Friday, july 29, 2016 by Newtelegraphonline

Stakeholders: MTN listing’ll boost stock exchange

lAs telco appoints transaction advisors Chris Ugwu and Kunle Azeez

ollowing MTN Nigeria’s announcement

yesterday that it would list its shares in Nigeria next year, telecoms stakeholders

and capital market operators have said such a plan would increase the health

of the Nigerian stock market. New Telegraph learnt that MTN’s plan to list was in line with the conditions

agreed upon with the Nigeria’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a settlement arrangement

Indonesia executes three nigerians for drug trafficking

during the final resolution of the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on the telecoms network. The telecoms company, in a statement yesterday, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sanctity Of Truth

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Friday, July 29, 2016

I know Nigerians are suffering –Buhari }4

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Vol. 3 No. 891

Court sacks Makarfi, affirms Sheriff as PDP chair }2

Sheriff

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Dogara diverted FG's water project to his farm –Jibrin }4

Our father raped us countless times –Daughters }31

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Turkish govt links 17 Nigerian schools to coup Buhari

Dogara

Amah

Envoy seeks closure of institutions We’ve nothing to do with putsch –Mgt Special Edition

50 years after July 29, 1966 coup It’s painful, but no vengeance –Aguiyi-Ironsi’s son God and friends helped me survive –Ironsi’s widow Ironsi, Fajuyi’s burial site, Idi Ito, remains rustic Adekunle Fajuyi: The brave host Ogundipe: A victim of principle }11, 12, 13, 16-20 & 36

Lack of exercise kills 5m, causes $67.5bn loss annually }7

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FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Turkish govt links 17 Nigerian schools to coup

Kayode Olanrewaju, Yekeen Nurudeen and Mojeed Alabi

he Turkish Government has linked 17 schools in Nigeria to the July 15 failed coup in Turkey. It stated that the owners of the schools allegedly have links with the Gulen Movement believed to be mastermind of the coup. “They are raising funds through the schools and they are using these funds for the illegal activities,” the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil, stated yesterday. Hence, the Turkish Ambassador has called on the

Federal Government to close 17 Turkish schools in Nigeria over alleged link with a terrorist movement involved in the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkey. Some of the schools are Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC), Ahmadu Bello Way by Kashim Ibrahim Way, Wuse 2, Abuja; NTIC Rigachukun, along Kaduna-Zaria Road, Kaduna; NTIC, Hadeja Road bypass by Ring Road, Yankaba, Kano; NTIC, Mamudoo, Potiskum, Yobe; NTIC, Isheri: OGD Drive, LagosIbadan, Expressway, Ogun State; and NTIC, Nursery & Primary School, 4A, Agbaoku St. Off Opepi Road, Ikeja, Lagos; Galaxy Uni-

versity Preparatory Centre; Nigerian Turkish Nile University. The colleges have staff strength of over 1000 academic and non-academic personnel with a total of 4,025 students in which 17 per cent of them are on scholarship. The schools started activities in a rented building with only 14 pioneer students in Abuja in 1998. According to the ambassador, investigations by the Turkish government have linked the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) to the failed coup attempt, which claimed over 300 lives. President Recep Erdogan has ordered the closure of 1,043 private

schools, 1,229 charities, 15 universities and 35 medical institutions after the failed military coup. The Erdogan-led government has detained a nephew of Fethullah Gulen, the United States-based Muslim cleric accused by Ankara of masterminding the failed coup attempt. The ambassador, who made the call when the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Shehu Sani, paid him a courtesy visit, said the Turkish Government had nothing to do with the schools. He said the Turkish government was dissociating itself from any school bearing the country’s name in Nigeria, adding that while

