled to her opinion. This is especially so, given the fact that her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, is in the Presidential race. “Buhari's general disdain for women and their opinion is well known. This is a man that said that he would scrap the office of the First Lady if he is elect-

ed President. “If he is not ready to face public scrutiny and criticism for his often times irresponsible, retrogressive, nonsensical and asinine views, he should quit the Presidential race and consider retiring from politics. “Our counsel to the APC is as follows: leave the First Lady alone or prepare yourselves for a relentless verbal blitzkrieg, the likes of which you have never seen before.” Meanwhile Mrs Jonathan has assured women that her husband would surpass the international convention on 35% affirmation for women to 44% even as she called on them to cast their votes for him in the forthcoming election. Speaking in Umuahia, yesterday, during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Presidential Campaign Rally, Mrs Jonathan said the time had come

for young people to be given the chance to rule the country, saying that old people should give youths as leaders of tomorrow the chance to take the country to the desired height. She said, “Those who have ruled the country before should not be allowed to come again as they have nothing to offer and if at the end of my husband’s second term he insists on running again, I will drag him into the house as he should allow younger ones to rule”. The first lady assured that her husband would give women a pride of place within and outside the country. “I have come to tell you that your in-law my husband is going back for a second term as the president of the country. Therefore, you should come out even the sick with their walking sticks and farmers dropping their tools to vote for my husband,” she said.

Njoku, who had no locus standi to file the suit to unlawfully clear the way for Jonathan. In a press statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party in Abuja, HDP vowed to pursue its own legal action against President Jonathan's eligibility to a logical conclusion. The party insisted that Jonathan was not eligible to participate in the 2015 Presidential poll, having been deemed in law to have stood for elections in 2007 and 2011 and held the office of the President twice.

FG issues licences to nine new private varsities Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

s part of efforts to open access to university education in the country, the Federal Government yesterday issued provisional licences to nine new private universities. While presenting the licences to the proprietors of the universities, Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, cautioned them against violating rules and regulations governing the operations of universities in the country.

This was as he urged them to maintain high academic and moral standards, noting that government places premium on quality even as it strives to open access. "Prior to this approval, Nigeria had 129 universities, servicing a population of over 170 million people. In comparison to countries like Brazil and Mexico which have 1,648 and 1,250 universities, to service populations of 203 million and 120 million respectively, the gross inadequacy of this figure in relation to population size becomes glaring," he said.

Nomination: Court hears suit against Accord Party, INEC today Tunde Oyesina Abuja

ustice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, will, this morning, hear a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Abiola Adebukola Ajaja, seek-

ing to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting the name of one Adewusi Olugbenga Ayinde as the candidate for Ibadan North East/South East into the House of Representatives on the platform of Accord Party in Oyo State.

Fashola: Soldiers, police, not happy with economy Nigeria gains N777bn from agriculture, says Minister Muritala Ayinla and Temitope Ogunbanke

agos State Governor, Mr Babtunde Raji Fashola, SAN, yesterday told Lagosians not to be intimidated by the presence of soldiers and police in their environments on election day. He said that the law enforcement agents are also badly affected by the economic policies of the Peoples Democratic Partyled Federal Government. This was even as the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, reiterated the commit-

ment of the lawmakers representing the state at the federal level to ensure Lagos State is given special status consideration in the constitution. Addressing thousands of party faithful at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally held at the Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Fashola assured residents that the ongoing Lekki Refinery construction would create no fewer than 8,000 jobs, while about 2,000 engineers would also be employed to run the refinery when completed. He said: "First, don't sell your PVCS. On election day, troop out and

vote. Soldiers can't tell you not to vote. Soldiers are equally hungry; they are not conformable, but they are also managing. Their wives are hungry; they don't provide for them too. Soldiers are equally affected by the devaluation of Naira against dollar. Police are not paid; this government is fraudulent.” He accused the PDPled Federal Government of taking the nation backward in the last 16 years, saying that the Federal Government was fond of fooling Nigerians on crucial issues that affect the lives of the citizens.

Chukwu David Abuja

he Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina yesterday in Abuja, disclosed that Nigeria raked in a whopping sum of N777 billion from the various interventions in the agricultural sector in 2014 fiscal year. Adesina made the disclosure while briefing members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture on the performance of the ministry’s budget in 2014 and its appropriation for 2015 at a budget

defence session holding at the National Assembly complex. The Minister explained that the money accrued to the rural economy of the nation as many farmers had benefitted from the interventions and were now generating a lot of revenue from farming as a business. He also told the Senators that as a strategy towards encouraging farmers in the country, the ministry had planned crop insurance for 2015 to benefit over five million farmers, so as to build the confidence of farmers to farm and encourage oth-

ers to participate in the business. “The main economic value of all the interventions that we have done across rice, maize, sorghum, wheat, soya beans, cassava and others is that we have added N777 billion worth of income back into our rural economy. “This has helped to create significant amount of wealth for our farmers in the country. As you know, we added about 21 million metric tonnes of food to the domestic food supply and that goes all over from rice to maize, to cassava to sorghum, and to soya beans.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Man shot dead over N5 water MURDER

A man kills a shop owner in Lagos over disagreement Deborah Olayode

man believed to be in his middle thirties, popularly called ‘Cappo,’ has allegedly shot to death a man at Ejigbo area of Lagos for refusing to sell ‘pure’ water to him. The victim, identified simply as Mohammed, 35, was killed at his shop on Afolabi Obe Street in Ejigbo Local Government Area. Trouble started when Cappo accosted Mohammed on Monday and asked him to sell a sachet of water to him. But Mohammed refused to sell to him on the grounds that the customer owed him some amount of money. After killing Mohammed, Cappo was quoted as saying: “I don treat his fuck up,” (I have taken care of him.) A witness, who craved anonymity, told our correspondent that the late Mohammed of Hausa extraction was also

The house where Mohammed’s shop is located

selling Indian hemp. The witness added that Cappo might have bought some quantities of cannabis on credit from Mohammed in the past. He added that Cappo initially hit Mohammed with an iron rod on the head before shooting with a gun suspect-

ed to be pistol. “Mohammed was killed in front of his shop. Cappo killed him because he simply refused to sell ‘pure’ water to him.” Another witness said Cappo had a shop at Ejigbo area of the metropolis where he

LASEMA, UNICEF move to check disasters in Lagos slums Muritala Ayinla

orried by the rate of disasters in Lagos slums and its attendant loss of lives and property, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in conjunction with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) yesterday trained residents of communities in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government on disaster risk reduction. UNICEF’s Head of Emer-

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

gency Preparedness and Response in Nigeria, Mr Soji Adeniyi, said though the communities were never designed for habitation, the increasing population of the state and accommodation challenges had forced some people to convert such areas to residence. This, according to him, makes them vulnerable to disasters. Addressing some of the participants at the four-day capacity building programme, the LASEMA General Manager, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, described the training as part of the agency’s sensitisation measures for crowd control management. According to him, it is to enable emergency responders to gain access to disaster scenes. He said: “We want to take the disaster risk reduction to the grassroots. So, we are building the resilience of the communities. “One of our major stakeholders, the UNICEF, has taken the bull by the horn by collaborating with us to build the resilience of our community. We are teaching them disaster risk reduction activities. We

are teaching them risk mapping to know what they are vulnerable to in their communities and whenever there is any form of emergency, how they need to respond to it. “The training is part of our sensitisation measures in term of crowd control because if we teach them what they need to do during emergency, we won’t have much problem concerning crowd control accessibility.” The LASEMA boss said that the training would also be held for other residents in other local governments. He added that the choice of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government was informed by the readiness of the communities to adopt developmental change in their attitude towards environmental risk reduction. On his part, Adeniyi said the training would prepare the residents on how to manage and prevent disasters. According to him, disaster happens in the communities and not in the space, hence, the need to focus on the community in order to reduce the possibility of epidemics and other forms of disaster.

was selling electronics. The witness, who said Cappo sometimes behaved as a “mad man,” added that the suspected killer was drinking beer at a nearby cosmetics’ shop before he went to Mohammed. The witness added that

the residents discovered a pool of blood in front of Mohammed’s shop about 10pm the same day, which made the Afolabi Obe Landlords’ Association to call the police. According to him, policemen from Ejigbo Police Station responded and took Mohammed to a private hospital at Alafia Avenue in the era. He added that doctors at the hospital, Living Spring Hospital, confirmed him dead. The witness also said the police took the body away. A resident, who also did not want his name in print, said the Hausa community in the area, among them Mohammed’s cousin, later got the body from the police. The deceased was buried the following day at Agege area of the metropolis. Cappo, who lives in his mother’s house on the street, was said to have fled after the incident. His mother and all the residents have also deserted the house. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said he was waiting for report from Ejigbo Police station on the matter.

Undergraduate dupes lovesick Briton of N20m

Chikeluba

Juliana Francis

n undergraduate of the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, has allegedly defrauding a British lady of £54,000 (about N20 million) in another love scam. The student, Obiechina Chikeluba, 21, who posed as an American called, Lisa Jackson, met the lady via Facebook sometimes in 2013 and later defrauded her to the tune of N20 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Chikeluba for swindling Kieran Oakes, the Briton. The Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspect, using the assumed profile of an American, Jackson, entered into a relationship with Oakes, with the pair agreeing to get married. In the course of their relationship, ‘Jackson,’ at various times, collected money to the tune of £54,000 from Oakes, to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom to meet her. Uwujaren said: “After an endless wait for her fiancé, it dawned on the Briton that she had been conned, and consequently petitioned the EFCC. Operatives of the commission arrested Chikeluba in a sting operation on February 24, 2015 in Lagos while attempting to collect a parcel sent to him. He will appear in court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

METRO 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Soldiers brutalise rider over N250 bribe Shola Adefuwa

57-year-old man tricycle rider said some soldiers almost beat him to death for refusing to give them N250 bribe, which they demanded from him. The victim, Sunday Akomolafe, a member of the Nigerian Legion, said that the soldiers in OP MESA van, with Air Force 07 written on the van, came to their park at Ahmadiyya area of Lagos State, insisting he should, ‘give them their dues’. He said that when he told them to wait for the executives of the park, they attacked him. One of them hit Akomolafe on the jaw

The tricycles’ park at Ahmadiyya area

Juliana Francis

wo suspected Indian hemp sellers, Raji Kabir, 22, and Yusuf Bako, 19, said they took to the illicit business in order not to die of hunger. The suspects were arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Agege area of the Lagos metropolis. Kabir said that he had been dealing in cannabis for over five years. The suspect, who attended Ahmed Memorial Muslim Primary School, Agege and dropped out in JSS III at Yelwa Junior High School, said it was either he sold Indian hemp or allowed hunger to kill him. He said: “I was introduced to cannabis smoking by friends.

with the butt of his gun, while others beat him up. The beaten has created anxiety among other tricycle operators in the area. Akomolafe recalled that a few minutes after they left him in a pool of blood, policemen attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), strolled into the park, took away five litres of petrol and a jack. According to the operators, they used to pay N500 every day to different security teams that visit their park. They maintained that the constant patrol of the park by security agents made them work under tension even though they were duly registered. Akomolafe said: “It hap-

pened on March 3, around 11am. I saw four OP MESA men. They came in a van with Air Force 07 written on it. They asked me for their ‘due’ and I told them that our executives were not around. Usually, it is our executives that used to pay them. “But they did not listen to my explanation. They asked me to raise N250 by all means. When I refused, one of them slapped me from the back. They all gathered and beat me. One of them hit me with the butt of his gun. People started begging on my behalf, fearful they would kill me. But they did not listen. I had lost much blood before I was rushed to the hospital. I was admitted. I

was discharged just yesterday (Wednesday).” Another operator, who craved anonymity, said: “I was with Baba (Akomolafe) at the hospital when I received a call that three with SARS written on their clothes, had gone away with my fuel and jack.” The Public Relations Officer, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Lekan Ogundare, and the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the incident was difficult to be properly investigated since the command from which the team came could not be ascertained. “If such happens again, the riders should check whether it is ‘State SARS’ or ‘Federal SARS’ that is on the teams’ clothes. We won’t condone such abuse,” Ogundare added.

We would’ve died of hunger, say cannabis sellers

Kabir (left) and Bako

Later, I began to sell cannabis at Agege and I used to make a profit of N2,000 daily. I have stopped selling hemp about three times, but

I kept going back to the business because I have no money to sustain myself.” Bako’s story is not different

from that of Kabir. He said: “After my primary school in Lagos, I enrolled as an apprentice in an electrical workshop since I could not further my education. My friends introduced me to cannabis smoking. I began to sell it about a year ago in order to sustain myself. Any day I did not go to work, I will go and sell hemp. I used to earn N1,200 daily.” NDLEA impounded compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis sativa weighing 810.1kilogrammes from the suspects. The Head, Media and Publicity, NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said the seizures were made during raids conducted within

Lagos. Ofoyeju said the first consignment of the drugs, weighing 658.8 kilogrammes believed to have been imported from Ghana, was detected at Alaba Rago area of Lagos. He added: “The team also discovered another 151.3 kilogrammes at Agege area of the state where the two suspected drug dealers were apprehended.” The Lagos State Commander, NDLEA, Mr Aliyu Sule, said the raids were based on intelligence report. He said: “Acting on intelligence report, we raided the waterfront at Alaba Rago area where we found compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis.”

Thugs disrupt party for Adebutu donates more transformers widows in Ebonyi to Remo communities UchennaInya Abakaliki

hugs numbering over 100 yesterday stormed Onuafor-Ezeukwa in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and sacked widows who gathered for a party organised for them by the Coordinator of Ezeukwa Development Centre, Ogbonnaya Odabe. The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, rods, bottles, woods and other dangerous weapons, smashed over 1,000 plastic chairs after destroying five canopies and sound systems meant for the party. A team of State Anti-Robbery

Squad (SARS) and some policemen arrived the scene one hour later but could not calm the hoodlums who chanted war and solidarity songs in support of governorship and House of Representatives candidates from the area. The hoodlums resisted arrest and overpowered the policemen who immediately retreated. At press time, the thugs, who were increasing in number, had taken over strategic locations while people had fled the area. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chris Anyanwu, said he was yet to receive official information on the incident.

he days of epileptic power supply may soon be over in Ibelefu, Isoso (GRA extension), Abafon-Ogijo and Itunsokun communities in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. This is because the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate, Remo Federal Constituency, Oladipupo Adebutu, has donated four 500 KVA transformers to the communities. The donation, made by the Ladi Adebutu Demo-

cratic Organisation on Wednesday, brings the number of transformers so-far distributed to various communities in Remo Federal Constituency under the candidate’s Power Intervention Programme to 24. A PDP chieftain, Alhaja Mujidat Ogunnaike, who presented the transformers unbehalf of Adebutu, enjoined the beneficiaries to reciprocate the kind gesture of the donor by voting for him and other PDP candidates during the forthcoming presidential

and National Assembly elections. According to her, Adebutu can do more if given the opportunity to serve. On his part, the Chairman of the organisation, Seye Sonuga, who represented Adebutu, urged

the people to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and cast their votes for Adebutu, as well as other PDP candidates. He also enjoined them to ensure that the transformers are well-secured against theft and vandalism.

Gas explosion kills UNIBEN senior staff member, wife Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

as explosion has claimed the lives of a senior member of staff of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Mr Godwin Emualosi and his wife. The explosion occurred in the house of the deceased a few minutes after the couple returned from work. They were said to have discovered that a gas cylinder in the corner of

their kitchen had leaked while offensive odour oozed from the kitchen. It was gathered that they quickly took their four children to one of the rooms in their three-bedroom apartment for safety. They also evacuated some of the household items to avert sudden fire outbreak. But as soon as the couple attempted to rectify the fault, the cylinder exploded. The entire house caught fire. It took the quick intervention of neighbours to rescue the children.

The man was said to have died on the spot while his wife was rushed to the hospital where a team of doctors and nurses battled unsuccessfully to save her life. Until his death, Emualosi worked in the Internal Audit Department of the university. The incident occurred on Friday, but it became public knowledge yesterday when the Media Assistant to the University of Benin, Mr Maxwell Oshodin, posted it on his facebook account.

Alhaja Ogunnaike (second left) handling over one of the transformers to the people of Abafon community

News

SOUTH-WEST

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Insist on implementation of confab report, Mimiko tells youths

Aregbesola promises first class Osun airport

Babatope Okeowo

Adeolu Adeyemo

Akure

overnor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday tasked youths in the southwest geo-political zone to insist on the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report as the campaign issue for the March 28 presidential

election. Also, a don, Prof. Dupe Olatunbosun, called in the youths on the country to cast their vote for President Good Jonathan who, he said, would implement the recommendations of the last National Conference if re-elected . In his keynote address delivered at the Post-National Confab Summit organized for the youths in

the Southwest in Akure, the state capital, Olatubosun pointed out that the implementation of the recommendations of the Confab would do the youths of the country good and would also bring joy to the nation in general . This development came as youths from the zone resolved to support the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan for second term in order for

him to implement the report of the 2014 national conference. Also, the youths who were drawn from Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Lagos, stated that the performance of President Jonathan was enough to ensure his re-election for a second term. The youths, comprising the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on

Youth Matter and youth organizations resolved to work for the second term ambition of the President. Mimiko, in his address said youths constitute 60 per cent of the total voters in the country asked them to use the numerical advantage to negotiate the implementation of the conference report which would guarantee their future.

Osun expels five students, re-opens schools Monday

sun State Government yesterday announced the expulsion of three student of the of Osogbo Government Technical College and Osogbo Grammar School, which were shut three weeks following a bloody clash that ensued between the students of the two schools. That was after an alleged attempt by a male student of the Technical College to rape a female student of the Grammar School. While revealing that the schools would be re-opened for full academic work from Monday 9th March, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education, Mr. Lawrence Oyeniran said, “the identified culprits in the fracas that broke out between both schools have been summarily expelled from being students in the schools”. He identified the affected students as Adepoju Sunda, year 3 student of Electrical Department, Adelabu Yusuf, year 3 student of B&C Department, Samuel Owolabi year 1 student of the Department of Radio and TV, Akanji Azeez also of Electrical Department of the Government Technical College, among others.

L-R: Supervising Minister, Ministry of Information, Chief Edem Duke; Chairman Emeritus, Daar Communications, Dr Raymond Dokpesi; New Chairman, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Governing Council, Mr Udem Ufot and Apcon Registrar, Alhaji Garba Kankarofi, at the inauguration of the 6th governing council of the agency in Lagos …yesterday

Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of habouring sinister motives over its insistence on the use of the card reader device in the forthcoming general elections. The governor, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said it was unfortunate that the APC and other proponents for use of card reader, did not objectively assess the disadvantages of using the device. According to the governor, the use of the machine would cause confusion during the polls. He explained that as

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said that his administration would up-grade the MKO Abiola Airport in the state to a first class airport, when completed. Aregbesola, made the assurance while inspecting the project to ascertain the state of the work so far carried out, stating that on completion, the project would rank as a pace-setting and a masterpiece in the country. He said, “Osun is engaging the services of the Nigeria Airforce, to put in place one of the best Airports in Nigeria that can compete favourable with other airports in the world in terms of architecture and technology when the MKO Abiola Airport is finally completed.” “My administration has the best of relationship with the management of the Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services of the Nigeria Airforce Company and Osun Airport project is very much on course with the imput of these experts.. “My administration has the vision to use the project as one of the strategies to ignite economic development.

We’ve stepped down life pension bill–Lagos Deputy Speaker Wale Elegbede

ollowing reactions generated by the controversial bill on life pension for both the Speaker and the Deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,

Card reader: APC has sinister motives –Fayose Adesina Wahab

Osogbo

much as the usage of the card reader was noble, the preparation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for it had been very poor and had been timely. He said there appeared to be a conspiracy between the electoral body and the APC, over the insistence of the APC that the device must be used for the election, when it was clear it was a new idea in the country’s electoral process. Fayose explained that INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, had told Nigerians that the card reader battery could go flat after about five hours of usage, “which means that unless there is alternative power supply, the machine will be rendered useless after the battery has gone flat.

the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, said yesterday that the bill has been stepped down after its introduction on the floor of the House. Reacting to reports that the House planned to approve life pensions for its two key officers after leaving office by May 29, Taiwo, said the bill was not in any stage for consideration and would not resurface in the Assembly in the nearest future. Taiwo, who spoke in a telephone conversation, said it was unfortunate

that the pension issue was coming during elections period, stating that members of the Assembly regretted bringing up such issue at an untimely period. “We did not want to touch it, but somebody said we had to discuss it. It would not be brought up in the nearest future. It has not got to any stage now; it has been introduced and stepped down by the members. Each State Assembly would work out how it would implement it’s own retirement plan,” he said. Taiwo, who represents Ajeromi- Ifelodun 11, said the life pension issue was

part of the last amendments to the constitution that was passed to the 36 state Houses of Assembly, stressing that more than two thirds of the state Assemblies across the country passed it into law. He said: “There has been a provision for it in our constitution, but it was limited to Governors and Deputy Governors. More than two thirds of the state Houses of Assembly believe that the legislative arm of government should also benefit from this. “It has been approved by the National Assembly and it is waiting for the assent of

the President. It did not start from the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the deputy speaker said. An online media had reported that the Assembly introduced a bill to grant the two officials, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pensions that amount to 100 per cent of their annual basic salary for life, after their tenure as leaders in the state assembly expires. The bill also proposes such additional benefits as a free house anywhere in Lagos State and a free vehicle paid for from state funds.

Lawyer sues Lagos, lawmakers over probates privatisation Akeem Nafiu

human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has dragged the Lagos State Government and the House of Assembly to court over alleged plan to privatize the administration of probates in the state. In the suit, marked, LD/491CM/2015, before Justice Lawal of a Lagos High Court, the lawyer is seeking for an order restraining both the Lagos State Government

and the State House of Assembly from striping the High Court of Lagos State of its jurisdiction and powers over the administration of probates. Particularly , he is seeking an order of injunction to restrain the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly, whether by themselves, their servants, officers, agents, banks, privies or otherwise howsoever, from removing, excising, priva-

tizing, taking away, outsourcing, taking over or in any other manner managing the functions and powers conferred on High Court of Lagos State, in relation to probate matters. Adegboruwa, in the suit which was commenced by originating summons, is also seeking an order of injunction to restrain the House of Assembly of Lagos State, whether by itself, its servants, officers, agents, committees privies or other-

wise howsoever, from making, enacting, considering, deliberating upon, proposing or in any other manner taking any step(s) for the purpose of removing, excising, privatizing, taking away, outsourcing, taking over or in any other manner empowering the Executive arm of the government of Lagos State, its agents and organs, to manage the functions and powers conferred on High Court of Lagos State, in relation to probate matters.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Controversy

Presidency

General elections

Electoral violence

Our fears over card readers, by PDP, Niger gov

NNPP adopts Jonathan as presidential candidate

APC, PDP, others sign peace accord in Ogun

Cross River’s shattered peace

Politics

The oath-taking showdown

The lure for Aso Rock Villa from May 29 is making the war of attrition between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition get messier. WALE ELEGBEDE takes a look at the latest exchange of oath-taking allegations between the two leading parties

ith few weeks to the general elections, the tantrums and exchange of words between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a per-second occurrences as both parties bid to outshine each other in the eyes of the public and enlarge its popularity streak. Last week, one of such fierce outburst originating from the PDP to the APC, drew a bad blood and with clock ticking to a seven-day ultimatum, what started as a mere press statement may be the centre of a N2 billion suit. The spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, fired the first salvo last week when he alleged that that a former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, “plans to replace the vicepresidential candidate of the APC, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in the unlikely event that the APC wins the March 28 presidential election,” after six months, stating that the agreement was berthed under a secret oath. Fani-Kayode alleged that Tinubu and Osinbajo are situating their calculation on an anticipated deterioration of health of the APC presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, warning the former Head of State to watch his back on the alleged gang-up against him. He said: “Since the formation of the APC it has been an open secret that Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu is its national leader and also its biggest financier. The

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Fani-Kayode

Osinbajo

Tinubu, according to our information, has compelled Osinbajo to swear to an oath that after six months in office, he would resign as the vice president

In the APC, we do not indulge in oath-taking, pact-signing and such other rituals that the PDP establishment is adept at

If we do not receive your formal retraction and apology and damages as demanded... we shall... proceed to seek appropriate legal remedies

question that should agitate every Nigerian is why Tinubu has been investing heavily in the APC presidential project to such a point that he has single-handedly produced the joint presidential ticket of General Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. “It should baffle well-meaning Nigerians why Tinubu has decided to draft Buhari, despite his age, acrimonious background and questionable health status, into the presidential race whilst ensuring that his stooge, Prof. Osinbajo, was foisted on the general as vice presidential candidate. “The reason is that the PDPPCO wishes to use this forum to expose the ungodly plan by Tinubu to seize the presidency of Nigeria by subterfuge. “You will recall how Tinubu wanted to be running mate to Buhari in spite of the nationwide resentment for Muslim-Muslim ticket that he and Buhari planned to foist on their party men and women.” He opined further that, “but when he and Buhari could not push through the agenda within the APC, he (Tinubu), after been given the opportunity to nominate a vice presidential candidate, decided to prop up his stooge in the person of Prof Osinbajo. “Now, the real reason Tinubu nominated Osinbajo has been made known to us and we hereby offer a public service to the Nigerian people by drawing

national attention to it. Credible pieces of information at our disposal indicate that Tinubu has perfected plans to come to power through the back door. “Tinubu, according to our information, has compelled Osinbajo to swear to an oath that after six months in office, he would resign as the vice president, in the unlikely event that their party wins. The wicked plot, as laid out by them, is to force Osinbajo to resign for Tinubu to be nominated by Buhari as his replacement.” Fani-Kayode added: “The ultimate objective of this plot is to ensure that Tinubu becomes president. The script is simple: given the questionable health of Buhari, Tinubu, who is desperate to be president for his own selfish reasons, will simply bid his time in the evil expectation that Buhari will not be able to go the whole hog. “How wicked can those that hatched this plan be? How unfair can they be to the North, to Buhari and to Nigerians? We wish Buhari long life. Senator Tinubu’s dangerous plan is about getting power. This is sad. No thoroughbred Yoruba man or indeed Nigerian wants to get power through the misfortune of another person,” the PDP campaign spokesperson said. Not ready to have any of PDP’s allegations, the Director, Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign

Organisation (APCPCO), Mallam Garba Shehu, warned the PDP and Fani-Kayode to either show evidence of the oathtaking or retract the libellous claims within 72 hours or be ready to be charged to a court of law. “For the PDP through Fani-Kayode to state publicly that an erudite Professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a reputable pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) swore an oath to vacate his seat as the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the national leader of the APC, Senator Tinubu, should the party win the forthcoming election, is an attack on the hard-won integrity and the reputations of these great Nigerians and APC stalwarts,” the campaign organisation said. But sticking to its guns, the PDP said it has a textbook case to back its claims, saying that, “We stand by our claims. The truth is that the APC is a party that is used to sordid, bizarre, byzantine and subterranean back-room deals where people take blood-chilling and cultic oaths and in which people are asked to sign perjurous and illegal letters of resignation even before they are elected into office. If anyone doubts that they should ask Pastor Tunde Bakare who was asked to sign a letter of resignation by both TiCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Our fears over card readers, by PDP, Niger gov Onyekachi Eze and Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, have explained their fears over the use of card readers for the March 28 and April 11 general elections. Governor Aliyu of Niger State explained that the misgivings being expressed by some Nigerians over the proposed use of card readers in the March 28 and April 11 elections were borne out of the fears on difficulties that may arise in the operation of the device especially in rural areas. Aliyu, who spoke to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja however expressed optimism that the controversy would be resolved. He said the moment the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is able to convince Nigerians, especially the political parties, there would be no cause for

alarm. “I think we are still discussing that matter. The concern of many people is that the card reader may have difficulties particularly in the rural areas, but we have been told that if they are charged, they will be okay. “The stand of many of the political parties is that where you have difficulties, what happens? I remember when they were registering me for the National Identity Card; for me alone, it took about one hour. Supposed there are difficulties in the polling units where you have 500 people and it takes the card reader a long time to do, what happens? “I understand INEC is going to conduct elementary ways of finding out whether that is possible. The moment the parties are convinced, I think it will be ok.” Speaking on the raging feud between him and his Deputy Governor, Musa Ibeto, Aliyu said the issue in question between them was that of morality. He noted that since the Niger State Deputy Governor was now in the opposition All Progressives

Congress (APC), it was morally wrong for him to sit in strategic meetings of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government because that would enable him to understand and have foreknowledge of their strategies for the upcoming elections. The Niger governor said that the objective of the G7 movement was to correct what they perceived as anomalies in the PDP but not to decamp. He regretted that some of his colleagues saw it differently as a window of opportunity to jump ship. “With regards to the friction, people have the right to leave as they want but there are rules, if there is a division, like we saw some people creating division to be able to jump the party. “Many people asked me why I didn’t go to

APC. The idea of G7 was not to leave PDP, it was to correct what we saw as anomalies but some people in their own planning, they were looking for that kind of division that will give them cover. “So immediately even when the corrections were being made, they jumped the gun, which is their right but I think whatever action they take, they should not expect that the society will look at you and pat you on the back for taking a decision that you know there must be a repercussion. There must be a reaction.” He gave assurance that regardless of the propaganda being mounted by those he described as Abuja politicians, PDP would coast home to victory in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the PDP has said it is not against

the use of the card readers, but against the use of it to disenfranchise people because it has not been tested before now. The party also denied engaging in the buying of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) or bribing of voters, claiming that it has presence in the 9,572 wards and 774 local governments in the country. PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus said “the PDP position as a party as regards the card readers is that it must be tested and perfected before being deployed for the elections.” According to Secondus, this is the first time that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is going to try this technology, noting that the PDP believes that INEC should test it and it should be in perfect condition.

“Since it is the first time we will adopt this technology, it should be in perfect condition so that people will not have cause to complain. This is the position of the party and I want to make it clear to Nigerians that the PDP is not against the card reader but we urge INEC to test run them so that they will be in perfect condition on the day of election,” he explained. He described INEC’s claim that it has distributed over 80 per cent of the PVCs as a welcome development, adding that it shows that many people would have been disenfranchised if the elections were held before rescheduling. “What it means now is that more eligible voters would have the opportunity to vote during the elections.”

Agbaje bags Igbo chieftaincy title Wale Elegbede

he Igbo community in Lagos State yesterday conferred a chieftaincy title on the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje. Conferring the title of “Ezi Nwanne Ndigbo 1” in his palace in Surulere area of Lagos was Eze Cyril Anomneze, who dressed the politician with the insignia of office, including the titular staff, beads and robe. The title Ezi Nwanne Ndigbo 1 translates to “the Dearly Beloved Brother from another Land.” Eze Anomneze described Agbaje as a true friend of the Igbo people. Speaking at the occasion, the President-General of Igbo Associations in Lagos, Chief Ebere Ubani, said Igbo indigenes had been advised to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and remain in Lagos to vote for Agbaje. “Considering the proximity of the April 11 governorship election to the Easter celebration, Ndigbo in Lagos State are advised not to travel out of Lagos State for the occasion to enable us optimise our electoral franchise for Olujimi Joseph Agbaje,” he said. Addressing the gath-

ering, Agbaje said if elected, his administration would prioritise the provision of employment opportunities for the young school leavers and graduates. Agbaje, who described the imposition by the state government of a “Baba Oloja” (Market Father) on the Igbo-dominated Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, as undemocratic, noted further that, “be rest assured that Lagos will not be the same after May 29.”

