Friday, august 5, 2016

NPA mulls sack of 2,000 workers

Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) plans to sack at least 2,000 employees before the end of the year, New Tele-

graph has learnt.

The first batch in the impending cuts are staff that had spent 30 years and above. Also, those who

have attained the age of 55 years will be forced to leave the organisation.

New Telegraph learnt that half of the author-

ity’s 4,000 workers have attained the age of 55 years and above, implying that not less than 2,000 staff would be asked to go on

FG approves N197/$ exchange rate for pilgrims

}37

involuntary retirement.

This development is coming 10 years after NPA sacked about 14,000 of its 18,000 workers during the port concession in 2017.

The source added that

the job cuts had been in the cooler before the emergence of Hadiza Usman, as the new managing director of the authority in July 2016.

However, the authority’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, said CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Teaching hospital discharges all patients }6

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Youths demolish 70-year-old man's houses }9

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N150

Asemota

Jonathan to PDP: Go and reconcile with Sheriff Anenih

PDP governors split into camps

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Mohammed, Wike, Uduaghan: Agriculture, surest way to Nigerian prosperity }4

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Acting President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, during the 12th All Nigerian Editors Conference in Port Harcourt … yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Robbers attack Govt House, kill driver 8 policemen detained over killing }5

Obese peoples’ brains age faster –research }10

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FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan to PDP: Go and reconcile with Sheriff

Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

M

embers of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were shocked by the outcome of their meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday night.

Select representatives of the board, from the six geo-political zones, led by their chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, met with the former president to appeal for his intervention in the PDP leadership crisis.

The meeting, which was held at Jonathan's Abuja residence at highbrow Mataima district, lasted for about one and half hours.

There was no official briefing at the end of the meeting. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George and former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, who spoke at separate interviews with journalists after the meeting, described the outcome as "warm and encouraging."

George disclosed that Jonathan "has not only accepted to assist in making peace, but gave his word to be joining us in the process of resolving the crisis, and to also make out time to attend our meetings.

"As you know, he is a life time member of BoT, having been a former president. Sometime, when people see the big masquerade, they will be more careful."

A source at the meeting, however, disclosed that the BoT members got more than what they bargained for.

Most of the board members have pledged support to Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee, which they said was a product of the May 21 Port Harcourt National Convention.

But the source disclosed that Jonathan directed them to make peace with the Sheriff faction for quick resolution of the crisis.

According to the source, the former president told them that given the evidences available, Sheriff has the upper hand than the Makarfi-led caretaker committee and might continue to rubbish the party if urgent steps were not taken to reconcile with him.

A member of the BoT, who spoke with New Telegraph on the condition of anonymity, said that the members told Jonathan to return to the party and assume his role as the leader.

He said that the former president agreed to return with a promise that he would speak with all the feuding members of the party with a view to finding a solution to the crisis.

Jonathan was also said to have told the BoT members to reach every party to the crisis and try and achieve reconciliation.

But he said that anybody that did not accept the offer of reconciliation should be regarded as not being interested in the party.

He said: “It is not only about Sheriff. It is about all members of the party who are angry or have issues with the party. He tasked us to reach everybody in the party that has one grouse or the other and attempt reconciliation. He also promised that he would reach everybody himself.

But he told us that if after all the attempts, anybody that was not interested should be left out of the party.”

It was gathered that Jonathan met with Sheriff a day before the BoT meeting, at his Abuja residence. The meeting lasted for three hours.

The former president, at the opening of the BoT meeting, said he had been

NPA mulls sack of 2,000 workers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that he was not aware of this development, when contacted by our correspondent.

He simply said: “I don’t know about it.”

But a source at the Lagos Port Complex said that at least 700 staff who would have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or 35 years in service, would proceed on retirement.

The source said that workers were not happy with the development, given the current economic downturn that has slashed people’s disposable income.

“We are just praying

that the management should overlook the issue and give us the grace to serve the country,” he stressed.

However, the President of the NPA Branch of the Senior Staff Association of Communication, Transport and Corporation (SSACTAC), Comrade Benson Adegbeyeni, said that the association would resist any move to force workers into premature retirement.

Adegbeyeni said: “It is not possible. In five years’ time, NPA will be empty.

Now, if you ask these people to go and you are not employing, who will do the job?”

meeting with some individual members of the party without attracting media attention.

The meeting with Sheriff might have offered him detailed information of his grievances.

The source added that what might have emboldened the factional chairman the more despite three court judgements against him, was seemingly sympathy he has been enjoying from some leaders of the party.

It was learnt that what Jonathan told the BoT members was the same message party leaders got from former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, who was also approached to broker a truce with Sheriff.

Makarfi was present at the meeting, which held at Babangida's Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

Sheriff has a long relationship with Babangida.

The former president reportedly told the PDP delegation that despite the superiority at the courts,

political solution still remains the option. He directed them to go and reconcile with Sheriff.

Sheriff is enjoying the support of Senator Buruji Kashamu who appeared at expanded national caucus meeting convened by Makarfi.

Jimoh Ibrahim, who has been nursing governorship ambition in Ondo State, recently joined the camp.

And while aspirants seeking to fly the PDP flag in the November 30 Ondo governorship election are trying to forge a consensus candidate, Jimoh Ibrahim, yesterday, picked governorship form from Sheriff. He is one of those funding the Sheriff faction.

With the advice of Jonathan and Babangida, it is most probable that machineries would be put in motion by party stakeholders to interface with Sheriff with a view to resolving the crisis.

Before journalists were excused from the meeting, the former president had told the BoT members that

he had been receiving regular briefings on the state of affairs of the party since he left office.

His words: "Unfortunately we have been challenged, but I don't think you should be discouraged.

Challenges are part of life; even in families, there are challenges. There are challenges even in the church more than what may be happening at political level. So you should not be discouraged, and I believe, collectively, we can solve it.

"This should not be beyond us, but I believe collectively, we can resolve it.

Any sincere PDP member should know that PDP is bigger than an individual.

And many members have

£7.45m

The amount of money received

by Crystal Palace as merit payment for the 2015/2016 season.

Source: Goal.com

3.3%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Botswana in 2004.

Source: Itu.int

sacrificed their interest for the party," he observed.

Jonathan regretted the conflicting court orders that have continued to exacerbate the crisis and further called on party members to sheathe their swords for the interest of the party.

The former president noted that even Nigerians need strong opposition party and urged members of the party to unite for quick resolution of the crisis.

Jibrin explained that the visit was in recognition of Jonathan's position as former president, to interact with him and inform him of the state of the party.

He informed him that PDP is undergoing a lot of difficulties and challenges, disclosing that there are about 15 court cases seeking to stop the PDP’s national convention.

"We have realised that we need reconciliation.

So many committees have been set up for reconciliation. The BoT decided to form a special committee CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Out-going Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Perry John Calderwood; Sao-Tome and Principe Ambassador to Nigeria Anthonio Correis and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, during a send-forth party for Calderwood in Abuja.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Travel demand decreases over fragile economies, terror attacks Wole Shadare

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA), the clearing house for 260 airlines across the globe, has expressed concern that the demand for air travel is growing at slow pace owing to the economic downturn, political shock and a wave of terrorist attacks that are contributing to a softer demand environment.

This disclosure was made by IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Tyler, when he announced global passenger traffic data for June showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose by 5.2 per cent compared to a year ago.

This was up slightly from the 4.8 per cent increase recorded in May (revised). However, the upward trend in seasonally adjusted traffic has moderated since January.

June capacity, according to IATA (available seat kilometres or ASKs) increased by 5.6 per cent, and load factor slipped 0.3 percentage points to 80.7 per cent.

His words: "The demand for travel continues to increase, but at a slower pace.

The fragile and uncertain economic backdrop, political shocks and a wave of terrorist attacks are all contributing to a softer demand environment.”

For the international passenger markets, June international passenger demand rose by 5.0 per cent compared to June 2015. All regions recorded

growth, led by airlines in Latin America. Capacity climbed 6.4 per cent, causing load factor to slide 1.1 percentage points to 79.4 per cent.

It was not all doom and gloom as African airlines’ traffic climbed 4.7 per cent in June, an indication that the strong upward trend in demand that began in the second half of 2015 has paused.

Capacity rose 7.4 per cent; with the result that load factor slipped 1.7 percentage points to 64.4 per cent, lowest among regions.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ June traffic increased 8.2 per cent, compared to the year-ago period. However, most of the growth relates to the strong upward trend in traffic seen in the final months of 2015 and into

2016, with June demand barely higher than in February.

IATA noted that this could be a natural pause, but possibly is also a sign of Asian passengers being put off travel by terrorism in Europe. Capacity rose 7.3 per cent and load factor inched up 0.6 percentage points to 78.2 per cent.

For Europe, European carriers saw demand rise 2.1 per cent, the smallest increase among regions, reflecting the negative impact of recent terrorism.

While demand tends to recover reasonably quickly after such events, the repeated nature of the attacks may have a more lasting impact. Capacity climbed 3.4 per cent and load factor slipped 1.1per cent percentage points to 83.3 per cent.

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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NEWS

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mohammed, Wike, Uduaghan: Agriculture, surest way to Nigerian prosperity Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

E

minent Nigerians yesterday proffered solution to the economic downturn confronting the country. To them, agriculture is the sure way out of the recession.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, and former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, among other stakeholders, spoke on economic prosperity and identified agriculture as an area that needs attention.

They spoke at the 12th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) 2016 in Port Harcourt.

More than 300 editors are attending the conference themed: “Economic diversification, agriculture as option for a prosperous Nigeria.”

Mohammed said that the theme of the conference – “Economic diversification: Agriculture as an option for prosperity” was in line with the Federal Government’s plan for the economy.

He said that the Editors’ Guild had taken the lead

in returning the country to the path of prosperity, noting that the current recession would have been avoided if the past government had saved for the rainy days.

Mohammed said: “As you are all very much aware, agriculture is one of the sectors we have identified in our economic diversification programme, aimed at moving the country from a mono product, oil-based economy under our change mantra.

“It is, therefore, delightful that you have chosen to deepen the discourse by the choice of your theme for this conference.

Even more impressive is the fact that editors have taken up the challenge on contributing their quota to the ongoing efforts by this administration to revamp the economy and return Nigeria to the path of sustainable growth and development.”

The minister said Nigeria's economy is hard hit by the fall in the price of crude oil because the country failed to save for the rainy day, coupled with the fact that the country did not invest in infrastructure ''Nigeria has nothing to rely on to cushion the effects of the lost earnings.

Many other oil producing countries and fellow OPEC members are faring better, because they saved for the rainy day. ''Here in Nigeria, with oil selling consistently for over $100 a barrel for many years, we simply failed to save for the rainy day, with the result that a country with a population of over 170 million today has just $26 billion in foreign reserves. To compound this, the fall in the price of crude is having a ripple effect: the scarcity of forex, which has resulted from the oil price crash, means that industries are struggling to get forex to import raw materials and machinery.”

Mohammed, however, said the NGE in particular and the media in general must do more by becoming the Champions of Change.

Governor Nyesom Wike spoke on economic prosperity and identified agriculture as an area that needs attention.

Wike said: "Again, every Nigerian seems to know the problems with the low development of agriculture, which exists mostly at subsistence levels.

"Thus, the challenge is that of attracting critical investments into large-

scale commercial agriculture to create employment, grow the economy, provide food security and increase export revenue.

"Successive governments at all levels are conscious of this fact and have developed various schemes to encourage the development of agriculture in Nigeria."

Wike also lamented the activities of individuals who want to pull the state down because of their own selfish interest.

He said: "And so Rivers State is clearly safe and secure for business and pleasure, except in the imaginations of those who are deploying scare tactics to intimidate everybody in their attempts to salvage what is left of their degraded political relevance.

"As the governor of the state, I feel highly saddened when those who should have joined forces with us to develop the state are the very ones contriving at every little chance to sabotage our mandate and frustrate our efforts to fix the state they so badly mismanaged when they had the opportunity.”

Uduaghan urged the media to set agenda for ''mindset change'' for Nigerians.

$45m

The total pay (including salary/ winnings & endorsements) of Eli Manning (Football) for 2016.

Source: Forbes.com

He said that the overreliance on oil and gas required proactive efforts of the media to redirect the minds of Nigerians toward alternatives.

“The media owes this nation a duty to midwife the process of changing the thinking of the people to make them believe that alternatives exist. This duty should also be directed at the situation in the Niger Delta; this is a role the media must play in the interest of this country,” he said.

Speaking further on the Niger Delta situation, the former governor said that Niger Delta environment was hugely devastated by activities of militants.

He urged the Federal Government to involve the states in the move to restore sanity in the Niger Delta. “Federal Government alone could not do it. It is also my call on the media to ensure thorough reportage of the situation in the Niger Delta in a way that will trigger positive results,” he said.

The Acting President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode, advised Nigerians to enliven their entrepreneurial spirits in the interest of the nation’s economic survival.

She said that Nigeria could be brought back to the path of economic prosperity if its citizens would embrace positive attitudes that would discourage over-reliance on oil.

According to her, Nigeria has all it takes to become a leader in food production and agriculture in general, but needs to find the passion to drive the process.

“We just all need to reach inside to find another passion, another thing that will move us back into the big league.

We have the land, we have the manpower, we have the climate, we are known for our resilience and fighting spirit," she said.

The NGE boss said that Nigeria could make agriculture work and become a world reference if it would do the needful.

Egbemode said that the choice of the theme for the 2016 editors’ conference was well decided and geared toward setting the agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.

“Instead of moping and moaning about our oil misfortunes, we can and should focus our energy on the gold mine that agriculture offers,” she said.

NEWS

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

5

Robbers attack Govt House, kill driver Ola James WARRI

S

uspected armed robbers yesterday stormed Delta State Government House Annex, Warri and killed one driver in a failed attempt to rob a vehicle believed to be

conveying huge amount of cash to officials in the annex.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about noon in Warri .

Eyewitness account said the driver and some staff of Government House, Annex had gone to bank to withdraw money for logistics needed for

PDP govs split into camps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

to pursue reconciliation.

Some members of the party are concerned.

"That is why we appealed to the former president that he be party to the reconciliation,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the leadership crisis in the opposition party has split the PDP Governors' Forum into two camps.

Five out of the 12 members of the forum are reportedly shifting position from their earlier backing of Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee.

The governors had unanimously backed the caretaker committee, which was a product of the May 21 Port Harcourt National Convention.

Majority of them also were present at the handover ceremony by former Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus last June on behalf of the former National Working Committee (NWC).

But after the court judgement two weeks ago, Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Darius

Ishaku (Taraba) are allegedly having a rethink about their continued support to the caretaker committee.

Mimiko, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum reportedly held a meeting with Sheriff. The meeting lasted three hours, details of which are still sketchy at press time.

Dankwambo, who is co-chairman of the zoning committee set up by the committee and Ishaku are two governors from the north, and they come from Sheriff's North West zone.

Governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose of Rivers and Ekiti states respectively have maintained their hard stand against the factional chairman.

Inuwa Bwala, Special Adviser to Sheriff on Media, confirmed that Sheriff met with Jonathan and some governors, but said he did not know what transpired. "I know that Sheriff met with Mimiko and some of the governors. I know also that that he met with the former president, but I don't know what they discussed. I was not at the meeting. That is what I can tell you,” he told New Telegraph.

the Delta State Waterways Security meeting holding Thursday at the Annex.

It was further gathered that the robbers laid wait for the vehicle conveying the cash at the entrance of the premises of the Annex by the Edjeba Expressway.

According to the account, the robbers blocked the vehicle as it was about to enter but the driver managed to brush aside the blockade and escaped.

He was however unlucky as the robbers shot at him fatally while trying to escape.

Our correspondent also learnt that the wounded driver was said to have driven the car with the money safely into Government House before he was rushed to the hospital But he died on the way.

Mobile police men on guard at the Annex gave the robbers a hot chase but could not apprehend them.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu,

Ola James WARRI

N

iger Delta Avenger (NDA) yesterday accused the military of deceiving Nigerians by showing false videos of how they carried out bombardment of some illegal bunkering camps in the Niger Delta.

The militant group, however, described such action of the military as unprofessional and also a ploy to intimidate them with the scrap jet bombers, adding that they will not be intimidated, even if more jet bombers are deployed to the region.

"They can deploy fourth generation jet-bombers and that will not stop us from fighting for our peo-

ple. We hereby challenge the military to share with the public the militants killed in the so-called air strike. We are very sure that they won’t share the images of militants killed because none was killed except innocent women and children," said Brig.Gen Mudoch Agbinibo, the Avengers’ spokesman.

"What we are saying is that the country should be restructured. The call for restructuring of Nigeria has gone beyond the NDA. The only group of persons against the restructuring is the Villa. The Federal Government should just listen to the voice of the citizens instead of playing the deaf ear game.

"We officially saying that @agbiniboND is our new official twitter ac-

the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Abubakar Bello, disclosed this yesterday in Lafia while briefing newsmen.

Bello said the two persons were killed in Lafia during the recent visit of the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Wabba, to the state.

He said that the case had been taken over by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Police Headquarters for full investigation.

He said that the doctor, who conducted autopsy on the two victims “said that one died from injuries sustained from hard object while the other died from a pallet.”

The commissioner, however, said that the pallet extracted from the deceased did not match the gun used by policemen stationed at the Government House gate.

He added that the outcome of the investigation

would unravel the truth behind the incident.

He disclosed that he had directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state to enlighten officers on the rules guiding the use of arms.

The NLC president was in Nasarawa last week Friday to hold talks with the state government over the protracted industrial dispute in the state.

Waba told newsmen in Lafia that unknown policemen shot four workers at the gate of the Government House, while they were awaiting the outcome of the NLC meeting with Governor Umaru Al-Makura.

He said that one of the shot workers died instantly, while another died later at the National Hospital in Abuja where he was referred to for further treatment.

Workers in the state had embarked on an indefinite strike following the decision of the state government to slash their salaries by 50 per cent.

L-R: Managing Director, Shell, Osagie Okunbor; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari and Chairman, Ogoni Trust Fund, Wale Edun, during the inauguration of the committee on Ogoni Clean Up in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Avengers dismiss military’s operations

...vow to bomb more pipelines

confirmed the incident.

He said: “It was actually a group of armed robbers who were chasing a driver from the Government House Annex that went to the bank.

“They pursued him as he was driving back. He rammed into the Government House gates and ran out of the car.

“They started shooting at the vehicle. Unfortunately, we lost him and I heard they have apprehended three of the suspects.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

But Kalu said she was yet to get enough details.

The Divisional Police Official, ‘B’ Division, Warri, SP Anietie Eyoh, said his men were on the trail of the fleeing robbers.

Meanwhile, Police in Nasarawa said eight of its officers had been detained in connection with alleged shooting to death of two persons in

count handle. Twitter can block or suspend our account, but they can’t stop or block our struggle," added the militants in a one-page statement made available to newsmen.

The militants, however, vowed to bomb more oil pipelines in the region and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to voice of reason instead of "threatening us on the pages of newspapers.”

€37.8m

The estimated transfer value of David Silva of Manchester City in 2016.

Source: 101greatgoals.com

15.47%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2004.

Source: Itu.int

NLC: Budget padding exposes weakness of process Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

T

he Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said that the on-going controversy between the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and former Appropriation Committee chairman, Abdulmumin Jibrin, over the padding of the 2016 budget has exposed the inherent weaknesses in the Nigerian budgeting process.

It also said that the unending controversy about the budget underscores the need for a thorough revisit of the nation's budgeting process.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, NLC noted that the crisis has revealed

the imperfections and the distrust in project identification, implementation system and consequent failure of the present model of capital budgeting without a development plan framework.

Wabba lamented that the padding controversy has shown that projects were not implemented according to need-value or priority, but who is behind which.

NLC advised the Federal Government to do a soulsearch, as well as x-tray a budgeting system that fails to address the needs of the people.

"We caution against the use of the present development to settle political scores or unduly weaken the National Assembly. A strong National Assembly is a necessity for a vibrant democracy. We urge Nige-

rians to be slow to anger in matters of this nature even as they have little or no reason to be too trusting of any political office holder, so that in the end, they do not end up victims of other people’s wars.

“Even as vitriol and bile have risen, it is important to distinguish between genuine and phony constituency projects, for in truth, constituency projects are obligations owed constituents by parliamentarians.

“Finally, we call for caution, because how the issues in contention are resolved will shape the direction of our democracy; deepen or weaken it. Equally important is the fact that it avails us an opportunity to revisit our budgetary system and the need for development planning," NLC said.

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NEWS

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Teaching hospital discharges all patients

Musa Pam Jos

T

he Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) yesterday discharged hundreds of patients in its care.

The action came against the backdrop of the strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Staff Union (JOHESU) and the plan of resident doctors to go on strike from today.

The patients were discharged to enable them seek care in other hospitals, including the Plateau Specialist Hospital, and Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), among others.

It would be recalled that the workers had embarked on strike about four weeks ago as a result of poor quality services, lack of basic facilities and medicaments in the hospital, as well as the implementation of the no-work-no-pay policy by the management of the hospital.

This action had prompted the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in JUTH to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the lingering

trade dispute between the doctors and management of the institution, failing which they would join other workers in the strike.

JOHESU, which is about 90 per cent of the health workforce, is constituted by health workers that exclude the medical and dental practitioners.

The strike has paralysed activities at the hospital in the past weeks, prompting workers in the hospital to demand the resignation of the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Professor Edmond Banwat.

Apart from the strike, the workers had been staging peaceful protests at the premises of the hospital to bring to the attention of the Federal Government to what the JOHESU Chairman, Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Mustapha Kabir, described as total system failure and insensitivity of the management of the hospital to the plight of workers.

Addressing journalists in Jos yesterday, President of ARD, Dr. Kefas Ibrahim, said that they would not hesitate to ground the entire activities if the president did not intervene.

Kefas accused the Min-

istry of Health of complicity in the strike as all efforts to make the management see reasons were being frustrated by the officials of the Ministry of Health, which he claimed appeared to be backing the CMD. He said that in the past three years, JUTH had not been working efficiently cumulatively for one year.

He said: "This is to call the attention of the Federal Government on the happenings in JUTH. In the past three years, the management of JUTH has not been delivering on their mandate as no year had passed without JUTH being on strike for at least six months and the management has shown incompetence in managing the institution.

"Most of the problems bedevilling the health sector is not peculiar to JUTH, but the management has shown incompetence in resolving the issues. For instance, of all the institutions that had embarked on strike, it is only JUTH that has insisted on no-work-nopay, whereas whenever we want to embark on strike, we give at least three notices and yet when we go on strike, the management

would insist on not paying us.”

On the discharge of patients from the hospital, Secretary General of ARD, Dr. Paul Agboh, said that patients had to be discharged because the nurses and other paramedical staff were not working.

He said: "We had to discharge some patients and leave those who are critically ill because there is nobody to attend to them. But the situation may become more severe if, by next week, there is no intervention from the president.”

New Telegraph investigation revealed that the strike is sequel to alleged arbitrary deductions in their salaries and indiscriminate sack of resident

....says project will last 20yrs

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated a Governing Council and Board of Trustees (BoT) of a Trust Fund respectively for the clean-up of Ogoni land.

APC bars Jibrin from making allegations against Dogara Abuja

T

he national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the former chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin, to stop speaking to the media on the budget padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives.

The appeal was contained in letter to Jibrin by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Lawal Shuiabu.

Jibrin has complied with the directive. On his twitter handle yesterday, he wrote: “Since I can't

post anything else, let me just celebrate my wife...”

The ruling party said it is being embarrassed by incessant reports of budget padding in the media, stating that its leadership is looking into the allegations made by the Kano lawmaker after the meeting with him on Tuesday.

Shuiabu stated: “As you are aware, the party, and indeed the government, has not been happy over the recent development in the House of Representatives over the issue of the 2016 budget.

We found it embarrassing to have to deal with another new phenomenon you tagged ‘budget padding.’

“Arising from the se-

ries of meetings we held with you over the subject matter, the National Working Committee (NWC) has decided to request you to, henceforth, avoid issuing any public statement on this matter.

This includes statements through social media or other means of transmitting an opinion on the matter to the public, as the party is now looking into it towards finding possible solution.”

Jibrin had claimed that a group, led by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, made insertions of about N250 billion into the 2016 budget.

To authenticate his claim, the lawmaker, on Monday, visited the office

involvement in the tax controversy, stating that the grievances of the doctors should not be directed to the management of JUTH, but rather to the Board of Internal Revenue Service, which is responsible for taxation.

Banwat said the institution only applied the computation given by the Plateau State Board of Internal Revenue Service to arrive at the deductions from the doctors’ salaries.

He also denied sacking any doctor and insisted that only those who had overstayed the mandatory six years’ period for their programme had to be relieved of their responsibility to enable others benefit.

Buhari inaugurates council on Ogini clean-up

Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha (middle), during her visit to Washington DC, United States... yesterday.

Johnchuks Onuanyim

doctors by the management of the hospital, led

by Banwat.

The strike by the doctors has worsened situation at the health institution as members of JOHESU, who had earlier embarked on similar strike over issues related to their welfare about six weeks ago were yet to return to work.

The doctors, under the auspices of ARD, marched through the streets carrying placards with different inscriptions such as: “Stop arbitrary tax deduction from our members”, “Upgrade our DTA”, “Pay our training allowances”, “Governor Lalong come to our aid”, and many more.

However, when contacted, Banwat denied any

of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the police and Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to formally submit a petition against Dogara and others.

£2.52bn The total value of Real Madrid in 2016.

Source: Goal.com

1,584.92

The total number of NSE Premium Board Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at Q4 2015.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

The president while inaugurating the two bodies at the presidential villa, said the clean-up of Ogoniland and other oilimpacted communities which his administration started in Bodo, Rivers State on June 2 will last over the next 20 years.

The two bodies are the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project for the Implementation of the UNEP Report.

According to Buhari, "the first five years of the clean-up will address emergency response measures and remediation while the subsequent years will look at restoring the ecosystems in the Delta.

"The governance framework we lay today, following extensive consultations, will form the bedrock for sustainability for years to come.

“Together we will be able to transform what is today a tragic tale of desolation and destruction to one of restoration and opportunity for the coming generations. The expertise and technology exist to make this a reality.

“In the end, this project will serve as the ‘gold standard’ for the clean-up of similar pollution in other parts of the Niger Delta, and the world at large.”

Buhari therefore called on the local communities, especially the youth, to work with the government in ensuring the security of the projects and persons implementing them.

The president urged members of the BoT and Governing Council to ensure the highest standard of transparency and accountability in the task before them.

He explained that mea-

sures were being put in place to ensure that the funds devoted for the project are used only for the intended purpose.

“Since the time of flagoff, considerable effort has been expended to create a robust mechanism for implementing the project in the long term.

“The Governing Council and Board of Trustees, which are being inaugurated today (Thursday) jointly form an essential part of the governance framework.

“In addition to the management and administration structure, other systems and controls are being put in place to ensure that the funds devoted for this project are used only for the intended purpose.

“Indeed, a project of this magnitude requires extensive planning, scientific analysis, community involvement, and genuine partnerships. As a result, it will require patience and understanding of the key stakeholders as we move forward.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the project remains on course, as we face the challenges of high expectations and the current conflict in the Niger Delta," Buhari noted.

Chairman of the BoT, Mr. Olawale Edun, in his remarks promised on behalf of others that they would manage the funds meant for the project efficiently and transparently.

He expressed the belief that the president would continue to support them to succeed in their task.

One of the members of the BoT, Senator Magnus Abe, told State House correspondents after the inauguration that the UNEP report specified $1 billion for the exercise and Shell had announced since the report was released that money was available.

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Ag. IG, Ibrahim (right), Lagos CP, Owoseni and Lt. Col. Ogbobe during the visit Photo: Taiwo Jimoh

IG orders demolition of houses near Arepo, Isawo creeks Taiwo Jimoh

A

cting Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, yesterday ordered the immediate demolition of buildings near the creeks of Isawo and Arepo believed to be used by ‘bunkerers’ to syphon fuel.

Ibrahim, who was at Isawo community in Ikorodu, Lagos State on the second day of his visit to the state police com-

mand, also assured the residents of the area of adequate security.

The IG was conducted round the areas where the joint military force is fighting militants terrorising the coastal communities in Lagos and Ogun states by the Commanding Officer of the Military Tactical Base, Lt. Col. Julius Ogbobe.

He urged the fleeing residents Isawo and Arepo communities, which have been ravaged

by the activities of the militants and pipeline vandals in recent times, to return and remain calm.

Ibrahim said he was currently collaborating with sister agencies in providing security for the people.

He said: “I want you, the residents, to cooperate and work with the police by providing them with information on the activities of criminal elements within your vicinities because

we are not spirits.”

The IG, however, praised the military exercise being carried out in conjunction with the police to curb the activities of the militants in the area, tagged: Operation Awatse.

According to him, tremendous success has been achieved and the militants have been chased out completely.

Ibrahim, who later addressed the policemen and other security operatives deployed

in the area, commended them for their resilience and spirit of brotherliness to fight the militants.

He said: “I have come to see things for myself and I am also here to boost the morale of the officers and men of other security agencies who have been doing so much to curtail the activities of the militants and vandals. I am assuring you of our support. And I will also ensure that more Marine policemen are deployed in this area.”

The IG also encouraged the residents to support the police activities in the area.

He added: “If you see bad persons, do report them to the police, because everyone has a responsibility to move the nation forward.”

Ibrahim thanked the residents for their cooperation.

He urged them to support the security agencies to ensure that peace returns to the community.

Welcoming the IG, Ogbobe explained the sketch of the locations of the militants and how they carried out the operations in the creeks.

He said: “We have made 11 arrests. We also recovered two locally-made guns, two generators, eight Dane guns, 32 live cartridges, two laptops, one magazine of AK 47 and one magazine of GPMG, one set of handcuffs, 18 machetes, two Mopol badges, two Ecobank withdrawal booklets, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter cards and FCMB deposit slips.

“We are beaming our searchlight on the owners of the booklets and other items we found in the creeks. We also could not access the creeks; we call on the state government to assist us to build an access road to make it accessible and also assist us in bringing cutting machines to clear the creeks.”

City Brief

Ogijo clash: Eight suspected cultists in police net Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

P

olice have arrested five suspected members of notorious cult groups who clashed on Tuesday at Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The police also nabbed three suspected armed robbers who specialised in stealing tricycles and vehicles in Lagos and Ogun states.

This came as the newly appointed state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, met with members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and vowed to

encourage community policing towards making the state crime-free.

The suspected cultists and bandits were paraded yesterday at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Magbon, Abeokuta.

The acting state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, told journalists that the suspected cultists were nabbed over Tuesday’s clash at Ogijo, where four persons, including a 16-year-old boy, were killed.

Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, gave the names of the suspected cult members as Oluwatosin Mosaku, Tunde Adeleye, Olajuwon

Kashimawo, Sunday Ajayi and Sarafa Oladipo.

According to him, the suspects were arrested in different parts of Ogijo and some of them have criminal records.

The police spokesman stated that investigation revealed that one of the suspected cult members snatched a rifle from a policeman three years ago.

Oyeyemi also identified the suspected robbers as Damilola Daramola (38), Tunji Makinde (38) and Jimoh Wasiu (37).

He said: “On Tuesday, we got a report that there was a clash by rival cult groups in Ogijo. Immediately the Divisional Police Officer in Ogijo led a team to the

The suspects

scene.

“Five suspected members of the two rival cult groups were arrested. Among them was Olajuwon Kashimawo, who shot and killed a 16-year-old boy

inside the MRS filling station.

“Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them. As soon as we complete our investigations, they will be charged to court.”

METRO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Divorce court

‘My husband sleeping with his tenant’ A

businesswoman, Mrs. Mercy Abeekaa, who resides at Jikwoyi in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday told an Nyanya Customary Court that her husband insulted her because of his girlfriend.

The petitioner said this while testifying in a divorce petition before the court.

She said: “My husband is having an affair with his tenant, Ogechi. He has insulted me several times because of her.

“After I got married to my husband and moved in with him, I started noticing some kind of things between him and his tenant that I was not comfortable with.

“I told my husband to send her out of the house, but he refused. What my husband could say to me was that it is because of my illiteracy that I am complaining of his girlfriend.

“Even when I enrolled myself in school, he said that it was because of his girlfriend that I decided to go back to school.”

Mercy also told the court that on the day they had their marriage blessed, her husband did not sleep in the house.

She added: “My husband slept in the hotel on the night of our wedding and when I asked him he said he was just waiting for his sacraments to be completed, so now he can do whatever he wants.

“He has chased me out of the house and has got himself another wife, therefore I beg this court to dissolve this marriage so that I can also remarry.”