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Division Head, The Global Fund, Mark EldonEdington; Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Enahire, in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Court sacks Makarfi, affirms Sheriff as PDP chair Tunde Oyesina and Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday affirmed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court, however, sets August 15 for hearing of the application seeking to stop the August 17 national convention. The court further nullified the appointment of Senator Ahmed Makarfi as chairman of the National Caretaker Committee. The Makarfi-led committee had fixed August 17 for the party's national convention. Sheriff and eight others, however, approached the court seeking to stop the convention. Ruling on the application, the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, held that the purported convention held in Port Harcourt on May 20, was held in violation of the two court orders of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, which barred the PDP and the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) from holding the convention. The court went further to bar the Makarfi-led caretaker committee from exercising any authority or taking any decision on behalf of the PDP henceforth on account of being an illegal body. Earlier, Justice Abang had ruled on the tussle between two counsels, Olagoke Fakunle (SAN) and Ferdinand Obi (SAN) who had announced their appearance for the PDP. In the ruling, the court held that Makarfi faction, which appointed Obi, has no legal authority to do so. The letter by the Makarfi-led committee appointing Obi for PDP was subsequently declared illegal, unlawful and was set aside by the court on the ground that Makarfi has no law to his side to appoint a lawyer for PDP or carry out any act on behalf of the party. Justice Abang upheld the appointment of Fakunle having been appointed to represent PDP by the Sheriff-led committee. The judge took a swipe at the Makarfi-led group for missing their way to Port Harcourt to obtain a judge-

ment from a division of a Federal High Court, which is a court of coordinate jurisdiction to that of Lagos. Justice Abang held that the judgement of the Port Harcourt division, which recognised Makarfi-led caretaker committee is unlawful, illegal and has no foundation in law to stand. "If Makarfi-led caretaker committee, as an apostle of impunity, kiss their way to Port Harcourt to get judgement, that judgement cannot stand. "The Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court cannot make an order to neutralise the effectiveness and potency of orders of Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. "Though I have powers to nullify the division of the Port Harcourt that recognised Makarfi leadership, but I will not do so because there is no application to that effect before me. I will, however, allow the Court of Appeal to do justice to that," the court held. Justice Abang also held that any decision outside the Sheriff-led committee is illegal, unlawful and is not binding on the party. The court later adjourned all the application

to August 15, to rule on the application for joinder and to also hear the application seeking to stop the PDP convention coming up on August 17. Meanwhile, the PDP has said there was no going back in the August 17 national convention scheduled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The party also described yesterday's judgement by Justice Abang as "questionable," and said it is very strange in the history of Nigeria judiciary. A statement issued by the spokesperson for the Makarfi committee, Prince Dayo Adayeye, noted that what Justice Abang did was to seat on an appeal over the court of competent and coordinate jurisdiction, adding that that was what makes his interlocutory order very strange. "We are equally calling on Nigerians and the international community to compel Nigeria judiciary to address Justice Abang’s excesses before he kills our hard earned democracy. "However, the party is law abiding and therefore, will apply for stay of execution of this order and also Appeal it,” Adeyeye said.

the country had schools in other countries, it had none in Nigeria. “We are requesting the Nigerian government to close down the schools. I have requested officially, both orally and in writing, the closure of these schools. Also, I have sent a letter to Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Minister) and Mr. Abba Kyari (Chief of Staff to the President) about this subject and requested their support for the closure of the schools. “I will also send letters to the Chairmen of Committees on Foreign Affairs in the National Assembly, as well as the Senate Majority Leader over the issue and I am going to enclose some documents in English on how the group members are engaged in the army, police and the judiciary. “In Nigeria, there are 17 schools, which belong to the Gulen Movement, one in Kano, one in Kaduna, one in Abuja, Lagos etc and they are offering scholarships. “We are starting some legal procedures to take the name of Turkish out of the name of the schools. They are not schools of the Turkish Government. “They are misleading the public and allocating scholarships to the children of the high bureaucracy and after they graduate from school, they send the children to Turkey to attend their universities,” he said. The ambassador said the Turkish government had closed down all schools linked to the movement in Turkey. “Turkish government has already closed down all primary, secondary, high schools and universities owned by the group in Turkey. “In our system, it is allowed for the foundation to establish schools if they fulfill some requirements and that is how they established these schools. This is an issue that the Turkish Government has attached so much importance. “Recently, my minister called Mr. Onyeama and briefed him about these schools because they are raising funds through the schools and they are using these funds for their illegal activities. “This is a matter of national security for us in Turkey. I have instructions from my government to follow up this matter and we will be very happy to obtain the support of Nigerian legislators on that