L-R: Member, Jimi Agbaje Campaign Team, Dr. Abosede Olubiyi; President-General, Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, Chief Ebere Ubani and Lagos State PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, during a meeting with Ndigbo in Lagos…yesterday

Card Reader: PDP’s opposition has proved us right – APC Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday stated that the party has been proven right by the opposition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the use of card readers in this month’s rescheduled general elections. APC had earlier alleged that the ruling party was against the use of card reader’ by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described as very

curious the fact that the PDP that rushed to the press to deny the APC’s claims quickly turned around to confirm them. Mohammed said: “At the press conference we addressed on Wednesday, which rattled the PDP and the Jonathan administration so much, we listed the conditionalities of the PDP/Jonathan administration for holding the election: No PVCs, No Card Readers, No Jega and the fact that they want the military deployed to harass and intimidate voters. “We mentioned ‘Card Readers’ at least three times during the press conference, and said they (PDP/ Jonathan administration) are doing everything possible to sabotage the machine

and prevent its use. “Both the spokesmen for the PDP and the Jonathan Campaign Organisation rushed to the press to deny any such ‘reprehensible’ plan. But a few hours later, the spokesman for the campaign organisation told an incredulous country that they would oppose the use of card reader, apparently after the spokesmen were overruled by their party. Obviously, these men are outsiders in their own party and it is now obvious that the opposition knows more about the inner workings of their party than they do.” APC said that in an apparently-choreographed show, some 15 portfolio political parties called a

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

press conference to also announce that they will oppose the use of the card reader, vowing to boycott the elections and use a legal process to prevent the use of the machine. The party said these syndicated threats are the latest indications of the mortal fear in the corridors of power about the machine that has now become the nemesis of election riggers and ma-

nipulators worldwide. It said contrary to the claim by the PDP, Nigerians are ready for a free, fair and credible elections to be made possible by the use of the card reader, and will massively resist any move to dump the machine. “Nigerians have sacrificed all they can to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), which is now their most-prized possession. They have also hailed the plan by INEC to use the card reader to give Nigeria credible polls. Only dishonest politicians, those who plan to rig, those who have engaged in a massive purchase of PVCs and those who have something to hide are opposed to the use of the machine.’’

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

NNPP adopts Jonathan as presidential candidate Temitope Ogunbanke

head of the March 28 presidential election, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has adopted President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its candidate. Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, NNPP national chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said his party adopted President Jonathan because it believes strongly in the continuity of the Jonathan administration. His words: “Like the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said recently, you don’t change a Commander-in-Chief in the middle of war; we at the NNPP believe with current strategies now yielding positive results, there is no point in changing the president now. For this reason, after due consultations with our members across the states of the federation, we at the NNPP have decided to adopt President Goodluck Jonathan as our Candidate in the March 28 election. “This is because the president has started a process which should not

be truncated now. This is not by any means casting aspersions on the credibility or capabilities of other presidential candidates; we only believe we should rather have continuity at this stage in the history of our dear country. “We are using this medium to call on our members across Nigeria to cast their votes for President Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election and at the same time spread the views. Goodluck Jonathan is doing more and talking less. “Politics is capital intensive and requires a lot of funding and logistics. Consequently, we may in due course, before the elections indicate few states where there are challenges which might prompt us to enter into strategic alliance with other political parties like All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP in Lagos State,” he said. W`hile stressing the need for credible elections, the NNPP chairman appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the dates for Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collection beyond March 8, to give opportunity to more Nigerians to collect their PVCs before the March 28 election.”

YDP to INEC: Reschedule elections Onyekachi Eze Abuja

here is a fresh threat against the conduct of this month’s general elections as a yet-to-beregistered Young Democratic Party (YDP) has expressed its readiness to participate in the polls. A Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Wednesday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificate of registration to YDP as a political party. At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Ugo Nwofor proposed two options for the electoral body. According to him,

INEC could either reprint new ballot papers to include and accommodate the party and its candidates or if INEC does not have the appropriate logistic for reprinting of new ballot papers, the commission could, within the constitutional provision, further re-schedule the general elections. “In either of the two options our party is ready,” Nwafor assured, but expressed the belief that INEC would explore the first option. He stated that the “court did not order INEC to register YDP. Court ordered INEC to issue certificate and include YDP in the 2015 general elections.” The YDP publicity secretary described the judgement as victory for

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democracy, rule of law and triumph over impunity, adding that “in compliance with sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, YDP wishes to announce the commencement of its primaries. “The NEC approves the sales of nomination forms for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential. “As a gender friendly party, the nomination forms for women in all

categories is free except for a processing fee.” He however said that in view of the urgency, the party has slated governorship/House of Assembly for March 26, 2015 and presidential/Senate/ House of Representatives for March 27, 2015. “In accordance with INEC’s timetable, we wish to restate that we are ready for the 2015 general elections,” he said. INEC, however, said it is reserving its comment on the matter until it gets details of what transpired in the court. Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu told New Telegraph, “I can’t comment on the issue I don’t have the details. Until I see details of the court judgement I will reserve my comment.”

Group accuses APC of compromising and politicising INEC

group promoting democracy and good governance, Move on Nigeria, has alerted Nigerians on the negative consequences of All Progressives Congress (APC) introducing foreign mercenaries like David Axelrod, President Barrack Obama strategist into what ought to be a Nigerian affair. The group in a statement by its national coordinator, Mr. Clem Aguiyi, lamented that the open hostilities shown against Nigeria by the Obama administration is because Obama allowed the views of Axelrod to shape the US foreign policy towards Nigeria. The group admonished APC for her penchant to assault the sensibilities of Nigerians rather than face issues or sale her manifestos. “APC is preoccupied with dishing out falsehood to gullible Nigerians. It appear the party has no respect for truth and is not interested in promoting her agenda. For some time now, APC has been shouting from the roof top, accusing everyone but herself about plans to rig 2015 election, whereas

there are mountain evidence of its unholy alliance with Professor Jega. “While we recognise that President Jonathan not APC appointed the INEC chairman and has the constitutional latitude to fire and replace him as may become necessary, we wish to remind Nigerians that though Jega is not indispensable but that the President himself has reiterated repeatedly that there is no plan to remove the INEC Chairman. “How Jega has suddenly become the darling of the opposition is a case study and will require proper scrutiny as the love affair is something that is more than meets the eyes. We view with suspicion the deliberate cultivation and appropriation of the INEC Chairman of APC and hereby warns of the grave consequence of politicising INEC. We know that individuals who have the capacity to buy up the media, compromise the judiciary and infiltrate the legislature can as well compromise a small commission like INEC. But Jega must realise that a good name is much more valuable than money.

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson; wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Governor Babatunde Fashola; governorship running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, at the governorship rally at Ibeju-Lekki …yesterday.

Ikwere monarchs endorse Peterside

kwerre monarchs under the aegis of Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers (SCITR) yesterday said they stand by the Isiokpo declaration endorsing the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, to succeed Governor Chibuike Amaechi on May 29. Paramount ruler of Odoha-Ogbakiri community, Eze Ferdinand Ekenta; royal father of Rumuoro-Ogbakiri, Eze Charles Oboneme and the traditional ruler of Okporowo-Ogbakiri, Eze Emmanuel Echonwere, disclosed this in their separate speeches while receiving Peterside at their palaces during his

Ward to Ward campaign visit to Ogbakiri in Emohua local government area of Rivers State. Ekenta said: “We, members of the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers met at Isiokpo and gave confirmation that Dakuku Peterside will be the next governor. We are not going back on our endorsement of Dakuku Peterside.” The monarchs disclosed that their decision to stand by Peterside; a position they described as irrevocable, was based on equity, track record of service, character, good neighbourliness and continuity, emphasizing that the future of Rivers State was more important in the consideration of who replaces Governor Amae-

chi. In his response, Peterside said as a sign of his gratitude to the traditional rulers and Amaechi, he would not disappoint the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality if elected governor of the state on April 11. He said: “On the issue of governorship seat, you know that I am in the race. The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers brought me out. They came together at Isiokpo to say; for the reputation and future of Ikwerre, they will not allow the selfishness of one Ikwerre man to destroy their image. “They commissioned me to go and represent them. After eight years, will it be fair for Ikwerre

to be governor again? I promise you, for this kind gesture from Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, and our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, I cannot disappoint Ikwerre people.” Speaking during a rally at Okporowo Primary School field, Peterside said the only reason he is running for the governorship of the state is because of the people, pointing out that “some of those contesting the governorship seat with me are doing so in order to have the opportunity to oppress the people.” He promised to run an all-inclusive administration where the interest of every indigene and resident of the state would be protected.

Politics

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

war against electoral violence

APC, PDP, others sign peace accord in Ogun Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

even political parties in Ogun State, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday signed a peace accord on violence-free election with the state police command. The other parties that signed the pact at the state police headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta are All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Social Demo-

lPolice warn politicians against violence

cratic Party (SDP), and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). The state Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, who was flanked by heads of other security agencies, brokered the peace accord among the parties. Over 70 candidates seeking various political offices as well as chairmen and secretaries of the concerned parties attended the ceremony. They pledged to abide by the terms and conditions of the peace accord.

In his remarks, Ntomchukwu declared that the police would not hesitate to arrest any politician who foment trouble before, during and after the elections. He threatened that the police would not grant bail to anybody arrested with offensive weapons during the electoral process. The police boss explained that the peace accord was in pursuant of the laws of the country, adding that political actors have the moral obligations to abide by it.

Ntomchukwu urged politicians to run issuebased campaigns and abstain from provocative slogans during their campaigns. He also warned them against defacing their opponents’ posters and billboards, saying doing otherwise was capable of undermining peace and security in the state. He said anyone caught in possession of dangerous objects at political rallies and campaigns would be treated as a saboteur of the forthcoming elec-

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tions and made to face the wrath of the law irrespective of his status. His words: “Criminals with arms, cutlass, cudgel who is ready to sniff life out of citizens going about their lawful businesses or have come to witness their candidates’ victory would

be ruthlessly dealt with. “It is my warning and I know that my officers are aware of that too. I have told all the Area Commanders, the DPOs, to arrest anybody who is seen with offensive weapons, clubs, cudgels or any other instrument of violence at the venue of campaign either before, during or immediately after. We are not going to tolerate that. “We will not grant bail to anyone found to have contravened this election laws. We will make sure that he is confined because what he is doing is tantamount to robbery or murder.”

Police, political parties sign pact in Benue Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

Sokoto State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Sidi Aliyu (left) with PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Abdalla Wali, after the signing of peace accord in Sokoto …yesterday

16 Sokoto guber candidates pledge violence-free poll Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

he gubernatorial candidates of 16 political parties in Sokoto State yesterday signed a peace accord to ensure the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections. The event was presided by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone

10, Sokoto, Mr. Bala Hassan and the state Police Commissioner, Mr Salisu Fagge. The political parties whose candidates signed the accord were: PDP, ID, PPN, UPP, Accord, ADC, Kowa, UPN, UDP, NNPP, CPP, PPA, APC, AD, PDM and ACPN. Hassan warned that the police would not hesitate to deal with any political party that tramples on the accord. He urged the politicians

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

nubu and Buhari in 2011 even when he had not been elected to the exalted position of vice-president.” Exhibiting his prowess as a renowned lawyer, Osinbajo wrote a pre-litigation letter demanding N2 billion damages and gave a seven-day ultimatum to FaniKayode, to apologise over his “defamatory statements” against him and also demanded an immediate retraction of the “offensive and derogatory” publication and an apology on four television channels and national newspapers. “Be advised that if we do not receive your formal retraction and apology and damages as demanded within seven days of receipt hereof, we shall proceed with our client’s instructions to seek appropriate legal remedies for your publication and dissemination of defamatory

to avoid all acts capable of endangering the political stability of the state and the country in general. The Police AIG also warned politicians to conduct issues-based campaigns, abide by the rules of the game, uphold the law and refrain from all acts that can inflame sentiments. In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Fagge, also promised that

the police would provide a level-playing ground for all the political parties to conduct their activities. The gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Senator Abdallah Wali, attended the event while his APC counterpart and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, was represented by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Sidi Aliyu.

he Benue State police command in conjunction with candidates of three political parties including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) contesting for various elective positions in the state have signed a peace accord to be of good conduct and ensure a violence-free general elections. Governorship candidates of the PDP, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor who was represented by his running mate, Mr. John Ngbede, his counterpart in the APC, Dr. Samuel Ortom and that of the Labour Party, Dr. William Iorwuese Ligom were also at the event. Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala, told the aspirants to caution their supporters against any outbreak of violence during the forthcoming general elections. Resident Electoral

Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Istifanus Dafwang, appealed to all political parties and their candidates contesting for elective offices to abide by the tenets of the peace accord. Dafwang stressed the need for stakeholders to cooperate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to avert violence. In his remarks before signing the peace pact, Ortom urged the police to always ensure justice and fairness to all candidates in the election, stressing that election is not a do-ordie affair. Ngbede promised to ensure that PDP members abide by the provisions of the peace accord. According to Ngbede, “wherever we belong or come from, we must talk and think of Benue since we are all one.” Other groups that witnessed the peace pact were: representatives of the Army, Navy, Air force, Civil Defence and other para military officers in the state.

The oath-taking showdown statements,” Osinbajo wrote, through his lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN). “The direct meaning, imputation, purport and/or innuendo or insinuation of the false, misleading and defamatory statements is that: “Osinbajo is deceitful. Essentially, you alleged that his motivation and pledge to serve as Vice-President of Nigeria is inconsistent with his avowed desire to serve this nation with Buhari, and work assiduously to deliver the benefits of his commitment, party and personal promises to the people,” the letter read. For Tinubu, the man at the centre of the row, the former Aviation Minister was only peddling falsehood against the APC, stating that, “Fani-Kayode is not as

smart as he thinks. If you read between the lines of his hysteria you see another extreme sentiment: that of surging desperation,” the APC National Leader said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare. “Yemi Osinbajo is fiercely independent. A brilliant mind of great character and a consummate reformer and legal crusader. You will not dare speak of him in this manner. The APC ticket is of people of great resolve. But because among your own crowd you have people who will willingly destroy not only our institutions and country you think so of others. “However, to the uninformed, there is no iota of truth in such allegation.

It is the product of the infantile, wild imagination of a convoluted, distorted and warped mind. In the APC, we do not indulge in oath-taking, pact-signing and such other rituals that the PDP establishment is adept at. Femi Fani Kayode cannot just leave Tinubu alone because they see him as their political nemesis. But Tinubu will not be their dart board.” As the March 28 presidential election inches closer, it is left to be seen who blinks first between the two leading parties. One thing is clear, the duo are at daggers drawn against each other, the curious question, however, is whether Nigerians are independently-minded to decipher truth from falsehood from both camps, only time will tell.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Imoke

Ogunsakin

Bassey

Otu

Imoke’s allegedly cook... was approached with N21 million to poison the governor

the goodwill of visitors to drive its economy, tourism being the flagship of the present administration. It is also important to remind politicians in the state that the governor, Imoke, deliberately steered the ship of state away from the era of political assassination which was the in-thing between 2003 and 2006, conscious of the fact that no tourist would want to be victim of political insanity in the course of visiting the state. The state government has also, in the last seven and above years, encouraged investors to come into the state with a promise that whatever investments made would be rewarded in return. This has led to the influx of companies like the General Electric, Wilmar Nig. Ltd., Songhai farms and the numerous companies operating at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the state. To make the state uncomfortable for these companies, whose presence has not only relieved the state of the status of “a civil service state,” but has also reduced the level of unemployment, is to say the least, most unfortunate. It is therefore, in the interest of all the parties and their candidates that the state continues to remain the hub of tourism with a conducive environment for investors to carry out their business without let or hindrance.

Cross River’s shattered peace Violence is gradually creeping into Cross River State, ahead of the general elections despite the peace accord politicians are committed to, writes CLEMENT JAMES

ecent events in Cross River State have called for, not just sober reflection, but a decision on patriotism. Until recently, the political landscape in the state was not only peaceful, it was serene and inviting. However, it seems that politics is beginning to shape the state negatively, giving rise to speculations that the state, often regarded as a tourism destination, is beginning to pander to negative tendencies which, from all intents and purposes, are emerging courtesy of politicians. In January this year, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of zone 6, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, committed all the political parties whose presence are felt in the state to what he called a “peace accord”. Unknown to the AIG, arms had already been ferried into the state, preparatory for the elections by politicians. So, the signing of the accord was, mildly speaking, a mere request which the actors were not really obligated to grant in practice. Before the arrival of the AIG in the state early this year, political activities had heightened such that an explosion had occurred at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) back in November 14 last year. The mere fact that an explosion occurred in the state was not only strange, it was a negative

novelty. Still in November last year, the deputy governor was waylaid at the cultural centre and his car dented by irate supporters of a particular senatorial aspirant. Although the peace accord was meant to ensure that security before, during and after elections is observed, it has become imperative to revisit the accord in view of recent developments. In January, the private home of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Larry Odey, was attacked by suspected hoodlums. As the issue was dying down, the state was jolted by the reported killing, suspected to be political, of the chief cook of Governor Liyel Imoke, simply identified as Sebastian in February. Still in February, there was an attempt on the life of a prominent politician, Chief Gershom Bassey, a Southern senatorial candidate of the PDP and close associate of the governor. Unfortunately, the Police have not come up with any trace of those involved in all of these unwholesome acts. What is being said, which has become a refrain, is that “investigation is ongoing.” First, it would be important to remind politicians in the state that Cross River has been designated as a tourism state. This being the case, it behoves on all to ensure that the peace that had pervaded the state is not only held in all its sanctity; it should be accorded top priority. Ultimately, every politician who is aspiring to represent the people of the state in whatever capacity, must know that so much resources, both in terms of human and material resources, have been committed into driving the tourism industry in the state over the years. With this in mind, it could be suicidal for any politician, no matter his/her standing, to drag the state into infamy, a situation that will not only scare away investors and tourists, but will leave the state’s economy in distress. It is needless reminding politicians that the state, at least at the moment, depends on

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The beginning of violence Until November last year, the PDP in the state was touted as a “family.” However, after its primaries, it emerged that some people, who felt aggrieved at the outcome, had to re-strategise to return to their positions. At the same time, those who had ambitions to contest for representative positions also found platforms which ordinarily should not generate ill-will. Alas, what started as a mere grievance is snowballing into violent craze for power. The theatre of war so far has been the Southern Senatorial District where two prominent politicians with perhaps equal war chest are

vying for the senatorial seat of the district. For Gershom Bassey of the PDP, his entry into the race might not be unconnected with the change in plan of giving the Northern Senatorial District the driver’s seat of the state, as he was originally pencilled down to be the next governor. At the primaries last year, which was keenly contested, Bassey had emerged winner above the senator representing the area, Prince Bassey Otu. Out of anger, Otu left the PDP and went for the Labour Party. He was not the only one who dumped the ruling party, but when he did, everybody knew the competition for the Senate seat in the south would be stiff. Few, if any, thought of the insanity that is being brought into the current campaign. Apart from having deep pockets, the two prominent campaigners have a large number of loyalists behind them. The implication of this is that should one candidate be found to be imputing violence into the election, the other candidate might call out his supporters for vengeance. This is why the security agents must wake up from their current slumber and nip political violence in the bud. Already, political thugs are turning their guns on innocent and law-abiding citizens, with crime rate climbing the chart. The story surrounding the killing of the governor’s cook, if it is true, smacks of political desperation rather than the desire for service. The unconfirmed story has it that Imoke’s cook, known as Sebastian, was approached with N21 million to poison the governor. His refusal got his unwanted visitors incensed and they, afraid that the cook might squeal, shot him dead. Again, this story is unconfirmed but the cook was actually shot and killed in his house without anything being taken away. Police and the emerging violence The constitutional duty of the Police is to ensure the protection CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Cracking cocaine crazy cranks

Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

e are really living in a strange world where technology is competing with madness and we give everything around us all attention, encouraging more forms of innovation , some creative, many rabid. Hard drugs must be seen for what they are, more evil than the devil, destroying God’s creation and re-inventing the beast in man. Opium is used by medics to reduce pain or send patients to sleep. Cocaine does almost the same thing. However, man has put them to more sinister use and we can all see the danger the world has fallen into. The way to die may not matter to the killer, for it is said that death is death. Some even believe that death knows no pain. The argument is that a few hours before the body dies, the soul goes away. I had an uncle who sounded so brave, that he made us believe there were no ghosts. This man was a very good story teller, who travelled a lot. He knew so much about seas and ships. But inspite of his bravado, I never heard him talk of fighting in Burma or Tobruk, like his peers. One day, we got talking about his escapades as a boy. He had gone to pluck pears in the middle of the night. Being in the village in those good old years, it was pitch black. As his luck carried him, he was shocked when he looked down and behold, there was a midget walking through a bush path. My uncle almost fainted at the sight. In the twinkle of an eye, there were cries from a house, a little far from where the tree stood. The pear plucker remembered that a certain boy was sick in the house from where the wailings came. As he threw himself to the ground, he ran home ,only to learn that the sickler had passed on.

The man’s story was that perhaps, the little being had come to pluck the boy’s soul, before life left him. This story is just to illustrate the fact that death may not be painful to the dying, even if the living feel their pains. Those of us who are alive will never fail to wonder what has gone into man in this modern world, that we have devised most brutal and inhuman forms of killing fellow human beings. I think I have an answer to this. Hard drugs have hardened the heart of men that they have no feelings any more. And technology has also helped to make madness part of a wider attraction. In the past, the world was a planet. Today it is a global village. What kind of human beings would so celebrate gory scenes depicting cutting of human head, setting people ablaze, asking men to dig their own graves, placing severed heads on the torso and abducting and using girls as sex slaves.? Marijuana may be seen as dangerous, but nothing compares to hard drugs. I speak from experience. No matter how high you are on Indian hemp, you still have some humanity in you. Those who run crazy after soaking igbo are actually little brains who do not have enough food in their system. No armed robber, emboldened by cannabis, can chop off a man’s head. It is possible to fire shots, stray bullets could also kill. The brutality associated with terror groups and killer gangs, is simply the power of cocaine or heroin. Liqour is miles away from hard drugs. It is said that the drunkard is all neck, no head, like the bottle. But even without his head, he would do no more than philandering and caterwauling. When fatality occurs, it is more out of Dutch courage than madness. And at the end, he is full of regret. The drug addict shows no remorse. He is ever ready to do more because the world looks so small. Globally, drug business is big business , yielding millions of dollars in inter continental transactions. In 2008, Mike Braun, a top official of the Amer-

ican Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, in an address delivered in Washington, said,” the UN estimates that the international drug trade generates 322 billion US dollars every year in revenue, making drugs by far, the most lucrative illicit activity.” Braun went beyond cocaine and opium to name another killer drug, Devil’s Breath.Hear him.” This drug has the power to eliminate free will and wipe out memory…Scopolamine or the Devil’s Breath comes from a tree common to South America. Since Scopolamine is ordourless and tasteless, it can be blown in the face of a passerby on the street and, within minutes, that person is under the drug’s effect, leaving you hopeless, with no free will, making you obey every order you are given.” South America is a fertile ground for the drugs trade. Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia rank high. Then you add Mexico up North. Barons buy in these areas at cheaper rates and resell in other climes, making huge profit. According to Braun, these are places “where it is possible to make a profit of one million dollars from 14 or 15 kilos of drugs, an amount that could be transported in a single suitcase.” The South Americans torment the world through cartels; like Sinaloa, Mexico’s largest or Medellin in Colombia. They also have Norte de Valle, Caballeros Templarios and La Familia Michoacana, among so many others. In Asia and Africa, money from drugs boosts terrorist groups. Taliban, Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram. While the South Americans use brutal force to instill fear, the Asians and Africans turn to gruesome murder to administer control. Was it Karl Marx that described religion as ‘opium of the masses’. Now , I can see why opium leads to mass murder in the name of religion. Maybe, in Nigeria, we should bring back the death penalty, to stem drug addiction. The way our cultists hack themselves to death, the manner of death we see in the North-East and the trail of blood Letting that continues to move around ,suggest that indeed the devil is breathing hard on some of us.

That Ash Wednesday demolition of Ajao Estate church Uchechukwu Emmanuel

read a story by Damola Jenfa concerning Lagos State Government’s explanation of the demolition of a Catholic Church’s fence in Ajao Estate. Ordinarily, Catholics resist throwing tantrums with anybody, more so government at this period of our Lenten season. But so that people do not get deceived, it is expedient to explain a few things so that the issue at stake would be more deeply understood. First is that people in government should know that in exercise of power, legal justice goes hand-in-hand with social or equitable justice and that there is a manner of exercise of rights that mirrors bad blood or cruelty in man. When government begins to bend the law in favour of a single individual, no matter how highly placed, to the detriment of over 3,000 persons, the rationality of any ensuing action becomes suspicious, even if covered by legal immunity, it is viewed as carried out on sheer impunity. Lagos State Government has in the past few years deliberately undermined the peace of Ajao Estate. Cutting through an estate with ma-

jor roads destroying the privacy and security of the estate without any regards for its residents is a little bit insensitive. The estate has only two access routes through which the government now funnelled traffic to and from Isolo and Ejigbo, making access to homes in the estate a nightmare and dangerous in emergency situations. Some of the roads were designated “one way” overnight by government fiat thereby making intra estate drive around an odium and creating a harvest farm for LASTMA officials. The estate has a high density of Okada and Keke Marwa operators, which turn narrow roads into illegal parks and most of the groups are headed by political party chieftains. To think that governments at both state and local levels would reclaim old roads and construct new ones in Mafoluku, Isolo and Ejigbo, all bordering Ajao Estate while neglecting the estate completely suggests a discomforting disposition of government. The only roads of interest are those that evacuate traffic from Isolo and Ejigbo. May be our loving governor is oblivious of the fact that the estate is inhabited by predominantly non-indigenes, those whose neglect appears to be patented by various state governments, those

who cannot speak the governance language and are only useful for tax extortion. This is the state of despair and hopelessness in which the government has left the residents of Ajao Estate. A little extra straw is therefore likely to break the camel’s back. One had thought that the government would have been more circumspect in manifesting an attitude that negatively affects the spiritual life of these residents by going to demolish the fence of their church. Religion is still the opium of the poor and the downtrodden. The church, I learnt, recognized long ago that the state government planned a passage road along the canal and allowed for it in its development by avoiding any permanent structure on the route. It is suspected that the government suddenly lost the courage and rationality with which it had pulled down all properties on the way at Baale Shekoni Street. This was when it came to an indigene who built a house on the road way by the canal. This house was built after over 25 years of existence of the church premises whose exit gate was facing the end of Johnson Umejei Close. Unless laws changed, such a house would have neither Certificate of Occupancy nor Plan approval to

justify its existence. The government then bent the law, rechanneling the road dangerously to avoid the house and felt more comfortable destroying the serenity of the Catholic Church where over 3,000 mostly non-indigene faithful worship their God. Perhaps the government is unaware that by its action, it desecrated the very character of a Catholic church – an internal private space both for disciplined car parking and for outdoor spiritual activities. For that very Catholic Church, the proposed new road plan undermines the safety of pedestrian worshippers as well as the traffic logistics for cars moving in and out for daily and Sunday services. Environmental impact assessment would have shown all these. The question that is making the round is whether the state government would have done the same to any property belonging to some other religious extractions, especially if certain language groups worshipped there. What made it more unbearable was that the government chose to do its demolition on Ash Wednesday, the start of a 40-day fasting and devotion period in the Catholic faith. • Uchechukwu Emmanuel is a Catholic in Ajao Estate.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

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Rescuing youths from ISIS

hat Nigeria faces security challenge is not an understatement just as the nation’s security agents deserve encouragement from the feat so far attained in the last few weeks to contain the ravaging Boko Haram in the north-east. For days now, no fewer than 28 communities formerly under the control of the dreaded Boko Haram have been liberated by the Nigerian troops. They include Gabchari, Abba Jabari, Gajigana, Gajiram, Damakar, Kumaliwa, Bosso, Wanti, Jeram and Karisungul. Others are Mubi North/South, Maiha, Michika, Shuwa, Wuro Gyambi, Gombi, Vimtim, Uba and Bazza (Adamawa); Mafa, Gamboru-Ngala, Malam-Fatori, Abadam, Marte, Monguno and Baga (Borno); Gujba and Gulani (Yobe). While the effort of President Goodluck Jonathan’s led government is yielding results, another terror group is making moves to recruit the nation’s youths through social media if the alarm by the Federal Government about a week ago is anything to go by. Would the nation’s troop be able to rise against the phenomenon of ISIS, whose penchant for propagating Islam is to shed

blood if it eventually penetrates the country’s territory through our porous boaders? This is food for thought as security reports had confirmed its planned infiltration. The Federal Government last week tasked parents to closely monitor their children’s activities as intelligence reports had revealed that the Islamic State of Iraq was in top gear recruiting Nigerian youths especially those studying abroad. ISIS’ targets are the children of the rich, including hundreds of unemployed youths roaming the streets. On February 26, the Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr Mike Omeri said in a briefing on security situation in the country, that the call became imperative based on intelligence report at government’s disposal. Specifically, Omeri said “the Centre wishes to alert the nation of intelligence reports indicating the radicalisation of our youths through the social media and a variety of other sources. “The reports show that these youths who are mostly children of the rich and affluent are being recruited into ISIS. “We, therefore, call on parents and guardians, especially those whose wards are schooling abroad, to closely monitor the activities of these students who may

be susceptible to the antics of the promoters of the ISIS ideology”. But while the nation’s troops are battling with the Boko Haram insurgents, the government must not lose sleep so as to begin to work on strategies to ensure that Nigerian lives must not again be put in the hands of another terror group. One of the ways to ward off ISIS’ influence on Nigerians teeming youths is for the government to be alive to its responsibilitiesto make employment its priority as there would be minimal negative influence on them when the youths are engaged. Unemployment is a major factor that is capable of luring the youths to crime. Rather than abate, unemployment rate in the last couple of years has continued to rise despite efforts by successive governments to nip the trend in the bud. For instance, a report by the National Bureau of Statistics says unemployment rate which stood at 5.30 per cent in 2006 averaged 14.60 per cent between 2006 and 2009. This, it says increased from 21.10 per cent in 2010 to 23.90 per cent in 2011. It is sad that none of the successive government had been able to ensure that proper mechanisms are in place with a view to securing partnership with the private

sector by absorbing the turnover of young graduates being thrown into the labour market yearly. This was also supported by the Nigerian Institute of Social Economic Research in its 2013 report that graduates from tertiary institutions make up about 20 per cent of youth unemployment in the country today. How does the nation therefore rescue the youths from ISIS’ radicalization if youth unemployment is on the rise? And if this is not properly addressed, this could be the basis for recruitment of our youths into this terror group ravaging the world today. Although in one of his speeches, President Goodluck Jonathan said his government has in the last three to four years created 1.4 million jobs yearly, this is still being seen as a drop in the ocean compared with hundreds of youths roaming the streets looking for employment. Delay by the government to act on intelligence report, corruption, inadequate information and data on unemployment gave birth to the Boko Haram phenomenon in the country. Therefore, if the youths must be rescued from ISIS’ recruitment, the Federal Government must swiftly address the syndrome of unemployment from now.