The respondent, Mr. Ernest Abeekaa, who resided at Karu, denied all the allegations.

Abeekaa said he thought his wife was a God-fearing woman, not knowing that she was a troublemaker.

Sex slavery: UK court finds Nigerian trafficker guilty Abiodun Bello

I

sleworth Crown Court, London, United Kingdom, has convicted a 38-year-old Nigerian woman forcing dozens of teenage orphans into prostitution and slavery in Europe.

The convict, Franca Asemota, otherwise called Auntie Franca by her victims, was accused of using the threat of witchcraft to force the girls into prostitution and keeping them from running away.

Asemota, who was convicted on Wednesday, used Heathrow Airport in London as a hub to traffic at least 40 girls and young women into Europe from remote Nigerian villages.

The convict is awaiting sentencing.

She promised the girls jobs, education and a better life in Europe but turned around to use witchcraft, threats and violence to force them in to the European sex trade.

Her gang, according to Qed, an online news medium, even managed to snatch back two girls who had been rescued and put in foster care in Worthing, West Sussex.

Asemota, who hails from Benin, Edo State, was found guilty on eightcount charge bordering on conspiracy to traffic people into sexual exploi-

tation by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court in London.

The trafficking first came to light in September and November 2011 when UK Border Agency officials stopped two groups travelling on false passports.

Although Asemota was not arrested at the time, her ticket had been booked at the same time, at the same travel agent in Lagos, and she was sat next to the group on the plane.

Investigators then linked her to at least six other trafficking trips and the kidnapping of two girls who had been placed in foster care.

Paul Cabin, prosecuting, previously told the court how three victims were first stopped at Heathrow in September 2011, and two others were also to give detailed accounts of the smuggling.

They all travelled on fake passports that claimed they were over the age of 18.

Cabin said: “They all came from remote Nigerian villages and had all been told that they were going to be educated, trained and employed in France.

“They all had difficult histories – for example, some were orphans. One was a runaway from an attempted

Asemota

forced marriage.

“They and their families and guardians are told that educational and work opportunities exist in Europe for them.

Initially, therefore, the girls go with the gang voluntarily.

“Their compliance from that point on is secured by a mixture of threats, to themselves and their families back in their villages, the use of juju rituals and sexual violence, including in one case rape.”

Youths demolish 70-year-old man’s houses

l Septuagenarian, four wives, 25 children homeless Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

P

Court ends six-year-old marriage over battery

A

n Agege Customary Court in Lagos State on Wedneday dissolved a six-year-old marriage between Mrs. Grace Emmanuel and her estranged husband, Udofa Emmanuel, over incessant battery and quarrels.

The President of the court, Mr. Phillip Williams, in his judgement, however, admonished them to maintain peace.

Williams told the petitioner, Grace, to allow the respondent, Udofa, an unhindered access to his children.

The president also ordered Grace to always ensure she allows the children to always spend part of their holidays with their father.

He said that respondent should go to the Family Court to seek for the custody of the children if he were not satisfied with the judgement.

The petitioner had earlier prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to her estranged husband over frequent quarrels, lack of parental care for their children, joblessness and battery.

Grace told the court that there was no more love between them.

She said: “Since he lost his job, he had become aggressive, and showed no more love to me and the children.

“He has been uncaring and hostile toward me and our two children.”

The petitioner cited frequent quarrels and battery as the common occurrences in their matrimonial home.

Grace said that she had been responsible for the upkeep of the house.

She added: “I made several efforts to resolve issues between us but yielded no positive results.”

9

Ajah

olice said yesterday they had arrested five people in connection with the attack on a 70-year-old man, Pa Martin Nweke Ajah, whose four houses were demolished by youths at Ndufu Umuota village in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to sources, after levelling Ajah’s home and turning mud blocks into heaps, the assailants took his property to the village square.

Sources added that the assailants auctioned the septuagenarian’s property at the village square.

The youth were not happy over a protracted land dispute between the victim and some notable personalities in the village.

They also accused Ajah of killing 11 young men in the community through sorcery.

Now Ajah, his four wives and 25 children are taking refuge in the homes of their relatives in and outside the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP George Okafor, explained that the five suspects were among the youth who allegedly carried out the attack.

He said they were apprehended through the help of the Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Orogwu.

The PPRO said the suspects and their sponsors would be thoroughly investigated and arraigned to serve as a deterrent to others.

Okafor denied the claim by members of the community that police had been invading the area, causing pandemonium in the community and preventing the people from farming because of the matter.

He said: “Those saying we have been harassing members of the community are just saying this to draw unnecessary sympathy. We must bring the perpetrators to book.”

Madness: My daughter’s husband shaved her pubic hair –Widow Camillus Nnaji

A

54-year-old widow, Mrs. Christiana Yusuf, has called on Lagos State government and human rights organisations to come to the aid of her daughter, Remilekun Yusuf, who she said had mental illness.

Yusuf, who resides at 23, Omolayo Street, Ori-Okuta, Ikorodu, Lagos, said she had been forced to bear the burden of her ‘mentally ill’ daughter, and Remilekun’s three children, Ayomide (7), Rokibat (4) and 19-month-old Tobi.

The petty trader said Remilekun had been living with a man (name withheld), though they were not legally married. The eight-year relationship, according to her, has produced the three children.

Trouble started when Remilekun became ‘mentally ill’, she and her children were kicked out of the house by her hus-

band’s relatives.

Yusuf alleged said Remilekun told her that her husband shaved her head and pubic hair with a blade, after which she started displaying signs of mental illness.

“She would be at a place talking to herself. I took her to the native doctor who confirmed that her hair has been used for spiritual purpose.

“Recently, there was a problem between her husband and the landlord. The landlord fought with him because of the condition of my daughter and how he neglects the children’s welfare. After that incident, her husband’s relatives came and threw her and her children out of the house.

“I have been made to cope with an ‘insane’ woman and three more children; their feeding and education have been abandoned. I’ m only a petty trader, that is

why I am crying out for help,” the widow said.

The victim, who managed to speak a few words, confirmed that since her husband shaved her hair, she had been hearing strange voices and responding to the voices.

She said: “On one occasion, I had to fight him because he would abandon the family, hungry for over 10 days. I do not know where he goes.”

The matter, Yusuf said, was reported at Igbogbo Police Station in Ikorodu.

But, according to her, the police said they needed evidence to back up the claim that the shaved hair caused Remilekun’s mental illness.

A Good Samaritan, seeing the plight of the children and their mother, had alerted the child welfare agency at Alausa, Ikeja, for urgent assistance and to further investigate the matter.

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NEWS | national

Militancy: Firm diverted explosives, detonators for bombing activities –FG Emmanuel Onani Abuja

T

he Federal Government's efforts at combating the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta region may be yielding results, as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has uncovered the diversion of 9, 000 kilogrammes of highcalibre explosives by licenced fertilizer-producing firms located in the oil-rich region.

Also diverted, according to ONSA, were 16, 420 pieces of detonators, for illegal use.

The NSA, Maj.Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), made the revelation yesterday in Abuja, when he met with fertilizer manufacturers in Nigeria.

Consequent upon the discovery, Monguno vowed that licences of the affected companies, may be revoked at the end of investigations.

This was as the NSA disclosed that seven suspects, including security operatives, have been arrested in connection with

Appolonia Adeyemi

T

he brains of overweight people look "10 years older" than those of leaner peers.

This is contained in a study published online in the journal ‘Neurobiology of Aging’.

Although, brains naturally lose white matter the part of the brain that transmits information - as people age, a research team from the Cambridge University found that loss was exacerbated with extra weight - so an overweight 50-year-old had a lean 60-year-old's brain.

The newsmaxhealth reported that the researchers said, “it shows that we need to know relatively more about how extra weight affects the brain.”

While overweight refers to an excess amount of body weight that may come from muscles, bone, fat, and water, obesity refers to an excess amount of body fat.

Both overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

The new research from the Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom (UK), found that from middle age, the brains of those who are obese show differences in white matter

the act.

"A detailed audit of the records of explosives magazines and quarries in that region was conducted, which revealed the diversion of about 9,000kg of high explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.

"The actors, including the store man of a major explosives distribution company in Nigeria, an accomplice and five security operatives have been arrested and handed over to appropriate authorities," the NSA said.

Continuing, the retired two-star General said "the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development facilitated necessary importation of raw materials and also secured the distribution networks.

"This move was aimed at solving the national security problem on one hand by easing control of the items and on the other hand boosting economy by encouraging

local production."

Monguno further noted that his office "has observed with total dismay some unpatriotic act and abuse of the goodwill of government. Reports of activities of these companies have indicated that about 71 percent of the 2.05 million metric tonnes cumulative annual production is being exported to the detriment of our national economy.

This has resulted in a spike in the price of ureabased fertilizers in Nigeria with obvious implica-

tions on food security in the country."

Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has ordered the immediate closure of Messrs Nigerian Development and Construction Company (NDCC), an importer and seller of explosives in Koko, Delta State, over the alleged diversion.

This was in addition to the blacklisting of the company and withdrawal of its explosive licence.

Minister of Environment/ Chairperson of Governing Council of Ogoni Clean-up, Amina Mohammed (second left); the Managing DirectorDesignate of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere (second right) and others at the inauguration of the committee on Ogoni Clean Up in Abuja... yesterday

Obese peoples’brains age faster

similar to those seen in slimmer individuals who are ten years older.

Although our brains naturally shrink as we age, scientists now believe that this process can also be affected by obesity, which may in turn may affect the onset and progression of brain aging. However so far studies in the area are lacking.

The team looked at the brains of 473 people aged between 20 and 87, dividing them into lean and overweight categories.

Their findings found significant differences in the volume of white matter in the brains of overweight people compared with leaner individuals.

Those in the overweight group had much less white matter than their thinner counterparts.

The difference was only evident from middle-age onwards, suggesting that our brains may be particularly vulnerable during this period of ageing.

However there was

no difference in how the groups fared in tests of knowledge and understanding, so the researchers said more work is needed to follow people and see who develops conditions such as dementia.

Dr. Lisa Ronan, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, said it was not clear if obesity affected the brain, or vice versa.

She said: "Obesity is so complex. We know an aw-

ful lot about what it does to the body.

"But what it does to the brain and how it interacts with obesity - we're at the beginning of understanding that."

Prof Sadal Farooqi, from the Wellcome Trust Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science at Cambridge University, who also worked on the study, said the work suggested the middle-aged brain could be particularly vulnerable.

Kalu, Sambo felicitate with Anenih at 83 Mojeed Alabi

E

minent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has felicitated with the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, as the octogenarian marks his 83rd birthday anniversary today.

In a statement issued yesterday, Kalu advised Nigerians to emulate the good virtues of Anenih, saying his open mindedness, spirit of forgiveness and humility are virtues every Nigerian should pos-

sess to reclaim the nation’s lost glory.

According to the former governor, the contributions of the PDP stalwart to the nation’s growth and development are clearly unrivalled by many of his contemporaries, and therefore, wished him many more fruitful years on earth.

Kalu said: “Today is the birthday of our leader. His open-heartedness is the key to his sound health at his age. I could recall there was a time many had felt the Chief would never talk to me again over a disagreement, but since peace

was brokered between us by concerned Nigerians, I can confirm to you that Chief Anenih has continued to hold me in high esteem as he did before the disagreement. That is how Nigerians should live, because life is too short. We must be able to forgive and move ahead in life. That is where Chief Anenih stands out.”

“I, therefore, salute his courage and commend him for his doggedness and intelligence. I also pray for long life for him, so that he will continue to use his wisdom for the development of this country.”

Also, former Vice President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, said yesterday that Anenih has defined his time with his robust politics.

Sambo, in a letter of felicitation to the elder statesman dated August 4, 2016, said "Your reign, no doubt, has witnessed a landmark period of selfless and fruitful service to the country and mankind in general."

He prayed that the Almighty God would grant Anenih the wisdom to sustain his enviable strides as "you look forward to more years of happiness every day of your life."

friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Aisha Buhari meets investors in US Anule Emmanuel Abuja

W

ife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has departed for the United States, where she is expected to meet with a group of investors interested in Nigeria.

Buhari's wife, who departed Abuja yesterday, was also expected to participate at the 25th Anniversary of Zumunta Association which held yesterday as a special guest.

The event held the Silver Spring civic centre in Maryland ,Washington DC. A statement by the media office of the President's wife yesterday said the Event with the theme "Rebirth and Renewable "was also expected to have in attendance of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido as Guest speaker among other prominent Nigerians .

Buhari will also be hosted to a round table discussion by the United States Institute of Peace to explore an in-depth conversation with a group of senior policy makers and an invested group of practitioners focused on Nigeria .

6

The total number of goals conceded by Korea Republic at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

N4.6bn arms deal: Court grants Fayose's associate N500m bail Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million, an associate of Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, Abiodun Agbele, who was arraigned over alleged money laundering charge to the tune of N4.6 billion.

The Federal Government had arraigned Agbele on an 11-count charge before the court on Wednesday.

Agbele had, however, pleaded not guilty, and his counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, argued his bail application.

The prosecution had opposed the bail application.

The trial judge had adjourned ruling in the bail application till yesterday and ordered that Agbele be remanded in Kuje prisons.

Delivering ruling yesterday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, held that prosecution failed to show reasonable cause why the defendant would not be granted bail.

11

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Edo decides How we shared Ize-Iyamu’s N6m, by monarch

Politics

Interview Demolitions: El-Rufai running insensitive govt, says Umaru

12 13

Ciroma's ‘no loss, no win’ theory Onyekachi Eze writes on the statement credited to former Minister of Finance, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, on the outcome of the 2015 elections, which has continued to generate reactions from stakeholders

T

he statement made by Mallam Adamu Ciroma, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when members of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) led by its Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, visited him recently, is still ruffling feathers.

The elder statesman had told his guests that "PDP didn't lose; APC didn't win (the 2015 presidential election) because when you talk of politics people talk about PDP as if APC does not exist."

For discerning political analysts, and even members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ciroma's statement is a satire, an indirect way of assessing the performance of the ruling party in the past one year.

About three months ago, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former APC governorship candidate in Rivers State in 2015, made a similar statement. Peterside who led members of the party in the state on a courtesy visit to the party’s National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun after the Supreme Court judgement that dashed his hope of becoming governor, at least before 2019, told Oyegun that "it is like we lost the elections."

He added: "Many of our members, supporters and sympathisers are still at a loss to see us work as orphans. We have a herculean task explaining to them that we actually form government at the centre.

"To an overwhelming majority of them, the only indication that

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Ciroma

we might be part of government at the federal level is because our leader and Director General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign, which led to a people's revolution that defeated the former ruling party, and former governor of the state, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The concern of our members are re-enforced by the fact that more than eight months after APC has formed government at the federal level, notable PDP chieftains and members who spent state resources to work assiduously against us are still occupying strategic Federal Government position, dispensing patronages to PDP members to the disadvantage and chagrin of APC members."

The context of Peterside's lamentation is however, different from Ciroma's statement. The statement can be viewed from two perspectives. The first may be the membership and composition of the top echelons of the APC. The ruling party, which was registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2013, has former PDP chieftains as members. Apart from five former PDP governors who left and joined APC, a former vice president elected on the PDP platform, two former national chairmen of the party, three former speakers of House of Representatives elected on PDP platform, some past PDP governors and lawmakers, among others, are now members of APC, some of them occupying top positions in the government.

Former Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, observed at the formation of the party that there is no ideological difference between it and PDP, and he seems

Jibrin

The beauty of democracy is that everyone who have chance to rule should be given chance to make mistakes

to have been proved right.

Some say that since the inauguration of the APC government at the centre on May 29, 2015, the party is yet to come out with a defined policy direction. Rather, the party has continuously adopted most policies of the former ruling party, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Apart from similarity in ideology, most leading members of APC at both federal and state levels came from PDP. Many people believe that even though APC is in government, PDP is still in power.

For instance, despite the victory of party at the federal level, and its control of 23 out of 36 states of the country as well as the control of the National Assembly, majority of the governors and principal officers of the National Assembly are former PDP members who joined APC few months before the general elections.

Out of 23 APC governors, about 14 are former PDP members. Also, the two presiding officers of the National Assembly - Senator Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, dumped the PDP to APC. Saraki's Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, is still a member of PDP. The composition of chairmanship of Senate standing committees is almost equal between the two parties.

The other leg of Ciroma's statement might be on the general assessment of the APC-led Federal Government in the last one year.

Many believe that since the parry took over the reins of power, it has not demonstrated that it was prepared for governance given its approach to issues.

The situation has not been helped by the continued reference to PDP by APC leaders every time

they try to defend the failure of their government to deliver on its campaign promises.

APC blames PDP virtually for every of the problems plaguing the country, including its recent hike in the pump price of petrol, even when it was obvious that most of its leaders were the ones who organised protests and frustrated the plan by the immediate past PDP government to withdraw fuel subsidy in 2012.

Osun State chairman, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Akin Ashifat, said things are getting worse under the APC-led Federal Government. The rights activist, who spoke recently at a post-June 12 symposium organised by the group in conjunction with Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), said the APC has failed woefully to bring the change it promised to the people of the country during the campaigns.

He also condemned the administration's war against corruption, saying that it failed to bring members of APC accused of corrupt practices to justice.

His words: “Nobody is changing anything. Talking about corruption, nobody is fighting anything, and corruption has come to stay in this country. Robbers are dragging robbers to court. Are there not thieves among them (APC members)?

“Nothing has been changed in this country. The education in Nigeria has become moribund. On security, there is nothing to write home about. There is crisis here and there. The issue of Boko Haram is there. Kidnapping, pipeline bombing among other security challenges are there. There are strikes here and there; you will not feel happy to go to the hospital when you are sick.”

At that meeting with the PDP BoT members, Ciroma advised that "everybody who participated in politics must do so for a good cause, for economic benefit and political stability of ordinary Nigerians."

He added: "There will always be more than one party and the beauty of democracy is that everyone who have chance to rule should be given chance to make mistakes."

This notwithstanding, it is not just now that Ciroma believes that no party in the country can be an alternative to PDP. He foresaw this in the days of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF), which he headed.

The forum, which is made up of nine members, attempted to harmonise and produce a consensus aspirant among the four presidential aspirants of northern extraction who wanted to face former CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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POLITICS

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

How we shared Ize-Iyamu’s N6m, by monarch Stories by Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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he Onojie of Uromi, HRH Zaiki Anslem Ogbidi Okojie, yesterday, made a startling revelation of how traditional rulers from Esan nation shared about N6 million, he claimed was made available to them by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and former chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Anenih.

Speaking when the

governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Governor Adams Oshiomhole visited his palace, the monarch said that Uromi people will not trust IzeIyamu as governor.

He declared that the people of the area have collectively resolved to back Obaseki for the top job, so that he can continue the developmental projects of the Oshiomhole-led administration.

The monarch said that though Chief Anenih who is a leader of the PDP is from the area “that will not stop anything because politics is about develop-

Edo DECIDES

ment and not sentiment.”

The traditional ruler, who narrated how the PDP leaders brought N6 million for the monarchs in Edo Central, said: “I don’t trust Pastor IzeIyamu enough to become a governor. My People

want Godwin Obaseki. I have been on this thrown for 25 years and I am ready to say the truth always.

Ize-Iyamu spoke to me and said he wanted to meet with traditional rulers in Esan land. When he came to my palace; we were 29 in number and he gave us N3 million.

“We have what we call a caucus in Esan land and I am the chairman of the caucus. Out of the N3 million, we declared N2.5 million and N500,000 was for members of the caucus.

That is past. Again PDP said they will come to flag off in Uromi, I said, yes no problem. Before that time Onojie of Ewu called me

to say PDP is bringing N3 million for us; that it will not be enough. Also, the Onojie of Opoji called me to say the N3 million will not be enough and I ask what should we do?

“He said, we should tell pastor to make it N10 million or we would tell the Comrade Governor to give us N10 million. Now I called Ize-Iyamu to say I heard you are bringing N3 million for traditional rulers in Esan land, that is small, you have to do something better than that because when you were coming before the primaries you brought N3 million, now you are a

State govt not responsible for LG's salaries – Oshiomhole

G Edo State gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at a rally in Ubuiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area...yesterday.

KOWA Party candidate: Why PDP shouldn’t come back to power

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he governorship candidate of KOWA Party for the Edo election, Mr. Thompson Osadolor, yesterday, said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, is not a good option to succeed outgoing Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Osadolor, who insisted that he remains the candidate to beat in the September 10 poll, said Ize-Iyamu, as an integral part in the infamous Chief Lucky Igbinedion's administration

in the state would never be the right person to lead the state.

According to him, “Ize-Iyamu says he is a rebranded man, whether he is going to work for his people or those who are supporting him, remains best known to him. But as for me, it is going to be difficult because you cannot extricate yourself from those who you have been part and parcel of for decades.”

He added: “He (IzeIyamu) was part of Lucky Igbinedion's administra-

tion as council chairman.

Also, he was Chief of Staff as well as Secretary to the State Government under the same man. Yet again, the same Ize-Iyamu is being supported and under the sponsorship of the same Igbinedion and other persons in PDP who ruined the state."

He noted that “Oshiomhole has done well but I, as the candidate of KOWA Party, remains the best to take over from where he stopped.”

He promised that if elect as governor, his gov-

ernment would focus on human capital development, stressing that he would lay a solid foundation for successive governments of the state.

Osadolor also pledged to replicate the developmental model as obtains in most developed countries of the world. “I have tasted life in several of the advanced countries world and as such, I know better what good governance is.

The people are yearning for good governance and I will replicate that here,” he said.

Aspirants jostle for tickets in Ifako/Ijaiye Malcolm Enefe

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ess than two weeks after the demise of the lawmaker representing Ifako/Ijaiye federal constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Adewale Olutayo, scores of aspirants from different political parties are jostling to take over the late lawmaker’s seat.

Olutayo, a former local government chairman in Lagos State, died

in Abuja on July 21, and has not been interred. A visit to his constituency indicates that prospective aspirants especially from the late Olutayo’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have flooded the area with their posters, handbills and billboards, expressing their intention to vie for the yet-to-be announced bye election date.

The APC is insisting

on a continuity to remain in the office, since late Olutayo was a member of the party while the PDP wants a new face in the office.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is expected to conduct the bye election, has not fixed a date for the exercise.

An APC chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, told New Telegraph that “there is no need for any primary election in APC,

the second person in the last primary should take over the office though our priority at the moment is to see how to give our late lawmaker a befitting burial.”

Meanwhile, some resident in the constituency have expressed concern over the avalanche of posters in the area, stating that the parties should have hold their intentions and campaigns until after the burial of Olutayo.

candidate, you can’t bring N3 million, you have to do something better.

“When they came, Chief Anenih brought N3 million, Ize-Iyamu brought N3 million making it N6 million. That was what was brought to me in this palace. They have been begging me not to play the tape to you but I said I will let you know about this because you are my friend and a good man who has done so much for Uromi people. Nobody controls me; even Chief Anenih doesn’t control me. I tell him what to do because I am the owner of Uromi kingdom.”

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the state government is not responsible for the failure of local governments to pay their workers, explaining that he meets the monthly wage obligation to the state workers and that council workers must be paid by their respective local governments.

Oshiomhole made this clarification, while speaking when he received the national leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), led by its national president, Khaleel Ibrahim.

He said: “I want to say it clearly that Edo State government does not have the responsibility of paying the salaries of local governments. I am not, and I will not collect taxes from people to pay local government workers. I don’t know what they do in other states, but in Edo State, we re-

spect the full autonomy of local governments and this autonomy goes with responsibility. I challenge your union leaders to show any evidence to the contrary.

"I have not done any procurement for local governments; I have not done employment for the local governments, I have not sat down to make any transfers for the local governments, I have not in any way interfered in the funds of local governments. Therefore, if local governments cannot manage their money they only have themselves to blame.”

Earlier, the NULGE national president said they were in the state because of their members in Edo State. “The national leadership is sincerely not very happy and we find it very difficult to remain in Abuja while our members do not get their salaries some up to 18 months,” he said.

APC faults PDP’s claim on Obaseki

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he Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation described as “tissues of lies and misleading,” the claim by the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, that the APC governorship candidate is being paid by the state government as chairman of Edo State Economic Team.

The organisation also debunked the comment credited to Pastor IzeIyamu, that Governor Adams Oshiomhole collected billions of naira from former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2012 presidential elections.

Challenging Ize-Iyamu to prove his claim, the Director General, Media and Publicity of the Obaseki Campaign Organisation, Abass Braimah, said: “We believe that Ize-Iyamu and Orbih

are jealous of the credentials of Obaseki and because all they do in the party is business, they can’t believe that somebody can make sacrifices for his people.

According to him, “Obaseki has not earned a kobo as salary from the state government and he should be commended and not persons who participated in the looting of the state treasury.”

On the allegation that Oshiomhole collected money from Jonathan and Igbinedion for his election, Braimah said: “It was sad and regrettable that somebody of Ize-Iyamu's calibre could forget so soon that Lucky Igbinedion opted for plea bargain when found guilty by the court and opted to refund the money looted back to the state coffers."

Politics

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mr. Richard Umaru, a retired permanent secretary, in this interview with IBRAHEEM MUSA, speaks on governance in Kaduna State and the planned demolition of Gbagyi Villa

Kaduna state government has threatened to demolish Gbagyi Villa, which it claims is on the land of Kaduna Polytechnic. Why are your people threatening fire and brimstone when you are occupying the land illegally?

Let’s begin by clearing a few cobwebs. First, the whole issue of polytechnic land is covered with a lot of confusion and misrepresentations. Yes, the polytechnic acquired some land in the place under dispute but the extent of land that the polytechnic is claiming is not the amount of land that was granted to it by the state government. It is this dispute between the traditional title holders of the land and the polytechnic authorities that took the two parties to court during the tenure of the late Patrick Yakowa. Considering the security threat that the issue posed, Governor Yakowa waded into the dispute and brokered an accord between the traditional title holders and the authorities of the polytechnic. And principal in this accord was a mutually agreed demarcation between land that belonged to the polytechnic and land which the traditional title holders could keep.

So, when people talk about polytechnic land, they fail to take into cognisance of the fact that the matter was even in court until Yakowa waded into it and brokered peace between the two parties. So, the portion of that land, which is now being called Gbagyi Villa fell, within the mutually agreed boundaries between the two parties. Gbagyi Villa falls within the area that the two parties both agreed that it should belong to the traditional title holders. That is cobweb number one.

Cobweb number two is that people say, just like you said, ‘my people’ when referring to the Gbagyi Villa. My people are the Gbagyi and I am a title holder within the Gbagyi chiefdom in Kaduna State. But the Gbagyi Villa is populated not by the Gbagyi alone. As a matter of fact, Gbagyi Villa, which is being threatened with demolition, 90 per cent of it is occuppied by people who are non-Gbagyi.

So, the fight is not a fight for the Gbagyi people. It is a fight between people who are down-trodden, who originate from different ethnic identities and a state government that is insensitive to the plight of the ordinary man want to evict them.

What the government is saying is that the land was acquired illegally and that there are only two houses in Gbagyi villa that have building plans.

None has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and that is why they will be demolished. What is your argument

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Demolitions: El-Rufai running insensitive govt, says Umaru So, instead of going round and taking fire-fighting measures, the governor should look at the root cause of the problem. The difficulty entails in going through the formal channel to obtain a government certified C of O. If you clear that cobweb and that corruption and that red-tape, nobody will want to go to a village or district head for a land if the process of acquiring a C of O is made easy.

Nobody will go and erect a structure illegally. But they deliberately made it virtually impossible for you to get a government approved C of O and even when you get it, for you to get the building permit is another monumental task.

But the government has made the getting of C of O easier by the establishment of Kaduna Geographic Information System (KADGIS) …

You are talking of a baby that has not yet been born. Since when, has it even taken off ? There was a flamboyant flagging off ceremony, which is just one of those public relations stunts by government. In reality, KADGIS has not taken off.

And even if it has taken off, do you visit retroactively, punishment for something that you have just introduced, over something that was done long ago? Is that fair? Is that just? Is that responsible? I don’t think it is.

Umaru

in this respect?

What do you mean by the land owners acquired land illegally?

Is the transfer of traditional land title to a new owner not legal? And in any case, what is the percentage of houses in Kaduna State presently that can boast of having titles? More than 90 per cent of the houses that have been erected in this town don’t have building approvals. Are they also going to be demolished? And coming back to the so called polytechnic land, there is polytechnic land at Angwan Sanusi at the main campus, which was encroached upon a long time ago and the place was built up by individuals, why didn’t El Rufai go there and say that he was going to pull down those properties? There are properties also on polytechnic farm at Mashi; the farm has been built by individuals. Has he said that he was going to pull down those houses? There are carve outs that have been made on government properties in the GRAs, why is he not drawing his attention to these carve outs?

What is good for the goose should also be good for the gander.

Don’t you think that the school has a right to evict illegal occupiers of its land?

You keep using the word ‘illegal.’ By what definition are they illegal? But beyond that, let’s look at the root cause of what you call illegal occupiers or illegal buildings.

Have you ever attempted to go through the so-called formal channels for acquiring government approved land? Do you know the bureaucracy and the red-tape and the corruption that have bedeviled that formal process? You have to be either extremely wealthy or well connected politically to get a government approved C of O. I applied for a C of O with the Kaduna State government more than 40 years ago and I still don’t have one.

Nowhere in the world is retroactive action considered a democratic and humane way of doing things

The government argued that when Governor Patrick Yakowa brokered the peace deal, he drew a line and put a stop to the encroachment of the polytechnic’s land. However, people crossed that line and built structures and this has effectively nullified the accord and that is why it wants to demolish Gbagyi villa. What is your opinion on that?

That is not what is in dispute.

Like I told you earlier, the so-called Gbagyi Villa is not within the land that was demarcated for the polytechnic in the course of that accord. Gbagyi Villa is situated on land that was agreed mutually between the two parties, to be left to the indigenous title holders. Those who have intruded that line of accord, nobody has any sympathy for them. And it was because that accord was reached between the polytechnic authorities and the indigenes and blessed by the then governor that gave most people the encouragement to develop their properties. You cannot visit on them retroactively, a draconian action by pulling down their homes. It is not fair. Nowhere in the world is retroactive action considered a democratic and humane way of doing things.

Kaduna Polytechnic said that when it acquired the land about 40 years ago, it paid compensation to the land owners and it is not right for people to now come and claim some parcels of land under the auspices of traditional title owners.

This is one of the points in dispute because the traditional title holders are saying that that portion which they have developed was not part of what polytechnic paid any compensation for. This is one of the points in dispute before

the out of court settlement was reached during Yakowa.

Your people are being accused of politicising what people see as a straight forward issue...

Well, first of all, does one wrong justify another wrong? Anybody who has a milk of human kindness was not happy with what happened at Alhudahuda College.

I personally wrote that what government ought to have done, even if it was going to move people out, was to give them alternative locations to erect their buildings and give them enough time for them to vacate the college. That was not done. And I was one of the people that condemned it. But that apart, in the case of Gbagyi Villa, you are dealing with close to 2,000 properties. How many properties were involved in Alhudahuda?

The sheer scale and magnitude of what government intends to do in Gbagyi Villa is not comparable with what it did at Alhudahuda.

That is number one. Secondly, I don’t think that there is any ethnic group in Nigerian that has made the sacrifice for the country, in terms of their land and their traditional abode, like us. Since the imposition of colonial rule, the Gbagyis have sacrificed their lands, first at Zungeru, then at Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory for the development of Nigerian Federation and its infrastructure.

In most cases, not a kobo was given out to them as compensation. Government kept on encroaching on our lands and livelihoods. And we have been magnanimous enough to absorb all of these.

In peoples lives, there comes a time when enough should be enough. And people should be treated as human beings and not as chattels. It is not our generation that has the responsibility to say no, we have had enough. It is the younger generation. We are too old; the best we can do is to give positive advice. But if you keep on pushing a people to the wall, will you be surprised if a time comes when they respond just to preserve themselves? I think that is the case.

Are there efforts to amicably settle this matter because your people have threatened violence if the demolition is carried out and the government is adamant in its resolve to pull down the structures?

Nobody will like to see blood, least of all, the Gbagyi people. A bloody conflagration will not do anybody any good. The government has a leadership responsibility to bend over backwards, in the interest of peace, justice and fairness. There is nothing in this world, including government policies that is cast in stone and cannot be modified to accommodate all interests. That has always been what I personally preach. But you know, it takes two to reach a settlement. If you have a government that is so arrogant and so adamant in its beliefs; that does not see it as its responsibility to try and accommodate everybody, then you have a problem.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Ajunwa’s jumbo and juicy jump Emissary EMEKA OBASI emobas2003@yahoo.com 0809-445-7557 (sms only)

I

t is 20 years since Immaculetta Chioma Ajunwa did what seemed impossible for a very long time: winning an Olympic gold for Nigeria. The Flying Policewoman stunned the world when she grabbed the women’s Long Jump prize at the Atlanta’ 96 Olympic Games.