issue,” he said. He promised to engage other relevant government officials on the matter, adding that: “I will take the matter up to the Federal Executive Council (FEC). I have also requested an audience with the Minister of Education. “You may be aware that the government of Turkey started to investigate those responsible for the coup attempt. “It is really clear that the Gulen Movement is behind the coup. There are some testimonies by detained military officials. They are confessing that they are in connection with the Gulen Movement and they have been members of the Gulen Movement for a long time and they have been planning this coup for a long time, nearly five months. “The Government of Turkey has started to take some legal actions against the leader of the movement. He is now based in the United States. His extradition is a legal matter between Turkey and the United States,” he said. On the relations between Nigeria and Turkey, the ambassador said he was optimistic that the trade between the two countries, which declined due to the drop in oil price, would pick up soon. The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Shehu Sani, said Turkey had the legitimate right to be concerned about its security in view of the failed coup attempt. He, however, urged the Turkish government to operate within the ambits of the law in bringing those responsible for the incidence to book. Meanwhile, the management of Nigerian Turkish International Schools, Nigerian Nile Turkish University and Nizamiye Turkish Hospital, under the name First Surat Group of Companies, said they are responsible to the Nigerian government alone. Speaking with New Telegraph in Abuja yesterday, spokesperson for the Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Cemal Yigit, said the schools, hospital and the university owned by the Group are private and non-governmental entities are opened and functional, noting that there's no way they can be shut or closed down by the ambassador. According to him, it CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

£75.81m $20.8m

The total aggregate payments received by Swansea City for the English 2015/2016 season. Source: Goal.com

The total amount of salary/ winnings of Jordan Spieth (Golf) for 2016. Source: Forbes.com

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEWS

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

I know Nigerians are suffering –Buhari

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that he was very much home with the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. The president assured that government was taking deliberate steps to improve the lives of

citizens. Buhari stated this yesterday when he received the Council of Abuja Imams at the presidential villa, Abuja. According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president told the Imams that his government is acutely aware of challenges of life facing

the average citizen. He appealed to Muslim religious leaders to carry the message of hope to the people that things will improve. Buhari also requested religious leaders throughout the country to keep calming the people. “The leadership, at various levels, is trying to solve problems of poverty, unemployment and insecurity

bedevilling the country,” the president said. He said the government chose to give priority to agriculture so as to create jobs for unemployed citizens and give the country food security. Buhari noted that although efforts had begun, there was a bigger plan for the provision of fertilizers, insecticides and land preparations start-

ing next year. He further requested state governments and community leaders across the country to organise the population into cooperative societies, stressing that “extension services, not money will be provided.” The president also addressed the religious leaders on the efforts to improve power supply in

Dogara diverted FG's water project to his farm –Jibrin

...Gombe caucus backs Speaker Philip Nyam Abuja

he last is yet to be heard on the allegations of corruption in the House of Representatives as former chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, yesterday accused Speaker Yakubu Dogara of fraudulently diverting a Federal Government water project to his personal farm in Nasarawa State. Jibrin, on his twitter handle, promised that he will continue furnishing Nigerians with alleged corrupt deals of Dogara and three other principal officers. Twitting severally, the

embattled ex-chairman said: "Good morning fellow Nigerians, every day I will give additional allegation against Mr. Speaker and the three others until the law catches up with them. "Allegation No 21 to Mr. Speaker: Why did you fraudulently divert a Federal Government water project to your farm in Nasarawa and how are you funding the farm?" Although, Jibrin did not give details of the diverted water project, he assured that: "When a new Speaker emerges and the other principal officers replaced, I will write to the presiding officers of both chambers to commence a radical internal reform in the entire National Assem-

bly beyond budget to cover performance assessment, running cost and allowances, investigations etc." According to Jibrin, "If the reform so done on National Assembly is not made public latest by December, I shall take it up and lay before the general public even if I am alone. "The idea is to do a cleanup, flush out corruption and corrupt members so that in 2019, only corrupt-free people who want to serve will come in." He noted that: "I am a product of the establishment, but something in me has never been comfortable. I am so glad that by September 9th, my 40th birthday, everybody would have known where I stand for the rest of my

