Binder1 wednesday 30 july, 2014

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 162

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Power investors give terms for attaining 10,000MW target lWant gas, tariffs, subsidy addressed

Adeola Yusuf

I

nvestors in the generating and distribution companies unbundled from the privatisation of the

Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have given conditions under which the Federal Government can meet its target to generate 10,000 megawatts

(MW) of electricity by December.

The investors during separate interviews with New Telegraph said the desire by Minister of Power,

Professor Chinedu Nebo, to jack up electricity generation from the current 3,400MW to 10,000MW less than five months could only be realised if some

distortions in the power sector were addressed.

Nebo, at a meeting with Indian delegates last week, had announced the 10,000 MW power generation target by December.

He had said the Federal

Government would next month summon a forum of all electricity distribution and generation companies, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Chibok Girls

Military mulls full-scale war on Sambisa Forest lWorried over rising case of female suicide bombings lChibok parents, leaders squabble over ‘Jonathan’s N100m cash gift’

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Emmanuel Onani

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he military is planning a full-scale attack on Boko Haram’s notorious enclave, Sambisa Forest, located in Borno State and where about 270 schoolgirls kidnapped in April from Chibok, are suspected to being held.

The Sambisa Forest and Sambisa Forest Reserve cover an area of about 600 square kilometres and span seven northern states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Kano State .

New Telegraph learnt yesterday that the military, worried by the rising case of females in suicidal attacks, masterminded by Boko Haram, was finalisCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Akala: PDP not interested in Ajimobi’s impeachment }6

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L-R: Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu; former National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during a visit to Buhari following the recent bomb attack on him in Kaduna...on Monday.

Commonwealth Games: Amalaha fails dope test lGrumbles over allowances rock Nigerian camp in Glasgow

Dapo Sotuminu Glasgow

N

igeria’s first gold medallist at Glasgow 2014, Chika Amalaha, yesterday tested positive to a banned substance and she

risks a long ban.

When the announcement that Nigeria failed the dope test was made by the Commonwealth Games

Federation Chief Executive Officer, Mike Hooper, 16-year-old Amahala was shocked and devastated by the news.

Amahala, who burst into tears, said in broken voices that she did not use any banned substance.

“The athlete’s A sample

was found to contain both amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, both prohibited as diuretics and masking CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Jonathan, Amosun mourn El-Rufai’s son

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Worried over rising case of female suicide bombings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ing arrangements to attack the terrorists’ enclave in a bid to dislodge the insurgents and rescue over 200 schoolgirls still in captivity after about 56 of them had escaped.

Besides, the planned attack is to quickly end the use of females for terror activities as there is concern that many of them are being trained in the forest.

Three teenage girls had carried out terrorist attacks in Kano in the last three days, killing about six persons.

On Sunday, a female suicide bomber blew up herself at a police checkpoint when she was ordered to stop for a search.

The next day, three persons were killed and 10 others severely injured in the twin attacks targeted at the Nigerian National Petroleum (NNPC) Mega Station and the Trade Fair Complex, Kano. Both attacks were carried out by female suicide bombers.

Another female suicide bomber had on June 8 hit the 301 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Gombe, killing a soldier and two civilians.

She was said to have jumped from a bike, which she rode, upon getting to the Quarter-Guard and

hugged the soldier.

Early this month three suspected female suicide bombers were also arrested by troops in Borno State.

The military had in a statement on July 4 said the suspected female terrorists, Hafsat Usman Bako, Zainab Idris and Aisha Abubakar, were charged with secretly recruiting young women into the female wing of Boko Haram.

The statement said the trio was “intercepted while travelling to Madagali from where they were to transit to the forest to reunite with their cohorts.”

Military sources confided in New Telegraph that the armed forces high command believed that Boko Haram had resorted to the use of females for terrorism because it was finding it difficult to recruit more males in the face of the multi-pronged approach adopted by the Federal Government to fight terror and in a bid to exploit the fact that based on religious and cultural beliefs in the North, which curtail contact between the opposite sex, female terrorists might not come under intense security screening like their male counterparts.

According to the sources, given the recent development, the military may be left with no option than to carry out a total raid on Sambisa forest.

The sources added that the Federal Government could not wait endlessly for Boko Haram to free the Chibok girls, some of whom are suspected to being indoctrinated to participate in terrorism.

According to the sources, Boko Haram has demonstrated that only force can make them reasonable, as there are no signs that anything to the contrary, will yield result in the circumstances.

Reminded that the safety of the schoolgirls could be jeopardised, in the event of resorting to the use of military force, the reliable sources maintained that the authorities will not allow the suspected insurgents to continue to take advantage of the importance the Federal Government attaches to the lives and safety of the girls, to continue to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

The sources, who spoke separately with New Telegraph, said the lesser of two evils, might be the combing of Sambisa forest, without also comproCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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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

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 Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Nike Akande, with Senate President David Mark, during a courtesy call on Mark in Abuja.

Power investors give terms for attaining 10,000MW target o

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

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

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Electricity Management Liability Company and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company to fashion out how to achieve the 10,000MW target.

But chief executive officers of some distribution and generation companies, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue which affects their investments, described the target as “building a castle in the air.”

They said until the question of gas availability and pricing were resolved, the 10,000MW power generation target

by December would not be achieved.

According to them, previous targets of improved generation have been invalidated by the insufficient gas supply to thermal plants while the gas producing companies prefer to sell the commodity at the international market

because the local pricing regime is not competitive.

“You know that 75 per cent of old and new power generation plants are gaspowered (thermal powered) and it would only amount to a miracle if issues surrounding this are not resolved before a target of 10,000 MW can be met,” one of investors said.

The investors also said the current electricity tariff regime was not competitive enough to make the target realisable.

The current tariff order, one of the distribution companies said, “does not guarantee returns on investment. You are aware that none of the investors has made profit on revenue since we bought the power assets on Friday, November 1, 2013. So, until this is rectified, we will only join the minister to pay lips service to the 10, 000MW.” Another condition, which must be met to

guarantee achievement for the 10, 000MW target, is the intervention funds in form of subsidy, which the government promised for rural electrification.

“We have noticed with keen interest that the government has tactically abandoned this laudable proposal. It is one thing to have a good intention; it is another to have the will to implement the intention.

You know how important rural electrification is to the target.

“Instead of the provision of subsidy, what we now have is a tactical introduction of tariff for users and consumers of rural electrification,” he said.

Nebo had through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Godknows Igali, said electricity consumers would soon be billed an additional tariff for minor replacements and maintenance of rural electrification projects.

The money, he said, would be channelled towards minor replacements and maintenance.

Although Nebo could not reached on phone for comment yesterday, a source in his office said the minister was aware of the challenges that could impede the realisation of the 10,000MW target.

The minister, the source added, is already working on ways to tackle the situation.

“I am aware that his (Nebo’s) office and that of his counterpart at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources are already working on the issue of gas, which is considered to be cardinal to power generation efficiency.

“I believe that with the full execution of gas master plan, this will be addressed,” he said.

But he declined to comment on the issue of tariff and subsidy for rural electrification.

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

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Jonathan, Amosun, Ajimobi mourn El-Rufai’s son

Anule Emmanuel, Emmanuel Onani and Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

T

ragedy yesterday struck the family of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, as one of his sons, Hamza died in the morning.

The former minister, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress

(APC), announced the death of his son in an auto crash in Abuja on his Facebook page. He requested prayers from his friends for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Shortly after the announcement, President Goodluck Jonathan, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in separate messages, condoled with El-Rufai over

Tension heightens over fear of Ebola spread

the death of his son.

Hamza, 23, was a student of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Dubai and was billed to graduate in 2015.

“From Allah, we came and to Him we shall return. Please join our family in praying for the repose of the soul of my son, Hamza El-Rufai, who died this (yesterday) morning in a motor accident in Abuja,” the former minister said.

Hamza’s death came three months after his elder brother lost his daughter, Zainab el-Rufai Mohammed, to sickle cell anaemia.

Zainab was survived by her husband, Mohammed and a baby boy.

Jonathan, in his condolence message, expressed sadness over the news of the death of Hamza.

The president in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, extended his heartfelt commiseration to el-Rufai and all members of the family.

He said although no amount of words could fill the deep gap created by the loss of Hamza, he hoped that the outpouring of support at this moment by friends and associates would comfort El-Rufai.

Amosun also expressed deep shock and heartfelt condolences to El-Rufai and described the death of his son as “most regrettable and unfortunate.”

The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, said: “It is so sad that his life was cut short in a fatal accident at a time he would have been contributing his quota to the development of his father land after acquiring a good education.”

Ajimobi , on his part, described the death of the former minister’s son as unfortunate and disheart-

ening.

The governor, in a statement in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said: “It is with deep shock that I received the death of Hamza, a promising young man, in a ghastly motor accident that occurred in Abuja on Tuesday.

“It is even more painful considering the fact that he was snatched by the cold hands of death at the prime of his life.’’

Ajimobi urged El-Rufai to accept the incident as an act of God as nothing could happen to any human being without His knowledge.

lGovt withdraws claim on ambassador, apologises Muritala Ayinla

T

he Monday’s announcement that 59 persons had been established to have had contact with Mr Patrick Sawyer, the Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) victim who died in Lagos last week, has heightened tension in Lagos State and some parts of the country.

Many Nigerians wonderedhowmanypeoplethose identified to have had contact with the late Sawyer would have also had contact with.

However, the Lagos State Government has withdrawn itsearlierstatementthatNigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia, Mrs. Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie, was among those who had contact with the late Sawyer.

Theanxietywasfuelledby the manifest of Asky Airline Flight No KP50 that brought the victim into the country has not been provided by the airline at the time of this report to ascertain those who could have been exposed to the virus.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, atapressbriefingonMonday where he explained that it could not be ascertained if any of the contact had been infected with the virus, had assured the people that the contacts would be placed under closed monitor.

Speaking with New Telegraph, residents blamed the outbreakof thediseasesinNigeria on the nation’s leaders, sayingthegovernmentought to have taken some measures against infected countries to curtail the wide spread of the endemic.

They also lamented over what they called ‘ lackadaisical’ attitude of Nigerian government towards safety issues, saying that there was no way the infected victim could have got Nigerian Visa, if the Federal Government had been proactive.

According to Mr. Kayode Olaoye, “It is sad that our government has succeeded in putting us in a terrible situa-

tion again. How do we know who to speak with, who to relate with? Do we know who the contacts are? Who among the staff of the clinic do we know? How sure are we that they are not carrier of Ebola?”

Mr. Innocent Oduaghan, a commercial motorist, faulted the leadership for not be proactive enough to stem the spread of Ebola Virus.

According to him, it is not enoughtogetEbolaprotective gearsorfacilitiestotreatit,but to take some measures to defend the territory and protect the citizenry from getting exposed to the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has called on Nigerians to be calm and not panic, assuring them that both the federal and state governmentsarepreparedtostop the spread of EVD. Idris who allayed the fear, said part of the measures taken after the death of the Liberian was the demobilisation of the private hospital where he was admitted and elimination of primary source of infection, adding that the decontamination process in all affected areas has commenced.

Thestategovernmentalso saiditgaveoutObi-Nnadozie’s name as one of the persons the late Sawyer had contact with based on information supplied by Federal Government officials.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to Lagos State GovernoronMedia,Hakeem Bello, the government said the briefing where the name of the ambassador was mentioned had high profile FederalMinistryof Healthofficials in attendance.

“We wish to correct the errorthatNigeria’sAmbassadortoLiberia,HerExcellency, Mrs. Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie, was one of the persons that had contacts with the late Liberian with Ebola Virus who diedinLagoslastFridayafter flying into the country from Monrovia,” the statement added.

Kids celebrating the Eid el-Fitri at Abuja Zoo…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Chibok parents, leaders squabble over ‘Jonathan’s N100m cash gift’

lPresident didn’t give money, says Okupe Wale Elegbede

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arents of abducted Chibok girls and leaders from their community are at loggerheads over how to share a N100 million gift, allegedly given to them by President Goodluck Jonathan during his meeting with them last week.

According to a report by Premium Times yesterday, quoting the BBC Hausa Service, the presidency allegedly gave the cash to leaders of the Chibok community in Abuja for onward passage to parents of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

But some of the parents accused the community leaders of short-changing them.

A parent, who was among those who visited the president, told BBC

that he got only N200,000.

“I got only N200,000 out of the said N100 million allegedly received by our leaders in Abuja. Some of us got N300,000 and some less than that,” he added.

He added that he was not comfortable with the way the money was shared among the parents because majority of them were short-changed.

“Our leaders in Abuja are using the girls to enrich themselves. In fact, some of the parents were screened out of the entourage by the Chibok leaders in Abuja. Many of them are residents of Abuja, not parents of the kidnapped girls,” he said.

Another parent, who was screened out of the delegation that visited the president, said he got only N7,000 out of the money.

“I was at the farm when they brought the N7, 000 to my house and I collected it.

Some of us got even less, N300 and below,” he stated.

The parents stressed that they were not selling their daughters and that the money from the president just came to them without their asking for or expecting it.

One of the community leaders, Pobu Bitrus, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, was at the meeting with the president.

He told the BBC that after meeting with the president, monies were distributed to the parents in envelopes.

“After we met with the presidency, the parents were given monies in envelopes and that’s all. All other things they are say-

ing about N100 million, I don’t know about that,” Bitrus said.

However, efforts to get presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, to speak on the matter failed as he neither did not pick calls to his mobile line nor replied a text message sent to him.

But Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, however, denied the allegation that Jonathan gave cash to the community.

“At no time did the president give money to either the parents or the community. Government only made provision for the accommodation and feeding of those who were part of the Chibok delegation to the meeting, but did not provide any cash gift,” Okupe told New Telegraph in a telephone interview from Washington DC.

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Adamawa gov set to probe Nyako over N80bn state funds

lJonathan’s ex-political adviser joins guber race Ibrahim Abdul Yola

A

damawa State acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, yesterday expressed the readiness of his administration to probe the former Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, over how he spent over N80 billion

of public funds.

Fintiri, in his maiden broadcast in Yola to the people, said never in the history of the state had executive stealing and institutionalised corruption been elevated to the level of statecraft as was witnessed under the past administration.

According to him, “The

high level of mindless plundering of the state treasury, the shameless and outrageous executive stealing that took place was on a scale far worse than the ravages that the insurgents had perpetrated in the North-East.

“The task before this administration is daunting, more so with a debt

profile of more than N12 billion in the statutory revenue account apart from liabilities amounting to N70 billion that have been diverted to non-viable projects.”

He explained that a judicial panel of inquiry would soon be set up on the matter, adding that the government will work

with anti-graft agencies to recover the stolen funds.

Fintiri said his administration was determined, irrespective of the problems it inherited from Nyako, to reposition the state for future challenges.

“We have therefore mapped out strategies to reinvigorate the various sectors of the economy through which dividends of democracy can reach our citizens.

“The Secretary to the State Government shall in due course, inform the world about these scandalous abuses and how the simple canons of government activities were thrown overboard,” he added.

He called on the people to rally round the government to correct the damage inflicted on the economy and democracy for the benefits of “unity in diversity.”

Meanwhile, the race to succeed Nyako has hot up as a former Special Adviser (Political Matters) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Aliyu Gulak, has joined the league of those jockeying to participate in

the impending governorship election in the state.

He entered the race just as Fintiri’s posters flooded major towns in the state.

Gulak on Tuesday in Yola told his campaign coordinators and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates from the 21 local government areas yesterday that he was ready to join the gubernatorial race.

According to him, the presidency and the PDP national leadership has no intention to imposed any candidate on the people.

“The era of imposition is over in the PDP as President Jonathan wants to see the emergence of a popular candidate for the party,” he added.

Meanwhile, campaign posters of Fintiri have surfaced in strategic locations, particularly in Yola.

His loyalists are calling on him to vie for the governorship election, but Fintiri, in a statement cautioned those responsible for using his portraits in such an unauthorised manner to desist from doing so in order not to heat up the polity in the state.

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), Mr. Isa Inuwa; General Manager, Production, Mr. Chima Isilebo; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu and General Manager, External Relations, NLNG, Mr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, during Yakubu’s visit to NLNG plant in Bonny...recently.

Worried over rising case of Grumbles over allowances rock Nigerian camp in Glasgow female suicide bombings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

agents under class s5 of WADA’s Prohibited List,” Hooper said Amalaha has pursued her right to have her B sample tested, which will take place at the accredited laboratory in London on July 30.

While waiting for the second sample test, Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, barred the athlete from granting any media interview and expressed hope that the B sample would prove her innocence.

The suspicion that Amahala must have boosted her system to win the weightlifting gold was raised on the day of competition with the manner with which she executed her event.

Amalaha would be stripped of the gold medal if the second sample also comes back positive.

WADA is set to investigate how someone so young had access to banned substances.

“I am rather saddened and disappointed this has happened to a 16-year-old,” WADA President Craig Reedie said in Glasgow.

We will need to see if the ‘B’ sample matches the ‘A.’ Then if it does, the girl will be removed from the

games and it will be up to the International Weightlifting Federation to apply a sanction and then she would lose her medal.”

Amalaha set Commonwealth Games records in her weight category with a total of 196 kilogrammes, breaking the previous mark of 188 kilogrammes.

Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea won silver and Santoshi Matsa of India earned the bronze.

Amalaha said last week that she took up weightlifting despite opposition at home.

“I started at the age of 12, but my family was strongly against me doing the sport at first. They kept telling me to stop doing it, but I persuaded them by getting a female coach.

“From then on, it was hard work; training, a lot of pain and dedication that got me here today. And now my family was in the audience and they are so excited and so proud,” she had said earlier on her victory.

Amalaha’s positive test is the latest setback for weightlifting, which has been marred by doping cases.

Nigeria’s weightlifting team did not compete at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester

because of a doping ban imposed in 2001 after four members of the squad failed drug tests.

Four years ago in New Delhi, three Nigerian runners failed doping tests.

Folashade Abugan was stripped of silver medals in the women’s 400 metres and 4x400-metre relay after testing positive for a steroid. Osayomi Oludamola had her gold medal in the 100 metres taken away after testing positive to a banned stimulant and hurdler, Samuel Okon, who did not win a medal, also tested positive.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes are grumbling over the Sports Ministry’s cash award for gold medallists at the games.

The athletes said the cash award of N1 million for gold medallists was inadequate.

They also said they had not been paid camping allowances which had been approved by the Federal Government.

One of the athletes who spoke told New Telegraph said they were not happy with Danagogo and the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, for the payment delay.

“We were expected

to go for a training tour ahead of the Commonwealth Games, but instead we were kept in Abuja for over one month. This is unacceptable and not good for the development of Nigerian sports.

“If we had gone for the scheduled training tours to the various destinations abroad planned for us to prepare very well, our starting points in Glasgow would not have been so bad. You can see clearly that only those whose sports federations made private arrangements for foreign training tours are the ones doing great in the competition.

“It is not too late for the Sports Minister and the director general to make amends. Please we are waiting for them to announce the date for the payment of our training allowances and also spread the cash awards for medallists. It shouldn’t be for the gold medallists alone. Here in Glasgow, we see European countries celebrate all their medallists and even those who competed well and didn’t win any medal.

Competing in the Commonwealth Games alone is a big task that must be appreciated,” the source said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

mising the safety of the abductees.

One of the sources explained that there was the possibility that the schoolgirls, might have been indoctrinated to embrace violence.

While not directly linking the upsurge in female suicide bomb explosions in recent times, with the result of that possibility, the other source, however, did not rule it out completely.

“The fact remains that one, it is not yet established that some of these young girls now being used as suicide bombers, are the abducted schoolgirls, and so it could still just be speculation. But, we can’t rule that out completely.

“Although, the ultimate is in getting these girls out, but we won’t allow them (suspected terrorists) to continue to use the fact that government wants these girls alive to perpetrate their acts.

“The motive of the abduction is for them (suspected insurgents) to protect themselves. You can see that attacks have heightened of late because they feel they are safe in their enclave.

“We won’t allow that

to continue; we would do what we have to do, and Nigerians must understand and support us because the military has a constitutional duty to protect the sovereignty and oneness of Nigeria.

“Our interest is the restoration of security and order and we want Nigerians to know that we are a professional institution where ethno-religious, tribal or sectional sentiments, have no place,” he stressed.

But the sources could not say whether President Goodluck Jonathan, who had said his administration would not do anything to endanger the lives of the Chibok girls, had been briefed about the planned attack and what his reaction was.

However, Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major Gen. Chris Olukolade, when contacted to corroborate the information, declined, saying: “I won’t comment on speculation, but all I can say now is that we are working very hard to get the girls back, alive and well.”

The DDI added that, “all hope is not lost, as we are still hopeful that we will get these girls back.”

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APC urges Muslims to imbibe lessons of Ramadan lCAN salutes Muslim faithful on Eid-el-Fitr Onwuka Nzeshi and TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year's Eid-El-Fitr celebrations, marking the successful conclusion of the month-long period of fasting.

APC in a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, hailed its Muslim brothers and sisters for their self-deprivation and spiritual supplication to God, and urged them to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in their daily lives, far beyond the fasting period.

That was even as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, through its President, Pastor Ayo

Oritsejafor, prached the need for peace between Nigerians.

The APC said;“'That we are able to celebrate this year's Eid-El-Fitr at all is a sign that the Almighty has accepted our supplication and shown mercy on us and our nation. By averting what could have plunged our nation into deep turmoil, the Almighty has shown us that our fasting and prayers were not in vain.

“How could we have been celebrating if former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari or the renowned Cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi had been felled by the agents of darkness, who targeted their convoys in Kaduna last week? Indeed, God loves Nigeria and the least we can do is to love ourselves too,” it said.

APC urges all Nigerians, in the spirit of the season, to embrace good neighbourliness and shun hatred and careless statements that are capable of inciting chaos.

Oritsejafor in a goodwill message issued on behalf of the entire Christian community in Nigeria, congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr Sa'ad Abubakar and all Muslims in the country.

He urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Sallah celebration to imbibe the virtues of love, peace, good neighbourliness.

“In times like this, all Nigerians irrespective of their affiliations must strive to promote good neighbourliness and the ability to rise above ethnic, religious and political sentiments

Court ruling: APGA women berate Ngige

...Hails Obiano on victory Lateef Ibrahim

Abuja

to work for the collective good of the nation.

I like to use this unique opportunities to call on all religious leaders especially in this period of celebrations, to preach peace and unity among Nigerians because both Islam and Christianity preach peace.

“As opinion leaders, let us use our positions to influence positive disposition towards ending chaos in our country,” he said.

According to him, no nation can achieve greatness in an atmosphere of crisis and unrest. He urged all Nigerians to pray for the peace and unity of the nation and commit the troops in the battle field in the hands of God so as to win the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

5

All Progressives Grand TforheAlliance (APGA) Women Good Governance

(Anambra State Chapter) has condemned a former Governor of the State, Dr Chris Ngige, for his "uncouth reference of APGA members as blind people and playing traders’ politics".

The APGA women declared that it was unfortunate that Ngige could condescend so low as to be attacking the ruling party in Anambra State.

The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Chike, stated that Ngige’s bourgeois attitude and elitist poli-

tics of patronage alienated him from the masses, who once adored him, especially his Anambra Central Senatorial zone he abandoned in the Senate in pursuit of the wide goose chase of Anambra governorship seat. The APGA women stated that they have no doubt that Ngige is suffering from delusions of grandeur after a stint at the Government House in May 2003 with a stolen mandate which APGA recovered in March 2006.

The statement reads; "The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Women for Good Governance, Anambra State Chapter, congratulates Governor Willie Obiano on his resounding election victory at the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.

Confab, a platform to decide Nigeria’s future – Umeh Igbeaku Orji

UMUAHIA

he National Chairman TGrand of the All Progressives Alliance, Chief Vic-

tor Umeh has described the just concluded national conference as a veritable platform for deciding the future of Nigeria.

Umeh said the conference afforded Nigerians the opportunity to interact and chart the way forward for the nation, describing his membership of the conference as a good thing for the Igbo nation.

Umeh, who was in Umuahia to commission the APGA state secretariat yesterday, said that though the conference did not agree on all the issues raised, at least some fundamental issues of national importance were discussed which would help the country navigate through it turbulent and

challenging period if implemented.

For instance, he said, the issue of special fund for rebuilding the North East was rejected because it did not consider the fact that the civil war victims in the South East were not compensated, adding that the fair and just thing to do will be to accommodate victims of the war and other conflicts across Nigeria.

The conference, he maintained, could not agree on derivation but believes that whatever would be decided eventually would be based on equity and justice.

He called on the Igbo to remain united in order to make impact in national discourse, saying that APGA slogan is unity.

He said the party was poised to take over Abia State Government House in 2015 and transform the state as it did in Anambra State.

L-R: President Nasfat, Alhaji Sheriff Yusuf; retired Lagos State Permanent Secretary and member, National Council of Elders, Nasfat, Mr. Sammy Oki and National Publicity Secretary, Nasfat, Mr. Biyi Bamgbose, at the Eid-il-Fitr prayers...yesterday

Omisore’s loyalist, ex-lawmaker FG asked to punish killers of Shiite protesters lead PDP supporters to APC housands of support- ministration will build Yekeen Nurudeen were all studying outside The Muslim Rights turmoil.

T ers of the governorship more roads and other Nigeria.

We posit that the at- candidate of the Peoples social amenities in IfeCampaign said Shiite Abuja

F

ollowing the killing of about 35 Shiites Muslims, protesting against Israelli belligerence in Gaza in Zaria, last Friday, by men of Nigerian Army, the Muslim Rights Campaign (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to institute a full scale investigation into the killing.

Among those killed were three sons of Shiite leader, Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky (Mahmud, Ahmad and Hamid, who

MURIC in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said it was shocked by what it called the manifestation of barbarism and excessive use of force by the Nigerian military in the deadly operation.

While condemning the unprovoked aggression, it further described it as callous, cowardly and inhuman.

"It is appalling. It is crime against humanity to mow down unarmed civilians" it said.

procession in Zaria is an annual routine known to all and sundry noting that members have not been known to turn violent.

"It appears to us that the Nigerian military is seeking to gain by the bends what they fail to gain at the straights. The military is still interested in power but having realized that military dictatorship has become unpopular all over the world, it seeks to retain power via crude relevance by deliberately creating perpetual

tack on the Shiites is an indirect invitation to the evolution of another guerrilla group. Today was born from the wombs of yesterday. We only need to look back and trace the history of Boko Haram.

“It was the extrajudicial killing of Boko Haram leader 24 hours after he was arrested and shown alive on television which started what has now become a national gangrene, a regional cancerous tumour and a universal cankerworm" it said.

Democratic Party in Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, led by a former Chairman of Ife South Local Government Area, Hon. Diran Ayanbekun, yesterday decamped to the All Progressives Congress at a colourful programme in Ifetedo.

This was just as the Governor of the Osun State , Rauf Aregbesola said his second coming to office will mark the end of lack of basic infrastructure in the state.

Aregbesola assured the people that his ad-

South Local government.

In his words, "We thank you for your support always and we thank God that we have not disappointed you. We have been to the palace and we have noted all what the Kabiyesi said.

"Our second term can only be better, because by the time we would have finished our second term in office, Osun will not lack any social amenity and it will be a place of pride among the committee of state in Nigeria."

6

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Cholera outbreak kills three in IDP camp Ahmed Miringa MAIDUGURI

t least three people Awhile were yesterday killed more than 100 oth-

Kids at the National Theatre playing ground, Iganmu, Lagos, during the Eid-il-Fitr celebration in Lagos…yesterday.

400.4

The number of newspaper journalists per 1m inhabitants of Republic of Cyprus in 2004.

Source: Blatantworld.com

1.36m

The total population of Bahrain in 2010.

Source: Un.org

PHOTO:TONYEGUAYE

229,903

The number of air travel passengers of Enugu airport in 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Nigerians should unite to fight terrorism, says Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEGLIGENCE

Kano governor comes under scrutiny for not doing enough to protect Igbo in his state Muhammad Kabir KANO

A

s the spate of bombings and other forms of terrorism continued in the northern part of the country, PresidentGeneral of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-political organisation of the Igbo in Kano, Chief Chris Azuka, has urged Ni-

gerians, regardless of their religious, cultural and tribal differences, to unite in the fight against insurgency.

Azuka, who spoke with New Telegraph in an interview in Kano, warned that if Nigerians give in to the terror campaign, it will be difficult to actually get to the root of the problem and fight it.

He said Nigerians should stand fir m against the terrorists and their negative agenda, which in actual sense, is meant to create division and crisis that may consume the country.

Azuka said his priority as the President of

Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this trying moment is to ensure the safety as well as the wellbeing of his people, saying that was why he was disturbed at the alleged negligence of the Kano State government concerning his people.

“As it is now, it is difficult to say what efforts the Kano State government has put in place to protect our people, I am not trying to castigate the government as I am working to ensure a cordial relationship between us, but in return, we expect a better security arrangement that would ensure the protection of our people, including access to welfare packages and infrastruc-

tural development.”

Azuka continued: “But now, I get a sense of disquiet among my people against the government, especially on developmental projects in Sabon Gari, they want to be treated as Nigerians and indeed Kano people, because of the years they have spent in the state.”

The president-general also said his people rejected a government that segregate others weather in Kano or Enugu or anywhere, because Nigerians should be allowed to have a sense of belonging in their country, in another words, they should be protected wherever they are and be treated as citizens.

Planning minister under fire for anti-APC comments Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

N

ew Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, yesterday came under fire from some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his boast to retrieve what he described as the stolen mandate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state by 2015.

Kwara State Commissioner for Energy, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said in a statement that contrary to claims made by the minister, the leader of the APC, Senator Bukola Saraki, had cooperated with the new minister to make his screening at the upper chamber successful in the interest of the

state.

Text of the statement reads: “I read the ironic comment credited to the new Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, where he claimed that he has been mandated by the Presidency to come and lead the struggle to liberate Kwara State; and in furtherance of this, to retrieve the stolen mandate from the ruling party, so he claimed.

“It is unfortunate that the minister is making such comment only after been in office for two weeks, and especially at a time he is expected to ‎join hands with other residens in the development of the state and its people, by addressing their needs. He was yet to

take stock of the ministry or what he can bring to the state.

“Rather, the minister is now fuming that he is ready to liberate Kwara, may we know who is under siege in Kwara State?

Where has he been all these years, or what has he done for the people all these time.

“Though, one would have wished not to join issues with the minister, who is barely a week old in office, but because of the fact that I was personally present in the early morning solidarity and courtesy visit the minister paid to Senator Bukola Saraki, in his Abuja residence, a day to the latter’s screening on the floor of the Senate. The Minister said he came to solicit for

the support and encouragement of the leader to help him scale through Senate screening, pledging his support to make Kwara State greater."

ers have been infected in a new outbreak of cholera in the Internally Displace Persons (IDP) camp in Biu, the headquarters of Biu Local Government area of Borno State.

Our correspondent gathered that more than 100 people were affected by the outbreak at the Government Girls Secondary School, IDP camp in Biu, where officials of the Borno State Ministry of Health, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and other stakeholders are trying to control the outbreak.

A source at the camp told our correspondent on phone that over 100 people have contacted the disease, while three others were confirmed dead on account of the disease. He said officials at the camps were battling to save the lives of the infected ones, who had been isolated to contain the spread of the disease.

When our correspondent contacted the Secretary of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria in Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Barma, on phone; he said: “I am just hearing that now, but I would get our officials in the camp to get the details. But, I would advise you to call the Ministry of Health, as they are the only officials that can confirm that.”

Alao-Akala: PDP not interested in Ajimobi’s impeachment Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

ormer governor of Fbayo Oyo State, Chief AdeAlao-Akala, yes-

terday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not interested in the impeachment of his successor, Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Alao-Akala said though Ajimobi was ‘buying time’ in office as he would sent packing by the PDP in the 2015 general elections.

The former governor spoke in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, shortly after holding a meeting with the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of the SouthWest PDP, Prince Buruji Kashamu, at the latter’s residence.

Before his arrival, Kashamu had received a former stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijebu North Local Government, Sylvester Abiodun, who led about 1,500 defectors into the PDP. It will be recalled that speculations heightened recently over clandestine political moves by PDP members in the Oyo

State House of Assembly to impeach Ajimobi or the Speaker, Hon. Monsurat Sumonu.

But fielding questions from reporters after his closed-door meeting with Kashamu, Alao-Akala debunked allegations that PDP lawmakers were plotting to remove the governor.

He said his party was also not in any alliance with anybody or group to unseat Ajimobi.

The former governor noted that the PDP would rather allow the governor to conclude his term in 2015 and vacate office.

“PDP is not part of the plot to remove Ajimobi, PDP members in the House of Assembly are not in alliance with anybody to remove anybody from office. We can’t do that. Why should they remove him? What has he done? Let him finish his job and go away,” AlaoAkala stated.

Alao-Akala maintained that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state was dead, adding that the governor “is just buying time, he will soon pack his bag and go away.”

Gaza: IPU advocates dialogue in Israeli/Palestinian crisis Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

Inter-Parliamentary TsaidheUnion (IPU) yesterday only dialogue could

resolve the lingering faceoff between the Israeli and Palestine governments over Gaza.

The global parliamentary institution said it would soon convince a Regional Round Table of Israeli and Palestinian parliamentarians to effectively engage both sides in genuine dialogue aimed at finding a

win-win solution to the problem in the region.

The move followed consultations with IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong; and meetings with Israeli and Palestinian Ambassadors to Geneva.

President of IPU’s Committee on Middle East Questions, Lord Judd, called on both sides to take a leap of faith and break the vicious circle of violence.

He urged political leaders to have the courage to think and behave differently in the long-term interests

of all people in the region.

According to him, the process of reconciliation could begin with a dialogue involving a wider group of Israeli and Palestinian voices that represented a fuller spectrum of political thought.

“The committee is also carrying forward arrangements for a visit of its members to the region and is working on the design of a plan of action on facilitating discussions between Israeli and Palestinian lawmakers.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

7

Ogun moves to speed up awaiting trial cases Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he Attorney-General TJustice and Commissioner for in Ogun State,

Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, has assured that the state government would ensure swift dispensation of cases awaiting trial in the state courts.

To this end, Akeredolu stated that her ministry was considering providing judges and magistrates with information and communication technology devices to aid justice delivery.

She spoke during the 17th Annual Bar Lecture of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), IjebuOde branch.

The Dean, School of Law and Security Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Professor Bankole Sodipo, delivered the lecture titled "The Wig and Gown: Endangered Species and Endangered Culture."

Akeredolu said steps were already being taken to ensure that awaiting trial inmates are kept for the shortest possible time in prison custody.

Gaidam tasks traditional rulers, others on security Hassan Jirgi DAMATURU

Y

obe state Governor Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam has urged traditional institutions, community leaders, vigilante groups, religious leaders in the state to ensure peace and security in their domains.

The Governor made the call in his Eid- EI- Fitr message. He said working together to bring peace at every level is the only way to guarantee progress.

The security challenge has adversely affected the North- East region.

Gaidam said the Ramadan fast which was observed by Muslims for a period of one month was a "truly edifying experience" which he said has taught them many lessons including patience, endurance, self- control and sacrifice.

He said it is only through peace that happiness comes, which will no doubt facilitate the achievement of a more

prosperous, united, disciplined, just and egalitarian society, if “we persevere with efforts and prayers and continue to put our trust in our creator, we will come out of the crisis better and stronger, Insha Allah, the end of the atrocities perpetrated by insurgents and other criminals will end”.

He therefore urged them to carry on with the spirit of Ramadan and live its lessons by continuing to demonstrate understanding and tolerance toward neighbors and show compassion to those in need.

He noted that security is a collective responsibility, pointing out that people must embrace community policing by exposing strange faces in their midst. "Nigerians must see security issues in some parts of the country as a national problem that requires a holistic approach to resolve’, he advised.

Rivers saves billions through BPP ensure value for any dents in Port Harcourt Tandokobo spent on projects on Monday, Nlerum said the provision of in- Amaechi administrafrastructure, the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has made consistent and effective use of the State Bureau on Public Procurement (RSBPP) which has ultimately benefitted the state in massive savings running into billions of naira This was known by the Director General of the RSBPP, Mr. Franklin Nlerum. He said the huge savings were made following the Bureau's insistence that projects pass through a rigorous test and due process before contractors could get the bureau’s ‘certificate of no objection’ to commence any project.

Speaking during a media chat with Government House correspon-

tion has saved billions of naira from projected costs for various projects across the state through the Bureau's work. RSBPP primary responsibility is ensuring that money for any project in the state had value at reasonable costs.

He said: “I’m always reluctant to talk about savings not because we don’t save but because that is not primarily what the law set us up to do. The law set us up to ensure that there is value for money, that Rivers State does not pay more than it should pay for any transaction, that a procurement should be fit for purpose, that there should be competition, so those are the things we push."

Ojota Park: Lagosians arrive the city at Ojota Motor Park after the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations…yesterday.

60.77%

The percentage drop of air travel passengers in Minna airport (2012-2013).

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

N88.6m

The IGR realized from road taxes revenue sources of Plateau State in 2011.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

53.32%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Kazakhstan in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

Impeachment: Group faults Enugu PDP on Deputy Governor’s resignation call UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Onyebuchi's fate still hanging while stakeholders tackle Enugu bigings Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

A

pan-Enugu pressure group, Enugu Rescue Group, ERG, has lampooned the alleged decision by some members of the Enugu PDP Stakeholders that embattled Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi should resign since Governor Sullivan Chime no longer wants to work with him.

It made this known in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Martin Okenwa and made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday.

The Group described the meeting held at the

 Berates Nnamani for alleged role Governor’s Lodge in Enugu on July 27, 2014 as a kangaroo arrangement contrived by Governor Chime to legitimize his unpopular directive to the State House of Assembly to impeach his Deputy.

The ERG insisted that even though the Deputy Governor was a member of PDP, he was elected by the generality of the Enugu people, not only by the PDP. Meanwhile, the Eastern Zone of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has tasked the chief judge of the state to uphold the rule of law in appointing persons of integrity Into the impeachment panel so that it would not just be a case of nailing the accused at all cost.

CLO in a release issued in Enugu urged the Justice Innocent Umezulike, the Enugu state chief Judge, to uphold constitutionalism in the exercise of his duty by appointing

a seven-man panel that would discharge its duty without fear of any official victimization, and it insinuated that it appears the Enugu House of Assembly which Issued a notice of impeachment to be served on Onyebuchi may have abused the phrase, 'gross misconduct' in the case of the deputy governor.

But ERG reasoned that asking the Deputy to resign or get impeached at the pleasure of one man was unconstitutional and the height of impunity, and wondered why such a meeting was held without involving the Deputy Governor to tell his on side of the story.

The group also said: “It baffles us that rather than see if the alleged offences of the Deputy Governor were true or if they constituted gross misconduct and abuse of office as conceived by the 1999 Constitution, the meet-

ing was more interested in whether the Governor wanted his Deputy or not.

“We therefore make bold to say that the whole impeachment episode is messier, ridiculous, and a festival of shame and raw power.”

The ERG also questioned the role of the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani in the impeachment saga, saying his inconsistency on what constitutes impeachable offences had left a big hole on his claims to being a democrat.

The Enugu group said it was surprised that the former lawmaker who slammed the House of Representatives over the threat to impeach former President Olusegun Obasanjo for individually altering the year 2005 Appropriation Act, was now allegedly spearheading the impeachment of a Deputy Governor on flimsy excuses.

Lawmakers cannot impeach Ajimobi, says council boss Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

C

aretaker Chairman of Ibadan North West local government in Oyo state, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, has dispelled the rumour of planned impeachment of Governor Abiola Ajimobi by some of the state's lawmakers, saying its impossible.

Olatubosun made the assertion yesterday while speaking with New Telegraph in Ibadan in reaction to last week's

rumoured service of impeachment notice on the governor by twenty-four of the thirty-two members of the House.

The Council boss said the lawmakers could not even dream of the plan considering the desires of each of them and the links they each have with different prominent individuals who sponsored them in the state.

His words: "I think to the best of my understanding, the rumour is a figment of the imagi-

nation of the originators.

Looking at it politically, it cannot work. Not at this point in time. Presently, APC has the majority of members in the House and majority of them want to come back or go to the National Assembly. It will therefore be difficult for them to fight the leadership that they would need to get to those positions.

"If it were a year ago, one could have said, ok; but now, it is not reasonable. The movers and

shakers of the House are with Oga. It cannot work when you have such things in place", he stressed.

Aside this, Olatubosun said that he and his colleagues had realised that the 2015 election could only be won against the two major opposition parties Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord party, if the council chairmen in the 33 local governments work assiduously to win the grassroots which they have been doing.

8

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Insurgency, increasing widowhood, say women lawyers Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

T

he International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has tasked President Goodluck Jonathan to deploy all energies to halt the activities of insurgents in the country, saying insurgency is increasing widowhood.

Speaking in a chat with journalists in AdoEkiti yesterday, the chairperson of the body in Ekiti State, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, said the killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians through the dastardly activities of the Islamic militants, Boko Haram, had brought unprecedented sorrow to many women.

She said the activities of Boko Haram insurgents had made women

the worst hit by the nefarious and senseless killings and kidnappings being carried out by the evil group.

Ilevbare decried the rising wave of bomb explosions in the northern part of the country, despite the declaration of a State of Emergency by President Jonathan in three states in that part of the country.

She pointed out that the increasing level of widowhood among women owing to unabated terror attacks would further erode the country’s family values, except concerted steps were taken to forestall the persistent carnage under the guise of terrorism.

“Women and children are always at the receiving end of any war and the one being experi-

enced under Boko Haram insurgents cannot be an exemption. This is simply because women have nowhere to run to.

They would have to wait behind and defend their families, particularly their children even under a tensed situation.

“We are mostly pissed off by the increasing level of bombings despite the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. The heavy presence of military personnel has not changed anything and this is not good for the system.

“The recent deaths in a series of bombings in Kaduna affected mostly women, while the ones in Kano, Adamawa and Borno had been frightening which makes the future of this country look hopeless."

MDCAN vows to resist FG's sack threat Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

Medical and Dental TtionheConsultants Associaof Nigeria (MDCAN)

has vowed to oppose and resist any alleged plan by the Federal Government to sack its members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) involved in the ongoing strike.

According to the association, although it is restrained by the National Industrial Court (NIC) not to participate in the strike, it will resist the threat of proscription, mass sack or any conceived threat of force by the Federal Government.

In a release signed by its president, Steve Oluwole, made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, it urged the Federal Government to employ diplomacy to resolve all the outstanding issues

with the striking doctors.

According to him, any threat against the workers will only aggravate, rather than assuage the crisis, saying that "the threat of proscription of NMA, which is undemocratic, should be consigned to fiction".

The release added: "The attention of the MDCAN is drawn to the purported plan of the Federal Government to take drastic steps to end the current NMA strike.

Unnamed government officials have leaked to the press that the government is considering proscription of the NMA. It said, "In the event that the Federal Government tows this course of action, the military will be deployed to guard the medical institutions with military and para-military medical

professionals rendering services in the meantime. All public health institutions will be privatised. Then the ‘no work no pay’ principle will be enforced; doctors who are interested will be protected to resume duties while new ones will be employed to take their place".

According to Dr Oluwole, before the NMA declared the strike, MDCAN had implored government to look professionally, but not politically at all the issues, regretting however that there was little evidence that such had been done.

According to him, the government appears not to have learned lessons from failed drastic measures of the 1970s that irreparably damaged the structure and psyche of public service and of Universities in Nigeria.