Our government forgets so easily and I am sure many of us may not recognize this woman who today wears the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police [CSP], the equivalent of Lieutenant Colonel, Commander or Wing Commander in the Armed Forces. I guess she serves as a Divisional Police Officer[DPO] somewhere in Lagos.

Ajunwa’s rise to glory was a tortuous journey. On July 10, 1992, she was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs and banned alongside Charity Opara, Tina Iheagwam, Clement Chukwu and Innocent Asonze. They were therefore out of Barcelona Olympics’ reckoning. It was a big blow.

Here was an athlete who struggled all the way to national recognition and was beginning to make headlines. In 1989, she was at the Athletic World Cup representing Team Africa. Ajunwa won gold at the Montjuich Stadium , Barcelona as part of the women’s 4x 100 metres Relay team.

At the 1990 Africa Athletics Championships in Cairo, she picked the Long Jump gold. A year later in the same Egyptian Capital, she repeated the feat at the All Africa Games.

That same year in 1991,she played football for Nigeria as a member of the female national team, the Falcons and journeyed to China for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Championship, China ’91. At the time, Ajunwa was the national triple jump record holder .

Multi talented, you could hardly find any

athlete who had represented the country in two different sports. She was also into boxing and the sprints. Ajunwa captained Rivers Mermaids of Port Harcourt. By joining the Police, she struggled harder to make a name and the cops did not abandon one of their own.

After the ban in 1992, she used the Police Games to keep going. President of the Athletics Federation , Smart Akraka, whose daughter chose Sweden , her maternal home ahead of Nigeria ,threatened thunder and brimstone.

However, the Inspector General of Police [IGP] Aliyu Atta, asked the former national athlete to ‘go hug the transformer ‘at Sportscity. Ajunwa could not have asked for a better backing.

Reprieve came less than two months to the Atlanta ’96 Olympics, the IAAF ban was lifted.

God sent a Guardian Angel in the person of Patrick Olusegun Odegbami [Mathematical]. He took her to London and found two trainers to prepare her for the Games. And the last thing she thought of was the Long Jump. Ajunwa concentrated on the Sprints.

When she arrived Atlanta, the athlete discovered that she had been registered for the Long Jump. In the Sprints where she placed her hopes, the best was a semi-finals spot in the relays.

The First Round of the Long Jump belonged to Fiona May ,the Black English woman who had switched nationality to Italian. But the tide turned in the Final. Ajunwa’s first jump of 7.12 metres could not be beaten by anyone At the end, she won the gold medal., May settled for silver and American legend Jacqueline JoynerKersee placed third.

That was on August 2, 1996. Her gold medal was Nigeria’s First ever. More records were set.

In that event was a Pakistani lady who became the first from her country to compete since 1948.

At 1.60m [5feet 6inches], Ajunwa was the shortest of the Long Jump finalists. The tall ones fell to her. And one of them, a Hungarian, bore Nigerian sounding name ; Tunde Vaszi.

Ajunwa did not only become the First African to win gold in the Field Event, she brought something SPECIAL. Twenty four hours after breaking the jinx, the Dream Team won Africa’s

Twenty four hours after breaking the jinx, the Dream Team won Africa’s First Olympic Soccer gold medal

First Olympic Soccer gold medal. Now, we get to see a lot of things that played out.

Chioma Ajunwa is from Mbaise, Owerri Senatorial Zone and she actually spent many years in the Imo state capital where she played for Queens Park Club. The young man who captained the Dream Team, Christian Nwankwo Kanu, grew up in Owerri where he attended Holy Ghost College [Arugo]. The player who scored the winner against Argentina, Emmanuel Amuneke, hails from Eziobodo, Owerri.

You know what?, Ajunwa and Amuneke, share the same date of birth, December, 25, having been born on Christmas Day. President Goodluck Jonathan honoured Ajunwa before he left office. She remains a great Ambassador and officer of the Police.

But the Change Government needs someone to tell President Muhammadu Buhari that the Golden Olympian, our Flying Police woman is going to sit down in her office pursuing petty thieves around Agbado Ijaiye and Ojokoro while Team Nigeria has no motivator in the Land of Samba.

I do not need a politician to remind President Buhari. These politicians are in the same Division One League with tricksters. I will report this to First Lady, Aisha Buhari. She is First Lady whether Sai Baba likes it or not.

Politics is over. First Lady is not our problem, the economy is.

Dear First Lady, please find out from Solomon the Wise, why a Chioma Ajunwa cannot be in Rio as part of the Nigerian contingent, at least to boost the morale of the athletes. Your Excellency, you know politicians are pretenders. I know you are the only one that cannot be sacked from Oga Presido’s real Kitchen Cabinet.

The truth which you must tell the First Gentleman is that this my friend Dalung,[ I hope he does not send Niger Delta Avengers after me] may wipe out all the Goodluck[ abeg not Jonathan] that Buhari brought to our sports. Under him in 1984, we won a first Olympic silver medal.

The Eaglets won the inaugural FIFA U-17 tournament. Abeg, Buhari no be bad luck for sports.

Abia crisis and the flipside of ambition Godwin Adindu

W

e all are witnesses to this fact: our teachers, right from kindergarten, advise us to be ambitious.

They consistently hand out that counsel as a mantra of life, with less talk on the flip-side of ambition – the inordinate ambition. We grow to set goals, to dream, to aspire and to work earnestly towards the realization of ambition. Our teachers offer little or no education on the nature of ambition as they do with the nature of truth. We are left to the vagaries of our minds and the compelling pressures of vogue in our pursuit of ambition.

But, there is the flipside of ambition.

The persuasion to achieve could be a very terrible thing, a very dangerous inner drive and outer resentment. Ambition not guided by law, norm, justice and divine creed is a potential missile of mass destruction and the purveyor of such drive is a horrible danger for mankind. There is no doubt that Uche Ogah, the main protagonist in the failed Abia civilian coup heeded his teachers’ counsel. He is a very ambi-

tious man His pedigree in business presents a man who set out very early to ride on high dreams. But, while he can beat his chest and mention his conglomerates and his wealth profile, the truth remains immortal: ambition is a twoedged sword. There is the positive and the negative, all fixed into one generic name. It is ambition that drives a thief, a prostitute, an assassin, a terrorist, a tyrant and a coupist. It is also ambition that drives the inventor, the scientists, the humanitarian and all well-meaning people of the world.

Driven by the ambition to balance the economic disparity in the livelihood of his English people, Robin Hood, the moral thief and the Prince of Thieves, orchestrated the most historic robberies England has ever witnessed and returned the loot to the poor. Driven by the ambition to rid the world of his perceived danger and menace posed by Jewish blood, Hitler drove the Third Reich to execute the world’s most horrible genocide in the guillotines of the Holocaust.

Indeed, Uche Ogah, was playing with the flip-side of ambition when he attempted to jump into the Abia State

Government House on that fateful Thursday through the window. From the well-rehearsed Abuja High Court drama wherein Justice Okon Abang declared his death sentence against Governor Okezie Ikpeazu with the caveat – ‘with immediate Effect” – to the INEC’s haste in handing a certificate of returns and the desperation to swear in Ogah, what came to play is a macabre dance of shame which will stand as a historical sarcasm on power play in Nigeria and the desperation of one man lamentably living on the flip-side of ambition.

In the failed coup to unseat Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, what was afoot was the flipside of ambition that ignored the grave implications to law and order and the concomitant anarchy and bloodshed.

The masterminds obviously must have anticipated a possible resistance.

Surly, on that fateful Thursday, Abia youths, in their thousands, milled at the gate of the Government House in Umuahia ready to defend their elected Governor with their lives and their souls. They stayed put all day and kept vigil all night until they were convinced the coup has failed

flat. What would have been the peace and happiness of Ogah if he had sat as governor over the blood of numberless youths of Abia State? With which conscience could he have ruled over a state that would have been thrown into anarchy and war?

Thank God for the good people of Abia State that rose to the occasion and tamed the Shrew and halted a dangerous drift into the cesspit of pandemonium. And kudos to the Abia Elders who couldn’t sit back at home while the little goat strangles itself on the string.

Indeed, there is good ambition. There is an ambition that amounts to a daydream, a kind of wish-wash fantasy.

There is also a terrible and precarious ambition. Abia almost, nearly witnessed the mischief of a terrible ambition. Abia would have opened a dark page for Nigeria on the consequences of one man’s flipside ambition. Uche Ogah, in his hackneyed ambition, would have distorted the lives and history of our people. Thank God I am only discussing it in a mere prose.

•Adindu is the President-general of the Abia Renaissance Movement.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Rio 2016: All hope lost

he 31st Olympic Olympiad opens in Rio Brazil on today with over 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees competing for honours in 28 sports. A total of 85 Team Nigeria athletes are part of the legion looking forward to excel at this event which is the biggest in sports.

Nigeria won her very first medal at the games at Tokyo ‘64 courtesy of Nojim Maiyegun in the men's Light Middleweight boxing event. But between then and now, only 23 medals have been won by the country at the games. Three of the medals were gold, eight silver and 12 were bronze. However, on seven occasions, Nigeria failed to win a medal at the games. This happened at Helsinki ’52, Melbourne ’56, Rome ’60, Mexico ’68, Moscow ’80, Seoul ’88 and London 2012. We believe Nigeria should have done better generally based on the abundant talents the country is blessed with.

For example, after the misadventure at Olympic Games in London four years ago, the then sports minister, Bolaji Abdulahi, assured that the preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics would start immediately. We recall that not long after, he was changed and the new minister, Tammy Danagogo, practically struggled to understand the template Abdulahi was trying to create for planning.

We make bold to say inconsistency in administration is a major bane in sports. Today, Nigeria has yet another sports minister in Solomon Dalung

and sad enough, the preparation for the games has been very bad for Team Nigeria.

Dalung, we believe does not understand how sports is administered or how the civil service system works. It was sad that rather than look for money to prepare athletes for the games, Dalung was waiting for government money which as usual went through several bureaucratic stages.

The money which was said to be small was not released at once.

It is also disturbing that a country of over 160million people cannot provide a chattered flight for its athletes to the games.

Reports being monitored in the past few

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani (Leave of Absence) Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor, Group Head, Newsroom n Geoffrey Ekenna

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creative n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

preparation of athletes was not adequate while the travelling arrangements were also very bad both in Nigeria and in the United States.

Foreign news organisations reported the news of Nigeria’s stranded team prominently.

This we believe is a shame to Nigeria and all those involved in this big embarrassment should be investigated and punished accordingly. Dalung himself was in the United States when the airline expected to lift the

The Olympic Games is for serious people who have what it takes to plan well

weeks show delegates of every country arriving together.

Russia with over 400 athletes arrived Rio at the same time.

Nigeria with only 85 athletes travelled in batches to the games. Some of the athletes arrived Sao Paulo before taking yet another flight to Rio. The poor planning also affected the country’s U-23 team that was stranded for about one week in Atlanta. It was so bad that the team was unable to train for about three days as they were always going to the airport only to be disappointed.

We believe Nigeria as a country can do better. The competition comes up every four years and it is disturbing that the

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

U-23 team refused to do so until money was credited to the company’s accounts.

There was also the issue of the missing N2.9bn which was released for the

All Africa Games and Olympic Games Preparation. We learnt that the President demanded a probe and because of that the training tour of the team was cancelled while all other preparatory plans were on hold. The sad tale of the wrestling team is another indication that the officials in the sports ministry are bereft of ideas. Federation President, Daniel Igali suggested that the wrestlers should stay for more time in Nigeria because sparring partners were not allowed to travel.

The ministry declined and so the wrestlers will not be able to train well in the next two weeks in Rio. Officials also failed to provide money to engage train-

ing partners in Brazil. Wrestling is one of the country’s areas of strength but the overall preparation has been poor.

We believe strongly that the scrapping of the National Sports Commission is a big setback for sports as there is no director, who is a sport technocrat with knowledge of what to do at crucial time like this. Again, Dalung is not ready to seek opinion of those who know much about sports administration; rather he has been taking cruel decision which has affected many Nigerian youths negatively.

The Olympic Games is for serious people who have what it takes to plan well. This edition is most likely going to be like London 2012 except an athlete picks a medal with a dint or luck coupled with personal efforts. Nigeria has not prepared her athletes well to excel, the country barely managed to participate.

It is so bad and we hope this trend will stop. There could be a deliberate plan for the next games scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan.

We pray those in authority will again learn from these poor arrangements for the Rio 2016 Games.

Nigerian athletes are very talented, they deserve better. If we want the so called restive youths to give peace a chance, government must also use sports to divert attention to non violent vocation. When all eyes are kept away from sports, youngmen full of emotional energy, may be forced into Niger Delta creeks, Sambisa forest and what have you.

16

POLITICS

Garba Abdulrasaq

“W

hen the dust settles, Nigerians will see clearly that this charge (trial) is nothing but a meretricious trash.” – Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

I felt so sad, betrayed, and angry with myself as I read comments by the spokesperson of the Senate Unity Forum, Senator Kabiru Marafa, after a closeddoor meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on July 21.

They fooled me and us again, I said to myself.

Asked by State House correspondents if the charges against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu could be dropped now that the Senate president has yielded to their demands for “juicy” standing committees, Marafa said: “Yes, as long as the party comes in and the will of the party is respected. We are not at loggerhead with anybody. It is not like we hate somebody. The current Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been one of my very close friends and senior in the 7th Assembly. What you saw happened is what I will describe as loyalty to the party. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognises only the party, it doesn’t recognise any individual.

“We didn’t go to court because we didn’t like the faces of those that emerged, but this is the will of our party. During the 7th Assembly, we accorded the ruling party at that time the utmost cooperation and we knew the committees that we were given to us at that time. But now, we are in power it is our own time and we should be accorded all the necessary cooperation. We should be seen to respect the party. If the party says withdraw the case, we will go on to withdraw the case.”

I even felt more aggrieved when a former neighbour in Lagos, who now lives on the same street with Senator Marafa in Abuja told me that the lawmaker even threw an in-house party to celebrate his landing of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), considered by the Unity Forum to be very “juicy.”

Although many Nigerians have argued at the inception of Saraki’s trial, that he would not have been arraigned if he had allowed the big heads in his party and presidency to have their way in the choice of principal officers of the Senate, but my attitude was that Nigerians had suffered

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Senate and ‘juicy’ committees

Marafa

enough in the hands of their socalled leaders. As such, whatever soul that sinned or whoever ate your yam, must face the law.

Sadly, the wailers and their ranks, which are now growing by the day, now laugh last. It is not about the ordinary Nigerian or about democracy, after all. I mean, to take the whole nation for a long, noisy, windy circus for 14 out of the 48 months of the first (and I pray the last) term of office by this administration, in the face of excruciating economic pains, merely for power sharing and profiteering, is just too ridiculous and atrocious for a party that soared to power on the wings of “change.”

Regarding the Senate forgery, however, I must admit that I was never really convinced that the invitation/petitioning of the police (an executive agency) by the Senate Unity Forum enjoys the blessing of the constitution because it was just some senators inviting the police, rather than the Senate as an institution.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole’s ruling sometime last year that the issue of Senate Standing Order is purely a domestic legislative affair was later to reaffirm my opinion.

He went further to say that the option open to members ag-

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

President Goodluck Jonathan in the PDP presidential primary for the 2011 election.

The aspirants from the north then were former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd); former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) and the present Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Jonathan was not just the only aspirant from the south; he also enjoyed an incumbency factor as a sitting president.

But Ciroma and his group wanted to stop him at all cost so that the rotation of presidency between the North and South would not be bridged.

The former president who was vice president until Yar'Adua's death on

The whole shenanigan and grandstanding in the Senate was about Committee

grieved by any breach of its Rules or wrong decision was to muster the number to reverse such decision on the floor or cause the Senate to direct its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate the matter, after which the Senate as a body would decide whether or not to invite the police and/or discipline any erring members.

But were we not so narrowminded not to have known before now that we were being fooled and that the whole shenanigan and grandstanding in the Senate was about Committee? It is now that I recall clearly that members of Unity Forum, the plaintiffs in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/651/2015 contesting the authenticity of the Senate Standing Rule 2015, approached the Federal High Court with an ex-parte application seeking to restrain the Senate leadership from constituting the Chairman and Deputy Chairmen of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice”.

In refusing the application, however, Justice Kolawole, insisted that he did not “notice any substantial infraction on the 1999 Constitution”.

According to him, “the court is not created to supervise the National Assembly in its activities, but can only intervene where there is substantial infraction on the constitution; where the NASS as the legislative arm of government is alleged to have contravened its own rules, the court as the third arm of government should be wary so as not to be seen as hijacking the powers of the NASS in handling its affairs; Members of the NASS should be trusted to be able to mobilise themselves to address issues on the floor.”

Now, relating Senator Marafa’s comments and the recent statement by the APC National Chairman, John Oyegun, that “we all find it very, very difficult to accept the emergence of a PDP person as his Deputy Senate President” (even though the APC enjoyed and praised bi-partisan National Assembly leadership under Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and also produced the current Speakers of Plateau and Benue Assemblies where their party is minority), one begins to understand APC’s hypocrisy. What is more, only a few days ago, the

APC again produced the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly where PDP is the majority.

A long-frustrated and embattled Alhaji Momoh-Jimoh Lawal of the G-15 threw in the towel, while Umar Imam of G-5 was “elected” Speaker.

Much as these serial hypocrisy is condemnable, it nevertheless helps Nigerians to see more clearly why the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, a former legal counsel to the Senate Unity Forum, acted in a manner, which Justice Kolawole considered a “gross abuse of legal process”, “in a desperate haste”, and “not in public interests” in arraigning Saraki and Ekweremadu.

According to the Hon. Justice, “the said criminal charge dated 10/6/16 and attached as exhibit “B” to the Plaintiff ’s ‘motion ex parte’ dated 23/6/16, given the course of these proceedings as I had in detail, highlighted, can only be seen as one that constitutes an ‘abuse of legal process’ to use the very words in section 174(3) of the constitution”.

He lamented that whereas the AGF, by virtue of the constitution, is compelled to stop any such abuse of legal process, “The converse situation, which the drafters of the constitution, perhaps never envisaged appears to have occurred in this case as the 2nd defendant (AGF) who is required,

by Section 174(3) of the constitution, to ‘discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person’ where such proceedings constitute ‘abuse of legal process’, is in fact the very person who initiated a criminal proceedings in a matter in which he had, as a private legal practitioner, acted for the one of the ‘interested’ senators who had petitioned the 1st defendant (Inspector-General of Police) on 30/6/15."

In summary, it is not about us, after all, but about elites' selfish interest. This is another hope ruthlessly betrayed. In saner climes, heads would be rolling by now, starting with that of the AGF. Of all people on earth, Nigerians are to be pitied most. What a meretricious trash. Apologies, Ekweremadu.

•Abdulrasaq writes from Lagos

Ciroma's ‘no loss, no win’ theory May 5, 2010, indicated interest to fly the party's flag in 2011 after completing his principal's first tenure in office. This, the NPLF considered as a violation of PDP’s rotational principle, which states that the presidency should rotate between North and South every eight years.

In the shadow election conducted among the four and in which the nine NPLF members voted, Atiku scored four votes to emerge the choice of the North for the party’s primary. Babangida got three votes, while Saraki scored two votes, leaving Gusau with no vote.

Atiku later lost to Jonathan at the presidential primary and thereafter,

Ciroma who had championed the cause for a northern candidate, quietly retired from active politics.

Even when the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) produced presidential candidates of northern extraction for the 2011 election, Ciroma refused to support any of them.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was nominated ACN presidential candidate while Muhammadu Buhari, a former military Head of State (now president) was the candidate of CPC. Ciroma believed that no opposition

party then could occupy the moral high ground to provide a viable alternative to PDP "at this critical hour when Nigerians are sick and tired of more of the same."

He was of the opinion that "only a viable opposition will arrest the nation’s political drift to a one-party state. Opposition parties must hold themselves responsible if they fail to play their proper role in a democracy, even one as broken as our own.”

Ironically, five years after, and even when a merger among five of the then opposition parties assumed the reins of power, Ciroma still believe there is no alternative to PDP.

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Arts

Promoting photography, creativity with Beauty of Lagos contest

CULTURE

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Eyo masquerades in performance

Tony Okuyeme

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s activities marking the fifty years of the creation of Lagos State take continue with the 3rd Festival Colloquium which is themed “Tourism Potentials of Yorubaland of Nigeria”.

The lecture will be delivered by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, and it will hold on Saturday, 20th of August 2016, at the Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

It will be followed by the premiere screening of Eko: The Blessing of Olofin, featuring King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1); Bukky Wright, Yomi Blaq and other toprated actors.

Special features of the event include masquerades parade and dances from Badagry axis of Lagos.

This is a build up to the second colloquium of the year-long celebration, held recently at Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos, on the theme “Hidden Cultures and Multiple Identities in Lagos”.

In his paper, a university don and Director of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, Dr. Olufunmi ’Wale Adeniran, who was the guest lecturer, posited the fact that there are indeed hidden cultures in Badagry and the surrounding areas in Lagos West.

Eko: The Blessing of Olofin premieres at Lagos@50 festival colloquium He has called on the Lagos State government to institute yearly or biennial cross-border festivals between Badagry and Porto-Novo, noting that these two towns can be considered twin cities because they have a lot in common.

According to Adeniran, since the Egun and the other smaller groups believe that the more authentic versions of the rituals and practices they share in common are to be found in Porto-Novo, such festivals will serve to make them develop greater sense of pride in their heritage and their ethnolinguistic identity.

He also advised the Lagos State Government to get the Federal

And in doing this the National Troupe put together from its repertoire, dance performances that thrilled Lagosians, with rich menu of dance drama presentations that resonated with culture and creativity. Added to this were performances by the Foot Prints of David which gave the children angle to the show.

The performances took place at different locations in Ikeja area of the state, namely, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Allen Roundabout, Ikeka Roundabout, Maryland and others, as a way of sensitising the public and bringing them into the mood of celebrating this momentous event.

Obi: Why government, private sector should take theatre communication seriously E

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Government of Nigeria to work towards getting Zangbeto listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO (Paris).

Earlier, as part of the buildup of the celebrations, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who is the Chair of Lagos at 50 celebrations, invited the National Troupe of Nigeria to join the Foot Prints of David in a spot dance performances around Lagos, as a way of sensitising the public and getting them into the celebration mood while showcasing the beauty and rich culture of the “State of Excellence”. The performances were also for the public to know that “something very important is happening” in Lagos.

Obi

ntertainment education, as an aspect of theatre, can be used to communicate critical health conditions, like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Polio, Diarrhoea, Measles and Malaria in Africa, as well as create awareness, which could lead to change of attitude and behaviour towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs).

Nwagbo Pat Obi of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Abuja, stated this at the recently concluded 2016 Annual Conference of the African Theatre Association (AfTA).

In his paper titled “Communication of HIV/AIDS as Critical Ill Health Using African Theatre Entertainment Education: The Examples of Lynn Dalrymple’s DramAidE in South Af-

rica,” he noted that “there is this fearsome attitude of the populace towards HIV/AIDS, hence people’s behaviour towards People Living With AIDS (PLWAs) is to stigmatise and sort of avoid them like plague in the society. Theatre can communicate through entertainment education that PLWAs should not be avoided and the behaviour of people could change towards them.”

Obi therefore called on the Federal Government and the private sector to take theatre entertainment seriously at both formal and informal levels of education because of its capacity to effect change in the society.

He said: “The place of theatre through the use of its entertainment to appeal to its audience is obvious. The impact of the songs, dances,

and actions in a theatre production influences the reasoning and the knowledge of the members of audience in addition to creating certain awareness in them. This affects their attitudes towards a certain issue; hence theatre is a viable intervention instrument in communicating HIV/ AIDS with a view to altering the perceptions both of the people and the government.”

According to Obi, though theatre can be seen as entertainment, it can go beyond fiction to intervene in reality, especially when it becomes AFTAP authentically popular, because the popularity founded on theatre actively involves the audience as it follows the rhythm of the people’s daily lives through its communicative ability and its participatory approach to development.

18

ART

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Parroco (6th left) and other guests presenting the prize to the winner

Promoting photography, creativity with Beauty of Lagos contest Ebere Ameh

T

he hall of the Welcome Centre Hotel, Lagos was filled to capacity recently, with professional, amateur and aspiring photographers, who stormed the venue for the 2016th edition of the Nikon Photo Summit.

Pin drop silence could best be used to describe the environment as resource persons, from both within and outside Nigeria, took turns to lecture the enrapt audience on the rudiments of success in photography.

The two-day event, which had an interactive and exciting Q & A session, a raffle Draw and the grand finale of “The Beauty of Lagos” Photo Contest, had the Manager, Digital Media and Training, Middle East and Africa, Nikon Corporation, Mr Cesar Parroco as one of the resource persons.

A Computer Scientist turned photographer, Parroco brought his immense knowledge to bear on the “Basics of Photography” and the “Elements of Great Event Photography.” Nikon School Instructor, Middle East and Africa, Mr Jay Alonzo, was also on hand and wowed the audience when he spoke on “Commercial Table Top Photography”, and “Food Photography”. While the Marketing Manager, Nikon Nigeria, Mr Richard Bamidele Eko spoke on “The Business side of Photography in Nigeria,” Mr Paul Odigie intimated the audience about the “Nikon School in Nigeria”.

Established with just about 20 students in 2013, the Nikon School, Nigeria, which was instituted to meet the needs of Nigerian photographers, has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

“The growth of the school and the high turnout of photographers at this summit show that Nigerian photographers love

knowledge and appreciate good things,” Eko noted.

“The school is a Nikon initiative that is structured to empower photographers especially the upcoming ones in the industry.

A helping hand is required to improve the scale of things especially in an industry driven by technology as ours. A lot of the old photographers all had shortcomings as starters in the area of educations, technology, research, etcetera. Nikon School is there to bridge that gap,” he explained.

But Parroco put it more succinctly, explaining that it is one of the main objectives of Nikon.

“One of the main objective of Nikon Corporation in Japan is to promote the culture of photography. As you have noticed if you have been to any of our events before, it’s purely photography and not about the selling of products.

We educate people to know

Previously, the school held periodically, but now we are looking at a monthly system

about our camera and not about buying our camera. It is an education on loving photography and developing the culture of photography. That’s the objective of Nikon and that is why we are always running the Nikon photo contest all over the world too. We have done it several times in Nigeria in a larger scale. We have brought so many big and international photographers.”

According to Eko Nikon Nigeria is seriously contemplating spreading to other cities within the country due to popular demand, while the school is considering a monthly classes for the students.

“Previously, the school held periodically, but now we are looking at a monthly system. The classes are sometimes specialized with intermediate classes and advance classes aside from the basic classes, which many attend” he said.

Speaking on the 4th “Beauty of Lagos Photo Contest”, Eko said that “it is a contest based on the skill and talent of the contestant to correctly interpret the given brief, which happened to be “The Beauty of Lagos.” We had a number of entries but the finalists are Oyewusi Omoboyejo, Victor Modo and Lex Ash who got the first, second and third prizes respectively.”

According to the organizers, the competition happens to be a standard of the Nikon brand, especially for the Nikon user, to give them a sense of belonging and show that the brand is interested in the photography development happening in Nigeria, in which it is constantly contributing to.

Also speaking to New Telegraph at the event, Alonzo, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, said that Nigeria has a lot of talented photographers.

Cool FM celebrates with 1million facebook followers Muritala Ayinla

T

he management of Cool FM at the weekend celebrated its feat as the first Africa’s Radio station to have 1million followers on facebook with a posh party for the teeming fans.

The Nigerian hit music station, Cool FM 96.9, located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano also promised to fine-tune its programmes to entertain more Nigerians listeners.

The event held at the Rhapsody’s terrace of Ikeja City Mall, featured several popular artistes and upcoming ones.

The gathering was strictly youth affairs, with the settings of the event and the appearance of the radio station’s fans who filled the mall.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cool Fm Presenters, Ifedayo Ayorinde popularly known as Freeze, who anchors the afternoon belt of the station’s programme, described the 1million fol-

lowers as a rear feat in the industry.

He said: “We have got 1 million followers on facebook, which means that anytime we post, there is opportunity for 1 million people to see what we are doing on our social media network. The world is moving from the radio that you and I know to a more visual radio. Social media is adding that which was not there 20 years ago. I am glad that Cool FM is not just a part of it, we are the one spearheading it, the first radio station in Africa to have 1 million followers.”

He said the claim of 1million followers was not fabricated or sponsored, saying,”It is very easy to know we are the first, just check the facebook page of other radio stations, you see numbers of followers they have on their facebook page.

“My message to our listeners is that we did not get to 1 million followers by buying followers.We didn’t get to 1 million followers on face book by cooking food or serving drinks, we got to 1 million be-

cause people believe in us and what we do.

Also speaking, another talented presenter, Oladotun Kayode, popularly known as Dotun, said: “We thank God it is spectacular that we have lot of people supporting the brand Cool Fm and following us on the social media. In addition to the facebook followers, we have a lot of people following on twitter, histagram, and other social network.

Dotun who anchors the mid-day show in the radio station, said the radio over the years has remained connected to all the segment of radio listeners.

“Everyone tends to be different in whatever they do, the brand CoolFM tries to identify with everyone young, old, married, single, working class, those in informal and formal sector, CoolFM will surely catch you and that’s why we remain a brand in the industry. We are used to doing things creatively that’s what keeps us going.

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FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sex and Marriage Counselor

Feminique

12 top reasons women fake orgasms

Diary of a dating mom Our trip to Disneyland

Dr. Violet Arene is an accomplished Management Consultant, pastor and author. Formerly one of the celebrated managers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), she was recently appointed the Global Youth Matron of the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), EBERE AMEH had a chat with her and writes

A

t 74, when many would rather slow down to enjoy their retirement and fruits of their labour, Dr Violet Arene is up and about, burning herself out for the sake of a better future for the next generation. Blessed with excellent health and a lovely demeanour, she goes about her numerous engagements with that motherly and magnetic smile that has endeared her to many.

Arene, who built and donated a magnificent church for the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is also, among other things, the founder of the Voice of Eve, a subsidiary of LydiaRock Communications, established to give women a voice and serve as a point of convergence for women empowerment issues.

After a wow presentation on Leadership in South Africa recently, she was appointed the Global Youth Matron of the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO), the first time appointment for that position by the pan-African organization. She said she was not only pleasantly surprised she considers her appointment both an honour and a delight, because it is in tandem with her natural orientation in life - developing people.

“I was pleasantly appointed as Global Youth Matron of African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) after AWLO’s Conference in South Africa, where I had the privilege to present a paper on the Foundations of leadership.

I believe that was a first time appointment for that position. I also believe that was an appointment borne out of AWLO’s deep commitment to success in their mission to advance the cause of women in Africa and to prepare women better for the challenges of leadership in the continent of Africa. Focus on young girls, female adolescents, and young women graduates is meant to

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Arene

Arene: Nigeria needs women to tackle corruption, insecurity be a backward integration to catch the Next Generation Female Leaders young for necessary preparatory interventions. I am delighted because it is in harmony with my natural orientation in life, which is to develop people, especially the youth and to make them realize their best potentials.”

AWLO is an organization that aims to provide the bridge to Next Generation Female leaders to be fitted up for the challenges of better impact of leadership in Nigeria and the African Continent at large. This will afford the continent the opportunity to make up for the developmental deficits of the past; and to match advocacies and activitism for gender parity and leadership opportunities for women with adequate preparation for performance excellence by the next generation female leaders.

According to Mummy Arene, as she is fondly called, “the young adolescents and young women involved will be carried along through trainings, which the Youth Matron’s desk and the AWLO Chapters will be doing. Every AWLO Chapter is to set up a youth platform for the mentoring, training and critical interventions which they can creatively innovate to implement these objectives.

They will do this in consultation and collaboration with the Global Youth Matron.”

Diligent and meticulous, Arene, who is an embodiment of humility despite her achievements, is set to kick the ball rolling with different initiatives for the young women of Africa.

“The main plan is to establish the youth project firmly at my desk as Global Youth Matron and to share the vision

20

These thoroughly prepared young female leaders will re-write the story of Nigeria and Africa

with all AWLO Chapters globally. Every Chapter will device projects on the next generation female leaders namely: early childhood foundations, iLead project -for adolescent girls and the Young Women Innovators for young women graduates, engaged or not engaged in some creative entrepreneurship.