life; rural agriculture and fight against corruption, especially in the National Assembly. "God Almighty knows I am not perfect, but as I approach 40 years in September, I have always wondered what is it that I can live and die for.” Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives from Gombe State yesterday threw their weight behind the embattled Speaker, alleging that forces outside the House were responsible for the crisis bedevilling the lower chamber. Briefing the media, leader of the Gombe caucus, Hon. Ali Isa J.C described Jibrin's allegations as "campaign of calumny", adding that "some persons, both within and outside the House, are bent on

scuttling this atmosphere of peace engendered by our amiable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara." Isa accused Jibrin of initiating budget padding. His words: "We want to tell the whole world that shortly after Hon. Jibrin was appointed Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, he sent letters to all members of the House of Representatives requesting them to send details of projects they want captured in the Federal Budget for their constituencies and Honourable Members complied with his circular accordingly. "But we are now shocked and surprised that Jibrin is now using these same letters to blackmail the House as guilty of padding the federal budget! What a shame!”

the country with on-going efforts to bring foreign investment from China and some friendly countries that indicated willingness in developing the proposed Mambila and other hydroelectric power projects in the country. He assured that the steps the government was carefully taking on the crisis situation in the Niger Delta would lead to long-term peace and stabilise the oil-rich region. On the war against corruption and the Boko Haram terrorism, the president said his government would remain resolute and relentless. “We have no plan to humiliate or embarrass anyone through these actions. We are merely interested in instituting justice and fairness for all,” the president assured. He reiterated that whoever was caught, as having stolen from the public, will be forced to return the loot to the treasury. “The nation needs the money,” he stated. Earlier, the Chairman of Abuja Council of Imams, Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed Bello Adigun, on behalf of the delegation, commended the efforts of the Buhari administration in the war against corruption and terrorism.

NEWS

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Uduaghan, Wike for editors’ conference in Port Harcourt

ormer Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the 12th edition of the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) holding from August 3 to 7 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The conference, with the theme: “Economic Diversification: Agriculture as Option for a Prosper-

ous Nigeria,” will see the convergence of about 300 Nigerian editors, practising farmers, agribusiness financiers, policy-makers and captains of industry. A statement by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) said Uduaghan was chosen to play the role of special guest of honour because of his place in the nation’s history as the governor who made

agriculture and non-oil resources as alternative to dependency on crude oil receipts a state policy through the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative. The statement also said that Uduaghan deployed the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) scheme to empower farmers in the state from the field through the value chain, leading to the

Kalu Foundation donates funds to school for disabled

issatisfied by the educational status of many disabled persons in Nigeria, Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has donated cash and educational materials for the building of school for the disabled in Nigeria. This is even as the Foundation charges the Federal Government to practice all-inclusive education to give the disabled a sense of belonging. Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, made this known recently, during a launching event tagged 'Fun Night Under Classical Music' organised by The Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation in Abuja. Represented by the Vice Chairman of Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, Chief Sam Nkire, Kalu lament-

ed that Nigerians should be worried over the plight of over seven million disabled Nigerians who are not enrolled in schools. He noted that it is disturbing to read that 95 per cent of the disabled population are from under privileged homes. According to him, "People with disabilities face societal prejudice and intolerance in the community, institutions and even amongst their family circle. He said it is only inclusive and purpose-driven education, which to him means education for a purpose, is the way to go in developing the socioemotional health, academic success and functional skills of people with disabilities. Kalu urged the Federal

Government to do whatever it can to promote quality and inclusive education for the children, especially those who have challenges. Kalu commended the organisers and Founder of The Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation, Dr. Princess Badewa T. Adejugbe-Williams. He complimented their efforts and said the idea of sourcing funds to build school for the disabled is an impressive initiative.

export of home-gown and processed spices among other products. Already, the host governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured the editors of a successful outing. He added that the conference would afford the state the opportunity to showcase its investment opportunities. In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike noted that the conference would be a fitting platform to partner with editors and the media to consolidate development in both the state and the nation at large. Wike noted that the state is hosting several national and international events as a demonstration of the fact that Rivers State is investors’ destination, stressing that the state is peaceful and the people hospitable. “Hosting this year’s conference will also make the

editors witness first-hand, the development projects and programmes of my administration, which has improved the living standard of the people,” he said. The All Nigeria Editors’ Conference is the largest gathering of Nigerian editors. It is a watering hole of ideas that have shaped government policies and programmes over the years. The maiden edition was held in 2004 at Ada, in Osun State and hosted by then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Subsequent editions have been held in different parts of the country. The conference also attracts both local and foreign speakers as well as editors from organisations such as the West African Editors Forum (WAEF), African Editors Forum (TAEF), World Editors Forum (WEF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