Wike: I don’t have problem with Jonathan Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

Minister of State for TsomheEducation, Chief NyeWike, has said he has

no problem with President Goodluck Jonathan on any issue, stressing that the alleged disagreement between him and Mr. President was being spearheaded by the members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

He said that rather than the APC celebrating his alleged governorship ambition, having pledged to do so in the past, the members of the party were now jittery, and looking for ways to pull him down by putting across

falsehood.

The immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke to reporters in Port Harcourt, also dismissed the reports that he has resigned as a minister, and informed that he was consulting with the people whether or not to contest the governorship election in 2015.

He, however, said that no matter the blackmail or intimidation, nobody can stop him from contesting once he makes up his mind to contest.

He said: “Somebody called me … and said is it true I have problem with Mr President and I said why? People should understand politics. I am still

a minister; I have not been removed and I am still the Minister of State for Education. If you are a good politician, you should know what is going on.

“So, why is everybody worried? What is the problem? Assuming that I want to run, won't I resign? Don't worry; there are so many people in the Federal Executive Council who want to run. And at the appropriate time, they will also resign. So, I am not worried.”

Wike said he was entitled to contest in 2015, and that he was not afraid based on his understanding of the state’s political landscape, especially his relationship with people in the grassroots.

news

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

9

‘Make debate compulsory' Temitope Ogunbanke

nambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the National Assembly to consider amending the 2010 Electoral Act to make it compulsory for gubernatorial candidates and indeed all candidates seeking elective office in Nigeria to submit themselves for electoral debate.

The party in a statement made available to New Telegraph yesterday by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Okelo Madukaife, also condemned the evasion of the governorship debate in Osun State by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The statement reads in part: “It is the view of our chapter that it is inconceivable, in this day and age, as has been witnessed in Osun State that a guber-

A

Director General, Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, Mr. Franklin Nlerum (left) with the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, during a media chat in Port Harcourt…on Monday

291m

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions of developed countries in 2010.

Source: Itu.int

18%

The percentage population of men above 60 years in Andorra in 2011.

Source: Un.org

N23.3m

The IGR realized from direct assessment revenue sources of Kogi State in 2011.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Fani-Kayode: APC leaders are Boko Haram financiers ALLEGATION

Fani-Kayode still lambasting APC and its leaders over insurgency Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

F

ormer Minister of Aviation and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, yesterday hit hard on the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing its members of financing the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

He said the party is the mastermind of the insurgents that have been terror-

izing the country in the last few years.

He also tongue-lashed the leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chiding him for not having respect for traditional rulers in Yorubaland, going by his comment on them recently.

Fani-Kayode, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo, shortly after a rally organised by the PDP in Osun State, specifically pointed accusing fingers at northern elements in the APC, accusing them of being the financiers of the terrorists’ group that has been working hard to destabilise the country.

The PDP chieftain dared members of the party to challenge him in court if his comment on their activities as far the insurgents are con-

cerned, is false.

He said: “No member of the APC has been bold enough to refute what I said about their relationship with the Boko Haram members. I stand to be challenged if any of them has a contrary view, let him or her challenge me.”

The former minister, who described the APC spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as being economical with the truth on issues, warned him to be careful in spreading falsehood, so as not to be disgraced in the end.

Fani-Kayode, however, said that members of the APC could not be trusted on the operations of the Boko Haram sect for the act could be likened to Jacob’s hand and Esau’s leg.

“The APC is the political wing of Boko Haram in the northern part of Nigeria.

This, I have said before and no one among them was bold enough to challenge me. I will continue to say it again and again.

“The Northern elements in the APC have to explain to Nigerians, why some of their leaders in the north support, encourage and defend Boko Haram members.”

On the National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former minister said for him to have insulted the Ooni of Ife, he has insulted all Ile-Ife indigenes and the Yorubas by extension, affirming that a true Yoruba person will not regard him as a good leader.

My govt will be people-oriented, says Omisore Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

T

he governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9 election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday said that his administration would be a listening and people-oriented one if voted as the governor of the state.

Omisore, who gave this assurance yesterday, spoke through the DirectorGeneral of his campaign, Hon. Lere Oyeumi, in Osogbo. He promised that the people would take priority

in the scheme of things if given the mandate.

The PDP candidate said his administration would train and re-train workers to make them more efficient on the job, promising not to witch-hunt any one throughout his stay government.

He further disclosed that his administration would not surcharge any worker, but would pay their salaries and entitlements as at when due to ensure that their welfare.

“People in the public service would be made to be comfortable with

their jobs while artisans would not be neglected in the welfare package. Also, elderly ones and the youth would be highly embraced in governance.

“Pensioners will not be isolated in the attention given to others as their entitlements would be paid while they would be incorporated into the governance for elderly advice.

“Traditional institutions would be respected and would be accorded due respect to be able to tap from their wisdom and knowledge for en-

hanced administrative improvement.”

In another development, Senator Omisore yesterday promised to make governance a worthwhile venture so as to make the state a hub of business activity in the South-West.

He spoke through his running mate, Hon. Adejare Bello, who represented him when a socio-cultural group known as “Better Leadership Awareness Group” organised an award night tagged; ‘Adire Nite’ to honor and mobilise support for the candidature of Omisore in Osogbo.

natorial aspirant will run away from a job interview, which offers the voting public the opportunity to mirror his mind with questions agitating their minds and appraise his competence.

“What happens to those invited for a job interviews, but fail to turn up?

That is the logical thing that should happen to a gubernatorial candidate who takes the people for granted by allowing a noshow record for debates.”

Anambra APC stressed further: “There is no doubt that the people of Osun State would be exposing themselves to grave risks by considering such a candidate, and there is an extended consequence for other states, as an elected governor is a member of the Council of States, National Economic Council and bears considerable influence outside his state.

NANS raises the alarm on attack of its members Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

he Joint Campus ComTAssociation mittee of the National of Nigerian

Students (NANS), Osun State axis, yesterday raised the alarm of an alleged plan by some politicians to violently attack some students’ union leaders before the August 9 governorship election.

The students, who cautioned those behind the plan to desist from such, warned that such action will be resisted by the students’ community.

Chairman and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the students’ body, Awowole Samuel and Adekitan Lukman, revealed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday.

NANS said: “We are aware of the plan by some

over-ambitious politicians to violently attack some students’ union leaders in the state. We collectively state in clear term that our union will protect the interest of its members by all means.

“We believe in a free, fair, transparent and credible election, for it will form the basis of unending development in Osun State.”

The association also called on security agents and all other concerned authorities to probe the killing of a young man in Ilesa last week, when supporters of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of Senator Iyiola Omisore, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed at a rally in the town, appealing to all stakeholders in the election to give peace a chance before, during and after the exercise.

Aregbesola charges youth corps members to be fair Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

sun State governor, Rauf Ocharged Aregbesola, yesterday members of the Na-

tional Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that would serve as ad-hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the August 9 governorship election not to allow themselves to be used for electoral fraud by desperate politicians.

The governor spoke through his Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Affairs, Mr. Bashiru Ajibola, while featuring on a programme tagged; ‘Newspoint,’ organised by the state correspondents' chapel of

the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo.

He advised them to carry out the assignment diligently without fear or favour and that they should not allowed themselves to be used as enemies of progress.

“I am advising them against involving themselves in any act capable of constitutingelectoraloffenceoranyantidemocratic move that could truncatetheelectoralprocess.”

The commissioner added that; “NYSC members as fresh graduates should uphold the sanctity of the constitution of the country and work towards the peaceful conduct of the election by shunning any act that would mar the exercise."

10

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ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

Robbers shoot student over N20,000 Dominic Adewole ASABA

in Delta State yesterday said they had Pdentolice arrested three persons for shooting a stuof the Niger Delta Oil and Gas Technical

Skills Acquisition Centre, Usiefurun in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspects, Samuel Agoko, Samuel Peter and Lawrence Adjoma, reportedly shot the victim and dispossessed him of his N20,000.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celectina Kalu, said at the command headquarters in Asaba yesterday that the victim was attacked in his apartment.

She said: “Based on the report, detectives swung into action and arrested the three suspects. The culprits have confessed to the crime and they are helping the police in their investigation.”

Kalu, however, said the victim was responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital, even as efforts were on to recover the robbers’ weapons.

The PPRO narrated how detectives from Ashaka Division, acting on a tip off, raided a house at Ashaka, arrested one Solomon Ageje, a 24-year-old man, and recovered one cut-to-size locally-made gun and five live cartridges.

She also said sequel to a tip-off, patrol team of A Division moved to where some suspected cult members were conducting initiation at Umuadike Quarters, off Ibusa Road in Asaba and arrested one lady, Chioma Okuchi (21), Francis Vincent (27) and nine others.

Kalu listed the items recovered from them to include one cut-to-size locally-made pistol, one live cartridge and one battle axe.

‘Ondo Emergency Medical Service begins soon’

WEDNESday, JULY 30, 2014

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

0802 393 8212

Policeman kills student, sells body to anatomy dept for N11,000 CALLOUSNESS Some policemen are being investigated for allegedly killing innocent people and selling their bodies for N11,000 each Clement James Calabar

A

sergeant attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Cross River State, Anthony Idoko, has been accused of killing a 300 level Accounting student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Derek Maurice.

Idoko also allegedly sold Maurice body to the Anatomy Department of the university.

The allegation is contained in a petition by the mother of the deceased, Mrs Eno Maurice, to the Inspector General of Police and copied the Attorney General of the Federation, the Cross River State governor as well as the National

Human Rights Commission (NHRC), among others.

Speaking on the matter, the Zone 6 Public Relations Officer, DSP Ibrahim Tasiu, said the matter had been referred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) and that “we are waiting for their expert opinion on the matter”.

But the petitioner said: “My son was not of questionable character and had never been detained in any of the police stations or had any matter with the police anywhere.

“Sergeant Anthony Idoko of the Special AntiRobbery Squad plotted against my son, Derek, got him arrested on the 16th of April, 2014, and took him to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Office in Diamond Hill, Calabar, where he murdered him.”

The following day, Maurice and five others were allegedly executed and their remains were traced to the Anatomy Department of the University of Calabar, where each of the body

was said to have been sold at N11,000.

“I searched for my son everywhere including the SARS Office where we went for three days. The search came due to a statement made by Ekpeyong Akom, a policeman and friend to Sgt Anthony that my son ‘had an encounter with the police.

“It was at Zone 6 that the whole truth came out

Cannabis would fetch me $10,000 in China, says suspect

State Government said Ovicendo its Emergency Medical SerAgency would soon com-

mence operation across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Akure yesterday, said training had begun in earnest for officers in charge of the agen- Mimiko, Ondo gov. cy’s operation.

Akinmade said the agency would begin full operation as soon as the officers were through with their training.

According to him, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, had before the Eidel-fitir holiday, declared open one-week training for the officers expected to work at the five strategic locations of the agency in the state.

The locations are Ikare-Akoko, Owo, Bolorunduro, Ilara and Ore where the medical team would be available and could be contacted for any emergency medical situation.

Akinmade said the Medical Service Agency would begin full operation as soon as the officers concluded their training this week.

He said: “It is a refresher course basically and those undergoing the training are paramedics, rescue teams, corpse dispatchers and ambulance drivers.”

The commissioner added that all other logistics for smooth operations were already in place.

According to him, the officers have been trained to ensure that the programme callers are attended to immediately.

IG, Mohammed

through an eyewitness who was part of those arrested that night but was lucky to have escaped being killed.

The eyewitness said after they were arrested and kept in SARS office, Sgt Idoko later brought a young man who was identified as Derek,” she added.

Mrs Maurice said her source told her a SARS official came later with torch light and separated the suspects into two groups and that about 12:00am on April 1, the group of six, which included her son, was taken out with their hands tied to their back.

“According to the eyewitness who was later brought before the AIG to testify, when SARS official came back that night, one of them approached the detainees in their office, pointed his torchlight to his blood stained cloth and told them ‘when you go back (released), do thanksgiving to God because others who were taken out have been sent on a long journey,” she narrated.

Obiano, Anambra gov.

David with the drugs

Juliana Francis

A

39-year-old motorcycle parts dealer said that he took to smuggling cannabis because his partner duped him of over N4 million meant for his business.

The suspect, Mr Ogbo-

do David, claimed that he would have made a profit of $10,000 dollars, selling Indian hemp in China, if he had not been arrested.

David was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle

11.06kg of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis to China.

The suspect concealed the drugs in various food items. He was nabbed after the discovery of cannabis inside his bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The suspect told investigators that he wanted to sell the drugs and use the profit to buy motorcycle parts in China.

He said: “I gave a business partner $30,000 (about N4 million) to supply me goods and he disappeared.

That brought my business to its knees and I had been struggling to take care of my wife and child for a year now. I went to many people for financial assistance but nobody was willing to help until I was wrongly advised.

A friend told me to smuggle cannabis to China.”

David said he bought the cannabis for N200,000 and was told he would make a profit of $10,000 from selling it in China.

“I was only interested in getting money for my motorcycle parts business,” he said.

NDLEA Commander at the airport, Mr Hamza Umar, said that the suspect was to board a Qatar Airline flight when he was apprehended.

He said: “We apprehended David with dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. The suspect who deals in motorcycle parts at Nnewi was found with 21 parcels of cannabis hidden inside his bags on his way to China. His travel route as contained in his ticket is Lagos to Doha and from Doha to Guangzhou.”

The NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, expressed delight with the arrest, noting that the suspect would have faced capital punishment if caught with the drugs in China.

He said: “Drug trafficking is criminal and many traffickers have died prematurely. I am glad that we prevented the suspect from facing capital punishment in China.”

While calling on members of the public to avoid drug trafficking, the NDLEA boss assured that the agency would continue to protect lives of citizens.

Okoye, CP Ogun.

METRO

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NSCDC arrests man for stealing cables

Hussain and the cables.

Taiwo Jimoh

M

en of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a suspected electric cable vandal in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The suspect, identified as Ibraheem Hussain, was arrested at Bode-Olude area of Elega in Abeokuta North Local Area by men of the

NSCDC anti-vandal team with the assistance of the residents.

The state NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kareem Olanrewaju, said in a statement that the suspect was found in possession of some cables purported to have been removed from one of the transformers supplying light to the Federal Housing Estate in the state

capital.

“He took to his heels when he was challenged by the residents on how he got the electrical cables which was found with him. Instead of explaining to them on how he got the cables, he ran and he was thereby given a hot chase and arrested,” Olanrewaju added.

A resident of the area, Mr Alao Ayodeji, told NSCDC that the vandal had damaged the transformer and successfully removed two ‘up riser’ cables and four ‘incomer’ cables that would have transferred electricity from the main transformer to feeder pillar.

He said: “We are happy that the NSCDC officials were able to arrest the suspect and recover the cables from him.”

Olanrewaju said that during interrogation, the suspect claimed he was lured into the business by his friend whose name he refused to mention but said each of the cables stolen could be sold for N6,000 at the market.

According to the PRO, vandalism in Abeokuta is worrisome.

He said: “Based on this wanton destruction, the Ogun State Commandant of NSCDC, Aboluwoye Akinwande, has directed the anti-vandal team to check all electricity facilities within Abeokuta metropolis.

“Items recovered from the suspect include four incomer cables and other electric materials.

“The suspect will soon be charged to court after completion of investigation.”

‘Woman who fingered pastor in kidnap for ritual, insane’ Juliana Francis he police have said that the Tchild woman who abducted a in the Ikorodu area of

Lagos State and later claimed that her pastor sent her to kidnap the boy for ritual purpose, had been confirmed to be mentally challenged.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, said that psychiatrists at the Federal Neo-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, confirmed that the woman, Rosemary Chukwu, who abducted the seven-year-old primary pupil, Emmanuel Emeka, and hid him inside a box, about three weeks ago, was mentally unbalanced.

On June 26, there was pandemonium at the Majidun area of Ikorodu. Chukwu, a mother of four, reportedly kidnapped Emeka and put him inside a big suitcase after tapping his mouth and binding his hands and legs.

The woman later alleged that her pastor, the General of Overseer of Holy Family Ministry, aka House of Mercy, Pastor Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, offered to give her N2.5 million, if she could bring a boy of about Emeka’s age.

Nwankwo was later apprehended by detectives from the

Nwankwo

State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

Nwankwo had since debunked the story, alleging that the woman might be insane.

“I was out of Lagos for two weeks. I came back on Tuesday, June 14, and came to my ministry on Wednesday morning. I don’t know how these allegations of ritual actions against me started.

“My ministry has existed for 17 years and we had never been associated with such allegations. On that fateful Wednesday, my plan was to quickly do some work and rush out again, because I was supposed to leave for Abuja for another programme. But around 7.30am, a group of people, numbering over 300, armed

with dangerous weapons invaded our ministry. They started breaking everything. They also descended on our members who were over 50 and were in attendance for the morning worship.

“They not only subjected our members to serious beating, they also took all their bags and stripped all the women and children naked. I was inside the office when they invaded the place but they later broke into my office and descended on me. We were all seriously wounded and our bodies were covered in blood.

“My ministry does not engage in ritual killings or such horrible things as those people claimed. People usually troop to our ministry. We organise Children’s Day for over 30,000 children all over our branches every year. In Ikorodu, we normally have not less than 10,000 children during the day,” the pastor had explained earlier.

Braide presented the hospital report to buttress the latest information from the doctor.

The doctor wrote that the suspect is suffering from “paranoid schizophrenia -a major psychotic disorder and will benefit from biopsychosocial treatments as soon as possible”.

11

Ekweremadu, Anyim’s communities resolve boundary dispute Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

T

he boundary dispute between Npu community in Anuiri Local Government Area of Enugu State and the people of Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has been resolved.

Npu is the hometown of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Pius Anyim, hails from Ishiagu.

At a meeting held at the weekend at the palace of the Agu III of Ishiagu Kingdom, HRH Eze Moses Okafor Ngele, both communities decided to resolve their differences amicably.

Ngele, who spoke with our correspondent, criticised a former chairman of Ivo Local Government for allowing the dispute to linger for so long.

He said: “I want to advise politicians to leave rural issues to the Ezes, Igwes and chiefs to handle because they know

Anyim

Ekweremadu

what happened. We, the Ichies, are the ones that can tell you what happened 100 years ago.

“We know the real customs of the land and in just a matter of months we will show the government the real border. Government should not worry itself setting up committees. We want to assure Governor Martin Elechi and the world that the matter has been resolved.”

Also, the king of Npu autonomous community, HRH Mathias Ibe, disclosed that despite the fact that the government of both sides had stepped into the matter, they decided that the best way was for them to tackle it traditionally to avoid any form of political interference.

He said: “We have been having minor crisis but we curbed it to avoid bloodshed over the boundary between Npu and Ishiagu.

“We decided to intervene despite the fact that government of both sides have come into it to ensure its speedy resolution.”

Enugu community cries out over erosion menace The road cut off by erosion.

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

people of Obinofia in Ezeagu LoTcalheNdiuno Government Area of

Enugu State have called on the Federal Government, local and the state governments to come to their aid as erosion has cut off the road leading to the community.

The situation of the main access road to the community has also adversely affected access to the primary school in the community - Central School, Obinofia Nddiuno.

This has made it difficult for teachers and pupils to commute freely to

the school.

It has also become impossible for motorists to drive through the bad portion of the road.

Apart from cutting off the school and the rest of the community, erosion has also washed away the Nkwo Ezeagu-Obinofia Ndiuno Road linking Obinofia Ndiagu Road.

T he PresidentGeneral of Obinofia Ndiuno Town Union, Chief Chukwudi Ezinwa, made the appeal on behalf of the people because of the dangers the erosion poses to lives and property in the area.

He said it had already become an embarrass-

ment to the community since visitors had started shunning the area.

At the weekend, the people held an emergency general meeting where they resolved to appeal to the government to immediately repair the damaged road and tackle the erosion menace.

The meeting urged indigenes to protect electrical installations in the community and to clear vegetation obstructing electrical cables.

The meeting also passed a resolution warning the people against harbouring criminals in any part of the community.

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Abia 2015: I’m most qualified — Abaribe Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

eoples Democratic Paspirant Party governorship in Abia State,

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has said that he is the most qualified candidate for the office of the governor in the State.

Abaribe, a two time Senator and former Deputy Governor of Abia State made the comment while speaking with Journalists of Abia State origin in Abuja.

The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District stressed that he is the most qualified candidates among all the aspirants to the governorship seat of Abia State in 2015.

Counting on his experience, he asserted that having served as the Deputy Governor as well as second time senator for almost eight years, “I am the most qualified person

to pilot the affairs of the State.”

With his campaign slogan, "For the good of the Abia people", he explained that he was coming out to serve the people because of his pedigree, wealth of experience in politics and knowledge of the political terrain in the country.

The senator pointed out that Abia State has a fundamental problem that requires people with in-depth knowledge of the state and national politics to tackle, in order to move the State forward.

He assured that if given the opportunity to serve as governor in 2015 he would promote prudent management of resources, ensure better tax system to boost the State’s Internally Generated Revenue as well as enhance even and rapid development across the State.

Cleric calls for prison decongestion Onah. O. Onah ONITSHA

of the Anglican Btheishop Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen

Nwokolo has called on the Federal Government to evolve more pragmatic measures to decongest the Nigerian prisons.

Bishop Nwokolo made the appeal while delivering a sermon to mark the 157th Anniversary of the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S) at the Chapel of restoration, Onitsha prisons in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Accompanied by a visiting priest from USA, Dr. James Gideon, Dean of Pembroke University, Cambridge, Bishop Nwo-

kolo recalled the history of the coming of CMS in Onitsha in 1857 pointing out that the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, decided to celebrate this year’s anniversary with inmates of the Onitsha prisons so as to give them hope and as well assure them that they are not forgotten.

Bishop Nwokolo expressed disappointment over the situation where a suspect can be remanded in prisons for more than five years without trial, simply because the Police (prosecuting officer) cannot do his duty effectively and nobody queries it. “I am aware that some of you here are innocent but Nigerian police and the judiciary are not helping matters."

Delta LG polls: PDP holds mock primary elections to avert crisis Dominic Adewole ASABA

D

etermined to nip the looming crisis within the numerous aspirants that picked the ruling party’s form to be chairmen in the forthcoming council polls in Delta State, the Peoples Democratic Party in the State yesterday opted for mock primary elections.

The State’s Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) had announced October 25, this year for the conduct of the polls in the 25 council areas of the State.

Meanwhile, Concerned Ndokwa Easterners Political Forum had decried the imposition plot to foist an ‘anointed’ candidate on Ndokwa council area and wondered why the

six political appointees in Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration selected from the council area came from Ward 5 only.

Speaking on the development yesterday in Asaba, Hon. Shadrack Opia, a former acting chairman of council said what the leaders have was a good omen for the development of the council area.

Opia who emerged the winner of the mock primary lauded the leaders for not sacrificing experience, charisma and sustainability in government on the altar of mediocrity.

He said: “This is the first time the ruling PDP leaders and stakeholders in Ndokwa East Local Government Area will unanimously speak out."

L-R: Chief of Staff to Abia State governor, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe; Chief Imam of the state, Sheik Ali Ukiwo and other Muslim leaders, during the Eid-il-Fitr celebration in Umuahia…on Monday

6,338

The number of pending asylum seekers of Burundi at the beginning of 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

353

The average passes per team in South Africa 2010 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

462,840

The total area (in sq. km) of Papau New Guinea.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Chibok girls: Clark's wife warns Nigerians against impatience EASY

Edwin Clark's wife does not want to see a repeat of Chechnya in Chibok Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

W

ife of foremost Ijaw leader, Dr Abisola SodipoClark, has urged Nigerians not to stampede President Goodluck Jonathan into mishandling efforts aimed at rescuing the school girls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State.

She appealed to individuals and groups

currently agitating for the quick return of the abducted school girls to rather sympathize with Jonathan, saying the state of insecurity in the country was not his making.

Sodipo-Clark, married to Chief Edwin Clark and currently chairman of the Board of National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, stated this at a prayer session organised by Muslim women in Abeokuta as part of activities marking the end of this year's Eid-el-Fitri festival.

The Muslim women, under the aegis of her non-governmental organization, the Adeife Akinola Foundation, prayed for the safe re-

turn of the abducted schoolgirls and for peace to reign throughout the country.

Sodipo-Clark said since God had made it possible for over 50 of the girls to escape from captivity so far, Nigerians should be patient with the federal government on the return of the remaining kidnap victims.

She noted that Jonathan and the security agencies should not be stampeded into taking any rash action that the entire nation may later regret over the rescue of the remaining Chibok school girls.

She asked Nigerians to learn from a similar occurrence in the Rus-

sian Federation where in 2004 a military operation to rescue school children taken hostage by Chechen rebels resulted in the killing of over 300 innocent persons, including 186 of the pupils.

Sodipo-Clark expressed optimism that the Chibok girls would soon be rescued from their abductors.

She said: "As we earnestly look forward to the safe return of the kidnapped Chibok girls, let's not forget in a hurry the September 2004 Beslan school hostage crisis in which over 1,100 people, including 777 children were taken hostage inside the school building by armed Chechen separatist rebels."

Licence tears pharmacists, technicians apart in Calabar Clement James CALABAR

T

he rivalry between Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians (NAPTON) is far from over as the former has alleged sharp practices in the issuance of licenses to unqualified members.

The Chairman of the Cross River State Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Mr. Ajah Ibiang on Tuesday in Calabar, while speaking to some Journalists, called on both the State and Federal Governments to sanction any member of NAPTON who

issues licenses to unqualified persons to dispense drugs to members of the public.

According to Ibiang, if sharp practices are not checked among NAPTON members, it could portend great dangers to the health of unsuspecting members of the public.

“What is going on in Cross River state is really unfortunate and dangerous. Some persons are using the name of NAPTON to engage in criminal activities, invariably endangering the health of the people. I am calling on the Federal and Cross River State Governments, including law enforcement agencies to rise to the occasion and protect the health of our people”,

Ibiang said.

He said some leaders of the association were in the habit of hiding under the “ruling of a Federal High Court, Lagos in which they took Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to court and won.

It emanated as a result of a circular issued by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria with regard to employment and promotion of pharmacy technicians in the government departments. It is a dispute over a particular circular and nothing more.

Reacting to the allegation, the Deputy National President of NAPTON, Dr. Lawrence Ewa Henshaw, said the law establishing the association gives them the authority

to issue out licenses to people to run drugs stores and outlets.

His words: “The law establishing PCN does not give them jurisdiction over other practitioners except Pharmacists. They are also prohibited to interfere with the activities of NAPTON.” While insisting that his association was authorized to issue out licenses for the opening of drug outlets, he said: “Also the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos in 2007 declared our Association winner of the case and issued a court injunction restraining PCN from interfering with our duties and responsibilities in a suit (FHC/455/2007)”, Henshaw argued.

Derivation: We maintained status quo to avoid explosion –Ikedife / PAGE 16 | Ogun PDP seeks rebirth / PAGE 17

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Ayogu: National Conference a huge success

p-14, 15

WEDNESday, JULy 30, 2014

In her first formal interaction with journalists, the first female Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Helen Nwaobashi, talks about her elevation and plans to stabilize the Assembly.

CHARLES ONYEKWERE reports:

My election followed due process, says Ebonyi Speaker woman. If these men you say dominate the House of Assembly have come together to say that a small woman like Mrs. Helen Nwaobashi should be their Speaker at this point in time, why do you want to fault their judgment?

That fear does not have any real foundation; I have been called to serve as first among equals. I must always remember that I owe my allegiance to the members and my constituents. If I do things the way the constitution and rules of the House prescribe, there can be no problems. At least you should also know that I have been called to play the role of mother. The welfare of children is the major interest of mothers. You don’t have to be a bully to make a good mother.

Madam Speaker, how do you feel about your election as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly?

Well, I give all glory to God and thank my colleagues for this assignment. When I was elected into the State Assembly, I never dreamed of becoming Speaker because we were only four women in the House. Even in the previous House of Assembly of which I was a member, there were only two of us with the other female, Hon. Dorothy Obasi, serving as Deputy Speaker.

So my election as Speaker came to me as a surprise, but it provides hope to women in politics that the future is bright. Also my election as Speaker in an Assembly dominated by men, shows that the campaigns by the wife of President, Dame Patience Jonathan and Chief Josephine Elechi; for women participation in politics is bearing fruits. I think the men are beginning to see that women are not coming to compete but to complement their efforts in nation building. That is how I see my election as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

Are you not worried about the process that threw you up?

The beauty of democracy is that it gives room for change. We were all elected in the first place to represent various constituencies in the state. That means that all members are equal. The election of one person among us to serve as Speaker or leader is just an administrative necessity for moderation and direction of debates and discussions in the plenary. The point I want to make is that the position of Speaker is by the grace and judgment of all members. Therefore if for any reason the members feel that the Speaker or their leader is not behaving according to their expectations or begins to act as Lord, they exercise the right to change him or her. This is what happened.

People should not forget this fact that it is the responsibility of members of the House of Assembly to choose who represents them as Speaker. You must have read the resolution of the House for the impeachment of the former Speaker.

May be I should take your mind back to some of the reasons that prompted the removal of Hon Chukwuma Nwazunku from office as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Majority of the members resolved that the former Speaker was conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the constitution by not ensuring that sittings were as frequent as to satisfy the demands of the Constitution.

You can see with me that this is a

It is also said that you always consult other members before taking decisions, why?

What is wrong about that? Have I not said that I was chosen to serve as first among equals? You want me to become a dictator? We represent various constituencies of the state, so the decision of how to move Ebonyi State House of Assembly forward should not depend on the opinion of just one man or woman. I don’t have a personal agenda; we have a common agenda, and as such every member counts. If you count that as weakness, you are free to hold your opinion.

Nwaobashi

grievous issue. The members saw this error and felt that the Speaker was leading us into temptation such that at the end of the day we may be invited to sign for sittings we never had. The impeachment of Nwazunku therefore was the best way for the members to avoid a situation where we may be compelled by him to fill the sitting Attendance Register so as to escape the censure of the constitution and the wrath of those who elected us.

So you can see that if after seven months of the year we were able to sit for just seventeen times, there was no way we could fulfill the 181 days stipulated in section 104 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So the members studied the situation and felt that the former Speaker was being distracted by his estate business and decided to change him. His impeachment followed the laid down procedures.

The other reasons including incompetence, corrupt enrichment and violation of the code of conduct as spelt out in the constitution are also very weighty allegations. I think that is the much I can say for the process that brought about my election as Speaker. Like I said, the members of the House of Assembly reserve the right to elect any one among them to serve as first among equals!

Some people express fears that you may not cope as Speaker because the Assembly is dominated by men I don’t think I understand what you mean by that. But let me say this, we have gone past the stage of gender. You heard when I said that Nigerian men have come to appreciate women in politics as partners in progress. The agenda is development and providing good governance to Nigerians. So we are focused on the agenda and not the divisive sentiment of gender. Doing what is right does not depend on whether you are man or

If these men you say dominate the House of Assembly have come together to say Helen Nwaobashi should be their Speaker at this point in time, why do you want to fault their judgment?

You are a ranking member of Ebonyi State House of Assembly but not much was heard about you before now?

The business of law making does not include noise making. I represented the interest of Abakaliki South state constituency. I do what they sent me to do and nobody is complaining that I have not been shouting all over the place as if the mandate I hold is by my power. What matters is results and you need focus to achieve that.

What would define your tenure as Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly?

I will insist on collective approach to tackling the business of the Assembly; focusing more on the yearnings and aspirations of Ebonyi people. I will like to see more constituency consultations by members so we can take feedback to the executive branch of government. I want to see real representation of the people and less concern for political progression. In a word, peace!

Is there any guarantee that those who chose you as Speaker would not come after you?

Yes. If I don’t do what would make them review their feelings about me or begin to act selfishly, they cannot move against me. Moreover I have seen the charges against the former Speaker, if I avoid doing the same things; my colleagues would not come after me. If I am transparent in dealing with them and not going to represent myself before the executive, I will retain their confidence.

Especially if I do not lead them astray.

14 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE Ambassador Fidel Ayogu is Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Uganda with accreditation to Rwanda, and a delegate to National Conference. In this interview with CHINEDU EKEJA, he speaks on some of the recommendations of the National Conference as well as the recent political developments in his home state, Enugu. Excerpts What is your take on the just concluded National Conference? Do you see it as a success or failure?

Let me start by saying that the National Conference is not yet concluded. We have just adjourned for the meantime till August, so that we can go through our resolutions and deliberations again and may be sign it. But that aside, the National Conference is a huge success. It has nothing to do with failure. I think we proved the critics wrong. The president did the right thing to convoke the National Conference and the confab did not disappoint Nigerians, but may be until you get to see our deliberations, resolutions and recommendation, then you will see the much we have done.

Some of the decisions of the conference ended in a deadlock with the hope of forming a specialised committee.

What can you make of this, and why the extension?

The fact is that we are only talking about a point among all the issues raised in the course of the confer-

Ayogu

Ayogu: National Conference, a huge success Boko Haram ravaged area, the SouthEast will also need something as a civil war torn zone.

ence which we deliberated and had resolutions on, and that is derivation. You are talking on derivation and you have forgotten that we had discussions and resolutions on some things like state police, federating unit as states, that is the center and the state as the two components that make up the federation, and that each state will take care of its local government areas. We equally discussed the issues on solid minerals. We equally talked about the Federal Capital territory (FCT).

And the only thing that is left

which circularly does not make the entire resolution of the National Conference is derivation and it is a raging issue because of the fact that we are saying that the South-South or the oil bearing states should have 18 percent or 21 percent according to some of us, some say the status quo should remain while others at the same time say that five percent should be for the insurgence inflicted areas for reconstruction, resettlement, relocation or whatever that is applicable depending on the level of damage, and then some of us were asking questions what about the South-East that fought war and nothing was given to them, no respite of any kind.

The argument then was that we are talking about Boko Haram victims but we are not talking about the south easterners who were the victims of the Nigerian/Biafran war in which they were made to lose their properties and other financial possessions in the bank.

For instance, some people were given only 20 pounds no matter how much you had in the bank before the war. So, these are the things that are actually causing problem, which we did not even consider as part of the things that took us there. So, this special committee looks so technical, in the sense that we are talking about derivation, we are saying that if at worse, let the status quo ante remain. I don’t think it really makes any difference to conclude that the National Conference did not do a good job or that we did not come up with some other good ideas.

Do you see the committee coming up with something substantive that would be acceptable to all?

The special or technical committee should look at it and Nigeria as whole, the South-East inclusive, because we can’t come to the center here and share everything and the SouthEast goes home without anything. So, I am optimistic that the committee will come up with something reasonable provided that it did not go contrary to what we are talking about. That is, in as much as the SouthSouth wants something as the oil producing states, the North-East wants something as a

Most of the things that come between North and South were harmonized and amicably resolved during the conference

So, you think that the derivation argument will not drag any further if the SouthEast’s interest is taken care of?

The South-East is not all that a subject in this matter but it is becoming a subject; because what we agreed was that we might step up derivation for the oil bearing states to 20 percent. But we said let us have about five percent for the exploitation of solid minerals in every sates or every area we find them in Nigeria, so that with time, every state will have something to showcase, and not coming to Abuja to share money. It means that every state has input at the center. We believe that when all the solid minerals in this country are exploited and developed, it will not be only the oil bearing states that will take home that kind of derivation. We have them on ground, but they are unexploited, and we are saying let us vote money so that we can exploit these minerals, like in Enugu, you know we have coal and lime stone and we equally have oil because we are part of the oil discovered within Anambra, Kogi and Enugu boundary; an indication that these states might turn out to be oil producing states if properly explored. But having said that, what about states that don’t have oil but have minerals? Some states have gold, some have copper, some have other solid minerals, so what we are now saying is that there should be a kind of encouragement so that we will have all these things in abundance so that we will be dependent not only on oil money, but on other solid mineral resources. And that aside, the states where these things are harvested will now come to the limelight of having money at the center and getting derivation as well. But now with let me say 21 per cent for derivation, five per cent for solid minerals development, five per cent for insurgency, we are talking about 30 per cent of the derivation, what are we going to use for capital and recurrent expenditures? So, the whole thing will be too much. That is why we are saying that we should apply proportion to the whole thing so that every part of the country will be happy.

Now that conference has been divided along North and South, on what basis is the committee going to be constituted, will it be on regional or professional alignment?

This thing is not purely based on North and South. I am not seeing it like that. There are some states in the South that are not in support of jacking up the derivation. Not every state in the South-East supported it and not every state in the south west did, I don’t want to mention names. I am looking at it in terms of what is the stake of the SouthEast; people from Lagos are also looking at it in terms of what is the stake of the South-West and so on and so forth. So, the issues in the conference to me are not sharply divided along North and South. Because even in the part of the North that are saying they want five percent, they did not say it is all the North, it is essentially the area affected by insurgency, and you know it is not all the areas in the North are affected by insurgency, it is only the North-East. It is not North and South affair. It is just that whenever issues like this come up, you will see a lot of contenders or people who are actually making a lot of noise. Most of the things that come between North and South were harmonized and amicably resolved during the

POLITICS 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

‘Adada State is the most desirable in the South-East’ conference.

everything around us, everybody will be conscious of the environment and the things around them, unlike before. We used to have such cases in other countries in which theirs are even worse than our own, ours won’t be different.

What landmark decisions can you beat your chest and say that the conference achieved?

The landmark decision that affected my people taken by the conference is the proposal for the creation of one additional state in the South-East from the point of view of parity and equity.

And to follow up, it will be honorable and profitable if the leaders of the zone should quickly resolve on that state that is ceded to the South-East to be named and be included in the final reports of the conference, so that the state will be created as soon as we just make the submission to the body that will collect our reports.

Which of these proposed states in the South-East is more deserving of state status or emminently qualified?

I will advise honorably with all humility that the leaders of the South-East submit Adada proposed state unanimously, and my reasons are: One, the proposed Adada State has all the credentials, all the requirements needed for state creation as enshrined in the present constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that for an application for a state proposal to be considered, that application should have the endorsement of all the elected officers in that particular area from the local government to the national level, and possibly as well, the people where the state is going to be unbundled from, so as to have their blessing.

Secondly, outside Adada, there is no other proposed state in the South-East that has this particular constitutional requirements; it is only Enugu and Ebonyi states that we have elected local government organs in the states.

In other states in the South-East, the governors just appointed sole administrators and supervisory councilors and these things are not allowed in the state proposal application.

But recently there was an election into local government seats in Anambra State; don’t you think that will qualify them?

We have five states in the South-East, and mind you that in the proposal, there is no particular state that will be unbundled from Anambra alone. The ones that are being considered are Njaba, and which will be created from Imo and Anambra together, and Imo State has not had election at the local government level. And Ebonyi State where election has been held like Enugu is not asking for a state. There is no particular proposed state as I am talking to you now that is going to be unbundled from Ebonyi except Ekiti sSate in which Ebonyi will cede two of its local governments just like every other states in the SouthEast. And even the Ohozara, one of the two local governments to be ceded is saying that they are not leaving Ebonyi State to go and be a minority in a very unfamiliar environment. That alone makes Ekiti State have a question mark.

That aside, the two local governments to be ceded by Imo State cannot be done because they don’t have election yet, which has automatically disqualified them.

But, if we approve Adada, there are still three other states to be created because the conference approved 19 states, but the one that is ceded to the SouthEast is automatic on the grounds of equity. There is still a proposal for three states for each zone, so my submission is that not only Adada State would be created, but for the fact that it is the one that is very much ready now, let it be submitted while South-East leaders work

The gale of impeachment making the rounds in the country has pointed its arrow at the Deputy Governor of Enugu state, what’s your take?

I have not gotten details of what is happening in Enugu because I am in Abuja; I am just reading some of them from the internet. I have not been on ground as to know what is happening, so I can’t comment on that.

So, where do we expect the former Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda in 2015?

The former Nigerian Ambassador is praying very hard for God to show him the way before 2015. I am still consulting to know what I may do in 2015. First of all, I am interested in the re- election of Mr. President. I am working for him already. I am currently in the group trying to realize the actualization of the re-election bid in 2015. I am interested in our governor who has done very well.

I am equally praying that God gives the people of Enugu State a very good candidate from Nsukka who knows what it is to be a governor; someone who will follow the footprints of the outgoing governor and complete his projects, if any and continue his own.

Ayogu

on the other three states to be created later. So, it is funny when some people say that Adada State is not part of the South-East. It has met the one million population, landmass and other constitutional requirements. So, it is qualified in all ramifications. It is important the south east leaders act now with the one that is ready, because if we submit any other one and allow it to gather dust, it will go the way of other recommendations in the past, but if we submit the state proposal now and the name of the state is contained in the resolution, it is as good as created. But it must meet the constitutional requirements. Which proposed state in the South-East meets those requirements? It is only Adada.

What other landmark decisions did the conference reach that appeal more to national interest?

The proposed additional states creation is greatly of national interest.

It is not only the South-East that such proposal benefits. We recommended 18 additional states. We say that each zone will have additional three states. So, the 19 states to be created as we have their names are going to be created in this report. Secondly, the state police that we endorsed is also of national interest because you can see the level of insecurity in the country. Nobody opposed it. The states as federating units is also of national interest, because this time around it is the state, and the state will now go on and create local governments as many as it can fund and can contain, and so on and so forth. I cannot enumerate all that we have done, but we have done so much that is of national interest.

Away from the National Conference, the security situation in the country is not giving Nigerians any respite, what is your take on the level of insecurity in the country?

It is true, even when you listen to the Prime Minister of Israel when he was mentioning Islamic extremists; he mentioned Boko Haram. That was

Adada State has all the credentials, all the requirements needed for state creation as enshrined in the present constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria just some days ago. This is to tell you how Boko Haram has become a thing of the world, not only about Nigeria. That will give you an idea of the efforts made by the current government to contain it. The fact that it has become a world issue and Nigeria is still containing it shows that the government is not sleeping over it. I still believe that with the cooperation of all Nigerians, without politicising it, we are going to win the war against the insurgents.

For over 100 days, the Chibok schoolgirls have been in captivity and still no hope in sight; do you still have confidence in our military?

This thing is highly technical, and it is not something that should be approached the way most Nigerians think.

But I believe the military is going the right way to bring the girls back. If this is not politicised the way it is done now, these girls will come back surprisingly when we don’t even expect them.

As the 2015 general election approaches, what expectation do you have of the elections with regards to the volatile security situation of the country?

I believe we will have elections, and you would be very surprised that nothing will happen, just as it has been. Just as we are becoming very much away of

The governorship slot has been zoned to Enugu North based on a gentleman’s agreement, but with the array of contenders springing up by the day from Nsukka axis, what will you advice the people to look out for in the choice of their next governor?

The next governor is not going to be an Nsukka governor. He is going to be the governor of the whole state; I think the people should pray for a governor that would work for the people like the present governor is doing now. In Nsukka, we have qualified people, very many of them who can govern the state very well. We all know what is expected of a governor. Sometimes it is God sent, and sometimes it is by looking at the person’s antecedents, the person’s background, and his or her performance in the positions he has handled, whether he is a business man or a politician. If a politician; which position has he been in, commissioner, legislature etc, and what has he been known for. You look at integrity, that is when you ask, this person that want to serve us, can he be trusted, can he deliver on his promises.

What has he been known for in the past?

Left for me this is how I will approach it a as person. If the person is found wanting in any of these tests, he should better withdraw from the race or the masses will give their verdict.

What is your message to Nigerians, especially at this trying time of our history?

My message to Nigerians is that they should not inflame the atmosphere with politics. People should not create a problem where there is none. I am not into the media, so I don’t know the ethics, but the media should play down on how they report on some issues. Like this idea of north- south divide is a mere creation, some of the issues we discussed in the conference, we did that amicably, but when you check on the media, you will read different things from the journalists who were there in the chamber. The media should cross check their facts very well because such reports that are meant to sell papers are not be healthy at this stage of our national life.