“While the iLead project focuses on the young female adolescents whose main need is self-discovery, talent detection, self-identity, values clarification, assertiveness, moral character and need to resist negative peer pressure, the Young Innovators Project is a critical innovation in the context of youth engagement in Nigeria and in the whole of Africa.

“They must be helped with creative entrepreneurship so that they can become self-supportive and self-reliant to avoid undue exploitation,” Arene explained, adding that AWLO’s initiatives and endeavors need every one’s moral support, and above all a total global endorsement.

Mentoring is one of the core objectives of AWLO. The smart septuagenarian said the organization has a plan to have the youth programs established in all Chapters globally and to have inter-chapter collaboration involving inter-chapter, sharing of resources in trainings, products and in ideas, to ensure that young women are adequately mentored.

“In short, there will be exchange programs among the global youth chapters, as well as sharing E-trainings. These initiatives will give young women all over not only the quality of entrepreneurship; but skills acquisition and personal development especially increased in self-esteem, feeling of worth and pride in womanhood. They will be motivated to be the best. Also, AWLO youth – the Next

20

Generation Female Leader Forum will hopefully become more or less a Finishing School for Potential Female Public Leaders who are willing to combine intellect with moral character and to be an asset for the transformation of the African continent. These thoroughly prepared young female leaders will rewrite the story of Nigeria and Africa.

The mentoring forum will also spread the gospel of positive family values and women’s overriding responsibility to make it happen- call it Home Front Victory. It will also be instrumental in inspiring young women to transfer the mothers’ heart and caring and feminine tenderness to all arenas of human endeavor. However, this is without prejudice to the need for grooming them in leadership training for Hard-Power, competitiveness, excellence, meritocracy, and industry,” she said.

Speaking on gender inequality, which has become the bane of African the society Arene, who is an icon of women empowerment in Africa, said that continuing gender inequality of opportunities is a pit fall that has held many nations unwittingly bound and stagnated.

“Gender inequality is a misguided decision. It can be observed that wherever women are held most bound and subjugated, those areas are usually the hot bed of terrorism and insecurity.

“As long as this negative attitude continues, so long will the human society be short changed in the quintessential transformative leadership asset of women; their tenderness, ‘peace-mindedness’ that will make governance humane , fair, caring and all inclusive. The spate of political crises, devastating, corruption, insecurity; and power mongering can all be mitigated by female participation in governance.

“Throwing out the bill, as we had in Nigeria, is a decision for the continuance of keeping out about 50%of the human population from major decision making that affects even women themselves, the youth and the children over whom they are custodians. There is no doubt that women’s positive influence in governances is salutary. Thank God for Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia who came on board with the mother’s heart to nurse Liberia back to life after the devastation of Charles Taylor’s Civil War. Thank God for the hosts of women in Rwanda which now tops the list of the nations of world with roughly 40% female representation in parliament.

These women came on board to salvage Rwanda after the devastating genocide and Civil War. Women are Mothers.

Nigeria needs women also to heal the wounds of corruption and the devastation of insecurity.

“Thank God for AWLO today which is passionately bringing all women of Africa and African Descent together in Continental Conferences and Global Conferences to exploit maximally the power of solidarity and strategic alliances to advance the cause of women in leadership. Now with the Global Youth platform AWLO is Innovating in a continuum the effective preparation and development of the Next Generation Female Leaders,” Arene said, insisting that the whole global community of mankind needs to narrow the gender gap for benefit of mankind for peace, security and progress.

20 FEMINIQUE

FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

12 top reasons women fake orgasms

W

here do I start with this? Is it true or false?

The answer is Yes it is true. Women all over the world fake orgasms for one reason or the other. Nigerian women inclusive. From my research, all the women I have talked to have admitted faking their orgasms a few times.

The most popular, or is it notorious are the call girls. They do it as part of their job. In fact most of them claim to have gone for special training from their more experienced ones. And that they have become so good that the men don't know the difference. Well from my various interactions, here are the top 12 reasons.

To please the man. They act as slaves to their men. A lot of women believe that the man would only feel pleased when their partner orgasms. So to please him, she must fake it.

Bargaining power. The man is more recipient to her demands after sex, if he feels that he has been a man. That she was moaning and groaning in pleasure during the act. His ego has been massaged. So she can now go ahead and make

Sex and Marriage Counselor drtaiwofadeyi@gmail.com

08033148899

Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi her demands. Financial or otherwise. And do you know what? Nine times out of ten they succeed. Why, because even if the man suspects that she is faking he would not want to talk. His ego would suffer.

Who would he tell at the beer parlour that he could not satisfy an ordinary woman. God forbid bad thing.

Pain. Sex could be painful for a lot of women. This can be for a lot of reasons such as vaginismus, fibroid, PID etc. It could even be that the man is so impatient that she is not ready yet before he penetrates.

Her vagina is dry. No lubrication which should come normally during foreplay.

Not in the mood. For a man, it is easy to know. There just won't be an erection. But for a woman, there are no such obvious signs. So she

fakes an orgasm so the whole thing would be over fast.

Frigidity. She doesn't enjoy sex at all. This is mostly psychological. Although it can be medical too.

Such women need to see a doctor pronto.

Culture. Until recently, most cultures did not think the woman has a say sexwise. Even if the man is almost raping her, she must pretend to enjoy it.

Fear. There is a very big fear amongst most women that they would lose the man. Like my friend says, if she does not show action.

Of if she just lies there like a piece of log of wood, the man will go elsewhere. So she must fake her orgasms well, well if she wants to keep him.

Boredom. If the man is inexperienced sex wise. By this I mean

Until recently, most cultures did not think the woman has a say sexwise.

Even if the man is almost raping her, she must pretend to enjoy it

that he does not know how to turn her on and make her enjoy sex. So out of boredom she can just fake an orgasm.

Timing. When the timing is wrong and he does not want to understand. Like going to work, preparing food, laundry etc. And he wants a quikie. Don't get me wrong though. Quckies are great and are an integral part of sex life. But both must be turned on and agree on the quikie. Not one party forcing himself or herself on the other.

Selfish man. This is when the man is totally selfish and self centred. He just doesn't care whether she enjoys herself or not. He doesn't even care if she is hurt.

Some are sadists. They enjoy sex more when their partners are screaming in pain. So to shorten the agony orgasm is faked.

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). This is a huge topic by itself. But one of the symptoms is inability to have orgasms. Even if she wants to. She knows this and hides it by faking. She needs a doctor fast.

Commercial. This is done mostly by sex workers to make the man feel big and satisfied.

Ego: Diary of a happening mom Ebere Ameh

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hoosing where to visit in Florida among the myriad of tourist sites was a herculean task to Danny and I, but not to the children who were unanimous in their preference for Disney Land.

“This is one reason I didn’t want to come with these children in the first place,” a disgruntled Danny whispered to me as we waited for Jimmy, our tour guide. “How can I come all the way to Florida only to be commandeered by a bunch of kids to go watch cartoon?” he queried, albeit with a smile.

“It may not be what you think Sweetie, lets allow them have their way today. Of recent I have heard of the inclusion of LGBTA themes and characters in cartoons, and I think it’s a good opportunity to see and also know what the children are watching so we could guide them appropriately,’ I added.

Before he could respond, the children who have been together muttering stuffs to themselves ran boisterously towards us in excitement.

The joy on their faces was like that of one who got the winning answer to a lottery quiz. Led by their leader Ron, they placed a request that, according to them, would determine where we would go that day, when the driver comes.

“Dad, we have decided to put it to vote – Busch Gardens Tampa or DisneyLand…” Ron said. But before he could finish, there was a vivacious shout of ‘yes Dad, majority will carry the day’ from the other kids, leaving Danny and I pleasantly bewildered at their little wise plan.

“I see,” he responded. “I’m happy at your great wisdom. You have won even before we put it to vote because obviously, you are more than us. You are four against mom and me. But we have our own condition – today is your day, tomorrow will be ours.

Deal or no deal?”

As we continued, the adventurous

Our trip to Disneyland part of me was rattled when I saw a promo on Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! in a paper I was flipping. ‘A new attraction set to move into the building that the Anaheim theme park calls the Hollywood Tower Hotel. ‘Riders on the Marvel Comics-themed attraction will join forces with superhero Rocket Raccoon as they navigate through a fortress with creatures from the universe and try to free the other guardian heroes from the Collector.

The new adventure will enhance the free-fall sensation with new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences.’

“Baby, I’m beginning to side with the opponent,” I teased Danny, to the excitement of the children who

were happy to infiltrate the stronghold.

Of course it was a deal and our visit to the breath-taking Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was exhilarating and beyond expectation, to say the least, even though we had to alter all our previous plans.

“You all would have a memorable time in Disney,” Jimmy assured, “but we need to first shop for a vacation package that would suit your needs,” he added.

“Begin your dream vacation by choosing from over 25 Disney Resort hotels and then customize a package that lets you take advantage of all 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and over 150 Walt Disney World restaurant and dining locations. The magic of Disney has not worn off over the

decades as millions of visitors flock there each year to enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the many other attractions of this mega amusement park,” Jimmy added.

“That means we have to alter our plans”, Danny said, “We didn’t plan to lodge in Disney”. With the ‘please Dad!’ coming from different angles, we had to give it a try.

“The essence of choosing a package is to create an unforgettable story as you visit all 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks –Disney Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom Park. Besides, as a Disney Resort hotel guest, you can enjoy an array of special benefits designed to make your vacation as convenient as it is magical.” He explained.

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friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

As Project Fame Season 9 inches to first eviction

23

Expose

Camille Cosby finally speaks on husband, bill in unsealed deposition

Entertainment

Ii get very crazy on stage

– Lola Rae UK-based songstress

UK-based Nigerian songstress, Lola Rae, who made a gallant entry into the music scene in November 2012 with her debut singles, Watch My Ting Go and High featuring Bridge (of L.O.S.) is back in the country. She speaks with LANRE ODUKOYA about her career lull, among other sundry issues.

You’ve been away for many years now, what happened?

It’s not quite many years, and really I’ve been going back and forth, I’ve been doing more of performances at gigs and my last song was released in May 2014.

Since then, what have you been doing?

Well, I’ve had a whole team change, I’m not with Twenty 20 media, I needed a new management team and luckily Kamal Ajiboye (Davido’s manager) came to the rescue and we’ve been re-branding, recording new songs, working on new materials and

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lanreodukoya@gmail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Fela Anikulapo Kuti: 19 years after and the beat never dies

JoJo Fletcher, Jordan Rodgers marrying soon

creating a new sound for the industry.

Now that you are back, what has changed?

A lot has changed; my new songs are quite different from what people are used to. It’s more current, it’s more hard hitting and I’m having fun with it now as against when I took it too serious. Back then my sound was too serious. Now, I just do my own sound and it’s not easy to put it in a specific genre. I’m working with more producers now and I’m really excited, I’ll be in the studios soon with Shizzi and possibly Legendary Beats. This year, I intend to be more consistent because that’s what I’ve lacked in the past, there’ll be more collabos, more videos. So, you’ll see me more.

CO N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 2

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entertainment

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

Why did you sign a management deal with Twenty 20 media?

I never wanted to be under a record label because I just don’t want to be prohibited from doing things or not really have a say in my own projects, because most times these record label guys have no idea about music or music business. They’ll just sit down and give orders because they have money. So, I wanted a situation where I’ll be with someone that really understands music, understands the industry and the business angle of it, and that’s what Twenty 20 media brings. I’ve seen Kamal at work before and I see how he handles Davido’s projects, he’s a fantastic manager, and very professional, especially in crazy circumstances.

Is there a plan for an album this year?

I think I’ll want to release an album later on; there are lots of plans already for this year, and I pray everything goes to plan.

Do you feel threatened by other female acts, especially now that you are making a return to the

Oluci

friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘I want to be married at 32’ industry?

I don’t think anyone needs to feel threatened, because the industry is already hard enough for females. So, we should be united and support each other and not feel threatened. The guys don’t feel threatened, so why should we feel threatened? (laughs)

Which of the female acts would you like to work with?

I will like to work with all of them.

Already I worked with Tiwa Savage on the African rising project, I think Seyi Shay is amazing too.

Away from music, how would you describe your personality?

I’m extremely shy and I’m a very quiet person. Though when I’m on stage, I get very crazy and I’m very energetic.

But I’m not like that in real life. Most times, people that know me come to me and say, wow, I didn’t know you could do that. I’m very family-oriented and I love music so much.

If music had not worked out for you, what else would you have done?

Somehow, I would have worked in the music industry someway, somehow, either as a manager, show promoter or something close. I’ve always wanted to do music and while I was in university, I studied fashion. But

deep down, I felt fashion is not what I really wanted to do, music is what I love. Even though fashion and music go hand in hand, but regardless, I abandoned fashion for music and I’m so happy I did.

Have you ever thought of quitting music?

Yes, especially for female artistes.

There are so much trials and tribulations, there are certain things that you can’t say or do back to people even when they step on your toes because you have to be polite and maintain a certain level of decorum.

Are you married?

No, I’m not. I’m still young, I’m just 24, I can’t be married already; I should be getting married like 30-32 or thereabouts.

Are you in a relationship?

Right now, the only relationship I have is with Twenty 20 media.

What happened to your last relationship?

Hmmnn. Honestly I don’t know. You know relationships are very political, sometimes you don’t even know what happens to them.

How would you describe your ideal man?

I’m not really based on looks; rather I’ll go for someone that

Yusuph

Project Fame Season 9 inches to first eviction

O

n their first night of Project Fame Season 9, the top 14 contestants performed without the fear of being on probation and the judges, as well as everyone else, went ahead to enjoy the evening without finding faults or spotting holes from the contestants’ performances as it was their first performances and no one would be placed on probation.

However, on Saturday’s episode, the contestants impressed the judges with their weeklong academy tutelage, but it was not enough as four contestants were placed on probation for possible eviction this week.

The evening saw the contestants serenading the audience with some of the finest songs from the RnB and soul genre.

Some of the performances had the crowd cheering and applauding the contestants endlessly, while some even left the Judges speechless in admiration, but not all the contestants achieved these.

And although they all gave beautiful performances on the night before, it was also time to see if they will be able to again impress the Judges, Faculty and everyone at large with the evening’s performances. As a failure to achieve this will land some

of them on the much dreaded probation list.

So, taking it a notch higher, they all mounted the stage one after another with the determination to give it their all and shine through. While this worked out well for some, others unfortunately didn’t have it so, as they later found that the inevitable was their lot.

At the end of the night, the judges made the decision to place Dapo (3), Favour (6), Oluchi (12) and Yusuph (18) on probation.

can make me laugh. I can laugh at anything, and if you can just make me laugh, I swear I’ll be your best friend.

A lot of Nigerian musical albums in the recent past still get the buzz, which is your favourite?

Wow, there was quite a lot, but for me Olamide, Timaya, P-Square, Tuface and Wizkid’s albums stood out for me.

Looking at your career now, would you say you are fulfilling it enough?

Not at all, I still have so much more to do. I want to be a trailblazer in the industry, there’s a lot of things

entertainment

friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

23

Fela Anikulapo Kuti:

The beat’s still on, 19 years after Nonetheless, his life and struggles typify every definition of an ‘enigma’.

And so, on August 2, last Monday marked 19 years since Fela died.

And it might interest you to know that he’s got a repertoire of almost 70 albums, all of which are now available, through public demand, all over the world. Some of the albums he waxed to critical acclaim include, Zombie, Expensive Shit, Roforofo Fight, No Agreement, Why Black Man Dey Suffer, among a host of riveting others.

His success had sprung his acolytes in quick succession and it explains why aside his biological children, Femi and Seun, singers like Dede Mabiaku, W4, D’Banj, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many others scramble to be identified with

A

ged 58, late Afro beat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, had been arrested 200 times, contested for presidency and had married 27 women on the same day. But ironically, Fela betrayed polygamy he’d hitherto extolled after his 1984 travail with the military. And here’s how.

In 1984, Muhammadu Buhari’s government, of which Kuti was a vocal opponent, jailed him on a charge of currency smuggling which Amnesty International and others denounced as politically-motivated. Amnesty designated him a prisoner of conscience,

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the legendary pianist and singer.

His heiress, had etched some emotion on her Facebook page on her dad’s 77th posthumous birthday and it reads; “Nineteen years ago, our own icon, our great man, left the world stage to become one of our ancestors. Though he is here with us in spirit, we still miss him. Nineteen years today, August second, our world stood still for a while.

Rest in peace Fela, we love you.”

And six other facts Jay Z and Will Smith presents: Fela!

Musical

and his case was also taken up by other human rights groups. After 20 months, he was released from prison by General Ibrahim Babangida. On his release, he divorced his 12 remaining wives, saying that “marriage brings jealousy and selfishness.”

Steve Mcqueen is working on a film about Fela’s life Fela created Afrobeat Fela defied his parents for music Fela built his own little country in Nigeria Fela ran for President in 1979

Why producers of ‘76 shunned Fela’s songs

he much-expected movie, ’76, directed by Izu Ojukwu has many factors that recommend it, one of which is the rich and interesting parade of Nigerian musicians whose creativity will be on display through their songs.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s 1971 hit, Buy Africa signposts an era when the military government of the day in Nigeria announced Africa as the centerpiece of its foreign policy - a guiding principle that has been sustained by subsequent governments till today.

However, a few discerning critics have questioned the choice of Buy Africa. For an artiste with a known history of rebellion, particularly against military governments, the question is why was one of Fela’s songs with scathing criticism of the military not used in ’76?

Princewill explained that the movie producers did not want to get too political by forcing its views on the audience.

“We had a very good working relationship with the Nigerian Army. The army may have wanted us to make them less brutal, but that would have been unrealistic. Having a good relationship with the army did not make them immune to criticism. ’76 shows it as it is. A good working relationship involves mutual respect. Interestingly, the army sees the movie as a platform that would further cement understanding between

the military and civilians, even admitting that times are different now.”

Although a couple of them have passed on, their memories are still alive through their timeless works. Of the featured soundtracks in the movie, only Miriam Makeba’s The Naughty Little Flea and ‘Where Does it Lead’ are sourced from an artiste outside Nigeria. Released in 1960 on a self-titled album on RCAVictor label, The Naughty Little Flea was originally re-

leased by Norman Byfield Thomas, a Jamaican artiste whose stage name was Lord Flea. Miriam was on exile from South Africa, fighting for a new direction. The symbolism of her struggle was not lost on the film.

It was an African struggle and it embodied the time.

Explaining how they got rights to use the different songs in the movie, Adonijah Owiriwa, who shares credit as executive producer with Tonye Princewill, said they had to deal

with a number of publishing companies within and outside the continent. Their first port of call was the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON). He said, “COSON was very helpful and assisted with linking us up with publishers that had rights to some specific songs. COSON also assisted with negotiating fair deals with the publishing companies on our behalf.”

However, some rights were obtained directly from the owners of the songs. The administrators of Fela’s Estate in Nigeria, according to Owiriwa, “were gracious enough to give us the right to use one of Fela’s greatest songs in the movie without charge. In fact, the representative of the family that attended to us during the discussion said: “This is indeed a laudable project, preserving our music and culture. I am sure Fela would have even offered to perform live in your movie if he were alive today.”

Four of the artistes featured in ’76 have passed on. They include highlife music giant, Cardinal Rex Lawson who led the Port Harcourt-based, Majors Dance Band. His hit Jolly Papa is relived in the movie. Released in 1976, the year that the movie is set, Nelly Uchendu’s Love Nwantinti makes it all a bit noteworthy. Often, Mike Obianwu, who is credited with playing piano and organ on the recording, is acknowledged with joint

rights to the song.

Prince Nico Mbarga’s, Sweet Mother, one of the greatest hits out of Nigeria which is widely acknowledged as the bestselling album of all times, also helps to create nostalgia in the movie.

Mbarga has the privilege of having another song, Aki Special in the movie.

With Mbarga and Makeba, ’76 has the distinction of being a celebration of Africa and the resilience of the African spirit.

Mbarga was half Cameroonian.

That accounted for the peculiar flavour in his music. His Sweet Mother was rejected by the multi-national, EMI. He had to get the Onitsha-based Rogers All Stars label to release the song which signposted that era.

The two Victors - Victor Olaiya and Victor Uwaifo also register their presence with their creative works, Baby Jowo and Giodo Giodo respectively. Olaiya’s song has been recently remixed with popular Nigerian pop artiste, 2Baba, as Baby Mi Da? Some of the songs were performed live in nightclub setting in the ‘70s and others were played over the radio. The songs served to define the mood of the movie. In trying to recreate or bring back how life was lived in the ‘70s, music of time is very significant. The music of the time is definitely going to evoke nostalgic feelings, especially with those who lived and rocked the music at that time.

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entertainment

friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

JoJo Fletcher, Jordan Rodgers marrying soon

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ill we see JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers tie the knot on TV? Not if Jordan has anything to say about it — he’s so excited to marry his ‘soul mate,’ he’s actually begging her to elope.

“He tries to elope every other day,” JoJo told People in their cover interview. Of course, that’s not actually going to happen. He’s just excited to be her husband! “That’s not how I want to do a wedding.

I’ve waited my whole life for this!

As for when the actual nuptials will take place, JoJo says, “it will definitely be in 2017.

We were thinking March or maybe fall.” Well that’s pretty soon! Let’s hope they’re doing a ton of planning already.

On the After the Final Rose special on Aug. 1, she revealed she had actually been texting Jordan’s mom a ton about planning a wedding, telling

her she had no idea what she was doing, so, that’s another helping hand. They also just bought a house together in her hometown, Dallas, and they’re moving in “right away!” It makes sense she wants to be close to her family — they loved him apparently.

“My family loved Jordan.

They thought he was an amazing guy. They are so happy that he is the man that I’m with now,” JoJo told Extra. Jordan added, “What shocked [my family] initially was before we even said, ‘Hi’ on that hometown date, they could see how different I was and how in love I was.”

They’re also read to start a family soon, why waste any time? “We agreed on three [kids].” JoJo added, “We’re set on three, but we are going to enjoy our relationship… we are going to get married and then kids will follow after that.”

Rodgers and Fletcher

Suge Knight sent men to kill Eminem in 2001 – Bodyguard’s shocking claim

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hings could’ve gotten messy for Eminem at the 2001 Source Awards if his security didn’t step in. Em’s former bodyguard made a shocking new revelation about how Suge Knight tried to have the rapper killed at the show, and the story is terrifying. Listen here.

Eminem, 43, almost died at the 2001 Source Awards, according to his former bodyguard, Big Naz, in a new interview. Naz detailed a scary encounter the rapper had with Suge Knight, 51, during which he feared for his client’s life 15 years ago.

“Em was going to his seat — the way they had the seating was all messed up. The bodyguards couldn’t sit with the artists and I think that was by design. They really wanted the artists to network with each other,

Knight

but it also gave people who had beef with other artists to just get at it.”

Naz explained on Murder Master Music Show. “So, I noticed Em is in the middle of the aisle, he’s speaking with all these guys in these red shirts.

So I had to come back around and I noticed his face changes, he’s turning tomato red. There’s a sea of red guys around him and I had to run to the middle and snatch him up.”

The men were from Suge’s record label, Death Row, and told the bodyguard that “Suge Knight sent us to strongarm and man, it’s going down.” Luckily, security was able to get Em backstage safely before anything super dramatic happened.

Another incident went down during a trip to Hawaii, as well, Naz claimed.

“When the plane lands we are greeted by 20 Honolulu police officers and they told us that Death Row is here,” he explained. “Suge Knight had sent 50 guys to break up the show. When we got there, vacation mode was over, we were lockin’-n-loading, putting on bullet proof vests.”

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amille Cosby‘s February deposition testimony in her husband’s defamation case has finally been unsealed.

As Radar reported, the 72-year-old fought tooth and nail to avoid the embarrassment of being questioned in relation to the case, which arose after Bill‘s alleged sexual assault victims claimed he portrayed them as liars.

However, the comedian’s wife was ultimately compelled to take the stand.

During her six-hour testimony, Camille used spousal privilege to avoid many of the questions asked, while at other times, she left the room or simply refused to answer.

She was asked to read aloud from her husband’s 2005 deposition in which he admitted he’d “had sex and we had dinners and sex and rendezvous” with another woman in the 1970’s. She also spoke about an alleged love child getting a DNA test in order to determine whether or not Bill, now 78, was her father. While initially insisting, “I do not have an opinion,” she later admitted, “It was a big deal then, yes,” regarding learning about her husband’s infidelity decades ago.

However, when asked to give opinions regarding her husband’s

Radar and Camille

Camille Cosby finally speaks on husband, Bill, in Unsealed Deposition

integrity, she refused to answer. “I’m not going to expound on this,” she insisted after being asked to define honesty. “I do not have to. I’m done.”

She also refused to say whether or not she considered it dishonest to give a person Quaaludes for sex, although she did insist that she had never obtained them herself.

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friDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Labour Dangote Refinery: 250 engineers for overseas training

Business

Environment UN to lawmakers: Legislate on climate negotiation

27 30

What's new States delay FG’s housing initiatives p.26

Cashless: BVN reduced e-fraud by 63% –Report

L- R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Aminu Aliyu Bisalla; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah; Chairman, SecureID Limited, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman; Managing Director/ CEO, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe and Director, Mr. Kunle Akinkugbe during the Minister’s working visit to SecureID Limited’s plant at Isolo, Lagos.

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE June 2016...........................16.5% May 2016.............................15.6% April 2016........................13.7%

p.26

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

EXCHANGE RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel Market as at July 29)

(Interbank as at July 29)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N378 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N495 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N415

l Foreign Reserves – $26,229 as at 26/7/2016

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N316 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N410 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N345

Source: CBN

Workers fret as SAHCOL bids for two airports DISQUIET The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Many of the workers are scared of the planned privatisation

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

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Wole Shadare

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s the privatisation of Nigerian airports gather steam, there are indications that two of the aerodromes may go to the private sector before the end of this year.

Although, the process is shrouded in top secrecy, facts have emerged that Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited has indicated interest in two of the airports to be privatised by government.

Many of the workers are, however, scared that the planned privatisation may see thousands of workers lose their jobs, as the new investors would try to inject new technology and vibrancy that may make several workers to be eased out of the system.

Opinions are divided over the action of government. While

some are in support of it, saying it would bring efficiency and good service delivery to running the aerodromes, others are sceptical about it, saying it would amount to selling public utility to a few individuals.

Director and Training Coordinator of Aero-consult, Captain Dele Ore, however, supports the privatisation exercise.

He said: “Whether it is concession or getting people to manage the airports, it is still a form of privatisation whichever way, there is still no other way for us to go.

Except if we want to remain in one spot.”

Ore noted that this has been his campaign since the regime of the former Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba. He recalled: “Then I was the chairman of airport concessioning committee and we went every length, we took our example from all over the world, from Cairo to South Africa and others.

“We made our reports on that and up till today nothing was done about the reports that we submitted.”

Vice-Chair man, SAHCOL, Chike Ogeah, also echoed Ore’s view.

N699 billion Being the amount realised by the Federal Government from privatisation of its enterprises from 1999 to 2014

He said: “So, lets us do it now that we have the resource. All over the world, private individuals manage airports; government does not have any business running airports anywhere in the world.

“Instead of dabbling in the running of airports, government should concentrate on the building of healthcare facilities, repair bad roads, improve on agriculture, power, construct more schools and technology must be taken care of, otherwise we cannot make any progress,” he said this in a paper he presented at the second edition of Accra Weizo themed: “Seamless Travel in West Africa,” held in Ghana.

Ogeah explained that the company, which evolve from Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited to Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, remains the only successful privatised company in the country.

He stated that SAHCOL, which has grown over the years to establish itself in grand handling operation in Nigeria and the preferred handling company in the sector, has the technical know-how and CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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BUSINESS |news

friDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

States delay FG’s housing initiatives MORTGAGE NMRC is currently evaluating 5,000 mortgages

Dayo Ayeyemi

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oor responses from state governments in providing lands are responsible for delays in the take-off of Federal Government’s housing initiatives, New Telegraph has learnt.

Apart from this, other issues slowing down the progress of the project include minimal capital expenditure for the sector and general downturn in the economy.

It would be recalled that Federal government recently disclosed plans to build 360 houses in three pilot states, a “Rent to Own” housing scheme for low-income earners and incorporate a new housing model into the National Building Code. These three initiatives are part of Federal Government’s housing sector roadmap.

However, information from the Ministry of Housing revealed that only 17 states out of 36 have been compliant in this regard.

From this year’s budget, only N36 billion has been allocated to housing.

But analysts from FBN Capital Research said that though mass housing has remained the agenda of govern-

Workers fret as SAHCOL bids for two airports CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

experience to run a successful airport operation.

Ogeah, however, stated that the company will be seeking financial support from financial institutions in the country to successfully bid and run the airports, which is highly capital intensive.

He said: “I can tell you that at the heart of the whole thing is access to capital. Like I said, I know that one of the next things that government wants to do in aviation is to concession four viable airports in Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos and Kano. I know because I discussed with my board in the last meeting we had; I think we will go for two of those airports in terms of concession.

“Because we have enough experience in SAHCOL to run airports now and we had the most successful privatisation ever that has been done in Nigeria, the process of transforming Skypower Aviation Handling Company to Skyway Aviation Handling Company.”

ment, the meager N36 billion budgeted for housing was not sufficient to tackle housing deficit.

As at last count, Nigeria’s housing deficit stood at 17 million units, while the estimated cost of bridging this gap is N59.5 trillion.

Industry estimates suggest that about 100,000 new houses are built each year in Nigeria, compared to estimate demand of 700,000 units.

Suggesting ways out, the analysts at FBN Capital stated that partnering with the private sector, as well as interna-

tional development bodies, is essential to bridge the gap.

To increase housing supply, the Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with Shelter Afrique, a panAfrican finance institution focused on real estate development, to construct 5,000 housing units.

The initiative is expected to deliver one-bedroom apartments at N1 million each, while payment structure will be spread over an undisclosed time frame through a mortgage facility.

Due to the country’s hous-

ing deficit, housing experts noted that tenants spend about 60 per cent of their disposable income on rent compared with 30 per cent recommended by the United Nations.

“Given the current squeeze on consumers’ pockets, this has become more difficult for Nigerian nationals and is putting immense strain on the country’s property market,” they said.

The experts canvassed the need to develop Nigeria’s mortgage market in order to assist in delivering affordable

homes across the country.

“The Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) has injected about N6bn and is currently evaluating 5,000 mortgages. This is laudable; however, it is not sufficient,” they said.

To drive growth, they posited that social intervention initiatives such as mass housing would be required.

“Apart from creating shelter, the ripple effect it has through its potential job creation is vast, capable of lifting low-income earners to the middle class,” they said.

L-R: Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga; Managing Director/CEO, Crusader Sterling Pensions, Mr. Adeniyi Falade; Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Conrad Ifode and Zonal Head, National Pension Commission, South-West Zonal Office, Mr. Tunde Phillips, at the Crusader Sterling Pensions Retiree Forum in Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Cashless: BVN reduced e-fraud by 63% –Report LOSSES Cyber attacks cost Nigeria $450 million in 2015

Kunle Azeez

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he rate of e-fraud in Nigeria in terms of value reduced by 63 per cent in 2015, partly due to the introduction of bank verification numbers (BVN), according to a report by FBNQuest Research.

The research firm said the adoption of e-payment channels and the rapid evolution of the e-channel ecosystem increased the incidence of electronic fraud.

“The rate of e-fraud in terms of value reduced by 63 per cent in 2015, partly due to the introduction of bank verification numbers (BVN). However, the volume increased significantly by over 500 per cent compared with 2014.

“Similarly, data released recently by Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) suggests that there were 3,500 cyber-attacks with 70 per cent success rate and a loss of $450 million in 2015,” it said.

The report explained that cyber criminals employ sever-

al techniques to perpetrate efraud such as data theft; email spoofing and phishing just to mention a few.

However, it noted: “The Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) unit created by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans on combating these with effective fraud strategies by collaborating with banks and government agencies.”

Also, the latest annual NeFF Report from the CBN captures views from deposit money banks (DMBs) on e-payment channels in 2015. The report revealed that there was a sharp increase in phishing attacks last year.

Despite the prevailing macro challenges, e-channel platforms such Internet banking, mobile banking and so on, have experienced significant growth in Nigeria.

“E-channel platforms play a vital role in shaping developing economies. For government, it encourages improved transparency; as for consumers, it is more convenient and often times relatively cheaper, thus leading to increased business activity and higher purchases for companies,” the research firm said in the report.