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Politics

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of lives and property. To do this effectively, the Police have been mandated to sniff around and possibly prevent crime from taking place. In the event that it actually takes place, the Police have a duty to go after the culprits. Unfortunately in Cross River State, the Police seem to be helpless in the face of escalating political killings. Months after the bomb blast at the PDP secretariat in November, the Police has neither reported success nor informed the public of its failure. For a state to record a blast for the first time and the entire

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Cross River’s shattered peace place is calm smacks of inefficiency. Even when the number two citizen of the state, Mr. Efiok Cobham was waylaid last year by some hoodlums and the windscreen of his car smashed, the Police are still as silent as if nothing happened. The reported case of the attack on the private home of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly is still under investigation and nobody has been arrested. While not blaming the

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Police of inefficiency, one must wonder whether the entire state is safe with the level of silence from the security agents

so far. As one incident is happening, the Police in the state is saying nothing (and perhaps doing nothing) until another incident overtakes the former. Something must be done to save the people from the rampaging touts who parade as politicians. It is therefore, good news that the AIG zone 6, having discovered that large amount of arms have been brought into the state, has given a “stop and search” order in an effort to recover

some arms. But beyond the stop and search order, the security agents must be proactive in carrying out their duty and nobody must be spared in this renewed fight against elements whose ambitions are tied to violence. In the alleged assassination attempt on Bassey, the PDP and LP have been locked in perpetual altercation over the matter. Soon after the attempt, the PDP called on the Police to fish out the culprits, insinuating

that the attempt was political. The State Chairman of PDP, Ntufam John Okon, said that: “We have been campaigning in every nook and cranny of the state, appealing to the electorate to vote for our candidates while the Labour Party has been going about intimidating our members. We have kept the peace and Labour Party must not take our caution as weakness. “We believe that anybody who is popular should go into the field and convince the electorate to vote for him. Any party that is popular should work hard for its candidate. Introducing violence in the state politics, which is strange, will neither be tolerated by the party nor accepted by the government.” However, the state chairman of the LP, Mr. Austin Ibok, said the PDP should look inward on the assassination attempt. According to Ibok, “We are reliably informed that during the alleged shooting at Gershom Bassey’s house, a (Police) riffle was taken away from one of his security men. Today, we understand that rifle was returned after negotiation with one of Bassey’s aides. The politician, who is also from the same political ward with Gershom Bassey, allegedly negotiated with militants who, we are reliably informed, seized the riffle. How did PDP identify the gunmen to negotiate with? We demand the PDP and Gershom Bassey to tell the people of Cross River State their role in the insecurity of this state.” For a start, the Police must inform the public on efforts made so far in unravelling recent political violence in the state. This will reassure the public that the March 28 and April 11 general elections will be secure enough for people to go out and vote. There has been concern about voter apathy in the state and the current situation might just complicate the matter. The security agencies must show determination in making the polling units safe for voters by finding out those who have been behind recent violence in the state. This is the least the public expects from the security operatives. The current state of terror must not be allowed to continue and security agencies must stand up to be counted.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Culture

Arts

espite the attention and appreciation the visual art sub-sector is generating, the practitioners (the artists) need to do more than they have done so far, like their colleagues in Nollywwod have done, to attract attention and expected support from government. This is the position of awardewinning artist, Aimufia Osagie. “If you want to succeed in anything thing you do in life you have to work hard at it. People who are making it big in art today are people who went through tough times but persevered, and were determined to succeed. These are the people who are enjoying today. So, it is just like everything in life. Life is not a bed of roses; but you can really get what you want. “I share the same view that we need an endowment fund for the art. But again, I am of the opinion that even if you want to get government attention, you have to prepare the ground for them to come in. What Nollywood has done, as far as I am concerned, is that they attracted what they are enjoying today from the government. The question is, have we done what they have done? “As visual artists, let’s ask ourselves that question. Have we really done what the Nollywood people have done? Have we really done what the musicians have done? Have we done it? How many times have we really organised ourselves as artists to do things that government will see or participate in current issues, political issues? Do we really do things like that? Like what we hear, musicians will sing about current issues; they talk to government through their music. The actors would do the same thing; they do movies that reflect what is happening in the society, that promote our culture, and all that,” said Osagie, who few weeks after his last exhibition, a two-man show, returned to the exhibition space with a salon which held at Mydrym Gallery, Lagos. According to him, a lot has changed over the years. “Art has a lot of prospect now; it is very encouraging now. More and more people are coming into arts; even the galleries, art dealers can testify to the fact that art is, somehow, like a money-spinning machine now. More and more people are going into this business, even the artists are bet-

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

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CULTURE

Why we must work together to promote visual art, by Osagie Aimufia Osagie is a multi-media artist who loves to experiment with techniques. He recently had a salon at Mydrym gallery, Ikoyi Lagos, last weekend. In this interview with TONY OKUYEME, he talks about his career as an artist in the past 22 years, state of the visual art sector in Nigeria, why believes that the artists have not done enough to attract government support.

ter for it. It has really changed our lives, giving us a lot of opportunities. Unlike what it used to be, where most people who studied art end up in the classrooms. But today, more and more artists are engaged in studio works because of the prospects and the things we enjoy about art today. So art has really improved in Leaps and bounds, unlike what it used to be. The salon, he explained is an opportunity for people to see some of the phases in his art career that has lasted for over two decades, his experiments with variety in art materials, subject matter, techniques and styles. “I did not choose to be an artist; rather my passion for creative endeavours located me. I sincerely hope that the ideas and colours my works portray will be a source of inspiration, rejuvenation and health to many, including those who may incidentally suffer psychosomatic debilities. The highly receptive nature of my mind enables me to draw inspiration from almost everywhere for example, life experiences, thoughts and conversations. I thoughtfully choose themes that address issues concerning moral, political, socio-economic, spiritual and other positive aspects of life. I am

Some of Osagie’s works on display at the salon

a multimedia artist and i work with a fairly wide range of media which includes oils, pastel, charcoal, water colour, gouache to mention a few. I personally find these media very pliant to work with using knife, brush, rollers and even my bare hands. In my quest for creativity, i enjoy doing things differently which leads to a lot of experimentations and i sometimes venture into mixed media. I apply particles of saw dust over the surface of my canvas to give it a tactile quality which helps to holds the pigments together and promote the longevity of my works,” he said, noting that as an artist, he has been working professionally for about 22 years, and that he has gone through CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Osagie

Arts

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ugbomah rallies Delta artistes, musicians to support Okowa Tony Okuyeme

he pioneer and doyen of Entertainment Industry in Nigeria, Chief Eddie Ugbomah (OON) is set to lead a 50-man star studded Nollywood stars and musicians to give their support to Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s gubernatorial bid. Some of these men are the brains behind the growth of the Nollywood from celluloid to Digital Movies. They are Emeka Ossai, Francis Onwuchie, Ralph Nwadike, Stella Ajudua, Agnes Molokwu, Christy Okonkwo etc, this group will join President Goodluck Jonathan to tour Nigeria House to House campaign, Ugbomah said in a statement. “These Delta stars and stakeholders are committed to the growth and development of the industry. As soon as Okowa wins the Governorship of Delta, a new modern Entertainment Academy will be setup where students will all be on scholarship, train, make Tele-movies, Soaps, TV series, Documentaries and Movies. They will be self-providing with the fish farm, farms and sell their productions create jobs for the youth, and nobody will go out to the labour market. This is because Okowa who has step-down before for peace is now the right person to lead Delta beyond Oil. All these Nollywood have their PVC and will encourage Deltans to vote Okowa.”

Ossai

Adelugba: Remniscences on a distinguished life Tony Okuyeme

Ugbomah

Daniel steps out with Arise Nigeria Tony Okuyeme

er name is Uduak, and it is a name that means “Resolve” from Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Uduak is a contemporary gospel musician. Call her an enigmatic song writer and a mesmerizing performer, and you won’t be wrong. Her extraordinary versatility positions her as an “eclectic” brand in the music world. Since 2006 when Uduak Daniel released her second album The Father’s Heart, the Nigerian gospel music world has been waiting for her to release a third major album. In 2010 she released three singles from her soon to be released album Uduak Daniel, which will be released in April, 2015. Now she is back with the release of a brand new single entitled Arise Nigeria, which was originally a track in The Father’s Heart, as a tribute to the country. Her life and music are influenced by her crusading passion for souls. She deliberately and artfully weaves the gospel into her music. And what you see is a creative blend of the pulsating African rhythm and the classic flavor of soul: a marriage of inter-continental “tangs” of tunes. Arise Nigeria is a mid-tempo song written, produced, and performed by Uduak. Unlike the first rendition which was a ballad, this is a simple, contagiously cheery

song with a strong pop and jazzy touch. The simple, folksy, friendliness of the song elevates your mood and makes you want to sing along as well as dance. A listen to the lyrics and you know this is God talking to His loved ones. Uduak believes in the spirituality of music and the liberating power of “new songs”. Hear her: “The word is my life. Music is my driving passion”. When she sings, what hits you is more than a song. You might want to dance, reflect or just walk away happy with a lingering pleasure of a “Jazzy” encounter. Uduak is also a development practitioner, researcher, public speaker and author. For over 20 years Uduak and her husband have been co-labourers in the Lord’s vine yard. He preaches the word and she sings the word. These c o m b i n e d Daniel ‘giftings’ in these two vessels have been a blessing to them as a couple and many in this generation. Here’s what a close friend has to say about her: “If you want Uduak to get in her elements, put her close to a

microphone and if you want your heart to explode, then put her on the stage.” Today, Uduak is poised to release her third album, a package that is loaded with melody, inspiration and power.

ormer students, mentees, associates and admirers of the late erudite theatre director and scholar, Professor Adelugba, will be staging a Seminar in his memory. Adelugba (aka “Uncle D/Baba D”) passed on at the age of 75 on November 23, 2014. Aside beinga distinguished theatre teacher and practitioner he was also a ‘father’ and mentor to many practitioners and scholars across disciplines in the humanities in the country today. The event which on the theme, “Dapo Adelugba: Remniscences on a Distinguished Life” is to coincide with his 76th birthday on Monday March 9, 2015. It will hold at Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, from 11 am to 2 pm. A released by the organisers stated that speakers at the event include: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni; writer, English lecturer, University of Lagos, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo; poet, literature activist, Odia Ofeimun; the CEO Zmirage Multimedia Company, Alhaji Wasee Kareem, President Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) and Lecturer University of Maiduguri, Prof. Sunday Ododo; playwright, director, culture communicator, Ben Tomoloju; theatre artiste, CEO, Angels Communications, Longley Evru; Ex- President, National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). The event is coordinated by the Dapo Adelugba

Group and UI Theatre Arts Alumni under the leadership of Prof. Duro Oni. Born on March 9, 1939, Adelugba studied English at the University College, Ibadan. While at the university, apart from taking part in a lot of productions such as Wole Soyinka’s Swamp Dwellers, where he acted as the Blindman, he was president of University College, Ibadan Dramatic Society, where he adapted Moliere’s ‘Les Fourberies de Scapin’ (The Trickeries of Scapin) to ‘That Scoundrel Suberu’. In 1964, he submitted his Master’s degree dissertation at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he wrote on Nationalism and the Irish Theatre. He later joined the teaching services of the University of Ibadan, where he retired in 2004. He spent his last teaching years as emeritus professor at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from where he finally retired about three years ago.

The late Adelugba

Arts 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Poetry, performance for The Crazy Nigerian Ebere Ameh

aving participated in a number of book readings, one has come to know that while most of them are just about the author reading excerpts from their book and a couple of entertainers helping to keep the audience happy, Tonwa Anthony wowed his audience with his electrifying dance steps during the reading of his book The Crazy Nigerian. At the request of his audience, Crazy Nigerian, as he is now fondly called, danced and somersaulted to Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and other songs from his book from back in the days. Could it be youthful exuberance, happiness at the public reading of his first book or just being a ‘crazy Nigerian’? “The request for me to dance came from the audience,” he said. “They made reference to a chapter in my book where I wrote I was unable to show off my dancing skills during a variety show in secondary school because I came down with malaria. My impromptu performance was therefore a chance to seize the opportunity I once lost.” Having been a writer, a blogger for the past five years, Anthony decided to publish his first book, The crazy Nigerian – a chronicle of his funny experiences, especially at the UK, where he spent ten years studying and working before relocating back to Nigeria. “The Crazy Nigerian is my first publishing attempt. The book is basically about my experiences growing up and especially, while studying abroad. It’s about all the different trials and tribulations and amusing experiences I encountered before coming back. The cold weather; relating with white people, a couple of whom are actually racists; losing my hair and so on, are part of what informed the writing of the book. I spent a total of about ten years - four years in the university and six years working in financial institutions. “Apart from the cold weather, it was a complete culture shock because the mentality is quite different there compared to Nigeria. As far as you pay for your bills, all the social amenities are available and working. With a superb standard of education, no strikes by lecturers, things are a lot better there than here.” Despite having acclimatied to the weather, the people and the environment, and having all the amenities working unlike in Nigeria, why did Anthony still came back to live and struggle in his country? “Nigeria is home. I want to settle in my country and start my family here in Nigeria. I can always go to the UK if I want. Nigeria has so much potential and just as the Americans will talk about the American dream, I’m here to live the Nigerian dream – free of any corruption, free of 419 and all that. Free of corruption and 419? Will it ever happen in our lifetime? “It will happen and it starts with you

Anthony

and I getting our Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs),” Anthony said. “We need to start exercising our rights and not just sitting at home and twitting about what is happening. Let’s get involved. We don’t need any violence. See what happened in Syria, Libya and some other countries? It shows that violence does not achieve anything. What I am more interested in is having a free, fair and credible election. I’m a religious person and I believe God is also overseeing everything. At the end of the day, the person He wants, wins.” Talking about the title of his book, Anthony said he did not mean ‘crazy’ in its strict sense. He just wanted a catchy word that would draw attention to the book. “Crazy also means eccentric and that’s the angle I’m looking at. I’m an eccentric character. I’ve always been a story teller. A lot of people encouraged me to write and I started a blog. I tried to get a catchy title that will draw people to it. Though I came up with ten titles, I asked my fans to choose and they came up with ‘The Crazy Nigerian’ and that suits it perfectly. If you read the book you’ll prob-

ably understand why.” Aware of the hurdles of publishing in Nigeria, Anthony decided to go for self-publishing. The result is a book that its neatness and perfect finishing beckons on all to pick and read. “I published it in the UK because I saw an opportunity of self-publishing. In self-publishing, you just pay a small investment and they take care of everything – printing; ISBN, authenticating the originality of the book; promotion of the book on different social media, etcetera. We haven’t got a self-publishing facility in Nigeria. If I had to do it in Nigeria, I would have had to write to all the publishers with the hope that they will publish it, and there is no guarantee that they will read the book and want to publish it. Selfpublishing is what I used to get this platform and I encourage other up and coming authors, who have not yet established, to use that avenue. They don’t have to travel, I did everything online. It was as if I were sitting with my consultant in an office.” Though it is more or less an autobiography of a young adult, Anthony says the book can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages.

“I think the content is good enough for everyone. It’s not offensive; it’s in good English, although I was thinking should I publish a sequel, the same thing in Pidgin English? I want to promote it in schools. I want children to get confident with their reading and writing skills and home-grown talents promoted in schools too.” Despite the ‘crazy’ title and the amusing nature of the content, Anthony always had a way around his eccentric experiences and gives his unique perspective, something like morals towards the end of every chapter, making the book a must read for students who are still groping, almost drowning in similar ‘crazy’ experiences. Although Anthony is from a family of writers, he is the only published author in his family. He wants to continue writing until he has nothing more to say and become a motivation to his family members and the youths. “My dad and everyone write, we are a family of good writers but none has gone to the extent of publishing. I am the motivation to them now. I want to continue writing until I have nothing else to say. But right now, I have so much to say and I know I will always have,” the crazy Nigerian enthused. Relaxed by the spoken words performance by Kenneth and the musical interlude by Nathan, the audience was happy and laughed intermittently at the ‘crazy’ excerpts from The Crazy Nigerian. They participated actively and were cool with the response to the questions about his book, his inspiration, writing generally, and so much more, with his dance.

Why we must work together to promote visual art CO NTINUED FRO M PAG E 21

different periods over these years of his career.” A product of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, a multiple award winner, the recipient of the overall best student in the school of Art and Design, 1993 class, Osagie noted that at this point,

he just decided to put some of his works together for people to come and see, appreciate and probably buy some. “That is why I decided to hold this salon. If you go round you will see works that I have done over a period of this past 22 years; works that represent different periods of my career. There were times I was being fascinated by landscapes,

I was doing a lot of landscapes; there was a particular time I was doing floral paintings. I did a lot of floral paintings during that period, and I used to do a lot of water colours. Even, some of my colleagues still see me as a water colourist. “These are just the different periods. Currently, I do a lot of oils, and I also do a few acrylic works. And, most of my works

are stylised. I think what I am doing presently is tending towards what a lot of people will call abstract expressionism, or what I call stylised expressionism. I break my forms, I dematerialise it. And that is what I call it; they are stylised, they are not realism, and they are not abstractionism. in this salon. I have about 35 works on display in this salon.”

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Stories by Andrew Iro Okungbowa

or Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Incorporation, one of the leading international hotel brands with presence in Nigeria, 2014 was a glorious year with the hotel enjoying increasing growth finishing the year with over 74 new openings across all its nine brands. And for 2015, a global performance projection released by it shows its hopes are high as it looks forward to more successes. According to the report, Starwood 74 new hotels, which makes for fifth straight year increasing growth, added 15, 000 rooms to its holdings in 26 countries while it also signed 175 new hotel management and franchise agreements in 2014, a 15% increase over 2013 and most deals recorded since 2007. Given this, Starwood projected another year of solid growth in both mature and emerging markets in 2015, predicated on new openings and high-quality deal signings. The president and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood, Frits van Paasschen, boasts that the the group is leading a global change, “with more than 1,200 hotels in 100 countries, we’re on the frontlines of global change and continue to see increasing demand for innovative, design-led brands, playing to Starwood’s strength,” adding that, “our nine lifestyle brands continue to attract owners as does our loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), which brings high-value guests to our hotels from around the world, driving more than half of our occupancy on any given night.” Continuing, the projection for 2015 include 300th hotel in Asia Pacific and China; 150th hotel in China (with all nine brands represented); 90th hotel in Africa and the Middle East; 175th Luxury hotel; 750th Upper Upscale hotel; and 300th Mid-Market hotel. Starwood expects to expanding its leading role in the luxury market with its luxury collections – St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W brands – building on its

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Starwood celebrates success, aims for the high in 2015

•To open Four Point By Sheraton Ikot Ekpene base of more than 170 of the world’s most beautiful and iconic hotel experiences, looks to open more than 25 luxury hotels over the next two years adding to the 12 new luxury hotels which debuted last year. In 2014, W Bogota marked the brand’s entry into Colombia, while The Luxury Collection brand added seven new hotels to its portfolio including La Posada de Santa Fe in New Mexico, Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan and The Castle Hotel in Dalian, China. In 2015, Starwood is on track to add more than 10 luxury hotels to its portfolio, including St. Regis hotels in Istanbul, Macao, Dubai and Mumbai, The Luxury Collection properties in Nanjing, China; San Antonio, Texas; and Broumana, Lebanon, and W openings in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Goa, India. In the upper upscale market, Starwood opened 27 hotels across its Sheraton, Le Méridien and Westin brands in2014 with over 150 under active development. The Sheraton brand is said to be on track to open its 500th hotel in 2016, thereby maintain its role as a growth leader for Starwood and pave the way for the further development of all of Starwood’s brands in fast growing markets. This year, the brand will debut in Samoa and Romania and re-enter Iraq, following last year’s launch in Tajikistan. Sheraton accounts for nearly 40% of all Starwood hotels in Asia Pacific and is leading Starwood’s growth in Africa, where the brand will open six more hotels by 2018. While the Le Méridien brand opened in Chicago – Oakbrook, Bahrain, and Bangkok in 2014, and signed 18 new deals, this momentum is expected to continue this year as the brand will open more new hotels than in any other year since Starwood acquired

Four Point By Sheraton Ikot Ekpene

Le Méridien in 2005. The brand continues to expand in established markets primarily through conversions, while also extending its reach in emerging markets, with openings planned for India, Bangladesh and Bhutan this year. Westin opened its 200th hotel worldwide in 2014 and demand continues to rise driven in part by the phenomenal success of its distinctive wellness positioning. In 2015, Westin will open its 125th hotel in North America and its 50th hotel in Asia. The brand will also debut in Qatar with the opening of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa – the brand’s fourth hotel in the Middle East. Coming to the mid – market, Starwood’s dominance continues as it recorded 35 openings and 100 new deals in

Rwanda hits 1.17 million visitors mark

wanda tourism has hit the over one million mark as international tourists receipts for the period between July 2013 and June 2014 got up to 1.17 million compared to the 1.14 million recorded for the same period previously. Its revenue also got a boost as it recorded a three percent increase from its previous record, which translate from $293m in 2013 to $303m in 2014, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced. RDB aims to hit $860m mark by 2016. However, experts warn that the target is too ambitious and may not be attained due to different shortfalls, especially in the quality of services. “When you look at Rwanda’s tourism growth in a regional perspective, a lot needs to be done,” said Joseph Pond, a lecturer at Rwanda Tourism

University. “There should be more efforts in improving services in different sectors of this country.” Opondo said this is because Rwanda has a few tourism institutions that cannot produce professionals. But RDB says a number of initiatives such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences (MICE), new tourism products including religious tourism, caves tourism in Rwanda’s Northern Province, are vital tools for increasing tourism revenues. The country is also investing in tourism marketing on the regional and international level, with liaison offices in various countries. To push the sector growth, since 2013, nationals of all African countries travelling to or transiting through Rwanda are issued entry visa upon arrival at any Rwandan entry point.

2014 across the Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element brands, translating to 40% of Starwood’s global growth pipeline and will comprise nearly half of the company’s new hotel openings in 2015, amid rising demand for strong global brands at an affordable price point in both major metro and secondary markets around the world. Four Points by Sheraton signed 50 new hotel deals in 2014, the most in company history, and will surpass 200 hotels in 2015, with more than 25 planned hotel openings this year. The ‘best for business’ Four Points brand boasts Starwood’s second largest and fastest growing development pipeline, fueled by its widespread, global appeal to guests and flexible development options. In Nigeria Four Point By Sheraton Ikot Ekpene is ex-

pected to open later this month. Aloft Hotels signed 31 new deals in 2014, the most signings in one year since 2008. Designed for the next generation of travellers, Aloft will cross the 100th hotel milestone in 2015 and expand its portfolio in Greater China to 10 hotels by year end. Aloft will also enter numerous new markets this year, including Munich and Stuttgart in Germany. Starwood’s eco brand, Element Hotels, signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017. On the heels of opening its first hotel outside of North America in Frankfurt, Germany, Element will open its first hotel in China in 2015 followed by new hotels in London, Amsterdam, Boston and Philadelphia, signifying the global appeal of this brand.

Sheraton Abuja Hotel hosts UPIN, screens Selma S

heraton Abuja recently made a new stride as it played host to the screening of a movie – Selma as over 1, 000 guests converged on Ladi Kwali Conference Centre of the hotel to savour the historic moment. The organisers and promoters of the movie screenings in Nigeria, Bishop and Rev. Bob Alonge, collaborated with the hotel through the United for Peace in Nigeria (UPIN) Movement to bring to the Abuja community the non-violent movement of the life and times of America’s foremost civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. The Selma event commenced with a red carpet reception and a second screening with symbolic

UPIN sign up for peace. It also featured a grand raffle draw initiated by representatives of the management of Sheraton Abuja Hotel with the two winners to be treated to either a weekend for two, a dinner for two or swimming for two. The general manager of the hotel, who was represented by the deputy general manager, Mr. Emad Rizk, said: “We are proud to collaborate with this generic initiative, a worthy cause which puts Nigeria in the hall of fame of greatness. Sheraton Abuja Hotel is a landmark hotel that has often historically hosted many of such classical events and we are happy to be a part of this for the good of the nation.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Music

Deal

Sony Music posts seven hits in week nine delivery

Why we disrupted MI’s show — Quilox

Entertainment Stories by Sony Neme

he 2015 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) holds on Saturday, March 7, at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, as public voting ended February 28. The event is expected to be aired live on all Africa Magic channels on GOtv and DStv at 17:00 CAT. Now in its third edition, the AMVCAs are bigger and better as over 2000 entries from across Africa were received, thereby making it very competitive. Expectedly, all eyes will also be on who will be going home with the cash prizes of the night, courtesy of Amstel Malta, to winners of the Best Actor (Drama), Best Actress (Drama) and Best Movie (Comedy) as well as Best Overall Movie. One of Nigeria’s leading actresses, Rita Dominic, is in contention for the Amstel Malta deal. Her manager cum producer, Mildred Okwu while chatting with New Telegraph on Tuesday, enthused that, “Rita is nominated for two AMVCAs: Best Actress in Comedy and Best Actress in Drama categories. That is a huge feat.” According to AMVCAs organisers, “The stage is set, the statuettes are polished, and the red carpet ready for Africa’s biggest movie night as the AMVCAs ceremony is around the corner. And to ensure their favourite stars scoop an award, MultiChoice had urged subscribers to vote before the closing date. The Mavin crew headed by Don Jazzy will be on hand to delight the audiences with hit songs and top notch choreography. Our hosts IK Osakioduwa and Vimba Mutinhiri, with two years hosting the show together under their belt, we know we can only expect the best from the amazing duo.” As a prelude to the third edition of the prestigious awards, Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of world class entertainment, treated nominees to a classy lunch date in Lagos last week

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ready to roll

Mutinhiri

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “As we celebrate the nominees today, we also acknowledge the impact that the awards have had on African film and television production. MultiChoice continues to celebrate African talent, and the continued success of the AMVCAs further showcases our commitment to recognising the amazing skills that exist in the ever-growing African entertainment industry.” Also expressing excitement for being part of the AMVCAs, the Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Edem Vindah said they are excited to once again partner with Africa Magic in celebrating the best of African entertainment content. While wishing the nominees the best of luck at the awards, the Regional Director, M-Net (West) Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “In just a short time, the AMVCAs have become the continental celebration of film and TV talent across the continent; and the acceptance and appreciation of the awards show and the amazing transformations taking place in the African film and TV industry. As we approach the third edition of the awards, we celebrate the talents that have driven the growth of the African film and TV industry to what it is today. Africa Magic celebrates these

As we celebrate the nominees today, we also acknowledge the impact that the awards have had on African film and television production

talents not just today, or at the awards but always.” The brunch, which held at the Ball Room of the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, was in association with MultiChoice and lead sponsors Amstel Malta and also saw the unveiling of a special AMVCA edition of Nigeria’s leading fashion and style magazine, Mania. It was an afternoon of celebration, glitz and glamour as the brunch which was hosted by popular on-air personality and presenter of 53 Extra, Ozzy Agu, began with a red carpet event and had in attendance a number of popular Nollywood talents nominated in several categories at this year’s AMVCAs. Guests at the event included several AList stars like OC Ukeje, Iretiola Doyle, Segun Arinze, Joke Silva, Linda Ejiofor and many others. For Isabella Akinseye of AMVCAs, some of the reasons viewers who could not make it to should stay glue to their channels as the night promises to be an unforgettable experience. Akinseye promised viewers to among others, “Expect everything and anything on the 2015 AMVCA red carpet. From tuxedos to traditional wear, find out who hits the mark and who forgot to look at the mirror before stepping out; last year, we had a mixed bag when it came to the speeches and we wonder if this year will be different.”

Nadia Buari delivers twins

hanaian actress, Nadia Buari, who has been absent from the entertainment scene for some time now, is now a mother. She was delivered of two baby girls penultimate week. The delivery probably explains her break from the movie and the media scene. The confirmation reportedly came from the father of the actress Alhaji Sidiku Buari, who confirmed the news to Myjoyonline.com Monday morning. He said, “It’s true. She brought forth twins alright, that is true. I’m confirming (the information) as the father.” Alhaji Buari also disclosed that she gave birth outside the country but won’t disclose where. It’s unclear who the father of the babies is but the actress has for some time now been linked to Nigeria’s ‘Bad boy’ Nollywood actor Jim Iyke. After years, of speculations, Jim Iyke had proposed to Nadia Buari in March last year. The actor proposed to the actress on one of the editions of his hit reality show, Jim Iyke Unscripted. Jim proposed with a six-carat-diamond ring while having dinner with Nadia, who didn’t hesitate to say “Yes”.

On the road again 2015 tour with Johnny Apple

ig Concerts, organisers of the ‘On The Road Again 2014 Tour’ has confirmed that South Africa’s Got Talent winner Johnny Apple will support the world’s biggest band, One Direction, on all three of their South African tour dates. The concert commences from March 28, March 29 at FNB Stadium with limited tickets available from computicket, and April 1 at Cape Town Stadium where the ticket are sold out.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Meghan Trainor in record breaking tittle Stories by Sony Neme

pic records global superstar Meghan Trainor explodes to number one on the billboard top 200 with her critically acclaimed debut album title and takes over the top spot on 67charts around the world. The music composed by Kevin Kadish and Meghan Trainor, was published by Year of the Dog Music, Big Yellow Dog, LLC, OverThought Under-Appreciated Songs, and Sony/ATV Allegro. With first week sales of 237,511 units in total music consumption (albums, singles, streaming), Title , containing her megahit ‘All About That Bass’ ranks as the biggest-selling debut for a female artist’s first full-length album in more than five years; and the biggest-selling debut for a solo artist’s first full-length album in more than three years. Meghan’s career-defining single ‘All About That Bass’ has been nominated for record of the year and song of the year at the 55th annual GRAMMY Awards. Title has dominated iTunes overall and pop album charts in the U.S. at number since its release on January 13, with number peaks reported from 67 countries worldwide. An excited Chairman and CEO, Epic Records, Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, captured it this way, “ In the year that I have known and worked with Meghan, I’ve been consistently amazed at the depth of her talent, and the incredible craft that she displays in her songwriting and effervescent performances. The success of her epic debut album title should come as no surprise. Meghan has

Meghan Trainor

tapped into a positive, infectious groove that cuts across just about every genre that exists in music today.” Early critical reaction to title was unanimously positive, with Rolling Stone magazine hailing Meghan’s ‘Sass and self-empowerment,’ and People proclaiming, ‘She’s an IT girl with staying power.’ The New York Times profiled Meghan with references to Amy Winehouse, Adele and Iggy Azalea; while Entertainment Weekly awarded the title album an A, declaring, ‘Right

Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol 5 premieres N igeria’s telecommunications company, Etisalat has again restated its commitment to continuous encouragement and empowerment of Nigerian youths. That is in their bid to help them achieve their dreams through various platforms like music. The event began airing on Sunday. The company made the promise at the premiere of the season five of one of Nigeria’s prestigious music talent hunt show, Nigerian Idol, held at Oriental hotel, Lagos, Wednesday, February 25. This season, the winner of Nigerian Idol will be rewarded with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal with Universal Music Company worth N7.5 million amongst other prizes. Head Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani disclosed that Etisalat was proud to be associated with the Nigerian Idol, describing it as a platform that affords youths the chance to ex-

press themselves through music and take their dreams to the next level. She also revealed that Etisalat has put in place an interesting show for viewers and audience this season. According to Thani, “As a brand, we consider the youths as a critical audience and we are passionate about what drives them. This year’s edition promises to be one of the best shows ever, because we have put so much in place to give the audience and viewers an all-round exciting experience. This season, we will be giving away premium prizes not just to the winner, but also to the runners-up and others in the top 10 positions.” Etisalat Nigeria has been sponsors of Nigerian Idol for four seasons and has left no stone unturned in making this year’s competition exciting; from the prizes to be won to packaging and presentation that assures the public of an all-exciting television reality show.

Her effort stands out as the biggestselling debut for a female artist’s first full-length album in over five years!

now, no pop star is better than this 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer at playing the sassy best friend.’ Billboard summed up thus: ‘You can’t miss this young artist’s skill with melodic and rhythmic hooks… along with her fluid, flexible voice.’ Title is buoyed by ‘All About That Bass,’ Meghan’s phenomenal two-time GRAMMY®nominated debut single, which spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard hot 100, and has been certified 6-times RIAA

Van Vicker hale and hearty

Vicker

opular Gollywood/Nollywood actor Van Vicker has denied a report that he was involved in a terrible accident Sunday morning on his way to church. The post, which was shared on social media with the picture above, read: “There is a post on an impostor’s page that I had an accident this morning on my way to the church., and that I might die from bleeding. It is a rumour and a stunt to drive traffic to that page. I am well and in great health, Jehovah dey by my side. Stay Eaasy,” Van Vicker The worrisome development was a repeat of November 3, 2013, episode as same sto-

ry on the Ghanaian Actor Van Vicker came with a screamer: Involved in an Accident!! It further read thus: “There’s been dreadful report circulation on the internet that handsome Ghanaian actor was involved in an accident while driving to church with his family earlier today Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. “The happily married father of three was reportedly struck by another vehicle while driving his family to church, and reportedly suffers internal bleeding as a result of the accident. However, the actor, who by the way doesn’t find any of this atrocious stories funny

platinum in the U.S. alone. The song has worked its way into pop culture with numerous cover versions and homages, including NBC’S Saturday Night live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (with collective YouTube views of more than 40 million). In a related development, the follow-up single ‘Lips Are Movin’ has been certified RIAA double platinum, and has reached the top five on the billboard hot 100, top ten at top 40 radio, with over 100 million video views and still climbing all charts. has taken to his social media page to deny and condemn the news, stating that he and his family are perfectly fine. He wants his fans to know that he is in fact okay, and that the story making rounds on social media and blog sites are all lies.” Just the That of this week, the Ghanaian actor also denied rumors spreading on some social media websites that he died in a car accident on his way to church.. The fake Van Vicker death report which gained traction this past weekend was accompanied by a bloody ‘photo of the actor’.That prompted African movie fans from around the world rushing to pay their respect on a Facebook page claiming to be that of the actor. Now the actor has posted a video on youtube to not only prove that he is alive but also that he was not in Ghana on the supposed day of the ‘accident’ Van Vicker says he is in Nigeria shooting his latest movie and warned fans to beware of fake pages on social media sites claiming to be his. He named facebook.com/ jvanvicker, twitter.com/iamvanvicker and Instagram. com/iamvanvicker as some of his official social pages on the web.

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

CinemaWatch

(Radio/TV/Events Guide)

MAR. 6 — MAR. 13 Highlights

DStv Lifetime Original Movie: Aaliyah The Princess of R&B airs on Lifetime on Sunday, March 8 at 20:00 CAT Before Beyoncé and before Rihanna, self-proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base. This Lifetime Original Movie follows the beautiful and talented performer’s inspirational journey, from her debut on “Star Search” at the age of ten to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B.