This year’s edition has been tailored primarily to focus on agriculture as a counterfoil to the dwindling receipts from crude oil. Speakers include a rich mix of practising farmers, agriculture financiers and policy-makers. The Founder of HoneySuckle PTL Ventures, Mosunmola Cynthia Umoru, will speak on “Agriculture as Panacea for Unemployment,” while Mr. Kola Adeniji of Niji Farms will talk on “Agriculture as a Foreign Exchange Earner.” The Chief Executive of Bank of Agriculture, Prof. Danbala Danju, will explain the “Role of Banks in Agriculture Financing,” while a Kano-based farmer, Muhammad Abubakar, the Managing Director of L&Z Integrated Farms, will experientially explore the topic: “Making the Most of Agriculture Value Chain.”

L-R: Former President of Republic of Malawi, Joyce Banda; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Executive Officer, Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Mrs. Aisha MuhammedOyebode, at the 2016 women's power lunch organised by the foundation in Lagos.…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Envoy seeks closure of schools CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

was laughable to associate political upheavals in Turkey with schools in Nigeria, stressing that Turkish businesses owned by private investors in Nigeria have nothing to do with the recently aborted coup in Turkey. He added that the directive by the ambassador was just a deliberate misinformation. His words: "What can I call it? Definite campaign on Turkish International Schools by Turkish government all over the world and that is what the Turkish Ambassador in Nigeria is doing. “The Nigerian Turkish International Schools, Nizamiye Hospital and Nigerian Turkish Nile University, under First Surat Group of Companies, are private investments here in Nigeria owned by some Turkish investors and their responsibilities are to Nigerian authorities. “They accountable to Nigerian government. This Turkish group of companies, schools, and hospitals have nothing to do with Turkish government. They are non-governmental and non-political entities. The Turkish schools are opened, the hospital is opened and the university is opened and

functional. There's no way they can be closed or shut down. “This is just a deliberate misinformation by the Ambassador of Turkey in Nigeria."

Stakeholders: MTN listing’ll boost stock exchange CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

announced it was ready to take immediate steps to ensure the listing of its shares on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as soon as it is commercially and legally possible. As such, MTN Nigeria said its Board of Directors has established a management task team with the responsibility to guide the company towards listing. The largest telecoms company in the country, however, said currently, it is targeting that the listing takes place during 2017, subject to suitable market conditions, even as it has appointed transactions advisors. It said: “MTN Nigeria is further pleased to announce that it has appointed Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (together with its affiliates,

$180m

The net worth of Bruce Willis in 2016. Source: Fropky.com

The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Advisory London Limited) (collectively “Stanbic”) and Citigroup Global Markets Limited (“Citi”) as its Joint Transaction Advisors and Joint Global Coordinators with Stanbic acting as Lead Issuing House. A full syndicate, including Nigerian receiving agents, Nigerian receiving banks and other advisers would be appointed in due course, as appropriate.” MTN further explained that the proposed listing would be subject to suitable market circumstances and conditions and the appropriate approvals from relevant regulators and other stakeholders. It, however noted, “This press release does not constitute an announcement of an intention to float MTN Nigeria.” It said MTN Nigeria would make further announcements at appropriate intervals on progress in this regard.