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Derivation: We maintained status quo to avoid explosion –Ikedife How far do you think the confab has gone in meeting the expectations of Nigerians?

Thank you. In the first instance I want to make it clear that on my own personal perspective, the confab was very necessary. Before we went into it, it was clear to many people that there was a lot of anger in the country. There was a lot of unhappiness for so many considerations and the confab was an opportunity for people to dialogue and look at issues that make people appear so unhappy.

To that extent, the dialogue was well utilized. Let me give you background which you already know that after the presidential address and reaction to it from members, the confab divided into 20 committees, each handling one aspect of the discussion. At the end of the period of committee work, we went back to plenary and the result of each committee work taken and discussed. We had clearly covered the reports of 19 committees except there certain topics that were bracketed, that is where consensus was not even reached, it was left for further visit later on down the line.

Now, it went sufficiently well and a lot of issues, consensus was reached. At first, it looked as if the conference was not going to take off because there was a new introduction of certain percentage for deciding on issues. Except of simple majority or 2/3 majority, element of 75 per cent majority was introduced. But thank God, most issues were discussed and agreed without going into vote.

It shows that Nigerians may sometimes appear to be fed up with each other but the dialogue as it went down, people started to realize that we are concerned about very many common issues.

Many people came to the conference, including myself with set ideas that if it is not this then nothing will happen.

And as the rubbing of minds went on, many people had to abandon their rigid positions and adopted more reconciliatory attitudes and approach, following the realization that nobody owns Nigeria exclusively. Nigerians were no more interested in ‘born to rule syndrome’, no Nigerian is more Nigeria than the other and we do not have classes of Nigerians, first class, second class, third class or even unclassified.

So, things went on smoothly, burning issues were raised, tempers flared and settled down. And I think in the long run, it was a very good conference where people were able to express their opinions.

Now, there are two reservations; one, the president said there was a no go area in the conference. Much as we obeyed him implicitly, but to me I had a question; suppose the solution to Nigerian problem is to be found in no go area, should we not chase the solution into those no go area? That was not merely a rhetorical question, it is a thought that kept coming to the mind and going out and to the best of my knowledge, it has not been adequately answered.

Number two, another issue was the frame work on which the discussions and conclusions and recommendations of this confab will be. We are worried that it must not be like other confabs which were held, conclusions drawn and recommendations made, and all were kept in a keep- in- view file.

And to the best of our knowledge, legal foundation has not been properly established but we came out with three suggestions, that some of the recommendations were what will be called Matters

Dr Dozie Ikedife was one- time President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide. He is the man who can be said to have seen it all in Nigeria, having begun his political career from the first republic. In the second republic he was a member of the kitchen cabinet of the Pesident Shehu Shagari’s government of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) . In this interview with TONY OKAFOR in Awka, he spoke extensively on the outcome of the national conference of which he is delegate.

He also spoke on the state of the nation. Excerpts

Ikedife

Executive Implementations. Some, we thought will get the attention of the legislature and some we thought may require referendum involving the entire populace. These are the three categories of recommendations or issues distilled out from the proceedings.

How are you going to treat the derivation problem when you reconvene on August 4th?

We seem to have reneged in our function by not making clear recommendations on derivation and that we rather threw it back to the presidency.

I am sorry to say that at one time I threatened somebody in physical encounter. Some people threatened walking out and it was so hot and we said let the sleeping dog lie

You ask what led to that throw back.

Now, it is a fool that begins what he cannot start. It is a fool who does not know the limit of his knowledge, capacity and ability. It is alright to throw out figures and make recommendations but we thought that finally the thought has been flouted but we believe that for you to throw out realistic figures, you needed more information within the time available. We were not able to consult all the experts who gave us the facts, figures and the complete data.

All we suggested was that a new committee be set up that will have access to various facts and figures that will help make recommendations more realistic.

There was another issue that was a little bit controversial, when the committee dealing with that suggested increment of derivation percentage from 13 per cent to 25, that seemed to have gone down well but at a later date, the northern delegates came up with another suggestion, cutting off another five per cent and threw it into the three northern states, three per cent to North East, one per cent to North Central and one per cent to North West, as areas where Boko Haram is doing damage.

Some of us argued against it but subsequently said okay, that the thing should be re-phrased, that five per cent should be reserved for areas where there

had been controversies, upheavals, wars and what not. And we should therefore start with the victims of Nigerian Civil War, which should be visited first.

And that it is imprudent to give financial support to somebody who is still fighting you; has not stopped or apologized and if you give him further support, it will strengthen his fighting capacity.

So Boko Haram areas logically should not benefit for now until the damage is finished, then you can assess the degree of damage and know whether three per cent is enough. As at now, it is a matter of guess work because the rampage is still on and besides, you have not even identified who the rampaging groups are. You have not been able to confront and discuss with them. And even if the money reaches them, you are strengthening their hands in the fight. So, it does not seem logical, however, all these were issues that led to- okay let us leave these areas mean while.

Many of us, delegates to the confab did not plan to stay much longer. There was a time people were thinking that many of us were enjoying staying there because of the fictitious amount of money that people thought we are being paid.

At one time, one newspaper said that the lunch we were given was costing N60, 000 per plate per person. Ridiculous and it could not be. Many of us had to be thrown out of their hotel rooms because they could not pay, particularly when the allowance was delayed.

It wasn’t all about going there for money; we were there on serious business, starting by 9am to 6pm.

This issue of state creation which the South East agitates for, how well do you think the confab treated it?

I think that the issue of state creation was well treated. There are other issues relating to structure of government which I will like to elaborate a little on.

But don’t forget the question of giving one more state to South East geopolitical zone will put it a par with four other zones, leaving one still with seven.

It was a foregone conclusion, in the previous confab; it was agreed and reconfirmed in this very confab. The recommendation of the committee which was accepted was one state will be given to South East to bring their number of states to six. Secondly, if more states are to be created, the states to the geopolitical zones should be equal.

So, if we are going to create for instance North West to have eight states, it means South East will have three states created from the present five and the rest four, that is South West, South South, North Central and North East will have two more states so that there will be a total of 48 states together with the Federal Capital Territory. That was the recommendation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Up until now, it was apt to refer to Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party enmeshed in internal crisis. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE examines the new dance steps of reconciliation and membership drive the party has put forward and its focus towards the 2015 election.

Ogun PDP seeks rebirth

T

he once upon a time crises of Ogun state chapter of the PDP is not strange to any enthusiast of politics especially in the last four to five years. The party in the state gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons. It was torn apart by different court injunctions emanating from the various factions. It was so bad that the party was touted at a point to have turned the premises of the court to its secretariat. The end point was the conceding of the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC), after eight years of being in the saddle.

To think that a state chapter of a party that has produced a former president of the country in Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, would descend to such path of infamy as it did, is to think outside the box. But the run-up to the 2011 election polarised the party, it lost its political stakes and it took a pronouncement of a court for the authentic state executive of the party to be determined. Not even the influence of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party could make any difference at that time.

At the end of the tussle, the Adebayo Dayo-led executive emerged as the authentic and duly elected state executive in the Gateway State while the faction loyal to former President Obasanjo led

by Dipo Odujinrin had to recoil into its shell to re-strategise.

With the 2015 general election inching closer, the party led by its chairman, Bayo Dayo and the Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee in the South-West, Buruji Kashamu, have intensified their drive at reconciling all factions, bring back the big names that once made the party tick, fish for more converts and position the party in a winning mode.

While it is natural for some of the reconciliation efforts to meet with brick walls, others simply scaled through with the coast of the party getting enlarged.

In May this year, one of such reconciliation tour took the Kashamu-backed PDP to the Ota residence of a House of Representatives member, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency. At the parley, Akinlade who had got similar overtures from other parties in the state commended the fence-mending efforts of the party in the state.

Assuring Akinlade and his supporters of a level playing ground whenever they want to contest for political positions, the Ogun PDP chairman said the chapter had already initiated discussions with its headquarters in Abuja on how to work out a waiver to accommodate new entrant defectors into the party.

Some of those who accompanied the chairman to the event included the State Secretary, Semiu Sodipo; South West Zonal Secretary, Pegba Otemolu; Ogun West Senatorial chairman, Leye Odunjo; a former commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Mary Ogunjobi; Boye Adesina, Segun Showunmi and Kayode Ogunyemi among others.

Already, thousands of defectors from

17

Dayo

Kashamu

I plead with everybody to work together for the interest of this party and I want to appeal to everybody to let the best candidate carry the flag of the party

Akinlade

the three senatorial districts of the state have found their way under the PDP umbrella in the past few months. With the victory of the party in Ekiti state still vibrating across the South-West, it is anticipated that many more would still dance to the reconciliation drum of the party.

With his emergence as governor-elect of Ekiti State, the burden of leadership of the PDP in the South-West automatically fell on Mr. Ayodele Fayose. Without waiting any further, he picked up the gauntlet against the party’s foes in the zone, moving from one state to another on a sensitization tour. His message was apt and concise- to reconcile various groups and factions within the party and reclaim the rest of the states in the zone for the PDP. On Thursday July 10th, Fayose’s ‘appreciation visit’, stormed Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital and like a colossus, the sensitization tour held at the party’s secretariat, IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, shut down the city for hours as party supporters in their thousands from the 20 local government areas of the state started trooping to the venue as early as 8am to witnessed the rebirth of their party.

Owing to volume of vehicular and human traffic, the road leading to the Governor’s office from Kuto round about was blocked for several hours causing serious gridlock around the town.

Perhaps, the interesting sight that seemed to catch the fancy of those

present at the rally was the organized nature of supporters of Akinlade in their greenish uniform attire, flashing the banners of the governorship hopeful who officially rejoined the party that gave him his first crack in politics.

Speaking at the rally, Fayose who was accompanied by Kashamu to the venue, got a glowing welcome and urged party leaders in the state against imposition of candidates as the 2015 general election draws nearer.

The governor-elect while speaking shortly after some prominent leaders of the now defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state led by Akinlade defected back to PDP, said he had held a meeting with former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel on how to return to PDP adding that he will continue to do same for all the aggrieved leaders of the party in South West.

Fayose also explained that part of his duties in the state was to meet staunch leaders of the party in the state who had left due to the in-fighting and factionalisation which it experienced shortly before the 2011 governorship election.

Fayose who explained that he will submit the report of his finding during the tour to the national leadership of the party in Abuja appealed to aggrieved members of the party to also shift ground in order for the issues to be resolved.

“Those in Labour Party will join us. I was with Otunba Daniel, I have spoken to him. I am going to meet our father, JMK. We want everybody on board. It is only when we win that we will have something to share. If we don’t win, there is nothing we want to share in zero. I plead with everybody to work together for the interest of this party and I want to appeal to everybody to let the best candidate carry the flag of the party. A poor boy who is selling pure water at the ward and wants to be councilor, let us allow them. There should be no imposition.

“Therefore, all our leaders must shift ground. OGD must shift grand. Labour

Party must shift ground. Martins Kuye and his group must also shift ground so that we can have a PDP that can win election. Then our president will now win and we will all be happy. This reason I must support you in Ogun State is this, if you don’t win in Ogun State, the pressure will be too much for me to bear.

I therefore will do everything to support every state in the South-West to become a PDP state,” he said.

Supporting Fayose’s stance, Kashamu, who is regarded as the rallying point of the PDP in the zone, said the party won’t stop in its efforts to bring back some elders who had left the party.

Speaking shortly after receiving the PDP flag from the National Auditor, Chief Adewole Adeyanju, Hon. Akinlade who is the Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, promised a better life for the people of the state under the PDP. Judging by the reception accorded him and the atmosphere at the victory rally, Akinlade appears to be one big fish the PDP is glad to have back in its fold.

He was described as the man with the Midas touch who has the right grassroots appeal and able to move across party lines without losing his supporters and therefore wining elections.

A dig into his political record shows that his re-election to the House of Representatives for the third term in 2011 was some sort of political landmark.

Akinlade won that election on the platform of ACN notwithstanding that Gen. Adetunji Olurin the PDP gubernatorial candidate in that election is from the same local government with him and their election took place on the same day.

Of the four elections that took place in the Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency in 2011; two for House of Assembly, one House of Representative and gubernatorial, only Akinlade won for the ACN while the others were won

by PDP at his constituency. It is also on record that even the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun wrote a letter to the leadership of ACN to canvass that everything be done to put Akinlade on the ballot of the party to tap from his popularity.

Speaking during the rally tagged victory rally, the chairman of the party in South West, Barrister Ishola Filani urged members from across the country to continue to close ranks and find a way of resolving issues for the party to take over the South West.

A member of Ogun State House of Assembly, Samson Onademuren representing Ijebu North-East told the mammoth crowd that 13 members of the Assembly including APC legislators will soon be joining the PDP. When asked after the rally why he left the PDP in 2011 to contest under the ACN and now coming back to the same PDP, Akinlade said: “I left the PDP in 2011 out of principle. Before the entry of Gen. Adetunji Olurin into the gubernatorial race, the JMK group of PDP which I belonged had already adopted me as the flag bearer for the group and my exit from PDP then was to protest an injustice that I felt strongly about. I am back in the PDP today because that is where I really belong and I fully appreciate the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan and I am back to fully contribute my quota.”

As the moves to repositioned the PDP in Ogun state to its enviable, winning status continues, it is only hoped that the party would consolidate on the entry of Akinlade and other defectors into the party and that the more the merrier factor would enhance the party’s performance in 2015.

More stories on Pages 40-43

18

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

LITERATURE

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

“Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.” ― Benjamin Franklin

TONY OKUYEME

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

Marriages of past, present, future realities Title: Old and New Inspirations From The Heart Author: Uche Nwosu Publisher: National Gallery of Art, Abuja, Nigeria Year: 2013 Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

S

ome people see poets and fine-artists as mystical beings who conjure verses and images from astral realms beyond laymen imagination. This assumption is clearly depicted in the sublimity of Uche Nwosu’s verses and paintings invoked by the strokes of his brushes from various rivers of colours in Old and New Inspirations From The Heart.

The 34-page exhibition volume contains twelve poems and fifty-seven different types of artistic images of the highly imaginative poet and painter. This affirms the author as not just only a poet but an atist who portray his feelings more outwardly in streams of colours and strokes as a formidable painter with dynamic electricity.

In an acrylic on canvas (122cm x 184cm, 2003) painting titled ‘Colonisation,’ one is confronted with the reminiscence of colonialism depicting a grey-haired man seated on a floor with different objects such as Swastika symbol, British/American flags, cabbalistic tetragramaton, telephone handset, rocket launcher, and a host of other insignias that remind the viewer/ observer about past, current and future traces of imperialism in our culture, religions, politics and social lifestyles.

It is a commendable picture of how Africans are still being colonised by the Western world, even though African countries claim to be sovereign states or nations.

One other tantalising painting in the collection is titled ‘The Hunter and The Haunted, 1996.’ It is a monochrome of a nude and alluring female figure, with a big man behind her and a small man beside her. Both men are arrested by her charming curves and exposed breasts, as they salaciously focus on her; or perhaps, they could not control their feelings from gazing at her. Though the painting was done a long time (1996) ago, its messages are still as fresh as dawn, which thematically correlate with the message of the painting titled ‘Colonisation.’ But some questions begging for answers are: is it the nude lady that is colonising the two men, or is it the men that are colonising her? Every viewer/observer is entitled to his or her conclusion.

Having assessed some of the author’s paintings, it is essential to evaluate his verses in the collection too. The first poem among the lot in the exhibition book is titled ‘Come Free,’ in which the painter cum poet muses about identifying the

His verses are as deep and emotive like the images of his paintings embedded with mystical conjurations woven with past, present and futuristic interlinks in the voices of colours and brushes true character of who you are and what you stand for, devoid of pretense. Hence, the poem says: “Right is right / and left is wrong / White is light / and black is dark / Up is high / and down is low / Blue recedes like peace / and readily red approaches /. Know the truth / and its freedoms / Break the rules of enslavement / to the evil judges and / Their armoury of bad laws / I know where I am, here / Where are you? / “i” is me, / Who is “You”? / Now, take back your casket / I am still alive / Keep your religion / I am a believer, already

free.” This piece no doubt could evoke different interpretations by different readers, whether from the perspective of religion, culture or politics.

The poet says he is ‘already free’ as an enlightened mind, unlike many folks who are still culturally, religiously, politically, and tribally myopic and imprisoned in their ways of reasoning. The poem reminds the reader about Sly Cheney Coker’s poem titled ‘Myopia,’ which ridicules the follies of some so called educated and civilise people.

Another commendable piece in Nwosu’s collection of paintings, mixed media and conceptual works, is a poem titled ‘Memories of Laughter’ which bemoans the good old days when things were working reasonably well in Nigeria, but things are no longer at ease at present. One could say ‘Memories of Laughter’ is a nostalgic comparison of things in the days of yore and the now upside down civilization.

Nwosu captures it thus: “I lost my childhood / Vying for a role / The entire caste drunk / Drunk from shame at reality / And a decision to go fake / I sold my soul to the devil / Tied myself to his money

/ Lost my pride to a woman / Lost my name in the wind / My naivete to a craft in falsehood / And my personality to time / I now stand back and look / Wondering if I’d been right / I lost my mystique to the crowd / That wonders all confused / Now I return, facing Conscious Light / Asking back my laughter / With a vision of joy and loveliness / Aching for the peace of innocence.”

What a loss of the good old times when Nigerians were truly Nigerians who cared for the goodness of one another, before the evil spirits of tribalism and ethnicity became more intensified, and now threatening to split the giant to pieces with osmosis of sorrow.

With speeches and images emanating from brushes and colours in the wings of paintings (Fine-Art), married with melancholic tunes of poetic gusts of sad laughter to the wind of change and beyond, Nwosu has stamped his name not just only as a painter but a poet to reckon with in the footsteps of time; till sun, stars and moon may cease to smile. His verses are as deep and emotive like the images of his paintings embedded with mystical conjurations woven with past, present and futuristic interlinks in the voices of colours and brushes.

Uche Nwosu studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (South-Eastern Nigeria) between 19861991. He specialises in Painting. He has participated in several local and international arts exhibitions. He is a contributor of reviews to the Guardian Newspaper, Lagos, and works at the National Gallery of Arts as a Chief Research Officer. He is also a former Secretary of Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), Lagos chapter.

Poetrip

Planting Fresh Hope Oladipo Kehinde I am planting fresh hope in the garden of my heart I am not afraid of the threat of the weeds I am not afraid of deluge I am not afraid of strong winds I am not afraid of harsh weather I am holding up to the upland sun I am holding up to the rain I am holding up to the voice inside me I am holding up to time To fulfill my dreams I am holding up to tomorrow To see my seed grow And flourish I am planting a fresh hope in the garden of my heart The voice of my heart Hold the dreams in my eyes

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

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

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19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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

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

WEDNESday, JULY 30, 2014

Political recklessness, a threat to unity

obel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, recently observed that Nigeria is less likely to breakup now, unlike before, as a result of the terrorist activities of Boko Haram.

Although he acknowledged that the nation is suffering greater carnage at the hands of the terrorist group than it did during the civil war, he is more optimistic about the unity of the country in the wake of the insurgency. He explained that the horrors inflicted by the militants had shown that Nigerians, despite their religious and ethnic affiliations, are sticking together to avoid even greater sectarian slaughter.

This is a very encouraging comment coming from no less a personality than Wole Soyinka. We need more of such positive comments to inspire hope among the generality of the people. It would be recalled that at different times in the past there have been calls from divergent quarters for the breakup of Nigeria.

There even was a report predicting the breakup of Nigeria based on a scenario that has striking resemblance to the current rampaging activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. Hence, Soyinka is saying that in spite of the overtly frightening dark clouds, there is silver lining on the horizon.

Beyond the threat of the insurgency, we must recognize that the misuse of power by politicians is

just as dangerous. The leadership of the country has a serious role in ensuring Nigerians have a sense of belonging through the provision of good governance and purposedriven leadership. An immediate act of intent is to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and reunite them with their parents as soon as possible, as well as put an end to the menacing activities and senseless carnage of the terrorist organization. The government must demonstrate beyond all reasonable doubt that indeed, it is on top of the situation and should as a matter of fact take the war to the doorsteps of the terrorists.

Democracy in our clime has become a byword for the personalization of public office, for self- aggrandizement and lining of private pockets with public funds. Hence, democracy has become a rat-race, an unhealthy and desperate competition to get into public office at all cost, retain power by all means, without rendering any tangible service to the people that sorely need the dividends of democracy most. There has been an apparent disconnect between the people on the streets and the people in government.

The political class places a high premium on power for self-serving purposes. Politicians accumulate power by all means, and do everything to prevent others from getting it. As their rule becomes perma-

nent, politics becomes Hobbesian: power is pursued by all means and kept by all means and the struggle for power becomes the overriding concern. Indeed, politics has become the only game in town, a game played with deadly seriousness with no respect for the rule of law.

Development does not occur in the framework of this political style, which essentially institutionalizes warfare and only uses democracy as a convenient facade.

To effect a change, there must be integrity of the ballot box and the vote of the people must always count. If the various political gladiators know that, indeed, political power ultimately belongs to the people and that they can be voted out of power, politicians would be forced to become more decorous and decent in their approach to politics as well as up their performances while in office. A situation where the votes of the people do not matter, where the electoral body appears to be on the side of the party in power and where some so-called power brokers think they can decide for the whole country without their consent is not only totally unacceptable, but it would not allow the occupiers of office to have legitimacy and this would ultimately have adverse consequences on their productivity.

Democracy must be properly democratized to be meaningful, and it has to systematically address the

various problems that confront the people: the problems of unemployment and underemployment, infrastructural decay, parlous state of the economy, over-devaluation of the naira, high rate of inflation, increase in the cost of living, low capacity utilization of industry, mono-cultural economy, bad roads, terrible state of education and poor health facilities.

Nigerians deserve leaders who can tackle bastardization of the agricultural sector, non-development of non-oil sector, abandonment of solid minerals, poor state of tourism and aviation, problems in the power sector as well as many other problems such as housing and transportation, so that democracy can have an appreciable impact on the polity and the people.

But a democracy that focuses on the needs of the rich in society, that increases their allowances and emoluments, that provides for them all the things of life that alienate the electorate from those in public offices, is a system of government that is unfit for any decent human society.

Democracy cannot endure where poverty is rampant and violence is pervasive. Peace is a condition for development, and democracy as well as development, are two sides of the same coin. We delude ourselves by heaping all the blames of the past and present on the military and overlook the recklessness of present day politicians, which threatens the country’s unity.

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

20

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

OPINION No to state police Prince M. Arayuwa Wilkie

I

n 1861, the British Colonial Masters established the first Police Force in Nigeria. It was composed of 100 men whose establishment was based in Lagos with the responsibility to protect the Consular. Initially, it was called the “Hausa Force” in view of the ethnic origin of those who were recruited into the Force. The expansion of the colonial administration to the Western and Eastern parts of the country gave rise to additional establishment of Police Forces.

As at 1891, it became obvious that the Forces had become lawless and notorious in the performance of their functions. This was the observation of the Consul General. In 1897, the Governor of Lagos Colony also observed that the members of the “Hausa Force” engaged in bad behaviour, including their content of characters.

It was alleged also that they stole and looted the properties which belonged to others. Additionally, they were also alleged to have applied excessive brute force, repression, crude violence especially against those communities which resisted colonial rule.

The merger of the Lagos colony, the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1913, prior to the amalgamation of 1914, gave birth to the New Colony and in 1930, the Northern and Southern Regional Police Forces were merged to establish the first Nigeria Force. Within this period, the Local Police Forces controlled by the Traditional Rulers were constituted. Again, both the Nigeria Police Force and Local Police Forces were equally caught in acts bordering on crass abuse, bribery and corruption.

In 1960, when Nigeria attained her Independence, the Federal Government retained the NPF while the Regional Governments of the North, East and West had

their Local Police which they financed until 1966 when the advent of the military proscribed the Local Police. One major reason adduced by the Military was anchored on the fact that the Regional Governments made good use of the Local Police to intimidate, harass and deal ruthlessly with their political opponents during the First Republic which the Army terminated on January 15, 1966. However, the disbanded Local Police Forces were keyed into the NPF. However, I want to believe that the allegations of corruption and other unprofessional conducts levelled against the local police forces under the control of the Traditional Leaders or the Regional Governments are still very much pronounced in the NPF till date. The present NPF and Local Police forces of old are similar and basically the same.

Having given a brief historical background and the inherent corruption of the Police Force, it is imperative to state clearly on whether the Federal Republic of Nigeria should have a State Police or not. In the recent past, some governors and a few apostles of the advocate of a state police had consistently echoed and re-echoed the quintessential relevance of the existence of a Federal and State Police system as obtainable in the United States.

Such advocates of State Police easily fail to realise that the Federal structure of America is not on the same page with Nigerian Federalism.

The evolution and practice of Federalism in America ought to be seen as true Federalism while that of Nigeria is quasi-Federation which can best be described as a near Unitary system with almost all essential powers residing at the centre. And, so, when Mr. President sneezes in Abuja, it reverberates to the nooks and crannies of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Such is one of the fundamentals of Unitarism being practised in some countries of the world.

Let me stress that within the Nigerian concept of a Federal State, it is strictly impracticable for us to have both the Federal and State Police Forces in view of the fact that we do not operate a Federal structure in its proper definition. We can, therefore, have both forces, if only our constitution is amended to reflect the practice of Federalism. It is only then that the existence of a State Police Force can be practised without fail. To enable it succeed, it may become imperative for us to undertake some practical lectures from the Americans on the modus operandi of a State Police Force within a Federal structure.

Another deadly implication of the existence of a state police is the possibility of elevating and promoting governors to the status of vindictive despots and pocket tyrants in their respective states. Politically, nothing stops a governor from ensuring that his state is controlled by his political party all through his tenure in accordance with the constitution and using the State Police to sustain power. Criticism shall be non-tolerant as such critiques would be placed in a terrible axis of submissiveness by the governor and his State Police. The so-called state police would become a willing tool in the hands of the governor because the security organ is being employed, maintained and financed by the state.

Also, the governor can make use of his police even in a family dispute which affects him. Additionally, a greedy governor who is a land – grabber can equally direct and use the police to intimidate his opponents. The on-going National Conference (CONFAB) ought to have taken these factors into deep consideration before recommending for a state police which simply will not work. I pray that Mr. President should reject out rightly this vexing recommendation.

• Prince Wilkie (pmikky1950@yahoo.com), 08023097251

Nigeria is a startling and compelling paradox Ijele Agha-Ibeka

Y

es. Nigeria is, indeed, a startling and compelling paradox. It is a country where impunity holds sway, a land in which both lawmakers and lawgivers would think nothing of violating the laws with impunity. It is a place where the knowledgeable maintain a deafening silence while conceited ignoramuses shout from the rooftops. Self-professed statesmen and women recklessly sow the seeds of anarchy and fan the ambers of hatred and war. Those who should be seriously concerned are invariably silent. Meanwhile, others who are not responsible for the nation’s intractable calamities carry all the worry. It makes you wonder, to wit, the kind of obsessive spirit that invaded and captured our collective psyche and character as a country.

On June 2, 2013, ex-military Head of State Muhammadu Buhari, a confirmed Statesman in every sense of that word, told the world that the “Military offensive against Boko Haram was anti-North.” He mouthed this statement during a Hausa language live programme “Guest of the Week,” hosted by the Kaduna-based Liberty Radio. In that interview, he poured vituperations on the Federal Government for what he called gross injustice against the north. The said interview was reported in

Thisday newspapers of June 3, 2013. Now, following the abduction of the Chibok school girls and terrorist leader Shekau’s threat to sell them into slavery, the ire of the international community was drawn to the satanic activities of the Boko Haram group. In a quick but melodramatic way, the same Buhari who barely a year ago saw no reason for military action against Boko Haram switched positions and called the terrorist group “Bigots masquerading as Muslims”. Buhari now wants Nigerians to join hands to recover our sovereignty from Boko Haram, ending with his cliché that “Nigeria is the only country we have and can call our own”! As Buhari put it, “Now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blames and amplify our ideological differences. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people.” This, in other words, means that June 2013, when Buhari was sounding off about Boko Haram, was proper time to politicize a most serious terrorist violation of the Nigerian entity.

My candid opinion is that, if Buhari’s latest position on the war against Boko Haram had been canvassed in 2013 or much earlier than now, the impetus with which Shekau and his retinue of ‘bigots’ are operating would have been tamed. Buhari’s latter day conversion to patriotism and political reality portrays him as elder who

lazed at home while the tethered goat was in labour.

Another politician, albeit one that prefers the toga of a civil rights activist, whose antecedents are worthy of examination, is the cerebral Shehu Sani, the perpetual President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria. This man comes across as very knowledgeable, if not also complicit in the insurgency of the Boko Haram criminals. Without mincing words, Shehu Sani invariably tells whoever cares to listen to his verbiage that the military offensive against Boko Haram is wrong.

People are so bewildered they do not have a clue regarding what informed Mr. Sani’s curious opinion. Boko Haram does not only claim Islam as its guiding religion, the members are armed with illegal weapons; they kill, they maim and they kidnap innocent people in a society supposed to be free and secular. Yet, Shehu Sani incessantly advertises the terrorist group as worthy of Nigerian friendship, a gang Nigeria must cultivate!

Shehu Sani watched the video of Abukakar Shekau where he threatened to sell off our girls into slavery. Yet, this is what Sani had to tell the London Telegraph on that account: “If you look at the fact that these girls have been in captivity for some three weeks, then it is possible to detect a conciliatory tone in this statement from Shekau; he is not saying he is going to kill the girls.” Was Boko Haram supposed to kidnap teenagers,

all female by the hundreds, deprive them of the love of their families, prevent them from acquiring education and traumatize them with the huge guns they are illegally carrying about?

Again, even before Shekau offered to swap his detained members with the abducted Chibok girls, Shehu Sani already told the London Telegraph that, “The group is most likely to want to attach some kind of conditions to the girls’ release, such as the freeing of some of their own prisoners.” Flowing from the above are these questions: Who is Shehu Sani? On whose side is he? Is he the mouthpiece of Boko Haram? What is the true nature of his NGO’s business?

In a well-researched paper entitled Boko Haram: History, Ideas and Revolt posted on Newsdiary online.com, Shehu Sani wrote under Their Belief, the following lines: “Some of the fundamental argument of beliefs held by the group is that banking, taxation and jurisprudence in the country are completely infidel submitting to these voids.

The entire faith of a true Muslim, they also argue that western education was un-Islamic as it embodies all that Islam rejected, while it propagates the negative of what Allah and his prophet had ordained.” The above statement should jolt the thought processes of all thinking people in a society like ours.

• Agha-Ibeka is a commentator on national issues.

CAMPUS

Winners of 2014 }p-26 Mike Okonkwo essay competition emerge

UNN, ATPS partners on climate change

EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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newtelegraphonline.com/education

KAYODE OLANREWAJU, Editor, EDUCATION

kayode.olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com kayolanre@gmail.com 08037127417

EMPOWERMENT

The Lagos State Enterprise Day, instituted by the Lagos State Government, last year, to empower graduates of the state technical colleges has continued to yield results Kayode Olanrewaju

F

aced with the low level of technical and vocational education development, the Lagos State Government in 2009 established the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) with the mandate to reposition the state’s technical colleges and make the sub-sector relevant to the needs of the state.

Barely eight years of its existence, LASTVEB has not only driven technical and vocational education, but also midwifed a sector that has lifted the quality of artisans for the growth of the economy.

Today, the government through LASTVEB has demonstrated its resolve to elevate technical and vocational education to the status where it should be.

As part of determination to strengthen technical education, as well as position graduates of Lagos State technical colleges and artisans to be more relevant in the scheme of technical and industrial development of the country, the Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, last year, instituted the Lagos State Enterprise Day. The yearly event, is a day set aside as a bridge which aimed at fostering a healthy networking between successful entrepreneurs and young aspiring entrepreneurs from the state technical colleges for the promotion of enterprise education in the TVE system.

Specifically, the day is an advocacy to instill a positive attitude in Lagos youth towards the world of work, entrepreneurship and business, as well as fostering in them creativity, self-confidence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Part of its aims is to develop in the youth entrepreneurial culture and financial skills, which will play major role in nurturing their business and accelerate the socio-economic development of the state and the country.

However, towards empowering the students, top government functionaries, led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; captains of industry, members of LASTVEB Board, members of the Organised Private Sector, gathered for one-day last week gathered at the NECA House, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja for the second edition of Lagos State

R-L: Mrs. Ogunlesi; Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire; Mrs. Adeyinka Taiwo, (Chairman, LASTVEB Board); Mrs. Oladunjoye (4th left); Gasper and others with one of the winners of the business Plan Writing Competition, Aliu Fatai Olaoluwa

LASTVEB: A new boost for TVE Enterprise Day, to shape a new direction for graduates of the technical colleges.

Also, it is a day which aimed at setting the tone for the future of the technical colleges, and re-energise technical and vocational education as important cornerstone in the state’s education policy.

To boost the networking platform, there was a plenary session with the Governor, international guest speakers, and young successful entrepreneurs, who equipped the students and trainees of the state Vocational Centres with the necessary business and entrepreneurial skills, which are required to guide them in the successful formation and running of their vbusinesses.

They include Mr. Cornell Mcbride Snr. and Mr. Cornell Mcbride Jnr. founder of MRL International Perspective from the United State of America; Mrs. Nike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Mr. Paul Oriajiaka of the Toys Fame and Mr. Adebola Williams, who presented keynote address on the success and challenges of their businesses.

Setting the tone of the session, Mcbride told the students and trainees, that the keys to business success include the determination to succeed, humility, networking, self-confidence and being focused.

On her part, Mrs. Ogunlesi insisted that the students should know what they want and how they want their future to be.

For the trainees and students to become successful entrepreneurs, she spoke on the need for them to retain their focus, build the right attitude and unlock the door of opportunities.

While the duo of Orajiaka and Williams, listed self-confidence, honesty, creativity, innovation, value and hard work as the keys to unlock the windows of opportunities open to them in the unlimited business world.

“You should learn to do things differently, while you should also be solution providers and not liabilities to the society. Don’t live below the pyramid by determine who you are or who you want to be,” they said.

As part of the empowerment drive, five students from the colleges, who are winners of the Business Planning Writing introduced by LASTVEB were presented with N100,000 each as a start-up fund for the business proposals.

One of the students, Uchena Ezenwa also received N250,000 from Access Bank Plc, for his business start-up, under which the bank will monitor his business progress.

Our initiative will ultimately transform young entrepreneurs’ ideas into profitable and thriving business entities...

The high point of the day, were the launch of “Celebrating Enterprise Legacies, a compendium of successful entrepreneurs in various fields of business, who were admitted into the Lagos State Hall of Fame.

No fewer than 10 successful entrepreneurs were honoured and admitted into the Hall of Fame. Those honoured, according to the board have their businesses standing the test of time over a long period with seamless succession plan and assured continuity.

Some of them include Tonye Cole of Sahara Energy Resources Limited; Sir Adebutu Kessingtonof Premier Lotto; Fola Adeola of GTB Plc; Awosika Ibukun of The Chair Centre; Shagaya Simzu of Konga; Mrs. Kamson Kehinde of Sweet Sensation; Mrs. Nike Ogunlesi of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Mr. Faniyi Femi of GoodHealth Farms; and Mr. Onipede Tunji of Aron, who have narrowed the gap between Nigeria and the global market in their various industrial subsector.

With the theme: “Technical and Vocational Skills as a Gateway for Enterprise Development,” Governor Fashola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Adedfulire, said the government has properly articulated the fostering of enterprise education among students of the technical colleges, as well as encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship activities and develop the right attitude towards entrepre-

neurship and self-employment.

To address the rising unemployment rate and improve the quality of artisanship in the state, he explained that the government championed the development of technical and vocational education specifically to provide job-related skills for students, while also positioning them to develop new enterprises.

Through the initiative, the governor said: “Our initiative will ultimately transform young entrepreneurs’ ideas into profitable and thriving business entities that will create employment and contribute to local, state and national economy.”

Also, as part of the empowerment strategies, the governor said the Lagos State Government had set up MicroFinance, where soft loans of a digit interest rate would be readily available to the graduates of the college and trainees without collateral.

Part of the activities lined up

by LASTVEB under its enterprise education, according to the Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Anthony Olawumi Gasper, an engineer, include training of 200 students in Coconut Technology by Lagos State Coconut Development and Basic Business Planning Writing; provision of one year mentoring and business advisory support to the best five projects by FATE Foundation; selection of 10 students with the best business plans to make presentation to a panel of venture capitalists, investors and other financials; CONTI NUED ON PAGE 25

22 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

UNN, ATPS partners on climate change Moses Oyediran

U

niversity of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is partnering the Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Nairobi on research work that will focus on the best way to address climate change induced problems The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Prof.

Polycarp Chigbu disclosed this during a symposium organised by the African Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (ACCAIUNN).

The symposium was entitled: “Optimizing Research and Research Impact for Climate Change Adaptation in Africa”.

Chigbu, who noted that the partnership had become imperative in view of the effects of climate change on human existence, said the university would continue to encourage and support research aimed at mitigating the effect of climate change.

“UNN will continue to partner with ATP network, Nairobi in finding ways through research work on best ways to address climate change induced problems,” he said, stressing that the knowledge acquired at the symposium would go a long way to help the university to improve in the areas of climate change adaptation.

The Director of ATPS Network Nairobi, Prof. Kevin Urama, while delivering a paper said the ultimate objective of organisation towards climate change adaption was to stabilise the greenhouse gas concentration on atmosphere.

However, Urama noted that without adequate research that

would prevent anthropogenic interference with climate system in order to allow ecosystem to adapt naturally, food production would be threatened.

He said: “Governments and organisations around the globe are putting measures in place to ensure that food production is not threatened, and to enable economic development to proceed in sustainable manner.

“Climate change adaptation is the process through which the people could reduce the adverse effects of climate change on their health and well-being. And indeed, from research we have been able to use human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sink of greenhouse gases.”

According to Urama, the negative effects of climate change have been the source of constantly clashes between the farmers and cattle herdsmen

due to drought of many grazing areas for cattle and other animals.

The Director, who hinted that farmers in Africa are facing myriad of problems due to climate change they are facing in the areas of drought, prolong dry season, flood and windstorm, added that Africans, especially farmers needed to be sanitised on how to mitigate the effect of climate change in their environment.

In his remarks, Prof. Anthonia Achike, the Director ACCAIUNN, said that part of the objectives of the organisation was to build human capacity needed to address climate change adaptation that meet African’s unique needs through university based curricular.

He said: “We encourage and implement action-oriented research activities that will help to

improve the climate adaptation capacity in Africa. We provide framework for national and regional policy assessment and advice public and private sector actors appropriately on climate change.”

Prof. Achike said that no fewer than six Postgraduate students of the university are currently in various African institutions pursuing their studies under ACCAI coordinated programmers.

“Members of staff of UNN are qualified to participate in one-year training on climate change-related disciplines under the African Academy of Science and African Commonwealth Universities,” the don said, adding that UNN will remain grateful to ATPS network Nairobi for selecting it among six universities in Africa to carry out its programmes.

OAU students during one of their protests

Adeyewa, VC

Redeemer’s varsity to increase fees, relocates to Ede Shadrack Yusuf are strong indications Ter’shere that students of the RedeemUniversity, owned by the

Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and located at Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, are to pay more for their university education.

The proposed new fees regime, it has been gathered with begin next session, if the words of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Debo Adeyewa are anything to go by.

This is even as the university is set to relocate to its permanent site in Ede, Osun State.

The Vice-Chancellor was said to have at a church service recently urged the students to prepare for the challenges associated with such relocation, while assuring them that the experience would not be a bad one.

He said: “Your stay in our dreamland will be a wonderful experience. We cannot overemphasize the quality and standard of facilities that are on ground there.”

UNIJOS, Thailand sign MoU on agric development I ‘ll not extend my tenure beyond Jan Buhari Bello UNIJOS

D

etermined to key into the Federal Government's policy on food security, the management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State has signed an expertise agreement with the Republic of Thailand on ways to explore rice production, and develop the cultivation of the produce.

Towards this end, the institution has directed its team in the Faculty of Agriculture to

engage in technical sessions with relevant organisations and experts in the field of rice production from Thailand with a view to working out modalities for a beneficial exchange of idea.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hayward Mafuyai said this when he received the Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, Ambassador Sakeson Sarobol in his office.

While saying that Southern Plateau has abundant land for rice production with over 1,000

hectares of land for larger production of the crop, he solicited the collaboration of Thai Government towards building maximum cooperation that will boost a strong synergy between the country and the university.

The Director of the Center for Advancement Office of the university, Yakubu Gomos said the institution encourages the promotion of local and international collaboration in the advancement of new technology for the development of the university.

Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Public Communications, Mrs. Seyi Enitan-Olubode (left), presenting Educational materials to pupils of Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Iboro, during the Prize-Giving Day for Pupils, Teachers and Principals of Public Schools at Joga/Iboro Ward, Yewa North LGA…at the weekend

4, says Mimiko to widespread specuCof ontrary lations of possible extension his tenure, Adekunle Ajasin

University, Akungba-Akoko, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Femi Mimiko, has debunked such insinuation, reiterating that he would not stay in office beyond January 4, 2015, the expiration date of his five-year single term tenure.

Mimiko gave this assurance during a post-confab reception held in his honour by the university management.

He expressed gratitude to those clamouring for extension of his tenure because of their conviction that he had done well, but stated the obvious reasons why such a call was out of place.

He said: “First, there is the need to protect the legal framework for the appointment and tenure of Vice -Chancellors as laid out in the university law.

Second, we must seek to nurture institutions rather than individuals. And third, for those who are persuaded that I should stay on because I had done well, the truth is that they wouldn’t have had an idea of my own modest capacity if I hadn’t been allowed to serve as Vice-Chancellor because somebody had to be kept on for doing good job.

Mimiko, however, added that there was no end to the work of a university, and indeed that of

Mimiko, VC

any organisation, saying: “Even if you give me 10 more years, there would always be something still asking to be done at the end of the 10th year.”

The Vice-Chancellor, who listed his fifth reason that what he had was a five-year plan for the university, which I sold to the Council and the Senate Selection Committee at the interview sessions with all other candidates in late 2009, said those were the programmes he had tried to implement assiduously since January 4, 2010, when I resumed office as Vice-Chancellor.

“I did not and still do not have plan for a sixth or seventh year,” Mimiko stressed.

His words: “I just want to move on; my tenure ends on January 4, and under no circumstances am I going to be on this seat on January 5, 2015. I am eager to return to class.”

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

94 new pharmacists take oath in Delta varsity Dominic Adewole ASABA

he 94 fresh pharmacy graduTversity ates of the Delta State Uni(DELSU), Abraka, Delta

State, have been cautioned to be conscious of the various obstacles in the pharmacy profession in the nation’s system.

The warning was given last week, during the oath-taking and induction of the institution’s first and second sets of qualified pharmacy graduates into the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Out of the 94 fresh pharmacists, 18 of them were pioneers of the institution’s Faculty of Pharmacy for 2010/2011 academic session, while 76 are inductees for 2011/2012 session.

The graduates were however warned against the menace of fake-drugs, which was termed as “Nigerian factor.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Eric Arubayi, who lauded the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. A.O. Onyekweli for his dedication, focus and hardworking in producing the new set of quality pharmacists, also congratulated their parents for their supportive role to nurture and train the students.

While he specifically congratulated the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for providing the enabling environment for the university to operate and the students to excel, and for making “necessary funds available for the success of the programme”, he recalled the governor’s input in the accreditation of the programme by National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Presenting a cash donation of N20,000 each to InibuokeOgheneinifome ad Clifford Nkemdilim, for being the best graduating Pharmacists of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 sessions respectively, the Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, N.A.E. Muhammed commended their excellent performance.