The Neighbourhood

Sony Music posts seven hits in week nine delivery Stories by Sony Neme

nce again, Sony Music Entertainment Africa has released seven top hits from their stable. They are Deorro x Chris Brown’s Five More Hours, Meghan Trainor’s Dear Future Husband, and Fifth Harmony’s Worth It ft. Kid Ink Others are Tungevaag & Raaban’s Samsara (Single of the Month), The Neighbourhood feat. French Montana in #icanteven, Kodaline’s The One, and The Vaccines’ Handsome A further review reveals that Deorro is a 23 year old artist considered to be one of the biggest upcoming producers in dance music scene. He performs at all major festivals and will be at Coachella and Ultra Music Festival Miami (160K attendance) this year. ‘Five More Hours’ is the explosive vocal version of his prior international viral hit single ‘Five Hours’, which already has over 48 million Spotify streams, 34 million YouTube total views on static video, Gold sales in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. It reached number one Billboard Dance Airplay US, Top 10 iTunes France and more than 300K downloads sold.

Single premiered in the US on Friday to rave reviews! Keep an eye out for the official music video which will be launching soon. Fifth Harmony, on the other hand, release their third single ‘Worth It ft. Kid Ink’ following the success of their first two hits ‘Bo$$’ and ‘Sledgehammer’. When it comes to girl groups in a post-Beyoncé world, female empowerment is the name of the game. On the debut from Fifth Harmony, which formed during the second season of The X Factor, in 2012, high self-esteem feels like a party. Having already racked up over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, spent 17 consecutive weeks in the Norweigan Top 20 chart and been named as the ‘Hit of The Year’ at the Norwegian Grammy Awards, Tungevaag & Raaban’s ‘Samsara’ is the track that has got everyone talking. It is the first official release by DJ and production duo Tungevaag & Raaban. Tungevaag first left his mark on the European dance scene with his 2014 single “Wicked Wonderland” which was a Top 10 single in several European countries- peaking at #1 in Austria, #2 in Sweden, #4 in Norway, #5 in Finland, #6 in Germany and #9 in France.

For the Neighbourhood, having worked with the likes of Raury and Danny Brown in the past, are no strangers to rap collaborations. However, working with a mainstream, radio-friendly artist like French Montana is something a bit different. For a new song entitled ‘#icanteven,’ the quintet links up with French Montana for a song about breakups and relationship issues. Kodaline’s new album ‘Coming Up For Air’ has officially been released with a brand new single being serviced to radio internationally. ‘The One’ is Kodaline has fans have come to know and love the band and the video is already doing its rounds on television channels in the UK, with the expectation that it will keep building over the next couple of weeks. For most of 2014, The Vaccines remained fairly quiet, playing a few select tour dates before spending the latter part of the year locked away in the studio. This year, however, the band is readying its big comeback with the release of its third full-length album. Entitled English Graffiti, the follow-up to 2012’s The Vaccines Come of Age will be released later this spring via Columbia Records.

Destiny, Wangi grace Nolly Silver Screen anniversary edition

ward winning director, Destiny Ekaragha and Regional Director, MNET (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu are the cover stars for the anniversary edition of Nolly Silver Screen magazine. According to the Editor, Isabella Akinseye, “This edition is testament to the vision we have for ourselves — to deliver quality and entertaining film journalism with an emphasis on Nollywood and Africa’s film industry. On our special anniversary double cover we have two women who are not just pace setters but trailblazers.” She added: “Destiny is all about passion and hard work and this evident in her must-see hit Gone Too Far! Wangi dishes out on one of the continent’s biggest

Ekaragha

award the 2015 AMVCA which will celebrate and reward African filmmakers for their hard work and efforts.” The edition also features interviews with prolific director Stan-

lee Ohikhuare, Seun Kentebe and Ukamaka Olisakwe. Also included are reviews, articles and red carpet fashion as well as regular staples such as Vox Pop, Nolly Pop Quiz and news. Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine which was first published in February 2014. It has featured actors such as O.C. Ukeje, Tope Tedela, Linda Ejiofor, as well as filmmakers like Amaka Igwe, Tope OshinOgun, Michelle Bello and Mildred Okwo. Ibinabo Fiberisima, Kehinde Bankole, Lydia Forson and Bayray Mc Nwizu have also graced its covers. An article published in the magazine also won third prize at the inaugural Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) Media Recognition Awards.

Top - Best Female Role Models airs on Trace Sports Stars on Friday, March 6 at 21:00 CAT This episode counts down a list of the most inspirational women in the world. Featuring on the list is Martina Navratilova, the tennis legend who won fans for her sexual revelations as well as her undoubted on-court talents. Celebrities who also appear include pop stars Beyoncé and Rihanna. Ivory Wars Premieres on Animal Planet on Thursday, March 12 at 22:55 CAT Brand new series „Ivory Wars explores the illegal ivory trade, a business that can be more lucrative than drug trafficking and is decimating the African elephant population. Two ex-Navy SEALs and a helicopter pilot are hired to help in the fight against poaching in Kenya. Naked and Afraid airs on Discovery Channel from Tuesday, March 1o at 22:00 CAT What happens when you put a naked man and woman in one of the world’s most remote regions? Following the success of the first series, ‘Naked and Afraid’ is back to take six more couples from all walks of life and leave them stranded.

Watch as each couple battles the elements, each other and their own inner weaknesses to see who will triumph over the terrain or fail under the force of nature. Guinness World Records Unleashed Premieres on Discovery Channel on Wednesday, Match 11 at 20:00 CAT For years they’ve delighted, astonished and amazed readers with their book of incredible achievements – and now „Guinness World Records Unleashed brings all that record-breaking action to television. Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Series 7 on BBC Lifestyle every Monday from March 9 at 20:00 CAT In the aftermath of a crippling recession, countless Brits find themselves trapped in a living hell and facing financial ruin. When Gordon travels to Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, he finds Mayfair - a restaurant in a prime location on the busy seafront that should be raking it in, but is almost empty. The Interview with Nneka will air on Trace Urban on Wednesday, March 11 at 23:00 CAT Nneka: German-Nigerian star Nneka now has the global recognition she deserves, following a tour with Nas and Damian Marley. TRACE Urban interviews the hip-hop and soul artist for a first-hand account of her impressive rise to fame. Catch her on Wednesday 11 March at 23:00 CAT. X Men: Days Of Future Past on MNet Movies Premiere at 20:30 CAT on Sunday, March 8 Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine in this thought-provoking superhero film. Set across two time periods, the original X-Men characters join their younger selves to save the future.

GOtv

Nelly and the Family Take Over BET Stunts: Nellyville Takeover! He’s back! And this time Nelly is with his family. Catch up with the Real Husbands mega star. Saturday March 7 @ 08.00am GMT / 10.00am CAT Weekly Premieres: Bobby Jones 611 – Premier Get your praise on with Grammy Award winner Dr. Bobby Jones in the network’s most popular gospel program! Your spirits will soar with inspirational performances & uplifting interviews. Please note - due to a delivery issue Ep 610 and Ep 609 have been swapped. This show isn’t in episodic order, so therefore won’t affect the viewer experience. Sunday, March 8 @ 17.00pm GMT / 19.00pm CAT Nellyville: The Family Special - 109 – Premier It isn’t over just yet! The Nellyville clan is back for some more love and laughs. Nelly and his family look back on all the love and laughter from the first half of Nellyville Season 1. Monday, March 9 @ 21.00pm GMT / 23.00 CAT Comics Unleashed –Premier Where comedians go to get loose, whether they’re household names

or up-and-coming comics, “Comics Unleashed” brings together the best names in comedy for a casual roundtable, hosted by Byron Allen. Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13 @ 20.00pm GMT / 22.00 CAT The Real –Premier A daily mix of heart & humor that turns the traditional talk show on its head, one thing is for sure hosts Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Adrienne Bailon and Jeannie Mai keep it real! Monday, March 9 Till Friday, March 13 @ 17.00pm GMT / 19.00 CAT Being Mary Jane – Season Premier Mary Jane Paul, seems to have it all; intelligence, drive, a beautiful home, a sports car, & a lavish closet of designer shoes. Yet something is missing from her American Dream - a family of her own. Monday, March 9 @ 22.00pm GMT / 00.00 CAT The X’periment – Season Premier Hosted by rising star Vince Swann, The X’periment creates its own lane in multi-platform comedy providing viewers with a cutting edge take on pop culture and viral entertainment.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mama G, Aneke twins, others in Heart of Isiaku Stories by Sony Neme

reenville Production International Limited has formally presented its much-awaited movie, ‘Heart of Isiaku. The flick which was released on February 27 in Enugu is the brainchild of Aneke Twins. According to the Synopsis made available to New Telegraph by the producers, it is about “Pains and turmoil that struck a peace royal household and things went awry when a daughter of a commoner becomes the only solution, thereby encouraging the war drum to let loose.” Starring –in the movie, which has been on promo 2013, are celebrated thespians such as Patience Ozokwo (Mama G), Aneke Chidimma and Chidiebere. Also in the movie are Ebere Okaro, Emmy Blaq and Diewait Ikpechukwu among others. The flick is set in a village, where the blissful relationship between two young lovers; the prince and a girl’s twin sister is under threat because the gods have chosen the girl as the next diviner of the land; so marriage was off limits. The plot thickens when the mirror image twins decided to play the gods by swapping roles but the reaction of the gods was one they could not handle with its dire consequences.” Aneke Twins who are the movie makers, had hit the limelight in 2004 when they started acting and ever since they have continued to grow from strength to strength. The two dark and lovely sisters had in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph early last year promised to turn in the movie, which they promised to use as a turning point in their blos-

Heart of Isiaku

soming career According to Chidinmna who spoke first, “We are working on premiering our new movie, it is entitled Onochie. And also, we are releasing two epic movies into the market very soon. They are entitled Heart of Isiaku and Adaora. Heart of ISIAKU is an epic movie done with you in mind, knowing that you deserve the best from Nollywood. It’s a never seen before Nollywood movie that will remain etched in your memory” For Chidiebere, “Our dream was very simple; we wanted to be employers of labour in

whichever capacity. The reason for this was that we had a passion for the less privileged; we wanted to take care of the poor. Today, society has given so much to us, so we have to give back. So our nproceeds are usually used to take care of the needy. We want to use this opportunity to thank God for the grace and the talent He has bestowed on us.” The girls have so far received several awards in London in that direction. One of them was the Diamond Special Recognition Awards Worldwide. They received it based on their roles and humanitarian drive.

Showbits

Listed below are issues from the entertainment industry that is trending • $150,000 custom-made Calvin Klein Collection by Francisco Costa dress, worn by actress Lupita Nyong’o at the Oscars, has been stolen in Hollywood. • .I cannot Marry Flavour Even If He Proposes says Chidinma. • Ghollywood star, Juliet Ibrahim turns 29 on Tuesday. • Kelly Osbourne threatens co-star Juliana Rancic over racist comment. • .America Next Top model contestant shot dead in her boyfriend home. • .Kanye West publicly apologizes to Beck and Bruno Mars for hating on them • Daniel, my everything, Stella Damasus gushes about her man • Giuliana Rancic apologizes on air about weed comment, people want her fired. • Azealia Banks Says I am working on temper • Patience Jonathan spoil Nollywood actors at presidential dinner • Kid Rock discredits Beyoncé Fame and Beauty • Jaywon: you see someone buy a car and post a picture of the 2015 model but when you see him on the street he driving 2009 edition. • I might pull a Beyoncé Knowles for my next album, says Kanye West • The drama continues, Skales girlfriend defends her boo against

Juliet Ibrahim

Wizkid says can you afford a girl like me • Weeks after an open letter against pirates, no response yet from the IGP, says AY Kiss Daniels new video Woju remix has released. • P Square brothers acquire two new homes in USA. • I stopped caring about what people thought of me: Tonto Dikeh. • It’s hard not to be inspired by women: Falz. • Alicia Keys, Beatz share 1st pics of their son Genesis Ali. • Nollywood artistes call for peaceful polls in Plateau. • Omawumi flaunts baby bump. • The Oscars: Selma snub and the dearth of black nominees. • My father’s cameras inspired me: Oludiran. • I am one of Majid Michels admirers: Cynthia Shalom. • Chris Brown curses out a super fan on instagram. • IK Ogbonna and pregnant girlfriend Sonia Morales get engaged • Jaden Smith says he is a prophet and God inspired his new fashion line 666 • Staff of Fashion Police fear show break down • Could Amber Rose have a fake buttv

Why we disrupted MI’s show–Quilox

igerian music sensation, Jude Abaga, better known as MI had a raw deal last week, when his show at Shina Peller’s Quilox Nite Club in Lagos was disrupted. The sad event which took place on Saturday February 28, 2015, has been described as a very unfortunate event by the management of the celebrity hang. New Telegraph reliably gathered that the unfortunate incident made the chocolate city rapper furious as he subsequently took to twitter to lash out at the event place for disrespecting him and his brand, and he even went as far as calling for the sack of the Club manager on duty. A few minutes after his tweets, the club, ‘Quilox’ responded to him apologising and urging the aggrieved entertainer to forward his complaints to the club authorities via e-mail. According to the management, “The recent tweets by Rapper MI have come to our attention and we found it necessary to address the

issue. Quilox had a contract with Live & Unplugged on 28th February between 10pm-12am. Live & Unplugged contracted M.I as their artiste for the night. At 12am on the said day, M.I was still performing and majority of our customers were complaining and demanding the DJ as we had other events planned for the night. In the process, some customers left. “However, the management honoured M.I’s presence by giving him an additional 30mins and informed his management that he would need to stop at exactly 12.30am. At 12.34am, he was still playing. Our management at this point was forced to take a decision at 12.45am and let the DJ start his set for the night. The first song he played was M.I - Bad Belle to show no disrespect. “Again, we apologised for any inconvenience caused. Quilox however is a business that adheres to its agreed terms of contract and respects professionalism. We

Jude Abaga

accord all clients and customers due respect irrespective of class or status. In order to resolve issues quickly we have a standard complaints procedure which involves contacting management directly or via email.

“As we look forward to continue to render the best of services, we hope to avoid scenarios like this one, but in case any complaints are to be made, kindly direct them to info@clubquilox.com. We’ll be sure to respond promptly.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Labour

Expert lauds banks’ MoU on SMEs financing

Agric ‘Medicinal values lured me to quail farming’

Business What's news

New technologies to cut telcos’ CAPEX by 20% To tackle the lingering problem of service quality in the country, telecoms networks have been urged to deploy modern technologies that can guarantee them up to 20 per cent reduction in their capital expenditure (CAPEX), while boosting their operational efficiency.

p.30

Africa’s climate change costs to climb $50 billion African continent could see climate change adaptation costs rise to $50 billion per year by 2050, a new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report has stated.

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The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

L-R: Country Manager, Let Me Distribute, Mr. Rajesh Suphakaran; Managing Director, Archos, Mr. Sa France and Country Manager, Archos Nigeria, Mr. Ademola Olukotun, at the unveiling of Archos phones in Lagos.

Experts seek protection of $32bn telecoms investment G Kunle Azeez

DELAY

Lawmakers are slowing down the passing into law of a bill to declare telecoms infrastructure national security infrastructure

Nigeria’s economy still strong, says Ghana’s central bank overnor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah, has described Nigeria’s

economic growth within subSaharan Africa in 2014 as strong despite the fact that the region witnessed a moderated growth to 4.8 per cent last year from 5.2 per cent in 2013. He said the pace of expansion was slow in some of the

INFLATION RATE January 2015...........................8.2% December 2014.........................8% November 2014........................7.9%

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

Sunday Ojeme

with agency report

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst. Production Editor

overnment at all levels should put in place legal mechanism targeted at protecting the $32 billion investment in Nigeria’s telecoms industry, experts in the Information and Communication Technol-

ogy industry have said. The professionals, who spoke with New Telegraph in separate phone interviews, said that such protection has become expedient in view of the critical role telecoms sector is playing in the nation’s economy. They particularly urged

larger economies as a result of subdued global demand, soft commodity prices, weak foreign direct investment flows and infrastructure constraints. Wampah who spoke at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

federal lawmakers to pass the Telecoms Critical Infrastructure Bill (TCIB) into law, so as to ensure that cases of willful damage, vandalism and all forms of assaults on telecoms infrastructure are reduced. Speaking on why protection of telecoms investment should not be left to the operators alone, National Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said that though, telecoms infrastructures are over 80 per cent owned by private concerns in the country, telecoms services have become pervasive in the country’s national life. “As such, if telecoms operators were to switch off their services for just 10 minutes CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel as at Feb. 27)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N227 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N353 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N253

l Foreign Reserves – $31.46bn as at 26/02/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Feb. 27)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N300 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N230

Business | News

EFFICIENCY

New technology offers improved network efficiency to meet growing demand Kunle Azeez

o tackle the lingering problem of service quality in the country, telecoms networks have been urged to deploy modern technologies that can guarantee them up to 20 per cent reduction in their capital expenditure (CAPEX), while boosting their operational efficiency. Country Manager, Ericsson, Mr Abbas Kamar, gave this advice in an interaction to announce the company’s radio system

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

New technologies to cut telcos’ CAPEX by 20% to the telecoms community in Nigeria. “Nigeria needs to keep up with what is happening in other countries and that is why operators should embrace latest technological innovations to make their operations more efficient and meet the growing need of their subscribers for both voice and data services,” Kamar said. He explained that the company has unveiled generational shift in how mobile networks are built to deliver quality solutions for telecoms compa-

nies. “Ericsson is opening up the same opportunity it has opened for network operator in developed countries to operators struggling with site acquisition challenges in densely populated areas, allowing them to utilise wall space in existing sites and safely add fivetimes the capacity to towers,” the expert said. He said that Ericsson’s new modular Radio Sys-

tem, launched at the 2015 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will redefine how mobile networks are built on every level. According to him, Ericsson Radio System’s modular architecture flexibly expands to changing demands on the road to 5G with multi-standard, multi-band and multilayer technology. “It all but eliminates site acquisition issues, delivering three times

the capacity density with 50 per cent improvement in energy efficiency. The system will give network operators the infrastructure they need to support growing mobile data needs, which are expected to reach 25 Exabytes per month by 2020, when 5G is expected to be commercialised,” he added. The expert stressed that the new portfolio reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) by 20

per cent. He explained that as mobile broadband demand continues to grow, Ericsson was also addressing the connectivity and speed requirements of its consumer and corporate customers by investing in the performance of its mobile network. “Ericsson’s new modular, compact and energy-efficient radio system enables us to target our network investments precisely where and when they are needed. This helps us to quickly address increased demand and ensure continued customer satisfaction, while optimising our available spectrum resources,” he added.

Experts seek protection of telecoms investment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

in this country, the way power supply is often interrupted, all of us can imagine what will happen to our businesses and communications flow. This singular action by the telcos will also affect government and security operations adversely while businesses will lose revenues. This is because almost everybody now depend on telecoms services,” he said. “That we have over $32 billion in the country today is not by accident. It showed how we have allowed for Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) inflow in the country through enabling laws, especially with the liberalisation policy of 2001. “Similarly, the next

measure that should be put in place is in terms of necessary laws that will guarantee increased protection for the volume of investment, which we have already recorded in the telecoms sector in Nigeria,” the expert said. Also speaking with New Telegraph on the development, Country Manager, Ericsson, Mr Abbas Kamar, said: “Nigeria has been highlighted as a haven for telecoms investment and, indeed, the investment prospect in the country is green. So, it will not be out of place if government, working with private sector, fast-tracks legislative measures to guarantee more security of the infrastructures in the sector.”

Nigeria’s economy still strong CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

end of Bank of Ghana Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, however, said that growth was strong in Nigeria and some of the region’s lowincome countries. He noted that in emerging markets and developing economies, growth slowed to 4.4 per cent in 2014, from 4.7 per cent in 2013, reflecting cyclical factors, domestic policy tightening and political tensions in countries such as China and Russia. Just last Wednesday, Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale, had told Reuters that the Federal Government plans a cut in the nation’s growth forecast for this year. He said that he does

not expect a reduction of more than one per cent in growth forecast, which was again cut to 5.54 percent last January. Nigeria had lowered its forecast for economic growth in January from 2014’s 6.22 percent after government cut spending because the price of oil had slumped. “Because of the changes in the macro-variables ... we are not sticking with those forecasts any longer. The exchange rate, crude oil forecast have changed,” Kale, the head of the National Bureau of Statistics, told Reuters by telephone. “I’m assuming the growth rate may drop further,” to around 4 percent,” Kale said, “but again other sectors may compensate for the drop in oil prices and the depreciation.”

L-R: Brand Manager, Ribena, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Essien Ekemini; Marketing Director, GSK, Ms. Kerry Alexander; Head, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia and Communications and Engagement Manager, GSK, Ms. Bolaji Sanyaolu, during the first draw in the ongoing Lucozade Ribena Big Cash Giveaway Promo in Lagos.

Africa’s climate change costs to climb $50 billion DANGER

Costs of climate change expected to rise beyond Africa’s capacity Dayo Ayeyemi

frican continent could see climate change adaptation costs rise to $50 billion per year by 2050, a new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report has stated. The report: “Africa’s Adaptation Gap builds on UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2014,” showed that the world is not currently headed in the right direction for holding global warming below 2°c. It found that adaptation costs in all developing countries together could climb as high as $250 to $500 billion per year by 2050. Produced in collaboration with Climate Analytics and the African Climate Finance

Hub, the report, which was released during the 15th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), stated that deep global emissions reductions remained the best way to head off Africa’s crippling adaptation costs. It also noted that the continent’s domestic resources were insufficient to respond to projected impacts, but would be important to complement international funding for African countries, including meeting the Cancun climate finance commitments by 2020. Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said: “The accelerating rate of climate change poses great adaptation challenges of which we have been well forewarned,” adding that many potential negative impacts of climate change are ambitious global UN. “The best insurance against the mitigation action in the long-run combined with large-scale and rapidly increasing funding for adap-

tation. Investing in resilience and adaptation as an integral part of national development planning can develop resilience to future climate change impacts,” he said. Africa is the continent where a rapidly changing climate is expected to deviate earlier than across any other continent from “normal” changes, making adaptation a matter of urgency, the report said. Warming projections under medium scenarios indicate that extensive areas of Africa will exceed 2°c by the last two decades of this century relative to the late 20th century mean annual temperature. Under a high warming pathway, temperatures could exceed 2°c by mid-century across much of Africa and reach between 3°c and 6°c by the end of the century. This would have a severe impact on agricultural production, food security, human health and water availability.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Labour

TUC backs unions’ industrial actions in Osun p.32

NUPENG to NNPC: Raise fuel supply to Apapa depot p.32

Expert lauds banks’ MoU on SMEs financing JOB CREATION More entrepreneurs to emerge as lenders release funds for small businesses Stories by Sunday Ojeme

technical expert in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sub-sector, Mr. Derek Omoleh, has commended the Bank of Industry (BoI) for clearing the way for 10 other banks to enter into an agreement for the promotion of small businesses in the country. Omoleh, who is the Chief Executive Officer, SME Secretariat, said that the move by the banks was the only way to promote a developmental spread

for the actual growth of the economy. He said that all along, he had advocated the need for government to pump funds into SMEs especially at this stage of the nation’s development where more Nigerians were willing and eager to key into the sector. He said: “This memorandum of understanding is about the best thing to have happened to the SME sector in recent time. Nigerians are willing to be entrepreneurs, but the problem had always been the means of realising that dream. But now that the banks have realised the need to genuinely assist the sector, it is now left for government to play its role by ensuring enough power to drive the process. “I commend the Bank of Industry for the initiative, but I also want to advise that the

process should not be politicised. Whoever is qualified to get the loan should be given and the conditions should also have a human face so that it doesn’t become another people’s project on paper.” Omoleh, whose secretariat is in the process of mobilising $1 billion for the funding of SMEs, also hinted that more jobs would be created as soon as the banks begin to disburse funds to qualified entrepreneurs. He, however, added that the rules guiding such disbursement in the past should be made mild so as not to discourage would-be investors. It will be recalled that BoI had signed an MoU with 10 banks to provide loans at lowinterest rate to the SMEs. According to the details, the banks will provide loans for the SMEs certified by the

L-R: Wife of the Chairman, Petrolog Limited, Mrs. Eunice Ebuh; Chairman, Petrolog Limited, Dr. Vincent Ebuh; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, PETAN Chairman, Mr. Emeka Ene and Group Managing Director/CEO, FirstBank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, at the official commissioning of the DSV Vinnice vessel in Lagos.

Kebi, others benefit from G-WIN training for women

hree states, Kebbi, Delta and Taraba, have beome the latest beneficiaries of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources trainings for the second phase of the Girls and Women Initiative in Nigeria (G-WIN) project. The training, which is part of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, had its pilot project conducted Danko Wasagu, Aniocha and Takum council areas of Kebbi, Delta and Taraba states respectively. Speaking on the exercise, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Serah Ochekpe, pointed out that the ministry would not look back in its determination to raise the standard of women in

the country. She said: “The reason behind the ministry’s GWIN project was to create employment and income to alleviate poverty through the provision of water schemes, water kiosks, and public sanitation facilities to build the ability of women and girls in the rural areas to effectively and confidently own and manage these facilities.” The Managing Director, African Themes (the lead consultants for the project), Mrs. Annabelle AdeyemiJohnson, while commending the Federal Government for the initiative, said that with the training, participants had been empowered

to take their destinies in their own hands. Adeyemi-Johnson commended the minister for her special role in sustaining the girls and women programme even in the heat of an election campaign, saying that the project was another bold step by the ministry to make life better for Nigerians as part of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. “When women are given this kind of quality empowerment, through which they can generate wealth, the impact will, no doubt, be visible on the larger society because once you train a woman, you have trained a nation,” she added.

BoI at an interest rate of the Monetary Policy Rate plus six per cent, with a tenor ranging from six to 12 months. The BoI, on the other hand, will offer the term loans to the qualified SMEs at an interest rate of between nine and 10 per cent, with a tenor ranging from three to five years, and a moratorium of six to 12 months. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, said

that the development would boost business and economic activities in the country. He said: “The activities in which the BoI and the SMEfriendly banks will collaborate include provision of long-term loans to qualified SMEs by the BoI based on its risk acceptance criteria and provision of working capital to the SMEs by the SME-friendly banks also based on their individual risk acceptance criteria.”

NGO, oil firm boost graduates’ work potential

non-profit organisation committed to developing dynamic innovative and principled African leaders, Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, in collaboration with SNEPCo, has boosted the employment skills of undergraduates and graduates as a way of preparing them for the job market as well as increasing their chances of becoming entrepreneurs. In a statement giving credence to the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), LEAP Africa stated that beyond technical knowledge, an employability training was necessary to limit obscurities that may deny fresh graduates opportunities to securing jobs. It added that another important component of YEP was raising social responsibility among youth, stressing

that a significant number of young adult in the society had low sense of national identity and eroded values which otherwise could help eradicate corrupt practices. The statement said, “The Youth Empowerment Programme’s design negates the proliferation of such behavior and attitude, particularly among youth. “Working in collaboration, SNEPCo and LEAP Africa empowerment exercise positively impacts 107 youth and these youth are better equipped to lead their lives and communities. “The change we seek in Nigeria is evidently present in how empowered her youth are to deal with issues and applying creative problem solving tactics to drive socio-economic, political and technological advancement.”

Tensions flare as picket lines crossed in US refinery strike

ersonal friendships are turning sour as some workers cross picket lines in the lingering US refinery strike, with companies pushing laborers to return to work by saying they could lose their bonuses. A month into the biggest US refinery walkout in 35 years, money is tight as strike pay from the United Steelworkers union is a fraction of normal wages. Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that about 6,550 workers are on strike at 15 plants, including 12 refineries with a fifth of US capacity. Companies are relying on temporary replacements to keep plants open. Up to 70 employees, out of 800, at Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s Deer Park, Texas, refinery have decided to return to work, prompting feelings of betrayal, sources with knowledge of the situation said. “I don’t know if I could go back. I don’t know if I could

look them in the eye,” one striking worker said of returning to work with those who have crossed the picket line. Another striking worker, who like his peer declined to be identified, complained of frayed personal ties. “Friendships are gone,” he said. Shell has said it did not initiate contact with laborers who returned to work. Many of them were on strike, but are not formal union members under Texas’ right-to-work laws. On Monday, Tesoro Corp., which has been hit by walkouts at three of its West Coast refineries, appeared to ask employees to give up the strike by saying those at work would receive their 2014 bonuses. “This week those of us at work and eligible will receive the monetary recognition of our 2014 efforts in the form of (a bonus),” Tesoro executive Keith Casey said in a letter to employees, a copy of which was shared with reporters.”

Business | Labour

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

TUC backs unions’ industrial actions in Osun CRISIS Congress dissociates self from sacked council leader Stories by Sunday Ojeme

rade Union Congress, (TUC) State of Osun Council, has thrown its weight behind the proposed strike by its affiliates, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) State of Osun Branch as well as the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ladoke Akintola University of Technomoly (LAUTECH), Osogbo. A statement made available to New Telegraph by the Council called on members of the public particularly the media, to disregard the contrary statement recently made by former Chairman of the Council, Oladele Francis Adetunji, purportedly disassociating the Council from the said strikes and struggles of its affiliates. The statement jointly signed by Chairman, TUC, State of Osun Council, Comrade

Akinyemi Olatunji and the Secretary, Comrade Tola Nosegbe, said that Adetunji ceased to be the Chairman of TUC, State of Osun Council, consequent upon the expiration of his tenure of office and the subsequent election and inauguration of the present Executive Committee on March 6, 2014, as stipulated by the TUC Constitution, even though “he has refused to come to terms with the transition that was always sure to come.” It described him as “representing nobody but himself and his paymasters in the state government that have found in him a willing tool to use and sponsor in their bid to undermine the legitimate interests of the working class. “Naturally, his anti-union posture has rightfully caused him to be ostracised by all TUC members in the state and also earned him an indefinite suspension from the Congress by a resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC). “While we do not begrudge Adetunji, his solitary walk, we remind him and his ill-advised sponsors that he who has no one following him cannot validly call himself a leader. He is merely a man taking a stroll. Perhaps he will learn the les-

Ebonyi judiciary workers call off two-month strike

he Judiciary Staff Union in Ebonyi State has called off its two- monthold industrial action. Chairman of the union, Jude Ukason, who announced it, said that the strike was called off due to the agreement reached and signed between the union and the state government. Directing his members to immediately return to work, he added that government had agreed to irrevocably commit itself to the implementation of the terms of the resolution. The union leader said that the agreement was towards the full implementation of Section 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended with regard to fiscal autonomy for the judiciary. Ukason said that government also pledged not to victimise any member of the union for participating in the strike. “We have had series of meetings with the state government, represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, on ways to end the judiciary-government impasse. “We are happy to announce to the public that after exhaustive deliberations, government has agreed to comply with the demand of the union in line with the court ruling. “As a result of the resolution and signing of Memorandum of Understanding between government and the union, leadership of JUSUN hereby directs all its members in the

state to return to their duty posts with immediate effect,’’ Ukason said. He said that a team had been constituted to work with the state Budget Office to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 121 (3) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended. The Monitoring Team comprises of the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the chairman of JUSUN. Meanwhile, the AttorneyGeneral, Dr. Ben Igweenyi, has praised the leadership of JUSUN for its good judgement. Igweenyi said that government would ensure that the agreement was implemented to the letter. “Your action in calling off the two-month old industrial action demonstrated your love for the state and good sense of judgment. “On our part as government, we will commit ourselves to proper and full implementation of every term of the agreement for sustainable industrial harmony and growth,’’ Igweenyi said. Ebonyi JUSUN is the latest and 4th state in the federation to call off the strike embarked upon by judiciary workers weeks ago. The strike was triggered off by government’s refusal to respect a Federal High Court ruling on financial autonomy for the judiciary across the federation.

sons of the prodigal son and retrace his steps someday. “Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, guarantees the right of association and the right to take peaceful actions for the protection of one’s interests,” the statement added. It also pointed out that ASCSN was taking its decision as a result of non-payment of outstanding salaries for November 2014 to February 2015, non-release of all outstanding salaries deductions to date to

all unions and co-operative societies, non-release of pending letters of 2013 promotion exercise conducted in June 2014, non-commencement and conclusion of year 2014 promotion exercise, non-release of conversion letters to affected officers as well as non-release of ASCSN State of Osun Branch check-off dues deliberately put into a suspense account. On the other hand, NUAPH’s decision is as a sequel to non-payment of outstanding salaries for November and December 2013 as well as Novem-

ber 2014 to date. The statement said: “Based on the forgoing, the TUC, State of Osun Council, supports the demands of the state branches of ASCSN and NUAPH LAUTECH, as they are all very valid and legitimate. “We thus call on the government of the State of Osun to promptly meet the demands of the workers in the two unions, in the spirit of fairness and to foster industrial peace and harmony. We shall accept nothing less. An injury to one is an injury to all.”