According to the report, cyber security needs to remain a priority for all stakeholders in order to encourage continued

patronage of this platform.

Meanwhile, an industry report obtained by New Telegraph from the Interbank Settlement System Plc. (NIBSS), revealed that the Nigerians banks have issued over 24 million Bank Verification Numbers to their customers as at end of March, this year.

According to NIBSS, while over 30.1 million account holders had enrolled for BVN, only 24 million had received their verification numbers.

As such, over six million bank customers, who have enrolled for the exercise, are yet to be issued BVNs according to the data analysis.

Meanwhile, the number of enrolled bank customers represents about 34.7 per cent of the total 86.5 million banks accounts opened by government, corporate and individuals with various banks in the country.

The purpose of the project is to use biometric information as a means of first identifying and verifying all individuals that have account(s) in any Nigerian bank and consequently, as a means of authenticating customer’s identity at point of transactions, said Chief Executive Officer, NIBSS, Mr. Ade Shonubi.

He said the BVN exercise would also provide a uniform industrially accepted unique

identity for bank customers, to authenticate transactions without the use of cards using only biometric features and Personal Identity Number (PIN) identification of blacklisted customers.

According to the monthly analysis of the NIBSS latest data on banking accounts and BVN enrollments, starting from January 2015, it was noted that that 2.2 million accounts were enrolled in January; 2.7 million in February; 3.3 million March and

by April, May and June, the figures had increased to 7.7 million; 9.2 million and 12.4 million respectively.

In July, August and September, the figure rose to 12.7 million; 13.7 million and 14.

5 million accounts while in the last quarter of the year, 16.3 million accounts were enrolled in October; 21.2 million in November and in December, the figure stood at 28.2 million.

In January this year, the number of enrolled bank accounts for BVN further increased to 30.1 million. The January figure is the latest in the industry.

The data has also revealed that the number of bank accounts opened with different banks in the country so far had reached 86.5 million.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

27

LABOUR

Dangote Refinery: 250 engineers for overseas training L-R: Regional Coordinator, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Babatunde Faleke; Director, Animal Quarantine Dept., Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr. Akinjo Abiodun and Director, Product Development, NEPC, Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, at the NEPC training programme for animal and animal products exporters on “Compliance and Adherence to Food Measures for Animal and Animal Products Exporters” in Lagos.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

EMPLOYMENT When operational, about 1,200 will be engaged directly by Dangote Refinery and over 150,000 through indirect and allied jobs at the refinery

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he management of Dangote Group is set to train about 250 engineers ahead of the final completion of its multi-million dollar refinery project by 2019.

So far, training of first batch of Nigerian engineers is already in progress in India, according to a statement by the group.

The trainees are being sent in batches of 50 for a total of 250.

The group said, “Presently, with the ongoing construction at the site, over 1,500 have been engaged directly by Dangote Refinery through various contractors executing contracts.

When operational, about 1,200 will be engaged directly at the refinery, while ancillary jobs of about 150,000 through indirect and various allied contractors and service providers.”

It also revealed that given the nature of the sector, over 100,000 indirect employments through product retail outlets comprising 26,716 filling stations and 129 depots in Nigeria, 11,000 filling stations currently shutdown due to product shortages would be reactivated.

The investment will also ease the availability of products to open up new stations and 2,600 trucks for transport of products to create additional jobs.

During a tour of the facility sited in Lekki, Lagos, within the week, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, said that Dangote’s investment had demonstrated Public Private Partnership at its best.

He said: “Dangote is an African/Nigerian champion. We can dream and envision how Africa should be. He has a choice to invest anywhere in the world but he has chosen Africa just as he also supports a lot of indus-

trialist.

On his part, Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, commended Dangote for his confidence in the state’s economy.

He said Dangote’s investment in Lagos reflected positivity and massive investor confidence in the state.

He described Lagos as home to all nations, providing opportunities for investors to go ahead in their endeavour.

Ambode said: “This investment is one of the biggest in the world. When completed, it will be refining 650,000 barrels of crude daily. We are happy with what has been done here. We commend Aliko Dangote for his

confidence in Lagos economy.”

Dangote made a foray into oil and gas three years ago when it approached a consortium of local and international banks for a loan to build a $14 billion world-class refinery/ petrochemical complex, which also comprises a fertiliser plant.

Till date, the project, occupying over 2,630 hectares of land, remains the single largest industrial undertaking in the world.

The refinery with 650,000 barrel of crude per day is the largest single train plant in the world. The first phase of petrochemicals manufacturing

Labour faults FG’s refusal to restore tenure policy

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he Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has condemned Federal Government for refusing to restore the single fouryear tenure for permanent secretaries and two-term of four years (eight years) tenure for directors in the Federal Civil Service.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the ASCSN National President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, described as unfortunate and insensitive the alleged decision not to withdraw the offensive and provocative circular.

“We are shocked that despite public outcry against the abolition of tenure policy in the Federal Civil Service, the Government has vowed never to reverse its decision on the issue.

“This is very unfortunate and portrays the Government as being insensitive to the plight of thousands of civil servants and other stakeholders who have continued to urge it to rescind its decision on the matter in the interest of the public service,” the union regretted.

The ASCSN warned that if the decision to abolish the ten-

ure system were designed to import all manner of persons from other services including the private sector into the Federal Civil Service, the government would have the trade union movement to contend with.

“Government should be seen to be fair and just and that is when it can earn the respect and trust of the people,” the union stressed.

It recalled that the tenure policy was introduced in 2009 by the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to create vacancies and promote senior civil servants who

had suffered stagnation and frustration for years.

The ASCSN posited that before the policy was introduced, some officers were serving as directors for upward of 16 years or more, meaning that they were brought into the public service to occupy positions whey were never qualified for.

“Thus, if the government does not have a hidden agenda , why is it bent on abrogating a policy that has brought stability and opportunity for career progression in the civil service?

“Even if this tenure policy was introduced by a previous

administration, is it sufficient reason to scrap it simply because successive governments in Nigeria do not see anything good in the policies of their predecessors,” the union wondered.

According to the ASCSN, in November last year, the Federal Government retired about 20 permanent secretaries even when their tenures had not expired and proceeded last February to extend for one year the tenure of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Jamila Shu’ara, in flagrant violation of the public service rules.

Strike: Govt writes JUTH workers, reaffirms stance on wages

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s workers of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) tinker with the idea of embarking on strike, the Federal Government has officially written them with reminder that the rule on no-workno-pay still stands.

The letter, signed by the Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Wapada Balamis, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the endless strikes by

the health workers, and pointed out that the no-work-no-pay rule would be applied to any strike action.

The workers, last week, had announced fresh strike over non-payment of April and May salaries. This was after going on strike in March and remained at home till June over non-payment of their wages.

The workers had vowed to go on another strike this week to press for the salaries.

In the letter, the Federal Government said that the request by the workers for the refund of their salary deductions during the period of the strike should be disregarded.

The letter said: “Should any worker go on strike because of this, forward his or her name and the IPPIS number to the Federal Ministry of Health and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation for stoppage of their salaries.”

is integrated with the refinery.

It is expected to produce 750,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene per annum, a capacity 13 times bigger than the Eleme Petrochemical unit built by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

On completion, the $12 billion refinery project would create 1,600 permanent jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs and also save over $7.5 billion annually for the country through import substitution.

Doctors honour Edo speaker for quality leadership

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edical doctors under the aegis of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have honoured the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Justin Okonoboh, for his contributions to the medical profession.

Okonoboh according to a statement, was honoured for his contribution to humanity and recognition for service to Edo state.

At the ceremony, which took place at the NMA Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo state capital, the Speaker was bestowed with the association’s award of Excellence during the inauguration of its newly elected executives led by the new Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo.

In his address at the occasion, the immediate past NMA Chairman, Prof Afekhide Ernest Omoti, stated that the speaker was presented with the award for his efforts to promote the fortunes of the medical profession.

Okonoboh, a medical doctor and a member of the NMA, pledged his support and contribution to the association.

He said: “This is my primary constituency and in my capacity as the Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, I will promote and take activities of the NMA in Edo state to greater heights.”

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AGRIC

MILESTONE Nigeria’s cassava production reached 45million tonnes last year, making it the largest cassava producer in the world

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Stories: Taiwo Hassan

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s part of the push to boost production of staple crops, especially cassava and conserve foreign exchange earnings in the country, the Federal Government has disclosed that it could save about N127 billion each year from increasing the use of cassava in the baking processing industry.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh said this at an industry forum in Abuja.

He said that it was alarming that Nigeria currently spends N635 billion on importing of wheat, which is severely taking toll on the country’s foreign reserves.

Ogbeh said that this step should help improve rural development and food security in the 170 million population country.

Last month, the minister had announced that the World Bank would inject $200 million in the Fadama III project to support sustainable development in the country’s agriculture sector.

He said that the Fadama III, which was approved in 2008 by the World Bank, is designed to increase income for farmers of staple crops, as well as attract private investment in agro-processing.

According to him, the funds are to be dispersed in seven states across four value chains: cassava, tomato, rice and sorghum.

Ogbeh also noted that the project would not only support

Cassava tubers

Ogbeh: Nigeria to save N127bn yearly from Cassava the government’s plans to increase food security by capitalising on the industry’s strengths, but also increase exports to neighbouring countries.

“Out of the four major crops that Fadama III targets, cassava is, perhaps the staple receiving the greatest attention in Nigeria, and for good reason,” he said.

It would be recalled that Nigeria’s cassava production hit 45 million tonnes last year, making it the largest cassava producer in the world, according to figures from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD). But in many ways, the industry’s potential remains untapped.

In addition, Nigeria exported less than one per cent of its cassava output in 2013, which represented $1 million, compared

to the country’s overall cassava output valued at $16 million, according to Ousmane Dore, Nigeria’s Country Director for the African Development Bank (AfDB), who presented the figures at a conference in Abuja last year.

The cassava industry is largely defined by Nigeria’s informal subsistence sector. Although the AfDB estimates there are 6 million smallholder cassava farmers in the country, many have limited access to inputs and market, resulting in low productivity and limited revenues.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is also benefitting from regional programmes to help boost crop quality and consistency.

The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative, which has received $14.4 million

in funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is supporting cassava production in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (ITTA), the project aims to improve root quality and increase crop yields through uptake of fertiliser usage and training on advanced farming methods, while also facilitating access to finance and improving farmers’ incomes.

“The value of benefits from this project in Nigeria and Tanzania is projected to be over $27 million,” Bernard Vanlauwe, Director for Central Africa at IITA, told journalists at the launch of the scheme early this year.

FG, private sector perfect plans to boost local, export market

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he Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD) is in crucial consultative meetings with key private investors across farmer groups and companies to develop end-to-end value chain solutions that will prioritise improving productivity into a number of domestically focused crops and activities in the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe revealed this during an interactive session with group of private investors in Abuja.

He said the meeting is in line with the recently approved Federal Government’s new agric policy - Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP) that was aimed at ameliorating the country’s inability to meet domestic food requirements and export at quality levels required for market success.

The minster listed the domestically focused crops to include rice, wheat, maize, fish (aquaculture), dairy milk, soya beans, poultry, horticulture (fruits and vegetables), and sugar.

He explained that as productivity improves domestically and standards are raised for all Nigerian food production, export markets would also benefit and impact positively on Nigeria’s

balance of payments if the identified strategy in the new agric policy was fully implemented.

His words: “Nigeria believes that the gap can be closed by partnering closely with private investors across farmer groups and companies to develop end-to-end value chain solutions.

These chains will receive the government support, as they make deep commitments to engaging a new generation of farmers, improving supply of specialised fertilizers and protection chemicals, as well as wider scale use of high yielding seeds. In addition, Nigeria expects to work with investors to sharply improve the distribution system for fresh foods so as to reduce time to table, reduce post-harvest losses, and overall improvement in nutritional outcomes such as lowering of diabetic risks, stunting risks and the likes” He said FMARD will prioritise for export markets the production of the following crops and activities: cowpeas, cocoa, cashew, cassava (starch, chips and ethanol), ginger, sesame, oil palm, yams, horticulture (fruits and vegetables), beef and cotton, to bring the desired value chain in the sector.

The minister also added that FMARD is willing to work with a network of investors, farmers, processors and other

stakeholders to deepen the supporting infrastructure to ensure that quality standards are defined and maintained across the value chain.

He said that would involve adding more testing laboratories, improving traceability of crops, disseminating intelligence on export markets and consumer preferences, etc.

The minister said: “Our goal is to build a high quality brand for Nigerian foods based on rigorous data and processes that protect food safety for both domestic and export market consumers.

“To ensure that the strategy is executed as intended, FMARD is working closely with states and other federal MDAs e.g. Power, Transportation and Trade.

“FMARD will also evolve itself to become a more focused policy maker and regulator to ensure accountability for results.”

Besides, he said FMARD would use its convening and related powers to ensure that the enabling system is in place to support agribusiness.

He noted: “From investments in rural roads to reducing transport time to improved security of farming communities to reduce incidence of criminality to reduction in intra-state taxes and

levies, FMARD will intensify oversight.

“That oversight will ensure that farmers and investors are working in a market that is safe, competitive, and capable of enabling wealth creation in the coming years and decades.”

He, however, stressed that his ministry will periodically publish metrics to track performance against the strategy e.g. tonnage of rice paddy produced, or yields/milking cow.

“The systems to repeatedly collect accurate data and integrate these into policy making, as well as investor planning will be refined over the next few months as part of this next wave of reform.

“We anticipate that if successful, key gaps such as Nigeria’s continued imports of rice will disappear, while Nigerian produce e.g. beans and cocoa will once again become a quality benchmark across the globe. Reaching that point will require significant investments in people, processes and systems.

“Nigeria is committed to taking the necessary steps in order to move the Nigerian agriculture from “a business” to a commercial ecosystem that can produce the capabilities necessary to create sustainable jobs and wealth,” Ogbeh added.

BUSINESS \ AGRIC

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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‘Nigeria can supply 65% of seeds to W’Africa farmers’ DEFICIENCY In West Africa, only few countries have good basic agricultural inputs

Stories: Caleb Onwe

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igeria has the capacity to supply over 65 per cent of seeds needed by farmers in West Africa, the West African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) has said.

The Executive Director, CORAF/WECARD, Dr Abdou Tenkouano, said this during the launch of the Nigerian Seed Electronic Platform in West Africa in Abuja.

Tenkouano, who spoke on “West Africa Seed Information Exchange,” said that Nigeria has the capacity to supply over 65 per cent of seed needs of farmers in West Africa to increase productivity, create jobs and food security in the subSaharan Africa Tenkouano, who was represented in the event by Dr. Philip Ifejika, said Nigeria is the seventh country in the series of platform launching.

“The Electronic platform is an important step in the operationalisation of ASIA Agenda.

“CORAF/WECARD is financing the seed platform launching today because of our belief that Nigeria has capacity to supply over 65 per cent of seed needs of farmers in West Africa and to increase

Variety of seeds

productivity, create wealth, jobs and food security in the sub region,” he said.

According to him, farmers and interested stakeholders can now click on www.wasix.net, to get relevant information required for their seed needs.

He added that the platform makes it easier for the dissemination and receiving of prediction on reliable data and actual production of seeds, to connect all supply and demand for seed, thereby reduce the seed costs associated with information asymmetry.

He added that reliable data generated will be useful for policy analysis and planning on seed at both National and

sub-regional level.

He also opined that the new platform is user friendly and easily accessible to stakeholders in the seed industry including researchers, seed producers, distributors and seeds end- users among others.

Tenkouano said that the CORAF/WECARD was designated as Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) hub of support and development precursor for the regional initiatives in agricultural research and development under the West African Seed Programme (WASP).

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and

Nigeria mulls floating agric vocational centres nationwide

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n line with the Federal Government’s resolve to break out the country’s economy from its monoeconomy culture, which is solely dependent on oil and diversify through agriculture, the process of creating a specialised agricultural vocational centre nationwide through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has started.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this in Abuja, when he received a delegation of Indian investors on a courtesy call to him in his office this week.

The Indian agribusiness investors, led by the group’s Chairman, Mr. Raju Samtani, according to a statement, is said to have been trading in Nigeria since 1995 as Triton Aqua Africa Limited.

The group was in Abuja to seek partnership with the ministry to expand their operations tentacles, which is already making impact in some states, especially in the Western part of the country.

During the meeting, Ogbeh disclosed that the burgeoning population of youths in the country need to be catered for through gainful employment, hence, he is prepared to partner with any organisation that will work towards that direction.

He said the ministry is driven by the passion to avert possible doom, due to exponential population growth in Nigeria estimated to hit 500 million by 2050.

Ogbeh also noted that there was need for the government to engage the teeming youths in agriculture by establishing skill acquisition centers across the country.

According to him, the Federal Government had already acquired 100 hectares of land at Gaobe, in Kuje Area

Council of the FCT for the establishment of the pilot skill acquisition center in FCT. He said: “The young people are not happy with us, we need to find jobs for them, the Africa economy is not doing very well, oil and gas will not employ a million workers at the best of time and we are heading for 500 million people in 34 years, these young people want to work.”

We have just acquired a piece of land at Gaobe, 100 hectares, we want to set up training center in all kinds of agricultural fields and we are hoping we shall get the Songhai center to come in there and create training center where we can engage young people and women in six months training for them to own their small operations,” he said.

The Minister, who expressed his pleasure with the investment portfolio of Triton Aqua Nigeria Limited in Nigeria, also challenged the group to demonstrate their commitment towards developing the country’s agribusiness by assisting in Agricultural Training Scheme apart from doing business with the country.

Disturbed by the shortage of protein in the diets of many Nigerian homes, the Minister said the country needed to encourage local production of other species of fish aside cat fish and tilapia species, adding that the government would continue to partner with research institutes and private groups to engage in massive investment in fish production.

The Minister gave assurance that the government would continue to render necessary assistance to Triton Aqua Nigeria Limited towards its optimal local production of fish.

Earlier in his remarks, the group’s Chairman, Mr. Raju Samtani said Triton Aqua group, a global conglomerate

with presence in about 10 countries, told the minister that the group, which joined the league of major players in the Nigerian agribusiness for some years ago, has a mega agriculture project at Seriki Village, in Oyo State.

According to him, the project occupying about 2000 hectare of land, is making adequate progress with its environmentally controlled broiler houses, state of the art processing plant for poultry, fish

Rural Development, Dr Shehu Ahmed ,who was represented by the Director Agro Processing and Marketing, Azeez Muyiwa, stated that the present administration had already taken several steps to steer the country back into giving the pride of place to agriculture considering the dwindling oil price in the international market.

He noted that an assessment of the West Africa seed sector had revealed that only few countries had good basic agricultural inputs information systems.

“The countries lack adequate information on one or all of the following seed policies, seed market, seed demand and suppliers, seed market offers and competitors,” he said.

Dr Ahmed gave assurance that the electronic platform will help to define seed stakeholders an entry point, present mapping of actors of the seed system and also provide information on the sees market.

The seed platform was meant to correct the abnormally associated with information gathering and dissemination on seeds and the difficulty farmers face in accessing quality seeds for their farm use is almost becoming a thing of the past.

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

Price 606-4 382-2 999-4 358.2 31.71 314-6 12.175 638-4 664-6

Change +12-2 +1-2 +1-2 -1.2 +0.40 +0-4 +0.035 +7-6 +5-4

Contract Mar 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

Commodity Cotton #2 Orange Juice Coffee Sugar #11 Cocoa Lumber

Price 59.69 149.15 195.05 16.08 0 330.30

Change +0.22 +0.75 unch +0.03 +96 +0.30

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Mar 15 Dec 14 Jan 15

Price 170.325 231.850 90.700 18.39

Change +0.525 +2.025 -0.125 -0.04

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

Softs

Time(ET) 11:04 11:04 11:04 11:04 11:04 10:41 11:03 11:04 11:04 11:04 10:57 11:04 11:04 11:04 11:04 11:03

Meats Commodity Live Cattle Feeder Cattle Lean Hogs Class III Milk

Time(ET) 11:04 11:04 11:04 11:00

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price.

Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency.

Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

30

ENVIRONMENT WATCH

PACT Nigeria to reduce emission by 20 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2030

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

UN to lawmakers: Legislate on climate negotiation

Stories: Dayo Ayeyemi

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igerian lawmakers have been urged to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge to make laws that will facilitate successful implementation of climate negotiations.

Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dr. Pa Lamin Beyai, made this call during the “Roundtable on Pursuing a Legislative Agenda to enhance Nigeria’s Climate Resilience” at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. He said their requisite knowledge to make laws is imperative for Nigeria to harness the opportunities that the new global climate regime offers.

He pointed out that if legislators in the National Assembly were better equipped, they would be able to appreciate the impact of climate change on the economy, reduce ecological scarcity and environmental risks and need for adequate budgetary appropriation for climate responses and activities.

Apart from legislating, the country director of UNDP noted that an effective framework for over sighting is also important, adding that such would help to ensure the ef-

A scene of water pollution in Ogoni community, Rivers State

ficient use of scarce resources that would lead to job creation, poverty reduction and prosperity that leaves no one behind.

“All these are pillars of the green economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

Beyai pointed out that, with the adoption of the Paris Agreement, particularly Nigeria’s pledge under the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to reduce its emission by 20 per cent by 2020 and 40 per

Flood: Govts tasked on drainage, canals’ clearance

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ll tiers of governments have been urged to embark on clearing of drains, canals and other projects that will enhance hydraulic conveyance of surface runoffs during peak flows.

Director-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Dr. Moses Beckley, made this call in Abuja.

He stated in a statement, that improvement of organisation system at different levels to combat flood disaster from the federal to state to local government levels would go a long way to tackle flood issues in Nigeria.

The director-general had during the 2016 Annual Flood Outlook listed Niger, Benue, Sokoto-Rima, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, Niger Delta, Komadougu-Yobe, Ogun-Osun and several other sub-basins as flood prone areas.

Worried by devastating effects of flood on community and family, Beckley appealed to people living along major waterways or flood plains to relocate.

He pointed out that effi-

cient operation and maintenance of hydraulic structures such as dams, reservoirs and water-related infrastructure across the country should be considered an important task by the government at all levels These highlights, according to him, are some measures to mitigate flooding situations in the country.

He also called for the enhancement of systems for flood monitoring, flood forecasting and flood early warning, construction of new dykes, flood-walls, buffer dams and water retaining structures to control flood in Nigeria.

With general outlook of the flood situation in the 2016 forecast, the director-general said this has made it necessary that an early warning system and mitigation measures be put in place.

He said this would reduce flood hazards in all the identified flood prone locations, advising that refuse, weeds, water hyacinths, and floats on water channels and on all avenues for river run-offs should be removed.

cent by 2030, there is huge obligation on the government to strengthen existing governance arrangement to deliver on these pledges.

According to him, the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its INDCs component would be heavily dependent on legislative support in terms of appropriation and oversight.

He said: “It is imperative that the National Assembly has a good understanding of the dynamics of international and national climate governance. Therefore, a new legislative approach that will ensure effective climate governance has become an imperative.

“The role of the National Assembly in providing laws for good governance will be incomplete without a good understanding of their expected role in ensuring a climate-resilient and climate compatible development to enhance economic growth.

Hence, the need for the National Assembly to keep abreast with evolving issues particularly the concept of the green economy and green growth.”

Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Sam Onuigbo, stated that the nation cannot afford to lag behind in the comity of nations.

He gave assurance that

Nigeria will no longer be missing in the regional and international actions that are required to create sustainable and climate-friendly solutions that address the biggest development challenge threatening human existence.

He said the 8th National Assembly (NASS) is focused and determined to work together with the executive arm of the government.

The legislator urged MDAs to factor in elements of the NDCs and the President’s commitment into their 2017 budget in order to accommodate some of the new challenges, especially as they affect the NDCs.

World Bank, Sokoto collaborate on N8.8bn environment projects

W

orld Bank and Sokoto State gover nment have concluded plans to execute N8.8 billion environmental projects in 10 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, who disclosed this, said that the project, which is under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), would address the menace of gully erosion and land degradation in selected communities across the state.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Malam Imam Imam,, under the arrangement, the Sokoto State government will pay 12.9 per cent of the amount, which stands

at over N1.33 billion as counterpart funding.

The entire project will be executed in 10 council areas of the state in order to tackle environmental issues, water management and land reclamation across the LGAs. The projects would include the rehabilitation of Lugu dam and Wurno irrigation scheme in Wurno LGA; control of river erosion along bridge linking Sabon Birni and Niger Republic; construction of medium earth dam at Rafin Duma and Kadassaka area in Gada LGA; and construction of main collector drainage and gutter from Tudun Wada area to River Sokoto in Sokoto South LGA. The governor said: “They also include construction of drainage gut-

ter from Goronyo Dam for tree planting and protection activity on desertification; construction of earth dam and afforestation activities to help in reducing erosion in Ungushi district of Kebbe LGA; and construction of drainages, earth dams and land reclamation across multiple locations in Tambuwal LGA.” The projects also encompass construction of drainages, earth dam, afforestation activities to control erosion of Durbawa in Kware LGA and construction of earth dam, drainage and afforestation activities to check flood and erosion in Sifawa in Bodinga LGA as well as construction of drainage gutters to alleviate flood in Wamakko LGA.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AutoBeat

Onu drives Made-in-Nigeria

R

ecently, the honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, declared that as soon as the Federal Government started the implementation of the 2016 budget, he would only ride in “cars manufactured in Nigeria.”

Mark his choice language. But that is not what the clamour is all about. The understanding should be “model Nigerian car” and not just “cars manufactured in Nigeria.” I think that the understanding still vaguely, is the major reason that for nearly sixty years of Nigeria’s nationhood, Nigeria still depends on foreign made vehicles. And now, local auto manufactures seem already over influenced by the existing foreign technologies embedded in the world of vehicles, especially those that come into the country.

Else, it is expected that through thorough research in fabrication technology, some kind of sacred indigenous thought would have crossed a deep thinking mind of

Made in Nigeria cars

a local manufacturer to articulate model design that can proudly befit what a model Nigerian car should look like.

For now, demand may not be unrestricted to fabrication alone; not necessarily based on the local content prerequisite as contained in the auto policy, but should be an all-round car fabrication that should include both exterior and interior decors of all major spare parts, for example: the wheel, compartments, seats, accident

security facilities and even tires, if for nothing else, should match in with the rough and rugged roads in the interior villages of Nigeria.

However, big things they say start small, perhaps with the recent never-achieved-before, ground-breaking achievement by some auto manufacturing plants, the crave for this little favour by the uncelebrated Nigerian commoners might not take too long to manifest.

When the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the introduction of a new automotive policy aimed at discouraging importation of wholly assembled automobiles and to encourage higher degree local manufacturing, it seemed like a tall dream. But today, Innoson Motors, an indigenous company, based in Anambra State, South East, Nigeria, recently unveiled a new brand of vehicles, building on local assembly successes

Ford committed to safety Paul Ogbuokiri

T

he Chairman of Nigerian Auto Journalists Association, Mr. Frank Kintum said, the full involvement of Ford Motors Corporation SubSaharan Africa in NAJA training programme attest to the fact that the organisation is committed to promoting safe driving in not just Africa but worldwide.

He disclosed this while delivering his opening speech at the maiden edition of Nigeria Auto Journalists Association Annual Training Workshop last Friday, at Nero Hotel, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos. '' The full involvement of Ford Motor Corporation, SubSahara Africa in our training programme this year attests to the fact that Ford is committed to promoting safe driving in not just Africa but worldwide.

It may interest you to know that Ford sent driving experts all the way from South Africa and Dubai to participate in this year's training. Other auto companies should emulate the Ford spirit to sponsor subsequent editions of the annual training.''

According to him, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has

over the years been unrelenting in ensuring safer roads. Saluting the effort of the Corps, he urged FRSC to do more to reduce the number of road traffic crashes and deaths on Nigerian roads, stressing that drivers and other road transport stakeholders must equally play their part in promoting safe driving in the

country.

He said,'' The need to keep abreast with the latest happenings in the auto industry as well as improve our knowledge of automotive terminologies gave birth to the Annual Training Workshop.''

The training, which he said will be held every year, is aimed

at promoting effective reportage of the Nigerian automotive industry, equipping members with update knowledge about developments in automotive industry, upgrading standard of reporting the nation's auto industry and enriching motoring editorial content of Nigerian media houses.

L-R: General Manager Marketing, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Corps Marshal/ Chief Executive Office, Federal Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi and the Chief Executive Officer of Automedics Limited, Mr. Kunle Sonaike at the first annual Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Training at Nero Hotel, Sangotedo, Lagos Island…recently

by Peugeot, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, among others, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited founded by Nigerian industrialist, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, is leading the pack with wide gaps, in the race for a Madein-Nigeria vehicle; and is capable of arriving at the clue first for a true Model Nigerian Car, considering the unique styling of some of the cars he produces.

Innoson vehicles, according to Mr. Chukwuma, contain up to 70 per cent local content, an indication of truly emerging Nigerianized car, capable of fulfilling the purpose of the nation’s auto policy.

Even now, the company has revealed its plans to take its brand to the neighbouring West Africa countries, with the Republic of Benin and Ghana on its first radar. The company had earlier impressed with its trucks and buses, which are already cruising the roads and still dazzling the auto world.

The range of Innoson vehicles is already getting lot of local patronage, unlike in the past, when indigenous manufacturers were muffled by lack of appreciation for their products.

Reliable information say the Former governor of Anambra State, where the Innoson plant is located, Peter Obi have become a frequent buyer of the locally manufactured vehicles, along with the likes of Senator Ben Murray Bruce and the likes of Segun Awolowo, son of late founding father of the Nigerian state, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is expected to soon take delivery of Pickups made by Innoson The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, who was at the unveil held in Nnewi, commended IVM for producing the first Nigeria-made vehicles. He said such an investment is necessary to expand the country’s manufacturing frontiers.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EXHORTATION

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Backbiting and Slander QUESTION

What is Islamic perspective on backbiting and slander?

ANSWER

‘...Allah will defend him in this world and in the next....’

And why did you not, when you heard it, say? “It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander” (Quran 24:16) A commentary on one of the most destructive of major sins Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. Lies, suspicion, back biting, slander and gossip are totally alien to Islam. In fact they are considered amongst the most destructive of major sins. This is so because these sins sow enmity and discord among the Muslim Ummah and lead to its destruction. They cause hostilities between people of the same household, and between neighbors, friends and relatives.

Islam demands that our relationship with mankind should be one of sincerity and responsibility. It should be one where we have respect for the honor, reputation and privacy of others.

Islam teaches us that we are not only held accountable for our own attitudes and actions but also for anything else over which we have control or influence over, in our society or the world around us.

Verses: Let’s see what the Quran states about backbiting and slander - ‘This is the Book, in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah’. (2:2) Allah has forbidden the believers from backbiting O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins.

CONTINUE Next WEEK

GET SET Six air carriers express readiness for operations

Adeola Yusuf

T

he airlifting of pilgrims from Nigeria for this year’s Hajj operations will commence before the end of August.

The six air carriers approved for this operation have, according to a source at the National hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), already expressed readiness to the government for the scheme.

The acarriers,​which include a Saudi-designated airline​approved for airlift pilgrims from the country’s ​36 states to the ​Saudi Arabia, include Med-view Airlines,​​Max Air, Dornier Aviation Nigeria, Top Brass airline, AZMAN Air Services and Fly-Nas Air. ​​ “We will announce the time table which shows different scheduled airlifting dates for all states any moment, but what I can tell you is that the operation will begin very soon; before the month-end,” the source said.

“The ​government also approved two companies to airfreight pilgrims excess cargo during the Hajj exercise. They are also ready for the operations,” he added.

The companies, he said, are NAHCO Aviance and Medview International Travels and Cargo​.​ In the same vein, the pilgrims of Jammu Division & Ladakh Region shas already fixed a date for the air lifting.

“THERE SHALL BE NO COMPULSION IN [ACCEPTANCE OF] THE RELIGION. THE RIGHT COURSE HAS BECOME CLEAR FROM THE WRONG. SO WHOEVER DISBELIEVES IN TAGHUT AND BELIEVES IN ALLAH HAS GRASPED THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY HANDHOLD WITH NO BREAK IN IT. AND ALLAH IS HEARING AND KNOWING.” (QUR’AN 2:256) 1 Dhu l-Kada 1437

Hajj 2016: Pilgrims’ airlifting begins before August 31 L –R: Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mr. Abdullahi Mukthar; Commissioner, Personnel Policy Management and Finance, NAHCON, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo and Chairman, Hajj and Umrah Association, Abdulfatai Abdulmajid, during an investigative hearing on the role of NAHCON in the operation of Hajj and Umrah, especially 2015 operation vis-àvis the stampede in Mina in Saudi Arabia at the National Assembly in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

According to the Executive Officer Jammu and Kashmir State Hajj Committee, the Hajj flights for Hajj-2016 shall operate from August 10, 2016.