The state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. Patrick O. Ferife, a Pharmacist and the guest speaker at the induction ceremony, in his paper entitled: “Conquering New Frontiers in Pharmacy,” said it was a dream come to true for the state and Nigeria at large to witness the emergence of home grown Pharmacists.

He stressed that new frontiers of new world were being opened today for drugs and medicines being made for safer, acceptable and accessible diagnosing of ailment.

He reminded the fresh pharmacists of the desire to conquer the new frontiers, which he said, “will begin by appreciating the scope of what needs to be done in the production of safe drugs and medicines.”

He added: “In as much as it is desirable to start tele-pharmacy or e-prescribing, there is a great need to first identify your role and your area of interest in the world of pharmacy. As pharmacists, you must think positively and make decisions that must propel them forward in your chosen career."

L-R: Deacon Osawonwan, Akpata, and Olu Osei Victor, overall best student in Fine Art receiving his prize, while his parents watch

Edo College old boys reward outstanding pupils

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do College, Benin City, Edo State was agog penultimate week, when the old boys, under the aegis of Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA), Lagos branch, returned to their alma mater to reward students who did the school proud in 2013/2014 school year.

The event was at the school’s speech and prize giving day, which was said to have been reintroduced by the association.

Those rewarded were Senior Secondary School (SS 3) and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) pupils, who distinguished themselves in Mathematics, English Language, Economics, Accounts, Fine Art, Agricultural Science, Physics and Biology in the 2013/2014 school year.

The students went home with certificates of recognition, plaques and cash prizes.

No fewer than 11 students were honoured and received prizes at the event, in which Audu Donald, an SS III pupil emerged the Best Student in English Language, Physics and Biology.

His mother, Mrs. Margret Audu, who represented him and received on his behalf his prizes, expressed satisfaction with her son’s remarkable feat.

The Head Boy of the school, Eribo Richmond (SS 3), who emerged the Overall Best Student in Mathematics, thanked the Lagos chapter of ECOBA for the prizes, even as he said his dream was to become a Mechanical Engineer in the future.

The Overall Best prize in Fine Art went to Olu Osei Victor, an SSIII student, who plans to be an Architect and was accompanied to the ceremony by his parents, while Ogieva Osahenrumwen (JSS III student), who won the award in English Language category, also praised the association.

Also, Osazuwa Eghosa (JSS III) student, who was accompanied by his father, a retired principal, clinched the prize for Mathematics.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Education Fund of the Lagos chapter of ECOBA, Prof. E.S. Akpata of the Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, Lagos State University (LASU) said that the prize and awards was part of

Otuyemi (fifth left) and some of the graduating students of the school

School offers scholarship, Dubai trip to best students Mojeed Alabi

T

he management of Oloruntele Integrity School, Ojokoro area of Lagos, has reiterated its pledge to offer a return ticket to Dubai, United Arab Emirate to the students with the best results in the 2014 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The school’s Proprietress, Mrs. Kehinde Oluwakemi Otuyemi, who disclosed this during

the school’s third annual speech, graduation and prize-giving ceremony, also announced a scholarship for the best students in the Junior Secondary School III category, Shoyoola Iyebiye, for her excellent performance in the Junior School Certificate Examination (JSCE) and promotion to the senior school.

According to the proprietress, the school which presented its first set of students for the external examinations this year, expressed optimism to in-

troduce the prizes, among other things, to inspire the students to achieve more and also expose them to cross-border learning.

She noted that the school could only but be grateful to God Almighty, its board of directors, management, staff and students for recording several successes within the few years of its establishment.

The proprietress added that the parents had significantly contributed to the growth and development so far recorded,

23

the efforts of the association to encourage the students to work hard and excel academically.

According to him, the funds contributed by members of the chapter towards uplifting the school have been judiciously invested and which has yielded dividends that is being used for the awards.

He, therefore, assured the management of the school and students that the prize-giving day will be sustained by the association as a yearly event.

Akpata advised the students who did not win prizes in the inaugural edition of the award to work hard for them to be recipients in the next year’s edition.

The don, who passed out of the college 55 years ago, urged the students to imbibe the culture of reading, which will enhance their overall development, stressing the need for the students to engage in extra-curricular activities that will help in their character development.

The Professor of Dentistry, who stressed the need for the students to do well in all subjects in school, however, urged them to discover their talents and develop their potentials accordingly.

In his remarks, the principal of the college, Deacon Godwin Idahosa Osawomwan, lauded the old boys for the laudable programme, which he said would go a long way to enhance the students’ development and reposition the school to enviable heights.

He listed the immense contributions of the various class sets of the old boys association to include provision of interlocking tiles in some parts of the school compound, provision of magnetic white boards, desks and chairs and renovation of the schools hall, among others. not only in terms of prompt payment of school fees, but also by offering ideas and suggestions that have continued to move the school forward.

Otuyemi said the day/boarding school has provided allround education to its pupils, including social education, cultural and sporting events, which he said have all combined to offer the students opportunities to compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

Similarly, the Chairman of the school’s Advisory Committee, Mr. David Otuyebi, expressed delight at the performance of the students and the achievements of the school, saying the management of the college is made of seasoned educationists.

He said: “In the wisdom of the founders of the school, seasoned educationists were selected to interview and recommend staff members of the college with the chairman of the advisory committee as a retired principal. That is the foundation of our excellence and we hope to build on it for further excellence.”

The graduating set represented by the Head Boy and the Head Girl, Adejoh Ojonimi Edward and Oyeyemi Oluwaseun Eniola, thanked the school management for providing them with quality education and the needed exposure to succeed in life.

24 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

BAZE VC, dons win international awards

Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

country’s efforts at proThashe viding qualitative education again received a boost, as

Tim Curtin, Ast Education Team Leader USAID Launching NEDS in Abuja

Photo: Idika Onyukwu

USAID presents reports on Nigeria Education Data 2010 Plus

E

fforts by the Federal Government to ensure a viable and reliable data for the education sector last week received a boost, with the presentation of the Nigeria Education Data Survey by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

It was at a one-day forum, which took place in Abuja, where officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Federal Ministry of Education and the National Population Council gathered to discuss and appraise the findings and reports of the education data survey (NEDS).

The NEDS report, which is described as a valuable and groundbreaking document, provides state reports profiling the education status of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Participants at the forum, where USAID and the ministry were said to have given

the keynote address, included representatives from various ministerial departments and agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and key stakeholders from the states as well as international development partners.

Meanwhile, the thematic report summarises the status of access to early childhood education, literacy rate and participation in Qu’ranic Schooling, as well as highlighted household education expenditures, distance and access to schooling.

According to USAID, with the NEDS, this would be the first time that educational statistical information has been disaggregated by states.

“This enables the state and federal governments, as well as donors and development agencies, to make informed decisions using state-specific data, as opposed to data generalised to the whole of Nigeria,” USAID said.

It said the NEDS was a

...A new boost for TVE CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

as well as facilitating business registration/regulatory compliance within one week of receiving award.

Meanwhile, Gasper recalled how Governor Fashola-led administration had since 2010, mainstreamed entrepreneurship education into the state technical colleges.

While reinforcing the activities of the state government in the technical and vocational education sub-sector, he said: “The Enterprise Day, a yearly event is specifically aimed at advocating and instilling a positive attitude in youth in the state to the worldof-work, entrepreneurship and business, as well as fostering in them creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and self-confidence towards accelerated socio-economic development of then state and the country in particular.”

According to Gasper, the 2014 edition of the day is to celebrate legacies and promote immense opportunities in youth-led businesses and other entrepreneurial pursuits.

On the government efforts at transforming the technical and vocational education sub-sector of the state and make it more attractive to students and parents, the Executive Secretary said the Enterprise Day is to open the window of opportunity for the students as well as an empower strategy of the board to ensure a brighter future for the graduates of technical education in the world of work.

His words: “The efforts of the state government in promoting Enterprise Education in the technical colleges and in the Graduate Vocational Skills Training Programmes is worthy of acclaim. This initiative of infusing enterprise education into technical and vocational skills training, the first of its kind in the country is therefore an addition to the ‘innovative shelf’ of the state government.”

Meanwhile, the Education Commissioner, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, who restated the commitment of the government to strengthen technical and vocational education (TVE)

large scale household survey designed to provide information on education for children aged four to 16, focusing on factors influencing household decisions about children’s schooling.

The reports, the agency added presents infor mation on adult educational attainment, children’s characteristics and rates of school attendance, absenteeism among primary and secondary school students, household expenditures on schooling and other contributions to schooling, as well as parents or guardians’ perceptions about schooling, among other topics appraised at the forum.

The survey, New Telegraph gathered, interviewed parents and children from approximately 30,000 households across all 36 states of the federation and the FCT, which generated significant statistical findings for each state. in the state, noted that the state government placed emphasis on curriculum re-alignment in the technical colleges.

According to her, this is being done by highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, skills training, and enhancement of industry and private partnership in technical and vocational education towards meeting emerging needs of a globalised economy.

She said: “We have also used TVET in redirecting Lagos youth to self-employment and self-reliance, as they no longer seek employment in the already saturated unemployment market. All these efforts are towards producing self-reliant, competent, skilled young boys and girls, increasing employment opportunities and providing alternative routes of creating jobs for youth of Lagos State.

“With the impact of our new initiatives towards the production of vibrant and tenacious youth, the incubation of business ideas therefore calls for the support of the private sector partnership with Lagos State Government to establish ‘industry sector innovation hub’ in the state.”

no fewer than three scholars have won international awards in India and United States of America.

One of the recipients of the award is Professor Michael Hodd, the founding Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, who was bestowed with the award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Education' conferred on him by the World Education Congress, at its June 2014 meeting in Mumbai, India.

The award was in recognition of the design and implementation of an innovative and organisational system instituted at Baze University, which has continued to benefit all stakeholders in the university project.

The innovative system, according to the Congress, has enabled the university to ensure efficient use of its physical resources.

The Congress in its citation for the award read: "Students benefit from completing earlier and earning an extra year of graduate income. Parents have to provide one year less of support for their living expenses.

Academic staff members are guaranteed four months for research on full-pay each year provided they present a research plan and deliver published output."

While receiving the award, Hodd stressed that the achievement was a team effort, and attributed it to parents, students, academic and administrative staff, and the Board of Trustees of the university.

He noted that they have all given the system overwhelming support and worked hard to make it a success.

Meanwhile, two members of academic staff of the university, Basil Okoli, a Senior Lecturer in Management and Professor David Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Business were both recipients of the Distinguished Research Award’ bestowed on them by the International Conference of Allied Academies, San Antonio, Texas, USA. Okoli, who had had more than 20 years’ experience as an Executive in the nation’s banking sector before joining the university.

Part of his tasks as banking executive was to review and analyse the issues facing a large, failing, retail bank operating in a developing country in an environment of political instability.

L-R: Registrar, FCE, Akoka, Mr. Henry Otoighile, Dr. Sijibomi Olusanya and the Deputy Rector, Dr. Olajumoke Mekiliwa at the event

College reads riot act to fresh students Mojeed Alabi gainst the background of Astudents the poor attitude of some of the Federal Col-

lege of Education (Technical), Akoka, towards indecent dressing and keeping bad companies, among others, the management of the college has warned the fresh students against such attitudes, saying any student found wanting would be summarily dismissed.

This riot act was read, last week, during the school’s annual orientation programme for the 900 newly admitted students for the 2013/2014 academic session.

According to the institution’s Provost, Dr. Sijibomi Olusanya, the essence of the orientation programme was to familiarise the students with the college’s rules and regulations and to offer them tips towards achieving academic excellence while on the campus.

He said the college would not tolerate any act of indiscipline on the part of any of the

students, saying the avenue must have provided them the opportunity to identify the individual members of the school’s management so that they know who to approach in case of any difficulty.

He said: “Your priority is to acquire education, which will enable you to solve life’s problems. This should therefore be your major preoccupation throughout your stay in the college. You are also to shun all forms of violence, nefarious activities and other associations that will bring you into collusion with college authority.”

The Registrar of the college, Mr. Henry Otoighile, who enjoined the students to be duly registered so as to be able to participate in the matriculation exercise scheduled for today, also advised the students to take every second spent on the campus very serious.

Meanwhile, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mr. Abayomi Adegbenjo pledged the support of his office to all the students, saying their welfare would remain his priority.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

UNDP, Apurimac offer skills acquisition to empower youths Musa Pam Jos

O

ver 150 youths affected by the protracted insecurity that has engulfed Plateau State in the past few years, are to undergo free vocational training in hair dressing, computer, catering and sewing, among others.

This is courtesy of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which in collaboration with Apurimac Onlus, has empowered the youths with funds and pretraining programme to restart a new life and to reactivate their businesses that were crippled down during the upheavals.

The main training is to equip them with vocational skills and enhance their vocational knowledge on how to overcome the trauma Students of the City of Knowledge Academy, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State performing at the school's Honours' Day. unleashed on them by the crisis. two-day orientation organHe said the participants vocational knowledge.

Team Leader in Charge ised to herald the two-week were going to be trained free According to Alao, the of UNDP Conflict Preven- training, noted that the on hair dressing, Computer, UNDP and Apurimac Ontion and Peace Building, Mr. youth were selected from the catering sewing and knitting, lus training of the youth is Matthew Alao, who spoke in 17 Local Government Areas among others, to enhance one of the early responses their skill acquisition and aimed at stemming the tide Jos, the state capital, after a of the state. of security challenges in Plateau State and the country at large.

He explained: "UNDP has a mandate to ensure peace and stability in all its areas of operations in the country, especially Plateau State, where the organisation had been since 2001 to promote peaceful co-existence among the young ones."

The UNDP chief said the organisation is seeking audience with Governor Jonah David Jang on how the state government can come in to address the plight of the citizens who were affected by the crisis.

Alao added: "We have organised the two-week orientation for the youth on early warning and early response to violence, while participants were carefully selected through a process devoid of Graduating students of Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos during their 16th graduation ceremony political, religious and personal sentiments. We realise that people are selected to benefit from certain initiatives base on political, reliYekeen Nurudeen The call was made by 11- sibility of breeding of the likes gious and ethnic affiliation, Abuja year- old Kelechi Ugwu, a Pri- of Shekau and his groups. but in our case the selection Ugwu, who lamented that of the youth was done based mary Five pupil of Edifice of arely two weeks after the Hope Academy, Lugbe, Abuja children have always been the on merit."

17-year-old Pakistani activ- in her presentation on the victims of the multiple bombWhile stressing that ist, Malala Yousafizai, ap- need for the Federal Govern- ings that have taken place in UNDP is also going to interpealed to President Goodluck ment to halt the wanton kill- Abuja, wondered why the at- face with the state security Jonathan to meet with the par- ings of children by the terror tack on them even when they outfit "Operation Rainbow" ents of abducted girls of Gov- group, Boko-Haram. did not have the slightest to ascertain how far they ernment Secondary School, "President Jonathan should connection to the successive have gone in the training Chibok, Borno State by the tell the soldiers and the police failure of governments which on early warning and early Boko Haram, the governments to protect us in the country; fuelled the dastardly acts of response, he noted that such at all levels have been called all the governors should the insurgent. training is key to overcomupon to ensure that children protect the children in their She said while the attacks ing the security challenges are well secured from security states, while the Minister of bore religious coloration, the in the state and the country threat, especially the serial at- FCT should protect us in our religious leaders must prune at large. tacks carried out by the insur- schools in Abuja," she said. their system and shut those Meanwhile, Country Cogents in the country.

Ugwu, one of the graduating who deviate from the teach- ordinator of APURIMAC Consequently, the Federal pupils, who made the appeal in ings of love for God and man- Onlus, Mr. Godwin Okoko reCapital Territory Adminis- her speech during the speech kind, devotion to God and pro- called that the organisation tration has been advised to and prize-giving day ceremony tection of lives and property. has so far trained over 10,800 step up its security measures of the school, called on religious The pupil said everyone participants in various skills around schools for safety of leaders of the two major reli- should join the Federal Gov- acquisition in the state. students within the territory gions in the country to uphold ernment in its efforts against He said the training before they return to schools the tenets of their religious be- the common enemy of the will last for a period of six months. in the next academic session. liefs for them to check the pos- country.

Protect us from Book Haram, pupils tell govt

B

EDUCATION

25

Names of short-listed teachers disappear from list Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he hope of some of the wouldTbeen be teachers whose names had short-listed for appoint-

ment by the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) about four months ago, may have been dashed.

Their names were said to have been missing on the final list at the point of issuance of appointment letters.

The Senator Abiola Ajimobi's administration, which at inception pledged to recruit qualified teachers and inject new blood into the teaching profession in secondary schools across the state, conducted a recruitment exercise last year, but later withheld the release of the results.

Since then, the prospective teachers whose applications were adjudged successful and short-listed have been patiently waiting for the release of their letters.

But, their hope was dashed when last week they went to surf the internet to check their names as directed by the Commission, several of them to their chagrin discovered however that their names were missing on the new list.

Investigations conducted

by New Telegraph revealed that the original list had been allegedly altered by the civil servants, who replaced some of the omitted names with those of their cronies. They were alleged to have collected about N10,000 to remove the old names and replace them with new ones.

It was also gathered that the act was perpetrated as a result of the dissolution of the various boards of parastatals late last year by the governor.

A stalwart of the ruling political party in the state, described the situation as worrisome, but assured that the anomaly would be corrected.

He insisted that the dissolution of the TESCOM Board created ample chance for the civil servants to perpetrate the act because they were not sure that the board would be reconstituted as soon as possible.

Several attempts to contact the Permanent Secretary TESCOM, Mr. Yinka Oshuntogun for comments, failed as he was not available to comment on the development, but an official of the Commission, who preferred anonymity, however agreed that the original list contained a lot of errors.

Ajimobi

26 EDUCATION

EXCELLENCE

In its few years of existence, Nana Apori Group of Schools has kept faith with its vision of providing excellent learning that will transform the society

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Nana Apori Schools: Charting a course for functional education

Kayode Olanrewaju

B

arely eight years of provision of quality learning, little did owners of Nana Apori Comprehensive High School, located in Adiyan, a sleepy suburb of Ogun State, know that the mustard seed sewn 2006, will today grow to an oak of academic excellence.

Today, the owners are happy that the group of schools, which also comprises primary section, has not only become a moulding ground for future leaders and highly rated pupils, but has also continued to keep faith with the vision and dream of its founding fathers.

Located on an expanse of land, with the state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, the college, which opened its doors to the first set of two pupils in 2007, and which grew to 50 the same year and 18 members of staff (teaching and non-teaching), has today grown in size and bound, with over 250 students and 30 staff members.

Tracing the journey of the schools, the Director, Evangelist Obeng Apori, a Ghanaian, recalled that while the primary school took-off in September 2006, with only 30 pupils and five members of staff, he added that nine years after, the school could boast of over 400 pupils.

The co-educational schools, with boarding facilities, according to him, were established in response to meeting his God’s calling and passion to carry God’s message to the people by developing their moral and intellectual well-being.

With the mission “With passion and great zeal to groom children in the way of the Lord, and also to provide qualitative education to the modern child to enable him/her to face the challenges of the fast-changing world,” he said the schools were built on a solid foundation that could stand the test of time in the provision of quality education that would be at par with its contemporaries anywhere in the world.

Consequently and having been conscious of this, he said he was convinced that the strength of a nation depends on its closeness to God and the education of its youth.

Hence, the vision of the school was anchored on “the decision to contribute to the development of this great nation, where he has spent almost all his adult life.”

According to Obeng, apart from providing the spiritual needs of the people, the other important area of his contribution is the establishment of world class schools to provide functional and qualitative education in a congenial learning environment with a view to producing excellent leaders.

In its drive to provide functional and qualitative education, the college has modern classrooms, equipped with modern instructional facilities such as

One of the school buildings

Obeng

the white/magic board, charts, models, photographs and projectors, as well as functional laboratories for Chemistry, Biology and Physics with Internet facilities, well-equipped Music room, Intro-Tech laboratory, and computer laboratory for computer education of the students; as well as workshops for science, technology and vocational subjects.

As part of moves to offer the students all round education that appeals to the cognitive, affective and psycho-motor domains, the school places high premium on co-curricular activities of the students by engaging them in various clubs such as debating, Red Cross, JETS science club, diction/press club.

These, the Director said has helped significantly in building self-confidence in the students through interactions with students from other schools.

While in the area of sports development, the management has put place adequate sporting facilities for indoor and out-door games such as swimming pool, pitches for football, cricket, table tennis, lawn tennis and basketball, monopoly, chess and scrabbles, in which the students have won several laurels for the school.

Apart from this, the school organise the annual inter-house sports competition to discover talents for further development.

Towards ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply, the school has a generating set, as well as a fleet of shuttle buses to transport the students to and

from school; conducive hostels, a modern canteen system with qualified caterers, and health centre, with a qualified and competent resident nurse to attend to students’ emergency health needs.

In the academic front, the school, which prides itself in the provision of qualitative education, according to Obeng, offers 21 subjects in the junior secondary school, while 13 subjects are presented for the Junior School Certificate Examination (JSCE) with 10 compulsory and one elective; while in the senior school class, the school offers 16 subjects with nine presented for the SSCE, in line with the national school curriculum and Ogun State education policy.

Towards this end, the school prepares students for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO), while plans have been concluded by the management to prepare and register students for the Cam-

Most of our products are doing well in their various higher institutions of learning both within and outside the country

bridge A’Level, GCE, TOFEL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), to avail students wishing to study overseas the opportunity to secure direct admission.

Obeng, who said the school fees are affordable as one of the cheapest that is obtainable in the area, recalled how he moves money from his business in Ghana to inject into the running of the schools.

“Let me re-emphasise here that I do not establish the schools as a profit venture, or to make money. If it is for money making I will have closed shop.

Most often I bring resources from my business in Ghana to run the schools,” the Director said.

Apart from some students, whom the school decides to wave their school fees because of the inability of their parents or guardians to pay, who according to him, constitute between 15 and 20 per cent of the school enrolment, he said the school instituted scholarship programme under which the best students in all the classes from JSS 1-3 receive full scholarship every year, as well as other forms reward for students with exemplary qualities.

Despite, the Director lamented that some parents who defaulted in payment most often withdraw their children and wards to other schools in order to avoid payment, even as he described such practice as unholy and not encouraging.

To achieve its present feat, he explained that the recruited qualified teachers, who are adequately remunerated and with good welfare package to teach in the schools.

Determined to hire qualified teachers who are degree and Masters holders, he said the teachers are recruited through assistance of officials of the ministry of education who carried out the interview sessions.

While stressing that the school is structured in such a way that each subject has at least three teachers, Obeng said he decided to bring in some teachers from Ghana in order to prevent strike, which is a com-

mon feature in Nigerian school system.

The Director, who is savouring the achievements of his schools in less than 10 years of their existence, recalled that the college which presented 54 students for last year’s WASSCE recorded 100 per cent.

“Most of our products are doing well in their various higher institutions of learning both within and outside the country.

The feedback we are receiving is quite encouraging and it goes a long way to confirm our hard work and dedication of our teachers. Many of our products are studying elite courses such as Law, Medicine and Engineering, among others,” he noted.

On the areas of strength of the college, the Director spoke of how the management instituted ICT Day competition, where other schools are invited yearly to contest for laurels, stressing that the competition was being organised to showcase the school’s capacity in ICT and to inspire other schools.

Describing the ICT Day as first of its kind in Ogun State, Obeng recalled that the school has won several laurels in recognition of its excellent academic delivery.

While saying that plans have been concluded to institute a competition for Mathematics and Science next school year and to develop the Nana Apori Archive, he pointed out that the school has won laurel in Rugby, debate, sports and science competitions.

He listed some of the laurels and awards from the government, organisations, churches and the NYSC to include the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration award of Best Secondary School in Ogun State in 2008; Global Leader Award by Integrity Communication Network, publisher of Integrity International Magazine; while on September 2, he will be conferred with another award in Abuja by the Civilian Institute for Democratic Administration (CIDA) in recognition of his contribution to the development of education in the country.

Obeng, who noted that the school has zero tolerance for indiscipline recalled that some teachers had to be sacked by the management for gross misconduct, such as leaking exams questions or for organising extra-classes for students outside the regulation of the school, said he had to withdraw one of his children from the college when he discovered that the teachers were pampering him, and were not disciplining him because he is a son of the Director and Proprietress.

“I was forced to do it because I discovered the child was not being helped to grow like other children. That is to tell you the tone of discipline our school.

Some students who are in our boarding hostels were brought here by the parents for us to discipline them and we are doing this to help the students grow as useful members of the society,” he said.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Winners of 2014 Mike Okonkwo essay competition emerge Kayode Olanrewaju

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inners of the 11th edition of the 2014 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for secondary schools in the country have emerged.

The yearly Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was instituted in 2004, as part of activities to celebrate the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, and to contribute to the development of the educational sector.

Patience Brown, a pupil of Apapa Senior High School, Apapa, Lagos, who scored 68 per cent at the first and second stage of the competition emerged the overall winner.

Precious Nwaigwe of St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Lagos, who scored 60 per cent in the first stage to come fourth, had 66 per cent in the second stage of the competition to emerge first runner-up, interestingly, while Akinwande Akinboluwarin of Greater Tomorrow International School, ArigidiAkoko, Ondo State scored 63 per cent at the first stage and 65 per cent at the second to place third.

The fourth position in this year’s competition went to David Oluwasoromidayo, a pupil of Roshalom International Secondary School, Egbeda, Lagos, who scored 65 per cent in the first entry, but dropped

L-R: David, Nwaigwe, Prof. Ezigbo (examiner), Brown and Akinwande

to 64 per cent in the second stage.

According to the Chief examiner of the essay competition, Prof. Akachi Ezigbo, a lecturer at the Department of English, University of Lagos (UNILAG), “the students, who meet our carefully defined criteria, are usually those who have expressed an informed opinion on contemporary issues of national significance proposed by the organisers of the competition.”

She added: “In assessing

their entries, we look out for how much the students know about the issue, their capacity to express that knowledge in Standard English usage, and ability to follow tested methods of expressing knowledge acquired through observation, reading and experience.”

Of the more than 2,000 entries submitted and graded for assessment for this year’s competition, Prof. Ezigbo, stressed that “the four candidates who scaled through

the first stage proved their intellectual prowess in the second stage by satisfying the criteria.”

According to her, the close correlation in the mark scored by the students at the two stages of the competition validates their efforts.

For coming top in this year’s competition, Patience Brown will receive N100,000 cash, a laptop and a plaque, while the school will get three set of Internet ready computers and a printer.

Proprietress urges parents to provide children quality education Ewoh Victoria and Yusuf Shadrack

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he pupils of Kasmond Comprehensive College, IkotunEgbe, Lagos, and their parents deferred early morning down pour last week, as they bade their teachers and other pupils, as well as their school farewell.

It was at the 11th graduation ceremony of the 21 pupils, who dressed in their Christmas clothes to celebrate the successful completion of the secondary school education.

While congratulating the pupils and their parents at the ceremony, which took place at the school premises the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Juliana Mohammed, urged the parents to offer their children and wards quality education, which is the best legacy they could bequeath to the young ones.

Her words: “A building may collapse; clothes will get old; but the legacy (education) given to the children will never fade away. The parents should give them the best by providing them with their instructional materials, pay their school fees as at when due and prepare them adequately ahead the journey of life.”

She reiterated that the school has done its best against all odds and despite the economic hardship to raise the children, explaining that parents should

EDUCATION 27 LASU students certified competent in public speaking

he four undergraduates of T(LASU), the Lagos State University Ojo, Lagos, who par-

ticipated in the just concluded 2014 Nigerian Championship for Public Speaking have been certified as competent communicators by the Global Headquarters of Toastmasters International, U.S.A. The students, in a statement by the university’s spokesman, Mr. Kayode Sutton, and made available to New Telegraph, were sponsored to the competition by the university as part of efforts towards contributing to the development of the institution and upgrading the students intellectual growth.

The students’ feat was made possible following their advancement to the final round of 12 students, after successfully delivering 10 speeches in the contest.

The students are Fadare Oluwaseun and Onagoruwa Ayodeji from History and International Relations Department, and Babatunde Michael and Omolaja Christianah from the Faculty of Law. The students received N100,000 from the university management, an amount required to secure their participation slot in the contest.

The competition, which took place between June 8 and 12, at the Toastmasters West Africa Secretariat, Abuja, produced Fadare, who emerged as the third place winner, while Onagoruwa led the pack for excellence as the Most Consistent Female Speaker in the contest.

The four students received Certificates of Participation, and were also exposed to several academic and career opportunities and trainings on public speaking skills during the competition.

In a letter of appreciation to the university authority signed by the team leader, Fadare Kehinde on behalf of the students and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

John Obafunwa, the students expressed gratitude to the management for the financial support and concern towards showcasing their public speaking prowess at the global platform.

While congratulating the students for flying the flag of LASU and doing the university proud at the competition, the Vice- Chancellor, however noted that such achievements would go a long way to confirm LASU as one of the best universities in the country.

The proprietress delivering her address

equally do the same by taking the children to greater heights.

Mrs. Mohammed, who pointed out that parents should never fail to correct the children when they go wrong, said this has become necessary to instill discipline in them in order to be better citizens.

The Proprietress, however, acknowledged God for His grace in the lives of the children and school, saying we are here today by the grace of God and we are expected to give

Him all the glory, as the fear of God should also be imbibed in the children.

Mrs. Mohammed, fondly called “The Mother of All” by the pupils and teachers, told the New Telegraph that the school has been positioned to create a brand for itself, even as she noted that the driving force behind her administration is the love for the children.

Despite the giant stride of the school in providing qualitative education, she regretted

that funding has remained a major constraint of the school.

The proprietress, who expressed joy over the lives and performance of the graduating pupils, offered prayers to God Almighty to continue to guide them right.

The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of prizes to pupils, who excelled in their academic work, in which the Head Girl, Temitope Animasaun, won the best graduating Prof. Obafunwa, VC student award.

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

EKSU VC expresses joy over varsity’s performance kiti State University EProf.

(EKSU) Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Oladipo Aina,

Bimbo with some of the students

NGO sensitises pupils, teachers, donates items Sikiru Akinola

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s parts of activities marking the first anniversary of Bimbo ‘n’ Friends Initiative, a nongovernmental organisation, aimed at impacting on lives of students of public secondary schools, the group has organised a four-day sensitization programmes for some select schools in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

At a seminar attended by more than 25 teachers and several students, the founder of the organisation and a fresh graduate of the Department of English at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Bimbo Akinsanya, joined others including Oyinye Obienu and Dr. Omotunde to discuss issues of sex education, hy-

giene and etiquettes especially their importance to female students.

The event, which took place at the Moremi High School in Ile-Ife, according to the organisation, is being supported

by Nokia, one of the leading mobile telephone makers and another company simply identified as TNT, which kitted the participants.

Some of the items donated include sanitary pads.

Other projects by the organisation include ‘Project Beautify’ in which participants cleaned school environment of Ife Middle School, Eleyele, especially its renovated library, which was launched on the fourth day.

The high point of the event was a debate competition be-

tween School 1 and School 2, with School 2 emerging as the winner.

Speaking about the initiative, Bimbo said that as an organisation, “we have a growing burden in our heart to reach out to students who are caught in or vulnerable to vices such as drugs or substance abuse, and we decided to carry out our responsibility by creating an atmosphere where everybody feels worthy.”

She, however, said that the major challenge facing the organisation was how to raise funds to sponsor some of the students, adding that they have been able to reach out to over 1,000 students in Osun State, while plans had been concluded to reach out to more students.”

NANS hails UNN VC’s appointment Moses Oyediran

H

igher school students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B, have described the appointment of the new substantive ViceChancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof.

Benjamin Ozumba, as the right choice of Nigerian students.

The students, however, urged other candidates who lost in the contest to unite and work with the new Vice-Chancellor for the good and in the interest of the development of the university.

The Coordinator of NANS Zone B, Okorie Ikechukwu, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor at the Conference Room of the Vice-Chancellor Office.

The NANS Zone B comprises institutions in South-East and South-South geo-political zones of the federation.

Okorie was accompanied on the visit by other student leaders and union officials, who were received by the ViceChancellor and other principal officers of the university.

The union leader, who said the essence of the visit was to on behalf of other teeming

Ozumba, VC

millions of Nigerian students in the zone congratulate the new Vice-Chancellor, added: “We are looking up to the ViceChancellor as a paragon of virtue that will build a legacy that would be handed over to the emerging generation.’

Okorie, who said NANS would at a later date appraise the performance of the immediate past Vice-Chnacellor, Prof.

Batho Okolo as it relates to his administration’s relationship with students, pointed out: “We have not appraised the performance and the five-year tenure of the out-gone Vice-Chancel-

lor, but we shall do that at the appropriate time.”

He urged political leaders to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and learn how to accept defeat in elections, stressing that such is fundamental to the principles of democracy.

“Free, fair and peaceful electoral process should be our watchwords because the people’s enthusiasm for democracy is not based on the ineptitude of our leaders, rather for people’s oriented leaders,” Okorie said.

While stressing that NANS is for peace, progress and sustenance of democracy, the student leader added that the association was founded with the objectives of complimenting efforts of Nigerian leaders in advancing the cause of rapid socio-economic and political growth, as well as infrastructural development of the country in all spheres of its development.

Okorie appealed to UNN students to always resist the temptation of been used by politicians to cause mayhem on campus or during elections, even as he pledged that NANS will work with the Vice-Chancellor towards achieving peace and stability in the university.

has expressed delight over the excellent performance and victory of the university’s team at the just concluded 2014 ENACTUS Challenge, which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The Vice-Chancellor, who commended the team for what he described as their impressive outing, added that the victory has clearly placed the university as one of the best in the country in line with the vision of the leadership to transform the institution to a world class university.

Aina assured that a befitting reception would be organised in honour of the victorious team members, who he said by their landmark success, will now represent the country at the ENACTUS World Cup competition in China in October.

The Vice-Chancellor also recalled the recent success of the Faculties of Law and Agricultural Science students who emerged top ahead of other universities at the national stage in academic assessments.

ENACTUS, the Entrepreneurial Action US, is a global non-profit organisation, formerly known as Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), which works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to enable them make a difference in their communities while developing their skills to become

socially responsible.

ENACTUS leadership and career initiatives also create opportunities for learning and exchange among university undergraduates.

The projects presented by the university’s team include; “Eni Iran,” which is a rebranded copy of Ogotun-Ekiti mat weaving business; the Tech 4 Rice initiative which introduced Moringa folia spray and pest control device for Igbemo rice farmers, and the Easy Click which introduced an equipment to recycle nylon trash to produce other usable items like shower cap.

The team leader, Prof.

Abayomi Fashina, described the victory as a proof of the quality of academic and entrepreneurship training being offered the students, even he said the team would not rest on it oars until it conquers the world.

Aina, VC

UI elects students’ union officers Hammed Hamzat UI

Students’ Union of the Thashe University of Ibadan (UI), elected a new leaders for

the Central Executive Council of the union after a keenly contested election into the various offices of the union.

At the end of the election, a 400-Level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Odesola Oluwafemi, emerged as the President of the union.

Oluwafemi polled 2,534 votes to beat his major contender, Olawuni Mustapha, a 300-Level student of Zoology Department, who polled 2,458 votes.

The electoral committee was alleged to have disqualified the candidate, who majority of the students had deemed to be the preferred candidate for the position.

Other elected officers include Akpa Chidinma (400-Level undergraduate of the Department of Clinical Sciences, who became the Vice-President after scoring 3,842 votes to defeat her opponent, Oyeneye Wosilat from Obafemi Awolowo Hall of residence.

Adeoye Babatunde (300-Level) student of the Department of Geography, who scored 1,687 votes, defeated three other contestants to emerge the General Secretary of the union.

Similarly, Adelekan Aminat Ajoke emerged as the Treasurer, while Nkata Ukoma Kinder, Adegoke Taiwo Vincent, and Ojutiku Oluwafemi Oladeji were elected Assistant General Secretary, Public Relations Officer and Sports Secretary respectively.

Meanwhile, the students have frowned at the alleged role played by the Association of University Christian Students’ Fellowship (AUCSF) during the electioneering process, through text messages allegedly sent to students asking them to vote for Christian candidates.

One of the students, who preferred anonymity, said election could not be said to be free and fair as a result of the religious and ethnic sentiment brought into it by those he described as shallow-minded students.

Adewole, VC

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Mojeed Alabi

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ross fertilization of ideas across disciplines through joint publications and strong students mobility have been identified as ingredients of partnership that can make a university attain great height and remain globally relevant.

This was the submission of the Deputy Provost, University Office of Global Programmes, The Pennsylvania State University, United States of America, Prof. Michael Adebola Adewumi, who stated this while delivering the 32nd edition of the Foundation Day Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Adewumi, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago with background in Petroleum and Gas Engineering, said: “Although, we hail from different institutions, located in different nations, our goals with regard to educating students, producing high quality scholarship and developing innovative partnerships to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century are the same.”

The guest lecturer, who spoke on the theme: “Higher Education Imperatives in the Global Century: The Challenge for Nigerian Universities,” stressed the need for students’ mobility, adding that countries with strong economies tend to send more students to study at institutions outside their own countries.

He said: “These transnational students through knowledge gained from outside will affect their home countries with such knowledge. They will also contribute to the global knowledge community.”

He commended the vision of FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Oluwafemi Ogunjobi

t was at the expansive Isity Trenchard Hall of the Univerof Ibadan, where students

and youths across African nations gathered to discuss their fate in the future of the continent, especially in the face of the raging violence almost enveloping the region.

The event, which was the African Students for Liberty Conference, kicked off around 11a.m, with Ajibola Adigun, a member of the society’s executive board as the compere.

Resource persons at the event were pro-liberty speakers, including Co-founder of SFL, Alexander McCobin; a social media entrepreneur and popular blogger, Japheth Omojuwa, former law-maker and writer, Dr. Wale Okediran; Mr. Kofi Bentil, Vice President, IMANI Ghana, Mr. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, among others.

Okediran, who spoke on the theme: “The Role of Literature in Sustainable Democracy and Good Governance,” said the interplay between literature and politics is very important saying creative writers in Africa have over the years played very important roles in the process of governance both in the continent and globally. Thus, the writer has taken on the role of social critic or the conscience of the nation and world.”

L-R: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), FUTA, Prof. Adedayo Fasakin; the VC, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola; Guest Lecturer, Prof. Michael Adewumi, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun shortly after the lecture.

At FUTA lecture: Don identifies how varsities can be globally relevant Adebiyi Daramola in collaborating with world class institutions, especially on the students’ exchange programme with the Florida America and Mechanical University (FAMU).

Citing the Penn State University’s example, he said: “Our international student population has more than doubled since 2,000. The vast majority still come from countries whose economies are growing especially China, India and South Korea. Like most large institutions of higher learning, Penn State has traditionally pursued international

engagements by offering opportunities for our students to study abroad and we host international students and scholars in their thousands.

However, we no longer think this two-sided approach will suffice in the 21st Century. We are adding a third dimension called Strategic Partnership.”

On the importance of joint publication, Adewumi stressed the importance of international collaboration through joint authorship, stressing: “Another measure of success is the number of joint publications co-written by authors from different countries. As

African students’ bold steps to defend continent Okediran, who said Nigeria, has several writers, who over the years have continued to send strident political messages through their works.

He listed some of them to include Professors Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Femi Osofisan, and also made reference to his widely acclaimed book, ‘Tenants of the House,” where Okediran said politics and social issues are its strong themes.

Alexander McCobin, who spoke on “Students for Liberty and the Global Movement for Liberty,” went through the history of SFL and the growth of the network, while explaining that: “Liberty has come a long way over the course of human history, “and if we want to see changes in the world, we have to see it ourselves.”

Alluding to his experience as a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, who spoke on: “The Importance of Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Development,” noted: “Unlike the rule of person, the rule of law postulates that societies must not be subjected to the whims and caprices of individuals who are likely to manipulate social order to benefit

their interests, prejudices and preferences. Rather, all members of society must be governed by a predetermined set of laws established by members of the society through democratic processes and enshrined in the judicial processes of the society.”

Japheth Omojuwa, a social critic and blogger spoke on the theme: “ICT and Liberty as Catalysts for Social Change and Wealth Creation,” where he explained that humanity has not had it this well than at this age of social media.

we welcome more international scholars to our universities, we can expect more collaboration and therefore, even more joint publications.”

To address the challenge of funding of a university the don advocated adoption of Penn State’s Global Engagement Network (GEN) whereby the university will partner institutions around the world as an effective vehicle for leveraging resources and jointly addressing challenge areas such as climate change, energy, poverty, global health and food storage.

He enjoined FUTA as a speChristian Appolos ormer Vice-Chancellor of the FProf.

University of Ilorin, Emeritus Oladipo Olujimi Akinkug-

be, has called on Federal Government to institute a special funds, similar to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the country's health sector.

This, according to him, is to ensure sustainable health care provision to the under-privileged citizens who are unable to fulfill their obligations in public health institutions.

This was part of his views at the 30th Reunion and Public Lecture organised by the 19781984 graduating class of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin.

Cross section of audience at the programme

cialized institution to take the lead in solving some of the domestic problems facing the nation, especially energy, food and poverty.

In his remarks, the ViceChancellor said the aim of the Foundation Day Lecture series was to further expand the frontiers of knowledge and provide a veritable forum for staff, students and the public to engage in new ideas and knowledge in a way that will enhance quality teaching, learning, research and life of the people.

Daramola said education today is borderless and is better enriched through individual and institutional collaboration.

According to him, globalisation has impacted immensely on universities’ business of teaching, research and services the world over and that Nigerian universities are also expected to tap into the phenomenon which has its benefits.

“Each university is expected to raise the bar in all ramifications and to be highly rated in scholarship and excellence.”

Daramola said of the university’s efforts: “On our part as a university that is poised for change, we have joined the train of globalization and partnership in education. Currently, some of our students are in the U.S.A and the next batch will join in September under a 4-1-1 complementary and collaborative students exchange programme with the Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU). Today’s lecture also marks the beginning of a new symbiotic relationship between FUTA and The Pennsylvania State University, thus increasing our vibrant and productive relationships with reputable institutions in the world.”

Ex-VC seeks special fund for health sector Akinkugbe, an Emeritus Professor of Medicine, who was a co-guest speaker at the lecture, noted that there are a number of ‘expensive’ illnesses, whose management is beyond the reach of most patients, especially the poor.

He, however, added that the challenge of non-communicable diseases, especially hypertension, ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus which have become prevalent, requires a wise country to adopt a strategy that would lower the rate of their prevalence and increase the life span of the average citizen.

In his paper, entitled: “Nigeria's Tertiary Health Care- Still Too Many Loose Ends to Tie,” Akinkugbe lamented the disappearance of the team spirit, which had hitherto existed among health providers in the 1960s and 1980s.

He said: “All the professional groups have become disparate and almost at daggers-drawn, now fending for themselves to the detriment of a smooth and effective health system.

“Dedication and accountability are factors which will determine the effective utilisation of dwindling assets.

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KWASU to lift tourism, event management education

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lans have been concluded by the authorities of the Kwara State University (KWASU) to break new grounds in tourism education in the history of Nigerian tertiary education. Unfolding the plans, the Vice-Chancellor, Abdulrasheed Na’allah, a Professor of Oral Literature, at a media interactive session said plans had been concluded to launch the initiative, tagged: “The best platform for scholarship in tourism education.” BIODUN OYELEYE writes on its significance to the sector.