L-R: Directorate Head, Corporate Services, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Abimbola Izu; Chief Executive Officer, Jumbo Nominees Limited, Mrs. Nimuta Mbamalu; Executive Director, South South/South East, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs Ibiye Ekong; President, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Mrs. Funmi Ajia-Ladipo and an entrepreneur, Mrs. Amina Gbajabiamila, at an interactive session with women in business organised by Skye Bank in Lagos.

NUPENG to NNPC: Raise fuel supply to Apapa depot

he Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), on Tuesday, appealed to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to increase the supply of petroleum products to its depot in Apapa. Chairman, South-West chapter of the union, Tokunbo Korodo, said that the product was hardly available at the NNPC Apapa depot. “Our members are eager to collect the product from the depot, but there is hardly any product at the Apapa

depot. “Even some private depots that have the product are selling at more than the stipulated price. “It is of no use for our members to be coming to the depot on daily basis without loading the product,” he said. Korodo said that there were issues on ground for the union to go on strike, but because of the coming general elections and the present scarcity, they decided to suspend the idea. “We have labour issues

with Chevron company, Total Oil and even the Federal Government, but we decided to wait and see the end of this scarcity. “Let it be known that our tanker drivers are not on strike, we are ready to go the extra mile to end this scarcity. “We appeal to the Ministry of Finance to resolve whatever they have with oil marketers so that importations of products will commerce. “The NNPC cannot supply the product all alone,” he said.

Union tackles LASG over planned water privatisation

embers of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees have taken the Lagos State government to task over plans to privatise water supply in Lagos State. The union said that the delivery of safe water supply was a global challenge and was the responsibility of the government, adding that Public Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at providing safe water over the past 30 years had failed to yield favourable results. According to the state-

ment signed by AUPCTRE President and General Secretary, Adelegan Solomon, and Yusuf Zambuk respectively, only five per cent of people receive water in their houses; taps are often dry; sanitation is non-existent and in the metropolis, hospitals are full of people suffering diarrhea and other water-related diseases. The statement added: “Over a billion people today do not have safe water to drink. There is therefore a global water crisis of epic proportions. Globally, nationally and locally, governments face a tremen-

dous challenge of finding the political will to deliver safe and clean water to their communities. “The experience of the past 30 years shows that PPPs in the water sector fail all segments of the society. Look at cities that have decided to take back from public hands. In the north, you have Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Atlanta; Buenos Aires in Argentina; Bogota in Colombia: and on our continent: Amman, Bamako, Rabat, Tanger, Johannesburg, Dares Salaam. Jakarta in Indonesia will be next.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

‘Medicinal values lured me to quail farming’ p.34

A gric

Olam offers farmers N536m credits p.35

Scientists identify how to curb poverty, others FINDING Over 800 million people remain under-nourished Dele Alao

gricultural scientists and researchers from over 30 nations who gathered at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the International Conference on Integrated Systems for Sustainable Intensification in Smallholder Agriculture, have identified system research as a veritable tool to combat poverty, hunger and environmental degradation. The experts, which commenced deliberations on Tuesday, rounded off today. Conference speakers and exhibitors presented strategies and results that responded directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations and have a marked impact on the lives and livelihoods of smallholder producers and consumers of developing countries. The speakers noted that considerable progress had been made towards those goals, but much was yet to be done. “Despite significant economic growth in many developing countries over the past decade, over 800 million people remain under-nourished, including 160 million children,” the speakers argued. According to recent Lancet reports, under-nutrition remains the underlying cause of death for at least 3.1 million

children a year, accounting for 45 per cent of all deaths of children under 5 and stunting the growth of another 165 million. Director, Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics (Humidtropics), Dr. Kwesi Atta-Krah, said: “The conference offers a platform for sharing of experiences and research results in systems research for development, from different countries and regions of the world. It provides a reminder of the challenges facing global agriculture and food systems, and the solutions that integrated systems research offers as part of a global effort to tackle poverty, hunger and environmental degradation.” Chief Executive Officer of the CGIAR Consortium, emphasises, Dr. Frank Rijsberman, said: “We cannot simply tread familiar paths in response to these statistics. Over the next few years, we will join with our partners to redouble our focus on the needs of women and young people, extend our efforts to improve dietary quality among the poor and vulnerable, and intensify our work on climate-smart agriculture, all recent additions to our research agenda.” Also, Director General of IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, emphasised the importance of systems research and called for continued efforts. “We must develop and promote improved and nutritious crop varieties of Africa’s major staples, as well as innovative practices on natural resources management and innovations on integrated farming systems

400 farmers benefit from wheat value chain F our hundred registered farmers in Bauchi State have benefited from the Wheat Value Chain initiative of the Federal Government under its Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme. A Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, said that each farmer received three bags of fertilizer and improved seeds to enhance their production. Speaking on the inputs distributed via the GES scheme, Yusuf, said that the cost of the inputs per farmer in the open market was N16,600, but each beneficiary paid only N6,150, while the government paid

the remaining N11,350. Furthermore, the director stated that the ministry had also given the farmers technical support with proper monitoring to ensure the attainment of the set goals of the Wheat Value Chain. He said that the support was part of the government’s efforts to boost wheat production. “The Federal Government came out with the wheat value chain initiative to assist farmers with inputs and create market for their produce. This is with a view to boosting productivity and enhancing economic status thereby reducing dependency on importation,” Yusuf said.

towards sustainable intensification of agriculture.” The event featured 45 plenary and oral presentations, and over 50 poster presentations, representing one of the most important and stimulating international platforms for knowledge exchange on the latest scientific results, developments and experiences in the agricultural systems research for development sector.

The conference called upon the donor community, agricultural research institutions, partners in the wider research and development community, the private sector, as well as policy and decision-makers, to work jointly and strengthen the use of systems approaches in agricultural research for development, in order to further advance the contribution of science to the international

community’s commitment to end hunger completely by 2030. The conference was organised by the CGIAR Research Programme on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics (Humidtropics), in partnership with the CGIAR Research Programme on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) and the CGIAR Research Programme on Dryland Systems (Drylands).

Wheat field

Commodity exporters fret over new CBN’s forex proceeds’ policy

ommodity exporters have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ease foreign currency controls on how exporters of commodities should use their foreign earnings in order to encourage more Nigerians to go into the business. The non-oil exporters made the request in Lagos at an interactive session with stakeholders in the industry and the media. CBN had introduced measures to strengthen foreign currency controls. Part of the new CBN policy was that exporters could not use their proceedings to finance non- transactions and that they could only sell their foreign exchange to banks. Reacting, the President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr Tola Faseru, said that the measures limit exporters, access to foreign exchange. Faseru said that the directive restricting exporters from withdrawing foreign currency without prior proof that it was meant for exports purposes

would negate the spirit of the liberation of export proceeds. He explained that it was not fair for the CBN to force exporters to repatriate export proceeds and sell to the banks at official rates when the banks will turn back and sell such to traders on black market rates. On his part, the President, Federation of Agriculture Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Victor Iyama, said that it was wrong for the CBN to determine how exporters should use their money when some of them were not using the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) to fund their businesses. He explained that the liberation policy of government towards exports in 2006 has been responsible for the dramatic increase in the annual global flow between that time and now. According to him, the keen interest in export is part of a broader step taken by government to propel more Nigerians to participate in non- oil exports. He urged the CBN not to introduce measures that

would not stimulate economic growth, noting that further measures should provide a stimulus to competition, innovation, savings and capital formation, and through these effects, to job creation and economic growth. Along with major reforms in domestic policies and practices, Iyama advised the bank to do a careful review of the negative consequences that the policy would bring to the economy. CBN had warned foreign exchange dealers against undue delay in repatriating proceeds from oil and non-oil exports to the domiciliary accounts within the stipulated time. The CBN’s director of Trade and Exchange department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, said that failure to adhere to the provisions of the Memorandum on the Foreign Exchange Manual would attract severe sanctions. The manual requires dealers to repatriate proceeds for oil exports within 90 days and those for non-oil exports within 180 days.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Medicinal values lured me to quail farming’ Mrs. Idris Maimuna Lola is a graduate of Accountancy from the University of Jos. In this interview with CALEB ONWE, she explains why she is into quail farming and its challenges What is your background and what influenced your decision to go into quail farming? The motivation came the day I saw quail eggs for the first time. I stumbled into a lady who came around my office to market the eggs. Seeing them in the basket like pebbles, I was attracted to ask what they were; the lady told me that they were quail eggs, I have neither seen nor heard about it before. I became so curious, the lady also handed a leaflet that contains more information about the eggs. While reading through, it I discovered that the quail eggs have curative values. When I got home, my curiosity about the eggs led me to the Internet where I discovered some amazing facts about quail and its eggs. I spent the whole night surfing the Internet. The most shocking revelation about quails, which I stumbled on was the fact that quail eggs are highly valued by the Japanese and it prominently features in their dietary menu because of its medicinal values. I also found that consumption of quail eggs was said to have cured the Japanese emperor of diabetes. Armed with the information I got on the net about quails, I got more of the eggs and started marketing them, while I also use them myself. The first curative power of quail’s eggs I experienced in my life was my irregular menses that became ‘regularised’. I introduced the eggs to one of my co-staff that were suffering hypertension; the man’s problem has become a thing of the past by consistent consumption of the eggs. I call quail eggs “The Wonderful Drug.” Do you know that quail eggs have been proven to be helpful to people living with

then I have not restocked because of the recent reported outbreak of bird flu in the country.

Lola

HIV/AIDS? Is this scientifically proven? It is not about been scientifically proven, considering the kind of environment we find ourselves, where vested interest may not allow certain discoveries to see the light of the day; especially when the idea is not emanating from them. I know about three people living with HIV/AIDS that are using quail eggs; they are my regular customers and it has helped them to manage their broken down immunity. In a nutshell, what attracted and motivated me to start quail farming was not just economic reasons, but for its medicinal values. How long have you been in the business? I have been into this business for about four years now. I started by marketing the eggs and later decided to invest more on the business by starting quail poultry. From the information I garnered from the net, I got to know about a big quail farm in Abuja, I visited the farm and purchased some birds to start my own. I started with 150 birds. How many do you have in your farm now? I suffered a serious loss during the cold season and since

As a small-scale quail farmer, what are your challenges? Quails do not like cold weather. Just as I said before, I lost many of my birds during the cold weather, apparently because I do not have all the facilities required to provide the birds the needed warmth. A first-timer in the business with little or no orientation may not be able to understand that male quails do not lay eggs. If you lack the ability to identify the male birds, you may stock your farm with them, and that automatically is a minus for you. Another challenge is in the area of feeding them. You have to invest heavily in feeding them, otherwise you may not get much output in terms of eggs. Outbreak of bird flu in the country poses a grave challenge to poultry owners. During the last outbreak, I know someone whose farm was invaded by agents of Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) and all the birds in that poultry were killed without any form of compensation. Do you think that quail farming could provide an alternative employment for graduates? Quail farming is capital intensive. You need other supportive sources of income to go into it. It is a little easier for me because am a civil servant, with ready source of income. Therefore, it might not be very easy for a graduate that has no form of grant to start it. You need a warm facility and also need to invest very well in their feeds. What should the Ministry of Agriculture do to make quail farming more popular and productive? The Ministry of Agriculture should create more awareness about the hidden curative values of the quails. This will help more people to take advantage of its amazing health benefits. The ministry should also help small-scale farmers’ access to soft loans that will help them to expand their farm.

Firm launches project to enhance Africa’s fish trade

new pan-African project has been launched to strengthen the continent’s great potential for increased trade in fish. Checks showed that Africa, a continent that is endowed with plentiful fish resources in oceans, rivers, lakes, flood plains and fish farms accounts for just 4.9 per cent of global fish trade. According to reports, more efficient trade could significantly improve income and

nutrition for millions of Africans, particularly those 12.3 million that are directly employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. “FishTrade for a Better Future, a European Commission funded project implemented by WorldFish, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources will strengthen value chains and, with a focus

on sustainability, give better access to intra-regional markets and subsequently improve food and nutritional security and income in sub-Saharan Africa,” the report said. Director General, WorldFish, Stephen J. Hall, said: “Africa has the potential to develop its fisheries and aquaculture to play a much greater role in promoting food security, providing livelihoods and supporting economic growth.”

Mechanisation: Farmers set to earn N188m

hairman of Tractor Owners & Hiring Facilities Association of Nigeria (TOHFAN), Alhaji Danladi Garba, has said that 52,510 farmers would have access to tractor services and the expected net revenue to be generated to these beneficiaries is N188 million. The TOHFAN chairman said this in Lagos at an interactive forum with officials of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited. The bank has agreed to provide funding to TOHFAN for the acquisition of 100 tractors to boost agricultural production this year. Garba, who commended FCMB for its support to the agric sector and farmers, said that the lender, in 2014, supported the group with N120 million for the acquisition of tractors, which had been distributed to farmers in Kaduna State. He said that for the 2015 farming season, TOHFAN had applied to FCMB for credit facility to acquire 100 tractors. “And by the time these tractors are released, 52,510 farmers will have access to tractor services and the expected net revenue to be generated to these beneficiaries is N188 million,” he said. On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, FCMB Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said that the bank would intensify its support to the agricultural sector and its value chain in order to fast-track the growth of the Nigerian economy. He said: “The bank is focused on being a strategic partner to government and other stakeholders in the agric sector to ensure food

sufficiency, employment and revenue generation, in line with its value as a helpful financial institution. We have been providing various lines of credit to the sector and its value chain, including small and medium scale businesses. This funding has been on the rise and we are determined to grow it to 21 per cent within the next three years as against nine per cent in 2014.” Highlighting FCMB’s contributions to agriculture, he said that in 2014, the bank provided lines of credit valued at almost N30 billion to the sector. He added that six per cent of FCMB’s total loan book or 200,000 loans per year go to the agriculture sector, compared to an average of three per cent in the banking industry. “We realise that there are millions of farmers across the country that need credit at affordable rates, considering the level of attraction the agric sector has garnered. That is why we are increasing our level of support,” the FCMB boss said. Late last year, President Goodluck Jonathan launched the private-sector driven Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHE) to mark the beginning of a revolution in the mechanisation of Nigeria’s agriculture. The president directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to set aside N50 billion Agricultural Mechanisation Fund for the roll out of the Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises across the country. The initiate is a purely public-private-partnership (PPP) strategy that will set up Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises in strategic locations to provide mechanised farm services to farming communities.

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

Price 507-0 391-6 1018-0 334.9 33.12 285-0 10.830 530-4 561-2

Change +6-0 +3-0 -1-4 -0.7 +0.14 +5-6 -0.170 +9-4 +15-0

Contract Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15

Time(ET) 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15

Price 64.63 126.75 139.20 13.60 3038 24.33 1.3780 0.1345 3026.00 0.6400 300.00

Change -1.22 -9.55 -8.60 -0.19 +16 -0.02 -0.0200 -0.0023 +16.00 -0.0085 -5.10

Contract Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15

Time(ET) 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 03/03/15 11:11 11:44 03/03/15 07:49 03/03/15

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

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price. Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Olam offers farmers N536m interest-free loans ASSISTANCE 12,000 growers benefit from interest-free loan Dele Alao

ne of the country’s leading agri-business firms, Olam Nigeria Limited, has offered an interest-free financing of N536 million to 12,000 cocoa, cashew and sesame

farmers under its Olam Livelihood Charter (OLC). According to its Head, Corporate and Government Relations, Ade Adefeko, the firm said that as the OLC enters its fourth year, the charter sets stringent standards for supporting smallholder communities in Olam’s networks through eight principles. He said that the principles were financial support, improved yields, better labour practices, market access, improved

crop quality, traceability, social investment and minimising environmental impact. He noted that it was only by meeting all eight of these principles could a sustainability programme be awarded OLC status. Three of Olam International’s 30 flagship OLC initiatives, he said, are in Nigeria, where Olam works with cashew, cocoa and sesame smallholder farmers. “This programme is in collaboration with Tech-

noServe based in Washington and New York based Rainforest Alliance as well as other local agronomists in Nigeria. It said these and other initiatives provide zero interest financing and agri-inputs, training on good agricultural and labour practices, as well as social investment in the community,” Adefeko said. He added: “The company said that such investment include providing educational materials, creating bore wells for

safe water, building a police station and school, development of local roads and the installation of solarpowered lighting. Since the OLC’s launch in 2010, the number of Nigerian farmers benefitting from all eight OLC principles has risen to over 12,000 small-scale farmers, spanning almost 25,000 hectares of cultivated land. Highlights from 2014 OLC initiatives in Nigeria include working with 12,000 farmers in Osun, Ondo and Cross-

River for cocoa.” Adefeko, who noted that Kwara and Oyo farmers were assisted for the production of cashew while Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Benue farmers were supported for sesame with about 18 per cent of the total farmers being women, said that other highlights included 24,140 hectares under cultivation, N536 million in finance to farmers including shortterm micro financing, advances for crop purchases and mid-term loans for the procurement of farming inputs.

Foundation to rural dwellers: Vote agricfriendly leaders

nna and Hannatu Foundation has urged widows, orphans, the less privileged and the rural dwellers to participate in the forthcoming elections and vote in credible leaders who will represent their interests and aspirations and also formulate far-reaching favourable agricultural policies. Speaking at an election sensitisation workshop organised by the Foundation in Kaduna, its president, retired Captain Manasseh Haruna, said that the major aim of the Foundation was to sensitise and enlighten the rural dwellers on the need to elect capable leaders who would do all they could to tackle hunger and always put food on their tables. He said that the occasion was not sponsored by any political party, neither was it aimed at garnering support for any candidate or political party, adding that the goal of the Foundation was to empower the less privileged and rural dwellers so that they could be useful to themselves and the society in this political dispensation. The guest speaker, Professor Andrew Nkom, tasked the people to elect only those who would give them the dividends of democracy and boost agriculture in creative ways, noting that agriculture was still the bedrock of the economy and their voters’ cards are all they needed to vote in leaders with such qualities. He cautioned participants against desperate politicians who would want to buy their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for their selfish reasons and therefore disenfranchise them.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Auto Beat

Nissan NV350: Roomy, versatile cargo space H

yundai Motor America is recalling more than 200,000 Elantra vehicles because their electronic power steering might be flawed, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recall covers certain Elantras manufactured from June 2008 through April 2010, according to the release. Some Elantra Touring hatchback vehicles built from November 2008 through April 2010 are also being recalled. Hyundai will notify owners if their vehicles are among the recalled cars and make any adjustments free of charge, NHTSA said. The Elantra’s electronic power steering’s control unit may disable power steering, requiring the driver to work harder to steer the vehicle at low speeds and increasing the risk of a crash, the release states. In all, 204,768 cars are subject to the recall. NHTSA estimates that 3 percent of them have a defect. It didn’t mention any accidents or injuries caused by the problem. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest automaker. To contact the reporter on this story: Jeanna Smialek in Washington at jsmialek1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Bernard Kohn at bkohn2@bloomberg.net Laurence Arnold

Paul Ogbuokiri

t the Stallion NMN showroom at the heart Victoria Island, the all new Nissan NV350 Urvan commuter and cargo van is on display, Stallion Motors, representative of Nissan in Nigeria, say the van is given the pride of place because it has been redesigned for product competitiveness consequent upon suggestive demand by professional services, fleet managers and small businesses. Public Relations Manager of the company, Santhosh Kumar Nair says the new van is now equipped with modern features and enhanced tweaks for the 2015 model year. According to him, the new Urvan is a radical departure from the second generation Urvan model popularly called E23 launched thirty five years ago to transport people, goods and services “We will continue to evolve this model to keep good sales over a long time and improve its product competitiveness while making the vehicle a best partner to support customers’ daily life and businesses.” he said during an interaction with New Telegraph. He also said that the new Urvan 350 is undoubtedly a class-leading fuel efficient vehicle remodeled with ample load capacity and cargo space length of 3,050mm – the longest yet in the light commercial vehicle segment. Stallion NMN Head of Sales and Marketing, Amit Sharma, attested to this spotlight, saying: “Once you see, touch and ride the new NV350 Urvan, you would feel the excellence of this new model Urvan available in four variants: 16-seater wide body high roof, panel van standard roof, 15-seater high roof and 15-seater standard roof. According to him, the entire segments are competitively priced to serve a variety of markets from taxis, people movers, professional services such as ambulances, delivery vehicles, small businesses and the likes. He said that the vehicle christened in initials because: “the NV initials stands for Nissan Van while 350 represents the total weight of the van put at 3.5 tonnes even though the van can carry a gross weight of 1.25 tonnes.” Aside the new improvements, key among them being; new economical engines, class leading fuel efficiency, confident and refreshing styling and a newly added wide body variant, the van boosts of a roomy and versatile cargo space and advanced equipment for greater convenience and comfort. The new NV350 exterior styling also features intelligent and modern design proposition particularly the aerodynamic front-end design incorporating three-dimensional and imposing angled strut grille with crisp bi-xenon head-

Nissan NV350

light design and LED positioning lights for all grades. The Urvan’s distinctive rear combination taillights with high-mount LED stop lamp and an idiosyncratic character line also gives the vehicle a dynamic side view. Customers would also observe the van’s wheelbase of 15mm has been extended for maximum cargo space and utility. For example, a 50/50-split folding seat has been remodeled to allow for additional space when loading long items. Coupled with this are utility nuts provided on the side panel of the cargo space to personalize cargo space for utility and convenience. Other appealing features for increased convenience and comfort include: Push Engine Start button adapted for the first time in commercial vehicles, intelligent key, foot-operated parking brake and a vehicle information display at the centre of the instrument cluster.. The engine has a 5-speed automatic transmissions that rotate at lower speed and make less noise while driving at high speed – an innovation that enables smooth and responsive acceleration from start to high-speed driving.. Interior Inside the vehicle, the driver enjoys plenty of new enhancements such as easier to read dials – thanks to the blue outline and white numbering; keyless entry, auto door lock with side door child lock, light green tinted window glasses, modern clear-cut instrument panel with a black upper area and grey lower section

Hyundai recalls 204,768 cars

behind the steering wheel. What’s more, the new Urvan now comes with expanded functional cabin expressing a premium feel, utilizing light silver color and planting on steering the shift knob, meters, air-conditioner dial and ventilation parts. Couple with this is ample legroom for front passengers to provide best seating position with tilt steering and adjustable driving seat for the driver and font occupants. That’s not all. The new seat configuration has been redesigned such that they can be folded down to accommodate even longer items while the flat floor and boxy shape of the van provide generous room for more loadable goods. In the NV350 Wide Body (High Roof) variant for instance, the vehicle can comfortably accommodate 16 passengers with sufficient legroom between each seat rows while the Panel Van model is equipped with additional 185mm of space and larger door alloys for seamless loading of cargo, entry and exit. Other key features on the new NV350 series are manual control body-coloured door mirrors, auto light system, LED High-Mount Stop Lamp, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist pus front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum. SRS air bag system for driver and front passenger are standard with load limiter pretension seatbelts for driver and front passenger.

Nissan Sentra earns Top Safety Pick

he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded Nissan Sentra a “Top Safety Pick” vehicle safety rating. The Institute’s “Top Safety Pick” award recognizes passenger vehicles that excel in protecting passengers in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and also achieve a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the small overlap frontal test. The Sentra scored “Good” in all five of the “Top Safety Pick” categories. “Nissan is committed to safety and innovation, and Nissan is proud to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for the Sentra,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America. “As a sedan, Sentra is a critically important vehicle in Nissan’s lineup and with its standard safety features we’re bringing a high level of safety and security to a growing consumer segment.” The features of the new Sentra available in Nigeria includes push button start, curtain and side airbags, central locking system, power windows, Antilock Brake System (ABS) and brake assist.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

L-R: Manager, Information Communication Technology, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Mr. Zimuzor Onyeador; Programme Coordinator, Ms. Emiola Oke; Research Coordinator, Mr. Anthony Abu and Programme Assistant, Ms. Elisabeth Dauda, during a road show and awareness campaign on the collection of PVCs and violence-free election in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Victims of Boko Haram atrocities displaying their injuries to the Adamawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Bindo Jibrilla (left), during Jibrilla’s visit to Michika. PHOTO-NAN

Photo | News

President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. James Kayode Makinde (left), receiving a gift from the Press Attache, United States Embassy, Abuja, Sean McIntosh, during McIntosh ‘s courtesy visit to the university in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

L-R: Special Assistant to the Governor on State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hon. Akinwale Rasheed; General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Femi Osasona; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola and Permanent Secretary in the deputy governor’s office, Mrs. Olabisi Akindele, during the inspection of SEMA’s warehouse in Ekiti.

L-R: Ogaranya I of Apapa, Igbo speaking community in Lagos, Chief Collins Ibeh; his wife, Lolo Paulin Collins; Eze Agu N’Echemba, Ndigbo of Apapa Local Government, Eze Peter Ezeagbanari and Olowu Ndigbo of Apapa, Chief Samuel Nburumike, at the conferment of chieftaincy title to Chief and Lolo Ibeh, at Eze’s palace in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Setima Benebo; Principal, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Mrs. Bosede Ladoba; Zonal Education Administrator, Baptist Mission Schools, Deacon Hezekiah Alamu; Principal, Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls’ Secondary School, Mrs. Titilayo Amuna and Vice-Principal (Academics), Baptist Academy, Mr. Shoniran Adeloke, at the school’s 79th annual inter-house sports competition in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Treasurer, Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, Grassroot, Youth and Mass Mobilisation Movement, Mrs. Mercy Akpan; Director-General, Ambassador Felix Ihonre and Coordinator, Religion in Harmony for National Unity, Ambassador Abdullahi St. George, during a press briefing on a peaceful and violencefree 2015 election in Abuja.

Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mr. Ben Langat (right), presenting customised Coca-Cola products to Nigeria’s former ambassador to the US, Ambassador J.T.F. Iyalla, in Lagos.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

QUESTION IS SEPARATION A DIVORCE? QUESTION As-Salamu àlaykum. If a husband and wife fight each other and after that they do not talk for 3 to 4 years, does this affect their nikah (marriage)? ANSWER A response by Dr. Sano Koutoub Moustapha, professor of fiqh and its principles, International Islamic University, Malaysia. Wa àlaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear questioner, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter. Ameen. First of all, you should know that marriage never ends automatically; rather there are ways of nullifying marriage: by the husband’s actual uttering of the words of divorce, by his divorcing a wife in absentia, by the wife resorting to a judge who can declare the marriage contract annulled or bykhul`. Thus, in a husband’s absence, a wife is not allowed to marry another until she has resorted to a judge to take the due procedure either to notify him to come (if he is available) or to issue a judgment declaring him to be absent Islam calls upon husbands to keep in touch with their wives while they are away. In the event that you mentioned, his wife has a right to annul their marriage. The period she can wait should not be more than one year according to most of the schools of thought. In other words, if a husband leaves a wife without communicating with her for more than one year, the judge should allow his wife to go for ìddah, which is a three-month period, and all her expenses should be taken from the husband’s wealth if he has any. Consequently, she is allowed to get married with whomever she wishes. However, if at any time the first husband turns up, her second marriage cannot be annulled at all. In this regard, that lady should not be worried of doing anything wrong and her new marriage is legal and acceptable. Yet, she should take care of their son and give him the necessary education he needs. This issue is known in Islamic law as the issue of al-mafqud or the issue of a missing person.

Allah almighty knows best.

E X H O RTAT I O N “THERE SHALL BE NO COMPULSION IN [ACCEPTANCE OF] THE RELIGION. THE RIGHT COURSE HAS BECOME CLEAR FROM THE WRONG. SO WHOEVER DISBELIEVES IN TAGHUT AND BELIEVES IN ALLAH HAS GRASPED THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY HANDHOLD WITH NO BREAK IN IT. AND ALLAH IS HEARING AND KNOWING. (QUR’AN 2:256)

Obama honours 19-year-old Nigerian female Muslim Harvard finalist

LAUREL

U.S. names Saheela Ibraheem among the “World’s 50 Smartest Teenagers” Adeola Yusuf

nited States (U.S.) President Barack Obama has honoured a 19 year-old Nigerian female Muslim, Saheela Ibraheem, with an official reception in the White House Ibraheem, who became one

of the youngest students to ever attend the Havard University, was listed among the “World’s 50 Smartest Teenagers,” by the United States. She was hosted by the US President, Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle. Speaking after an introductory speech by Ibraheem at the White House, President Obama stated that “there are a lot of teenagers in the world. Saheela is like one of the 50 smartest ones. That’s pretty smart. “And she’s a wonderful young lady. She’s like the State

Department and the National Institute of Health all rolled into one. And we are so proud of your accomplishments and all that lies ahead of you. And you reflect our history. Young people like you inspire our future.” Ibraheem, who skipped two grades in school, said the key to success is figuring out what you love to learn as early as possible, which she did at the young age of five. At 15, Saheela Ibraheem was admitted into the Ivy League Harvard to study neurobiology and at 19, she made history pen-

ultimate Thursday, February, 26, when she was honoured with an official reception in the White House by the US President, Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle. She became one of the youngest students to ever attend the university. She will be graduating in May this year. “If you are passionate about what you do, and I am passionate about most of these things, especially with math and science, it will work out well,” she told CBS 2s Cindy Hsu. In addition, Ibraheem speaks four languages that include Arabic, Spanish and Latin.

L-R: Alhaja Rafat Sanusi; Naibatul Ameerah, The Criterion, Alhaja Fatimat Oyefeso; Al-Mu’minaat Naibatul Ameerah, (Communications), Alhaja Ameenah Adeyemi; All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Governorship running mate, Dr. Idiat Adebule and Al-Mu’minaat Organisation Naibatul Amirah (Networking), Mrs Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, during a prayer for peaceful elections organized by The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Al-Mu’minaat in Lagos

Umrah: Saudi insists on May 18 deadlines to shut gates for Nigerians, other pilgrims l 1.5 million pilgrims passed through Jeddah during the on-going batch A 1436 AH Umrah Adeola Yusuf

he Director General of the kingdom’s Airport Authority, Abdul Hameed Aba Al-Ary, has reiterated that the first phase of the 1436 AH Umrah season would end on May 18, 2015. This deadline, according to Al-Ary is when government of Saudi Arabia will shut airports and other entry points for pilgrims from Nigeria and other countries. He said this while rolling out a new calendar for lesser hajj in Jeddah, Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia, maintaining that more than a million pilgrims have either arrived or departed through King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) since the Umrah season started on December 7, 2014. Quoting a report by the airport’s management, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that 523,672 pilgrims are still in the Kingdom performing Umrah in Makkah or visiting Madinah while 484,613 have departed for their respective homes. The report said since the beginning of the season, a

total of 4,901 flights have either landed or taken off from the airport. Meanwhile, the Director General of the airport said that all concerned departments are prepared to deal with the busy period at the airport during the Umrah season. He said that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Makkah Governorate and the Haj Ministry have formulated a comprehensive plan to properly handle the hectic operational activities at KAIA during the Umrah season, which will continue

up to July 7. He explained the first phase of the Umrah season would end on May 18. The second phase will, then, start and end during Ramadan. “After that, all flights will be directed to land at the Haj terminal of KAIA,” he added. The director described the third phase of the Umrah season, which will run from July 7-31, as the peak period and said a large number of staff will be deployed to serve the pilgrims from their arrival until departure.