“The pilgrims of Kashmir Division shall collect their travel documents two days prior to the date of departure from respective district headquarters (Deputy Commissioner’s office) during office hours, while as the pilgrims of district Srinagar shall collect the travel documents two days prior to their schedule departure from Hajj House Bemina from 2.30 pm onwards.

“The pilgrims of Jammu

Division & Ladakh Region shall be provided all travel documents at the Hajj House, Bemina one day prior to the schedule departure. The reporting time at Hajj House for the pilgrims of Flight Number AI-5201 (1st Flight) on August 10, 2016 is 5 am and Flight Number AI-5203 (2nd Flight) on August 10, 2016 is 10 am at Hajj House Srinagar,” the Committee’s boss said.

It continued: “The pilgrims of flight number AI-5205 (1st Flight) on August 11, 2016 shall have to report at 5 am at Hajj house Srinagar and the pilgrims of AI-5207 (2nd Flight)

on August 11, 2016 at 10 am at Hajj House Srinagar.

“Also the pilgrims of flight number AI-5209 (1st Flight) shall have to report at Hajj House Srinagar at 5 am on August 12, 2016 and the pilgrims of AI-5211 (2ndFlight) on August 12, 2016 are asked to report at 10 am at Hajj House Srinaga. The pilgrims are advised to report in time at Hajj House and only standard luggage without any banned items shall be accepted at check in luggage by the airlines. Further, the hand baggage should not be overweight or oversized against the standard already prescribed.”

100 Muslims attend slain Catholic priest’s burial l Islam is not terrorism, Pope insists Adeola Yusuf

O

ver hundred Muslim faithful said that they attended Catholic mass in churches around France in solidarity and sorrow following the brutal jihadist murder of a priest, the latest in a string of attacks.

The faithful were among the 2,000 faithful who packed the 11th-century Gothic cathedral of Rouen, near the Normandy town where two jihadi teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

Muslims were responding to a call by the French Muslim council CFCM to show “solidarity and compassion” over the priest’s murder on Tuesday.

Said a woman wearing a beige headscarf who sat in a back pew at a church in central Paris: “I’m a practising Muslim and I came

to share my sorrow and tell you that we are brothers and sisters.”

Giving her name only as Sadia, she added softly: “What happened is beyond comprehension.”

At the Saint Leger church in the northern city of Lens, around 30 Muslims attended mass wearing T-shirts emblazoned with messages such as, “Terrorism has no religion or identity”.

Father Hubert Renard told the congregation: “We are not alone; our Muslim brothers are here too.” Many were moved to tears during the sign of peace, a regular part of the liturgy when the faithful turn to greet each other in the pews, either shaking hands or kissing.

Muslims also attended Catholic masses in Italy, notably at Rome’s Santa Maria di Trastevere church, in response to a call

by the Sant’Egidio community known for its international mediation efforts. Other joint services were held in Milan, Naples and Palermo, Sicily.

The killing of Father Hamel fanned fears of religious tensions in France and renewed recriminations over perceived security lapses. Both of the 19-year-old attackers — Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean — had been on the intelligence services’ radar and had tried to go to Syria.

This came as Pope Francis Pope Francis insisted that Islam is not terrorism.

He said; “I thank you in the name of all Christians,” Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told them. In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God.” A few policemen and soldiers stood guard outside but did not

conduct searches, seeking to reassure a jittery population after the second jihadist attack in less than a fortnight. In the southern city of Nice, where a jihadist carried out a rampage in a truck on July 14, claiming 84 lives, local imam Otaman Aissaoui led a delegation of Muslims to a Catholic mass.

“Being united is a response to the act of horror and barbarism,” Aissaoui said. Notre Dame church in southwestern Bordeaux also welcomed a Muslim delegation, led by the city’s top imam, Tareq Oubrou. “It’s an occasion to show (Muslims) that we do not confuse Islam with Islamism, Muslim with jihadist,” said Reverend Jean Rouet.

Pope Francis, on the plane back to Rome after a trip to Poland, said Islam could not be equated with terrorism. “It’s not true and it’s not correct (to say) Islam is terrorism,” he said, defending his decision not to name Islam when condemning the brutal murder.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Gangsters

Crime

‘We're tricked into cultism with birthday parties’

34

Extortion Ile-Epo Market: Three shotgun victims battle for life

Obsession Love made me to steal car, says 400 Level undergraduate

Daren

Sylvester

35 36

Michael

We were contracted to kill, say suspects Juliana Francis

T

he Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Area J Police Command, Lagos State, has arrested three men, believed to be assassins.

The suspects have been identified as Sylvester Bibra 34, aka Gardafi, Daren 27 aka Shokey and Michael Ojintan 20.

According to them, “we’re cultists. We belonged to Aiye

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

confrater nity. Yes, we have ‘fall’ (killed) some people.”

The suspects were alleged to be part of a group of cult members that had been maiming and killing at Ikotan Community, Lekki/Ajah, Lagos State.

The suspects were further alleged, to be part of those that used to be hired by land grabbers, to kill or deal with people struggling over possession of land with them.

The gang used to work and walk in group and residents live in perpetual fear of them.

The suspects said they have three guns. Police said it recovered machetes, UTC knives and several black caps from them.

They confessed to have killed three people. But police think they are being economical with the truth.

According to them, they were behind the murder of an Igbo trader, called DJ White.

The late White sold electronics.

They also said their gang killed a rival cult member, called China, of Eiye confra-

I’m the person that shot DJ White. A lady contracted us to ‘deal’ with DJ White

ter nity. Another of their victim, Yusuf Elegushi, was killed over money sharing formula.

Detectives from Area J Police Command were said to have started hunting members of Aiye confraternity, after receiving several petitions about their activities.

The hunt narrowed down on one of the leaders of Aiye known as Jungle.

It was in the course of hunting for Jungle that the policemen zeroed in on the three suspects.

The detectives trailed and kept surveillance on the three men for weeks. They would later strike in August 2016, around midnight.

One of the suspects, Daren, also known as Butcher, was said to have engaged two SARS operatives in a fierce wrestling match. He refused to be arrested and attempted to even grabbed one of their rifles.

A source said: “If not because some of these SARS men are professionals and with wealth of experiences,

Shokey (Dare) would have grabbed one of their rifles.

But they subdued him. Today, Shokey is assisting police in its investigation more than any other suspect.”

After the arrest of the cult members, they realised there was nowhere to run to anymore. Thus, during interrogation, they started singing like birds.

Sylvester, a father of two, ought to have known better than to be a cultist. But sadly, he was the person that pulled the trigger that witnessed the death of the Igbo trader. He explained that a Ghanaian lady, who was having issue with White over shop space, hired them to ‘deal’ with the trader.

Recollecting how he killed White, Sylvester said without emotion: “We went there, I saw DJ White sitting in front of his shop. I collected the gun from Shokey and shot him. He died.”

Police had been hunting for the killers of DJ White CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

34

CRIME

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Juliana Francis

E

ight suspected cultists have told detectives attached to Area J Police Command, not to blame them for becoming cult members.

According to them, they were tricked into becoming cult members. They explained that when they discovered they had been tricked and initiated against their will, they thought of running away, but realised it was like running away from ones shadow.

They urged young Nigerians, to be wary of friends and avoid accepting birthday parties’ invitations.

One of them said: “If you don’t go for operation or cooperate with them after initiation, they would kill you.

I can tell you that every one of us here, were tricked into becoming a cult member. It was never our wish.”

The suspects were arrested after they allegedly started shooting sporadically on July 16, 2016, at Ilaje, Ajah, around 7pm.

A police source said: “They went about on two motorbikes, snatching money from people and shooting sporadically.”

Six of them were arrested, Ayobami Ahmed 20, Balogun Ahmed 22, Olayinka Agbeto 35, Kunle Odeyemi 29 and Lekan Adekoya 26. When they were taken to police station, police discovered they and four other suspected cult members, Sylvester Bibra 34, aka Gardafi, Dare 27, aka Shokey and Michael Ojintan 20, earlier arrested, knew one another. They all belonged to the same Aiye confraternity.

Police are presently hunting for Ogbowon, Dammy, Segun Okondo, Lekan, Ijooba, Jungle, Bariga, Biggy, Idris, Jelili, Corner Stone, Lawal and others.

It was also discovered that some of these cultists, are part of those that had been terrorising Ikota Community.

Some of the residents, who spoke with New Telegraph, identified some of the cultists.

One of the residents said: “We just want police to keep them out of our community.

These men are dangerous. Every night, they won’t allow us to sleep. Gunshots always disturb our sleep. We live in fear.

Sometimes, when we wake up in the morning, we would find dead bodies on our streets. We are tired! Some of them had been arrested, but many are still out there.”

Another residents, who also refused to mention his name said: “They used to burgle shops and houses. They rob people going to and returning from work. We want the Lagos State Government and police to sanitise Ikota Community. We don’t want these men any more in our community. Their menace started last year. Since last year, we’ve not had rest. We however, thank Area J Police Command for the arrest of these cult members.”

According to the residents,

The suspected cult members

‘We're tricked into cultism with birthday parties’ some of the cult members are still hiding inside the community. They implored SARS operatives, not to relent in flushing them out. The residents said they were willing and ready to work with the police, to ensure a safer community for them and their kids.

Remembering how he was tricked and initiated, Ahmed said: “I belonged to Aiye confraternity. I was initiated at Ibadan. I was initiated by my brother, Kehinde. He invited me to a birthday party. Moreover, I liked the way Kehinde used to behave. But I didn’t tell him that I wanted to become a cult member.”

Bibra said he was initiated by a friend. He recounted: “A friend of mine invited me to a birthday party. On the day of the party, I met him at Ajah Roundabout. He made a call and a commercial bus, filled with men, came to pick us. I thought they too were going to the party. After driving for a while, one of them suddenly brought out a black band and blindfolded me. I was scared.

I thought they wanted to kill me. The bus drove off again.

I started crying and begging them not to kill me. They ordered me to shut up. They said if I cried, made a noise or beg, they would shoot me. They took me somewhere, pulled off my clothes and started beating me. They later bundled me back into the bus.

“When they removed the blindfold from my eyes, they told me I had become a mem-

Sometimes, when we wake up in the morning, we would find dead bodies on our streets

ber of Aiye confraternity. I was angry with my friend. I didn’t ask for it. Why did he do that to me? I didn’t want to participate in any of their operation, but I was told I would be killed if I refused.”

Ojintan said that for reasons he couldn’t understand, members of the gang started picking on him. They would swoop on him and take anything of value with him. It was through that gimmick, they collected five phones from him. The phones were collected at different times.

One day, one of his persecutors, invited him for a birthday party. He turned down the invitation.

Ojintan recollected: “He told me that if I didn’t come to the birthday party, they would continue to collect my phones. I decided to go with him. At Ajah Roundabout, they blindfolded me with a black band. When the vehicle stopped, they dragged me down, pulled off my clothes and started beating me. They told me that they were making me their member. When I got home, I couldn’t tell my father, but I told my boss. He told me to be careful. I tried to avoid those friends. I was still avoiding them when police came to arrest me. I have never gone on any of their killings or operations with them.”

Agbeto on the other hand, denied being a member of any cult. He said he is married and has two kids. He described himself as a professional boxer,

stressing that he was shocked when SARS operatives came to arrest him. He said police should go and carry out proper investigations about him. He said he had been living in Ikota for over 20 years, was quite popular and had never committed any crime.

Recounting his own story, Odeyemi said he was initiated by his friend, Bariga. Just like others, Bariga invited him to a birthday party. After his ordeal in the hands of the cultists, he was told that he had become a member of Aiye. There was no going back.

Adekoya was initiated in April 2016 by one Jaiyee. The Jaiyee died last month, July, 2016. According to Adekoya, he trusted Jaiyee and couldn’t believe that Jaiyee would betray him.

His words: “He took me to a non-existing birthday party and initiated me into cultism, which I couldn’t escape. He betrayed me. I didn’t tell him that I wanted to become a cultist.”

Reacting to Agbeto’s claim of innocence, Ikotun communiresidents said: “Olayinka is one of them! His friends nicknamed him the boss. He’s actually the ring leader. He used to receive stolen property and collect money from the owners before releasing the items to them. The one they called Shokey, brought cultists into our community. He invited cultists to Ikota Community from Epe; the Epe men came and influenced those from our community.”

CRIME

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

35

Ile-Epo Market: Three shotgun victims battle for life Camillus Nnaji

T

hree men are presently battling to stay alive at an undisclosed hospital, after some hoodlums and traders clashed at the Ile-Epo Market, over toll collections and leadership tussle.

This clash is coming months after resolution of violent leadership tussle. The leadership crisis gave rise to the springing up of six different factions. Each of this faction believed it was best suited to head the market.

On Tuesday last week, traders were said to have revolted after some of the factions, started springing spurious levies on them.

An eye witness said: “These factions were deter mined to bully the traders into submission. When the traders further resisted, the different factions stormed the market with hired thugs. The thugs wielded weapons, including guns and machetes. They injured three traders.”

One of the traders said: “At least, over 1,000 traders marched in protest to Alausa, where the Iya-Oloja General, Chief Alhaja Folashade Tinubu, has her office.”

The leader of the Igbo community, Mr. Livinus Njoku, said: “The Lagos State Government would not welcome further violence and bloodbath in the state.

The timely and wise intervention of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, to forestall divisions, leading to crisis, would be the best option. We have made petitions to the government through the Iya-Oloja. We have marched in protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly. We have also petitioned Abule-Oke Odo Local

One of the victims

Gover nment on this lingering crisis. The people they shot and damaged their bones are still in the hospitals. They have families like us and have become victims of circumstance.

Nobody is talking about them.”

The factions were said to have invaded the market with thugs and started collecting illegal tolls. Trucks, loaded with foodstuffs, were forced to cough up N3, 000 as landing fee.

The factions had allegedly dissociated themselves from the central market leadership committee. The central market leadership comprised of the Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa communities.

It was further learnt the illegal factions stationed armed hoodlums, at different points in the market, and had been extorting traders for over a week now.

It was also gathered that

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

until now. The arrest of the three suspects means justice for White.

Police said that trouble between DJ White and the cultists started after the suspects, told the Ghanaian lady, to erect her shop, in front of Whites. It was further alleged that attempts were even made by the gang to demolish White’s shop.

Since the gang was known and feared, many of them expected White to slink home, cry over his loss, lick his wound and sweep the matter under the carpet.

But White proved to be stubborn.

Rather than accept the situation, White went to the police, to lodge a complainant of malicious damage to his shop.

Police went to the scene and arrested the Ghanaian lady. The policemen who arrested her were attacked by some of the suspected cult members. The lady was wrested from the police. The police radio for re-enforcement and were able to arrest one of the cultists, later identified as Anayo.

Anayo was charged to court the following day. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), in charge of the case, was returning from court, when he heard that White had been shot dead in front of his shop.

Sylvester, who pulled the trigger that killed White, said: “Police

some of these factions, made a proposal to the Iya-Oloja General, which she was yet to grant, when some of their hired thugs,

invaded the market.

Leader of the Hausa community, Mr. Galadima Lawal, said: “We’re opposed to the rising factions. We have a unified leadership and it was accepted by all the tribes. But a few people, because of their self-centered interest, decided to cause anarchy and breach of peace. They brought thugs into the market to collect tolls. We want Iya-Oloja to help us. There is a looming crisis in the market.”

Mr. Lami Fadare, a youth leader in the market, said: “Since the factions went to Iya-Oloja, they just assumed she had granted their requests of deposing the central market leadership.

They invaded the market and started collecting illegal tolls, using guns, machetes and force.

They left the central committee to form factions and backed themselves with thugs. They are commodity representatives, but now want to overthrow the leadership.”

The traders

Police begin hunt for fleeing killers

Lagos CP, Owoseni

came to my house, to look for Jungle.

They didn’t find Jungle, but they arrested me. Jungle is a friend and member of our Aiye confraternity.

I’m the person that shot DJ White.

A lady contracted us to ‘deal’ with DJ White. The lady and White were fighting over shop space. I killed him around evening time. He was sitting in front of his shop when I

shot him. Since the incident, we’ve not seen the Ghanaian lady.”

Dare said the gun, which was used in killing White, was snatched from a rival cult gang.

Dare said: “We collected the gun from a rival cult member. We had a clash with Eiye. We over powered them and collected the gun from one of their members. We started using it. Eiye members have tried countless times to collect the gun from us, but they didn’t succeed. It was in one of the battles, that we used the gun to shoot and kill China.

"China was shot by Segun Okondo. After the killing of China, we all decided to go underground. I was still in hiding when SARS men came to arrest me. The third victim, Yusuf Elegushi, was shot and killed

by Idris. Idris is also our member.

I didn’t go with Idris and others for that operation; but after the operation, they came to tell me what transpired. They said they killed somebody at Alaguntan-Ikota.

“Yusuf Elegushi was killed by Idris over money sharing. Somebody was building a house at Ikotan. When the builders were about to start foundation casting, some men residing there, (Omo Onile) demanded for money. If the owner of the building didn’t pay, the men

wouldn’t allow him to continue building. Our men demanded to share from the money; there was an argument. They started fighting.

Idris then shot Yusuf.”

Dare said that although Idris was a member of Aiye, he was the ring leader of another fragment of the gang. People like Bariga, Jelili, Corner Stone and Lawal used to move with him.

Dare said that since they collected the gun, another gang member, Bariga, has ensured there were steady supply of cartridges.

Nar rating his own story, Michael said he was tricked and initiated by Dammy, Lekan and Biggy.

He denied ever participating in any operation with the other cult members.

However, when he was arrested, police recovered a cartridge, machete and a black cap, belonging to one of the commanders of Aiye from his room.

He denied ownership of the cap, explaining that the cap belonged to Biggy. He said he was initiated on July 4, 2016 and had been avoiding Biggy and others since then.

Michael, who is the sixth, among seven children, said his mother was late. He added: “It was never my intention to become a cultist.”

36

CRIME

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Love made me to steal car, says 400 Level undergraduate

…burgles home via ceiling Juliana Francis

T

his was the third time 24-yearold Olayinka Richard would be a guest of policemen attached to the Lagos State Police Command.

As he fielded questions from New Telegraph, tears streamed down his cheeks. Richard, who introduced himself as a 400level undergraduate of Sociology, Northern American University, Cotonou, Benin Republic, said he wasn’t really a thief. He said he was misunderstood.

He sounded shocked, that his benefactor, Mr. Tolani Adelabu, was ill-treating him, using the police, for a crime he couldn’t understand.

Richard didn’t see anything wrong in burgling the home of his ‘Uncle Tolani’ three times, to steal valuables. On two of those three occasions, he stole the man’s car.

The first and second time, he was forgiven and told to go home and ‘steal no more.’ But he didn’t learn anything from his first and second arrest.

The third time, he sneaked into the man’s ceiling, gained access into Adelabu’s compound and stole the man’s car.

Detectives attached to Ogombo Police Station, accused him of stealing the car. He was further accused of attempting to sell the car. But Richard appeared incensed at the allegations.

He spat: “I didn’t steal Uncle Tolani’s car. And I had no plan to sell it.

The problem is that I’m in love with that car. It’s an uncommon car. It’s a Black SAAB Saloon Car, 97 models.

I don’t know why Uncle Tolani is doing this to me. The car is not his problem.”

Asked why he wasn’t remorseful for repeatedly stabbing his benefactor in the back, Richard suddenly broke down and started crying.

Choking on his tears, he said: “I’m sorry Uncle Tolani. I’m sorry auntie.

Tell the kids I’m sorry too. I know they miss me and are asking for me.”

Asked if he would steal Adelabu’s car again, if pardoned, Richard sniffed: “If he forgives me, I wouldn’t take the car again without asking him! I had always taken the car without his permission. This time, I would ask for his permission.”

Richard explained that he only wanted to take the car to his school.

He said he had every intention of returning it.

Richard’s story and excuses kept changing. What he told New Telegraph as his reason for stealing the car twice, wasn’t what he told operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command.

Richard was arrested by RRS op-

eratives the second time he stole the car. The car, a Black SAAB Saloon Car, marked, AAA 581 CG, was recovered by the RRS men.

A police source said: “Richard was trailed from Iju Road, Fagba area, for about five hours by the RRS officers before he was eventually nabbed along Wempco Road, Agindigbin.

He gained entrance into the living room of his victim, Adelabu Tolani, through the ceiling, to pick the car keys and drove away with the car, along with other valuables.”

While he told New Telegraph that he stole the car because he was madly in love with it and wanted to take it to school, he told RRS operatives that he stole it because, “ he deliberately wanted to punish his benefactor for forgetting his birthday.”

While RRS operatives said that Adelabu had been the sole financier of Richard’s university education, Richard told New Telegraph that Adelabu only once gave him money for matriculation and a laptop.

Richard reportedly told RRS: “I lived with Uncle Tolani for almost five years ago. I was able to be part of the family because I’m a friend to his wife’s brother. Uncle Tolani sponsored my educational career before I dropped out from the institution at final year. I deliberately committed the offence because they asked me to move out of their house.”

The first time that Richard stole the car and other personal effects from the house, nobody was at home.

He told New Telegraph, that he found the key to the house by the gas, which was outside the gate. He picked the key, entered the house and stole some of Adelabu’s clothes and shoes. He later left with the car.

He said: “I only took Uncle Tolani’s clothes and shoes because I wanted to wear them for my birthday.

I thought they would know that I was the person that took the car, shoes and clothes.”

Immediately he left with the car, he went to a shopping mall along Lekki/Ajah. When he got to the shopping mall, he parked haphazardly and was ordered by a policeman to park properly. He refused and rather engaged the officer in fisticuffs. He was arrested and taken to the police station. He was still at the station, when alert came for the missing car.

When Adelabu came to the station, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ogombo Police Station, mediated in the matter. Adelabu forgave Richard and dropped the matter.

A police source said: “Before Adelabu could finish at the police station, the suspect rushed to the victim’s home and carted away some of his valuables. Two days later, he went

Richard

into the house again and stole more valuables. RRS arrested him and charged him to court. But his parents, who reside at Alagbado, came, begged and bailed him. On July 27, he went back to Adelabu’s house and discovered that all the locks had been changed. He now entered the house through the ceiling. He stole many clothes, including customers’ clothes that the victims’ wife was sewing. He also took money.”

Richard disappeared with the car, but the car broke down on the road. Meanwhile, the vehicle had been reported stolen for the second time within span of weeks. Policemen started frantically searching for it. When the car developed fault, Richard parked it by the roadside. He went to look for mechanic.

The police source continued: “When policemen searching for the car saw it, they decided to hide and wait. They knew it was only a matter of time before Richard return.

When Richard returned, he was with a mechanic. The policemen rushed out and grabbed him.”

Asked why he didn’t go and live with his parents at Alagbado, Richard said: “God gave me a different life. God made me outstanding.”

Adelabu said that he regretted lending helping hands to Richard, by accommodating him.

Adelabu said: “I don’t know any of his relatives. It was my brother-inlaw, who brought him from Church camp. I noticed that he needed accommodation and financial support.

I kindly offered him without asking him to bring any of his relatives. He

used to be a very jovial and kind person, before he left for his university in Benin Republic. I discovered after he returned to the country, that his life style had changed for bad. When I noticed this, I talked to him as a father and advised him to change.

While talking to him, he told me that he was no longer interested in going back to the institution, and I asked him why, he never told the reason till date.”

Adelabu said that he sent Richard packing because he might be a bad influence on his children.

His words: “I sent him out because I don’t want him to corrupt character of my children. They are grown-ups too. When he stole the car for the first time, I reported the case to Ogombo Police Station, Ajah area. The policemen arrested him the second day and he was detained for some days. After much pleading from him, I had to beg the DPO to release him. I told police it was a family affair. I thought he would have a change of mind. But two days after, he went back to my house to steal the car again.

“It’s possible that he has gotten a buyer for my car because I can’t comprehend his insistence in stealing the car. On July 10, 2016, my wife called me that she couldn’t find the car again. She said the suspect gained entrance into our living room, took the car key and absconded with it again despite the fact that we had changed all the keys to our apartment. I was shocked to learn he entered my compound through the ceiling.”

BUSINESS |Money Line

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

37

FG approves N197/$ exchange rate for pilgrims This was disclosed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, in a circular entitled, “2016 Hajj Operations: Purchase of Pilgrims Travel Allowance (PTA).”

The circular, which was posted on the apex bank’s website was signed by the Acting Director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN, W.D. Gotring.

According to the circular, “Each pilgrim is entitled to purchase a minimum of US$750 and maximum of US1, 000 as PTA. The Federal Government has approved that intending pilgrims are to be sold the

Subsidy Naira closed at N315.06/$ on interbank market Tony Chukwunyem

T

he Federal Government has approved a concessionary exchange rate of N197 per dollar as Pilgrims Travel Allowance (PTA) for the 65,167 persons participating in this year’s Hajj.

PTA at a concessionary exchange rate of N197 to the US dollar.”

The CBN further stated that banks should not charge any commission for the sale of PTA to the intending pilgrims. It added, “Each designated bank is required to sell to the CBN the unutilised funds not later than two weeks from the date of the last inward flight to Nigeria from Jeddah, while the accounts of the banks shall be credited promptly.”

Analysts point out that given the CBN’s liberalisation of the exchange rate on June 20, which

has seen the naira losing over 40 per cent of its value, the Federal Government would end up subsidising PTA for the intending pilgrims to the tune of $24.4million using yesterday’s interbank rate of N315/$.

A forex dealer, who asked not to be named, told New Telegraph that he was taken aback by the government’s decision to approve the sale of PTA to the intending pilgrims because of the current acute shortage of dollars in the system.

He said, “At the moment, there are no dollars

Certified accountants boost financial literacy Kunle Azeez

ference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 14) in Kenya.

He emphasised the need for high quality courses with positive learner experience to build increased literacy among accounting professionals.

Ali said: “ACCA-X has seen tremendous interest with registrations coming from 230 territories and countries from around the world. The five courses, which include free and affordable paid-for have reached 108,000 registrations in the 15 months since first being offered.

A

ssociation of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has said that its innovative online learning programme, ACCAX, offering a peer-to-peer support network, will be the way of the future for e-learning and online education, and financial literacy.

Director of New Ventures at ACCA, Reza Ali, said this while during a session examining how e-Learning can leapfrog skills development, at the fourteenth session of the United Nations Con-

“ACCA-X is proving that high quality courses that offer an engaging digital learning experience will alter the landscape of accountancy and business education, and enhance the business skills required by industry and employers.

“Registration numbers show that the demand for flexible learning is here to stay. The positive and inspiring feedback from learners registered onto the courses tells us that students have not only been waiting for this type of course, they are eager to have the tools,

which will allow them to retrain for a new career or increase their knowledge.”

Online tutors who guide learners through exciting and interactive content that is designed to support individuals gain financial literacy skills support ACCA-X. ACCA believes in flexibility to enhance access to the profession, which is one of the main reasons why ACCA-X was developed. It also supports wider policy efforts to narrow the employability gap through e-Learning and enhance productivity.

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

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 16.5 14 10.77 US$40.8 US$26,034,181,311

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 June, 2016 26/07/2016 Mar 2015 4/8/2016 3/8/2016

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

TTM

Price 104.65 114.59 111.96 120.58 109.60 100.54 83.82 97.56

1.07 3.24 3.87 5.82 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.4583 9.1071 11.0102 12.3790

Bid Yield 10.38 10.55 11.60 11.44 12.27 12.40 12.44 12.49

Change (%) -2.50 ▼ -0.74 ▼ -0.65 ▼ -0.68 ▼

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

Price 104.80 114.89 112.26 120.88 109.90 100.84 84.12 97.86

Tenor (Months)

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Spot($/N)

FX

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 1.12 ▲ -0.27 ▼ -0.17 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.03 ▲ 0.42 ▲

Money Market

Change (%) 0.57 ▲

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

Ecobank Nigeria launches new consumer campaign

E

cobank Nigeria, last Wednesday, launched “Move on Up”, a new fully-integrated consumer advertising campaign.

According to the lender, “Move on Up” is centered on its drive to ensure that consumers have worldclass accessible and convenient digital banking solutions across the country.

Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Charles Kie said, “We are delighted to be launching this campaign in Nigeria. Ecobank Nigeria has grown consistently over the years to become a well-recognised corporate brand in the Nigerian banking industry. Our mission is to ensure that our customers have access to world-class, convenient, accessible and reliable banking solutions in Nigeria. This new campaign demonstrates how we are fulfilling that mission.”

Ecobank Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director, Tony Okpanachi said, “The new campaign also showcases our widest ever range of banking solutions and the

A

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 30-Jun-16 7.92 8.08 -0.51 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.59 8.34 8.71 -0.31 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.33 8.99 -0.31 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.36 10.28 -0.07 ▼ 9.11 9.98 -0.07 ▼ Bid 199.14

recent days. As at today (Thursday), the naira had declined to N396 to the dollar and there are signs that it would depreciate further as there is no liquidity on the interbank market.”

many ways Ecobank helps consumers every day.”

Move on Up rests on three pillars. The first is digital convenience. Customers want the convenience of banking, from being able to pay with an Ecobank card to making financial transactions on their mobile phones, over the Internet, at automated teller machines and at different points of sale.

The second pillar is relevance. Ecobank creates personal banking solutions that are relevant to its customers, such as a range of accounts packaged together as bundles.

The final pillar is choice.

This comes via the accessibility of wide-ranging products and services, thanks to Ecobank’s leading Pan-African platform.

Ecobank Group’s Head of Marketing,AmaOkyere,who led the development and production of Move on Up, said, “This fully-integrated consumer advertising campaign demonstrates Ecobank’s relevance in our consumer’s life. We are pleased to roll it out in Nigeria, a key market for Ecobank.”

Ghana scraps eurobond salegainst as the costs soar back- Ghana turned to the IMF

Source:CBN

FGN Bonds

anywhere. Even people who had made plans to travel for the summer holidays are finding difficult to buy dollars. This is why the naira has been falling against the dollar on the parallel market in

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -1.75 ▼ -2.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

ground of moves

by Nigeria to issue Eurobonds, Ghana has scrapped plans to sell its fourth Eurobond in as many years, balking at the price investors demanded amid concern that the West African nation may relax its commitment to fiscal targets ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections.

The government will monitor markets and revive the sale “at the optimal time and the right conditions,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement yesterday after concluding investor meetings in the U.K. and U.S. It also capped a buyback tender for $500 million of 2017 notes at $100 million.

Yields on existing dollar debt soared in recent weeks as the government exceeded its deficit target amid a dispute with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over whether the central bank should be allowed to bankroll government spending.

for assistance last year as a plunge in the cedi and dwindling oil revenues weighed on the economy.

“It’s not an entire surprise,” Nicolas Jaquier, an emerging-markets economist at Standard Life Investments Ltd. in London, said by phone.

“The timing of the new issue was a bit puzzling, coming to issue a bond just before some of the pending issues with the IMF were being ironed out. That’s what kept many investors away.”

Yields on Ghana’s $1 billion of bonds due August 2023 dropped 18 basis points to 10.12 per cent by 12:20 p.m. in the capital, Accra. The yield climbed as much as 90 basis points to 10.55 per cent last week after Finance Minister Seth Terkper said spending would be 3.8 per cent higher than projected and that the budget deficit target had been missed. That increased the yield investors expected for the new issue.

38

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BULLISH NSE ASI rises

by N22billion on renewed bargain hunting Stories by Chris Ugwu

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ocal equities rebounded on resumed bargain hunting activities, as overall performance measures, NSE ASI and market capi-

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

Stock market halts five days losing streak talisation, grew by 0.23 per cent each, halting five days losing band.

The bullish activities was driven by consumer goods, oil & gas, and industrial stocks, which were highly sought after.

At the close of business 14 stocks appreciated, while 17 stocks declined.

Consequently, the

Seven Up’s Q1 2016 PAT drops 48%

S

oft drink producer, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc has ended the first quarter of 2016 in the red, posting a 48.31 per cent drop in profit after tax for the Q1 ended June 30, 2016.

In a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company’s post-tax profit dropped to N1.012 billion during the period under review against N1.958 billion recorded the previous year, representing a decrease of 48.31 per cent.

Profit before tax stood at N1.265 billion as against N2.447 billion posted the previous year, accounting for a drop of 48.30 per cent.