Determined to provide qualitative education that will address the needs of the society, the Kwara State University (KWASU) is set to kick-start the KWASU School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (STHEM), in the College of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences. The mission of the school, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’allah, will comprise Advancing the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management knowledge, which will be carried out both theoretically and practical research that is relevant to diverse needs of stakeholders.

It will also embrace interdisciplinary study and teaching that promotes ethical leadership; provides opportunities for rapid career progression and

utilises innovative instructional modes to stimulate internal and external interactions.

Besides, the new academic programme, the Vice-Chancellor said would focus partnerships and collaborative projects that allow for responsive community development and support a diverse community of students, academic staff and stakeholders in their quest to become productive change agents who address the ongoing challenges facing the tourism, hospitality and events management industry sectors in the country.

While stressing the need for Nigerians to wake up to the diverse opportunities that exist within the tourism sector of the economy, Na’Allah noted that the sector if well harness has the potential to lift the state from its current 34th position on the federal revenue ladder to somewhere much higher.

He spoke about the need for community involvement and exposure to the various platforms of tourism that offer benefit to all and sundry, while insisting that existing practitioners in the sector need to brace up to formalize their activities and bring them to international best practices. Na’Allah, who pledged the readiness of his administration to use the platform of the new course to reorganise the Events Management sub-sector in the country to ensure standardisa-

tion of practice, said: “We are ready through this endeavour to collaborate with our communities.”

He added: “We want them to come to us and we are ready to work with them. There are many other nations without oil or other natural resources, who still have to battle several climate issues and are making it enormously. In Nigeria we are endowed with abundant resources and KWASU wants to lead the pack in harnessing them. If there is any industry that is driven by the grassroots, it is tourism; it brings money to the people.”

On the benefits of the programme, the Vice-Chancellor, who hinted that the School will deliver one of the most dynamic, cutting-edge professional preparation curricula, added the its introduction would present unique opportunities for students to acquire extensive knowledge in the fundamentals of business administration in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management as applicable to global service sector.

Through the initiative, he said KWASU would serve as intellectual and cultural nexus between the country and other parts of the world, adding that “the School is the result of thorough research into other programmes worldwide and what would fit into the Nigerian market.”

Principal officers of the university inspecting facilities in the tourism school's museum

Alumni donate comics to King’s College Mojeed Alabi

A

group of old students of the Kings College, Lagos, under the platform of Panaramic Entertainment has donated about 560 copies of its “Okiojo’s Chronicles,” a comic strip written by them to the students of the school as part of efforts towards bringing back the sense of the nation’s history to the schools.

The donors, including Tunji Anjorin, Adeniyi Adeniji, Rotimi Dawodu and Rotimi Anjorin, who are also members of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).

While presenting the books to the school at its Victoria Island’s campus, they explained that the series is a product of three years of their creative and literary efforts.

They noted: “The Okiojo’s Chronicles (Okiojo in its literary

translation stands for wisdom; an all knowing man) is a comic series designed as a platform to entertain and educate the reading public, especially students, on the rich cultural heritage that abounds in the country. Besides, the series teach students to learn some values and virtues from past heroes who distinguished themselves in their lifetimes and consequently left a legacy worthy of emulation for a sustainable society.”

In his opening remarks at the public presentation, the Principal of the college, Otunba Oladele Olapeju said the efforts of the old boys in the production of the comic series and the donation of copies of the book to the school were commendable efforts.

The principal said: “Apart from giving back to where they had taken from, the old boys involved in this creative project

have also come on stream with a comic series that will help project role models, who had in the course of their lifetimes distinguished themselves as worthy ambassadors and leaders of their people.

“Oduduwa and Queen Amina are all well-known personages in history who played heroic roles that cut across their respective communities and influenced the history of their eras. It is important younger generation of our children know them; the roles they played in our history which will help the children to appreciate the fact that people had been here and achieved something monumental for the society.”

In his own contribution, the General Secretary of King’s College Old Boys Association, Mr. Lucky Idike, said the old boys’ efforts in producing the comic series would have in one way or the other created employment.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

Suicide is not an option

I

t was shocking and heartrending last week when it was reported that a Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu Campus), Dr Bede Apata, committed suicide. Why it was jaw-dropping for all is that at 38, with a Ph.D. in law and a good and prestigious job, he was very “successful” and millions of Nigerians would want to be in his shoes.

Besides, he was also not even a nobody by birth; he was a son to a former Commissioner in the old Anambra State, Chief Clement Apata. But, regardless of the nobility of his birth and the prestige of his profession, he still went ahead penultimate Saturday to take his own life.

His body was found the following day (i.e. Sunday 27th July, 2014).

What made a man of his social status take such a decision is yet to emerge, as far as I know.

However, the development is an indication that several Nigerians that are supposedly “successful” are fighting internal battles that can make them take desperate actions including suicide.

Cases of students who commit suicide because of failure are legion. There are also cases of the unemployed and the under-employed, including a wide range of heavily indebted people, who take the pernicious step because they are overwhelmed by the challenges life throws at them. But a gainfully employed and upwardly mobile professional taking own life has upped the ante. There are many questions begging for answers.

Nigerians should appreciate the fact that whatever the circumstances they may face, suicide is not an option. We are truly facing a lot of challenges that can make one go crazy.

There are poverty, insecurity, corruption, impunity and indiscipline ravaging the land.

We jump from one tragedy to another and life is so cheap here that we are not shocked anymore. We are increasingly losing our humanity as we are getting accustomed to human suffering and deprivation.

In Nigeria today, if you are rich, you are in trouble; if you are poor, you are in soup! Politicians go to any extent to get power. When they get power, their turmoil begins afresh as they are confronted with winning the subsequent election. Even when they win it, they are still concerned about how their legacies would not be obliterated by their successors. It is a vicious circle.

Despite the challenges one may face, suicide should be ruled out completely. The consequence is dire apart from the cowardice underpinning it. From the theological perspective, it is a grave sin because you don’t terminate the God-given life. It is a desperate act that people, especially the frustrated students, should not contemplate.

I remember a stage in my

Cases of students who commit suicide because of failure are legion teens when I thought life was hard. I was living under undesirable circumstances and gaining a university admission was the only visa out of that deplorable state in Lagos. Life was difficult but I realized that nothing lasts forever. After a lull that seemed like eternity, time liberated me from the situation to face other ones. The troubles and travails of this life are for a limited time but life after death is eternal.

There is a misconception that rest lies in death but it is not true. Many Nigerians would want to jump on the nearest plane to travel abroad because of the misconceived notion that the streets of Europe and America are paved with gold.

It is only when the desperate ones get there that they realise that life is not rosy there either but they will find coming home extremely difficult. They then suffer for as long as it takes.

One reason for which people commit suicide is ignorance of the true essence of life. The secret of life’s sweetness is to be good and serve God and humanity. We all crave success but many people have narrowed success to being rich, famous, powerful and physically attractive. It is a truism that the rich ones among us are not the happiest.

If one struggles to attain all success and still realizes that one is not happy, there is frustration. It happens more often than not that an individual would have a good house, assorted cars, a fantastic job with a fat pay package with a good spouse but still realises an emptiness, a void in his life. Such a person becomes desperate. True success is peace of mind.

No condition is permanent in this life. The external and internal conflicts we experience are part of what makes life interesting. We should know that part of life skills is knowing how to deal with them. We must strive to make peace with ourselves and thank God in all circumstances while wishing and working for the best.

I repeat that suicide is not an option and if we are thoughtful, we would be grateful. Life is short originally. We shouldn’t make it shorter by making its problems weigh us down. One of the quotes of the late American author, Maya Angelou, that I love best is, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”.

We need attitudinal change to survive this world and its contradictions. l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin.

BUSINESS Wednesday, July 30, 2014

What's news Nigeria’s consumer market worth $400bn Nigeria’s consumer market is worth about $400 billion per year and could reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, with food and non-food consumer goods accounting for $1 trillion of the total, McKenzie Global Institute (MGI) latest report has revealed.

}p-32

UNDP, GEF, SON to set cooling appliances’ standard In a bid to achieve efficiency in energy, minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for refrigerating appliances have been approved.

}p-32

ECOWAS: Tortuous road to common currency One of the principles that formed the driving force behind the setting up of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nearly four decades ago was the desire to have a common market within the west African sub-region.

}p-34

Customs seizes N30m rice, vehicles in Osun, Oyo

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 2,446 bags of rice, valued at N30 million from smugglers in the last two weeks in Oyo and Osun states.

Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Richard Oteri, said that 23 vehicles were involved in the smuggling activities and that they were apprehended on IleroOtu road, Saki-Iseyin road and Alaraba village.

}p-38

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

31 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

‘Jonathan deserves praises for new GDP' }p-35

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

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

NSE unveils draft rules for Depository Receipts CROSS BORDER NDRs provide access to foreign securities trading in other markets.

Chris Ugwu

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has unveiled draft rules on listing of Nigerian Depository Receipts (NDRs) in a bid to position the local bourse to be the preferred capital market of choice in the African sub-region.

This is on the back of a variety of tradable instruments the Exchange is introducing to satisfy the investment needs of individual and institutional investors looking to diversify their portfolios, reduce risk and invest internationally in the most efficient manner possible.

The NSE, which made this known in a draft exposure, said that it was introducing NDRs to provide access to foreign securities trading in other markets.

NDRs are negotiable securities that generally represent a company’s publicly traded equity or debt. These instruments may be sponsored or unsponsored and each type has

SMARTPHONE USAGE Marketers need to take advantage of the growing usage of smartphone Jonah Iboma

T

here has been a 15 per cent increase in the use of the internet for purchases in Nigeria within the past 12 months, according to a report by The Terragon Group.

The report for the second quarter of 2014, revealed growth in the state of digital

specific characteristics and requirements related to it.

These receipts are listed on stock exchanges and usually behave exactly like regular stocks such as price fluctuation depending on demand and supply, and depending on the fundamentals of the underlying security. Each receipt amounts to a claim on a predefined number of shares of the underlying security.

A depository stores the

shares on behalf of the receipt holders. DRs trade, settle and clear in the same manner as securities local to the market on which they trade. The DR investor holds privileges like those granted to shareholders of ordinary shares, such as voting rights and dividends. The rights of the DR holder are stated on the certificate.

The notice signed by Head/ Legal and Regulation Division Mrs Tinuade Awe, noted that

the draft rules seek to set out the structure for listing and trading NDRs in the Nigerian Capital Market.

It stated: “The rules set out the general eligibility, disclosure and continuing obligations and requirements that apply to DRs; and then set out in subsequent parts, specific provisions in relation to sponsored and unCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd, Mr Abass sambo; President, Association of Advertising Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Bunmi Oke; Chairman, Swipha, Mr Colin Cimmings; Director, Registration and Regulatory, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Monica Emunjeze and Pharma Manager, Swipha, Mr Ignatius Anukwu, after the Swipha World Health Organization media briefing in Lagos .

Nigeria records 15 % growth in online shopping –Report media and users’ online behaviour in Nigeria over the past 12 months.

Compiled after a recent survey from a pool of online participants across various locations in the country, the study showed heightened growth in the area of Internet usage, social media participation and e-commerce, and the opportunities the trend presents for marketers.

The comparative study

showed growth patterns from 2013 to 2014, with focus on mobile phone and Internet usage, broadband penetration, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and Mobile money.

According to the firm, at the end of June 2014, 63 per cent of Nigerian Internet users had bought at least one item online, while 60 per cent of these buyers claimed to have used their mobile phones for these purchases.

The increase in Internet penetration through mobile devices, increase in data bundle purchases and online activities such as search, social media interaction, downloads and emails, within the period, were considered to have influenced the growth in e-commerce use.

Intelligence Lead, Terragon Group, Ms Eniola Moronfolu, CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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

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

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at July 25)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N288.50 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $38.942bn as at 24/07/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at July 25)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N265.95 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N210.87 Source: CBN

32 business | NEWS LAGGARD Nigerian output is 58 per cent less than the average of seven large developing economies Siaka Momoh

N

igeria’s consumer market is worth about $400 billion per year and could reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, with food and non-food consumer goods accounting for $1 trillion of the total, McKenzie Global Institute (MGI) latest report has revealed.

The study noted that one of the most important under-appreciated changes in Nigeria is the growing size and strength of its consuming class. “While median income is just $680 per year and 43 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the number of households in the consuming class is growing rapidly,” it said.

In 2013, an estimated eight million households had income of over $7,500 per year - the threshold for what McKinsey considers as “emerging consumers,” with sufficient income to meet all basic necessities and have money to start buying more and better food as well as health and education services.

The report observed: “Given Nigeria’s large population and rapid population growth, it is often assumed that labour-force changes (the number of people entering the workforce every year) are the main driver of GDP growth. However, labour productivity has grown by 3.6 per cent per year since 2010 and

Nigeria’s consumer market worth $400bn –McKenzie • May hit $1.4 trn by 2030

now contributes the greatest share of GDP growth.

“However, while labour productivity has been improving, Nigeria is still far behind other major developing economies.

At less than $9,500 per worker per year, Nigerian output is 58 per cent less than the average of seven large developing economies. “Nigeria also has a low ratio of employment to population. In Nigeria, the employment-to-population ratio is only 31 per cent, compared with 52 per cent in Brazil, 46 per cent in Indonesia and 48 per cent in Russia. Due to its low productivity and its low employment ratio, Nigeria has the lowest GDP per capita of seven peer economies.”

Besides, the report noted: “Nigeria’s low productivity is, to a large degree, the result of its unusual experience with urbanisation, which is not transforming the economy in the way it has done in other transitioning nations. Typically, as people move from agriculture into employment in urban manufacturing and services, they become more productive and earn higher wages, which raises living standards in both the city and the countryside. High urban wages attract more workers to the cities and reduce rural populations. City dwellers send

NSE unveils draft rules for Depository Receipts C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

sponsored DR issues.

“The rules contain provisions relating to the key players involved in a DR listing and the elements of a DR transaction, the issuer, the underlying entity, the depository, the securities, the depository receipts as well as the Deposit Agreement/ Terms and Conditions.

“Detailed listing requirements for the sponsored DRs

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

as well as the unsponsored DRs, contents for the depository agreement for a sponsored DR; as well as the terms and conditions for an unsponsored DR,” It noted that the rules address obligations to be satisfied regarding the underlying security and the depository, adding that contents of the listing documents as well as the continuing listing obligations are clearly specified while liquidity providers and their eligibility criteria are also delineated.

remittances to their families at home, who invest in productivity improvements, such as fertiliser and mechanised tools.

“However, in Nigeria, people migrating to the city often face

said on the findings: “The increase on e-commerce is very encouraging for an environment such as ours. It was interesting to note that a huge number of these purchases were mobile driven, and that mobile is the first and major point of access for all Internet activities. Hence, marketers need to start thinking first of mobile for online campaigns.”

Ms Moronfolu said that relevant content should be of utmost priority to advertisers and marketers in a manner that the mobile audience feel a personal connection to the brands.

“Marketers need to take advantage of the growing usage

of smartphones. They need to work with their partners and agencies to develop innovative marketing products and strategies that will keep the smartphone users engaged and loyal to them,” she said.

Other factors considered in the research include 86 per cent of respondents who claim to carry out research about an item before making a purchase, and 80 per cent who pointed at mobile as their major platform for research.

These numbers forecast a boom in the advertising and digital marketing industries will approach their marketing strategies over the next 12 months, especially as it pertains to mobile marketing.

Global consulting firm McKinsey estimates about 16

frastructure” stock in Nigeria is worth only 39 per cent of GDP, compared with an average of 68 per cent in other economies examined by MGI. Nigeria has a fifth of the roads per kilometre that India has and one-third the power generation capacity per person.

Broad Street devoid of business activities during the Eid El-fitri celebration in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

UNDP, GEF, SON to set cooling appliances’ standard EFFICIENCY The new standard will address the nation’s high consumption pattern

Dayo Ayeyemi

I

n a bid to achieve efficiency in energy, minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for refrigerating appliances have been approved.

Nigeria records 15 % growth in online shopping C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

unemployment or find jobs in the informal sector, where wages are low. This also has negative implications for the agriculture sector.”

Productivity is also being held back by poor infrastructure, which increases the costs of doing business. The “core in-

per cent of sub-Saharan Africans, or just over 160 million people, are connected to the Internet, compared with nearly 75 per cent in Europe and 32 per cent in Asia.

A surge in mobile Internet access means that figure is expected to rise sharply in the medium term, helping African e-commerce sales reach $75 billion by 2025, McKinsey predicts.

Terragon Group, a new media business focused on Africa with strong competence across the new media ecosystem, carries out periodic research on Internet usage across multiple platforms. Its research reports address the need for local, relevant data to help the digital sphere and streamline advertisers’ marketing efforts.

The new standard is at the instance of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), which has rallied a team of specialists to explore and adapt the IEC 62552 as a Nigerian Industrial Standard. This is an energy consumption test standard that is presently being harmonised internationally.

The GEF (Global Environment Facility)-UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Energy Efficiency Programme, titled: “Promoting energy efficiency in residential and public sector in Nigeria” has been supporting SON in the endeavor, which will put in place energy efficiency measures while addressing the nation’s high consumption pattern.

Speaking on this development, Deputy Director, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Okon Ekpenyong, said that a study was carried out to assess the current level of energy efficiency of some appliances used in the country in order to set the MEPS for such appliances such as lighting, refrigerators and air conditioners.

UNDP-GEF Energy Efficiency Programme National Coordinator, Etiosa Uyigue, stated that basic equipment in refrigerating appliances such as compressor, thermostat and insulation play vital roles in ensuring minimal energy consumption pattern so need to be in good working condition.

According to him, while the compressor should work and

automatically shut down at intervals, thick insulation is required for appliances in the tropics.

However, he said that most of the fairly used refrigerators from abroad came with thin insulation because of the weather over there. He said this was why the programme discouraged the use of second hand products.

Uyigue described the setting of the MEPS as one of the four main pillars of the programme, even as he listed others to include: assisting government in enforcing energy efficiency policies and laws; embarking on awareness creation to change behavior and to build the capacity of stakeholders to imbibe energy efficiency best practices; and, support processes and programmes that will upscale the penetration of energy saving equipment in Nigeria.

The programme has also supported SON to develop MEPS for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which has been approved by the Nigerian Standard Board and now enforceable in the country. Additionally, two complete set of light testing analysis equipment were procured and installed in the laboratories of SON and the National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (NCEEC).

The testing facilities have enhanced the ability of SON to enforce the newly approved lighting standard.

33

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Privatisation key to industrialisation, says Nebo Kenneth Tyohemba Abuja

M

inister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has again declared that full privatisation of the power sector remains the only sure route to full industrialisation of the Nigerian economy.

Nebo insisted that the ongoing transformation in the sector has succeeded as it has been fully privatised to make it more functional as, according to him, power was under-utilised in the hands of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

The minister who made the declaration during a power summit organised by a civil society group, Youth Initiative for Leadership and Rural Development (YILaRD), submitted that privatisation of power is a driving force in the growth of entrepreneur in the country.

Speaking on the theme of the summit: “Power sector reform and its benefits to Nigerian youth,” the minister stated that the “100 per cent privatisation of power sector is key to Nigeria’s industrialisation,” adding that the country’s power sector is on a trajectory that is heading

to super excellence and enjoined youth to take advantage of it by engaging in SMEs.” He said: “The FG’s Transformation Agenda realised the strategic importance of electricity in the growth of Nigeria’s economy and is putting the gear that will leap-frog the country’s industrialisation to be among the top 20 world economies by the year 2020.”

Speaking further on the power reforms, he stated that priva-

tisation of the sector has leapfrogged power generation from 2500 to 4000 megawatts and attributed the development to the resuscitation of the moribund National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigeria Bulk Electricity Company, Independent Power Producers (IPP) and the revival of rural electrification, among others.

Earlier in an address, the chairman of YILaRD, Prof. Soji Adelaja, described Nebo as a

change agent in the transformation of the power sector.

Adelaja also harped on the need for youth to acquire experience necessary for leadership role, adding that the youth are catalyst for development.

“Any nation that does not include youth in the quest for development will not succeed.

Ours is a knowledge and innovation-driven economy, and the youth are key to creating the better economy,” he stated.

L-R: First Vice President Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Segun Ajibola; President/Chairman of Council, Mrs. ‘Debola Osibogun and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, during a visit by CIBN to the bank in Lagos.

No deadline for new number plate enforcement –FRSC James Nwabueze Abuja

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that it has not fixed a deadline for a nationwide enforcement of the new vehicle number plate and driving license.

This is coming on the heels of media reports of plan by FRSC to commence a nationwide clamp down on vehicles and motorists fromAugust 1, for non-compliance with the directive on the new vehicle number plate and driving license.

In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu, in Abuja, the commission denied having fixed any date for the enforcement of the controversial order.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Corps wishes to state that it still stands on the earlier resolve to defer enforcement of the new number plate and driving license following the suspension of the June 30, 2014, deadline for a change to the enhanced motor vehicle number plate by the Joint Tax Board which is statutorily mandated to determine road taxes includ-

ing prices of number plates and driving license. The Joint Tax Board is an umbrella body of State Chairmen of Boards of Internal Revenue.

“The Board had decided at its 129th meeting held on April 23 and 24, at the headquarters of Edo State Internal Revenue Services in Benin that: ‘In the light of the court judgment against the FRSC, the Board decided to suspend the June 30, 2014 deadline earlier announced for a change to enhanced Motor Vehicle Number Plate and the Driving License pending the outcome of the appeal by the FRSC. ‘The states Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIOs) have been encouraged to put all necessary logistics in place to improve Motor Vehicle registration and issuance of Driving License in order to build a comprehensive database,’” the statement reads in part.

Agwu re-iterated an earlier directive to the commission’s Commanding Officers to defer enforcement on the deadline, in keeping with the JTB suspension and the court ruling pending the determination of the appeal.

But the commission’s spokesman however urged motorists to renew their driv-

ing and vehicle licenses as they expire in line with extant provisions of the law.

EMAB Plaza reopens for business, traders count losses Amadi Nnamdi Abuja

eeks after bomb rocked W the popular Emab Plaza in Wuse II, Abuja, the plaza has

been reopened for business.

Security operatives, after the fatal blast, which occurred last June, cordoned off the premises of the plaza thereby preventing business activities within the plaza and its immediate environs to enable them clear the debris of the blast as well as carry out other necessary investigation and assessment of the incident.

When New Telegraph visited the once boisterous Plaza yesterday evening, a few shops were opened while security operatives were milling around.

Also, barricades were seen strategically placed at the front of the plaza including a newly installed security checkpoint at the entrance.

It is believed that the Boko Haram terrorist detonated a car bomb at the entrance of the plaza, which left about 22 people dead including Mallam Suleiman Bisalla the Managing Editor (Northern Operations) of New Telegraph newspapers.

Narrating the ordeal some shop owners have been going through since the incident, Mr Emmanuel Akpe, a trader at the plaza, lamented that they have incurred losses and debt as a result of the unfortunate incident.

“I don’t know how I will manage to pay up the huge debt hanging like an albatross on my head. Some of us just stockpiled our shops with goods before the plaza was attacked, ever since, we have been facing untold hardship.”

Another shop owner who craved anonymity, bemoaned the insecurity situation bedevilling Abuja and the nation at large. He urged government to find lasting solution to series of attacks.

More groups decry corruption in oil sector James Nwabueze Abuja

he Social Development InTtion), tegrated Center (SocialAca non-governmental

organisation (NGO) campaigning for increased transparency in the oil industry, has bemoaned the unfortunate corrupt tendencies in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

At the opening ceremony of its international conference in Abuja with the theme “Beyond transparency: oil and the crisis of democratic governance in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” SocialAction said that the country needs to move from the level of transparency to accountability so as to end corruption in the oil and gas sector.

As part efforts to curb the alleged corrupt practices in the oil and gas sector, the activists devoted the conference to identifying prospects for innovative synergies between the different transparency initiatives and extractive sector and economic development agendas in Africa so as to promote a more robust and coherent regulatory framework.

Speaking at the event, the Director, SocialAction, and Coordinator, Gulf of Guinea Citizens Network (GGCN), Dr. Isaac Osuoka, noted that the reports made by National Extractive Industry Initiative, (NEITI) and other bodies set by government has exposed monumental infraction resulting in the tilling of the public treasury.

Stating that transparency cannot be an end in itself, Osuoka added that the dominant justification for promoting transparency discourse and the principles is that its implementation would bring about reversal of the negative social impact of mineral extraction such as looting of public revenue.

“It is evident that transparency can not be an end in itself.

There has to be the recognition that transparency is concomitant with democracy and national development goals,” he added.

Speaking with newsmen, the chairman governing board, National Human Right Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu said: “We can be transparently autocratic or transparently corrupt. The proposal is that we move from transparency to accountability.

“Accountability requires sectors that work; it requires a bureaucracy administration that works; it requires a judiciary that takes its job seriously with legal professionals that are capable. Do we have them? If we don’t, how do we create those capabilities.

34

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

O

ne of the principles that formed the driving force behind the setting up of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nearly four decades ago was the desire to have a common market within the West African sub region.

However, the enthusiasm that greeted the coming together of West African leaders for a common market driven by a common currency have over the years continued to remain a pipe dream.

Noting best typified that the expectations for a common currency is fast turning into a long tortuous journey than the just concluded meeting of Committee of Governors of Central Banks of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ).

The signal emerged early during opening remarks of governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele. In his opening remarks, he was uninspiring and with it, every discerning mind came to a conclusion that the project- ECOWAS long dream of achieving common currency and economic integration has faltered once again.

Emefiele was not in his bright element when he gave introductory remarks at just concluded session of 31st Meeting of the Committee of Governors of Central Banks of WAMZ. Postponements The long quest by ECOWAS to forge economic integration and have a common currency has suffered four consecutive postponements. The first deadline - 2003 was missed. Subsequently, targeted deadlines are 2005, 2009 and 2015. WAMZ have also been missed going by the conclusion from just ended WAMZ session in Abuja.

In his opening remarks to 31st committee of Governors of WAMZ, CBN governor admitted numerous challenges beset the region in its quest to achieving common currency and economic integration.

“Over the years, our appraisals have continued to show that the level of macroeconomic convergence in the Zone remained inadequate relative to the set targets. Since 2009, no two countries satisfied the entire four primary convergence criteria consistently for two consecutive years.

“Accordingly, we have missed several launch dates for the monetary union. This may have informed the decision of the Heads of State and Government to approve the Modified Gradualist Approach to monetary integration by 2020. Our role, therefore, is to honestly appraise this directive and design strategies to ensure a sustainable monetary union in the zone”, he noted.

“Let me at this juncture; share with you the results of the state of preparedness study commissioned by the 32rnd meeting of the Convergence Council. The study showed that the performance of Member States’ on the convergence

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

ECOWAS: Tortuous road to common currency

Okonjo-Iweala

Emefiele

Keystone Bank MD Ltd, Philip Ikeazor

scale relative to that required for the establishment of a monetary union is still inadequate.

Also, member countries’ business cycle synchronisation in terms of real GDP, inflation, broad money and interest rates remained weak, and their level of institutional preparedness for the monetary union remain inadequate. On a positive note, the study, noted that member countries continued to make remarkable progress towards the establishment of a common market and the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Integration Protocols and Convention as well as significant progress towards the reforms of their financial systems”.

and central bank financing criteria, while Ghana and Guinea breached the inflation and fiscal deficit criteria. Inflation and fiscal deficit continued to be the more challenging criteria for members states to comply with, while central bank financing and gross reserves were the more frequently satisfied criteria ”, he said.

On issue of trade related integration, WAMI DG informed committee of the central bank governors that a task force on the implementation of the ETLS was being set up by the ECOWAS commission while the protocol on free movement of persons, right of residence and establishment was being reviewed with a view to enhancing its effectiveness in addressing some of the inherent challenges associated with free movement of persons.

cent; central bank financing of budget deficit of not more than 10 per cent of the previous year’s tax revenue; and nominal exchange rate variation of plus or minus 10 per cent.

The Acting Director, Multilateral Surveillance, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Nelson Magbagbeola, confirmed revised development during opening session of the meeting.

He said the commission had also revised the road map with clear responsibilities assigned to the regional institutions involved in the monetary integration process.

“The authority decided that the institutions of the West African Monetary Agency and the West African Monetary Institute should be retained subject to redefinition of their roles and pending the creation of an ECOWAS Monetary Institute by 2018 in accordance with a well defined roadmap,” he explained.

However, he said that notwithstanding the challenges being experienced in meeting the convergence criteria, the commission would ensure that all other integration programmes under its watch were effectively implemented.

The other regional integration programmes, according to him, are the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, which comes into force on January 1, 2015; free movement of persons and the ECOWAS trade liberalisation scheme.

He stressed: “The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to the monetary integration agenda and a sustainable development of our community with the overall goal of improving the quality of life of ECOWAS citizens.”

Bottlenecks Bottlenecks in the quest by ECOWAS member states comprising of Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia and Guinea are legion. This includes, the inability of some countries within the West African Monetary Zone to meet up with the macroeconomic convergence criteria.

As was the case with previous deadline date for common currency, the January 1, 2015 takeoff of the single currency regime is not feasible. Giving update of members states status compliance with the macroeconomic convergence criteria, Director- General of West African Monetary Institute Dr. Abwaku Englama said Nigeria was the only country that met all the four criteria.

While Nigeria met all the four criteria for convergence, he said Liberia and Sierra Leone satisfied three each.

“Sierra Leone narrowly missed the fiscal deficit criterion with 4.07 %, indicating a significant decline compared with 8.1% in 2012. At this rate, Sierra Leone will achieve full compliance with the primary convergence criteria by the next review. Liberia slipped on the gross external reserves criterion.

“Gambia, Ghana and Guinea satisfied two criteria each. The Gambia slipped on fiscal deficit

Convergence criteria The ECOWAS authority also approved the reduction of the macroeconomic convergence criteria from 11 (four primary and seven secondary criteria) to six (three primary and three secondary criteria).

The three primary criteria that will now be used are budget deficit of not more than three per cent; average annual inflation of less than 10 per cent, with a long-term goal of not more than five per cent by 2019; and gross reserves that can finance at least three months of imports.

The three secondary convergence criteria that have now been adopted by the ECOWAS authorities are public debt/ GDP of not more than 70 per

Member countries should learn lessons from European countries that were fatally hit by the Euro zone crisis

Hasty decisions However, in the face of stark reality confronting ECOWAS inability to meet January 1st 2015 deadline, Nigeria's Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) and Minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala has cautioned the region against the rush.

Reminding them of the dire

consequences of rushing to achieve economic integration, she counselled the region to resist the stampede in the attempt to adhere to a set deadline, which she said could put ECOWAS economy on edge.

She added that January 1, 2015 deadline for ECOWAS currency is not sacrosanct.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the opening session of the meeting of the convergence council of ministers and governors of Central banks of West African Monetary Zone (WAMS), the minister advised member countries to learn lessons from European countries that were fatally hit by the Euro zone crisis.

"Look at the challenges (Euro zone) faced when some members were not quite ready but they went in to the union when it was apparent that not all of them were in a very solid platform. But consequently, you have seen when the financial crises came they were not able to withstand it. So, before you go in, it is very important to get some basic things right because there is no body chasing us behind our back", she said.

The CME while acknowledging there was a target date for the adoption of common currency for the region, said the date was not sacrosanct and advised ECOWAS countries to set another convenient feasible date if January 1st 2015 is not realistic.

"We have a target date. But let’s have a quality lunch that can be sustained if not, members countries will begin to exit when they can't keep up with the criteria and that doesn’t help.

"So, I would want all the countries to really focus on those criteria especially the macro-economic ones. In case of fiscal deficit, the point is that Nigeria is the largest economy; we are likely to bear the brunt of any union or launch that is not based on solid ground. But I must commend the countries they are trying very hard. It is not very easy. So, let us take our time.

“If the time comes and we are not quite ready, we shouldn't be shy to say we are not ready because the consequences of a failed monetary union are severe. So, we should do it in such a way we can always reflect", she added.

Conclusion With another six-year deadline (2020) adopted by members of ECOWAS state to achieve single economic space, analysts are of the view that members should strive to meet all the convergence criteria, which have been reduced drastically.

A common monetary integration for ECOWAS will sustain development of the region and also improve the quality of life of all ECOWAS citizens.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

‘Jonathan deserves praises for new GDP' Federal Government’s decision to rebase the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came with criticisms. In this interview with ANULE EMMANUEL, Professor Sylvester Monye, Special Adviser to the President on Project Monitoring, explains what this portends for the economy, Nigeria’s struggle to attain MDG’s targets and the barriers to stable power supply, among other issues. Excerpts You were among the few Nigerians who developed the vision 2020 document. How did it come about?

I was Executive Secretary at the National Planning Commission at the time we developed the vision 20:20document. The whole idea of the vision 20:20 is that by the year 20:20, Nigeria will become one of the top 20 economies in the world, at least, by the size of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That was the primary objective, but of course, there is a background to that decision. In 2005, the then country director of Goldman Sachs of the United Kingdom, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, current Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, came with a delegation of assets managers from the UK and they had done a study, lead by one of their international executive directors called O’neil. Their projection was that at that time, with the progress Nigeria was making, if we continued with the reforms and also with the disciplined economic management that the country was experiencing at the time, that all things being equal, by the year 2025, Nigeria would be among the top 20 economies in the world; that was Goldman Sachs’ prediction. So, the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, asked, ‘what if we increased the pace of our efforts and development, wouldn’t we achieve the same target sooner than later?’ They said it was really entirely up to us. In their view, if we increased our efforts towards this objective, we could achieve the same target by the year 2020. So, what the then president did was to say fine, ‘let us have 20:2020 instead of 20:2025,’ that was the origin of the document. Obasanjo’s plan was that let us move faster, put in more resources and be more strategic and hopefully, we would achieve that objective. Now, that was a presidential directive. What happens after that is that you now tell the operators and in this case, the National Planning Commission, to go and work out the details.

What that meant was for the commission to be specific, in fact, like working from the answer because we already knew where we wanted to go but only needed to work out how to get there. That was exactly what we did and I was the executive secretary at the time, so I played a key role in the development of the document.

Would you say that this target can be met?

Well, at the time this document was prepared, it was based on the old GDP calculation, which was in 1990. We did not know that things had changed positively over the years because we were still using the old GDP base. At the time this discussion was taking place, we were the 38th largest economy in the world.

So, it was a quantum leap that was being expected, we were planning, bearing in mind all the challenges that we experienced in the country namely infrastructure deficiency, power in particular, roads and political instability, among others. Those were the circumstances under which we were planning and hoping to achieve this milestone. But what has become interesting is that President Goodluck Jonathan has not only come in and sustained the momentum, he is, in fact, doing things that people thought were difficult.

How is it happening?

Today, it is generally acclaimed that we have achieved massive improvement in our roads infrastructure; it is also true that we now have a train system in place, it is working. People and goods are being moved from Kano to Lagos and other places. It is also not controvertible that our agriculture is in the state of boom, it is also not untrue that for the first time, we are having an industrial revolution plan. It is clear too for anyone who cares to listen that for the first time, we have self-sufficiency in the production of cement. Currently, we produce about 28 million metric tons of cement whereas our national need is about 19 million metric tons.

Why did government rebase the GDP? When we decided as a government that we were going to change the base of the calculation of our economy, it was for a good reason. Nigeria’s economy was being assessed as an underdeveloped economy 24 years ago, forgetting that when we had the GDP basis in 1990, there was no GSM, there was no Nollywood and so many other important sectors that have contributed massively to the growth that we are experiencing today. So, what we said was that let us stop this thing. Globally, the basis of countries’ economies are checked every five years, in the United States, it is every two years, but in our case, for 24years, we never did that. It takes a bold administration to say, look, let us

Monye

go ahead and rebase the economy.

We knew it was going to be a controversial issue, people would say that we have forged the figures, there is manipulation, so, what we did was to invite International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and other international agencies to come and look at the methodology that we were planning to deploy. We invited them to stay on the board so that they become the umpire and mouthpiece that we have not done anything inappropriate in the process and went to do the rebasing. The result is that not only do we now have an economic data that is incontrovertible, for the first time, we have a data that the World Bank, IMF and the African Development Bank (AfDB) automatically endorsed because they were all part of it. All international agencies have said this is the correct figure and that means we emerged from being the 35th economy in the world to 26th. So, today, with six years to go with 20:20, we have achieved that massive jump. That gives us room for optimism that hopefully, by the year 2020, we will be among the twenty largest economies in the world.

But the concern has been how this has impacted or improved the living condition of citizens?

For you to know whether you need plenty of fabrics to sew your suit, you need to know your size that is why a tailor comes to measure you. A tailor cannot just sew a cloth for you just by looking at you. So, the first thing is for us to know who we are and that is exactly what we did.

By knowing who we are through the rebasing, we have simply understood the size of our economy. How would that put money in people’s pickets or life style? So, when people say does the size of the economy now translate to welfare, no. However, what it does for government is that it now tells you the structure of your economy which will enable you have the right policies to support those areas that are growing the economy and those that are creating jobs so that people can become better engaged.

Mr President, in 2012, signed a performance contract with his ministers. You are in charge of project and policy monitoring. Has this achieved any result?

What doesn’t have criteria cannot be assessed. In the past, we used to have, every year, some newspapers carry out assessment of ministers. They would say this min-

Today, it is generally acclaimed that we have achieved massive improvement in our roads infrastructure; it is also true that we now have a train system in place

ister is a top performer above average, the other one is below average. The question I asked then was that, on what criteria were they doing that?

What the President did was that going forward, we needed to know how well our people are doing and that is why you now have performance criteria that has been developed by the president in collaboration with the National Planning to say ‘look, we need you to deliver A, B, C. For you to deliver on these three you need the following resources and therefore you will be held responsible for non-delivery.’ Ministers with this same arrangement had performance contracts with their permanent secretaries, down to the directors and are cascading down. The whole idea is accountability and transparency in every institution. My job as special adviser to the president on performance monitoring is to advise him based on the parameters and the results that we have agg re g ated whether a minister is delivering on his mandate or not.

Why are we yet to have stable electricity supply despite the loud talks about the successes made in the power sector?

I always tell people that it is easy to damage facilities.

You know we have a lot of challenges with sabotage particularly transmission lines in the sector. If you talk to people, you know how badly our transformers are being vandalized by people. Because we feel that these things can be protected and handled better by private sector investors and that was what informed the whole idea about privatization in the power sector. We believe that over time, once the new owners have taken full grip of the facilities they have acquired, we will begin to cruise.

Everyone understands that any investor that has borrowed money from the banks will definitely not be lying idle or be hanging around with the burden of the facility on him. They are expected that they would want to recover their investments as quick as possible and that is the surest bet we have that unless they give you light, you will not pay and unless you pay, they will not have money. If they don’t have money, they won’t pay for the facility that they have secured from the banks. So, we are confident that the pressure of demand on the investors by the banks will ensure that they do the right thing in order to collect money to service their bank facilities.

What about unemployment. Why is the figure still high?

I can tell you comfortably that for the very first time in the history of this country, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has developed the methodology to actually assess the number of jobs being created in the country. Between 2012 and 2013, we created, in the average, every quarter, 400,000 jobs, meaning that on the average, we are creating per annum 1.6 million jobs. However, the impacts of the jobs being created are not immediately felt because as we are creating 1.6 million jobs, there is another 1.8 million new entrants into the unemployment market. The problem is that the residual unemployment poll that we inherited was 5.3 million out of the ones already inherited from the previous administration plus another poll of 200,000 that has not been taken care of. So, what you have is a massive poll. This is one of the reasons why government said let us think about the solution, but to do this will not be the regular job creation. We need to do the unorthodox things that will support the job possibilities from the private sector. As you can know, it is not really the responsibility of government to create jobs but to create the enabling environment that would allow private sector move in, make profit and flourish.

The more money they make the more investments and therefore more jobs are created. One good example is the establishment of the YouWin programme, which is to look into the challenges of entrepreneurs, including lack of access to financing.

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BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Need for retail investors’ education

Oscar Onyema

Aruma Oteh

Chris Ugwu

This is a relatively difficult task because regulators never recommend the acquisition of specific securities and want to avoid giving the impression of indirectly doing so. An important concept is underlying investor education efforts, i.e. improving the chances that investors will take by themselves investment decisions that suit their specific needs. This would no doubt, increase confidence in securities markets as well as improve the general performance of those markets.

Educated investors understand their rights and are more likely to contact market intermediaries and regulators to obtain additional information or file complaints. Educated investors play an important “watchdog role”, which increases the likelihood that regulators will identify potential fraud and abuse situations before effective damage occurs.

S

tock markets generally provide new investment opportunities such as elevated economic growth rates, higher expected returns and diversification benefits amongst others. But there are also risks to both the retail and institutional investors.

Global meltdown Consequently, there is need to educate investors who take positions on stocks and other securities, which are more complex and volatile than other markets, especially after the global financial meltdown that created crisis of confidence on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Investors on the Exchange like their counterparts world over need to be well informed to make efficient and informed decisions about various investment products in the market and avoid market scams.

Besides, investors need to learn taking the responsibility for their financial decisions. The regulator is however, always blamed for their bad investment decisions, illiteracy, and misconducts.

Since education helps in improving financial literacy of investors, the most effective investor protection starts with a well-informed and educated investor.

In the light of the lessons learned from the stock market collapse, there is a need to strengthen the Exchange’s investor education/awareness function, especially for retail investors - now Nigeria and other emerging-markets are witnessing a fresh wave of investment inflows.

Investment education Retail investor education programmes help investors and the general public to understand the role played by regulators. This increased awareness of the regulatory process may lead to greater feedback from investors, in particular with respect to the nature of the information regarded as most useful to take an investment decision.

Several regulators have provided investors with risk assessment tools as part of their education effort. Some have even gone as far as including financial literacy in the curriculum used in workplaces, community groups and schools.

Bridging communication gap However in Nigeria, some market watchers had argued that regulators are not doing enough in retail investors’ education. They insist that this is the reason why shareholders always misunderstand policy decisions taken by the regulators.

For instance, the recent plan by the NSE to delist about 21 other quoted companies from its daily official list for breaching post -listing requirements, which was seen by the regulator as a move to further give investors protection was greeted by knocks and condemnations by some shareholders.

Reacting to the development, some shareholders in the capital market had decried inability of the Exchange to engage in consultation with shareholders before the decision to delist.

The shareholders, who lamented that investors, especially domestic retail investors, always suffered significant losses whenever companies were delisted, said there was the need for the Exchange to provide more information about how it arrived at its decision.

Consequently, investor education becomes more imperative given the fact that many ignorant investors had burnt their fingers by investing in some of the dormant companies, which do not furnish the market with their financials. It was therefore not surprising that the NSE recently had to wield the big stick by giving notice to some companies on intention to delist them from its official list for violating

Bisi Onasanya

post-listing requirements.

Experts’ perspective Due to low level of investment education in the country, market operators have called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NSE to collaborate with market operators for a better-structured public awareness campaign about the stock market.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Crane Securities Limited, Mr. Mike Eze, who made the call, said that public apprehension of the capital market would substantially be allayed with a better structured public awareness campaign to be jointly anchored by NSE, SEC and market operators for the education of shareholders and the protection of their interests, especially the small stock holders.

He said the average Nigerian investor suffered considerably, with many losers being first-time investors, essentially unaware of the workings of the market and relying on rising share prices, hunches and herds syndrome for their share-buying decisions.

“While considerable efforts have been made by NSE and SEC to educate shareholders and address some of their complaints, I believe the public apprehension of the capital market will substantially be allayed with a better structured public awareness campaign to be jointly anchored by NSE, SEC and market operators for the education of shareholders and the protection of their interests, especially the small stock holders,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, had at a forum, said the task in this regard is not to help retail investors choose, which stocks to invest in, but to help prevent their being defrauded.