Feminique NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Ongile: Women’re value creators International women’s day special Sunday the 8th of March 2015 is the 40th International Women’s Day celebration and 20 years since the Beijing conference. EBERE AMEH had a chat with Dr Grace Ongile, the UN WOMEN representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, where she talked about this year’s IWD celebration and the forth coming 59th session of Commission on the Status of Women. Excerpts

ith the theme Empowering women, empowering humanity, picture it! the United Nations is set for another International Women’s Day (IWD). The 40th since the first, which took place in Mexico City in 1975 and 20th since the Beijing conference, how have the women of the world fared? What has been the impact of this yearly celebration on the lives of women across the world? “The theme “Empowering women, empowering humanity, picture it!” is in line with 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of Beijing Platform for Action. This will be the focus of the 59th session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW59), taking place from 9-20 March 2015 at UN Headquarters in New York. The main focus of the CSW 59 session will be on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, including current challenges that affect its implementation and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The session will also address opportunities for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women in the post-2015 development agenda,” Ongile explained. In the Big opportunity Statement shared by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the UN WOMEN Executive Director, she said “there is recognition that sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights will remain elusive without women and men working together as equal partners. Pervasive discrimination, inequality, and violence against women and girls prevent them from acting as agents of change for the benefit of all humanity.” According to her, the bold action required by all of us is to embed women’s rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality in all we do, now and beyond 2015 and provide measurements and modalities that will give us significant impact that is also transformative. Post 2015 offers an opportunity for a big leap forward. The key message that captures what we actually need to do is what she calls the ‘SHE’ imperative. Explaining the ‘SHE’ imperative, Ongile said that ‘S’ stands for the Security of women and girls from all forms of violence, ‘H’ stands for her Human rights, including sex-

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

ual and reproductive rights, land rights, equal pay, recognition of unpaid care, and all the rights and opportunities to which she is entitled. ‘E’ stands for an Empowered decisionmaking and full leadership and participation in all spheres of life. This is the SHE imperative! -The she imperative cannot be more relevant to us in Nigeria than now…. We all know the narrative!” The UN Women in conjunction with other agencies have been involved in a number of programmes bordering on peace and security in some selected state in Northern Nigeria. Speaking on the programme, Ongile explained that the three-Year I0 Million Euro Programme on Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria is supported by the European Union to be implemented by UN Women in Partnershhip with UNICEF and collaboration with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is still at its starting phase. “You will agree with me that the involvement of women in the peace building processes cannot be over emphasized. Traditionally, women are recognized as value creators and value carriers, a quality which has ensured the preservation of shared ancient traditions, common values and transmission of values to the younger generation. Interpreting cultural practices and values as well as putting the home front together, has been the responsibility of women. This recognizes the part they play and skills they acquire in mediation, especially through dialogue. “Unfortunately, a great majority of women are voiceless in the decision making processes both at the national, state and local levels; power is distributed unequally between men and women. There are very few women peace keepers, mediators, leaders or politicians. Despite the fact that the importance of women’s engagement in peace processes has been underscored in several international instruments; resolutions, conventions, and commitments by Member States, implementation has been very slow. A one-sizefits-all approach to development is not sustainable but an approach that recognizes the importance of diversity and respect for differences rather than standardization provides the environment where sustainability can thrive,” Ongile noted. Nigeria is a signatory to several international and regional legal instruments which support the rights of women, notably the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, 1995, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, 2004 and having ratified the UN Security Coun-

cil Resolution 1325 which calls for the inclusion of women in peace building, peace keeping, conflict management by Member States, a National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UNSCR 1325 and Related Resolutions in Nigeria (UNSR 1325) was drafted to ensure the implementation of the Resolution in Nigeria. The need therefore to effectively put these instruments and treaties into practice cannot be over emphasized. Speaking on the back seat position of women in politics in Nigeria, the gracious lady insists that awareness creation, capacity building, involvement of all stakeholders and key institutions are the important ways to remedy the situation. “Century of women’s exclusion from decision making instances has been of the most damaging consequences of the highly patriarchal system in Nigeria. The Status of women in the social structure in place preempt their level of participation in the political arena and their presence in elective bodies. “Besides working with partners on long term social transformations to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, UN Women is also working with women groups, p a rl i a mentarians, political parties, States’ institutions to impact positively the level of representation of women. With a level of presence in National Assemblies of about 7 per cent, Nigerian women are the women who have the least to say on social, legal, political and economic decisions that have influence on their situation. Therefore UN Women is also trying to strengthen

Ongile

the women’s movement to support women build a common agenda and ensure their participation in political parties and as voters and candidates.” She encouraged all women to turn out en mass to exercise their franchise and elect their leaders during the forth-coming elections, adding that all stakeholders should ensure a peaceful election devoid of violence. “Peaceful elections, no violence and large turnout of women as voters are what the UN WOMEN advocate. To contribute to this outcome, UN Women in partnership with Nigerian Women Platform for Peaceful Elections, UNDP, the Angie Brooks International Center and ECOWAS, with the support of European Union, set up and coordinating a Women Situation Room. The initiative is inspired by UN Security Council Resolution 1325 reaffirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. It is expected that Eminent African Women will participate to the Situation to give more credibility to the process through the intervention of neutral parties,” Ongile explained.

Feminique

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

I am a virgin and pregnant Help doctor!

nd my fiancé does not believe me, that he is responsible. This is an sos I got from a distressed lady. She continued to say the fiancé thought she was unfaithful. One she wanted to know what tests she could do to prove her virginity. She also wanted to know what happened. I called both of them to my clinic and resolved the issues amicably. Fortunately they were both set to wed. So there was no need to play any games of hide and seek. Or shotgun wedding. They were lucky. I can boldly tell you that, cases like this are not as uncommon or rare as you think. As a matter of fact, they are becoming more and more frequent. The young ones are overexposed and want to at least taste (if they cannot eat outright) the no longer forbidden apple. A lot of things are done unknowingly out of ignorance. Unfortunately, some of them are quite irreversible. This brings me to one of the things we must continue to do. Learn about sex education properly. So that we can teach our sons and daughters not to commit irreversible sex mistakes. Such as unwanted pregnancies, STDs, Hepatitis and even HIV/AIDS.

So now to answer the question. The answer is YES. You can be a virgin and get pregnant. And still stay a virgin until delivery. And this has nothing to do with your religion or non religion. The next question is how? This is the million Naira question. I will try to simplify the process for you. After the age of puberty, and until the age of menopause, a woman releases at least one egg monthly (Ovulation). For pregnancy to occur, a sperm must meet the egg and fertilize it. The most natural and exciting way is via vaginal sexual intercourse between the man and the woman. The artificial ways are known as artificial insemination. Of which there are many. All are related to the issue of infertility one way or the other. Now to go back to the natural way. A virgin is a woman who has not had vaginal intercourse. She may or may not have an intact hymen, due to a lot of reasons. That is another story. Penetration by the penis is painful the first time whether she has an intact hymen or not. More painful if she does. Now to the interesting part. The couple want to have a taste of the ap-

ple, whilst waiting for the D-Day. They decide to engage in non penetrative vaginal sex. The guy rubs his penis around his fiancée’s vagina/vulva without fully penetrating. This continues until he ejaculates. He might ejaculate directly into the vagina or around it. Or even on a handkerchief or tissue paper. Whichever way, the damage is done in one of three ways. Directly into the vagina is the easiest. This is direct entry to the mouth of the womb and upwards to the egg. The second instance is when the guy ejaculate around the vagina. His jerking in addition to other voluntary and involuntary movement of his penis, can push some sperms deep into the vagina. The third scenario is for the guy who eventually uses tissue paper or handkerchief for his sperms. Either he is not aware or has forgotten that, as soon as erection occurs, semen (sperm + fluid ) start moving from the penis. Ejaculation is just the release of the bulk of the semen. Remember that you only need one sperm that is bold and active enough to find its way to the egg for pregnancy to occur. So If You Are Not Ready For It, Don’t Do It.

Fadeyi

Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@ gmail.com or 08033148899 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a single mom Ebere Ameh

obi is recovering fast, thanks to the expert care by Dr Okonji. Not only did he take a special care of him while on admission, he visited him on Friday to see how he is faring after his discharge. The doctor advises that though my boy could resume school on Monday, he is not to get involved in football yet or any or strenuous activity. Knowing my son very well, I will simply leave a standing order with his class teacher that he should observe his own recreation in the classroom till further notice. How come I didn’t know Dr Okonji all this while? Even when he stays some streets away from mine? Anyway, that’s Lagos for you - everybody is so busy that none has time for socialization. Though he is friendly, he wasn’t looking as happy when I asked after his wife and children. Should I probe further? Many people are having issues in their families these days. Maybe he is. But that shouldn’t be my business anyway. I cautioned myself that he has come to see my son and that should be it. I have this problem of lending a hand and speaking up, even when unsolicited. Now that I see myself as having enough experience when it comes to marriage and relationship, I’d have loved to probe and see how I could help but who would listen to what a divorcee and single mother has to say. Danny suggested that we reciprocate the kind gesture and visit him on Sunday. I saw it as a good opportunity to know more about him and his family. A cool fresh and handsome guy like him should have a near perfect family, I thought, but how wrong I was. “What a paragon of beauty your wife is?” I told the doctor when we saw his wedding picture hanging conspicuously on the wall that Sunday. “You can say it again,” he said. “We

Sssh....none of my business

are not young any longer, so we can’t be as charming again,” he explained. “Where is everyone,” Danny interjected, asking of Dr Okonji’s family. He was apparently not interested in our discussion and needed a change of topic. We went with Tobi and Tosin and they were also on the lookout for the children so they could play and leave us adults to ourselves. “Just a minute,” let me call her, he said. I tightened my hold of Danny’s hand in disbelief when I saw Bunmi, the doctor’s wife. She is like the three of us put together but her pretty face is still there.

Naturally fair, she has introduced stretch marks on her upper arm and chest in an apparent and ignorant attempt to maintain her complexion with lightening creams. Highly loquacious, I could not remove my eyes from her as she moved up and down, attending to us. In the course of our discussions, I found that they are still believing God for children, ten years after their wedding. Now I know the reason for her husband’s love for children and his depressed countenance when I asked after his family. More than ever, the urge to tell her to stop the cream and

save her skin further damage was strong. Somebody needs to tell her to lose some weight and regain her life. One of the prominent fertility doctors in town once said that she treats obesity first before introducing any fertility drugs to his clients. According to him, often women get pregnant when they lose weight. She needs to be told that she is both loud and irritatingly loquacious. But I cautioned myself. ‘That’s not my job. I think it’s her husband’s,” I told myself. Unfortunately, he looks and acts like one who is on his way out. It is just a matter of time and he may leave her. I know the signs because I’ve been there.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Crime

‘Naval men tortured us with razor blade, electric shock’ Two men have recounted the horrifying torture they experienced in the hands of naval officials in two unconnected cases. The victims are Mr. Victor Otwgbodor Ndubisi and Mr. Anthony Nwankwo. GBEMISOLA OYEDEPO and SAMUEL TAFA report.

r. Victor Otwgbodor Ndubisi is a clearing agent at the Apapa Wharf, Lagos. He said that he was arrested on November 6, 2014, for a crime he didn’t commit. According to him, naval men picked him up and embarked on torturing him when they couldn’t find his elder brother, Tony. Tony had a business transaction with one Alhaji Ali Kalamo, which didn’t turn out the way Kalamo wanted. Angry, Kalamo invited the naval men. Ndubisi said that he was not only arrested by proxy, but was also tortured with a razor blade. The naval men allegedly used the razor blade to slash his underfoot repeatedly. He explained that his cries of pains did not stop the men who laughed each time he screamed. He said that the men took turns in kicking him with their military boots. Ndubisi, who said he was already making plans to sue the Nigerian Navy, had also contacted a human rights organization, Know Your Rights Initiative (KnoRights) to take up legal arms against the Navy on his behalf. Recalling the incident, Ndubisi said that he was picked up at the Apapa Wharf Terminal and dragged to Navy Town, Kirikiri, Lagos State. His words: “When we got to Navy Town, we met two young men with guns. They asked me to pull-off my clothes. They started beating me. They said they would deal with me until my brother comes. But Tony didn’t come. One of the naval officers brought out a blade and used it to inflict several cuts under my feet. I started bleeding. “When Kalamo wanted to leave, he brought out wads of naira notes and paid them for torturing me. He said they should continue beating me.

Ndubisi

Ndubisi now

They later chained my two legs and asked me to face the sun. When they unchained me, they asked me to start weeding the bushes around their vicinity. I was there throughout that day. In the night, they ordered me to sleep at a place where they used to keep their guns.” Another victim of the naval men’s

turture is Anthony Nwankwo, a commercial motorcyclist who said he was accused of stealing his own motorbike, after the Chairman of Motorbike Riders at Alakija, Lagos impounded it because he refused to buy a ticket for N300. He too was also dragged to the Navy Barracks, Satellite Town and tortured with electric shocks. They insisted he should confess

CRIME QUOTE

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

The government has also failed in any effort towards a multidimensional response to this problem (insurgency) leading to a situation in which we have now become dependent on our neighbours to come to our rescue. General Muhammadu Buhari.

to stealing his own motorbike. Nwankwo said: “One of the naval officers assaulted me by pouring water on me. They now brought out electric wire and placed it on my body. I felt electric shocks all over my body. They did this for hours. They said I should confess that I stole my motorbike.” Recounting how he was arrested, Ndubisi said he used to work for his elder brother, Tony, at the Wharf, Apapa. According to him, Tony was supposed to clear two containers for Kalamo, but the business didn’t go as planned. Angry, Kalamo had allegedly contracted some naval personnel, led by one Sub Lieutenant Shehu Ibrahim, attached to Palm Site, Kirikiri Navy Town, to pick Tony and teach him a lesson he wouldn’t forget in a hurry. After frantic and repeated search for Tony, yielded no result, Kalamo and naval men decided to pick Ndubisi, believing that Tony would show up once he heard his brother had been picked. Thus began Ndubisi’s orC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015, NEW TELEGRAPH

Victim demands N15m compensation from Navy

Nwankwo C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

deal in the hands of the men. He recalled: “My hands and legs were tied. Anytime, any naval personnel walked past me, they would hit and kick me.” Ndubisi explained that he had gone to oversee the loading of Kalamo’s second container on November 27 and had alerted Kalamo. Kalamo came, but a few minutes later, Ndubisi noticed a black jeep. He said: “I called Kalamo that I was at the port terminal. He said he was coming to join me. When we concluded, I was about to leave when I saw a black jeep. The Jeep stopped in front of me. Two men stepped out. They were in mufti. Kalamo pointed at me saying, “that’s the man.” The naval officers accosted me and brought out daggers. Immediately I was pushed into the jeep. They took me straight to Navy Barracks at Kirikiri. When I got there, they started torturing me.” Ndubisi was held there until the following day when another naval officer, a friend of his brother, Tony, came to see how to get him released. The officer later called Tony and instructed him to involve a lawyer. But the lawyer didn’t come until nightfall. “One of the naval officers asked me to go and take my bath. They also asked me what I was doing there. The offence I had committed,” recalled Ndubisi. “I explained everything I knew. A naval man called the OC there, immediately called Ibrahim. I heard him saying what Ibrahim did was unlawful.” Ndubisi said that he felt he would soon be freed seeing as two officers had taken interest in freeing him. But to his shock, Ibrahim came and started raining fire and brimstones. “Ibrahim asked me if I thought the officer who instructed him to pick and torture me was a junior officer. He said the person was a commodore.” Ibrahim later took him to Apapa Police Station. Meanwhile, Tony had alerted KnoRights organisation. The lead activist of the organisation, Comrade Olusegun Adeeko and a lawyer went to the police station.

The police were told that Ndubisi collected N270, 000 from Kalamo. But when Adeeko and the lawyer arrived with Tony, there was a new twist to the case. Tony told the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), that he was the one who had business with Kalamo and collected the money from him, not his brother. Ndubisi noted: “Immediately, the IPO ordered for my release. He said that if he had known I was brought from the naval base, he wouldn’t have signed my detention order. The police then asked Tony to refund the money collected. An undertaken was written by Tony before I was released on bail.” Ndubisi said he was severely wounded and first went to the hospital. The hospital, however, asked him to bring a police report. He went back to Navy Town Kirikiri, hoping they would give him the report since they caused his bodily harm, but they refused. He said that he was forced to go to his village for proper treatment. He snarled: “I won’t rest until I get justice! They almost killed me and till date, Ibrahim and Kalamo haven’t asked how I fared.” Narrating his own story and ordeal in the hands of naval men, Nwankwo explained that he was on his daily business of motorbike riding at the Alakija area when an illegal commercial motorbikes tickets seller, Mr. Ismaila accosted him, demanding he should pay N300. Nwankwo said: “I gave him N250, but the man refused to accept it. I begged him to allow me work for a while, that I would give him later. But Ismaila refused. He impounded my motorbike and took it to the chairman of Motorbike Riders’ Union Mr. Egbe. “I quickly sourced for N50. When I went to them, Ismaila said I must pay N5000 because I didn’t pay when he demanded for the money. I went home.’’ Nwankwo said he went home and started running from pillar to post, seeking who would lend him money to recover his motorbike. According to him, the motorbike was his only source of livelihood. When he was finally able to raise N2,300, three days later, he jumped for joy and rushed to

Jibrin

Adeeko

meet Ismaila and Egbe. When he got there, however, Ismaila was adamant, insisting on N5000. Nwankwo said: “Ismaila asked me to meet the chairman, but the chairman sent me back to Ismaila. We both went back to the chairman for my motorbike at Akinjo bus stop. On getting there, Egbe came to meet us with five thugs. They were armed with sticks, machetes and broken bottles. They wanted to attack me. They said I had stolen my motorbike from where it was kept.” He said he was petrified out of his wits and before he knew what was happening, Egbe had called naval men. They took him to their barracks at Satellite Town and embarked on torturing him. He said that he was later taken to the CBN Estate Two Police Station with the unknown naval officers for his detention. Fortunately, the police officers at the station refused to detain him because of his ill health. “The policemen allowed me to go after I had written a statement. But Egbe took me to another police station. This time, he took me to Agboju Police Station. He connived with the IPO, one Mr. Niyi to unlawfully detain me for three days before I was granted bail after money was collected from me.’’ KnoRights’ leader, Adeeko waded into the case and petitioned that the matter should be transferred to Area E Police Command. From there, it was transferred to the Police Command, Ikeja. “I got justice. Ismaila and the Motorbike Union were asked to pay me N96, 0000 for my missing motorbike. We later went back to the naval officers barracks to fish out the naval officers’ who brutalised me. But they were nowhere to be found.’’ Kalamo, who took Ndubisi to naval men, instead of police over his business with Tony, stated his own side of the story. He said: “I had business transaction with Tony, but the delivery was delayed. Tony demanded for extra money to clear my second container even though I had paid him earlier. The reason I got Ndubisi involved was because he was the person who came to collect the N270 000 as additional payment which was not part of our agreement.” Kalamo continued: “And since Tony didn’t show up, I had to facilitate the arrest of Ndubisi. It was only

after the case had been transferred to Area B Police Command that Tony showed up. After a calculation of the business transaction between Tony and me, everyone saw that he owed me a balance of N3.7 million. But after many pleadings from some people, I accepted that he should pay N1.5 million. But till date, Tony hasn’t paid me a dime! The case is still with the police. They are even now still looking for Tony.” The phone number of Lieutenant Ibrahim, 09021322353, was repeatedly called on March, 3 and 4, to get his own side of the story, but it was switched off. Adeeko, who spoke furiously against torture, said that he was shocked to discover that Ndubisi was tortured. He also condemned the act of forcing Ndubisi to lie on stones, while one of the naval officers stood on him to the point that the victim started bleeding through the nose. Adeeko said: “Torture contravenes Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution.” Adeeko added that the case would go to court, stressing that KnoRights would be demanding N15m from Nigerian Navy as compensation for the torture Ndubisi was put through. “This, hopefully, will serve as deterrent to other uniformed men who want to take to torturing civilians. It was our intervention that led to the release of Nwankwo and Ndubisi. We want to use this medium to call on Naval authorities to curtain the excesses of their men!” Recently, the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS), Vice- Admiral Usman Jibrin warned his officers and ratings to stop being hostile to civilians, stressing that jail term awaits any personnel who kills a civilian. His words: “Any personnel, whose action leads to the death of a civilian, would be court-martialed and handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.” This clearly underscores the fact that the Navy is becoming worried over the undisciplined attitude of its men. It also buttressed raging arguments that they are aware of the unprofessional conduct of ratings and are likely seeking ways to check it. But will the threat from Jubrin do the trick?

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

TRANSPARENCY Asks apex bank to intermediate in a transparent, efficient and fair manner Tony Chukwunyem

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thrown its weight behind the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) decision to close the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) window. The Fund expressed its support for the banking watchdog’s February 18th move, in a statement issued at the conclusion of its 2014 Article IV consultation with Nigeria. The IMF said, “Directors welcomed the recent unification of the foreign exchange rates, noting that greater exchange rate flexibility could help cushion external shocks. As the largest single supplier of foreign exchange, it will be important for the central bank to intermediate this supply in a transparent, efficient, and fair manner.” Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return

IMF backs CBN on RDAS closure Urges tax rates review, subsidy reform to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. Further commending the apex bank’s for its’ policy measures, the IMF said, “(IMF) Directors noted that financial soundness indicators remain above prudential norms, but the concentration of credit risks and foreign currency exposures call for continued close oversight. They welcomed progress in strengthening supervision and regulation, including of cross border activities, and encouraged additional initiatives to foster financial market development, including of hedging instruments, and improve financial inclusion.” However, the Fund noted that the country’s longer-term prospects depend on how effectively it is able to lower oil dependency and strengthen private sector’s participation in economic activity. According to the IMF, “Lasting and more inclusive growth calls for improving the business environment, promoting youth

Standard Bank profits from Africa expansion tandard Bank Group Limit- analyst at Anchor Capital in JoS ed has reported an increase hannesburg, said in an e-mailed in profit that it attributed to response to questions. expansion in Africa, lower bad debts and curbs on costs. In a statement yesterday, the lender said that year net income climbed to 17.9 billion rand ($1.52 billion) from 16.2 billion rand a year earlier. According to the bank, customer deposits in Africa, where it operates in 19 countries outside its home market of South Africa,, jumped by 22 percent in 2014. Also, bad debts at the bank, Africa’s biggest lender by assets, declined, with the credit-loss ratio improving to 1 percent from 1.12 percent. The performance “was driven higher by healthy revenue growth of 15 percent and a lower credit-loss ratio,” Liam Hechter,

The bank also benefited from good results in fixed-income, currency and commodities trading “and currency tailwinds in corporate and investment banking,” he said. During 2014, Standard Bank sold a controlling stake in its London-based global markets business to its biggest shareholder the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. The bank booked a loss from this unit of 3.75 billion rand. Balance sheet growth outside of South Africa was “good,” while there was a “good” fixed income and currency trading performance and a reduction in impairments in the rest of the continent, Standard Bank said in its statement.

Nigeria sells N254.96bn treasury bills at higher yields

igeria’s Treasury bill yields rose across the board at an auction on Wednesday compared with a previous sale on February 18, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday. The DMO said it sold a total of N254.96 billion of the debt against bids worth N318.58 billion. The 91-day debt note worth N17.85 billion was sold at 10.8

percent compared with 10.75 percent fetched at the previous auction, the debt office said. The 182-day paper worth N15.03 billion was sold at 14.85 percent versus 13.70 percent previously, it added. The debt office said a total of N222.08 billion of the 1-year debt notes attracted 15.89 percent against 15.25 percent at the previous auction.

and female employment, and advancing human capital development.” While also commending the Federal Government for what it described as, “ Progress in promoting Nigeria’s economic diversification and for their macroeconomic response to collapsing export prices,” the IMF, however, noted that vulnerabilities remain high in view of the uncertainties about oil price, security, and

the political situation. It advised that additional policy adjustments and broader structural reforms will be necessary in the period ahead to reconstitute buffers, mitigate risks, and meet pressing development needs. According to the IMF, for the Federal Government to achieve fiscal targets, it will have to carefully prioritise public spending and cautiously implement capital projects.

The Fund also recommended that States and local governments should improve their budgeting processes in order to help better manage their fiscal adjustment. In addition, the IMF expressed support for the Federal Government’s plans to strengthen tax administration, urging the authorities, “to also rein in exemptions, keep tax rates under review, persevere with subsidy reform, and improve the management of oil revenue.”

CBN fixes spread on dollar sales by oil firms Fails to meet $600m demands

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fixed the rate at which banks can buy dollars from oil companies at not more than N2 spread to its clearing rate, dealers said. This is the banking watchdog’s latest attempt to prop up the currency hit by the drop in oil prices. The naira crashed through the psychologically important level of N200 to the dollar last month in a rout triggered by weak oil prices and escalating tension over the postponement of a presidential election in Africa’s biggest economy. The CBN has pledged to stabilise the naira and has been deploying various measures. Dealers said the apex bank

Scrutinises banks’ books

did not issue a formal circular on the directive, but instead resorted to persuasion, adding that the total outstanding dollar demand of about $600 million was unmet. “The central bank on Monday fixed the rate at which we can buy dollars from oil companies,” one dealer told Reuters. The local unit of Royal Dutch Shell sold an undisclosed amount of dollars this week, as well as Brass LNG and Eni, but the sales have failed to buoy the naira. Oil companies usually sell dollars through an auction to lenders to buy naira to fund their local operations. The naira closed at N197 to

the dollar on yesterday, firmer than N199.90 its ended on Wednesday. Dealers said the bank had beefed up inspection of commercial bank’s trading books to verify utilisation of its dollar sales. The central bank scrapped its bi-weekly currency auctions last month and a market body said it would sell dollars only at N198, a move that amounts to a de facto devaluation of the currency of Africa’s biggest economy. The apex bank also barred lenders from reselling oil company dollars to other lenders unless the sale was backed by a customer order, dealers said.

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$31,065,248,068

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 2/3/2015 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

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

5-Mar-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 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 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 34.00 600.00 459.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 223.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,932.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,389.19

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.13 1.45 2.15 2.40 2.49 3.24 4.32 4.64 4.94 6.90 9.03 13.73 14.21 14.71 15.38 19.37

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

15.45 16.27 16.40 16.42 16.41 16.25 16.07 16.04 16.06 16.17 16.51 15.02 14.83 14.62 15.55 16.66

14.31 16.14 16.32 16.33 16.32 16.12 15.97 15.93 15.97 16.09 16.44 14.97 14.77 14.55 15.47 16.59

98.46 95.96 97.66 87.37 86.05 86.39 99.73 71.17 98.23 100.86 89.33 99.82 86.26 63.33 67.86 74.12

98.61 96.11 97.81 87.52 86.20 86.69 100.03 71.47 98.53 101.16 89.63 100.12 86.56 63.63 68.16 74.42

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.22 1.08 1.76 2.12 2.34

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

18.04 17.49 18.41 17.44 17.42

96.13 99.82 96.42 96.45 93.06

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.68

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.96

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.49

4.44

20.16

96.59

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.33

3.23

18.73

98.26

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.85

4.46

19.69

95.75

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.85

3.48

18.71

97.55

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.12

1.00

17.44

87.21

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.39

1.00

17.06

96.09

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.82

1.79

18.13

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.00

1.80

18.25

93.44

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

2.01

1.00

17.45

94.59

91.11

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.20

1.00

17.43

94.97

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.20

4.78

21.21

88.32

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.39

1.00

17.42

96.48

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.63 4.72 2.69

1.00 1.00 2.74

17.38 17.05 19.10

96.34 91.89 91.49

‡ /Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.24

1.00

17.25

94.20

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.73

1.00

17.11

87.06

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.82

1.94

18.06

89.17

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.49

1.44

17.64

92.43

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.52

1.95

18.14

92.44

97.16

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

460.61 421.27

Corporate Bonds ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.46

1.00

16.68

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.51

1.00

16.72

97.73

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.60

2.63

18.23

97.72

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.57

1.00

17.38

94.18

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.64

1.34

17.73

95.17

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.57

1.00

17.39

91.16

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.59

1.88

18.26

100.36

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.60

3.48

19.86

95.17

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.76

5.20

21.61

95.31

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.76

5.06

21.47

92.85

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.55

1.00

17.19

91.77

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.87

2.29

18.72

95.69

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.20

6.11

22.54

92.84

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.82

2.16

18.50

94.74

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.70

2.76

18.87

87.60

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.57

1.00

17.64

73.99

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.57

1.00

17.64

80.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

132.70

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

122.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.94

1.00

17.31

84.11

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

17.05

81.54

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 20.65

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.36

6.13

101.89

103.00

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.75

5.42

98.13

99.10

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.64

6.48

98.33

99.31

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,491.73

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

149.54

42.79

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

8.02

6.17

99.40

101.50

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

13.29

88.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

14.23

13.03

81.75

84.42

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

9.10

8.42

90.50

92.50

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

38.85

43.63

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

9.92

87.82

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

15.39

14.84

79.96

81.42

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

14.07

77.95

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

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

28.36 14.55 14.19

28.36 13.98 14.19

40.00 78.75 74.00

40.00 80.75 74.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.18

10.62

88.38

90.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,581.49

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

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.98 10.68 14.16 14.83 15.39 14.67 14.87 14.67

Offer Discount (%) 13.73 10.43 13.91 14.58 15.14 14.42 14.62 14.42

Bid Yield (%) 14.02 10.72 14.27 15.00 15.62 14.92 15.17 15.00

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.0033 15.3839 16.7166 17.5832

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.08

O/N Tenor Call 1M

11.42

REPO

Rate (%) 12.00 13.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

199.12 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

199.22 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

8.50 10.00 12.1493

200.00 591.57 223.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,932.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,389.19

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

14.71 15.38 19.37

14.62 15.55 16.66

14.55 15.47 16.59

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

Agency Bonds

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH FMBN 6, 2015 ***LCRM

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.22 1.08 1.76 2.12 2.34

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

18.04 17.49 18.41 17.44 17.42

96.13 99.82 96.42 96.45 93.06

322.68

BEARISH

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.96

Equities fall as investors KADUNA *EBONYI take profit BBB+/Agusto *BENUE Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto

A-/Agusto

*IMO

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

Stories by Chris Ugwu ‡ /Agusto EDO

63.63 68.16 74.42

Business | Financial Market News

Stock market loses N84bn

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

‡ /Agusto

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

63.33 67.86 74.12

he Nigerian stock NIGER market yesterday*EKITI returned ‡ /Agusto *NIGER to the negative route ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO asA-/GCR activities*GOMBE on the BBB+/Agusto; ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS shares of blue chip companies BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN dragged down equities to a loss ‡ /Agusto *OSUN ‡ /Agusto; /GCR LAGOS of N84 ‡billion. A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro Market watchersKOGI believe ‡ /Agusto *EKITI market speculators made a reA-/GCR *NASARAWA TOTALto OUTSTANDING VALUE of the treat take advantage ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.49

4.44

20.16

96.59

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.33

3.23

18.73

98.26

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 bullish rally recorded some 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 days ago to take profits. 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 Consequently, the All13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 EDO 31-DEC-2017 Share14.00 Index shed 249.89 basis 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 points14.00 or NIGER 0.82 IIper cent to close 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 at 30,365.05 basis points as 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 against 30,614.93 recorded in 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 the previous while mar15.50 GOMBE day, 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 ket capitalisation of equities 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 depreciated N84 billion or 14.75 OSUNby II 10-OCT-2020 13.50 LAGOS 0.82 per cent 27-NOV-2020 to close lower 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 at N10.131 trillion as against 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 N10.215 trillion. 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Meanwhile, a turnover

of 378.730-Jun-11 billion shares14.00 worth 30-Jun-09 15.50 N4.1 billion in 3,883 deals was 19-Apr-10 10.00 recorded in the day’s trading. 30-Jun-10 13.75 14.00 Other30-Dec-10 financial services 30-Sep-11 14.00 sub- sector of the financial 04-Oct-11 14.00 14.50most services09-Dec-11 sector was the 12-Dec-13 14.00 active (measured by turnover 14-Feb-12 15.50 volume)02-Oct-12 with 222.2 15.50 million 22-Nov-12 14.50 shares worth N1.8 billion ex12-Dec-12 14.75 changed10-Oct-13 by investors14.75 in 904 13.50 deals. 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 15.00 Volume in the sub-sector 31-Dec-13 14.50 was largely driven by15.00 activi06-Jan-14 ties in the shares of FBNH

4.86 30-Jun-16 0.85 Plc. 5.73 30-Jun-16 0.85 Also, the banking services 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.12 sector, boosted by activities1.39in 25.73 30-Jun-17 25.00 the shares of 31-Dec-17 Zenith Bank 2.82 Plc 34.14 30-Sep-18 2.00 and followed with 9.00UBA Plc,04-Oct-18 2.01a 13.73 09-Dec-18 2.20 turnover of 704 million shares 10.20 12-Dec-18 2.20 valued at N741 million in 1,414 27.00 14-Feb-19 2.39 deals. 16.23 02-Oct-19 2.63 80.00 22-Nov-19 4.72 Further analysis of 2.69 the 26.62 12-Dec-19 day’s trading showed that 11.10 10-Oct-20 3.24 87.50 27-Nov-20 Company 5.73 Oando Petroleum 31-Dec-20 5.82 Plc5.00 topped the day’s gainers’ 4.55 31-Dec-20 3.49 table cent to close at 4.56 by five per 06-Jan-21 3.52 460.61 while Ikeja Hotels Plc N14.91,

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4.46 95.75 followed with19.69 4.94 per cent to 3.48 18.71 97.55 close at N4.4617.44 per share. NPF 1.00 87.21 MFB 1.00 Plc with 17.06a gain of 96.094.71 18.13 91.11 per1.79 cent closed at 89 kobo per 1.80 18.25 93.44 share. 1.00 17.45 94.59 1.00 the flip 17.43 94.97 On side, Julius Berg4.78 21.21 88.32 er Plc led the losers’ table with 1.00 17.42 96.48 a drop per cent to close 1.00 of 9.7217.38 96.34 1.00 17.05 91.89 at N41.61 per share, while Dan2.74 19.10 91.49 gote Flour Plc shed 4.88 1.00 17.25 94.20 per 17.11 cent1.00to close at N3.5 per87.06 share, 1.94 18.06 while UBA Capital Plc 89.17 trailed 1.44 17.64 92.43 with cent to close at 1.954.58 per18.14 92.44 N1.46 per share.