However, turnover firmed up to N26.620 billion during the period, compared with N23.148 billion in the same period of last year, representing a growth of 14.99 per cent.

Seven-Up Bottling Company ended the financial year with a 53

39

per cent drop in profit after tax for the year ended March 31, 2016.

Its post-tax profit dropped to N3.347 billion during the period under review against N7.125 billion recorded the previous year, depicting a decrease of 53 per cent.

Profit before tax stood at N3.757 billion as against N8.749 billion posted the previous year, accounting for a drop of 57 per cent.

Revenue however, grew to N85.634 billion during the period, compared with N82.450 billion in the same period of last year, representing a marginal growth of four per cent.

Seven Up third quarter financial results showed 50.46 per cent drop in pre-tax profits, as top-line and bottom-line earnings showed considerable decline with marginal increase in revenue.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of the com-

All-Share Index gained 63.54 basis points or 0.23 per cent to close at 27,751.34 basis points as against 27,687.80 recorded the previous day, while the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N22 billion or 0.23 per cent to close at N9.531 trillion from N9.509 trillion.

Meanwhile, a turn-

pany for the third quarter ended December 31, 2015 showed drop in growths in most key performance indices, damping strong performance outlook of one of the leading soft drinks companies in the country.

Consequently, profit before tax dropped by 50.46 per cent to N2.884 billion from N5.822 billion recorded in 2014 while profit after tax also decreased by 50.89 per cent to N2.230 billion during the period under review as against N4.541 billion recorded in 2014. Revenue firmed up marginally by 0.66 per cent during the third quarter from N59.829 billion in 2014 to N60.226 billion in 2015.

over of 155.7 million shares exchanged in 3,320 deals was recorded in the day’s trading.

Banking subsector of the financial services sector was the most active during the day (measured by turnover volume) with 58.3 million shares exchanged by investors in 931 deals.

Volume in the sub-

sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Fidelity Bank Plc and GTB Plc. Premium subsector boosted by activities in the shares of FBNH Plc and Zenith Bank Plc followed with a turnover of 38.96 million shares in 555 deals.

Shares of Total Oil Nigeria, Mobil Oil Nigeria, Nigerian Brew-

Sovereign Trust’s H1 2016 PAT dips 43% Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has posted 43 per cent decline in net earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Key extracts of the accounts statement for the first quarter at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed profit after tax of N373.364 million as against N650.111 million recorded the previous year, accounting for a drop of 43 per cent.

Profit before tax stood at N400.405 million from N702.358 million reported in 2015, representing

a decline of 43 per cent.

However, gross premium written dropped by 18 per cent from N4.575 billion in 2015 as against N3.744 billion during the year under review.

Sovereign Trust posted 20 per cent growth in net earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 to N215.507 million from N179.574 million recorded the previous year, accounting for a growth of 20 per cent.

Profit before tax stood at N240.285 million from N205.277 million reported in 2015,

Fidson posts 88% drop in HY 2016 PAT

F

idson Healthcare Plc has posted 88 per cent drop in profit after tax for the half year ended June 30, 2016.

The company’s half year financial statement released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed profit after tax dropped from N324.206 million in 2015 to N39.582 million in 2016, indicating a decrease of 88 per

eries and Guinness Nigeria gained N16.60, N8.10, N2.45 and N1.01 to close at N222.60, N170.10, N135.00 and N95.00 respectively.

Conversely, shares of International Breweries, Flour Mill of Nigeria and Forte Oil depreciated by N0.96, N0.43 and N0.40 to close at N18.38, N20.00 and N166.82 respectively.

cent.

Profit before tax was equally down by 88 per cent from N476.774 million in 2015 to N58.209 million during the review period.

Turnover dropped by 35 per cent to N2.610 billion in 2016 from N4.034 billion in 2015.

Fidson recorded 18 per cent growth in profit after tax for the

financial year ended December 31, 2015.

The audited 2015 financial results showed profit after tax grew from N631 million in 2014 to N744 million in 2015, depicting an increase of 18 per cent.

However turnover recorded a 16 per cent decline to N8.21 billion in 2015 from N9.72 billion in 2014, which according

depicting a growth of 17 per cent.

The insurer reported 97 per cent growth in profit after tax during the full year ended 2015, from N294.943 million in 2014 to N582.209 million in 2015.

Profit before tax stood at N454.846 million during the full year 2015, from N326.021 million a year earlier.

Gross premium written however, declined marginally by two per cent from N7.286 billion in 2014 to N7.132 billion in 2015. to the company was a result of the challenges to sales and distribution faced during the first half of 2015 largely due to the general elections.

The management noted that the upturn in sales witnessed in the second half of the year was curtailed by the paucity of foreign exchange for the importation of products and essential raw materials, which severely affected product availability.

40

NEWS News|SOUTH-WEST

Lagos monarchs get marching order to fish out cultists, others

Muritala Ayinla

L

agos State Government yesterday asked traditional rulers and community leaders in the state, to be vigilant and security conscious with a view to tracking down hoodlums masquerading as militants to terorise the residents.

Besides, it reminded the traditional rulers and the Community Development Committee members of a danger inherent in harbouring strangers, urging them to always ask questions whenever such occasions arose as the task of ensuring a crime-free Lagos was everyone collective responsibility.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mus-

lim Folami, disclosed this while presenting a staff of office to Oba Hameed Saka as the new Oba of OrileAlagbado in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Folami urged the newly staffed monarch to fish out perpetrators of crisis and heinous crimes in their domain, adding that the monarchs must be seen as a rallying point to maintain communal peace and social development irrespective of religion and tribe.

To promote peaceful coexistence among residents in their various communities, the commissioner said that traditional rulers must abhor completely all forms of cultism, miscreants and hoodlums in their locality.

Folami said: “As a cus-

todian of the culture and tradition of your people, you should be seen as a rallying point for the maintenance of communal peace and social development irrespective of religion and tribe.

“Let me remind you that the institution of traditional obaship in our society, regardless of the advent of modernism, remains a rallying point for the generality of our people. It has been serving as a veritable vehicle for the dissemination of government’s policies and programmes and for the mobilization of the populace.”

However, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Jafar Sanuth noted that the installation of Taiwo was

in line with the registered declaration regulating the selection of obaship stool to fill in response to a public notice issued by Ojokoro LCDA. Ojokoro LCDA Sole Administrator, Dr. Adeleke Ipaye enjoined the residents to cooperate with the new oba by paying their taxes to government, urging the traditional ruler to help in promoting peace in his domain.

Responding, the newly installed Oba Taiwo assured the state that he would ensure that government’s infrastructure in the community were protected, urging all sons and daughters of OrileAlagbado to come home to develop the community with necessary amenities for the betterment of the area.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC upbraids Fayose for paying workers one month salary Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

F

or paying only one month salary of the six months and several months in pension arrears, owed the Ekiti state workers, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday berated Governor Ayodele Fayose, describing him as “a callous governor who always rely on deceit to sustain his grips on the hapless workers of the state.”

APC, in a release by its state publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said the pay was unrepresen-

tative of the latest federal government allocation to the state totalling about N9b, saying it was inconceivable that the governor would contemplate paying only one month salary after receiving what it called “the fattest federal allocation in recent years” as at the time workers were being owed six and seven months in arrears.

It particularly blamed Fayose for not paying some workers who he asked to wait for the next allocation, adding “this means that not all civil servants received the one month pay.”

Artisans, others receive N10m loan in Ekiti Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

E

kiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has given N10 million revolving loans to artisans in the state.

The governor, at a ceremony at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti, gave the loans to artisans cutting across various trades and from different parts of the state.

The Chief Press Secre-

tary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in a statement yesterday, said the governor promised to add to the money if beneficiaries made judicious use of the loan.

Fayose said: “The other time I met with you, I promised that a revolving loan would be given to you and today, I am fulfilling the promise. I am also happy with the way your leaders have managed their people.

Restructure Nigeria now, Martins tells Buhari Tai Anyanwu and Nwagbara Chidinma

T

L-R: Guest Speaker, Mr. Denis Onise; State Commissioner, Lagos State Nigeria Girl Guides Association, Mrs. Blessing Adophy-Akee; Director, Special Services, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Raolat Alaka; President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Temitope Lawal; Vice President, South West Zone, Mrs. Folake Adeniji and Treasurer Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Mrs. Fausat Bakare, at NAWOJ’S Annual Seminar on “Ending Domestic Violence: A Task For All” in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

British to partner Lagos on passport verification

Muritala Ayinla

B

ritish Government yesterday said there was the need for Lagos state government to partner with it on verification of documents presented by applicants for issuance of British Passports if it must rid the system of bottleneck.

Head of Passport Office and Counter Fraud, British High Commission, Lagos, Mr. John Deanie, stated this during a meeting with the state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami.

New Telegraph gathered that measure was sequel to recent challenges being encountered by the

commission in verifying document such as birth certificate, school certificate, parents’ background, among others of applicants in the state.

The development, it was learnt, was responsible for the unnecessary delay in the issuance of passports.

Deanie noted that the commission had experienced challenges at the councils level in verifying large number of documents presented by applicants owing to lack of genuine records as well as administrative bureaucratic bottleneck.

He said: “Recently, we have received several applications for British passports and it’s our duty to investigate the authenticity of documents but in the

process we do have some challenges.

“We hereby appeal to you to use your good office to address the situation, as we rely heavily on Lagos state government in ensuring that the verification of documents is done without further delay.

“This is one of the reasons for the delay in issuance of British Passport to applicants.”

But Folami gave assurance that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led government would support and collaborate with the commission in its drive to ensure speedy issuance of British Passports to applicants.

Folami said: “What we will adopt in the short term is that we will cre-

ate leverage, by setting up a team from your end, then call stakeholders’ forum that involve all local government officials who will be able to pass across the message and in turn disseminate same to others. That will educate all on what are the criteria needed to obtain a British Passport.

“We are ready to partner with you to facilitate the process with our officials at the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs of the state.

“I want to assure you that there will be improvement in the verification process henceforth. We hope to organize stakeholders’ forum as soon as possible.

he Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins, has advised the Federal Government to embark on political restructure of the Nigerian nation without further delay.

Martins gave the counsel during a media chat marking his fourth anniversary as Archbishop of Lagos, at the Holy cross Cathedral, Lagos Island yesterday.

The Catholic Chief shepherd in the State of Excellence condemned that current practice of federalism

in Nigeria, pointing out that it falls short of true federal system of government.

“In recent times, there have been renewed calls for restructuring of the country in order that it may be a truely federal.

I cannot but concur; the federal structure that we have practiced over the years is not been truly federal.

“It has only succeeded in making the so called federating units to be solely dependent on the centre that doles out money accruing mainly from the sales of oil rather than encourage them to develop their potentials.

Adegoroye joins Ondo guber race, picks nomination form prominent politician It reads: “At this critical A and former member stage of the history of our of the Ondo State House of state, we need tested and Assembly, Prince Ademola Adegoroye has joined the governorship race in the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement signed by his Director of Media, Mr. Dennis Oluwumi issued in Akure yesterday, Adegoroye, who was elected on the platform of the Democratic Party of Nigeria and later Alliance for Democracy to the Ondo State House of Assembly predicated his desire to restore hope and dignity of the people of Ondo State.

trusted hands to man strategic political positions in the state in order to bring a rebirth and restore the dignity of our people who have been degraded by poor management of resources.”

Adegoroye said though the battle for the number one seat in the state had remained a tough one, he said a clear study of the current spate of affairs especially as it affected the economy, education, health and human capital development required great attention.

south-east | news

friday, august 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Students ground Enugu over Ekweremadu's trial

Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

E

conomic activities in Enugu State were yesterday grounded as over 20,000 students took to the streets protesting against the Federal Government's plan to remove the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

The protesting students, who were members of the Enugu State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), marched through the major streets of the state capital with various inscriptions, terminated at the Government House.

Some of the inscriptions read: “The Senate should allow Mr. President to work”, “Our Economy is in recession”, “Ekweremadu is not the problem”, and "APC should allow Buhari to work”.

Abraham

remove somebody who was elected by the constitution of the country.”

The archbishop stated that Ekweremadu is representing his zone, SouthEast, and the country at large, saying that any attempt to remove Ekweremadu would be resisted.

Speaking after the protest, NANS Chairman, Ilogebe Chidi, said the students have concluded plans to storm the federal capital Abuja over the trial of the deputy senate president accusing the presidency of having a hand in the travail that Ekweremadu is passing through now.

Also, addressing the student, at the Government House, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, who stood in for the governor, applauded the students for their peaceful protest promising to forward the message to the governor.

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

I, formerly known as Abubakar Maji now wish to be known and addressed as Abraham Abubakar Maji. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

Dabiri

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Abibat Omotayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dabiri Abibat Omotayo. All former documents remain valid.

FCMB Plc, UBA Plc and the general public should please take note.

Deborah

Addressing the students, the Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Communion, His grace, Emmanuel Chukwuma, called for the immediate removal of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Salami, while urging the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, to apologise to Ekweremadu over his recent comment against him.

His words: "The Senate should allow Ekweremadu to stabilise. He was elected the deputy senate president by the generality of the Senate. The AGF should resign immediately because he is not a lawyer; as well, Okorocha should also apologise to Ekweremadu.

"Buhari should allow the Senate to work. I think the separation of powers is not there again. Ekweremadu is representing the entire Nigeria. They can't

I, formerly known and addressed as Adjekughele Debby now wish to be known and addressed as Adjekughele Deborah. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Anuku

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Efechia Igbigbi and Mrs. Efechia Anuku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Efechia Ebiakpor Anuku. All other former documents remain valid. Supreme Court, and the general public please take note.

Igwe

This is to notify that the names Igwe Chigozie Jude, Igwe Ibenjo Chigozie and Ibenjo Chigozie Jude refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Igwe Chigozie Jude. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

Bongnim

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Nantip Bongnim Friday now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Nantip Bongnim. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST LIKENESS INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part 'C' of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Apostle Odemairo Great Akpavie – President /Chairman 2. Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Olayinka Akpavie – Vice President 3. Pastor Igbedior Nduka Patrick – General Secretary 4. Deacon Avende Samuel Atom - Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of salvation, holiness and prosperity to the whole world 2. To organize evangelistic missions all over Nigeria and other part of the world with aim of populating heaven 3. To establish International School of ministry for the purpose of training so as to equip people for the end time harvest of souls.

4. To encourage, participate in and encourage charitable benevolent and other free will giving activities, especially to the member of household of Christ and else where across the globe.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Oyewale Oyegoke Solomon Esq.

For Enquiries, email: sollogikconsultants@gmail.com

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The general public is hereby notified of the disclaimer of the CTC the R of O to the property known as Plot 1032 Cadastral Zone, B11 Kaura District, Abuja whose original documents were lost and the CTC wrongly issued to an unknown person claiming to be a director of ADONAI VENTURES LIMITED. The general public is hereby informed that the company has resolved to and applied for a valid Certified True Copy and it shall not be responsible for any act perpetrated by any person unknown to the company Terver Daniel Orbunde.

For: Adonai Ventures Limited

Ugboh

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Millicent Ngozika Emeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Millicent Ngozika Ugboh. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

Ozuru

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Gbada Glory Omonigho now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Glory Omonigho Icheka Ozuru. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Chukwukere

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Benardine Amarachi Unamma now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Benardine Amarachi Chukwukere.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Henry-Simon

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iguodala Iroghama Linda now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iguodala Iroghama HenrySimon. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Koru

I, formerly known and addressed as Mercy Enifiekoru Moses now wish to be known and addressed as Mercy Yoninoniba Koru. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Adeyemi-Bamigboye

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Modupe Adeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliana Modupe AdeyemiBamigboye. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Teitei

I, formerly known and addressed as Roseline Febo now wish to be known and addressed as Teitei Roseline. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Idehen

This is to confirm that the bearer of these names Idehen Eghosa Stanley Praise, Idehen Praise Stanley and Idehen Eghosa Stanley refers to one and the same person.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Idehen Eghosa Stanley Praise. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. The general public please take note.

41

Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere (right), with the Head Section, Mr. Jens Hoegel, leader of European Union Delegation shortly after receiving them for briefing on the progress of European Union Funded projects in Imo State and nine other Niger Delta States under MPP9/NDSP Programme at the instance of Governor Okorocha…yesterday.

Enugu Assembly passes Child Rights Bill Kenneth Ofoma ENUGU

E

nugu State House of Assembly yesterday passed the Enugu State Child Rights Bill into law.

The 275 section bill was passed after it scaled the first and second reading and went through public hearing.

Enugu is now the 23rd state to pass the bill in the country, 22 states, including four out of the five states in the South East geo-political zone, having passed the bill before now.

Following a report of the House Joint Committees on Gender Affairs, Ethics and Privileges, and Judiciary, presented to the House by the Chairman,

House Committee on Gender Affairs, Hon. Dame Nkechi Omeje- Ogbu, the House dissolved into Committee of the Whole House to look into it critically before its passage.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Edward Ubosi, thanked his colleagues for their contributions in making what he described as a contentious bill into law.

He also thanked the media, UNICEF, faith-based organisations and others for their contributions in making the law a reality.

Going by the heated debate on the floor of the House on the bill to the extent that it was stepped down at a stage for consultations, many thought it would never see the light of the day.

Assembly approves N350m for economic empowerment programme Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday approved additional N350million for the Economic Empowerment and Job Creation Programme of the state government, bringing the total amount approved for the exercise to N480million.

The approval of the fund at the House Plenary followed a request by Governor Dave Umahi.

change OF NAME

Osho

I, formerly known and addressed as Elizabeth Yewande Awoliyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Elizabeth Yewande Osho. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

Sandra

I, formerly known and addressed as Ovie Orobogha Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Ovie Orobogha Sandra. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

In a letter read on the floor of the House by the Leader, Hon. Joseph Nwaboshi, Governor Umahi explained that the N350million was in addition to N130million earlier approved by the state House of Assembly.

He noted that the programme was aimed at lifting unemployed women and youths in the state out of abject poverty caused by the prevailing economic realities in the country.

Commending the House for approving the fund, the Speaker, Hon. Francis Nwifuru, stressed that its utilisation would be effectively monitored to ensure that the aim of approving it is not defeated.

In their contributions, some of the Lawmakers including the member representing Ohaukwu South State Constituency, Hon. Christian Oselebe and Hon. Onu Nwonye, representing Ohaozara West State Constituency, described the programme as people oriented.

19.6%

The percentage of the urban population of Samoa in 2012.

Source: Un.org

Okorocha appeals to NLC over 'Back to Land for Agriculture'

G

over nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appealed to workers in the state to show understanding over the "Back to Land for Agriculture" programme of the government.

The appeal was contained in a statement from the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, on Thursday.

The gover nment had directed workers to work from Mondays to Wednesdays and use Thursdays and Fridays to farm.

The statement reads: "It is important to appeal to labour leaders to sit down and have a second look at the policy.

“The policy was the decision of the state Executive Council which is the highest decisionmaking body of the state government.

"What the governor did was to unveil Executive’s decision, and the policy is in the overall interest of the state."

It added that the workers were directed to come to work for three days and farm for two days while those on essential duties like the teachers, nurses, doctors, political appointees and IGR personnel should work for five days.

According to the statement, “the workers were not asked to go home to stay idle. And if they dutifully engage in farming, it will not only help their individual economies but will also boost the economy of the state.

“The governor had equally made it clear that the development will not in any way affect the salaries of the workers.”

42

News|SOUTh-SOUTH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Delta: We didn’t receive N18.62bn allocation for July Dominic Adewole ASABA

D

elta State Government yesterday denied receiving N18.62 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the month of July.

£34.6m

Gover nor Ifeanyi Okowa said the highly speculated claims across the state and in certain sections of the media was false.

He said contrary to what was being circulated, the above figure was concocted by his detractors to hoodwink his administration.

The amount of money spent by West Ham in the summer 2015 transfer window.

Source: 101greatgoals.com

New Telegraph gathered that the reaction came as top government functionaries on Grade Levels 13 to 16, who had not been paid their July salaries, have prepared for a showdown.

But the gover nor in a signed statement routed via his Commissioner for Information,

$8m

The total pay from endorsements of Eli Manning (Football) for 2016.

Source: Forbes.com

Mr. Patrick Ukah, said only N5, 226,068,645.78 and not N18.62 billion being peddled, was received.

It reads: “Gross FAAC (Statutory, Mineral Derivation, VAT, etc) N7,485,871,893.05; Less Deductions (Bond, Foreign Loans, Salary Bailout, etc) N2,259,803,247.27;

3

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation assisted by UNHCR in Hungary at the beginning of 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Net FAAC receipt accruing to the State’s Account for July 2016 is N5,226,068,645.78.

“From the figures above it is clear that the net FAAC proceed, which accrued for July 2016 is N5, 226,068,645.78 and not the N18.6billion being peddled. As well, the Local Government Councils

NMA seeks ban on hawking of herbal drugs in A’Ibom Tony Anichebe Uyo

T

he Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) yesterday called on the Akwa Ibom State government to stop the hawking of herbal preparations, which their producers claimed could cure all diseases in the state.

NMA Chairman in the state, Aniekeme Uwah and members of his executive made this call during a media parley at the NMA secretariat in Uyo. The association also advocated for the payment of 15 months salary arrears and CONMESS arrears being owed doctors in the state employ and the payment of skipping arrears

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel (left), being assisted by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Umar Manko,to decorate his Chief Security Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police, Obong, John Okon, with his new rank at the Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,

NABDA to train 500 ex-militants in biotechnology

T

he National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has agreed to train 500 former militants under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

NABDA Director, Mr. Josiah Bitrus Habu, made this known at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja while receiving the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd), in his office.

Boroh, who led the Presidential Amnesty Team, said the primary objective of the office was to reintegrate into the society the 30,000 amnesty beneficia-

ries as agriculture was becoming the fastest and most sustainable means of doing so.

He said his findings revealed that NABDA, which used technology and the principles of science to produce high yields in farming, would be worthy partners of the programme. The amnesty coordinator added that the Amnesty Office was ready to send thousands of amnesty beneficiaries for immediate training by the agency.

The government, he said, was diversifying and refocusing the attention of the country away from oil, especially now when the price of oil was

no longer as attractive as it was before.

Habu told Boroh that NABDA had the capacity to simultaneously train 500 amnesty beneficiaries at its Odi, Bayelsa State Centre, in such areas like high yielding plantain and banana farming or plantation and high variety grass cutter and snail production.

He said the training will be tailored towards ensuring job creation and empowerment, food security at a serene environment.

The NABDA director said the former militants will benefit from the use of technology and the principles of science to

produce high yielding food and products and ensuring good health for the people.

He added that the country with its 180 million people was a ready market for all agricultural products as is the ECOWAS region.

Boroh thanked the agency for agreeing to train the former militants not only in its 500-capacity centre in Odi, but also at its centres in Owode, Ogun State; Isanlu, Kwara State; Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Akoko, Ondo State and Abuja.

He said the Amnesty Office was ready to send the trainees as soon as the agency was ready to receive them.

Rep slams Buhari’s Ogoni clean-up plan Chris Ejim Yenagoa

A

member of the House of Representatives from Ekeremor/Sagbama Constituency, Hon. Fred Agbed, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari over what he described as a ‘photo-trick’ plan to embark on the clean-up of Ogoni land in Rivers State.

Agbedi said a few months after the much publicised ground breaking ceremony was done

by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, no machinery or personnel had been deployed to site in Ogoni land.

The lawmaker, who was a one-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, told newsmen in Yenagoa that the delay by the Federal Government to commence work on the clean-up exercise, was deceitful and a ‘photo trick.’

“The Federal Government said it is embarking on a clean-up of Ogoni

land, Up till now, no equipment and personnel have been deployed for the clean-up. It is a mere ‘photo trick’ to deceive Ogoni people.”

Agbedi blamed the fiscal and economic policies of the Buhari administration for the hardship being faced by Nigerians, “If drastic measures are not taken, it may turn the nation into crisis.”

He also hinted that he and many other lawmakers would soon sponsor a bill for a referendum, in-

sisting that true federalism and resource control will be the main focus as a solution to the socio-economic challenges facing the nation.

According to him, “the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will appear before us and say one of his challenges was that of illegal miners and that the Federal Government was working out a way to organise those that can be encouraged into cooperatives.”

(LGCs) received a gross allocation of N3.332 billion from the Federation Account for the month of July, 2016.

The commissioner said the state government had approved the payment of July salaries and pensions to all employees of the state workforce.

being owed doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by the institution.

They called for the passage of the bill to establish a State Primary Health Care Development Agency by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to enhance immunisation programmes and other healthcare delivery services at the primary health care level.

The doctors frowned at the indiscriminate dumping of Health Care Waste (HCW), because of its negative implications on the people and further appealed for the provision of health care waste management systems and an establishment of health care waste management agency.

Again, ex-militants warn of grave danger if...

Ola James WARRI

F

ormer militants who on Monday gave the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to be enlisted in the amnesty programme or risk severe bombing of government and oil facilities in the South-South, yesterday gave a vivid account of how it would, at the expiration of the ultimatum, carry out its planned attacks.

They warned the Federal Government and the international community not to disregard their threat.

A statement by the exmilitants through their

leader, O. C. Ibori, aka Baba Were 1, said yesterday that “we will turn oil exploration and its pipelines in Nigeria to history.”

The former militants group, who earlier go by the name Former Forest Soldiers (FFS) also said its group had become the most dreaded militants group in the region before the Federal Government brokered a failed amnesty truce and thus changed its name to Forest Soldiers, aka Isaac Boro Last Born.

Ibori further said: “I must reiterate here that we the Niger Delta group in Arepo area are not members of the Avengers and we have no affiliation with them.

Group alleges marginalisation in federal appointments Joe Obende Warri

I

soko people in Delta State have accused the Federal Government of maginalising them in the recent appointments into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Operating under the auspices of Isoko Renaissance Group (IRG), they decried what they

described as their marginalisation by the Federal Government in the recent appointments into the commission.

The group argued that “for the sake of justice and fair play,” an Isoko son or daughter should be the one to occupy the position of Executive Director (Projects) in the current board of the commission that was zoned to the Delta South senatorial district.

News|NORTH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Five killed, two injured as army, villagers clash in Niger Dan Atori MINNA

A

t least, no fewer than five persons have been reportedly killed while two others sustained serious injuries in a clash between some military personnel and villagers in Niger State in the wee hours of Thursday.

The injured were said to be soldiers, while the identities of the deceased were yet to be known as at the time of filling this report.

No fewer than four vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army were either burnt or destroyed during the clash, which occurred in Kpaidna Village in Bosso Local Government Area of the

state at about 1.30am.

Our correspondent gathered that the combined team of soldiers and Nigerian Air Force personnel were in the village on official operation when the clash happened.

The military team was reported to have been in the village in search of arms and ammunition, which intelligence report by the team claimed were allegedly hidden in some houses in the community.

According to the reliable source, the villagers were said to have mistakenly took the soldiers for armed Fulani herdsmen, who had come to invade the community, and therefore attacked them, leading to the death of the five villagers and injury of two military personnel.

Kano, EU partner on N700m water, sanitation project Muhammad Kabir KANO

F

ollowing the agreement between Kano State Government and the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme and Europeans Union Water Programme, the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has restated the state government’s commitment towards the release of its counterpart funds for the programme.

Under the programme, the Supervising Officer of WSSSRP, Muhammad Kaka, pointed out that the state will pay N343 million as counterpart funds, while it will receive N700 million for the water sanitation and supply project that will cover the entire Kano state.

Muhammad told journalists in Kano, the state capital, that they were

still awaiting the state government to release its counterpart fund for the programme to commence in earnest so that the citizenry would have access to portable drinking water.

According to him, already about seven states such as Jigawa, Yobe, Cross River, Anambra and Osun States had benefitted from the water supply and sanitation programme.

But, he, however, expressed confidence that the Ganduje’s administration would soon release its counterpart funds without further delay.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Water Supply, Mr. Usman Sule Ririwai, an engineer, assured that the government would have released the counterpart fund, but for some little hitches with the banks, which would soon be addressed.

Power outage: Niger insists on 10% derivation Dan Atori MINNA

T

he Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has disclosed that the state was committed to 10 per cent derivation allocation in power generation from the three hydro-electricity generating dams in the state, saying this is in addition to its normal allocation.

He stated this yesterday, while addressing some protesting artisans and youths who stormed the Governor’s Office to express their displeasure over the continuous

blackout in the state in the last five months.

The governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, said that the state government was not folding its arms over the deplorable situation of power supply, adding that the state government had embarked on moves to resolving the lingering outage.

While sympathising with the people over the outage, the governor admitted that the development had affected domestic activities, small and medium scale businesses in the state.

43

Kogi: Appeal Court upholds Bello’s election Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

T

he Court of Appeal, Abuja Division yesterday upheld the election of Governor Yahaya Bello as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.

Bello had contested the state’s governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court, however, in two separate judgements threw out the appeal filed

by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu, who died while the election results were still being collated, and the can-

didate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) who is also the former governor of the state, Idris Wada for lacking in merit.

Delivering judgement in Yahaya’s appeal, Justice Jummai Hanatu-Sankey held that Yahaya Bello was properly nominated by his party, the All Progressive Congress in compliance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2010, until the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, who was the initial candidate of the party at the poll.

The appellate court held that the issues raised

by Faleke in his petition, challenging the nomination of Yahaya Bello as successor to the late Prince Abubakar Audu during the

£83.04m

The total aggregate payments received by Everton for the English 2015/2016 season.

Source: Goal.com

supplementary election of December 6, 2015 was an internal affair of the party which was exercised by the party in the substitution.

The court further held that the petition of Faleke was fallacious and ought not to have been entertained in court in the first instance because of the failure of Faleke to join the APC as a defendant in the matter having been the party that carried out the substitution complained against by Faleke.

Justice Sankey also held that the failure of Faleke to join APC in his petition was fatal to his case and that the case could not stand in the face of the law in the absence of the All Progressive Congress, which carried out

60%

The estimated percentage of the antiretroviral therapy coverage (range) of Latin America in December 2009.

Source: Who.int

the substitution.

It also held that Faleke, who was nominated as running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu after the primary election of APC for candidate’s nomination had been concluded could not turn around to claim to be the candidate of the party or deemed to have been elected as Kogi State Governor since he did not participate in the primaries as required by law.

The court further held that the claim of Faleke that the people of Kogi State voted for late Audu and himself had no place in law because Section 122 of the Constitution had made it clear that it was the political party that can canvas for votes and be voted for.

52,700

The total population of men of Grenada in 2011.

Source: Un.org

A dentist from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps attending to an Internally Displaced Person (Idp) during an outreach at the IDPs Camp in Dikwa, Borno…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

IG takes over investigation of Nasarawa killings Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

T

he Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has taken over an investigation into the alleged shooting of two civil servants in Nasarawa State. The two civil servants were among hundreds of workers at the Government House gate awaiting the outcome of ne-

gotiation between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and the state government over salary cut.

The state Police Commissioner (CP), Abubakar Sadiq Bello, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, said that the Force CID had taken over investigation into

Fallen journalist’s children get lifeline

G

over nor Kashim Shettima yesterday paid condolence visit on the family of Borno State Correspondent of Nigerian Pilot newspaper, Mr. Ben Aidokanya, who died on Tuesday after a protracted illness.

This was as the governor donated N1 million to the widow of the deceased journalist, Mrs. Mary Aidokanya, saying

the money should be exclusively spent to support the education of three children left behind by the journalist.

The governor, however, ordered the release of a government ambulance to convey the body of the late journalist to Effeye Ipole village of Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State for funeral rites as decided by his family.

the matter.

According to the CP, no fewer than eight people had been arrested in connection with the Friday’s incident.

He said among those arrested were security personnel on duty at the Government House gate, adding that the police had already put machinery in motion to find out those, who were responsible for the shooting during the incident.

“I had the gunshots outside the Government House at the gate and when I got there I tried to find out from the policemen on duty at the gate about what happened and they gave me their own version of the story,” Bello explained, saying “one thing is very important; there was shooting, but we could not say exactly what and how it happened.”

Group seeks probe of Benue SUBEB’s contract scam Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

A

group in Benue State under the aegis of “Democracy Watchers,” yesterday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and

Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to beam their searchlights into the alleged N7 billion contract scandal rocking the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The alleged money was said to have meant for the construction and renovation of over 700 primary schools across the state.