“In particular, a key deliverable is to bring retail investors up to scratch on

For the recovery of capital market to be sustained and investor confidence fully restored, active investor sensitisation and education are essential

the long-term nature of investments in the capital market. This will help dispel the sense that evolved on the back of the rapid price gains on the floor of the market in the period leading up to 2007 that the Exchange is a source of quick, high yielding returns.

Ultimately, an institutional approach to retail investor education should help rebuild retail investor confidence, embed the current reforms, while reinforcing transparency and accountability.

Regulatory efforts For what seems to be a an opening at the end of tunnel, the Exchange had in March this year organised investors clinic for shareholders’ association where the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Oscar Onyema, reiterated the Exchange’s commitment to maintain zero tolerance posture on dealing member firms and quoted companies on violations of rules and regulations.

He noted in the first quarter of 2014, local investors participation in the market stood at over 50 per cent (50.72 per cent) compared with the 49.28 per cent foreign participation.

“It can be recalled that as at end of first quarter 2013, local investors accounted for close to 60% of transaction value in the Nigerian capital market, while foreign investors were responsible for about 40%; this turn of events contrasted sharply with the circumstances between 2009 and the first half of 2012 when local investors eschewed the market on account of losses they sustained in the aftermath of the near meltdown of 2008 with transaction values being controlled by foreign investors to the tune of 80% in certain instances,” he said.

But safe for zero allocation, which has crippled the SEC from advancing the course of retail investment education, the Commission under leadership of Ms. Arunma Oteh had outlined various investor education strategies and outreach programmes to improve the understanding of the retail investor and restore investor confidence.

Conclusion For the recovery of capital market to be sustained and investor confidence fully restored, active investor sensitisation and education are essential. In the light of this, the SEC and NSE need to do more towards investor education to rebuild confidence in the market.

BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Unity beckons on factionalised marketing body HOPE Professional marketers set for reconciliation Stories by Dele Alao

W

hen the history of professional bodies in Nigeria is being written, the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) will go down as the most troubled body.

Since 2003 when the Act of Parliament No. 25 was enacted to unite the two hitherto separate marketing bodies - Nigerian Marketing Association (NIMARK) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing of Ni-

geria (CIMN), to become the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, peace has eluded the body.

Ever since, the two groups have laid claim to NIMN’s legitimacy. The two operates separate secretariats of the body. One secretariat, headed

by Rotimi Adeyeye, after Chief Femi Odufowokan, of the Gold Card House, Lagos, while the other, headed by Ganiyu Koledoye, stays at Niger Insurance House, Anthony, Lagos.

Interestingly, both adopted the same logo until last May when the Koledoye-led faction said that its faction would rebrand.

Koledoye disclosed then that the institute will change its logo, which he said is no

longer in tune with contemporary marketing vision. Besides, the old logo, he said, has been conflicting with the other parallel marketing body.

But last week, the two factions came together publicly to announce their yearning to shield their swords. This was as a sequel to meetings by a reconciliation committee set up for the purpose of uniting the two factions. The committee was headed by the duo of Dr. Ify Uriah from the Koledoye-led faction and Alhaji R. Abdullahi from the Adeyeye-led faction.

Both factions, at a ceremony in Lagos, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Koledoye said that the coming together of the two

warring parties would go a long way in fast-tracking the repositioning exercise of the council which the professional body had embarked upon in the past few months.

On the latest peace initiative, Koledoye said: “Let me express my sincere thanks to the elders in the profession who have made this peace move a success. I wish to assure everybody here today that never again should we allow ourselves to be made a mockery of. There is no professional body that does not experience conflict, but I think ours is like this because we do not really know how to manage our affairs, especially our disagreements.

“We have allowed faulty thinking to get the better of us.

But as from today, I wish to assure that we have all agreed to come together and forget our differences in the interest of the profession,” he added.

Adeyeye and Koledoye who were joined by other stakeholders to sign the MoU, expressed satisfaction at the outcome, stating their age-long desire to unite as one body that would propagate the values of the institute.

Reacting to the development in a telephone interview, Odufowkan said that the latest peace move is a welcome development, at least for the sake of the profession.

“It is in order and necessary to be done in the interest of marketing profession,” he said.

OSMI lauds corporate brands on Brazil 2014 T

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Deputy Governor, Mrs Joke Orelope-Adefulire; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr Seye Oladejo; Managing Director, Ruff 'N' Tumble, Mrs Nike Ogunlesi and Managing Director/CEO, Auldon Toys Ltd, Mr Paul Orajiaka, during the 2014 Enterprise Day in Lagos

Myer fruit juice leverages on health needs of consumers of a premium famPnewromoters ily health drink brand, the Myer Fruit Juice, have

reiterated its commitment to improving family health in Nigeria through the fruit juice, which comes in different variants.

The company’s management and its marketing partners gave this pledge at a recent forum to herald the brand into the Lagos market.

Speaking at the forum, sole distributor for Lagos Zone, Mrs Aisha Funsho, said: “Myer fruit juice is produced to the best of international standards with the health consciousness of our consumers at heart.

Presently, Myer Fruit Juice comes in eight variants, namely mango, orange, tropical fruits, pineapple, mixed fruit, apple, lemon and orange squeeze.”

She added: “In terms of taste and market acceptability, Myer Fruit Juice has been well accepted by our co-distributors and other retailers. Beyond that, more consumers are now taking Myer as a family fruit juice.”

Mrs Funsho reiterated that her commitment to marketing only products that enhance family health attracted her distribution company to marketing Myer Fruit Juice. She noted further that feelers from her numerous customers have

been hugely impressive.

Representative of Myer Industries Limited who is also the company’s Field Marketing Manager, Vera Ye, said: “All our products are made from the finest organic fruits and comprise 100 per cent natural ingredients. They are manufactured for consumers to get the best of nutrition and are produced in response to existing

consumer insights.”

Vera explained further that the company is determined to support all its existing distributors and new ones that are about to come on board.

Myer fruit Juice has joined a burgeoning market even as acceptance of fruit Juice products among Nigerians continue to rise.

Airtel deepens Internet market share Nigeria has taken yet Ationirtel another bold step in realisaof its corporate vision of

becoming the No1 mobile Internet service provider in Nigeria as it introduces Internet Bundles for Android devices.

According to Airtel, the new value offering, which is first of its kind in the country, is consistent with its key objective of providing innovative and affordable mobile Internet solutions that will make life simpler, exciting and more enjoyable for telecoms consumers across the country.

The new Android Internet Bundle plan is specifically tailored to empower Android users to connect with business associates, family and friends and also enable them enjoy an amazing data experience on their smartphones.

The Bundle plan comes in two variants - the Android 2.0,

which comes with 2GB data designed for medium Internet users and the Android Bundle 4.5 with 4.5GB data is tailored for high Internet consumers.

Speaking on the new value offering, the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Maurice Newa, said that Airtel will continue to blaze the trail in revolutionising the mobile Internet landscape in Nigeria with highly innovative and affordable solutions.

“At Airtel, we are positioned as Nigeria’s number one mobile Internet company just as we are committed to making life simpler, more enjoyable and really exciting for our customers. We understand that our Internet bundle for Android users will help increase productivity, boost personal relations, family happiness and business profitability,” he said.

he exclusive 2014 FIFA World Cup terrestrial broadcast rights owners for the Nigerian territory, Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), has applauded its partners, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), sponsors and the various corporate organisations for their support towards a successful broadcast of the just-concluded FIFA World Cup which held in Brazil.

BON is the umbrella body of radio and television stations across the country and partnered with OSMI to broadcast all the 64 matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to Nigerians free.

Airtel, Coca-Cola, Guinness, Ecobank, Alomo Bitters and NNPC are some of the corporate brands that patronised OSMI during the broadcast.

OSMI’s Managing Director, Mr Kunle Falodun, said that the generous patronage and support of the broadcast stations, sponsors and supporting brands made the transmission of the matches to Nigerians possible.

He said: “The OSMI vision is to provide premium sports contents to the generality of

Nigerians without having to pay to enjoy such programmes and we have been doing this consistently for over ten years now. For followers of sports, especially football, we delivered on this objective with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as we transmitted all the 64 matches.

“We appreciate BON for the achievement of this feat and their unrelenting support and for being our ally over the years. Through their wide network, OSMI was able to reach the nooks and crannies of Nigeria with the matches.

We are immensely grateful to BON, our corporate sponsors and advertisers also deserve worthy commendation for standing by us all through the competition. Putting a project of this magnitude on terrestrial broadcast platforms is an expensive and risky venture, but the corporate sponsors supported us to the best of their ability. Without the support of these two key partners, millions of Nigerians would have been denied the golden opportunity of being part of the World Cup experience in Brazil,” he added.

Unilever aims to ‘reinvent e-commerce’ is running its first Uasnilever “consumer-facing” hackathon it looks for new ways to work

with the technology start-up community and ensure it is at the forefront of digital innovation.

The event, run in conjunction with events company, 3beards, is invite-only and open to people working in the tech sector.

Sheduled for August 6 and 7, it request participants to come up with a “100 per cent original” idea on how Unilever can influence the purchasing decisions of someone shopping for personal care products before they reach a retailer’s website.

Unilever executives including Marc Mathieu, global senior vice president of marketing, global SVP of ecommerce, Keith Higgins and the vice presi-

dent of brand building personal care in the UK and Ireland, Mark Bleathman, will judge the entrants. Unilever says it is looking for ideas it can bring to market and so it could commission some of the ideas.

The hackathon is being run in conjunction with The Unilever Foundry, the company’s global start-up platform that offers mentorship and investment opportunities to digital marketing start-ups.

It is presently looking for start-ups to help with the socalled internet of things, asking them to create technology for smart bathrooms, smart ice cream cabinets, smart packaging and smart wardrobes with successful applicants receiving $50,000 to fund a pilot.

38 BUSINESS

CAPTURED Smugglers planned to bring contrabands through illegal routes

T

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 2,446 bags of rice, valued at N30 million from smugglers in the last two weeks in Oyo and Osun states Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Richard Oteri, said that 23 vehicles were involved in the smuggling activities and that they were apprehended on Ilero-Otu road, Saki-Iseyin road and Alaraba village.

He added: “In the face of challenging security situation in the country, the Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up its security function in the area of policing our border line in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.

“We have continued to re-

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Customs seizes N30m rice, vehicles in Osun, Oyo

•N5m frozen poultry products confiscated at Seme cord victory over economic saboteurs and in the last two weeks, this command made some seizures because of the vigilance of its men. A DAF truck with number plate XA 997 FKY loaded with 610 bags of rice was arrested while another Volvo truck with number plate KSF 731 XE was also caught with 298 bags of rice. In another intelligence operation, 21 fairly used vehicles were seized with 1,538 bags of rice.

It is estimated that the bags of rice is worth around N29m.”

Also, in its anti-smuggling campaign, the Seme Area

Command of the Nigeria Customs has seized prohibited frozen poultry products worth N5 million in the bush paths of Seme border.

Seme, which is the border station of Nigeria with her immediate neighbour to the west, Benin Republic, is the busiest international border of Africa’s most populous country and biggest economy.

In an attempt to beat the dragnet routinely deployed through the various patrol teams of the NCS Seme Area Command, the smugglers planned to bring the contra-

Siezed contrabands

band poultry products through illegal routes, which are unapproved and were intercepted by vigilant Customs operatives.

Customs Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent Ernest Ollottah, said: “On sighting our opera-

tives from afar in the bush, the smugglers tried to reverse to the Republic of Benin, and, not being able to do so, fled into the bush, abandoning their wares and the three vehicles being used to convey the banned goods.”

FG gives deadline for Warri port concession National Council on Prihas declared AuTgusthevatisation 7, 2014, as deadline for the

concession of Terminal “B” of Warri Old Port.

It was learnt that after the date, no submission of expressions of interest by prospective investors would be granted.

In a statement by the Head of Public Communication, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Chigbo Anichebe, the agency would now accept Expressions of Interests (EOIs) till Thursday August 7.

The Federal Government had said that prospective concessionaires must be experienced local or international operators who would be required to manage and operate the terminal for a minimum period of 25 years with the option of renewal.

Prospective concessionaires are expected to invest in the construction of the stacking area, administrative block, warehouse and clinic,

rehabilitation of existing facilities and undertake further developments in the terminal.

Interested firms must also present a verifiable evidence of successful investment and technical competence in maritime operations, with proven ability to operate a port terminal.

Each applicant is also expected to have a minimum of $150 million tangible net worth.

The BPE said that each applicant must have a minimum of 15 years experience in the efficient operations of a multipurpose port terminal with recorded improvement of cargo turn-around time.

A statement of technical and operational capabilities, indicating manpower and number of years in maritime business operations with both local and international experience in port terminal operations specified and a letter of consent by professionals indicating interest to work must also be submitted.

NIMASA spends N3.185bn on seafarers, cadets’ training CHALLENGE Seafareers' training still a challenge Bayo Akomolafe

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has spent N3.182 billion on registered 3,938 seafarers, as well as 44 cadets on board Cabotage vessels.

It was learnt that the agency spent N8 million on each beneficiary.

Also, the agency had introduced a programme for ratings under which 200 beneficiaries will be sent to the Philippines for training, while another set of 100 beneficiaries will also to proceed to Malaysia for the same exercise.

Director General of the agency, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, disclosed this in Lagos at a press

conference.

Represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Capt Ezekiel Bala Agaba, the director general explained that NIMASA had trained 1,498 dock workers in the first half of 2014.

He acknowledged that the issue of sea time training had been a major challenge for Nigerian seafarers in the past and that NIMASA’s policy of quietly placing seafarers on board Cabotage vessels had recorded tremendous success.

Akpobolokemi stressed: “If we decide to go and hire or procure a vessel to train cadets, we are looking at N23 million per year on each cadet, and I am sure you know that NIMASA currently cannot afford that, they are not funded by government, it is funded by three per cent of vessels that come to Nigeria. If our trade goes down and vessels don’t come, we don’t earn money,

there is no point hiring vessels that we won’t be able to maintain.

“This is why we have decided to go a cheaper road by sending the cadets to available vessels all over the world and the cost goes down from N23 million by owning a vessel to about N8 million per cadet, which is being prudent.

“We are not relenting in our quest to ensure that all beneficiaries of this programme acquire sea-time training, which was a challenge in the past.”

He said that the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) being spearheaded by NIMASA in partnership with various state governments, recently received a boost with Plateau State being the new entrant and bringing the number of participating states to17.

Akpobolokemi added that NIMASA was making effort to place cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron,

Akwa-Ibom State, to perform their sea-time training on vessels across the world.

He noted that training and retraining of dockworkers was an on-going exercise.

Apart from the 1,497 dockworkers trained by the agency, he explained that 810 seafarers had also acquired the Standard of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping (STCW ’95) in the last six months.

“The training is to bring them up to date with the amended basic mandatory training, tanker familiarisation and engine/ deck watch keeping, among others,” he said.

The Director General also hinted that the agency would establish a national carrier.

He said: “NIMASA has also been at the forefront in bringing alive the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative that has been very productive under the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is based on this premise that the

agency is working at actualising the establishment of a national carrier line.

“The national carrier line will re-establish the presence of Nigerian flag in international water; provide training and retraining of the Nigerian seafarers while also serving as a catalyst for shipping development in the country with a resultant positive impact on the nation’s economy.

“The new national carrier line will be largely driven by the private sector that will be solely responsible for the operation and management of the company. Detailed modalities and concept will be made public in due course.”

He added that the national carrier would benefit from Nigerian content development policy; Cabotage Law; the public sector scheme which provides for exclusive carriage right of all public sector cargoes at all levels of government, among others.

BUSINESS | MARITIME

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

39

NIMASA to reverse Nigeria's terms of trade

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is to reverse Nigeria's terms of trade with other countries within the shortest possible time frame.

NIMASA explained that Nigeria remains the only member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) without a national carrier and whose crude oil is sold Free on Board.

Director General of the agency, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, disclosed this at the ship owners’ cocktail night organised by Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said: “We all know the problems we are facing in the

country; problems of cargo, funding and patronage, among others. It is not easy doing things in Nigeria because of the level of bureaucracy, the various contacts that have to be made for things to move.

But no matter how difficult things are, we must not be discouraged. Just keep working and putting more effort to get to where we are going to.

Akpobolokemi said: “Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) would play active role in the formation of the new national shipping line proposed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).”

The director general explained that NISA members would soon be formally invited

to join a committee that would be set up by NIMASA for actualisation of the national carrier project. The project, according to him, is for the benefit of Nigerian ship owners and the Nigerian economy.

He said: “I thank the leadership of Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) for inviting the management of NIMASA to this dinner/interactive session. I think we need more of these informal meetings where we can freely discuss issues and brainstorm on things that are affecting the shipping industry in Nigeria.

“I am particularly grateful to the chairman because he has been supportive of the agency and I think we also need to reciprocate.

“This year, I made a promise to NISA and the other stakeholders that we should get a national carrier comeback as quickly as possible. We have started the talks, negotiations and brainstorming.

“NISA is going to play a very crucial role in this regard, therefore the leadership of NISA should make themselves available for meetings, the engagement that will make this thing happen because this is just about one of the countries in OPEC that we have this sad situation and we must correct it, particularly this administration where we have a president that can listen to issues that concerns maritime.

“We must not throw away this opportunity. I believe if

Barge bringing in imported vehicles to Nigeria

PROJECT New port to commence operation in less than three years in Lagos

A

t least, $1.5 billion would be invested in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) project before it commences operation in 2017.

The fund is expected to be provided by the promoters along with the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State government.

The Director of Finance (LFTZ), Mr Kundan Sainani, disclosed this when top management team of Nigeria Shippers’ Council visited the consultants’ firm, Tolaram Group, in Lekki, Lagos.

Sainani said that there was the need for new facilities to spring up to help the micro economic growth of the country following the present traffic gridlock and congestions in Lagos ports.

He noted that statistics had revealed that containerised cargo demand in the country was on the increase and there were capacity constraints at

we work very hard, it should take some few months for us to achieve that. It’s not a difficult thing to achieve.”

NISA Chairman, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, said that the association was rebranding to meet with the challenges of modern times.

He noted: “The aim of this event is to enhance our effort at rebranding the association and making it an all-inclusive, vibrant association that represents our collective interest.

“In the year 2003 at the advent of Cabotage Act, a few of us - Capt. Iheanacho, Capt Niyi Labinjo and my humble self, conceived the idea of an association that will represent the interest of the Nigerian Shipowners in the country. I am glad that this idea gave birth to what we have here today.

“However, there has been many challenges, setbacks and what have you, despite all these challenges we are glad to say that the association is still forging on.”

Jolapamo added that the quest to reposition the association was to enable it take its place in the development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.

The chairman said that a fresh election will be held in the third quarter of the year to usher in new leadership for the association.

He said: “In the twilight of my handing over the management of the affairs of the association to the would-be newly elected leader, I will like to emphasise that it is important for all shipowners to stand as one as our division has provided opportunity for foreigners to exploit and deprive us our benefits as enshrined in the Cabotage Act.”

Lekki Free Trade Zone to gulp $1.3bn before 2017 the Lagos ports, saying that the Lekki port would provide a lasting solution to the problem.

Sainani assured Nigerians that the LFTZ would be built with state-of-the-art facility that will be technologicallydriven and also provide effective and efficient port operation.

The director noted that private operation in the LFTZ would bring about effective performance in port operations, adding that the port will commence operations in 2017.

He added that the multipurpose port comprises of liquid, container and bulk terminals, with 1,500 metre quayside and 14 meters draught.

Sainani stressed that the project was 100 per cent owned

by Singapore-based company, Tolaram Group, which was approved by the presidency in 2012.

He said: “Railway facility is important in this kind of project because that is what happens elsewhere in the world,

but you are equally aware that it will take a longer time to be completed.”

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, called for proper road and rail network in the

Proposed Lekki Deep Water port

free trade zone to avoid what stakeholders are currently facing in Apapa.

He said that there was need the for the LFTZ to provide proper road network to avoid what is being experienced at

the Lagos Ports of Apapa and Tin Can Island, adding that the Lekki Free Trade Zone is the base to address such issues.

Bello also commended the on-going development, adding that it will be a modern port.

40 POLITICS Adeyanju Binuyo

‘S

tomach Infrastructure’ is the lesson we are supposed to take away from the recently concluded Ekiti gubernatorial election. Stomach infrastructure refers to politicians providing handouts for the voters to fill their stomach (primarily on voting day or few days before). A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain was quoted as saying derisively; “We know the Osun voter are not worth more than N10,000 and a bag of rice and we definitely have that in abundance”. Such is the disdainful conclusion and the pitiful value they have placed on the state and the voters.

A huge slap on the Yoruba race This cynical theory goes along the myopic lines of “it’s when your stomach is totally taken care of that you can think of making use of the social amenities and infrastructure”. The better saying in my opinion is “give a man a piece of fish and you feed him for a day.

Teach him to fish and you feed him for life.” Stomach infrastructure without investing in more sustainable social amenities and infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and roads, inadvertently condemns the population to famine after feasting for one day.

The generally held belief in relation to Dr Kayode Fayemi’s defeat in the June 21st, 2014 election is that while he was busy developing social infrastructure, his opponent was taking care of the stomachs of the people in form of distribution of rice and cash. The rest is history as Fayose with his theory of ‘stomach infrastructure’ outsmarted the man ensuring the availability of social infrastructure.

Looking beyond the initial description, some academics have gone further to say that ‘stomach infrastructure’ does not rest on food alone; it includes the politician’s personal relationship with the people; his regular and constant interaction and socializing with them.

There have been several tales of how Fayose developed cordial relationship with the ordinary citizens in Ekiti State, interacting with them, attending their social functions, eating with them and of course, constantly giving them food.

There have been several tales too, of how that theory will be ‘imported’ to Osun State to assist the PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in winning the August 9th, 2014 gubernatorial elections in the state. Unfortunately for PDP in Osun, Omisore is no Fayose and he is up against a man of the people, one with such a popular touch that even the governor-elect of Ekiti State will acknowledge.

The sight of Omisore trying in vain to convince the people that he too can ride on “okada” has crept into our consciousness. An Omisore going to the market to buy roasted corn but guarded by masked security men, inadvertently scaring away the people he is trying in vain to impress. We see an Omisore awkwardly holding two ears of corn, a failed publicity stunt!

PDP and its backers have forgotten other things, including the important fact that dynamics in Osun are clearly different from that of Ekiti State; that they are dealing with an Aregbesola who is not just more popular than Fayose but who has also invented and developed his own brand of ‘stomach infrastructure’ which has proven more profitable, more positive and more progressive than the shallow and retrogressive intent bandied about by the PDP and its backers.

Suffice to add that Ogbeni, inadvertently through his actions in and outside the Government House has invented a ‘stomach infrastructure’ that has stood the test of time.

As a commissioner in Lagos State, his office received the highest number of visitors, more than that of the then governor with his residence always a beehive of activities. Even after leaving office as a commissioner, Aregbesola never alienated himself from the public.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The dynamics of stomach infrastructure as Greek gift

Aregbesola

It is on record that he always attended to visitors in his private offices in Lagos up until the wee hours of the morning; selflessness that is so ingrained in him, he continues to do so with relish even as a governor.

Aregbesola’s personal life thus, defined his programs as governor, as symbolised by his people-oriented administration. His six-point Integral Action was anchored on providing programs and projects that will positively and directly impact on the ordinary man on the streets. By so doing, Aregbesola has invented a more expansive ‘stomach infrastructure’ program in Osun to the extent that even though PDP has come with their cosmetic ‘stomach infrastructure’, the people are not in any way impressed because they have a better and longer lasting form in the programs of the Ogbeni.

What stomach infrastructure can be more effective than provision of employment for youths? This was the first thing the Aregbesola administration tackled in his first 100 days in office. Through the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), 20,000 youths were employed and today the number has risen to 40,000. Most of these youths now work as teachers and computer analysts in the various agencies established by the governor.

PDP and their candidates’ stomach infrastructure is based on distribution of N10,000 and a “Kongo” of rice; Aregbesola’s administration has introduced an education reform program, a longer lasting form of stomach infrastructure, for thousands of people. Through the education reform program, 300,000 pupils are fed daily in public elementary schools in the state while 750,000 students were given free school uniforms (with more

What stomach infrastructure can be more effective than provision of employment for youths?

Omisore

still being reeled out).

The ripple effect of the reform program has been the creation of sources of income for up to 3,000 food vendors who serve the pupils daily, with the free school uniform program creating jobs for more than 3,000 fashion designers.

The free meal program has greatly encouraged poultry farming in the state so much so that at the last count, the number of poultry farmers in the state had risen to over 1,000. In addition, over 1,000 farmers have been empowered by the Aregbesola administration to provide the needed raw “food” materials to sustain the free meal program.

Still on education, on Friday, July 18th, 2014, the Aregbesola administration rolled out its Omoluwabi Free Scholars’ Bus, which will take students to and from schools daily. The free scholars’ bus is providing “stomach infrastructure” to drivers and conductors who have been employed to operate the fleet of buses.

Aregbesola administration recognizes the old and the vulnerable and extends N10,000 monthly stipends to over 1,600 beneficiaries in the ‘Agba Osun’ Scheme. Yet again, on Thursday, July 17th, 2014, 2,250 households in Osun State benefitted from another program called “Conditional Cash Transfer” (CCT). In this scheme, selected households headed by women will be given stipends of N5,000 monthly for 11 months during which time they will undergo free vocational training. At the end of the 12th month, each will be given N100, 000 to start the trade in which they have undergone training. Can there be a better or more sincere ‘stomach infrastructure’ compared to this?

Can anybody say there is a better ‘stomach infrastructure’ than thousands of employment to youths working in the urban renewal program of the Aregbesola administration in agencies such as O’Clean, O’Ambulance, O’Renewal, O’Yestech and O’School? Definitely not!

Wherever he goes, wherever he works and wherever he resides, Aregbesola has always been and continues to identify with the ordinary man on the streets.

On assumption of office, it was always common sight, the governor stopping his convoy to interact with people. He introduced the ‘Walk to Live’ where he,

alongside members of the State Executive Council, as well as the people on the streets embarked on fitness walk monthly. Through this program, Governor Aregbesola walked in the midst of the people, interacting and joking freely with them with the climax of such events being a rally where he addressed the people on the importance of keeping themselves fit and other salient state issues.

He is arguably the only governor in Nigeria who regularly communicates and intermingles with the people of his state wherein the people are free to engage him in a no holds-barred interactive sessions about the programs of his administration. ‘Ogbeni Till Daybreak’ is an eight-hour non-stop interactive program from night till dawn in which the people are given free time to ask any question. Another of such programs is ‘Gbangba Dekun’ which is also interactive between the governor and the people.

To show Ogbeni’s love for the people and his desire to always mingle and interact with them, the three programs i.e.

Walk To Live, Ogbeni Till Daybreak and Gbangba Dekun, are rotated round the major communities in the state with the people given the opportunity to air their views on the Aregbesola administration and directly contact the governor.

Because each community has peculiar problems, the Aregbesola administration has painstakingly taken its time to address each problem, the result being the ongoing massive development in Osun, a marriage of stomach infrastructure and its social counterpart.

For Osun voters, stomach infrastructure is NOT about being given a fish today but about learning to fish for tomorrow. It’s about empowerment. It’s about employment. It’s about functional education. It’s about efficient and effective health care delivery service. It’s about durable social infrastructure. All these they definitely have in abundance, hence their rejection of the strange, narrow-minded and retrogressive ‘stomach infrastructure’ or the Greek Gift imported from Ekiti.

Need we say it again: In Osun, Stomach infrastructure is not about a “Kongo” of rice and N10, 000. Osun is not Ekiti!

•Binuyo writes from Inisa, Osun State

POLITICS 41

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Hon Goodluck Idele is the Transition Committee Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Delta State. In this interview with Journalists in Ughelli, he spoke extensively on the allegation levied against him by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Delta State Chapter, and the need to introduce ‘Clocking Machines’ at the local government level to properly checkmate and know the actual strength of staff among other salient issues.

GABRIEL CHOBA reports We understand that NULGE, Delta state wants you removed as the transition committee chairman. What’s the issue in contention?

Well, it is a very long issue. I was sworn in to office on November 12th, 2012; and when I took over, they handed over to me 623 council staff excluding teachers.

Again I met a backlog of two and half month unpaid salaries of both senior and junior staff that I inherited. Although we are just a transition committee, I was able to clear all these backlog within three months. But after paying the backlog, we decided to look inward in terms of the staff strength because I could not feel the impact of workers in the council. Then I called my head of Personnel Management (HPM) and asked how many people are supposed to be working outside this council?

I further called members of my committee to look critically into the issue because when you have over 500 staff on ground and you get to such council, it should be booming with activities. So we decided that there must be an internal personnel audit which was done and at the end of the day, they began to call their brothers and sisters wherever they were to attend. And I tell you, for that one month that we did it, the council was filled up. I saw all manner of persons that I have never seen before. At the end of the exercise we discovered about hundred persons who did not come to work and could not be accounted for.

But then there was an internal audit, giving room for excuses; those who were on maternity leave, official excuse and all the lot, NULGE came in. so we set up a joint committee comprising of NULGE and members of transition committee with a view to clearing who ever has been indicted. Eventually, about 50 persons were indicted after the screening exercise by the committee; thereby reducing the staff strength from 623 to 573 which means about 50 persons could not be accounted for; thereby removing them from the pay roll.

But my brother, that did not go well with them because it affected the checkup dues of NULGE. There was another time I called my HPM to organize a meeting of all staff excluding those who work with traditional rulers, health centers and others which we put at 95. And after that meeting with the staff, my HPM said only 135 of 138 attended the meeting, and what does this profess? It means that a lot of them are not on ground. So it needs management to so decide. And this I must tell you is a major leak to the finances of the state. This I must tell you is the major leak I have discovered that makes

For development, plug leakages, not scraping LGs –Idele the health centers in Isoko South. What baffles me is that the NULGE president is a health worker who knows that when you even declare a strike action, health is exempted because it is essential utility; yet he ordered that they should close down because they don’t want immunization. They want problems to visit Isoko South whereas the government is trying to eradicate polio in Isoko south but I will not allow that to happen.

Did you have any major issue with NULGE before now?

I don’t have any issue with them. The problem I am having with them is that; there was a former chairman of Isoko South who was very eager to return as the transition committee chairman but was turned down because of security reports. He and others have vowed to see me go down. They recently connived with some persons and alleged that I and my vice chairman took AK47 riffle and were shooting at somebody at 5.p.m recently. As I talk to you, that case is in the force C.I.D Asaba. We went there and submitted ourselves for investigation and today I am being investigated, but the man who made the allegation has refused to show up.

How far have you improved the lot of the local government?

When I came into office there were a lot of projects that were either abandoned or not funded. After clearing the salary issue, we went ahead to complete such projects. Even the cassava factory that was opened by the governor was not fully paid for as at when I came in, we needed to pay some funds to make it up and a lot of papers were not regularized.

Our first SURE-P was done elaborately and people benefited.

Idele

NULGE want to fight me. Because we want to introduce ‘Clocking Machine’ in Isoko South Council just like what was done in the Delta State House of Assembly were clocking machines are being used.

So that is just the major point we have and they (NULGE) know that if clocking machine is introduced in Isoko south local government, and it is successful; and perhaps the staff strength is reduced from 500 to 300, other local government councils will follow suit.

So NULGE is claiming that they have one million staff and they collect N100 from each staff as check-up dues which amount to millions of naira every month; if that happens, then it reduces drastically. So they are fighting to ensure that it does not happen; they want anything to drive the Isoko South Transition Committee chairman off because he has discovered their secrets.

Are you saying that NULGE is fighting you becuase of introduction of the clocking machines?

Yes, that is the major issue; if not why are they particular about Isoko south?

You can find out from the officer in charge of salary (o/c salary) to get the details. Isoko south is owing just one and half month salary to only senior staff; junior staff is fully paid. If you go to some local government councils, they are owing three months salaries but have not gone on strike. The problem now is that Isoko South has discovered a major leak in the salary payment whereby people who are being treated as staff of the council are working in different places like Abuja, Lagos, Asaba and so on and they know that by introducing the clocking machines, if you are not on ground, you are not on ground.

When it was introduced in Delta state

The problem I am having with them is that; there was a former chairman of Isoko South who was very eager to return as the transition committee chairman but was turned down because of security reports House of Assembly, everybody now goes to work; and many people left the job.

Recently, the governor said he was coming to Isoko south to flag off the second quarter of polio sensitization programme. And what did they do? NULGE said it must never take place. They went on strike when they heard that governor was coming. It was later shifted, but they continued the industrial action and that was why the governor shifted it to Koko beach; so you can imagine.

They stopped all health centers from functioning. Do you know that when the Head of Department for Primary Health Care started the immunization in preparation for the official flag off by Governor Uduaghan, NULGE officials as instructed by their state president who was in Brazil watching the World Cup ordered that they stop people who were doing this immunization. It is evident in the report of H.O.D PHC. They drove away the officials conducting the immunization.

So we had to quickly provide alternative place where these children could be immunized because NULGE closed all

Considering the dwindling allocation that comes to your council, how did you manage that?

I can tell you that we have being making series of sacrifices. Since the month of January, I have not collected impress to run the office. I have been running the office from whatever I can lay my hands on. If you go to our secretariat, the electricity company has cut us off.

We don’t have money to buy diesel to run generators. And I buy fuel myself in my official vehicle. That is how we have been doing it because we feel that is the sacrifice we must make.

All this is because when you pay salaries, you can no longer pay impress not to talk of other services. All monies coming have been going for salaries.

And NULGE is satisfied with it because they want every money to be used for salaries alone.

There is the clamour for scraping of local governments, that it is used as conduit pipe. What’s your comment?

Well, it depends on how you look at it. Local government system is the third tier of government which is the closest to the grassroot, when you scrap it; you are exposing the state government to these people. But again it depends on the funding; what we are having is the present financial situation in Nigeria; crude oil theft and all the lot. But then when you say scrap; how do you scrap and why should you scrap?

Now if we plug all conduit pipes that you are talking about; for instance, we have been able to identify one of them in our council, then the local government will be a beautiful place because it’s a beautiful ideal and it takes the shocks.

The point is adminis tering the local government the way it ought to be administered.

42 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Registration of Northerners: Senate should apologise to Imo –Okorocha’s aide Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. In this interview with STEVE UZOECHI, he speaks on the politics of the state; the security situation in some parts of the country; the misinformation surrounding the purported registration of northerners in Imo State and other sundry issues. Excerpts What is your opinion on the insecurity challenges in some parts of the north and the challenge of insurgency in the country?

The situation is rather very disturbing, challenging and requires very decisive action devoid of political sentiments. No serious nation plays politics with issues bordering on the security of its citizenry. One of the cardinal functions of a people-oriented government is the protection of lives and properties. A particular government would be failing in its responsibilities when citizens are being slaughtered like cows and there is no solution in sight.

It calls for concern and it calls for worry because at the end of the day, those being killed are Nigerians and it doesn’t matter which political party, religious or ethnic group they are from, what matters is that lives are being wantonly destroyed.

What is expected of our leaders at various levels now is concerted effort and harnessing of ideas towards halting or bringing to an end this wanton destruction of lives and properties in various parts of the country.

And our political leaders should not for any reason inject politics into this ugly saga. It may be Mr. A today, tomorrow, it may be Mr. B and nobody knows who that Mr. B would be.

This is not a question of who is right or who is wrong; or that of PDP blaming APC or APC blaming PDP, after all, the Chibok girls are not members of any political party and majority of their distraught parents may not be members of any political party. So it is a national problem and should be seen and treated as such.

As a matter of expediency, the Federal Government should leave no stone unturned in bringing to an end the inferno called Boko Haram insurgency.

The story Nigerians are yearning to hear is that the menace of Boko Haram has been brought to an end, any other story beside that is neither here nor there.

The alleged registration of northerners in Imo, with a view to issuing them with identity cards seems to have become a convoluted issue. How do you respond to this?

The truth of the matter is that when that false allegation was raised, we reacted promptly and it got wide publicity. Even when the Senate was deceived into discussing same issue on the floor of the Senate, we also reacted promptly and strongly. In all our reactions, we were not only sincere but honest. If there was anything like that, we would have owned up and gone ahead to defend it, but we denied it because there was no such thing in Imo. We saw it as a rumour taken too far; packaged and put on sale by opponents of the government of the day in Imo state, resident in Abuja.

So they also succeeded in deceiving the Senate into deliberating and passing a resolution on a matter that never existed in the state but only existed in the imagination of those behind it. And because we are sure of our stand, we

challenged those behind the allegation to come out with their proofs because the burden of proof is always on the shoulder of the accuser.

We also challenged the Senate to show Nigerians the evidence of what they deliberated upon and passed resolution on, with a proviso that where they fail to prove their claims, they should be distinguished enough to apologize to Imo people and the government of the state for portraying us in very bad light before, not only Nigerians, but the international community.

And it might interest you to know that till date, neither the Senate nor the sponsors of the falsehood has been able to contradict our rebuttal. In other words, our honest denial remains unchallenged and we should therefore be believed.

I must also state that the target of those behind the false allegation was the governor of Imo state, Rochas Okororcha. They merely wanted to incite the north against him because they learnt he would be running for the presidency. They have also failed as usual because truth will always prevail over falsehood.

What do you suppose is the interest of those still clinging unto the falsehood even after your government’s rebuttal?

You must agree with me that there are those who have soft spot for anything evil. Their mindset is not structured to see the truth or good in anything. They respect falsehood more than hard facts and we have people like that in our society today.

People have different agenda or reasons for joining a war, so those who are holding onto the falsehood may decide to do that for political reasons and would discard it after 2015. The only problem they have is that they cannot sustain the falsehood.

We have repeatedly denied it, repeatedly challenged the accusers to make public their proofs but nobody has come up with any proof for the spurious claims against us in this matter. We are on the path of righteousness and God will always side those on the path of truth and not falsehood.

However, it doesn’t matter whether some people have refused or failed to believe our denial and clarifications.

What matters is that we have told the world the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Election is eight months away, are you convinced Governor Okorocha has met public expectations?

You have been in this state, without being told, you see the manner every governorship aspirant is talking about Okorocha and making him the centre of their agenda. That will tell you where the action is; they feel threatened by his achievements and towering political credentials.

There are more than 25 aspirants on the platform of the PDP gunning for the governorship of Imo state in 2015 and about five others in APGA. You can hardly hear them talking about their fellow aspirants, neither will you hear them talking about their programmes

Okorocha

Where they fail to prove their claims, they should be distinguished enough to apologize to Imo people and the government of the state for portraying us in very bad light before for the state. They only talk about Rochas Okorocha because they know he is the man to beat. They have all resolved to be scratching and casting stones on him and you know that when you want to go to war and you resort to scratching and casting of stones, it becomes obvious that you lack the capacity to engage in the war.

All these aspirants know the truth, and that for any of them to beat Okorocha in 2015 would be like a camel passing through the eye of the needle which is a very difficult task. Although the governor has not decided whether to pursue his presidential ambition or run for a second term in office, until he decides on what office to run for, we cannot talk much about this now. Majority of Imo people though, are urging the governor to run for a second term in office, and soon he would make his position known to the general public.

Whichever line of action he decides to take would be in the best interest of Imo people in particular and Nigerians of goodwill in general.

But on whether Imo people appreciate what he has achieved so far as their governor, one can say without mincing words that they appreciate him to a very large extent because his achievements are unprecedented and too glaring for even the blind to see.

The only people who have refused to appreciate the governor’s monumental

achievements are those who want to come back to power in the state at all costs. At the appropriate time, Imo people will talk with their vote and they will be emphatic, to the glory of God. What is your view on the opposition in the state?

What we have in Imo state is a selfish opposition. Those who form the bulk of what we see as opposition in the state are those who have grabbed a lot from the system and would like to continue to grab until nothing is left to grab.

They do not care about the fate of others. They are only interested in their comfort and the comfort of their children. They are neither interested in the development of the state nor keen on the welfare of the majority.

Once the money is in their pocket, the state can go to blazes. The opposition in the state is not a compassionate one; and by far, not people-oriented. It is merely a gathering of few people with bloated hunger for power, believing that without power, they cannot continue to feed fat on the common wealth of the people of the state. That is the problem they have with Rochas Okorocha and they cannot help their woes because Imo people have seen government in action and know better.

At the end of the day, Rochas Okorocha remains the issue of the moment in Imo politics and there is nothing anybody can do about it. His popularity among the citizenry does not exist in a vacuum. It is as a result of his monumental achievements in the state in three years as governor which most of those in the opposition today could not achieve for the donkey years they were in power.

So the essence of governance is service to God and service to humanity and Rochas Okorocha has been rendering selfless services to God and humanity. What he deserves from all Imo people regardless of political affiliation, is prayer and cooperation. Anything outside these, could be viewed as an ungodly act and unpatriotic.

POLITICS 43

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Season of reckoning for Abia North and PDP NOBLE AGBAEZE writes on the battle for the Abia North Senatorial seat in the 2015 elections and why Bende Local Government Area should produce the next senator for the district

A

ppallingly and shockingly, unusual and strange things do happen in life sometimes and most times they happen where one never expects them and even the causative agents most times are people you may never ordinarily believe can do such things, you may even vouch for them but woe betide you when you vouch for such betrayers, renegades and traitors because your reward is deceit and broken promises, sometimes even death, for the heart of men is deceitful and even evil.

That is the case in Abia North Senatorial District where the people have lost in the dark, and practically gone into a senatorial oblivion for almost a decade without a senator, yet they have kept hope alive, it is on this premise that my most humble but highly esteemed salute be ascribed unto this great and historic people in this season of reckoning, jokwanu! Kaa! Nde! This is indeed a season of stock taking for every sensible individual in our district. In this regard I humbly enjoin the good people of Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isukwuato and Umunneochi LGAs, the government of Abia State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both the state and national hierarchy and may I also be permitted to plea the consent of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Government because there is a saying by our people that whenever the eyes cry, the nose will always join.

I don’t know, perhaps in sympathy or it also bears the consequences of the situation, I comically or funnily remember in those days, there used to be this dehumanizing and shameful ailment that use to attack children especially those that are not from a very hygienic or organized homes, we mockingly call this ailment in Igbo language “ okpu isi eri ego” meaning the barber that charges no money, once this ailment starts with just a little dot on the skull of the victim save and except on relentless efforts of treatment it eventually within the shortest period takes over the whole skull and mystifyingly eats up the hairs on the skull.

Hence I am praying the consent of all those mentioned above knowing that this may not directly be of their concern but what of indirectly? Like the economist will say, on the long run. Will the Abia North situation not be like that of the Okpu isi eri ego, if not checked?

This season for us in Abia North calls for a sober reflection for what we have lost a couple of years now, it is a period for a comprehensive and meticulous political empiricism, reckoning, conscientisation, cognizance, evaluation, judgments and decision making. The kind of representation which Uche Chukwumerije has offered us is beyond contention an undemocratic, oligarchic and autocratic representation, characterised by undeserved elitism and political aberration and above all, a dishonest one where altruism, integrity and credibility have all been compromised for self- aggrandizement and braggadocio and our people have vowed never to fall prey for his antics and gimmicks any more hence the vehement and unanimous denunciation by the whole of our people in all nooks and crannies of Abia North including his own community.

Kalu

The people of Abia North are in deep regret and utmost dismay over the attitude of our supposed and faceless senator and cannot let him represent us again as that will amount to bonding ourselves to another four years of insensitivity, unnecessary humiliation, irresponsiveness and irresponsibility because anyone who denies the responsibilities vested upon him by the people is at the same time deemed irresponsible by the same people.