421.27

Zenith Bank’s profit rises by 9% to N99.44bn Corporate Bonds

GTBank grows profit by 10% to N98.69bn

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.51

1.00

16.72

97.73

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.60

2.63

18.23

97.72

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.57

1.00

17.38

94.18

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.18

10.62

88.38

90.75

‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

Z Nil

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

#{r}

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

97.16

14.25regulatory5.53 25-Oct-16 1.64 1.34remain a 17.73 95.17 n spite of the to leading player in 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 2.57 1.00 17.39 91.16 headwinds that have the financial services sector 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.64 30-Nov-17 1.59 1.88 18.26 100.36 inhibited lenders’ earn-6.30 whilst expanding our fran09-Apr-11 16.00 09-Apr-18 1.60 3.48 19.86 95.17 09-Sep-11 18.00 09-Sep-18 1.76 5.20 21.61 95.31 ings, Guaranty Trust Bank2.90 chise in select, high growth 09-Sep-11 16.00 0.80 09-Sep-18 1.76 5.06 21.47 92.85 (GTB) Plc has posted a 1035.00 African markets where we 22-Sep-11 14.00 22-Sep-18 3.55 1.00 17.19 91.77 per cent increase believe we18.72 have competitive 18-Oct-13 15.75 in post-tax2.40 18-Oct-18 1.87 2.29 95.69 17-Feb-12 18.00 17-Feb-19 2.20 6.11 22.54 92.84 advantage.” profit for the financial year0.36 01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 2.82 2.16 18.50 94.74 ended December 31, 2014. In a filing with the Ex14-Nov-20 5.70 2.76 18.87 87.60 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 In a filing with change, the profit 30-Sep-14 11.93 the Nige-0.10 30-Sep-24 9.57 1.00 17.64 bank’s73.99 30-Sep-14 13.25 30-Sep-24 9.57 1.00 80.00 before tax17.64 had declined to rian Stock Exchange (NSE),15.44 132.70 N80.69 billion from N82.36 the bank’s profit after tax 122.17 grew to N98.694 billion from billion in the same period of N90.023 billion in the same last year, indicating a loss of 11-Feb-13 11-Feb-18 2.94 1.00 per cent. 17.31 84.11 period of last 10.20 year, indicat-12.00 two 10-Jul-14 11.25 01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 17.05 81.54 ing a growth of 10 per cent.12.95 Revenue, however, rose 24.95 The lender’s pre-tax profit to N199.24 billion, compared 20.65 equally firmed up by nine with N181.99 billion last Outstanding Value per cent to N116.385 billion indicating Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offeryear, Yield (%) Bid Price a growth Offer Price of ($mm) Agbaje nine per cent. from N107.091 billion a year Prices & Yields the bank had earlier. However, 07-Oct-11 500.00 of our strategy 28-Jan-21 6.13 101.89 In the same6.75 breadth, revand6.36 resil- posted seven per cent103.00 growth enue rose to N278.520 billion, ience of our earnings. The in gross earnings for the 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 5.75 5.42 98.13 99.10 compared with N242.665 bil- Group has delivered a re- half year ended June 30, 12-Jul-13 500.00 12-Jul-23 6.64 6.48 98.33 99.31 lion last year,6.38depicting a spectable Profit Before Tax 2014. 1,500.00 growth of 15 per cent. of N116.39billion in spite of Gross earnings increased 1,491.73 all the headwinds the indus- by seven per cent to N132.985 Ironically, GTB had reported two per cent drop in try experienced in 2014.” billion from N124.202 billion. He expressed his sincere pre-tax profit during for the However, 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 149.54 149.54 42.79 the half-year 42.79 quarter ended September 30, net decreased from 19-May-11 7.50 500.00 appreciation 19-May-16 to customers 8.02 6.17 earnings 99.40 101.50 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 for their 25-Jul-17 13.29 88.00 to N44.008 88.00 billoyalty and13.29 staff 2014. N49.014 billion 09-May-13 6.88 on the fi300.00 for their 02-May-18 14.23and 13.03 81.75 commitment Commenting lion, accounting for 84.42 a drop 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 9.10 8.42 90.50 92.50 nancial results, Segun Aghard work. of 10 per cent. 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 38.85 38.85 43.63 43.63 Agbaje said: “We remain baje, the Managing Direcpre- tax 87.82 profit 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 9.92 9.92GTB’s 87.82 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 committed 21-May-19 15.39 14.84 79.96 81.42 bilequally fell to N53.396 tor/CEO of GTbank, said to maximising 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 14.07 14.07 77.95 that the bank’s financial shareholder value and deliv- lion, down77.95 seven per cent 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 28.36 28.36 40.00 40.00 performance in 2014 attests ering superior and sustainfrom N57, 364 billion in 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 14.55 13.98 78.75 80.75 the 23-Jul-14 8.00 soundness 450.00 able returns. 23-Jul-21 14.19 14.19 74.00 to “the inherent Our objective is same period last year.74.00 14-Aug-14

8.75

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

16.68

25-Oct-13

9-SEP-2018 . enith Bank Plc*TOWER has post- 2015 toMPR+7.00 moveTOWER up slightly MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER “On the back of the results, ed a profit before tax of 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA N119.796 billion*LA for the fi- we would expect the market to 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR CASERA CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS nancial year ended Decembers react MPR+5.00 positively, with the ca16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 Nil *DANA 31, 2014, up by 12.8 per cent veat that concerns about the 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO from during impact182D ofT.bills+1.20 the fallout the STANBICfrom IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR N106.209 billion STANBIC IBTC 13.25 IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCRcorresponding period STANBIC IBTC decline inSTANBIC oil prices are likely the of TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE last year. to linger a bit. Zenith shares TOTAL CAPITALISATION ThisMARKET was contained in a fil- have outperformed the index ing with the Nigerian Stock this year, gaining 3.2 per cent Supranational Bond 10.20 IFCwith 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC Exchange (NSE) yesterday . compared a loss of -12.4 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB The details showed that per cent for the ASI. We rate TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE profit after tax for the period Zenith Bank shares neutral. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION under review, according to the Our estimates are under rebank’sRating/Agency unaudited end year reDescription Issuer view.” Zenith had posted a profit sult, was N99.445 billion, up FGN Eurobonds by 8.6 per cent from N95.312 before tax of N57.85 billion 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P ending billion for the same period in for the six months June 30, 2014,representing 2013. BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P Gross earnings grew by an increase of seven per cent BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&Pper cent y/y to N403.343 from N54.08 billion recorded 14.76 TOTAL OUTSTANDING billion as against VALUE N351.470 re- a year earlier. TOTAL MARKET corded a yearCAPITALISATION earlier. Profit after tax for the peThe Board has proposed a riod under review, according Corporate Eurobonds final dividend of N1.75, unto the bank’s unaudited half 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I changed from the amount year result, was N47.45 billion, 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK paid PLC I 7.25 JULper 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC accounting for four in 2013FY. cent 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 for B/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC growth from N45.42 Analysts at FBNFIDELITY Capital billion 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC while reacting to the results the same period10.25 in APR 2013. 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II said: “All in all, the results Details of the half-year 6.25 APR 22, 2019 reB+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 8.75gross May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC sult showed that were ahead of expectations. earn8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC Zenith delivered an FIRST ROAE of ings also rose by 7.8 per cent 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 19 perB/S&P cent for 2014. We would billion in 2013 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN to 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; ACCESS BANK PLC IIfrom N171.02 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANKfor LTD N184.43 billion. expect consensus estimates B-/S&P

1.00

30-Sep-10

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

0.46

5-Mar-15

3,581.49

The DQL contains and instruments in the financial The Information does not constitute Moneymarket Market(the “Information”). **Treasury Bills data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities FIXINGS Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) professional,DTM financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; theBidInformation is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE”Tenor basis and mayRate not(%) be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discounthowever, (%) Yield (%) NIBOR 12-Mar-15 13.73 14.02neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. the accuracy, 7timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for13.98 a particular purpose of any of the Information, OBB 11.08 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 14 19-Mar-15 10.68 21 26-Mar-15 14.16 28 2-Apr-15 14.83 9-Apr-15 15.39 FGN Bonds 35 42 16-Apr-15 14.67 49 23-Apr-15 14.87 56 30-Apr-15 14.67 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 63 7-May-15 15.48 70 14-May-15 14.07 4.00 23-APR-2015 77 21-May-15 14.30 13.05 16-AUG-2016 91 4-Jun-15 14.55 15.10 27-APR-2017 98 11-Jun-15 14.73 112 25-Jun-15 15.75 9.85 27-JUL-2017 119 2-Jul-15 15.65 9.35 31-AUG-2017 133 16-Jul-15 14.74 10.70 30-MAY-2018 140 23-Jul-15 14.65 16.00 29-JUN-2019 147 30-Jul-15 14.49 154 6-Aug-15 15.85 7.00 23-OCT-2019 NA NA 161 13-Aug-15 14.74 15.54 13-FEB-2020 175 27-Aug-15 15.00 16.39 27-JAN-2022 182 3-Sep-15 14.60 14.20 14-MAR-2024 189 10-Sep-15 14.99 273 3-Dec-15 15.57 15.00 28-NOV-2028 287 17-Dec-15 14.45 12.49 22-MAY-2029 308 7-Jan-16 15.45 8.50 20-NOV-2029 322 21-Jan-16 14.38 10.00 23-JUL-2030 336 4-Feb-16 15.61 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 350 18-Feb-16 13.40 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

10.43 13.91 14.58 15.14 14.42 14.62 14.42 Issue Date 15.23 13.82 23-Apr-10 14.05 16-Aug-13 14.30 27-Apr-12 14.48 15.50 27-Jul-07 15.40 31-Aug-07 14.49 30-May-08 14.40 29-Jun-12 14.24 15.60 23-Oct-09 14.49 13-Feb-15 14.75 27-Jan-12 14.35 14-Mar-14 14.74 15.32 28-Nov-08 14.20 22-May-09 15.20 20-Nov-09 14.13 23-Jul-10 15.36 18-Jul-14 13.15

10.72 14.27 15.00 15.62 14.92 15.17 15.00 Coupon (%) 15.90 14.46 4.00 14.74 13.05 15.10 15.10 15.34 16.55 9.85 16.49 9.35 15.58 10.70 15.52 16.00 15.39 16.99 7.00 15.76 15.54 16.16 16.39 15.75 14.20 16.25 17.62 15.00 16.30 12.49 17.77 8.50 16.46 10.00 18.23 12.1493 15.38

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

4,932.13 4,389.19

Rating/Agency

Agency Bonds

Issuer

Modified Duration Buckets

FMBN <3

3<5 ***LCRM >5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Market

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 1,373.87 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 1,015.78 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM 567.09 III 06-JUL-2017 2,956.73

Issue Date

Weighting by 24-May-12 Outstanding Vol

815.07

03-Apr-12 42.92 09-Dec-11 32.27 20-Apr-12 24.82 06-Jul-12

3,284.23

100.00

1,409.48 1,059.68

Coupon (%)

Weighting by Mkt 0.00 Value

17.25 46.47 0.00/16.00 34.35 0.00/16.50 19.18 0.00/16.50 100.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Bucket Weighting 24.56

2.70 112.220.43 116.700.32 66.49 0.25

322.681.00

11.42

REPO

Tenor Call 1M (Yrs) TTM 3M 6M

Rate (%) 12.00 13.00 Bid Yield 14.00 15.00

(%)

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

0.13 15.45 14.31 1.45 16.27 16.14 2.15 16.40 16.32 :Benchmarks 2.40 16.42 16.33 * :Amortising Bond 2.49 16.41 16.32 µ :Convertible Bond 3.24 Management Corporation 16.25 16.12 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.32 16.07 15.97 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 4.64 Mortgage Bank16.04 15.93 IFC: International 4.94 Finance Corporation 16.06 15.97 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 6.90 16.17 16.09 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 9.03 16.51 16.44 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 13.73 15.02Company 14.97 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement 14.21 14.83 Company14.77 14.71 14.62 14.55 15.38 15.55 15.47 19.37 16.66 16.59 NOTE:

Outstanding Value FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX(N'bn)

Description

Porfolio Market Value(Bn) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015

23-Apr-15

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 14.8990 27-Apr-17 15.2247 15.4437 27-Jul-17 15.9420 31-Aug-17 16.0048 30-May-18 18.2727

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 34.00 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 459.68 199.0000 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 223.50 18-Jul-34

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

O/N

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 581.39 1M 476.80 2M 3M 20.00 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE #

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Rate (%) 11.0033 15.3839 16.7166 17.5832

Maturity Date % Exposure_ 24-May-15 Mod_Duration

03-Apr-17 21.66 08-Dec-16 37.02 19-Apr-17 41.32 06-Jul-17 100.00

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Implied0.22 Yield

1.08 16.23 1.76 16.31 2.12 15.86 2.34 16.11

# Risk Premium (%)

Implied 2.63 Portfolio Price

2.27 118.4975 2.00 117.8612 1.00 84.1593 1.00 109.7703

199.12 199.22 201.81 201.93 202.13 Price 202.28 202.87 203.37 204.24 205.31 205.60 207.21Price Bid Price Offer 206.28 213.47 220.29 226.27

98.46 98.61 95.96 96.11 97.66 97.81 NA :Not Applicable 87.37 87.52 # :Floating Rate Bond 86.05 86.20 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 86.39 86.69 100.03 ‡ : Bond 99.73 rating under review †: Bond rating 71.17 expired 71.47 N/A :Not 98.23 Available 98.53 {r} :Issuer in receivership 100.86 101.16 89.33 89.63 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United Bank for Africa 99.82 100.12 86.26 86.56 63.33 63.63 67.86 68.16 74.12 74.42

Valuation Yield (%) INDEX 18.04

17.49 1,125.48 18.41 998.00 17.44 983.97 17.42 1,048.21 -

Indicative Price YTD Return 96.13 (%)

99.82

1.5919 96.42

1.4386 96.45

2.2884 93.06

0.6609

308.96

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.49

4.44

20.16

96.59

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.33

3.23

18.73

98.26

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.85

4.46

19.69

95.75

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.85

3.48

18.71

97.55

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.12

1.00

17.44

87.21

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.39

1.00

17.06

96.09

Business | Capital Market

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015

Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at March 5, 2015

Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds) Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 16.39% FGN JAN 2022 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FG9B2022S1

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.52

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 102,240.50 102,240.50

100

102,240.50

100

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

102,240.50

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 16 2 18

Current Price 30.56 32.38

Quantity Traded 115,466 19,485 134,951

Value Traded 3,629,705.20 599,553.45 4,229,258.65

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 2.18

Quantity Traded 476,803 476,803

Value Traded 1,039,387.73 1,039,387.73

611,754

5,268,646.38

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. Diversified Industries

CHELLARAMS PLC.

OF NIGERIA PLC Published by TRANSNATIONAL The Nigerian Stock CORPORATION Exchange © U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT Symbol

CHELLARAM TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 3 Current Price 1.24 Quantity Traded 4,000 No. of Deals

2 185 59 249

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Development Totals Daily Summary Estate as of 04/03/2015 Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CONSUMER GOODS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. Published by The NigerianBREW. Stock PLC. Exchange © NIGERIAN 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 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Printed 04/03/2015 U T C 15:03:16.016 NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY HouseholdGOODS Durables CONSUMER VITAFOAMDurables NIG PLC. Household Household Durables Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

249

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1,000 18,465,297 Page 5,121,275 23,591,572

1 53,197,586.48 of 12 184,838,555.38

3,760.00

23,591,572

238,044,991.86

No. of Deals Current Price 25 46.09 25

Quantity Traded 221,432 221,432

Value Traded 10,363,706.05 10,363,706.05

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals Current Price 19 9.70 19

Quantity Traded 551,262 551,262

Value Traded 5,373,603.46 5,373,603.46

772,694

15,737,309.51

44 Symbol

HEALTHCARE Totals Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 PrintedICT 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Value Traded 5,090.00 Value Traded

Symbol JBERGER

Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Symbol CHAMPION Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals Current Price 16 4.95 No. of Deals Price 22 Current126.00 44 19.47 231 150.00 313

Quantity Traded 452,806 Quantity574,229 Traded 1,315,866 Page 3,968,277 6,311,178

Value Traded 2,253,122.80 Value Traded 72,086,299.99 25,620,791.50 2 of 12 595,539,015.91 695,499,230.20

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals Current Price 16 154.00 16

Quantity Traded 1,165,225 1,165,225

Value Traded 179,433,904.00 179,433,904.00

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON UTC

No. of Deals Current Price 24 3.69 54 6.49 110 35.00 19 2.90 2 0.50 38 6.80 1 0.50 248

Quantity Traded 56,922 646,910 1,554,668 175,670 84,128 1,358,310 150 3,876,758

Value Traded 205,884.78 4,207,733.63 53,992,014.39 514,839.61 42,064.00 9,209,223.10 75.00 68,171,834.51

No. of Deals Current Price 17 37.90 43 820.00 60

Quantity Traded 30,923 84,164 115,087

Value Traded 1,211,528.57 69,646,253.29 70,857,781.86

Symbol VITAFOAM Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 22 Current Price 3.46 No. of Deals 22

Quantity Traded Quantity514,011 Traded

Value Traded 1,766,184.50 Value Traded

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 36 24 60

Symbol

Daily Summary (Equities) CADBURY NESTLE

Current Price 27.99 34.86

720 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 232 DIAMONDBNK 63 ETI 46 FIDELITYBK 62 GUARANTY 294 SKYEBANK 76 STERLNBANK 901 UBA 264 UBN 55 Daily Summary (Equities) UNITYBNK 2 Daily Summary (Equities) WEMABANK 24 ZENITHBANK 557 2,576 Symbol AIICO Symbol

Current Price 6.50 4.28 16.80 1.33 23.00 2.13 2.32 3.70 10.60 0.50 0.94 19.10

514,011 Page Quantity Traded 268,609 166,015 434,624

Value Traded 25,000.00 25,000.00

1,028,881,501.15

Quantity Traded 65,318,004 3,062,412 34,532,426 4,621,646 9,859,281 6,109,322 10,736,013 13,252,640 3,025,995 32,000 2,408,686 65,022,273 217,980,698

Value Traded 424,731,869.68 12,971,013.21 580,152,993.45 6,175,799.36 228,668,954.82 13,133,305.49 24,684,629.30 49,695,488.32 31,726,695.50 16,000.00 2,344,621.43 1,251,956,768.93 2,626,258,139.49

SERVICES Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.85

Quantity Traded 1,560,150 1,560,150

Value Traded 1,326,847.50 1,326,847.50

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC

No. of Deals 71 6 1 515 120 5 42

Current Price 2.80 3.95 0.67 8.25 2.28 0.50 26.02

Quantity Traded 3,233,297 45,224 50,000 58,922,626 16,273,342 190,000 994,068 Page Page

Employment Solutions SERVICES C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 Printing/Publishing Totals Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Value Traded 3,053,700.72 4Value Traded of 12 17,386,013.50 73,600.00 500,000.00 4,500.00 200.00 717,836.08 285,056.00 250.00 200.00 3,000.00 1,808,109.32

30,180,574

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Activity on Board EQTY Published by TheSummary Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Quantity Traded 3,727,196 Quantity Traded Page 21,170,950 147,200 1,000,000 9,000 400 250,628 455,400 500 400 6,000 3,412,900

131

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Activity Summary onGas Board EQTYTotals Integrated Oil and Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © OILPetroleum AND GAS and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL and PLC Petroleum Products Distributors Petroleum ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Support and Logistics Totals ©

Current Price 1.53

Quantity Traded 1,782,827 81,491,384

Value Traded 2,696,194.79 559,161,650.99

331,212,806

3,210,579,103.60

Quantity Traded 31,100 21,500 717,805 27,275 211,920 1,009,600

Value Traded 60,655.00 65,254.00 28,717,566.55 42,503.50 147,903.60 29,033,882.65

1,009,600

29,033,882.65

3,532 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 4 6 28 3 13 54

Current Price 2.15 3.00 40.00 1.60 0.68

54 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 112,344 112,344

Value Traded 56,172.00 56,172.00

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 4.00 1.77

Quantity Traded 158,258 32,500 190,758

Value Traded 633,032.00 54,925.00 687,957.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CWG TRIPPLEG

303,102 Page

744,129.00 of 12

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 22 25 5 14 63 4 7 25 165

Current Price 18.98 9.00 39.78 10.70 152.53 1.49 3.82 87.99

Quantity Traded 295,612 138,898 27,750 85,520 962,541 108,000 225,000 269,926 2,113,247

Value Traded 5,633,551.34 1,134,887.00 1,049,356.00 871,819.00 146,868,297.12 160,920.00 859,400.00 23,154,089.18 179,732,319.64

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.50

Quantity Traded 15,000 15,000

Value Traded 21,450.00 21,450.00

2,128,247

179,753,769.64

Quantity Traded 121,800 121,800

Value Traded 60,900.00 60,900.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL

166

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

173 173

14.20

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

4,428,801 4,428,801 Page

Value Traded 63,313,475.76 63,313,475.76 8 of 12

Symbol CONOIL Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price 30 Current 32.20 No. of Deals Price 18 2.70 56 210.00 28 150.00 3 50.54 21 140.00 156

Quantity Traded Quantity183,031 Traded 334,427 87,007 203,981 1,300 16,402 826,148

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 23 23

Quantity Traded 142,313 142,313

Value Traded 64,324,987.99 64,324,987.99

5,519,062

185,287,049.42

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 22 Current Price 0.82 No. of Deals 55 0.82 4 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 5 2.86 9 0.63 1 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 30 0.53

CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI GUINEAINS LASACO MANSARD NEM SOVRENINS STACO STDINSURE WAPIC

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 OIL AND GAS Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 Energy Equipment and Services Activity Summary on Board EQTY JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals OIL AND GAS

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

1,766,184.50 3 of 12 Value Traded 7,462,653.70 5,664,912.38 13,127,566.08

12,466,883

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY IT Services Totals ICT ICT Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Daily Summary as of and 04/03/2015 Electronic Electrical Products Printed 04/03/2015 CUTIX15:03:16.016 PLC.

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Daily Summary (Equities) DUNLOP

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Daily Summary as15:03:16.016 ofBANK 04/03/2015 Printed 04/03/2015 SKYE PLC Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ActivityZENITH Summary on Board EQTY INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Activity Summary Banking Totals on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES InsuranceSERVICES Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL AIICO INSURANCE PLC. and Services Insurance Carriers, Brokers Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

3.95 2.85 36.00

No. of Deals 59 819

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. Daily Summary as of 04/03/2015 PRESCO PLC Printed 04/03/2015 15:03:16.016 Crop Production Totals

Symbol UBCAP

Current Price 450.10

356

Value Traded 5,850,655.83 Value Traded 870,130.17 17,912,372.39 30,596,688.40 62,426.00 2,295,412.88 57,587,685.67

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.73

Quantity Traded 21,922 21,922

Value Traded 15,502.42 15,502.42

Symbol

No. of Deals 5 1 6

Current Price 3.89 0.97

Quantity Traded 31,085 8,000 39,085 Page

Value Traded 115,798.05 7,760.00 9 123,558.05 of 12

Quantity Traded 27,111 Quantity Traded 27,111

Value Traded 13,555.50 Value Traded 13,555.50

Daily Summary (Equities) REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

Symbol CILEASING Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 0.50 No. of Deals3 Current Price 3

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 4.25

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 10 16 27

Current Price 1.06 1.11 4.40

Quantity Traded 100 591,752 233,977 825,829

Value Traded 111.00 660,257.40 994,305.00 1,654,673.40

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 40,047 40,047

Value Traded 21,224.91 21,224.91

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 10 40 50

Current Price 1.81 4.97

Quantity Traded 254,730 468,826 723,556

Value Traded 461,697.30 2,311,763.06 2,773,460.36

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals Current Price 4 2.95 4

Daily Summary (Equities)

SERVICES Totals

Page Quantity Traded 1,978,710 1,978,710

Quantity Traded 16,360 Page 16,360

10 of 12 Value Traded 8,923,611.92 8,923,611.92

Value Traded 47,444.00 11 47,444.00 of 12

126

3,674,620

13,574,030.56

EQTY Board Totals

5,283

381,290,340

4,906,904,413.77

Equity Activity Totals

5,283

381,290,340

4,906,904,413.77

23,832,465.62

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Value Traded 9,033,605.38 177,866.73 33,500.00 483,016,457.93 37,651,333.55 95,000.00 526,457,692.61 of 12 6

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals Current Price 1 10.00 1 2,328.00 1 14.00 3

Quantity Traded 1 27 320 348

Value Traded 10.00 62,856.00 4,480.00 67,346.00

ETF Board Totals

348

67,346.00

ETP Activity Totals

348

67,346.00

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

ASUP wants Oko Poly rector removed Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

he Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic, Oko chapter, has demanded for the removal of Prof. Godwin Onu, as the rector of the institution. The call was contained in a chapter report to ASUP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, which was made available to journalists yesterday. In

the report, the union alleged a state of irredeemable state of affairs in the polytechnic. The report also alleged the continued seizure of their check off dues by the management, the failure of the Optical Magnetic Regulation (CBT/OMR) examination regime and the refusal of the management to accept the failure. According to the report, students of the polytechnic that ought to have graduated in the 2012/2013 session could not graduate

for want of their results, accessioned by the failure of the CBT/OMR. The development, according to the report, has caused the students to miss the last batch of the NYSC and there is no hope of participating in the next batch. The report also alleged that the management has imposed on the students, a fee of N7, 500 each, to take exams. The payment was imposed on the students for using computers to take exams made compulsory by the management despite

the directive of the national executive committee on the issue. It said management realises not less than N300 million from the students, who are over 40, 000 in number, each semester. The report said further that three lecturers of the institution, who could not set the courses they teach in objective format, were suspended and have been on supervision despite the directive of the Ministry of Education and the NBTE to reinstate them.

Other issues in the report include the withdrawal of the appointment of Mr. Cyprian Ike Nwanmuo, for carrying out his duty as Oko community’s town union president and the management’s termination letter to Mr. Godwin Okeoma as the chapter chairman of ASUP in the institution, yet to be served on him. But in a swift reaction yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Obini Obini, debunked the allegations,

saying such allegations were unfounded as the institution is on the right track to achieve academic excellence. According to him, the use of computer or OMR for examination was to ensure that the products of the polytechnic are groomed to face any challenge in the labour market. He said ICT is a primary requirement for students seeking admission into universities and other higher institutions and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is not an exception.

Pension challenges will soon be over, says PTAD Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

L-R: Traditional ruler of Nekede, Eze Morison Eke; Deputy Commissioner of Police on Administration, Mr. Austine Agbonlaho; Head, Government and Community Relations, IHS Africa, Mr. Chukwujioke Ugochukwu; Imo State House of Assembly member, representing Owerri West, Hon. Obulimba Innocent Ekeh and Head, Marketing, IHS Africa, Mrs. Adeola Olasewere at the inauguration of the newly built Nekede Police Station, donated to the command by IHS, Owerri, Imo State...recently

Court adjourns in suit against illegal substitution by PDP Okegwo Kenechuwu Onitsha

n Awka Federal High Court presided over by Justice G. I. Gafai, has adjourned for hearing on March 11, 2015, a petition filed by Mrs. B. Osude, challenging the substitution of her name with that of Mrs. Eucheria Azodo, in the PDP House of Representatives’ primary election for Aguata federal constituency in Anambra State.

Osude claimed that she emerged as the winner in the election as she scored 42 votes while Azodo got eight votes. The plaintiff, a one-time speaker of the Anambra State of House of Assembly, is praying the court to return her as the winner of the primary election into the Aguata federal constituency; having scored the majority valid votes in the election conducted by the PDP and supervised by Mr. Alaye Tremie, who led a five-man committee.

Union denies protesting against NLC delegates’ list Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Abia State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has dissociated itself from the purported protest of some unions against the delegates’ list for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) national congress slated for this month. This was even as it

denied that Comrade Ezekiel Christopher, who spoke on behalf of the union as its chairman in the said protest, is its chairman. Addressing journalists on the development yesterday, Chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, said the outcome of the rescheduled congress would be rejected if the South East and SouthSouth were not given equal number of delegates.

he Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has assured the nation that the challenges currently being faced in the payment of pension to retired civil servants in the country would soon be over. The Director-General of PTAD, Nellie Mayshak, made this known yesterday at the ongoing nationwide police pensioners’ verification exercise in Owerri. Mayshak, who spoke through the Team Leader, Police Pension Verification (Zone 9B), Ms. Comfort Kabirwa, comprising Imo and Abia States under

the PTAD, noted that the exercise was aimed at capturing police pensioners, who retired from 2007 downwards. She said the exercise would help check the incidence of ghost workers among pensioners and ensure that genuine pensioners were adequately paid their pensions. According to her, the exercise would sanitise the pension administration system and restore public confidence through effective management, accountability and transparency. “It will also alleviate the sufferings of the pensioners through regular and prompt payments, constant communication and easy accessibility,” she said.

‘Attack on Obi is attack on Jonathan’

he Director, Publicity Committee on President Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Anambra State, Chief JoeMartins Uzodike, has decried the recent attacks on the personality of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, describing it as a veiled attack on President Goodluck Jonathan. Uzodike, who was the Director of Willie Obiano Campaign Organisation and the immediate Special Adviser, Politics, to the Anambra State governor, stated this in

Awka yesterday, while addressing youths and traders rooting for the re-election of President Jonathan. The former Commissioner for Information and Culture, who said he was dismissed by Obiano for supporting Jonathan, regretted the demise of the late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who he described as a rallying point of APGA, which had died with him. He frowned on the calculated attempt to tarnish Obi’s hard earned image and reputation through the cir-

culation of a sponsored documentary in select media houses, noting that such action was proof that the Anambra State government was not supporting Jonathan for re-election. He accused Obiano and his cohort, Chief Victor Umeh, of chasing Obi out of the party despite the fact that Obi was instrumental to his becoming the governor and warned them to prepare for the after effect. Uzodike described the current attacks on Obi as indicative of APGA’s plan to frustrate the second tenure

ambition of Jonathan in the state, wondering why Obi, who was no longer running for elective office, should be the object of their attack. “This is a further attempt to show that Anambra State government and APGA are not supporting Obi. Obi left the party last year, why is it that now that the President is gunning for re-election they have decided to present Obi in a very bad light?” Uzodike queried, accusing the national chairman of a party of masterminding the production of the documentary.

Police committee on communal clashes meets in Enugu Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

high powered delegation of the Police Committee on Prevention of Communal Clashes/ Crises, made up of six assistant inspectors-general of police and others, yesterday ended a two-day town hall meeting with

feuding communities in Enugu State. They urged all rival communal combatants to bury their hatchets, especially at this crucial period in the nation’s democratic experiment. The committee, which was recently inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, is made up of Christo-

pher Dega as chairman, Mohammed J. Abubakar as co-chairman, Jibrin Adeniji as co-chairman, Yahaya Garba Ardo as cochairman, Mbu J. Mbu as co-chairman, Ikemefuna Okoye as co-chairman, Rasheed Akintunde, a commissioner of police, as secretary with Nzota Chidi, Samuel Sunday and Success Onoja.

The interface between the committee and the various stakeholders from the warring communities, which held in Enugu, focused on the prevention of communal clashes/crises as well as other issues that have been sources of tension among communities in the state and or border communities with Enugu State.