44

WORLD \ NEWS

NEWS

FG: New Boko Haram commander, a propaganda

T

he Federal Government has described as cheap propaganda, the report that ISIS has appointed a new leader for Boko Haram. The government said it was too late to employ such tactics to revive the defeated Nigerian terrorist organization. ''By the way, don't

believe the cheap propaganda by the global terrorist group ISIS, which has reportedly named a new leader for Boko Haram. Our gallant military has put Boko Haram on the run and nothing will bring back the terrorists, not even the wishful thinking by ISIS,'' the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, said in his remarks at the ongoing All Nigerian Conference of Editors (ANEC) 2016 in Port Harcourt yesterday.

According to reports, ISIS, to which Boko Haram is allegedly affiliated, has named Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as the new leader of Boko Haram.

YABATECH workers begin strike Mojeed Alabi

W

orkers at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State, under the aegis of the Joint Forum of YABATECH Staff Unions, yesterday declared indefinite strike over what they described as illegal deductions in their salaries and nonpayment of allowances.

The forum, which

comprises the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), took the decision at a joint congress at the polytechnic’s sports centre, where more than 100 members took part.

That was even as the ASUP members at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede,

Osun State, yesterday disagreed on the implementation of CONTISS 15 salary scale, leading to chaos at the congress held on the campus.

Addressing the congress, the ASUP Chairman, Mr. Adeyemi Aromolaran, said all the allowances accruing to the staff had been removed when they were paid July salary on Wednesday, August 3.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Burkini-only event at French Water Park sparks outrage

A

waterpark in France is to be booked out for one day to Muslim women wanting to wear "burkinis" - but the decision has led to criticism by politicians on the right. A community group in Marseille arranged the day, giving access only to women wearing the all-over swimming garment.

The group was set up to "encourage women to join in with the community". Some leading political figures said the move was contrary to France's legally enshrined secular

values.

"Accepting this socalled fashion means we accept communalism in our country," said Valerie Boyer, a mayor of two Marseille districts from the centre-right group Les Republicains group, led by ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy. "However, it's also a question of the woman's dignity, a question of our most fundamental principles."

A note by the event organisers, Smile 13, said that women attending "must be covered from the chest to the knees".

France was the first

The Islamic full-length swimming suit known as burkini on display in a Dubai department store.

Protest: UNILAG rusticates 17 students Mojeed Alabi

A

bout 17 students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, have been rusticated for between two and four semesters over their alleged participation in the massive protest staged in April against what they described as poor welfare condition on the campus.

The affected students’ union leaders include the President, Muhammed Olaniyan; Speaker of the Students’ Representatives Council, Adeyanju Adenipekun; General Secretary, Emmanuel Afolabi and the Public Relations Officer, Jumai Fabuyi, among others.

Both Olaniyan, a 400-level student of the Department of Accounting, and the Financial Secretary

of the students’ union, Ojo Oluwatobi, were the only two suspended for four semesters while others received two semesters suspension.

Others suspended for two semesters include Fabuyi, a 500-level student of the Faculty of Law; Afolabi, (300-level English) and the students’ representatives council’s Chief Whip, Akinnubi Damilola Pedro.

Agents to shut down ports over 43% hike in Customs duty Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has resolved to shut down the nation’s ports over a 43 per cent hike in customs import duty.

It was learnt that importers who have opened form ‘M’, when the exchange

rate was N197 per dollar are being forced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear their cargo at the current exchange rate of N313 per dollar.

The service is using the new monetary policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to calculate its import duties at the airports, seaports and borders.

This is the second time

in less than one month the service would increase the exchange rate.

The first one was when it was N282 per dollar before it was raised to N313 per dollar.

Miffed by the sudden increase, the President of the association, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said yesterday in Lagos that it would no longer be business as usual.

Lions Club plans grand centennial celebration Lanre Odukoya

T

he Lions Club is planning a series of events to mark its 100 years in existence.

Leaders of the Lions Club District 404-B2, Nigeria, who paid a courtesy visit to the New Telegraph in Lagos said there was need to foster a symbiotic relationship with the reputable media outfit.

The group of Lions led

by Lion Taiwo Adewunmi, District Governor-Elect 2016-2017, brought to the company some of Lions Club’s greatest achievements since its 99 years of service to humanity.

According to Adewunmi, “We’ll be celebrating

our centennial year, 100 years of service to humanity and because of this, we set a target on 100 million lives that we would be touched between 2014 and 2018, when we began our campaign. “We’re going to touch four different areas namely; the youth, the vision, feeding the hungry and the last is the environment- protecting our planet.”

He said by June, the Lions Club has been able to touch an estimated 93 million lives and has had to increase the target from 100 million to 200 million.

In Nigeria, by August 8, the club will be celebrating world day of service for youth and this is celebrated

in over 200 countries where the club exists.

In October, it would be having a worldwide week of service for sight where over 20,000 Nigerians would benefit from free eye surgery.

And in December 2016/ January 2017, the club plans to feed the hungry and in April would be its month for the protection of the planet which is why the district has planned to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees. The Lions were received by a group of management team led by Yemi Ajayi, Managing Editor (Business and Strategy) on behalf of Funke Egbemode, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief.

European country to ban the full-face Islamic veil in public places, but it is legal to wear Islamic dress. France has about five million Muslims, the largest Muslim minority in Western Europe, but it is thought only about 2,000 women wear full veils. Islamic headscarves were also banned in French schools in 2004.

Boys under the age of 10, but no men, will also be allowed to attend the burkini day, which will take place at the Speedwater Park near Marseille on 17 September.

Brazil Senate committee clears way for Rousseff's removal

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Senate impeachment committee voted yesterday to put suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on trial in the full chamber for breaking budget laws, opening the way for her to be removed from office.

The 21-member committee voted 14-5 to try Rousseff for allegedly doctoring government accounts to allow more public spending in the run-up to her 2014 reelection. Her impeachment would mark the end of 13 years of rule by

the left-of-center Workers Party. Along with a string of corruption scandals, it has already set off Brazil's worst political crisis in decades as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in the midst of a severe recession.

The political uncertainty has kept most foreign leaders away from the Games, which open tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. The Senate will vote next Tuesday whether to accept the charges against Rousseff and begin the trial that should

reach a verdict at the end of the month. "The committee vote confirms not only that Rousseff knowingly broke fiscal laws, but also that she was a dishonest administrator," committee member, Senator Ricardo Ferraço, told reporters.

Surveys by Brazilian media indicate that more than two-thirds of the senators favor removing the leftist leader, which would confirm interim President Michel Temer in her place for the remainder of her term through 2018.

South Africa: ANC set for worst electoral test

S

outh Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) party looks to be facing its biggest electoral setback since the end of apartheid with most votes now counted in local elections.

The party is trailing its main rival, the Democratic Alliance, in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Pretoria. The ANC is in the lead nationally and many results have yet to come in. Unemployment and corruption scandals surrounding President Jacob Zuma have tarnished the ANC's image. "We

have shown some incredible growth," Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane told 702 radio. "We call this the change election because we felt that it was a referendum on Jacob Zuma as a national figure, but we also had a referendum about the future of South Africa."

Final results are expected on Friday.

The municipal election result is probably the biggest wake-up call the governing African National Congress has received since it ushered in democracy in South Africa in 1994. Clearly the ANC still

commands huge support across the country but that support is waning.

It can no longer take it for granted that the black majority will blindly follow it. Its power and influence is in decline. In-fighting, public squabbles and a host of corruption scandals have been slowly eating away at the reputation of a once glorious movement of the people.

The best example is in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality where the ANC is lagging behind in a city which has a rich history of anti-apartheid struggle.

45

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport

That Rugby returned as an Olympic Sport at the ongoing Rio Games after 92 years of absence. The last time Rugby featured was 1924 in Paris, France.

A

Musa ready to wreck Manchester United

International ‘Dalung must go now!’

46 47

OLYMPICS SHAME!

Charles Ogundiya former Sports Minister, Bala Kaoje, has blamed the current one, Solomon Dalung, for the crisis faced by the national U-23 team as the squad was stranded in Atlanta for close to a week. The team eventually left Atlanta about 11 hours to their opening match against Japan.

The team had travelled to the US five weeks ago for the final leg of the preparation for the ongoing Olympic Games in Brazil, and were scheduled to leave their base since last week Friday but only departed on Thursday.

While expressing his disappointment man exclusive interview with New Telegraph, Kaoje said the minister’s lack of knowledge affected the team and sports generally in the country.

“In as much as I will not want to put all the blames on the minister, it is pertinent to note that the buck stops on his table,” he said.

“The major problem with Dalung is that he is not ready to listen to advice and lacks experience in managing sports. He doesn’t consult those before him, which has put the country in this mess.

“As a minister, when you find yourself in this type of situation, you look for funds anyhow. When I was there, I sometimes went as far as borrowing money from banks, friends and associates to salvage the situation and paid back when I got it back from the government.

“As a minister, I have to find solutions, I can’t just go out there and start crying, I must find solution so that I don’t fail and that makes a lot of difference.”

He however advised Dalung to

Sport News

Did you know?

Kaoje: Blame Dalung for U-23 woes How Nigerians in US rallied round Siasia boys The late efforts to rescue stranded team

seek people’s opinion especially those that have managed sports before in the country.

The Siasia-led team were originally scheduled to depart

from their US training camp on July 29 before it was rescheduled for Monday, August 1 and later pushed to Tuesday, August 2 but the team re-

mained in Atlanta even after then due to the failure of the authorities to make available the funds needed to pay for their transit to Brazil.

U-23 team arriving in Brazil at exactly 2.19pm (7.19pm Nigerian time)...yesterday

Dalung

On Wednesday, the sports ministry arranged a flight for the team but it was not large enough to accommodate all the players and staff so that arrangement was shelved.

A reliable source revealed to New Telegraph that it took the intervention of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for the team to finally travel aboard a chartered Delta airline with medical team positioned to take care of the players to avoid jetlag and other discomfort during the sevenhour journey.

It was further learnt that the team had been living like orphans in Atlanta as some well-meaning Nigerians in the US provided the team with foods.

A source who craved anonymity said: “When the team arrived the US, the coach, Siasia, took the players and other officials to pay courtesy visit to some prominent Nigerians living in Atlanta, including the Mayor, and it was these people that have been bringing foods to the team’s hotel on a daily basis.

“It was so bad that they could not even afford money to feed. The U-23 team landed in Manaus Thursday afternoon exactly by 2.19pm (7.19pm Nigeria time) and they plays Japan by 9pm which was 2am Nigerian time.

Protests mar Olympics torch arrival in Rio

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

…as opening ceremony takes centre stage

C

haotic scenes marred the arrival of the Olympic torch in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday just as the opening ceremony of the event takes place later today at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.

Hundreds of demonstrators angry at the high cost of hosting the Games protested and riot police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

Brazil is in the grip of a deep recession and political crisis, and further protests are expect-

ed ahead of the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday.

Organisers say more than a million tickets remain unsold.

Images on news websites showed at least one policeman appearing to fire a projectile directly at a protester.

The Olympic torch arrived in Rio de Janeiro by boat after a threemonth tour of Brazilian cities.

The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, carried the torch on its first few laps through the city centre.

But images taken later showed crowds of people including many families with children who had

Brazilian police arresting a protester during demonstrations

come out to watch the torch relay running away in fear from the police action.

The police told local media that a group of people refused to leave one lane of the road open for the torch as had been agreed earlier and blocked the street in one place.

The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Brazil says that this is exactly what Olympic organisers feared might happen after what has been a relatively peaceful and sometimes spectacular torch relay.

On Tuesday at least three protesters were arrested by the police in the town of Niteroi, across the bay from Rio during the torch relay there.

The police used pepper spray and part of the relay had to be abandoned.

46

SPORT NEWS INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

1-3 ant he ree was ods

dedy nst cki ael on, nis

NEW TELEGRAPH INTERNATIONAL SPORT 47 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016

Musa ready to wreck ManchesterOlympics United Olympics Relishes brace against Barcelona

Djokovic L getsCDel Potro ge clash

er-

47

Djokovic gets Del Potro revenge clash

China send Emmanuel Tobi police toeicester Rio over City record signsafety concerns ing, Ahmed Musa, has

mie Vardy on the stroke of half time said, “We lost the game but we played very well.

“We played very well and had warned United many opportunities to equalize hina has sent aManchester poto to expect more goals from in the second half but we lost. I liceman the Rio him when bothproteams battle in Dalung thought we had a good game,” Musa Olympics to help (left) and Buhari Dalung (left) and Buhari the Shield on Sunday told Leicester City Television. tect itsCommunity sports delegawhich serves as and the opener for the “The goals are a signal of more tion, journalists English Premier League season. good times and goals to come. I will traveling spectators, scored in the 47th and 67th continue to work hard to get as many after Musa a Chinese hurDel Potro minutes during Leicester City’s 4-2 goals as I can for the team starting with dler said he had been loss to FC Barcelona at the Inter- our next game against Man United. robbed. nationalpoliceman Champions in Stock-EMMANUEL “We haveTOBI to continue working hard ewCup Telegraph’s The ew Telegraph’s EMMANUEL TOBI holmShao on Wednesday night thesection to achieve what we know we can. In spoke to aas cross of Nigerian named Weimin, spoke to a cross section of Nigerian team intensifies preparations for the second half, we were very strong. fans who expressed disappointwhose official sports title sports fans who expressed disappointstart of the 2016/17 season.

We could have equalized in the second ment in the incompetence of the Sports is the temporary police ment in the incompetence of the Sports The forward, who replaced halfin but then, that’s football.”

Minister, SolomonJaDalung, the embarcommunication offiMinister, Solomon Dalung, in the embarrassing cer, arrived in Rio two travelling saga that trailed the rassing travelling saga that trailed the country’s athletes to the ongoing Rio months ago to prepare country’s athletes to the ongoing Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Musa (right) for his role, the Beijing Olympics in Brazil.

News reported.

Soumou Flavien nior Menas clash in the first qualitimeSerge for Dalung to go “My r. main job isIt’s to It’s time for Dalung to go fying round for the 2017 Africa U17 fromcommuniCongo Brazzaville Djokovic will strengthen CupMinister. of Nations starting from 4pm, be the referee for t’sSaturday’s a shame onAfrithe Sports The cation with Rio police t’s a shame on the Sports Minister. The withactivities the return leg in Niamey in a U17we Cup of better Nations qualifying whole handling of sport and whole handling of sport activities and so ca that can matchthe between and new champion is exCrystalits FC defeated event patrons, Clementiof Argentina. itsNigeria ministry is aNiger disaster.fortnight.

How can athment which gets underprotect safety of orldthenumber of Argentina. ministry is a disaster.

How can the athNigerien contingent 2015seed finalist, Rozie Republic at theletes National Stadium, pected to emerge at na Doregos (Mrs), Segun Japanese fourth seed give 100 percent withThe such attitude Chinese sports deleone Novak waylanded on Saturday.

Japanese fourth letes giveFC 100topercent with such attitude Abuja. at theIt’s Nnamdi Internathis year’s Abesan Cup get to the final Gold- treated Akinwande, Victor Kei Nishikori starts journalthey are being treated with. time forAzikiwe Djokovic was Kei Nishikori starts theywhile are being with. It’s time Udfor gates, tourists, The Serb has a 11-3 Towell assist Serge tional handed Airport, Abuja Wednesscheduled forAlbert August Ramos en Boys out to Ijegun uakhai and Prince Femi Dalung to compatrigo. against Albert Ramos of a on Dalung go. record against thefinal giant ists as as all Chi-are against of edged otscitizens Bantabain Sabhas Gislain (first day night,first and trained Thursday although 6 atthe the Keda Field, Abesan United in the Omo-Odiase semifinal.

Akinyele of Brandvision.

Omo-Odiase Ame Spain. blockbuster round onArgentine Ame nese Rio,” Spain.

Triton Franck evening.match on two have not met forEstate, The firstEngineer, match ofCanada Coordinator of the Engineer, Canada Defending women’sDiawa Olympics theassistant), state-run China threeIpaja Lagos.

Defending women’s Audiard (second assistant) and thenumday will see Rozie event, Tayo Adeyemo, Reigning champions Debutants Crystal FCworld champion and world numThursday whenworld he was News Service quoted years Nigeafter Del Potro was champion and Nkounkou Messie Oved ria the FIFA U-17 World of Ijeshatedo will con- Williams and Ijegun United fight- announced plans by the Incompetence must stop ber one Serena Williams sidelined for long periods Incompetence must stop him as saying.Mvoutou drawn tohave facewon Juan Marber one Serena CupPotro on fivewho occasions.

Boys of (reserve referee). ing for the third position organisers to reward the will open against Austrawith year’s a wrist injury.front Golden The report came tin del beat Next will open against AustraIyana 12noon The matchhurdler commissioner is Fred African finals will take place in seed and by 10am before likes of Moruf Ellia’s Daria after Gavrilova. his is what happens when our Boy Chinese lia’sby Daria Gavrilova. him for bronze at London Second de- Ipaja histhe is final what happens when Bello, our Boy with joingame. der Mikeeverything Eweje and Ayo from Madagascar with Cup champion to Australian Open chamScout Ministerin hijack everything the the World 2012. fending Andythe winner ShiCrentsil, Dongpeng toldGhana. state Australian Open chamScout Minister hijack the be staged in India.

Familiar foes Eaglets and the Juing the exclusive listsecond of The three teams forcould supportNigeria Olympics Committee could have pion and media second OlympicsIgbokoyi Committee have thatseed his personal Djokovic, whose best Murray begins against pion and seedtopNigeria teams that have won Kerber the will receive setAs of we jer-all ing youths Angelique computer Kerber starts done. that the NOC performance wasis a Serbia’s Viktor Troicki was stolen on As we all know Angelique starts done. knowNigerian that the NOC is prize money andthe through sports for the competition since Mariana incep- seys, against Mariana of handling arrival Duque in Brazil,saddled post- with the task bronze medal atprepathe Bei- while third seeded Rafael against Duque saddled with task of handling prepation in 1999. medals past four years. bound Marino ofing Colombia in camera rations and logistics Olympic bound Marino of Colombia in courtesy security jingofGames in 2008, is the Nadal, the 2008 champion, rations of andthe logistics of Olympic the first round. teams. All we hear from Mr. Minister were images of the alleged top seed at the tournafaces Federico Delbonis the first round. teams. All we hear from Mr. Minister were uninspiring comments from someone of thief on his verified uninspiring comments from someone of ofnot theclose Club and to show his embers ofhis Ikeja Golf office andClub stature.Trustee We must his office and stature. We must not close social media account. have joined State and loveand formismanagethe club even after his death, ourDelta eyes to incompetence Chinese Olympicour eyes to incompetence and mismanagemillions other Nigerians in a cheque was received by the club Charles Ogundiya he’s of going to Spain thinking about ment of our sports. goers haveofbeen vicment our sports. paying glowing tributes to the late as a voluntary donation towards ountain and Miracles Min- how he can play his role on return to Christopher Olukoju at Rio 2016.” tims of frequent theft Christopher Olukoju hethe 11 Russian box- ofatFire Rio 2016.” development of the club. of Delta state, Ifeanyi keep MFM FC in the elite diClergy , Lagos The twoinformer women boxBrazil,Governor China’s forClergyto , Lagos ers qualified istries for the FC star Themidfielder, two women box- Nigeria A yearly golf tournament isRio also Olorogun Felix Ibru, Ifeanyi,have has vowed to plug into expe- vision and to also justify his inclusion ers clearedeign are Anastasers cleared are the Anastasministry said lastwho was laid Olympics he in hopes to Beliakova grab from(-60kg the NPFL to(-60kg rest Wednesday his home being instituted the torience the image team thatfor will fly Nigeria’s siia Beliakova Bad image for Buhari govt in honour week in on aclass) warning to at beenof cleared compete siia class) in Bad Buhari govtflag tour ofand Spain to lift his club on in Spain ahead of every other gain. great golfer. and Iaroslava Iakushina itstown. citizens abroad to the Games byAll-Star an InternaIaroslava Iakushina from the(-75kg). tour. to the captain the “I veryincompetency great, happy from and hon(-75kg). his grossof incompetency from the take According greater safety pretional Olympicreturn Committee hisfeel gross the to Minister be selected La-Liga club, Areola, “He was a great must stop. Is this what former Nigeria U-20men midfielder The nine men Akin cleared Sports Minister cautions. review panel, theThe InternaThe nine cleared oured Sports mustfor stop.the Is this what lover ofPresident our great Buhari club andwaited for six month to quoted totohave told the tour andBuhari also to represent Nigeria to competegolfer, are aVasily compete areofficial Vasily President tional Boxing was Association waited for six month to anytime time inSport?

Lagos he website of hisEgorov team that upper most once again the has inter national Egorov (-49kg), Misha Al- Ibru givewas us in Dalung has created more has announced.

(-49kg), Misha Al- give us in Sport?on Dalung created more RESULTS must visit the controversies club and when he his appointment. He his thoughts as they embark on the controversies scene because it’shis not easy to be He seoian (-52kg), Vladimir since The AIBA in carried out oian (-52kg), Vladimir since appointment.

Football visitsMen we enjoyishis company . His tour is MFM in the islected from the league 20 teams Nikitin (-56kg), Adlan a bad advertisement and image to the Nikitin of(-56kg), Adlan a bad advertisement and of image to the individual analysis of the the survival Petr Khamukov (right) fatherly advice, his gentle nature Nigeria the Professional Football League and togovernment. make the final 25-man squad, Honduras 3-2 Algeria Abdurashidov (-60kg), Buhari government.

Abdurashidov (-60kg), Buhari 11 athletes, following glory toPhilip God. and above all his love for the game which has just(-64kg), nine I give Imhonikhe Philip Vitaly Dunaytsev (-64kg), Iraq 0-0 Denmark Imhonikhe criteria set by2015/16 the IOC season di- Vitaly Dunaytsev of golf(-69kg), are some of the memories games to conclude.

“The number one thing on my mind Student, Dubai Andrey Zamkovoy Student, Dubai rective of July 24, to assess Andrey Zamkovoy (-69kg), Women Football we will miss most in him.” midfielder with (-75kg), team- going for the LaLiga tour is to put up a Artem Chebotarev (-75kg), their eligibility toThe compete Artemalong Chebotarev Sweden 1 - 0 South AfricaFailure Olorogun Ibru, the captain Olatunbosun made the greatFailure performance andinception then come back Petr Khamukov (-81kg) from inception in the Games,mate, which Sikiru open Petr Khamukov (-81kg) from of the Olympic team has been on Friday. final 25-man NPFL All-StarTishchenko team that home to help MFM FC remain in the Brazil 3 -further, 0 Chinawas one and Evgenyexplains Tishchenko and Evgeny reland’s founding club in represent(-91kg).

Nigeria in this year’s NPFL. This is not say I ammaking not go(-91kg). hatthe is thrown what you fromon making intoget turmoil the eve of An AIBA will statement hat is what youtoget from Canada 2 - 0fathers Australiaof 1968 and remained aa faithful memCarranza tournament in Spain. ingatolawyer put Nigeria first we are lawyer who has after no prior experi-that The late confirmation read: “That Trofeo process is who has nobecause prior experithe Rio Games it emerged The late confirmation Zimbabwe 1 - 6 Germany goingorthere to in represent the country. untilsuch his death.

Ifeanyi his gratitude to ence will enable ber sports ence or record administering sports. will enable sports such a boxerin has failed a doping test. now complete and confir-expressed record administering sports.I USA 0hisNew Before demise, distinthe League Management Company for will do all I can and I hope that God will IZealand blamethe President Buhari who forced as boxing, diving and2 -tenThe fighter in question, whoahas mation Late Felix has been received as boxing, diving and ten- I blame President Buhari who forced a guished Felix peg Ibru was a organising andthe stated that square crown peg ourinto efforts as ahole. team,” he said.

France 4Senator -0 Colombia nis to hold the scheduled square a round hole.

Dalung was Pan- the notinto been officially named, has been from the IOC Review nistour to hold scheduled a round Dalung was draws for their competi- a failureprovisionally from inception. el that the 11 Russian box- draws for their competi- a failure from inception. suspended following Gboyega Adeniran tions.

Gboyega Adeniran the alleged violation, the Irish Amaers are eligible to compete tions.

Student, Student, Akure teur Akure Boxing Association confirmed CAF is informed, no matter the source, he CAF Organising Committee for this afternoon. thatagainst a fraud or acorruption forgery was committed Women’s Football has disqualifiedFight Fight against corruption faulty he Slovenian faulty In accordance with Irish antiEquatorial Guinea from November’s by any means and /or support whatsoOlympic Com- doping rules, the boxer can request ever onehappens or morewhen national team(s), Womenout.

African Cup of Nations in his his istowhat when a fewbut perout. mittee will send havehappens a ‘B’ sample tested will is by what a few pernited States Olympic an investigation will as be opened”. lumni ofbe College Boardman told after being found guilty sons not see themselves saintsuntil while Medal bonuses were a plane-full ofAssociation sports Committee has Cameroon consee themselves saints while allowed toas compete anyNew Telegraph Medal bonuses were of sons the2016 Immaculate Conception that theand major aim ofcluded the convenfraud, using a player who others perceived asiscorrupt thus first introduced byofthe USOC fans to Rio are plans to reward investigation concluded. first introduced by possessed USOC others are perceived as corrupt and thus will hold its annual international was to raise the sum of $500,000 two different passports withOlymcontrastdenied to access funds for the 1994Summer Winter OlymOlympics for legitimate denied legitimate rights to access funds News ofrights the tion controversy broke American Olympians with for the 1994 Winter convention today (Friday) in office Abu- to to rebuild the memschool. bonus payouts for podium ing details. meant for function. pics in Norway . cheering Slovenian meant for their office to function. astheir head coach Zaur Antia and pics in Norway.

In addition, the West Africans ja with $500,000 fund-raising Theteam event will takefinishes. place at NAF Isah Nur The United States isafar athletes at the event USOC pays athThe United States is farare Isah Nur Ismail bers Ismail of his as backroom attended highlight of thePublicist, event.

Conference Centre Suites, Abu- for a gold suspended from theonly next two editions, Publicist, Lagos Lagos draw from the live, only country local media re- the Olympic in Rio’s Barra deandletes $25,000 from the country The Enugu-based school is not only ja and former Super Eagles captain in 2018 and that has medal portedbonuses.

Thursday .

Tijuca neighbourhood. medal, $15,000 for silver that2020. has medal bonuses. known for qualitative but AustinEddie Okocha is oneand of the digni- for bronze.

Mali Canada who lost and 3-2 onAustralia aggregate to Fire Dalung now Dalung now Canada andSlovenian Australia Antia and coaches Bolger fans Fire of education $10,000 taries expected in attandance. producing some of the Equatorial Guinea had lodged a formal both pay $20,000 inpopular their for and John Conlan declined to speak themore chartered plane In the question of team both pay $20,000 in their “The school is well sports, known ineach the participatbestbe sports personalities in the country . protest to CAF over the player in ques- t is high time President Buhari fires the respectivewill currencies t is President Buhari fires the totime media before leaving the venue. headed byhigh respective currencies tion, Camila do Carmo Former Green Eagles stars because ofafterthe tradition of qual-also receives for a gold medal (the Ca- medalMinister ofKenneth andEast bring inthis someIn aSport statement issued Olympic silver ing athlete for aNobre gold medal (theOliviera CaMinister of Sport and bring in someBoardman andbody Ifeanyi Onyedika are ity education and famous footballers in both legs of the match. nadian Dollar and the knows isthat doing.

Our noon, the what IABAhe said they were ist Sara Isakovic, whothat a full medal bonus.who Sofeatured nadian Dollar and the body that knows what he is doing. Our some the top athletes thatmade passed who graduated from there.

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FRIday, AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

47

On Marble

Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then.

Sanctity of Truth

Emeka Obasi Ajunwa’s jumbo and juicy jump

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

—Katherine Hepburn

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016

Toys also lead to Paradise

t was supposed to be a day out with the girls but I could not make it because I woke up feeling very tired after sleeping for eight hours. I checked my sugar level and my blood pressure and everything was fine. Yet I was still feeling like I had two heads and my eyes refused to stay open. So, I had a long hot shower and dived under the duvet again, hoping and praying my friends would have so much fun at the party and forget I was not even there. For where? They came straight from the party to my house, in various stages of disrobing as they trooped into my compound.

Lamy was holding her head tie.

Mofe’s skirt was in a clean-up-Lagos mode because her zipper was undone, Liz was trying to get out of her bodyshaper unsuccessfully. Gbemi was holding her sunglasses but wear­ing flat casual slippers, instead of her six-inch things. I took a look at them and knew it wasn’t going to be a flying visit.

‘Hey girl, what’s up? What are you doing in P.J at 5p.m.? That was Lamy.

‘You are looking so dull and used.

Abi o ti l’oyun? (Are you pregnant?)’

Gbemi is scan­dalously incorrigible.

Why must she always think, like an old woman, that every sick fe­male is pregnant?’

‘I don’t think she’s pregnant. I think she is under-used?’ Liz has all the answers. That one is like those people selling drugs in­side commercial buses; one drug that cures a thousand ailments.

Mofe was on her way from my kitchen, bearing a loaded tray.

‘Who is under-used in this age and time? I hope you girls know it is a sin to deprive yourself. You only live once, you know?’

‘Not all of us are married like you.’

Liz retorted.

Now, why would Liz pretend she is not married because she is and has been for 17 long years?

‘Chaaii, Liz, there is God o. You are mar­ried girl, taken, used and over-used by that handsome husband of yours.’

‘It is also a sin to talk about what you don’t understand. What is the essence of be­ing married if you can count the number of times you make love in a year, ehn? Tunji is so busy. He travels every week and when he’s in town, the business meetings make it look like he’s still out of town…’

‘And then when he gets back home, he simply falls into bed like a log of wood or does a two-minute man thing.’

Mofe com­pleted Liz’s sentence. Why is that?

Mofe’s husband is a politician and has been since 1999. So, how is she in a position to feel good about absentee husbands? She is the one who always complained and once went into de­ pression because of inadequate sex.

This new Mofe is totally new.

‘All right, Mofe, out with it. You were the whining one, the one whose factory was not allowed to function at fully-installed capacity. What is Otunba doing differently especially now that he’s following the president all over the country?’

‘Otunba didn’t change. I did. I found

Adam’s Apple

FUNKE EGBEMODE egbemode3@gmail.com 0805-506-9066 (sms only)

Hmmm...this log of wood, I'll soon log on to my toy

him a deputy.’

‘You did what?’ We all chorused, eight pairs of eyes threatening to pop out of their sockets.

‘Before you go into group cardiac arrest, I am not having an affair. I just got myself a few sex toys in my favourite colours to …’

At that point in time, everybody started talk­ing at the same time. How

PHOTO:www.cloudfront.net

could she? Why did she? It’s a sin. It is not a sin. It is still adultery. How will a husband feel if he catches his wife with a vibrator? Oh and there are quite many varieties to choose from. Mofe insisted it is transforma­tion agenda of the new woman, whatever that means.

Babes, I must confess I heard things I thought I knew. I learnt a lot and it is not just about the beautiful colours

and sexy names of men’s dep­uties. I learnt that more women than you and I know now have closets full of dildos and beads and rabbits. Women are taking care of them­selves because if they don’t, nobody will.

The women in their 20s are afraid of the ram­paging libido of hit-and-run young guys who have no intention of marrying anybody in the next five years. They just dazzle and cuddle for a few months, get her pregnant, do abortion and then move on to the next girl.

With sex toys, her heart is not involved and so cannot be broken. She cannot be knocked up by rubber and so her vote is for the toy.

And there is the Adam and Steve situation. After 20 years of marriage, Adam tends to start seeing Eve as his sister and so she gets treated like Steve, not as a woman. As Adam gets older, his libido slumps while Eve’s need for sex climbs between 40 and 50. Poor Adam begins to pant when he can get it up but many days, his staff of office is on sab­batical. What is madam supposed to do? She gets a couple of rabbits to stand in for daddy.

The sex toy also comes in handy with men who leave their women half way to Paradise for all kinds of reasons. It may be age or health troubles but what is a warm blooded , ablebodied woman supposed to do, walk up the wall?

Absentee husbands and busy blokes like Liz and Mofe’s husbands also need deputies before their wives begin to climb scandalous things.

Sex toys are here, all over the place.

Women are resorting to self-help to the cha­grin of their men and their pastors.

I know born-again folks are casting and binding de­mons of sexual immorality as they read this but what are the alternatives to the demands of the flesh?

Can’t she just make do with the chicken in the absence of the pigeon? If your wife has to choose between her toy and the gateman, what do you advise?

Now, isn’t this more relaxing than another long piece on Supreme Court ruling and who should be the authentic PDP Chairman and whether the National Assembly needs air fresheners?

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: AYODELE OJO.