This is a man who has never won and can never win any election on his own, he has always enjoyed consensus candidature, during his first and second tenure, it was his leader, His Excellency, Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu the then governor who used his influence to win the conscience of the people for him after pleasing and pacifying the party machinery and appeasing all members to secure his ticket otherwise he couldn’t have even won the party primaries. I will not even like to talk about this current tenure of his, which was actualized in a most illicit and illegitimate and shameful manner that I had ever seen on planet earth.

The incumbent governor had to send armoured tanks to position in front of the opponent’s resident including every stakeholder who was not in support of Uche Chukwumerije, including physical treats and assaults on innocent voters who were not for him, crowned with massive rigging and malpractices, openly supported by the governor just to make sure the choice of our people did not stand in accordance with their conspiracy when they left PPA, yet the opponents especially Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu who was in the real sense the winner of that election, in the spirit of brotherliness overlooked everything and did not even go to court despite the abundant cogent and verifiable evidences which would have been admissible in the court of competent jurisdiction to return and swear him in as the senator.

We thought this will make Chukwumerije turn a new leaf, not knowing that we are in for the worst, no other senatorial district can endure like Abia North, where you have a senator who cannot mention even a single name of his constituents, except his children who he already knew before now, cannot hold a periodic meeting, cannot pick telephone calls nor reply to text

Chukwumerije

messages even if you inform him that someone is about giving up the ghost.

This attitude is detrimental and highly injurious to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he rides whereas Abia North are in love with this party, his attitude is also detrimental to the PDP led-Federal Government as it is causing disaffection for the government from many of our people who has refused to delineate between a legislature and an executive.

All they know is that the PDP and the Federal government are heartless towards us, but by the time you interact very closely with them, you will understand that their grievances will be narrowed down to Senator Chukwumerije. Today many are gearing up to decamp from their beloved party just because of one man. That our people do not visit the iniquity of one man on the entire political party and on the PDP presidential candidate come 2015, let all PDP stakeholders nationwide call a spade a spade by telling Senator Chukwumerije to drop the ambition of going to the Senate for the fourth time and never to make mention of it again as this is tantamount to political calamity for our dear party evaluating it from structural functionalism for the survival of the party in Abia North and entire Abia State, ordinarily there would not have been need for all these because we are sure our people will vote him out but our problem here is that the governor may come back with his gimmick and anti-democratic behaviour which does not conform to the norms and will not reflect the will of the people but the duo will finally succeed in manipulating the

The turn of Bende is long overdue for the senatorial seat. Anything else would be counterproductive.

Let wise counsel prevail, and Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu remains the best for this job... except he is not interested in the position

system to implant and impose on us and that will be worse than our being jailed in Kuje or kirikiri maximum prisons.

I always like to remind our leaders of this gentle man’s interpretation of democracy, Abraham Lincon “government of the people by the people and for the people” which remains the most widely accepted and up till date.

This explains why modern democracy is a representative democracy which marked significantly from the classical Athenian democracy where supreme powers were vested on the “Ekkelesis.”

I like to emphasise that liberalism and not elitism has become an important norm of democracy all over the world where all eligible citizens periodically elect their representatives based on universal adult suffrage to make decisions on their behalf and rule them within the framework of rule of law.

I always like to talk about a model of democracy rooted in the “Marxist tradition” which seeks to explain how equality of all citizens from the political, economic and social life is to be guaranteed and I want to also add that the modern day democracy should lay emphasis on poverty reduction and human empowerment because it is a social democracy, I pray that Senator Chukwumerije can understand this and help propagate it.

We fervently pray for the quick arrival of 2015; that we may put an end to this precarious and perilous representation, since we have decided to endure till then otherwise the situation calls for a constitutional recall of this senator. Moreover and very importantly, based on charter of equity and egalitarianism, everyone knows that it is already an established fact in our common conscience that it is Bende LGA that should produce the next senator for Abia North, the idea of one LGA sitting tight on a seat owned by five LGAs is never acceptable and can never be condoned when we have eligible and capable men and women of integrity from other LGAs. The turn of Bende is long overdue for the senatorial seat. Anything else would be counterproductive. Let wise counsel prevail, and Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu remains the best for this job because it is only his kind of person can restore the things we have lost for many years except he is not interested in the position, but I earnestly ask him to take up this responsibility and save our people.

business | MONEY LINE

44

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

AMCON refutes report on Enterprise Bank bid purchase of Enterprise Bank by the five shortlisted financial institutions last month.

It further alleged that some top CBN officials believe that the result of the final bids submitted

by AMCON to the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was interrupted to favour a particular local bank with strong ties with a former Governor of a South Eastern state.

Besides, the paper alleged that the suspicion was aggravated when AMCON suddenly changed one of the rules for the sale of the bank shortly after the final bids were submitted. It added that the result of the final bid submitted by AMCON was inconclusive, with attempt to focus on criteria that would influence the outcome in favour of the particular bank.

Additionally, the daily claimed one of two of the local banks that bid for Enterprise Bank with head offices in Victoria Island, Lagos had been using its strong connections to the former Governor of a South East State to sway the outcome of the sale in its favour and that the decision of the CBN rattled the board of the bank and prompted the former governor to visit the CBN Headquarters last Thursday to argue the case of the bank as the best for Enterprise Bank.

But Head, Corporate Communications, Strategy & Research, AMCON, Kayode Lambo, in a statement made

FALSE ALARM AMCON repudiates entirely the story both in substance and inference Stories by Godson Ikoro

T

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has debunked a report by a national newspaper that it had been ordered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to conduct fresh bids for Enterprise Bank Limited.

Enterprise Bank – formerly Spring Bank; Mainstreet Bank - previously Afribank and Keystone Bank – earlier known as BankPHB, were the threebridged banks acquired by the Corporation from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in August 2011. The purchase stemmed from the inability of the trio to recapitalise within a specified timeframe set by the CBN. The threesome is now being packaged for sale by the AMCON. A bridge bank refers to a temporary bank established and operated by the deposit insurer to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of a failed bank until a final resolution can be accomplished.

The newspaper had last Monday alleged that the apex bank doubted the integrity of the process that led to the outcome of the final bids submitted the

available to New Telegraph yesterday, dismissed the papers allegation, saying that there is no iota of truth in it.

Lambo said: “AMCON has not interfered, in any way, in the process that is still entirely in the hands of the advisers. When the advisers present their final report, which we expect within the next two weeks, regulatory approval will be required and sought.”

He said that contrary to the article published in the said newspaper, the bid process has not even reached the stage where any result would be sent to the CBN. Going by the procedure, he said: “After the advisers, Messrs Citibank and Vetiva, who were employed by AMCON, have concluded their work, AMCON’S management and board will consider the result before the approved buyers are officially sent to the CBN. “It is therefore premature for the Vanguard report to say that AMCON interfered with the process, as the process is still on-going and no names have yet been officially sent to the AMCON board for consideration.”

Consequently, Lambo said: “AMCON repudiates entirely the story in the Vanguard, both in substance and inference as completely unfounded and untrue.’’

AMCON commenced the process for the sale of Enterprise Bank on September 22nd, 2013 last year when it formally invited interested buyers to ex-

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

(Bank of Africa) and two others, which are a combination of both local and foreign investors.

Six of the investors, who had since finished conducting their due diligence on Enterprise Bank,executed their managements’ presentation at a location in Victoria Island, while the seventh investors did not turn up.

Sterling Bank plans big for states

S

terling Bank Plc has put in place a robust strategy to support states with developmental projects capable of transforming the economy of the states and uplifting the living standards of the people.

Such support, according to the lender, would come in form of provision of professional advice across all sectors and funding for the actualisation of key projects.

Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent sponsorship of the Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum by the lender, said that Sterling Bank had already entered into partnerships with states pursuing robust economic development programmes aimed at transforming their states.

Suleiman, who insisted that collaborative efforts between the private sector and governments at all levels remained the only panacea for economic transformation of the nation’s economy, said that the Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum had succeeded in bringing investors, potential partners and providers of funds into direct contact with the government for the state’s economic growth.

Suleinman, who attended the Forum said: “As a responsible financial institution, Sterling Bank will support any state

with projects capable of transforming the lives of the people.

“Our objective is not only to provide financial support, but to be part of the whole regeneration process from the conceptualisation. Thus, we are into holistic partnerships with the states to ensure sustainable growth.”

He explained that the Sterling Bank was adequately represented at the Bayelsa Sate Economic Forum because of the priority attached to it by the Bank. The expert added that the forum also provided a platform for officials of the bank to meet directly with existing and potential investors in the state.

“The bank was adequately represented at the forum because it was the best place to identify and meet with potential investors and discuss modalities and strategies for achieving economic transformation”, he explained.

He also stated that officials of the bank met with stakeholders in the education sector where the state had invested heavily.

“The state must be commended for its investment in education, which falls under the Bank’s One Education Initiative. The forum provided us with the opportunity to meet with stakeholders in this sector and we were able to establish contacts towards forging enduring relationships with existing and potential investors”.

Keystone Bank CEO seeks enlightenment on PoS terminal

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

press interests in acquiring its 100 per cent stake in the bank.

New Telegraph had exclusively reported recently, that the number of investors bidding for Enterprise Bank had been pruned from 18 to seven.

Leading this team are four local banks (Sterling Bank, Fidelity Bank, Skye Bank and Heritage Bank), one international bank

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

cashless policy of the CenBank of Nigeria (CBN) Thashetralgathered momentum and

running at full speed but needs more enlightenment on usage of the Point of Sales (PoS) terminal.

This was the submission of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, while assessing the cashless policy at a media parley in Lagos.

Ikeazor noted that given what happened to the Nigerian economy prior to the cashless policy, the country has come a long way.

However, he said the only area that financial services providers should do more is in the education on PoS uptake.

The Keystone Bank boss noted that it is only in the PoS that the market is slow in understanding the cashless policy.

He said: “I don’t have the statistics here. But if you see the volume of cash that goes through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and the volume of cash that goes through Internet transfer alone, it shows

that banks have improved in the country in terms of efficiency of transfers and cost reduction.

“We should understands that before the advent of Internet banking and the advent of using ATM cards, we carried around huge cash with the inefficiency that comes with it. But, today that story is different. All that our customers require from us is to ensure that our channels work.

“Banks have done very well in terms of Internet transfer, so have we (at Keystone Bank).

Banks have also done very well in terms of providing ATMs. The only place that the cashless policy requires education is the uptake of PoS machines.”

The Keystone Bank boss, however, noted that Nigeria still has a long way to go in the cashless policy when compared with her counterparts abroad.

“We have not reached anywhere in terms of what we have abroad. If we can get to that level, then we can get to the stage where PoS machines that can be used to send details and the money goes straight into accounts.

Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014

Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001

Daily Summary (Bonds)

business | CAPITAL MARKET 45

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at July 25, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 32 19 51

Current Price 33.01 38.01

Quantity Traded 130,978 275,470 406,448

Value Traded 4,289,396.90 10,470,538.65 14,759,935.55

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 3.10

Quantity Traded 920,371 920,371

Value Traded 2,853,434.10 2,853,434.10

1,326,819

17,613,369.65

Quantity Traded 193,222 48,955,544 277,897 49,426,663

Value Traded 258,969.88 264,254,908.15 17,149,780.04 281,663,658.07

49,426,663

281,663,658.07

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Diversified Industries Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

81 Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 4 563 64 (Equities) 631

CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 1.34 5.51 62.40

631

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other

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

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Computers and Peripherals Totals Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001

No. of Deals 21 6 27

Current Price 1.16 14.46

Quantity Traded 862,780Page 217 862,997

Value Traded 11,024,003.22 of 13 2,981.58 1,026,984.80

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 63.00

Quantity Traded 125,866 125,866

Value Traded 8,050,675.25 8,050,675.25

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 17.46

Quantity Traded 219,914 219,914

Value Traded 3,861,554.75 3,861,554.75

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 95.00 9.95

Quantity Traded 93 100 193

Value Traded 8,393.25 946.00 9,339.25

1,208,970

12,948,554.05

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers

85 Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 840,712 840,712

Value Traded 420,356.00 420,356.00

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 9.19

Quantity Traded 100,599

Value Traded 924,504.81

Daily Summary (Equities)

CHAMPION PLC. EQTY Activity SummaryBREW. on Board Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC. Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 U T C NIG. PLC. Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Published byHousehold The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

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

Symbol CHAMPION

Page

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK

of

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

13

Current Price 197.15 28.05 178.00 0.77

Quantity Traded 407,194 313,258 1,911,728 500 2,733,279

Value Traded 80,654,226.37 8,351,415.70 339,564,255.86 400.00 429,494,802.74

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 100.03

Quantity Traded 62,495 62,495

Value Traded 6,595,106.71 6,595,106.71

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 72 83 58 65 68 1 1 348

Current Price 7.61 9.20 73.98 4.25 10.59 14.11 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,838,723 2,498,279 217,815 1,670,786 2,038,397 25 50 11,264,075

Value Traded 38,882,034.71 23,038,906.08 16,116,074.20 6,906,185.47 21,054,934.78 335.25 25.00 105,998,495.49

Symbol No. of Deals CADBURY 30 Daily Summary (Equities) NESTLE 62 92

Current Price 74.25 1,120.00

Quantity Traded 61,473 75,170 136,643

Value Traded 4,359,614.80 83,525,543.37 87,885,158.17

Page Quantity Traded 412,718 412,718

3 of 13 Value Traded 1,698,064.02 1,698,064.02

No. of Deals 42 42

Current Price 4.15

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 56 62 118

Current Price 39.00 49.00

910 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 228 DIAMONDBNK 220 ETI 116 FIDELITYBK 124 GUARANTY 334 SKYEBANK 157 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 80 UBA 227 UBN 88

NATURAL RESOURCES Published byPaper/Forest The Nigerian Products Stock Exchange © THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Paper/Forest Products Totals

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

Quantity Traded 382,682 304,764 687,446

Value Traded 14,406,200.16 14,552,670.64 28,958,870.80

16,137,368

661,050,853.93 Value Traded 202,106,384.14 136,562,105.76 27,798,278.73 29,639,753.09 4,659,430,891.72 17,409,504.02 35,658,971.16 75,926,432.04 6,792,587.14

Value Traded 407,004.50 6,117,496.36 4 of 13 277,520,170.34 5,475,369,579.00

Current Price 0.81 1.13 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.55 0.54 0.82 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.90

Quantity Traded 5,043,697 4,907,667 807,433 288,000 500 450,250 1,558,306 3,853,104 1,174,650 221,110 55,000 62,337 100,000 25,000 13,532,795 32,079,849

Value Traded 4,105,017.95 5,456,083.34 403,716.50 144,000.00 250.00 1,154,111.24 838,668.62 3,123,132.44 587,325.00 114,977.20 27,500.00 31,168.50 50,000.00 12,500.00 12,166,399.80 28,214,850.59

Symbol FORTISMFB

No. of Deals 2

Current Price 5.96

Quantity Traded 200

Value Traded 1,200.00

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 5 7

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 201,500 201,700

Value Traded 202,795.00 203,995.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol INFINITY RESORTSAL UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1 2 4

Current Price 1.60 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,000 220,000 16,218 256,218

Value Traded 33,600.00 110,000.00 8,109.00 151,709.00

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 92 41 510 114 3 190 146 1,096

Current Price 3.26 3.90 15.22 4.20 0.52 29.09 2.17

Quantity Traded 2,009,573 3,044,783 7,369,245 7,386,805 600,000 11,329,056 5,330,917 37,070,379

Value Traded 6,584,591.53 11,992,458.02 112,912,860.92 31,193,523.05 312,000.00 321,741,612.69 11,544,629.69 496,281,675.90

331,377,532

6,000,221,809.49

Quantity Traded 40,000 40,000

Value Traded 20,000.00 20,000.00

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Page

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

3,442 Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1

Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 20,356,042 20,382,667 1,692,057 14,784,464 155,222,147 5,437,327 15,697,526 9,599,673 758,934

No. of Deals 44 46 5 1 2 13 16 40 7 6 1 1 2 1 94 279

Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Exploration and Production Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

Current Price 0.50

Page

5

6

of

of

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment TotalsEQTY Activity Summary on Board

Quantity Traded 708,905 708,905

Value Traded 383,958.21 383,958.21

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

No. of Deals 2 2 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 2.21

Quantity Traded 1,080 1,080

Value Traded 2,286.80 2,286.80

710,185

386,345.01

Symbol ETRANZACT

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol

14

No. of Deals

Page Quantity Traded

Current Price

7Value Traded of 13

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 94 15 25 121 90 10 1 17 75 448

Current Price 30.27 8.60 41.00 14.17 232.00 1.20 1.47 5.22 118.95

Quantity Traded 832,838 119,231 136,106 2,961,810 87,094,842 24,369 50,000 428,140 706,037 92,353,373

Value Traded 25,013,057.08 1,025,223.55 5,418,728.25 41,471,676.90 18,715,747,670.21 29,394.18 73,500.00 2,221,357.50 83,413,822.87 18,874,414,430.54

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 1.90

Quantity Traded 446,655 446,655

Value Traded 866,819.68 866,819.68

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 1 3 1 5

Current Price 1.69 16.30 12.08

Quantity Traded 2,811 1,361 100 4,272

Value Traded 4,778.70 23,286.71 1,148.00 29,213.41

92,804,300

18,875,310,463.63

Daily Summary (Equities)

467

Page

Symbol THOMASWY

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.79

8

Quantity Traded Page 4,050 4,050

1

of

3,078.00 3,078.00

4,050

3,078.00

No. of Deals 112 112

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 9,409,406 9,409,406

Value Traded 4,804,151.26 4,804,151.26

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 665 665

Current Price 25.47

Quantity Traded 17,150,043 17,150,043

Value Traded 441,450,267.99 441,450,267.99

No. of Deals 1 37 12 74 48 (Equities) 12 39 223

Current Price 0.50 62.32 3.90 216.00 161.41 61.99 176.45

Quantity Traded 10,000 173,105 74,420 96,646 84,543 12,880 93,011 544,605

Value Traded 5,000.00 10,241,451.88 285,951.00 20,928,234.64 13,689,720.26 758,632.00 16,620,728.89 62,529,718.67

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRSSummary Daily TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 675.04

1,034

13

Traded 13 9Value of

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Quantity Traded Page 325,601 325,601

Value Traded 10 of 13 222,970,846.16 222,970,846.16

27,429,655

731,754,984.08

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 228,400 228,400

Value Traded 228,865.90 228,865.90

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 38 38

Current Price 5.00

Quantity Traded 969,710 969,710

Value Traded 4,898,206.75 4,898,206.75

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 53 53

Current Price 0.52

Quantity Traded 6,479,926 6,479,926

Value Traded 3,314,828.80 3,314,828.80

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 1,701,300 1,701,300

Value Traded 1,292,251.00 1,292,251.00

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

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 25,000.00 25,000.00

DAARCOMM

0.50

Symbol LEARNAFRCA STUDPRESS UPL

No. of Deals 10 1 21 32

Current Price 1.63 2.40 4.14

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 0.87

Quantity Traded 1,255,000 1,255,000

Value Traded 1,050,250.00 1,050,250.00

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 27 61 88

Current Price 2.19 4.90

Quantity Traded 430,565 2,169,078 2,599,643

Value Traded 944,229.10 10,846,347.53 11,790,576.63

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

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 6.85

Quantity Traded 178,576 178,576

Value Traded 1,162,529.76 1,162,529.76

283

14,379,516

26,726,048.65

EQTY Board Totals

7,048

536,869,982

26,618,591,033.33

Equity Activity Totals

7,048

536,869,982

26,618,591,033.33

SERVICES Totals Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001

Published

by The Nigerian StockFund Exchange © Exchange Traded

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

13

10,911,868.77

1 1

SERVICES Published byPrinting/Publishing The Nigerian Stock Exchange © LEARN AFRICA PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

13

2,064,924 Current Price 0.54

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

Value Traded 1,081,960.66 2,181,107.54 6,524,717.30 688,614.50 327,828.77 87,640.00 10,891,868.77

No. of Deals 11 11

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 9.72 6.70 16.90 1.98 31.00 3.20 2.26 7.90 8.91

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE INTENEGINS LASACO LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE REGALINS STACO STDINSURE UNIC WAPIC

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO Daily Summary asPETROLEUM of 25/07/2014PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Quantity Traded 509,212 690,907 99,127 405,241 269,437 51,000 2,024,924

Symbol COURTVILLE

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Quantity Traded 814,009 5,942,922 Page 11,081,618 261,769,386

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

100

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price 0.50 1.06 25.23

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 16 73 393 2,056

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 Packaging/Containers Printed 25/07/2014 AVON 15:31:01.001 CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

Current Price 2.06 3.18 68.99 1.70 1.21 1.72

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Banking Totals

ICT Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 55 28 194 1 281

Symbol VITAFOAM

Processing Systems Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 Processing Systems Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 25/07/2014 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Printed 25/07/2014 15:31:01.001 FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY

2

No. of Deals 11 30 24 21 11 2 99

HEALTHCARE Totals

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

(W A) PLC. Published byCOSTAIN The Nigerian Stock Exchange © G CAPPA PLC Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Page Quantity Traded 326,799 20 590,142 916,961

Page No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 2,030.00 19.35

11 of 13 Value Traded 521,258.43 45.60 2,442,235.78 2,963,539.81

12

of

Quantity Traded 12 2,525 2,537

Value Traded 24,360.00 48,706.25 73,066.25

ETF Board Totals

4

2,537

73,066.25

ETP Activity Totals

4

2,537

73,066.25

13

46 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

25-Jul-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

100.00 535.00 515.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 220.15 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 35.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,479.99

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,575.44

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

Description

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

0.18 0.75 2.06 2.76 3.01 3.10 3.85 4.93 5.25 7.51 9.64 14.35 14.83 15.32 16.00 19.98

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.53 10.52 11.09 11.07 11.02 11.02 11.05 11.15 11.18 11.97 12.15 12.15 12.15 12.16 12.21 12.20

9.69 9.78 11.01 11.01 10.90 10.90 10.95 11.08 11.09 11.91 12.10 12.11 12.11 12.10 12.16 12.16

99.72 95.43 103.50 109.30 97.08 95.69 98.89 118.00 83.73 121.50 111.40 119.10 102.25 74.82 84.60 99.60

99.87 95.93 103.65 109.45 97.38 95.99 99.19 118.30 84.03 121.80 111.70 119.40 102.55 75.12 84.90 99.90

#

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

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

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.27 0.83 1.44 2.38 2.74 2.95

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.55 13.13 12.96 12.99 12.01 12.02

97.02 89.97 105.60 100.31 98.90 96.48

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

0.03 0.22 1.10 0.70 1.22 1.23 2.74 1.78 3.44 2.41 4.19 2.61 2.61 2.99 3.06 5.33 3.12 3.74 6.34 6.44 3.92 3.95

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

12.05 13.83 14.95 13.76 15.04 14.06 16.60 11.86 12.83 12.79 12.07 12.00 15.78 12.02 12.02 12.20 13.76 12.05 12.53 13.50 12.49 13.01

100.04 99.92 97.56 100.05 99.08 101.81 85.90 103.06 103.16 102.65 106.17 105.52 96.54 105.97 108.82 108.76 102.44 107.74 104.10 106.27 105.91 105.83

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,266.87

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

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

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

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

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

17.00 6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 28.37 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Corporate Bonds

501.10 512.78

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

Aa/Agusto

GTB µ NGC

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

Nil

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

*FLOURMILLS

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto

NAHCO

BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

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

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

*DANA NAHCO

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.20

1.00

11.54

99.91

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.40

5.21

15.77

99.07

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.44

8.71

19.28

99.00

17-Aug-10

10.00

5.29

17-Aug-15

0.58

4.88

15.43

96.45

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.89

1.00

11.48

100.84

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.97

2.63

13.10

101.02

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.18

1.00

11.99

101.85

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.25

1.34

12.33

103.63

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.18

1.00

12.03

102.47

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

2.00

1.88

12.86

109.91

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.96

3.48

14.44

102.97

09-Sep-11

18.00

3.27

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.20

16.18

103.51

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.90

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.06

16.04

101.87

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

4.16

1.35

12.41

104.99

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.23

2.29

13.28

104.98

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.45

17-Feb-19

2.31

6.11

17.10

99.95

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.44

2.16

13.20

107.53

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.31

2.76

14.28

103.88

11-Feb-18

3.55

1.00

12.04

94.80

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

143.81

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

147.27

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

12.00 11.38 Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.76

4.62

111.04

111.86

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.01

3.82

104.04

104.75

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.12

5.01

108.95

109.78

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,620.16

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.71

2.96

111.45

112.64

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.73

4.04

104.72

105.95

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.02

5.80

99.92

100.75

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.03

6.41

100.59

102.30

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.66

8.25

94.33

95.61

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

4.81

4.24

113.45

114.48

6.25 APR 22, 2019

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

B/S&P; B/Fitch

FIDELITY BANK PLC

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

AFREN PLC

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.39

6.09

99.41

100.66

B/Fitch; B/S&P

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.76

8.54

99.95

100.81

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.26

6.56

103.42

105.92

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.00

5.10

104.41

105.89

ZENITH BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,660.00 3,783.28

**Treasury Bills DTM 13 20 27 34 41 48 55 62 69

FIXINGS Maturity 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 11-Sep-14 18-Sep-14 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.15 10.15 10.20 10.20 10.25 10.50 10.50 10.50 10.45

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 9.90 9.95 9.95 10.00 10.25 10.25 10.25 10.20

Bid Yield (%) 10.19 10.21 10.28 10.30 10.37 10.65 10.67 10.69 10.66

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.4583 12.2108 13.1576 14.2074

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.00

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

11.21

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M 6M

161.70 162.10 162.36 162.95 164.12 165.42 169.04

161.80 162.36 162.70 163.60 165.30 167.07 172.84

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.00 12.40 12.97

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KWARA

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

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

Stroies by Chris Ugwu

ussons Plc, maker of Imperial Leather soap, posted a higher full-year profit after cost cuts scrubbed out the effect of a strong pound and TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE periodic disruptions to sales TOTAL MARKET in Nigeria, its CAPITALISATION largest market.

Cussons' shares rose as much Corporate Bonds as 3.3 perAA/GCR cent.

A+/Agusto; LAFARGE WAPCO According to Reuters, Aa/Agusto GTB the BritNGCrevenue Nil company expects ish Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC in Africa, flat last year, to rise A-/Agusto µ

*FLOURMILLS

BB+/GCR

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

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

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

*CHELLARAMS

about 10 per cent in the current financial year, helped by the sale of cooking oil from its new joint venture with Wilmar International Ltd in Nigeria.

Unrest in northeast Nigeria, scene of numerous attacks by Islamist militants, has made distributors and customers there more cautious, Cussons said in a statement. There are no signs that this disruption will ease.

But Cussons' chief financial officer, Brandon Leigh, said the 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 company had been "growing 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST quite strongly" in 18-DEC-2014 the south and 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 east of Africa's most populous 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 country and biggest economy.

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

A-/Agusto

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

NAHCO

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

UBA

H

BBB-/GCR

97.02 89.97 105.60 100.31 98.90 96.48

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

"Together with the new business areas that we have gone into, that's been delivering growth," Leigh said.

Africa accounted for about 42 per cent of Cussons' revenue in financial 2014, which ended on May 31. Nigeria is by far its biggest market, though it also sells in Ghana and Kenya.

The PZ Wilmar joint venture's palm oil refinery in Lagos is running at close to capacity in its first full year of operation, Cussons said. The joint venture11.50 sells cook07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 13.50 names ing oil under the brand 01-Apr-10 Mamador and Devon17.00 King's.

17-Aug-10 10.00 Cussons said full-year 2014 ad09-Dec-10 12.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 28.37 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

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

0.03 0.22 1.10 0.70 1.22 1.23 2.74 1.78 3.44 2.41 4.19 2.61 2.61 2.99 3.06 5.33 3.12 3.74 6.34 6.44 3.92 3.95

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

12.05 13.83 14.95 13.76 15.04 14.06 16.60 11.86 12.83 12.79 12.07 12.00 15.78 12.02 12.02 12.20 13.76 12.05 12.53 13.50 12.49 13.01

47

100.04 99.92 97.56 100.05 99.08 101.81 85.90 103.06 103.16 102.65 106.17 105.52 96.54 105.97 108.82 108.76 102.44 107.74 104.10 106.27 105.91 105.83

*C & I LEASING oneywell Flour Mills BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA Plc BB-/GCR (HFMP), one of the A-/DataPro†; *TOWER FMCG players*TOWER and manAAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA ufacturer of shelf stable Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA food products in the country, BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS has recorded a growth of BBB/GCR *DANA 15 per cent earnings A+/Agusto; A-/GCR in net NAHCO for theOUTSTANDING financial year TOTAL VALUEended March 30, 2014.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION The company’s audited reSupranational sults for theBond full year ended AAA/S&P …..released to theIFCNigerian TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Stock Exchange (NSE) showed TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION that the company grew its profit after tax from N2.843 Rating/Agency Issuer billion in the corresponding period of last year to N3.351 FGN Eurobonds billion in the period under BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P review, accounting for an inBB-/Fitch; of 15 per cent. crease FGN BB-/S&P It also recorded revenue BB-/Fitch; ofBB-/S&P N55.084 billion during the TOTALrepresenting OUTSTANDING VALUE year, a 17 per TOTAL MARKET from CAPITALISATION cent increase the N45.709 billion recorded in the correCorporate Eurobonds sponding period of the previB-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I ous year.

GTBANK PLC I B+/S&P; TheB+/Fitch company had recorded PLC aB+/S&P profit after tax ofGTBANK N2 billion ACCESS BANK PLC during the nine months ended B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC December 31, 2013.AFREN PLC B/Fitch TheBB-/S&P company’s ZENITH unaudited B+/Fitch; BANK PLC #

# #

#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

results that the comMPR+7.00 showed DANA 9-APR-2018 pany grew its profit after tax MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 byMPR+5.25 18 per cent from N1.7 bil14.00in UBAthe II 22-SEP-2018 lion corresponding pe15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 riod of last year, to N2 billion MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 in16.00 theDANA period under review.

II 1-APR-2019 It also 15.25 NAHCOrecorded II 14-NOV-2020 revenue of N41.03 billion between April and December 2013, indicating a 24 per cent increase from the N33.04 billion recorded in the 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 corresponding period of the previous year.

The increase in revenue according to the company, Description was driven largely by the increased production capacity of the company having recent6.75 JAN 28, 2021 ly added 1,000MT/day via two new mills. 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 The income statement also 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 showed that gross profit for the same period was N7.76 billion, from the N5.48 billion reported for the corresponding ninemonth period ended December 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 2012. This was primarily at7.50 MAY 19, 2016 tributed to the company’s abil6.00 NOV 08, 2018 ity to manage input costs that 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 resulted in a increase 6.88slower MAY 09, 2018 (relative to revenue in 10.25 APR 08,growth) 2019 6.25 APR 22, 2019 the cost of sales, which grew

justed operating profit rose 7.4 per cent to 116.4 million pounds ($197.2 million), citing improving margins and the success of new brands as the main reasons it was able to offset sterling's strength against various currencies.

Cussons said Rafferty's Garden; the Australian baby-food business purchased in 2013, 501.10 had performed well and would 512.78 probably be launched outside Australia before the end of this calendar year.

11.80 07-Oct-14 0.20 13.17The company 18-Dec-14 , which 0.40 also 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.44 sells Carex handwash, Charles 5.29 17-Aug-15 0.58 Worthington shampoos and St 13.62 09-Dec-15 0.89 Tropez spray tan, declined 0.60 06-Jan-16 0.97 to

give more details about its costcutting measures.

Alicia Forry, analyst at Canaccord Genuity, said Cussons had improved its "buying power" by reducing procurement costs, as well as cutting some jobs. The brokerage has a "buy" rating on the stock, with a target price of 440 pence.

Cussons' shares were up 2.7 per cent at 357.2 pence at 1235 GMT, outperforming the FTSE250 index's 0.7 per cent rise.

The Manchester-based 1.00 11.54 99.91com5.21 raised 15.77 99.07 pany its final dividend 19.28 99.00 to 8.71 5.23 pence per share from 4.88 15.43 96.45 5.04 pence. ($1 = 0.5902 British 1.00 11.48 100.84 Pounds) 2.63 13.10 101.02

06-Jan-11

14.00

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.18

1.00

11.99

101.85

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.25

1.34

12.33

103.63

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.18

1.00

12.03

102.47

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

2.00

1.88

12.86

109.91

3.48

14.44

102.97

Honeywell reports 15% PAT growth A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

11.55 13.13 12.96 12.99 12.01 12.02

PZ Cussons sees 10% rise in Africa revenue

PZ to boost sales in emerging market

C

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

1,266.87

Wednesday, July 30, 2014NIGER A-/GCR

OUTLOOK

0.27 0.83 1.44 2.38 2.74 2.95

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Sanctity of Truth

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

Ghana markets $1.5bn Eurobonds in August

by 2109-Apr-11 per cent to N33.27 billion 7.20 16.00 09-Apr-18 1.96 start investor from09-Sep-11 N27.56 billion.18.00 3.27 hana will 09-Sep-18 2.13 The company said increase 0.90 meetings09-Sep-18 by the end of 2.13 next 09-Sep-11 16.00 22-Sep-11 14.00 22-Sep-18 it seeks to4.16sell in operating costs, which rose 35.00 month as 2.70 18-Oct-18 2.23 by 4218-Oct-13 per cent from15.75 N3.04 bil- its third Eurobond and plug a 17-Feb-12 17.00 0.45 17-Feb-19 2.31 lion 01-Apr-14 to N4.33 billion between budget deficit that helped push 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.44 comparative periods the the world’s worst14-Nov-13 15.25 in 2012 2.05 cedi to 14-Nov-20 6.31 and 2013, was due to increased 143.81 performing currency. overheads necessary to oper- 147.27 According to Bloomberg ate the expanded production News, a study on whether to go capacity, rising finance costs ahead with the offer of about 11-Feb-13 10.20 11-Feb-18 3.55 and increased marketing ex- 12.00 $1.5 billion has been completed, penses needed to maintain 12.00 Deputy Finance Minister Mona Quartey said in an interview brand equity, to increase con- 11.38 sumer awareness and increase in the capital, Accra yesterday.

Outstanding Value Issue Date (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) (N'bn) product visibilityCoupon .

The world’s second-biggest coRising finance costs accord- coa producer is still considering ing to the company, had an ad- seeking a loan from the Inter07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 4.76 verse impact on profitability as national Monetary Fund (IMF), the company fulfilled its oblishe said.

12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.01 gations on the debt component The Eurobond money will 12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 of funds used to finance the ad- basically be used for the 5.12 budditional production capacity. 1,500.00 get programmes and it will also help to stabilise the currency,” The company lamented the 1,620.16 spate of insecurity in some Quartey said.

Northern states and growing The cedi slumped 38 per cent 01-Feb-11 11.50 3.71 infrastructural deficits espe- 450.00 this year in01-Feb-16 the world’s worst 19-May-11 19-May-16 4.73 cially bad roads and7.50 poor pow- 500.00 performance among global 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.02 er supply, which continue to currencies tracked by Bloom25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.03 pose09-May-13 serious challenges to the 300.00 berg, pushing inflation to 15 per 6.88 02-May-18 8.66 cent in June08-Apr-19 and prompting smooth operation of HFMP’s 300.00 08-Apr-12 10.25 4.81the central bank22-Apr-19 to raise its key6.39 rate activities.

22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00

G

to 5.20 a 10-year 16.18 high this 103.51 month.

Ghanaian dollar 5.06 16.04 debt returned 101.87 1.35 cent this 12.41 5 per year, the104.99 lowest 13.28 in2.29 Africa and less than104.98 the 9.3 6.11 17.10 99.95 per cent emerging-market re2.16 13.20 107.53 turn, 2.76 according 14.28 to Bloomberg 103.88 indexes.

On July 16, Finance Minister Seth Terkper raised the 2014 budget deficit target to 12.04 94.80 8.81.00 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) from a previous estimate of 8.5 per cent as the nation increased spending by Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price 3.2 billion cedis ($831 Offer million).

Moody’s Investors Service cut Prices & Yields Ghana’s credit rating one level 4.62 111.04 111.86 last month, saying the fiscal gap may exceed 10 per cent of GDP 3.82 104.04 104.75 for a third year.

108.95 5.01 109.78 The second-biggest economy in West Africa is considering an IMF loan as part of measures being looked at to stabilise the cedi, Quartey said.

2.96 111.45 112.64 Former deputy central bank 4.04 104.72 105.95 governor and opposition poli5.80 99.92 100.75 tician Mahamudu Bawumia 6.41 100.59 102.30 raised the possibility of seeking 8.25 94.33 95.61 aid from the 113.45 Washington-based 4.24 114.48 lender in March.

6.09 99.41 100.66

DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.76

8.54

99.95

100.81

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.26

6.56

103.42

105.92

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.00

5.10

104.41

105.89

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,660.00 3,783.28

25-Jul-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to FIXINGS Money Market Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

**Treasury the FMDQBills OTC PLC

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) 13 7-Aug-14 10.15 20 14-Aug-14 10.15 FGN Bonds 27 21-Aug-14 10.20 34 28-Aug-14 10.20 41 4-Sep-14 10.25 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 48 11-Sep-14 10.50 55 18-Sep-14 10.50 9.25 28-SEP-2014 62 25-Sep-14 10.50 4.00 23-APR-2015 69 2-Oct-14 10.45 76 9-Oct-14 10.30 13.05 16-AUG-2016 83 16-Oct-14 10.45 15.10 27-APR-2017 90 23-Oct-14 10.15 9.85 27-JUL-2017 97 30-Oct-14 10.55 9.35 31-AUG-2017 104 6-Nov-14 10.10 10.70 30-MAY-2018 111 13-Nov-14 10.55 16.00 29-JUN-2019 118 20-Nov-14 10.30 NA NA 132 4-Dec-14 10.10 7.00 23-OCT-2019 167 8-Jan-15 9.95 16.39 27-JAN-2022 181 22-Jan-15 10.05 14.20 14-MAR-2024 195 5-Feb-15 10.15 15.00 28-NOV-2028 209 19-Feb-15 10.15 12.49 22-MAY-2029 223 5-Mar-15 10.15 8.50 20-NOV-2029 258 9-Apr-15 9.90 10.00 23-JUL-2030 272 23-Apr-15 10.05 286 7-May-15 9.70 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 *from the Amortising bonds, TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE # the average life is is acalculated Risk Premium combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 9.90 9.95 9.95 10.00 Issue Date 10.25 10.25 28-Sep-07 10.25 23-Apr-10 10.20 10.05 16-Aug-13 10.20 27-Apr-12 9.90 27-Jul-07 10.30 31-Aug-07 9.85 30-May-08 10.30 29-Jun-12 10.05 9.85 23-Oct-09 9.70 27-Jan-12 9.80 14-Mar-14 9.90 28-Nov-08 9.90 22-May-09 9.90 20-Nov-09 9.65 23-Jul-10 9.80 9.45 18-Jul-14

Bid Yield (%) 10.19 10.21 10.28 10.30 10.37 Coupon (%) 10.65 10.67 9.25 10.69 4.00 10.66 10.53 13.05 10.70 15.10 10.41 9.85 10.85 9.35 10.40 10.70 10.90 16.00 10.65 10.48 7.00 10.42 16.39 10.58 14.20 10.73 15.00 10.78 12.49 10.82 8.50 10.64 10.00 10.86 10.50 12.1493

Tenor O/N 1M Outstanding 3M 6M (N'bn)

Issuer

Agency Bonds NA

AMCON Modified Duration Buckets FMBN

<3 ***LCRM 3<5 >5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUEMarket TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.00

O/N

11.21

REPO TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) Call 0.18 1M 0.75 3M 6M 2.06

11.00 10.53 12.40 10.52 12.97 13.88 11.09

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Tenor Spot 7D Offer 14DYield 1M (%) 2M 9.69 3M 9.78 6M 1Y 11.01

2.76 11.07 11.01 3.01 11.02 10.90 3.10 11.02 10.90 :Benchmarks 3.85Bond 11.05 10.95 * :Amortising 4.93Bond 11.15 11.08 µ :Convertible 5.25 Management Corporation 11.18 11.09 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria FGN: Federal 7.51Government of Nigeria 11.97 11.91 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 9.64 12.15 12.10 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.35 12.15 12.11 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.83 Aviation Handling 12.15 Company 12.11 NAHCO: Nigerian 15.32 12.16 12.10 O/N: Overnight 16.00 12.21Company 12.16 UPDC: UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 19.98 12.20 12.16 NOTE:

Bid ($/N) 161.70 162.10 162.36 Bid Price 162.95 164.12 99.72 165.42 95.43 169.04 176.84 103.50

Offer ($/N)

Price 161.80 162.36

162.70 Offer Price 163.60 165.30 99.87 167.07 95.93 172.84 183.83 103.65

109.30 109.45 97.08 97.38 95.69 95.99 NA :Not Applicable 98.89 99.19 # :Floating Rate Bond 118.00coupon bonds 118.30 ***: Deferred 83.73 84.03 †: Bond121.50 rating expired 121.80 111.40 111.70 119.10 119.40 102.25 102.55 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 74.82Bank for Africa 75.12 UBA: United 84.60 84.90 99.60 99.90

4,479.99 4,575.44

Description

Issue Date

0.00Porfolio AMCONMarket 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) Total Outstanding 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 1,028.22 968.07 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 1,143.53 951.30 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 745.71 811.72

2,917.46

Value

Rate (%) 10.4583 12.2108 13.1576 Maturity Date 14.2074

100.00 28-Sep-14 535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 515.27 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 452.80 27-Apr-17 1M 10.2717 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 10.5274 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 10.5969 300.00 30-May-18 6M 10.6691 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 10.8324 12M 10.9435 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 220.15 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N) 20-Nov-29 BID($/N) 200.00 161.9500 591.57 23-Jul-30 OFFER ($/N) 162.0500 35.00 18-Jul-34

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

Rating/Agency

NIBOR

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2,731.09

FMDQ FGN

28-Dec-11 Weighting by 24-May-10 Outstanding Vol

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 35.45 20-Apr-12 34.83 06-Jul-12 29.72

100.00

Outstanding Value (N'bn) BOND INDEX

Coupon (%)

0.00 Weighting

by Mkt 0.00 Value

17.25 0.00/16.00 35.24 0.00/16.50 39.20 0.00/16.50 25.56

100.00

978.35

Bucket Weighting 24.56

3.30 112.220.35 116.700.35 66.49 0.30

1,301.62 1.00

31-Oct-14 % Exposure_ 24-May-15 Mod_Duration

03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 16.96 20-Apr-17 34.64 06-Jul-17 48.40

100.00

0.27

Implied Yield 0.83

1.44 2.38 11.08 2.74 11.71 2.95 12.20

11.84

#

Risk Premium (%) 1.00 Implied 2.63 Portfolio Price 2.27 2.00 118.1728 1.00 134.0830 1.00 100.7369

118.5325

Valuation Yield (%) 11.55

INDEX 13.13

12.96 12.99 1,122.40 12.01 1,135.36 12.02 1,175.18

1,125.93

Indicative Price 97.02 YTD Return 89.97 (%)

105.60 100.31 12.2401 98.90 13.5364 96.48 17.5177

12.5932

1,266.87

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

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

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

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00

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

0.03 0.22 1.10 0.70 1.22 1.23 2.74 1.78 3.44

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79

12.05 13.83 14.95 13.76 15.04 14.06 16.60 11.86 12.83

100.04 99.92 97.56 100.05 99.08 101.81 85.90 103.06 103.16

48 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

‘We maintained status quo to avoid explosion’

issue on which decision has been taken should be revisited because if we do allow re-visitations, they will be going round and round and will never be an ending issue.