News

SOUTH-SOUTH

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

UYO

A’Ibom mulls privatisation of Ibom power plant

kwa Ibom State gover nment has said that it is considering plans to privatise the Ibom Power Plant in Ikot Abasi Council Area of the state, Senior Special Adviser on Investment and Industrialization to Governor Godswill Akpabio, Chief Senas Ukpana, has said. Ukpana, who stated this during a media parley with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Uyo yesterday, said that the arrangement was consistent with modern investment practices. “Government policy to privatise such invest-

ments was in line with global best practices and in reality with modern times. It has been proven that it was no longer fashionable for government to continue with such business,” Ukpana, who is also the chairman of the State Investment Corporation explained. He said that insinuations by the opposition that the state government was trying to mortgage the future of youths in the state by selling the power plant was being promoted by those who lost out in the last PDP primaries. He also revealed that a private investor has proposed to establish another power plant at Ikot Abasi,

Tony Anichebe

for its nearness to the availability of gas supply from the Uquo Gas Plant in Esit Eket Local Council of the area. On fears expressed by some people from Oron area of the state over plans by the state government to relocate the proposed sea port planned for Ibaka, in Mbo Local Council to Esit Eket, the Special Adviser explained that such decisions were

technical and would be taken by experts handling the project. “The project is envisaged to cover a long area along the state coastline and the experts may decide to change the position of the exert location of the sea port due to reasons of location depth.” He said. It would be recalled that Senator Ita Enang, had, in a local radio programme recently, urged

the state government to reconsider any move to sell the state-owned Independent Power Plant in the interest of the state. Enang had said that feelers that the Governor Godswill Akpabio-led administration wants to sell the power plant have received a negative response from stakeholders in the state. The Senate Committee Chairman on Business

and Rules expressed the position that selling the plant would not only jeopardise efforts at ensuring a 24 hour electricity supply to the state, but could deny future generations of the state a valuable asset. He, however, said that other less viable investments made by the state government should be sold if there is any need for extra fund for the running of government.

Shell confirms oil spill on facility as community lament pollution

utch petroleum giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) yesterday confirmed the oil leakage in its underwater line within its oil fields in Ogboinbiri Bayelsa State. According to a statement by the company’s spokesperson, Mr. Joseph Obari, the leakage was reported on January 23, 2015, and has led to the subsequent shut down of the facility. A site visit, however, showed that residual leak from Seibou Deep facility operated by SPDC, has been discharging crude into Ogboinbiri River in Bayelsa. “A spill was detected from an underwater flow line riser at the Seibou 2 Wellhead on the night of January 23, 2015. “The well was closed-in about fifteen hours later, once it was safe to do so and the impacted area boomed off to prevent further spread of the spillage.

“A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) has been conducted, but it only determined the quantity of oil spilled and mapped the area of impact to the environment. “A follow up JIV is being planned to lift the line from underwater and determine the cause of leak,” SPDC stated. Residents in the coastal settlements in Ogboinbiri and neigbouring communities said the oil leakage had damaged the fishing activities of the people. Some residents who said they depend on the river for drinking and domestic use said that the leakage had continued unabated for over a month, compelling them to resort to consumption of sachet water. New Telegraph’s visit to the spillage site on Wednesday, revealed that movement of boats along the waterways distorted the plastic materials used to trap the spilled crude, causing the crude to spill.

Ex-militants urge Nigerians to vote Jonathan Chris Ejim yenagoa

x-militant leaders from the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone yesterday called on the electorate across the country to vote for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, based on the noticeable achievements of the present administration and not the hate campaign being peddled by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The ex-militant leaders, under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiatives (LPCDI), said

though the ongoing media campaign against the Jonathan administration was filled with hatred and deceit, they however, called on Nigerian voters to vote for the re-election of the President based on the various achievements of his administration in the areas of education, power, infrastructural development and security. The group’s National Coordinator, Pastor Reuben Wilson, called on eligible voters to shun the deception of the opposition through their clamour that power must return to the north, saying use of hate words was a deliberate effort to rubbish the achievements and performance of the President.

Director of Finance, Ministry of Niger Delta, Abibu Ayinla; Minister of Niger Delta Ministry, Dr. Steve Oru; Permanent Secretary, Mrs, Fatima Bamidele and Minister of Niger Delta, Dr. Steve Oru, during a budget defence of the ministry in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Dickson woos investors for real estate development Chris Ejim YENAGOA

ayelsa State Government has called on private sector operators to take advantage of the conducive atmosphere of the state to invest in the real estate sector currently witnessing boom through various housing development projects aimed at providing affordable houses in Yenagoa, the state capital and other areas of the state. Fielding questions from newsmen in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson, who decried the high cost of accommodation in the state, declared that his administration has already completed some housing units for civil servants.

He said the government was working out modalities for the allocation of the houses to prospective beneficiaries, including prices for each unit, which he promised to make affordable in line with the welfarist policies of his administration, particularly in the area of provision of affordable shelters. Calling for the private sector synergy in his government housing scheme, Dickson noted that government has commenced negotiation with some interested banks and the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), on collaborations that would further boost the provision of affordable housing in the state. According to him, Bay-

CHANGE OF NAME APENA

I formerly known as AJIBADE AJARAT FOLASHADE now wish to be known as APENA AJARAT FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OMORAGBON

I formerly known as Miss. Irabor Adesuwa Affluence now wish to be known as Mrs. Omoragbon Irabor Adesuwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLAWOLE

I formerly known as SOYOYE TEMITAYO PRISCILLA now wish to be known as MRS OLAWOLE TEMITAYO PRISCILLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AIMIENBENOMON

I formerly known and addressed as JOSHUA OMOVBUDE FRIDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as FRIDAY AIMIENBENOMON OMOVBUDE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Nsikak

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Miss Ihentuge Ijeoma Ozuzuma NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Mrs Ijeoma Barnaby Nsikak. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

elsa State Government would soon launch what he called ‘the New Yenagoa City Development project’, being located in a highbrow area of the State

capital, adding that a large expanse of land has been acquired for two major housing estates in Agbura and Anyama in the outskirts of Yenagoa.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLOW CARE FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) OKENWE GREAT O BUMNEME - PRESIDENT 2) AJISAIYE OLUFEMI ADEBANJI - SECRETARY 3 OYENUGA RACHEAL OLUSOLA - TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1 To show love, care and affection to the less privileged. 2. To establish orphanage homes, hospital and schools for the less privileged. 3 To alleviate poverty by providing affordable foods, drugs and educational materials for the less privileged. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Enitan Afolabi Godwin 29/31 Obafemi Awolowo Way, 1st Foor Awolowo House, Ikeja, Lagos

PUBLIC NOTICE GLOBAL CENTRE FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP AND LEADERSHIP The general public is hereby notified that the above named CENTRE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) DR. LAWRENCE OMOTAYO OLAJIDE -TAIWO 2) MRS. FUNMILAYO BOSEDE OLAJIDE - TAIWO 3) PROFESSOR JANICE OLAWOYE 4) MR TAIWO ODUOLA 5) REVEREND JOSEPH AGUNBIADE 6 MRS. OLAITAN OLAGBEMIDE 7 APOSTLE HEZEKIAH KOLAWOLE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To build a rancor-free society under responsive followership 2) Create and maintain healthy relationships, diffuse tensions and repair broken relationships. 3) Build capacity of stakeholders and future needs economically, socially and leaderships needs Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 TigrisCrescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Anule Emmanuel

he Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Danbaba is dead. He died yesterday at a private hospital in Abuja, after a protracted illness. He was aged 91. His death was also confirmed by the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji. In a condolence message by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the

Emir of Gusau dies at 91 l Jonathan, Tambuwal mourn President, Dr. Reuben Abati yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed sadness over the death of the Emir. He also commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State and on the death of the highly revered Emir. In a statement yesterday by Abati, President Jona-

Waku: Those opposed to card readers are jittery of elections Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enator Joseph Kennedy Waku, the senator who represented Benue North West in the upper chamber between 1999 and 2003, yesterday said those opposing the use of card readers for the forthcoming general election are afraid of the outcome of the polls. Waku’s position on the use of card readers came barely few days after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received the support of 15 other political parties opposing the use of the machine in the conduct of the elections. Waku, who spoke with New Telegraph in an exclusive telephone interview, however, threw his weight behind the decision of the court that insisted on the use of the card readers to ensure a credible general

election. “I have spoken severally on this issue and all I can tell you is that the court has ruled that the card readers should be used. The court has said that INEC should use the card readers for the election, so I am in support of what the court said,” Waku said. According to Waku, “There is the need for the Federal Government to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a free hand to operate without hindrance from any quarters.” He added that stopping the use of card readers from the March 28 election was a clear indication that the ruling party was jittery of the outcome of the polls. Waku, a chieftain of the APC, congratulated the court for the decision taken that card readers be used for the polls.

CAN, JNI call for peaceful elections Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atul-NasrilIslam (JNI) have called on politicians, the electoral umpire and the electorate to eschew violence by strictly adhering to the teachings of the two religious books before, during and after the elections. The two bodies made the call while addressing religious leaders at a oneday seminar on “Imams and Pastors as religious leaders and ambassadors of peace,” organised by Interfaith Forum of Muslim and Christian Women’s Association, also known as Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC) yesterday. Representative of CAN at the event, Pastor Haruna Michael, told participants that as religious leaders, efforts to unite people of different faiths should be their watchword, especially as the country is moving towards another set of elections. He warned them not to allow politicians use churches and mosques

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NORTH

to spread hatred and violence, adding that people should cast their votes for whoever they feel would represent them well in public offices at all levels of governance. Alhaji Ibrahim Abduljelil, who spoke for the JNI, reminded the participants that though some of them are Christians while others are Muslims, as well as free thinkers, they all came from one same God.

than joined the people of the state in mourning Alhaji Muhammad, who was one of the longest serving traditional rulers in the country, having been appointed District Head of Gusau in 1984, before being upgraded to second class Emir in 1997 and a first class Emir three years later. The President said he believes that the late Emir, who honoured him with the traditional title of Garku-

Yola

muggled goods worth millions of naira had been destroyed by the Adamawa-Taraba command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Yola, just as incessant attacks by Boko Haram insurgents forced the command to close five of its out-post offices. The goods were 146 expired tyres, second-hand clothes, drugs and other consumables. Speaking at the destruction site, the Area Controller of the Command, Mr.

Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State over the demise of Alhaji Danbaba. The Speaker described the late Emir as a traditional ruler of note, who ruled with the fear of God. According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Mallam Imam Imam, the speaker said the death of the Emir at this period in the history of the nation, was a great loss.

L-R: Assistant Commissioner of Police, Malam Abu Abubakar; Head of Administration, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, North West Zone, Hajiya Amina Ahman and Zonal Coordinator, North West Zone, Mr Musa Itallah, at a workshop on sensitisation and awareness creation on danger of post-election violence in the North West Zone in Kaduna …yesterday

North-East Christians commend soldiers fighting insurgency Mohammed Kawu Bauchi

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North East yesterday commended the Nigerian troops for their bravery in the fight against insurgency in the country. They also lauded the gallantry of the soldiers, especially in upholding Nigeria’s sovereignty. The North East Chairman of the association,

Customs destroy expired goods in Adamawa Ibrahim Abdul

wan Manoman Zamfara, during his visit to Gusau on January 19 this year, will be greatly missed by the people of Gusau, who he ruled with great wisdom and understanding for more than 30 years. “As they mourn and lay their just, fair-minded, pious, courageous and benevolent patriarch and emir to rest, President Jonathan urges members of his family and the people of

Gusau to also give thanks to Almighty Allah for Alhaji Muhammad’s long and very fulfilled life of exemplary service to his people and country.” The president prayed that Almighty Allah will grant Alhaji Muhammad eternal rest and bless the people of Gusau with a worthy successor to the late emir, who will build on the commendable legacies of progress and development. Also yesterday, the Speaker of the House of

Ogalu David Ogeni, said the destroyed goods were unfit for human consumption. According to him, the command burnt the goods to prevent them from getting into the market through the back door. He assured the people that his command will redouble its efforts to stem the tide of smuggling in the country. He further reaffirmed their commitment to get rid of this menace as they explained that it is their primary responsibility to free the country of smuggled goods.

Shu’aibu Byal, who expressed optimism that the insurgents will soon waste away, said the allied forces have also contributed immensely in the fight against the Boko Haram sect. Byal also expressed dismay that people living in the North East today are living in fear of Boko Haram attacks, which leaves them either killed, maimed or have their property destroyed with hundreds of thousands in hideouts or becoming refuges in their own country. The chairman, at

a press conference in Bauchi shortly after the association’s zonal meeting, said all hands must now be on deck for the conduct of a free, fair, credible and acceptable general election in the country. He stressed the need for all stakeholders, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) do appropriately what is expected of them, especially making available all Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to the electorate. Byal also regretted

that Nigeria had, since independence, yet to invent a workable political arrangement that guarantees, nurtures and sustains truly united, peaceful and prosperous nation rooted in fairness, equity and justice. He wondered how religion, which ought to be a reliable vehicle to drive and facilitate the realisation of peaceful coexistence in the country, has in recent times, become a major factor and source of insecurity, bitterness, rancour, fear, suspicion, civil unrest and underdevelopment.

Niger divests N4.485bn shares in power company Dan Atori MINNA

iger State government yesterday said it has sold off 16 percent of its shares worth over N4 billion in the North South Power Holding Company, the firm that bought the Shiroro Hydro Electric Dam project during the last privatisation exercise. The state government had invested over N3.68bn in the shares, an amount

that was sourced from commercial banks in the state. Out of the 26 per cent shareholding by the state, 16 per cent was sold to CEC Africa at $23 million. The Commissioner for Investment, Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi, told a news conference in Minna that the State Executive Council (SEC) at its last meeting, approved the sale of part of the shares to enable the government liquidate part of its liabili-

ties to the banks. Abdullahi said CEC Africa has already made an initial payment of N400 million to the government with a promise to complete the payment before the end of the month. According to him, “There is a clause in the agreement for the sale of the shares with CEC Africa, which provides for the firm to lose part of the deposit, if it did not pay the balance within the stipulated period.

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FRIDAY,MARCH 6, 2015, NEW TELEGRAPH

Liberia bounces back from Ebola epidemics

iberia has released its last Ebola patient after going a week without any new cases of the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Beatrice Yardolo, 58, left a Chinese-run treatment centre in the capital Monrovia after two weeks of treatment. Nearly 10,000 people have died from Ebola, the vast majority in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. WHO officials say there were 132 new cases in Guinea and Sierra Leone in the week to 1 March. It is the first time since May 2014 that Liberia has had no new cases of the virus, the officials added. Ms Yardolo, an English teacher, said she was

“one of the happiest persons on earth” as she headed home from the treatment centre in Monrovia’s Paynesville district. She was the last patient undergoing treatment for the disease in Liberia. But, WHO officials have warned that populations are so mobile in the region that there could easily be fresh outbreaks in Liberia. “We look at the three countries as really a single country, so while it’s good news that Liberia itself has no new cases, the populations are so mobile in that region that there could easily be re-importations of cases,” said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl. “We have to get down to zero in all three coun-

tries before we can consider this thing beaten.” The final stage of testing of an experimental Ebola vaccine will begin in Guinea on 7 March, according to the WHO. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said that if a vaccine is found to be effective, “it will be the first preventive tool against Ebola in history”. A WHO news release says that the vaccinations will take place in areas of the Basse Guinee region of Guinea, an area which has the highest number of cases in the country. The objectives of the trial are to assess whether a buffer zone can be established to stop further Ebola infections and to gauge its effectiveness among frontline

Ebola workers. “An effective vaccine to control current flareups could be the game-changer to finally end this epidemic and [be] an insurance policy for any future ones,” WHO Assistant Director-General Marie-Paule Kieny said. Medics are meanwhile getting ready to discharge the country’s last confirmed Ebola patient in the Liberian capital Monrovia. The country has to have no new cases for 42 days to be declared Ebola-free. In their latest assessment of the epidemic, WHO officials also warned that disease surveillance “may not be optimal” in Liberia because of the low number of samples. They say that some communities are still

resisting pleas to bring infected family members to treatment centres. Only half of the 51 new infections in Guinea came from registered contacts of Ebola patients, the WHO says, and some cases are only identified after post-mortems are conducted. Ebola is still far from eradicated in Sierra Leone, which recorded 81 new cases, including 26 in the capital Freetown. “The number of confirmed Ebola virus disease deaths occurring in the community in Guinea and Sierra Leone remains high, suggesting that the need for early isolation and treatment is not yet understood, accepted or acted upon,” the WHO statement said.

Kerry reassures Iran’s Gulf rivals on nuclear talks

The attacker on the floor after being overpowered.

US ambassador in South Korea knifed

S ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert underwent two-and-a-half hours of surgery after he was slashed in the face by a Korean nationalist in an attack at a breakfast forum in Seoul yesterday to discuss Korean reunification. Lippert, 42, was bleeding from deep wounds to his face and wrist but was able to walk after the attack. Doctors said later his condition was stable after “very successful” surgery that required 80 stitches in his face. The assailant was caught and identified by police as 55-year-old Kim Ki-jong. In 2010, Kim tried to attack the Japanese ambassador to South Korea by throwing a piece of concrete and was

given a suspended jail term, according to police. The attack was a protest against joint military exercises by South Korean and US troops, which Kim said interfered with reconciliation between North and South Korea, according to police following an interrogation. Police are considering whether to charge him for attempted homicide, a police official involved in the case said. Witnesses and police said Kim used a small fruit knife in the attack, which took place in a government arts center across the street from the heavily guarded US embassy on the South Korean capital’s main ceremonial thoroughfare. “We strongly

condemn this act of violence,” US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said. US President Barack Obama called Lippert to wish him a speedy recovery, a White House official said. The assailant was dressed in traditional Korean clothing and shouted that North and South Korea should be reunited just before he attacked Lippert. He also shouted that he opposed “war exercises”, a reference to the annual joint US-South Korean military drills that began this week. Kim visited North Korea eight times from 2006 to 2007, where he planted trees near the border city of Kaesong, a South Korean Ministry of Unification official said.

India threatens BBC over rape film

ndia’s home minister said yesterday that the government would act against the British Broadcasting Corporation after it ignored a court order and aired a documentary about a fatal gang rape in which one of the attackers blames the victim. “India’s Daughter” by British filmmaker Leslee Ud-

win was to have been shown on Sunday, International Women’s Day, in India as well as in Britain, Denmark, Sweden and several other countries. Police and the government got a court order that halted the screening, but the BBC aired the documentary in the United Kingdom late Wednesday. Indian viewers can-

not see it on the BBC’s website, but it could be seen on YouTube. The broadcaster said in a statement that it had moved the screening time forward “given the intense level of interest” and to “enable viewers to see this incredibly powerful documentary at the earliest opportunity.”

S Secretary of State John Kerry told Gulf Arab states yesterday Washington was not seeking a “grand bargain” with Iran, and said a nuclear deal with Tehran would be in their interests. The United State’s Gulf allies, particularly the Sunni Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are concerned that Shi’ite Iran will gain from any agreement to end years of dispute over its nuclear ambitions. “Even as we engage in these discussions with Iran around its nuclear program, we will not take our eye off of Iran’s other destabilizing actions in places like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Arabian peninsula, Yemen particularly,” Kerry said after meeting Saudi King Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal. “Let me underscore: we are not seeking a grand bargain.

Nothing will be different the day after this agreement, if we were to reach one, with respect to all of the other issues that challenge us in this region. Kerry also met the foreign ministers of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The US secretary of state arrived in Riyadh late Wednesday from Montreux, Switzerland, where he said he had made progress in talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Gulf countries, like Israel and many Western states, fear Iran is using its atomic program to develop a nuclear weapons capability, something Tehran denies. Saudi Arabia regards Iran as its main regional rival and the two countries back opposing sides in wars and political struggles across the region, often along sectarian lines.

Egypt replaces Interior Minister

gypt’s Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim, whose security forces have struggled to curb attacks by Islamist militants, was replaced in a cabinet reshuffle yesterday, the presidency announced. The removal of Ibrahim follows mounting concern over the militant attacks that have surged since Islamist president Mohamed Morsi’s ouster in 2013. Ibrahim, a Morsi appointee who survived a September 2013 assassination bid on the way to his Cairo office, was reassigned to the post of deputy prime minister. He was replaced by Magdy Abdel Ghaffar, who headed the Department of National Security in 2011 before retiring two years later. Others dropped from the cabinet were the ministers for agriculture, education, communication, culture and tourism. The presidency also introduced a ministry of state for population and one for technical education. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

swore in the new ministers, his office said. “The purpose of the cabinet reshuffle is to inject new blood” in the government, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said, quoted by state media. Ibrahim, as head of the police force, cracked down on supporters of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood after his ouster by then army chief Sisi in July 2013. Hundreds of Morsi supporters have been killed in the crackdown, most of them on a single day on August 14, 2013 when police stormed two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo. Thousands more have also been jailed in sweeping police raids across the country. After Morsi’s ouster, Egypt’s once hated police have been rehabilitated in the eyes of the public. The 2011 revolt against former president Hosni Mubarak was fuelled by police abuses, but the police have since regained popularity amid widespread yearning of stability after years of political turmoil.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

International Sport

Toure, Bony struggling with AFCON fatigue – Pellegrini

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2015 AJC: Okpara wins Nigeria’s first medal

Robbers attack, shoot Kano Pillars players

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R-E-V-E-A-L-E-D!

The tough clauses in Keshi’s contract •To receive N500 as annual transport allowance •Retains N5m monthly salary, N3m for accommodation (See contract bromide on page 52)

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

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Adekunle Salami

he Nigeria Football Federation presented 27 clauses before the out of contract Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi in the new deal offered him last week. New Telegraph exclusively scooped a copy of the contract that is currently causing ripples between the ‘Big Boss’ and the NFF and the document revealed that Keshi’s major remunerations have not changed. Clause 6.1 stated clearly that the coach would take home N5m as salary every month while Clause 6.2 stated that the coach would be entitled to twice the amount of match

bonus given to each player for every match both competitive and friendly. According to Clause 7.3, the ‘Big Boss’ will receive N3m every year as accommodation money. Clause 8 is the most interesting because the NFF offered the coach N500 for his annual transportation expenses “The NFF shall pay the Head Coach the sum of Five Hundred (N500,00.00) naira annually as transportation allowance.” Thought it is unclear whether the figure was an error, the amount was also spelt out in words to add to the confusion. In Clause 8.2, it was stated that a business class ticket

will be provided for the coach for his official trips and when embarking on holidays. Clause 8.4 also showed that the NFF would always refund all expenses incurred by the coach while on official assignments. The NFF however gave Keshi a target of qualifying Nigeria for the 2016 CHAN and at least the semifinals of the 2017 Nations Cup finals. It was also proposed in Clause 5.5 that the Eagles Head Coach should be ready to work under the supervision of the national technical director while Clause 5.7 stated that the coach would have to offer technical support to all the other national teams. Already, Keshi has referred

to the document as a “slave contract” and has promised to open discussions with the NFF when he returns from the US. “My lawyer and my brother are studying the contract for now and we are going to come out with our position after meeting with the NFF,” Keshi said. Chairman of the NFF technical committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said it was unfair to refer to the contract as a “slave contract” “When the time comes Nigerians will know the truth but I am sure we are very fair to Keshi and we expect him to respect the federation rather than making unfair remarks despite our efforts,” he said.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Keshi’s contract

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NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Cisse sorry for spitting at Evans

apiss Cisse has issued an apology after television replays appeared to show the Newcastle striker spitting at Manchester United defender Jonny Evans during Wednesday’s Premier League encounter. The two men clashed towards the end of the first half at St James’ Park after Evans had tackled Cisse and TV images appear to show the Northern Ireland international spit at the Newcastle striker, who then responded in kind. And while he insists he was reacting to something “very unpleasant” - though Evans has issued a separate statement denying the spitting accusations - Cisse admits there is no excuse for his actions. “I have apologies to make to a lot of people today (Thursday). Firstly to my teammates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly

to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny,” the Senegal international told Newcastle’s official website. “I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment. I have always tried hard to be a positive role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday (Wednesday) I let you down. “I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry. Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it.” The Football Association is still awaiting referee Anthony Taylor’s report before deciding whether or not to take action.

Papiss Cisse (left) spitting on Jonny Evans

Toure, Bony struggling Kroos: I joined Real because of Ancelotti with AFCON fatigue oni Kroos has revealed that the “He gave me a positive impression presence of Carlo Ancelotti and told me Madrid would be even – Pellegrini was one of the main reasons stronger with me in their ranks. It

aya Toure and Wilfried Bony are struggling with the pace of the Premier League following their Africa Cup of Nations success, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini. The pair helped the Ivory Coast to continental silverware during January and February, with City struggling in Toure’s absence. Bony - who arrived from Swansea City in January - has yet to get off the mark for his new club and Pellegrini feels their AFCON involvement has hampered their recent form. “It was important for [Bony] to start the game from the beginning,” Pellegrini said of the striker’s full debut in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Leicester City. “He only played a couple of minutes in the last few games and he only just arrived from the African Cup of Nations, where they played a lot of games. “I think Yaya [Toure] is also feeling the pace of the games. “It would have been better for [Bony] to score, but it was more important to start a game, it was also important for him to have some chances and I think he worked very well.”

behind his decision to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid ahead of the 2014-15 campaign. The Germany international endured a frosty relationship with Pep Guardiola during their time at Bayern, yet he has made it clear he is having no such problems with Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Ancelotti’s also one of the reasons I came here – I think it’s normal to talk with the coach before taking that step,” Kroos told the official Uefa website.

was obviously a good conversation. “He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn’t played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield. I enjoy playing in this position. “Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game. We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we’re facing. I still don’t know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.”

Arsenal set to offload midfield trio

rsenal will reportedly offload three midfield players this summer in order to fund a move for Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are the highest profile of those said to be heading for the exit, while injury-prone Frenchman Abou Diaby could also be on his way out. It is claimed by The Sun that Arteta is eyeing up a return to his Spanish homeland with David Moyes’ Real Sociedad one of his potential suit-

ors, while Flamini is thought to be surplus to requirements following the emergence of Francis Coquelin this year. Diaby, meanwhile, has made just two appearances in the last couple of seasons, and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season Arsene Wenger is unlikely to renew his terms. Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Schneiderlin over the past 15 months or so, with a £20m bid expected to be made in the off season.

‘Mayweather paying sparring partners to stay away from Pacquiao’

Toure

anny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has claimed that Floyd Mayweather’s team are blocking potential sparring partners by paying them to stay away from the Filipino ahead of the megafight on May 2 in Las Vegas. Roach believes that several sparring partners they chose with similar fighting style to Mayweather, turned down their offer to join them in camp in Hollywood because Al Haymon’s team have offered them more money to stay at home. “I’m hiring sparring partners, Al Haymon’s people calls them up and offers more money for them not to come. [But] I’m not worried about those guys,” Roach told ABS-CBN News. “We got four really good sparring partners for Manny for this fight,

Blanc eyes the quadruple

aris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has insisted that his side can win the quadruple this season. The Frenchman says that the task would not be easy but believes it is still possible for the reigning Ligue 1 champions. PSG are in the last four of the Coupe de France, after they overcame Monaco in the quarter-finals, as well as still remaining in the hunt for the Ligue 1 title, Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue. “For now the only certainty is that we are in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue,” the 49-year-old told reporters after Wednesday’s quarter-final win. “We are not in the final of the Coupe de France, we are far from being champions and we are far from qualified for the Champions League quarter-final but we can do it all and that’s good. “Everyone has the Chelsea match in mind but this has been a complicated week and the Lens game is an important one that we must win.” PSG travel to Stamford Bridge next Wednesday to take on Chelsea in the second leg of their tie, with the first leg finishing 1-1 in Paris.

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Manny Pacquiao I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years. @MannyPacquiao Floyd Mayweather Headed to my gym for Day 2 of training camp. Make sure to go to @shots for my exclusive pictures http:// shots.com/app @FloydMayweather Shane Mosley Deciding how much to bet on the fight? I got the inside having fought both guys. A Million? More? Who knows the betting odds on the fight? @ShaneMosley_ Michael Phelps Had a great talk with these kids today... Dream. Plan. Reach. @MichaelPhelps

Roach

Mayweather look-alikes. “We started our game plan five years ago but we changed it a little bit. Definitely there will be some adjustments. I’m confident that we’ll win the fight and this will be the biggest fight night of all our lives.”

Promise Isaac Tell your story save a life....Don’t be ashamed of your story it will inspire others. @IsaacPromise10 Usain St. Leo Bolt Any race, win or lose is a learning curve.. Its early in the season and there is still work to be done. @usainbolt Yohan Blake Behind the scenes shots of my @adidas photo shoot in Orlando @YohanBlake

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FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

THE 21ST CENTURY SLAVE CONTRACT

maju Pinnick and his cohort -inside and outside the Nigeria Football Federation - have been conjuring and praying fervently that President Goodluck Jonathan does not get re-elected into office so that they can disrobe Coach Stephen Keshi in the most cavalier manner. Every follower of Nigerian football knows that for Keshi to be mentioned even until now at the corridors of Nigerian football house is due to the coded body language of President Jonathan, who did not hide his desire to support a man who brought honour to Nigeria when the team he led won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, after 19 years it eluded the nation. Therefore, when Keshi told the entire world a few days ago that he had been handed out what he termed a “slave contract,” by the NFF after nine months of hide and seek, no one was surprised. Like I said earlier, it was fear of the unknown that compelled the NFF to offer the poisoned chalice to the coach. The so-called contract was so skewed in such a way that he was left with no option other than to reject it willingly, Here are some of the contract terms: 1) N500 (five hundred naira) as monthly transportation grant; 2) to report to the chairman of the Technical Committee before he speaks to the

press or does anything. To say the least, these terms amount to nothing but gratuitous insult and I beg to stop here. Nigerian football will never stop to amaze me. What other nations do with pomp and ceremony, we do surreptitiously, and at ridiculous shame. We have never had it so good for once when it comes to football administration matters. It has always been a sad story of continuous contradictions. The simple task of appointing a coach for the senior national team suddenly turned into a circus of some sort by the powers that be, simply because they don’t like the face of the one providence has chosen to favour at this time. Those who circumvent the forces of providence in their quest for filthy lucre must be circumspect. Keshi’s contract expired before the World Cup, which he qualified the nation for, against all odds. But, the charade that had attended his reappointment – to give leadership and direction to the senior national team for forthcoming qualifications series speaks volume about those who handle our football. The diverse and divisive interests represented on the present board have made the appointment of a substantive coach very difficult. It became obvious that reengaging Keshi was going to be an uphill task as the tenure of

2015 AJC: Okpara wins Nigeria’s first medal

haddeus Okpara has won Nigeria’s first medal at the on-going African Junior Athletics Championship in Ethiopia. Okpara leapt 7.44m in the boys’ long jump to win the silver behind Moroccan Mohcine Khoua who won the gold medal with a jump of 7.45m. The Nigerian was leading up till the fifth jump before the Moroccan took over. In the boys 100m, Divine Oduduru, qualified for the final after finishing first in his semifinal race with a time of 10.46secs. The other Nigerian in the boys 100m, Victor Peka, failed to make it after finishing 5th in his semifinal race with a time of 11.00secs, despite running 10.84 in ealier in the heats.

The final of the 100m boys’ event takes place today. Speaking with New Telegraph after his race, Oduduru said he was unsatisfied with the time he returned in the semis although he was still happy to have reached the final. “It’s a good start for me although I was targeting a better result but I am happy I still won and in the final,” he said. “My target in the final will be to run 10.2 as I am not just targeting the gold alone but a better time.” In the other races decided on Thursday, Ese Brume and Akphonsus Aniekeme, made it to the semi-final of the girls 100m while Sikiru Adewale and Fasasi are also through to the final of the 400m boys.

Students recieving instructions from the coaches at the Akwa Ibom Stadium... yesterday

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the last board headed by Aminu Maigari was winding down. They so preoccupied themselves struggling with the coach for lime light. In civilized climes, the board takes the backseat, while players and coaches shine, to the glory of the board. This was not to be with the former NFF board that rather preferred basking in vainglory. The acrimony began when the federation began to win laurels in major events. Rather than consolidate as a family, envy and jealousy crept in and the coach suddenly became an enemy that must be “permanently” dealt with. If the coach was not facing one inquisition from the Technical Committee headed by Chris Green, he was being accused of flouting the board’s directives, or colluding with players to undermine the board. In a salacious publication during the World Cup, some state football associations’ bosses sponsored by NFF, to the event in apparent defense of their benefactors carpeted