There are issues that when the documentations come up we might say no, this is not what we said but there is a strong feeling of people who say, ‘regionalism or nothing. Don’t forget the confab is a meeting of 500 people. Ten of you may hold a strong view but you come out and if it is contrary to the view of all the rest, I am afraid, the majority must have its way and you don’t hope to have all your input accepted. You must go with a mindset that if this is accepted, fair enough and if it is not, any other way the majority goes, I will go with them too unless you want to declare yourself unilaterally out of the game. So, you can’t have it all your way.

Give some, take some, yield some, and persist in some and if you go persisting in all, you may lose all.

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

There are other conditions that must be met, the states must be viable, they must have a certain number of people making up the population. And the state from which they will be carved out must also be viable.

So, these are the checks and balances to ensure that we do not have frivolous creation of states that depend entirely on revenue allocation.

It is necessary to note that the issue canvassed was the question of the federating units. The people from the South West wanted the geopolitical zones, to become the federating units. They are de facto recognized but not yet de jure. It also suggested that even states that wanted to merge could do so.

The other issue is the question of local government.

There is a lot of inequity in the creation of local governments. If you make comparisons, let me give you two illustrations from South West, Lagos has a population of about nine million people, Osun State has a population of about three million and has 33 Local Government Areas, while Lagos State has 22 Local Government Areas. How do you justify it?

Kaduna and Katsina, the proportion is comparably similar, then Lagos and Kano, they both have almost equal population. Kano has 44 Local Government Areas while Lagos has 22. How do you justify this?

The whole of South East geopolitical zone has almost equal number of Local Governments against Kano and Jigawa State.

Somebody humorously said that some of these local governments were created even to appease some girl friends, that it was not based on any rationalization of either population which should be the principle basis for the creation.

So, we recommended strongly that allocation from the Federal Government should not go to local government areas directly and to remove this inequality, we suggested that states can create any number of local governments they want and the funds for local governments should go to states, let the states therefore distribute them to where they think best.

Again, in order to assuage the yearning of some people, we recommended that states be created where there are chunks of minority people that are really being maltreated.

Another derivation issue; we did suggest that it was observed that when money from oil producing states are given to the states, the communities from which the oil is drilled and tapped suffer the greater damages to the environment. And sometimes, the money does not get to the particular community; therefore, we suggested that communities from which the oil is produced should have a good chunk of the money allocated to the oil producing states, going direct to the communities.

Another thing we suggested to help assuage the question of derivation, if you look at the map of Nigeria, virtually every state and of the 774 local governments areas, many have some mineral lying there to be exploited. So, we created a fund for solid minerals like gaseous, liquid among others, for development and exploitation of them so that most of the states opposing the increase of allocation for derivation, when you mine gold, bitumen, tin etc, then you will also be getting money from derivation. So that is a staccato of activities that went on at the national conference.

This issue of derivation became so contentious, did that compel the shifting of the buck to the presidency and what would you have suggested?

I served in the committee that dealt with this particular issue. In that committee, about 34 of us, it became so hot that we debated for five good days. After debating for some time, we said, alright bracket it and let us touch other issues otherwise we will not make any progress at all.

In the end, what the committee recommended was that everything should be left at status quo because it appeared such a sensitive issue could be the last straw that will break the camel’s back. And we in our wisdom said no, leave everything at status quo, at least for the mean time because we saw how explosive it was tending to be.

Yes, it was very contentious, in our committee it was hot. I don’t want to start discussing who said what in the committee but I am sorry to say that at one time I threatened somebody in physical encounter. Some people threatened walking out and it was so hot and we said let the sleeping dog lie.

We realized that Nigeria as today is an inflammable commodity and nobody should carry naked fire where there is an inflammable commodity. If we put this to the

You did mention the compensation of the victims of the civil war from Igbo extraction, when that was raised in the conference, did it receive support from other delegates from other geopolitical zones?

Not quite the way you will expect. There were people from the South East who said no to it, that it is too far gone and cannot be re-visited.

I don’t want to mention names but there is one boy, I call him a boy because he is not as old as my second son, he said no. no, that he doesn’t want to come back to discuss all these things, that after all he is a Nigerian, and he is not here for tribal interest. He is a boy from South East and that will tell you the mood that you may think we are together, some have different views and sometimes, surprisingly, very farfetched views.

Ikedife

We must know when to call a spade a spade and not a garden fork. This spate of impeachment particularly of people who left PDP, I don’t know how healthy it is and where it is going to lead bitter end, it may end up in a way that an explosion will be in our face. As I said that the quantum of bitterness and anger is high and we must not push the issue to the brink of explosion.

Do you think the outcome of the confab should be subjected to a referendum?

As I said earlier, we categorized the decisions into three compartments, one that will require executive action, second category that may need to go to the federal legislative house, the third category that may go to the population for a referendum.

As I also said, we are not yet sure of the legal foundation on which to plant all that we are doing, whether they will go the way of previous confabs where certain things were picked and implemented and remained in limbo.

I am not a clairvoyant to be able to tell you what the government thinking is.

The South East came with self determination to the confab and it was thrown away, why was it considered to be an option for the geopolitical zones in the country?

There are many issues raised and this particular one you are talking about is a clear sensitive issue. One delegate raised it on three different occasions, putting it through three different ways before it was captured.

There is no doubt, many people wanted true federalism by which each region or its geopolitical zone or each federating unit should have its own constitution, move at its own pace and have a lot of reserved legislative powers, both concurrent and some exclusive. It was well thought out and when we go back, we shall re-discuss.

The recess is not just go and cool off, it is to enable the secretariat document the conclusions which they will bring back to us to re-discuss and agree that these are the things we agreed on, before signing them.

Even though, at the beginning we did agree that no

Can this be attributed to what people say; that the South East delegates didn’t prepare well for the confab?

No, it is not the question of South East being prepared or not, it is attitudinal change. There are people who got there through various means .There are those who are there under the umbrella of ethnic nationalities or state government delegates.

There are some Federal Government delegates, while some came under professional bodies, organizations, youth movements, physically challenged, civil society organizations, and many other channels. Some showed more loyalty to their organisations than to their states or geopolitical zones.

Give us an idea of some of those things you had in mind to achieve in the confab which were either not accepted or you were not allowed to air your view on.

We went there thinking we will have the federating units within the geopolitical zones, we did not achieve it. We went there thinking that one state alone will be given to South East and others will raise the issue so that five geopolitical zones will have six states, one will have seven. We didn’t achieve it.

We went there hoping that self determination by the geopolitical zones will be a concluded issue so that you will take your destiny in your hands and develop at your pace.

We went there thinking that we should have state police, that of course was agreed. It was not a total loss nor was it a total victory. As I said, win some, loose some and that was the proper healthy attitude to adopt in going to an issue like this. If you went there and kept rigidly to the script you had written for yourself, or the script that has been written and given to you, and got there and found that it was not going to carry the day, either you stay and continue or you walk away.

Walking away, I don’t think is the best option, you make the best of the situation and that was what most delegates turned out to adopt as their altitude; to get the best of the situation.

Somebody raised the issue of Jonathan’s re-election in 2015, what could be your personal view to this development?

I am sorry; I don’t have a personal view because I am not in politics anymore. If you look at the political goings on, a lot of them seem to be heading towards explosion. There is still a lot of disrespect for continued existence of this country.

We must know when to call a spade a spade and not a garden fork. This spate of impeachment particularly of people who left PDP, I don’t know how healthy it is and where it is going to lead.

If we want one party system, let us say so and then they will all fall in line. As I said, I am not in any political party now but what I am observing doesn’t give me happiness.

NEWS 49

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

MATURITY Senator Domingo Obende thinks there are so many rascals in state assemblies

Senator warns Jonathan against impeachment

The senator said the silence in the senate over the many impeachable offences committed by President Goodluck Jonathan, should Cajetan Mmuta not be taken for granted as BENIN that was done in the interest of the stability of the nation. senator representing Senator Obende, spoke Edo North senatorial in Igarra, headquarters of district in the Nation- Akoko-Edo council area al Assembly, Senator that if the bitter pill of Domingo Obende, has cau- impeachment and the artioned President Goodluck bitrary use of state power Jonathan and the ruling Peo- by the PDP-controlled ples Democratic Party (PDP) Federal Government to to watch their back over the suppress opposition are gale of impeachments de- not checked, the country’s ployed against governors of growing democracy may be impaired.

APC controlled states.

A

Ebola: Bat eaters at risk in Cross River Clement James Calabar

S

cientists under the auspices of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Cross River State branch, have called on the Federal government to ensure that effective emergency response mechanism is put in place to prevent the possible outbreak of the Ebola virus in the country.

The association made its position known at a one-day workshop entitled; “Ebola Virus: An emerging global challenge,” in Calabar yesterday.

Speaking at the occasion, Cross River State Chairman of the association, Ms. Gloria Archibong, said it has become imperative for the Nigeria public to be properly educated about the virus as the threat is on the increase daily. The association appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to check the spread of the virus.

She said: “If it has come as close as Ghana, and there has been report of another Liberian, who flew into the country, then it is only wise for us to put effective emergency response mechanism in place and enlighten our people on its prevention, because the virus has no cure for now.

“I also want to believe that the virus is not here.

But the reason why Cross

River may be at risk is because we actually have bat-eating communities and we are a bush-meat eating people too. Fruits, bats and monkeys are the major reservoirs of the virus, the Federal Government really needs to sensitise Nigerians,” she lamented.

A consultant microbiologist at the University of Calabar, Prof. Michael Useh, who also spoke on the occasion, said it was high time the country took the reality of the virus serious, “because it is possible for the virus to come into the country due to the nature of the outbreak, which was discovered in 1976 and has since been occurring and reoccurring. It is important we put measures in place.”

He said: “We must rigorously enlighten Nigerians, because the mortality rate of the virus is about 90 per cent and it has no known cure for now. For the fact that some species of bat are responsible, even though we have not carried out any epidemiology test, we have high rain forest zones and when this virus was first discovered, it was carried by bats in a rainforest zone.”

Speaking further, he said: “We must establish centres where the virus can at least be diagnosed.

We must educate Nigerians on the symptoms due to our porous borders, most especially now that a carrier of the virus was contained in Lagos,” Useh said.

LASU shifts post-UTME date Post-Unified Tertiary TtionheMatriculation Examina(post-UTME) screen-

ing exercise of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, earlier scheduled for today, Wednesday, July 30, has been postponed. A new date is to be announced.

The Registrar of the university, Mr. Lewis Akinwunmi Oladapo, in a statement made available

to New Telegraph yesterday, said a new date for the examination will be announced later.

The statement reads in part: “The management of the Lagos State University hereby announces the postponement of the university’s post-UTME screening earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. All inconveniences are regretted.”

He said: “What is happening is surprising to many of us. First, there is danger around the corner, danger in the political arena, because a political system that ought to be stable, that thrives on impeachment threats and processes does not augur well.

“What are we talking about? Who is saying that the President has not committed an impeachable offence?”

Obende, who is also the vice-chairman, Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory said: “The National Assembly ought to be looking at that; but for stability and the maturity of the leadership of

the National Assembly, that was why such issues were handled carefully.

“We were also looking at Nigeria as an entity that must be salvaged and of course, the whole of Africa is looking up to us as the leader, are we going to be a giant in rascality?”

The senator berated the action of lawmakers in states where impeachment has become a tool to witchhunt perceived enemies, describing such as ‘parliamentary misbehaviour’ against the peoples mandate.

“To me, I see it as a clear case of parliamentary misbehavior, where governors who were given the mandate by their people are not

allowed to exercise such.

I think there should be a repeal of these sections of harassment.”

Obende also urged the various state Houses of Assembly to always seek judicial interpretation of their intended actions on impeachable offences and the need for states’ chief judges to verify the validity of the panels set up by them before such processes are carried out in the interest of peace.

“Let it go through court process first and if you win, you can now come to the House and seek for impeachment. And, of course, they must query the chief judge, who will just set up

a panel without knowing if the case is right and if such a governor should be impeached.”

The lawmaker further frowned on the unfolding political drama between the APC and the PDP legislators in those state Houses of Assembly.

“In the case of Edo State, those lawmakers know that what they are doing is illegal, because the court has asked them to go and obey the law of the House, because they are internal laws that govern what they are doing; I have never heard nor seen two chambers sitting on state matters,” Obende added.

L-R: Vicar, Christ Anglican Church, Elere, Agege, Ven. Christopher Ayejoyo; his wife, Christiana, Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. James Odedeji; his wife, Lydia; Dr. Leke Pitan and Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo, during the 80th anniversary celebration of the church in Lagos...yesterday

Crisis brews again in Ughelli over traditional stool Gabriel Choba

Ughelli

emerged yesIyetndications terday that there may be another crisis in Delta State as four chiefs of Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government area of the state have signed a press release saying that the traditional stool of Ughievwen Kingdom remains vacant.

Those who signed the release include Andrew Gbeneke of Owhawha clan, Chief Peter Ugbinidaka of Ukpedi clan, Chief Peter Raleigh of Uhurie clan and Chief Ugava of Orhoghwe clan, all stakeholders in the kingdom.

The chiefs argued that since no traditional ruler can be crowned by a bishop of a church, coupled with the fact that there was a substituting suit number HCG/35/2011

pending in the High Court between Chief Ophorka Opuama and others Vs Mr. Matthew Ediri Egbi, before the government’s approval, it becomes null and void.

They also said that there exists a traditionally crowned Chief Thomas Okotete, who was chosen by the four clans and is the rightful occupant of the Okobaro stool, adding that he was accepted by the indigenes of Ughwiewen kingdom.

The chiefs also said that out of the four ruling houses of Owhawha, Orhoghwe, Ukpedi and Uhurie, it was only the Uhurie Ruling House that has not occupied the Okobaro stool while Owhawha is bent on grabbing the stool twice.

They avowed that they would not allow such brazen illegality, usurpation and oppression to take place in Ughwiewen kingdom.

Delta monarch advocates Toru-Ibe state Gabriel Choba

Ughelli

paramount ruler in Aernment Warri North Local Govarea of Delta State, His Majesty, Pere Gold Oro E. Tiemo, has advocated for the carving out of Toru-Ibe state from the present Delta, Edo and Ondo States.

Speaking to newsmen in his palace yesterday, the monarch said the request is as old as the creation of states in the country, adding that the component of the proposed state have the resources to sustain it. He noted that resources from the proposed state have helped to sustain the Nigerian economy, adding that areas being advocated for are also geographically contiguous.

On revenue allocation, Pere Tiemo said even though Niger Delta people are advocating for 50 per cent revenue allocation, he

would peg his recommendation at 25 per cent, adding that those now opposing the increase in derivation could be blessed with the black gold one day or even be blessed with other natural resources that would attract the derivation policy.

He advised such citizens to sheathe their swords and allow the goose that lays the golden egg to have its fair share. The monarch noted that when cocoa, groundnut, palm oil were produced in other regions, derivation was 50 per cent, wondering why other areas of the country would be opposing the Niger Delta demand.

The monarch also admonished those against President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid to have a rethink, saying what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. He noted that historically, no president has been denied his second term bid in Nigeria.

50

WORLD | NEWS

Suicide bomber kills Afghan president’s cousin

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powerful cousin of outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai was assassinated by a suicide bomber hiding explosives in his cap yesterday, a provincial official said. It was the latest attack targeting Afghan power brokers and government officials as insurgents and political factions struggle for power ahead of the withdrawal of foreign combat forces by the end of this year.

Hashmat Khalil Karzai was a staunch supporter of the president and had played an active role in the campaign to choose his cousin’s successor.

The attacker blew himself up while bowing to kiss Karzai’s hand following morning prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in a reception room at the Karzai family home in the southern province of Kandahar, a provincial government spokesman said. It was similar to the September 2011 killing of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who at the time was the leader of a governmentappointed peace council seeking reconciliation with militants. President Karzai condemned the attack.

“Just like all other Afghans who are the daily targets of terrorist attacks, our family too is no exception and as every other Afghan, we too

will have to bear it,” he said in a statement.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for yesterday’s attack, which comes at a sensitive time in Afghanistan as an audit is taking place under international supervision of all 8 million ballots cast last month in the second round of the country’s presidential election. The process is key to insuring a peaceful transfer of power as the international community winds down its combat mission and foreign aid dwindles. Hashmat Karzai was campaign manager for former Finance Minister and World Bank official Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, who is competing against Abdullah Abdullah.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Sallah : Mimiko urges Nigerians to embrace peace Babatope Okeowo Akure

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overnor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has said cordial relationship, as well as deep show of love and tolerance among Christian and Muslim faithful is what is needed to move Nigeria forward and remain as one nation.

Mimiko in his Eidel-Fitri message, by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni

Akinsola, said he rejoices with Muslim faithful in the state and across the nation as they celebrate Eid-El-Fitri, urging them to imbibe and put into apt use, the lessons of the Ramadan fast, which centres on love and tolerance.

The governor described the observance of piety, self-denial, discipline, and love during the Ramadan fast by Muslim faithful across the country as an indicator of the possibili-

ties for Nigeria to remain a united and peaceful nation.

Mimiko, who enjoined Nigerians to use the occasion to rediscover and show greater love to one another and by extension, “the country we all claim to be ours,” urged leaders of faith across the country to exhibit exemplary leadership through genuine commitment to peace and security and religious harmony.

Group asks Lamido to declare for presidency Buhari Bello Jos

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overnor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has been advised to declare his interest to contest the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. Speaking at a breakfast meeting to celebrate the Eid Fitr with Journalists and members of the North Central Youth Movement for Good Governance (NCYMGG) yesterday in Jos, National Coordinator of the group, Nafiu Yau Jos, said that time was ripe for Lamido to formally declare his

interest to contest the PDP presidential primaries. “The atmosphere is conducive and the time is ripe for Sule Lamido to respond to calls, yearning and aspirations of Nigerians to declare his intention to contest the PDP presidential primaries”. “We believe in his leadership qualities, a detribalised Nigerian, who will bridge the current political divide and unite the entire people of our dear nation.

We have confidence in his ability to genuinely transform the country and deliver the much needed positive change Nigerians

desire”. He criticized the position of some stakeholders within the PDP, especially some governors and members of the National Assembly from the party for endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan, adding, “the action of some political public holders within the PDP of endorsing Jonathan is designed to intimidate prospective aspirants and is also undemocratic because they don’t have the mandate of the people that voted them into their various offices to endorsed any candidate for now. They should allow Nigerians to decide the candidate of their choice.”

LP, APC: Defection hits Ondo Babatope Okeowo Akure

Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai.

30 die in Benghazi battle

L

ibyan forces yesterday battled Islamist militants with rockets and warplanes for control of an army base in the eastern city of Benghazi after at least 30 people were killed in overnight fighting. Intense fighting in Benghazi, Libya’s second city, and battles between rival militias in the capital Tripoli have pushed Libya deeper into chaos after two weeks of the fiercest violence since the 2011 civil war ousted Muammar Gaddafi.

Foreign states followed the United States and the United Nations in pulling diplomats out of the North African oil-producing state after clashes between two

rival brigades of former anti-Gaddafi fighters closed Tripoli’s international airport.

A rocket hit a fuel depot near Tripoli airport two days ago, igniting a huge blaze that Libyan firefighters on Tuesday were fighting to put out. Italy’s government and Italian oil group ENI had agreed to help them, the government said.

Three years after Gaddafi’s fall, the OPEC nation has failed to control ex-rebel militias who refuse to disband and who are threatening the unity of the country. The extent of recent hostilities has increased Western wor-

ries that Libya is sliding towards becoming a failed state and may once again go to war.

In Benghazi, battles have intensified since Special Forces and regular air force units joined ranks with a renegade army general, Khalifa Haftar, who launched a campaign against Islamist militants entrenched in the city, the home of the revolution against Gaddafi’s more than 40-year rule.

“Groups of terrorists calling themselves al-Shoura Council Forces are attacking the government’s main military base,” Colonel Wanis Bukhamada, a Special Forces spokesman in Benghazi, told Reuters.

F

ormer Commissioner for Finance and Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ondo State, Chief Tayo Alasoadura is set to dump the party for the rival Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Similarly, another former commissioner for local government and chieftain affairs, Mr.Tayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tukana, is set to dump the Labour Party (LP) for the opposition

PDP. Alasoadura, a former PDP chieftain before dumping the party for the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN ,which later transformed to APC was the Director General of Olawarotimi Akeredolu Campaign Organisation in 2012 governorship election in the state.

A strong pillar of APC in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, Alasoadura’s movement from the party, sources said, would mark the demise of the party in the

council area.

The major grouse of Alasoadura, who was a governorship aspirant in the defunct ACN was the manner the party was being run and the state and the dwindling fortune of the party in the southwest geo-political zone.

Oluwatuyi, popularly called Tukana by his admirers, has held meeting with some of his supporters on his planned defection to either the All Progressive Party (APC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

NIPR retreat to focus on administrative challenges, solutions Appolonia Adeyemi

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ll state chairmen and secretaries of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) would be brain storming on the challenges of administering the

various chapters in the nation at a retreat scheduled to hold next month.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the NIPR President, Mr. Willy Ogbidi in Lagos.

According to the statement, the retreat which is to be organised by the NIPR is scheduled to hold at the Durban International Hotels Limited, Isheri Road, Ogba, Lagos State on in August.

Discipline key to Okagbare’s success –Ajunwa Vincent Eboigbe

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tlanta 1996 Olympic long jump gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, has attributed Blessing Okagbare’s successes on the tracks, the latest being the 100m gold at the ongoing Glasgow Games, to discipline.

Ajunwa

Okagbare won the blue ribbon event of the Games in a time of 10.85 seconds, putting some daylight between her and Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart both of Jamaica, who came in at second and third respectively.

An elated Ajunwa noted that Okagbare was a breed apart in

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

a sport where discipline was becoming a serious issue.

“Okagbare is a very good athlete, every nation will be happy to have an athlete like that and she is representing herself and the nation brilliantly,” Ajunwa told New Telegraph on the telephone.

“She is a very disciplined ath-

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ormer Super Eagles coach, Amodu Shuaibu, has thrown his weight behind giving national team coach, Stephen Keshi, a new improved contract.

Keshi, according to Amodu, has done more than enough to warrant a renewed contract to manage the Super Eagles for more years.

Speaking with New Telegraph on the telephone, the Edo-born tactician said Keshi was on the right track and there was need for continuity in the national team.

Amodu said; “Keshi has done enough to be offered a better contract. In the last two years, he has

done a lot and I will love to have him in charge of the national team for more years.

“I am solidly behind him, I appreciate what he has been doing in the team, bringing in young and hungry players into the national team, both from the local league and the foreign leagues.

“There is need for continuity and with what he has achieved, he will surely take the team to a greater height if given the opportunity.”

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday, mandated the Technical SubCommittee to open negotiations with Keshi whose contract expired after the World Cup in Brazil, where the Super Eagles were eliminated in the second round of the competition.

lete and that is one thing that is working in her favour in a sport where you cannot find so many disciplined performers these days. But my worry is that what happens when she quits the tracks tomorrow? Who would replace her? It is a pity that we don’t want to invest in our athletes to see them rise to the top.”

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ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS adekunles@yahoo.com kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com

Keshi deserves long term contract – Amodu Charles Ogundiya

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Amodu

Nigeria’s Joseph Yobo(right) and Iran player at the 2014 World Cup

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Okagbare: Blessing to a nation Ajibade Olusesan

Elegbeleye,Ogbasalute C’wealthqueen

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hef de mission of Team Nigeria, Gbenga Elegbeleye, and President, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, have hailed the spectacular performance of Blessing Okagbare in winning the 100 m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in style. ‘’This is the mother of all gold medals. She has broken her personal best record on her way to winning the gold. She also shattered her Season’s best before also erasing the Games record with her 10.85secs win.

You can see that it was not an easy thing and that makes this gold the mother of all gold medals. She beat the best in the world to breast the tape first. We are talking of Jamaica’s Veronca Campbell-Brown

and Keron Stewart. I’m happy and we are proud of Blessing Okagbare’’, Elegbeleye who is also the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, said.

Ogba had been on the edge before the 100m race Monday.

“I feel great. I feel fulfilled. I was nervous all through the race.

One mistake would have scuttled everything. I thank God for everything’’, a relieved and fulfilled Ogba said.

The AFN president confirmed that Okagbare would take part in the 200m, but could not confirm her participating in the Long Jump as he said that they were studying the situation. ‘’She has not been jumping but we are studying things,’’ Ogba said.

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lessing Okagbare finally proved she can carry the hopes of 160 million Nigerians on her elegant shoulders after a blistering performance on the tracks of Hampden Park on Monday night.

The athlete banished the memory of London 2012 Olympics with a commanding performance in the Commonwealth Games following an outstanding showing in the 100 metres event.

The sprinter came last in the Olympic final in London, but was utterly dominant in Glasgow as she powered to gold, shattering the Games record in the process.

Her time of 10.85secs bettered Debbie Ferguson’s 12-year record of 10.91 seconds.

Spotting a conspicuous blonde hair on lane four, Okagbare re-

Okagbare’s victory excites Danagogo

lDirects NSC to pay athletes their bonuses in Glasgow

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he Minister of Sports, Dr. Tanmmy Danagogo, has expressed joy over the victory of Nigerian sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, who on Monday night won a gold medal for the country in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

“I am really very excited at this victory for Nigeria.

Blessing Okagbare, like our other medalists, has really made Nigeria proud. Nigerians are very happy that we are doing well,” the minister said after Okagbare’s victory.

Okagbare on Monday night set a new Commonwealth Games record in Glasgow when she finished at 10.85secs to win the gold medal.

She beat Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown to emerge the fastest woman in the Commonwealth and also broke Debbie Ferguson’s 10.91 seconds of 12 years.

An elated minister said he has directed the National Sports Commission to ensure that any Nigerian athlete who won gold, silver or

bronze medals at the games, be paid their bonus instantly.

The Federal Government had last week pledged $7,000 for gold medalists, $4,000 for silver medallists and $3,000 for bronze medallists.

“We want to make the athletes happy by paying them the money that the Federal Government promised on the spot. We do not want them to collect it after the Games but as soon as they win they get their money. This will serve to further motivate them,” the minister said.

pelled the more experienced Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart who returned the time of 11.03 and 11.07 to place second and third respectively.

The victory was not the only enviable record for Okagbare, the 25-year-old has also become the only Nigerian athlete to have won medals in all major athletic competitions viz; Olympics, World Athletics Championship, All Africa Games and Commonwealth Games. For all their exploits, stars like Mary Onyali, Chioma Ajunwa, Chidi Imoh, the Ezinwa brothers, Davidson and Osmond, Olopade Adeniken, Falilat Ogunkoya and others were unable to match that record.

As a teenager, Okagbare won a bronze medal in the long jump event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Despite failing in 2011 IAAF World Athletics Championship in Daegu, the track queen took the 2013 edition in Russia by storm as she became the only Nigerian to win double individual medals in the history of the competition. She won a bronze in 200meters and silver in the long jump event.

Also in her collections are two All Africa Games gold medals and two silver medals. She has also racked up three gold and one silver medal in Africa Championships among other individual honours in indoors and outdoors championships.

Despite her astonishing achievements since she came into limelight in 2007, Okagabare has been unable to win over some critics because she was yet to win gold medal at the global level despite her potential.

Ahead of 2012 Olympics many Nigerians had hoped the star could challenge for gold medals in 100m, 200m and long jump events because of her performance in the Diamond League leading to the Games. She had beaten world number one, Shelly Ann FraserPryce, Camelta Jeter and Veronica Campbell in competitions few weeks to the start of London Games, but she badly faltered at the tournament proper as she left London without any silverware.

Despite winning two medals at the World Athletics Championship last year, her critics still retained the scepticism as she headed to Glasgow, although she had been the overwhelming favourite to win both in 100 and 200meters events after Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal from the Games, but she should have won them over by now.

Sources close to the athlete revealed that she had been nursing a shoulder injury for a while which had hampered her success on the tracks. According to reports, the sprinter had undergone a surgery to correct the problem and her fans must now expect commanding performances from her in the coming years. She is proving in Glasgow that she is ready for a long period of dominance in world athletics.

Okagabare is far from finishing her business in Glasgow, she still has to pick medals in the 200 metres, long jump and 4X100 metres events and she has vowed to dazzle in all the events “I still have the 200m and the long jump and I’m looking forward to both of those events now,” she said after her triumph on Monday.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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FG pledges to pay special attention Efe Ajagba is as good as gold –Okorodudu to Commonwealth medalists J

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heNigerianGovernment has said that it will pay special attention to any athlete who wins medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Minister of Sports, Dr. Tanmmy Danagogo made this disclosure while speaking on the victory of Nigerian athletes who have won medals for the country at the ongoing games, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Dr. Danagogo said; “The government is going to pay special attention to our gold, silver and bronze medalists in this Games. Once we finish from this Games, we are going to monitor the medalists to ensure that they are in shape ahead of other tournaments.

“We are going to design a

monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for them so that we keep tab of everything they do. If we handle them this way, I am sure that we will be in a position to use them to win medals in the forthcoming Olympics and other Games in the future.”

According to the min-

ister; “The expectations of Mr. President and the rest of Nigerians is that we win more medals at the Games.

We are proud of our athletes for what they have done so far for the country and the government is prepared to give them all the necessary support they need to succeed.”

erry Okorodudu has assessed the Nigerian pugilists who progressed into the quarter finals of the ongoing Commonwealth Games and predicted that Nigerian boxing was on its way back to reckoning.

Okorodudu should know because he had

been at the roped square and tasted bitter punches and also delivered devastating punches on his way to many podium appearances.

The Olympian after watching the Nigerian pugilists who have fought seven times and won five said that the current Pugilists have shown signs that the once great act of self defence in which Nigeria excelled before kissing the canvass, was on its way back to greatness.

“See Efe Ajagba in the Super Heavyweight.

He was amazing and is as good as gold. He knocked off his opponents with ease and I don’t see anything

that will stop him from winning gold,” the once glamour boxer who got christened ‘jerry curled Jerry’ because of his curly hair said. ‘’There is also Efetobore Victory. This one has the reflex and great movement. He was so good in his last fight against an Aussie that Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, sprayed dollars on him. He dismissed the Australian in 15 seconds that the crowd applauded sporadically. ‘’I’m happy that Nigerian boxers are coming back. This is the sport that gave good name to the country. We’re back,’’ Okorodudu said.

Singaporesecuresdoubleteamgoldintable-tennis

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ingapore has secured the Commonwealth Games Women’s and Men’s Teams gold for the fourth consecutive time in Glasgow, Scotland, since table tennis was introduced into the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

The Singaporean Women’s team, consisting of Feng Tianwei, Yu Mengyu and Lin Ye, (Isabelle LI and Zhou Yihan on the bench) easily accounted for their Malaysian rivals 3-0 in the final.

Singapore women’s coach Jing Junhong stated after

the victory; “I’m proud. The players performed well and to win gold is good for our young players. The result was 3-0 so that was good for me, but it was difficult. The first match was really important for us.

“We always hope to win the gold, but it’s not easy. In the semi-finals we lost a match but winning the gold is more important for us.

“We have a young team.

Compared to the last Commonwealth Games we’ve changed three key players and we’ve got three young players

coming together, and it’s a gold medal at a major Games so the future is good for us.”

The Men’s Team final was not as straight forward for Singapore, as they had to battle past a spirited England team and the 2,500 Spectators at the Scotstoun Sports Campus who were fully behind them.

The strong Singaporean team of Zhan Jian, Gao Ning and Li Hu managed to block out the crowd to defeat England 3-1 to match their female teammates golden performance.

Team Nigeria’s official kits finally arrive ...as athletes wear oversized tracksuits

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Quadri

he official kits for the Team Nigeria for the 2014 Commonwealth Games finally arrived the Games’ Athletes Village yesterday from Germany after a long wait.

The kit was first sighted on one of the country’s weightlifters, Yinka Adenuwa, during the medal’s presentation ceremony after he won silver medal in men’s 69kg weightlifting event at the ongoing Glasgow 2014.

Before now, the Team Nigeria athletes were using kits that did not reflect the country’s colours.

The athletes had to manage a quickly designed attire for the Games’ opening ceremony, after it was earlier agreed that those who would take part in the open-

ing ceremony were the wrestlers who had been well kitted by the Bayelsa State government courtesy of the influence of a son of the soil, Nigeria’s Wrestling Federation president, Daniel Igali.

The idea of using the beautiful grey blazers of the wrestling team was shelved at the last minute as the colour did not reflect anything green.

Following the arrival of the official kits, Nigerian athletes have been seen wearing the official house wear, slippers, canvasses, track suits and competition wears, but the downside of this late delivery is that most of those who have received their own kits have been complaining that it is either oversized or too tight for comfort.

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Okagbare shifts focus to 200m, Long Jump Emmanuel Tobi

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ommonwealth Women 100m champion, Blessing Okagbare, has said that she will not rest on her oars until the 200m and Long Jump gold medals were added to her haul at the ongoing games in Glasgow.

Okagbare shocked Veronica Campbell-Brown, to win gold in the women’s final at a time of 10.85 seconds, setting a new Commonwealth Games record and breaking Debbie Ferguson’s 12-year record of 10.91 seconds.

Speaking with New Telegraph on Tuesday, the

Okagbare

ecstatic Sapele-born athlete said, “I’m elated for the success in the 100m.

It’s a new season’s best but I still have the 200m and the long jump. I’m looking forward to both events now.”

She added that her endurance on the tracks paid off. Okagbare said; “I executed it and stayed patient like my coach said I should and after 70 metres it was easy.”

Mikel to stay with Chelsea to earn British passport

Mikel

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uper Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, will stay on and fight for his Chelsea future because he is due to get his British passport in October.

A close associate of the Chelseamidfielderrevealed thatMikelcouldhavereadilytakenupoffersfromclubs like Monaco and Juventus thissummer,butforthefact that this could deny him a

BritishpassportinOctober.

“Mikel will be a British citizen by October and that was one of the main reason he opted to stay put at Chelsea at least for the time being,” the player’s close associate informed AfricanFootball.com “There are offers from clubs like Juventus, Galatasaray and Monaco, but he would rather get his passport before he considers any of them.”

The Nigerian law allows for dual citizenship and so players Tijjani Babangida, Odion Ighalo, Bennedict Akwuegbu and Bartholomew Ogbeche carry two passports.

Commonwealth Games: Mark praises Team Nigeria Chukwu David Abuja

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enate President, Senator David Mark has sent a solidarity message to Nigerian athletes and officials popularly called ‘Team Nigeria’ at the on-going 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Scotland, for their superlative outings so far.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, Mr. Paul Mumeh, the politician pointed out that sports was not just for entertainment but now a yardstick for measuring nations’ socio- economic and political strengths.

He said the medals won

by Nigerian athletes especially in weight lifting and the women100 metres by Blessing Okagbare were

clear indication that the nation had come of age in international sporting competitions.

The Senate President assured the athletes and officials that the Federal Government would do the needful in terms of their welfare and urged them not to rest on their oars in the medal chase.

He promised that the National Assembly would continue to give adequate budgetary allocation to sports development, saying that sports remained a potential ingredient for our unity as a people.

Before the Nigerian contingent left for Glasgow on July 23, 2014, Senator Mark encouraged them to rise up to the challenges of rekindling the winning spirit of the nation in international sporting competitions.

Everton target Emenike as Plan B for Lukaku Ajibade Olusesan

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verton Football Club have joined the pursuit of Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike.

The Nigerian forward has been the subject of some major interest from the Premier League this summer. Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly competing to sign the Super Eagles striker, while Turkish newspaper Fanatik reported that Chelsea were preparing a £16 million bid for the Fenerbahce star.

The Blues have made signing a striker a priority this season. They are one of several clubs reportedly in the hunt for Swansea City striker, Wilfried Bony, but are primarily looking at a deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Goodison Park after the striker scored 15 league goals last season.

But Chelsea appear not willing to sell Lukaku, and Everton have reportedly readied Emenike as Plan B should their bid to get the Belgian fail.

Emenike(right)

Paralympians target success in England lAs team departs Thursday

Ifeanyi Ibeh

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thletes of the Nigeria Paralympic team have promised to return home with medasl as they depart for England on Thursday for the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) Junior Games billed for August 1st to 8th at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

David Omgbugudu, one of two wheelchair athletes taking part in the games, revealed that the com-

petition will present a perfect stage for them to prove their worth to the rest of the world.

“Disability is a function of mindset,” Omgbugudu said, adding, “I can take up any challenges even as I have no legs. I can still make something out of my life; I can even do better than someone that has leg.”

Ombugudu will be vying for honours in the Table Tennis event, while Emmanuel Godwin will participate in powerlifting. Both athletes are

among the 23 polio survivors for the competition.

The Nigerian contingent will be led by Rotary International Polio Ambassador in Nigeria, and founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, Sir Emeka Offor who will be launching a new program called “Differently Able,” during the IWAS Games.

Differently Able will focus on assisting polio survivors in Nigeria. SEOF has provided financial support (N2.6 million) to the Nigerian Paralympic team to enable them take at the 2014 IWAS Games.

Oparanozie tips Falconets to excel in Canada

be wary of their European opponents must bank on their physical strength whom she described as technically and mental alertness,” she added. and tactically superior.

Nigeria has never won the FIFA uper Falcons striker, Desire “The Europeans are always tacti- women’s U20 World Cup, their best Oparanozie, has tipped the cur- cal in their approach but the Falconet being a second place finish in 2010, rent Falconets to excel at the FIFA U20 must not relent in their effort, but after losing 2-0 to Germany in the final.

Women’s World Cup which starts on August 5 in Canada.

Nigeria will play in Group C, against Mexico, South Korea, and England. They play their first game against Mexico on August 6 at the Moncton Stadium, in Moncton.

Oparanozie during a courtesy visit to New Telegraph’s office in Lagos on Tuesday, expressed confidence in the abilities of the players and coaching crew.

“We went to Germany in 2010 and returned with silver when nobody gave us any chance to excel at the competition. We have a good coaching crew and the players that can do the job in Canada,” she enthused.

Super Falcons star, Desire Oparanozie, is flanked by New Telegraph’s Group Sports Editor, She however advised the team to Adekunle Salami (left) and Deputy Editor Saturday, Waheed Bakare, during Oparanozie’s visit

Emmanuel Tobi

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to New Telegraph’s corporate headquarters yesterday in Lagos.

World Record

On Marble

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

– Mark Twain

Sanctity of Truth w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha WEDNESday, JULY 30, 2014

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Gul Mohammed of New Delhi, India, is considered the shortest adult of all time, measuring 0.57 m (1 ft 10 2⁄5 in).

He died on October 1, 1997.

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Ebola in Nigeria: My suspicion

las, a case of the dreaded Ebola disease has been established in Nigeria a couple of years after its initial emergence in Congo. So far this year alone, the disease has guzzled up close to 700 lives since it started spreading from Guinea-Conakry ravaging through Liberia and Sierra Leone, keeping governments and the people of the sub-region on the edge in the process.

Though Nigerians held on to high hopes that Ebola would not transcend to their territory, we inwardly knew it was only a matter of time, given the nature of our porous borders and the nonchalance of Nigerians who would rather maintain “disease no dey kill Africans”. Or even the dirty politics that is determined to perpetuate a high class of diversion that will keep in check our intellectual development and adequately prevent us from grasping the true intent and logic.

Whatever the case however, the Ebola disease is a reality in Nigeria whose devastating effect is rather left to imagination.

For sure, a disease like this that is potently contagious and a fast killer is an issue for concern in a society like ours where family ties are strong, sense of sympathy and empathy is high and body contact encouraged without as much caution as medically advised.

The fact is, no one can rule out the possibility of higher outbreak and a resultant death toll than recorded number in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone put together. Not only because these African countries have better cautious cultures, lesser population and apparently genuine authorities, but because the international politics surrounding the Ebola disease itself has come to the targeted terminus.

Indeed, Nigeria is still the giant of Africa and a big point any day for dirty international politics. Nigeria still sends cold to other African countries any time it sneezes, because it still remains a centre of attraction to other nationals.

Lagos, where the first case of Ebola was reported through a Liberian diplomat who capitulated to it, is a city with so many Africans resident in it. So, by some deductive reasoning, an outbreak of Ebola in Lagos is likely to reverberate in many African countries whose nationals are here.

Mark this, because this is where the international politics is, and this is where my suspicion lies. Of course, with due realization that the era of raw barbarism and clearcut colonial imposition and subjugations is over, the intrigues are now effectively woven around biological warfare, using the germ war departments.

The foreign world has always made us to believe that the African continent and other areas it ruled over are its primary

Medical personnel at work finding solution to Ebola virus. Inset: Ebola victim

concern, either rightly or wrongly. Perhaps, the initial intention was to lord over all territories and colonies using the clinging device of concern, aids, foreign support and assistance as the case may be, in such a way that the foreign link and the related dependence are sustained for the necessary resource distraction that comes at the detriment of African countries.

It is through this subtle policy that today, a lot of Africans and citizens of other populous third world nations, are infected with laboratory-produced deadly viruses like the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Ebola and Bird Flu. With a fast-growing African population that is obviously outstretching foreign “concern”, the logic is to depopulate in order to maintain the status quo by all means, including the least suspicious ways.

Take AIDS for instance, the struggle to find cure and to minimize its spread is today a big business for these foreign countries which have developed AIDS policies and programmes through the United Nations for local domestication and implementation.

And painfully, these policies and programmes come along with great prices tag that consume a significant chunk of our budgets and tie us down to their apronstring. This singular fact does not come alone, it carries so many others along with it, like other inherent efforts aimed at creating inertia against any positive intellectual

tools that feed from the national budgets of many countries slammed with bogus statistics. What these nations give with the left hand is surely taken back in multiple with the right hand. Where this appears unavoidably impossible, they push their ideas and products as messianic solutions to the problems.

Currently, Nigeria is thinking of an ambitious loan of $1 billion for the purchase of 40 military aircraft (among others) to fight Boko Haram. Here, the foreign world is killing two birds with one stone; offering the loan on heavy interest and selling the armaments, probably at equally ludicrous prices.

Mark you, the origin of Boko Haram, as it is a menace today, is shrouded in mystery.

Today it is Ebola, a disease without a known cure for now just like AIDS. Soon enough, a vaccine to manage rather than cure it, may soon be found and other policies and programmes corollary to it, will follow as usual. Huge budgetary allocations will follow as well, thereby diverting resources from pressing problems of want and ignorance.

Just imagine what Nigeria would have been without the devastating issue of AIDS, the puzzle of Boko Haram, the questionable tribal and religious discords, incited political crisis and other diversionary techniques.

Certainly, the nation would have been one standing shoulders high along with these powers that today determine who dies and by what ailment, even as they deliberately choose to reduce our numerical strength perhaps for easy management and for God knows what. Well, all said and done, my suspicion is, Ebola is another manipulative virus, just like other diseases without known cure.

OmoBaba

Christian Chukwu, Health Minister

or material advancement that may checkmate the real intention of these countries.

Now, in the case of these diseases in reference, countries are not only forced to look up to these superpowers for medical solution but also forced to embrace capitalintensive measures that are yet to give us the desired results, of course not for free.

I thought they would have congratulated the likes of our own dear Prof. Abalaka for finding cure for AIDS, and a celebrated African partner, but behold, their pressure sunk this African patriot to the ground and discouraged others from emulating him.

Of course, supporting him to them was akin to killing an investment empire in the AIDS-managing anti-retroviral drugs and

ONDO, LARGEST BABY-PRODUCING STATE, SAYS MIMIKO

... What economic value does it have?

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