Meanwhile, reacting to the telecoms plan in an interview with New Telegraph, President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola, said: “This is, no doubt, a good boost to the nation’s economy. By listing in Nigeria, we are beginning to see great opportunity for the country and for us in the telecoms industry, we consider this a favourable step.” Speaking in the same vein, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said MTN’s move should be an example for other telecoms companies in the country. “No doubt, it is a positive sign for the telecoms industry and capital market,” he said. Managing Director, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, said the listing would revive the equity market. Adonri, who lamented that the country missed

the opportunity of compelling telecoms companies to list on the NSE when the NCC licensed them some 15 years ago, said in attracting major private companies that occupy the commanding heights of the economy to list, the government must, as a matter of necessity, grant them fiscal incentives. He also noted that companies list their securities in stock markets to have access to long-term capital, adding that capital formation was the essence of an efficient stock market. He said: “New issues that facilitate capital formation take place in the primary market. Although, new bond issues have, in recent past, flooded the primary market, new equity issues have virtually disappeared. “New listings are essentially in pursuit of equity capital as against debt finance, which companies can obtain easily from the money market. As a result, the incentive to list afresh

is almost non-existent now. Revival of the equities primary market is a necessity if new listings are to be attracted by the NSE.” He called on the NSE to continue to lobby the Federal Government to push for mandatory listing of major enterprises in the power, metallurgical and telecoms industries. Similarly, Managing Director, Crane Securities Limited, Mr. Mike Eze, described the MTN’s plan as ‘a welcome development’ that will boost marketing activities, following a decimal performance in 2014 that saw the Nigerian stock market emerging as one of the worst performing exchanges. He noted that the nation’s capital market ought to equally be the largest, adding that the only way to achieve that is to ensure that big companies operating in the economy make their shares available for Nigerians to invest in and benefit.

NEWS | national

Wale Elegbede

he national chairmanship hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has demonstrated that it lacked the capacity and experience to lead a united and prosperous Nigeria. Dokpesi, who disclosed this yesterday during his meeting with delegates from Ebonyi State at the party secretariat in Abakaliki, said that APC came to power by accident and has failed to fulfil its campaign promises. "The APC has shown they came to power by accident with no clear plan on how to govern the country. They lack the required capacities and experiences to lead Nigeria," he said. "Those that said they have better ideas than the

APC lacks capacity to lead Nigeria – Dokpesi PDP have left the country in hunger. They have divided the country and failed to deliver on their electoral promises. The cost of kerosene, diesel, tomatoes, garri, rice and others are at alltime high," he had earlier stated at Enugu where he was warmly received and assured of support. The media mogul maintained there was no faction in the PDP, noting that the era of impunity was gone for good in the party. "There is no faction. It is a group of persons living in the past, in the era of impunity. They will not succeed because the will of God and the wishes of the 99.99 percent party faithful will prevail," he said. He told the delegates

that he is ready to rebuild, rebrand and reposition the party, adding that APC has failed Nigerians. "I am soliciting for your support, so that I can serve you. I am a builder and a pioneer in so many areas. So, I am ready with your permission to rebuild our great party for Nigerians. In 2015, our then presidential candidate, former President Goodluck Jonathan, maintained that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. It

€39.6m

The estimated transfer value of Sadio Mane of Southampton in 2016. Source: 101greatgoals.com

is a lesson that democracy can work in Africa. With your support, I will lead a vibrant PDP as opposition and we will present candidates that will win in 2019 so that power can return to the people," he said. The Ebonyi state PDP chairman, Barrister Onyeka Nwebonyi, lauded Dokpesi for presenting himself to serve the party at a critical time. He assured him that the state will not disappoint him because he has the credentials to lead the party. "PDP is facing a critical challenge and we require an experienced, intelligent and God-fearing leader like you. You are qualified to lead the party."

L-R: Acting Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Paul Angya; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Malam Aminu Aliyu-Bisalla; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr Frank Jacob, during the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Interactive Forum with Captains of Industries entitled ‘Stimulating Growth and Development of Non-Oil Economy Through Sustainable PublicPrivate Partnership’ in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Shell Q2 earnings crash 93% over Nigeria’s unrest, others Adeola Yusuf

oyal Dutch Shell yesterday declared that its Current Cost of Supplies (CCS) earning crashed 93% in the second quarter of 2016 on Nigeria’s unrest, crude price rout and others factors. The company, which revealed this in its second quarter unedited report released yesterday, added that the return on average capital employed turned negative on a reported income basis was a negative -1.4% at the end of the second quarter 2016 compared with 6.3% at the end of the second quarter 2015. Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell plc, Ben van Beurden, hosted a live audio webcasts of the second quarter 2016 results on yesterday, where he stated that second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders were $239 million, 93% lower than for the same quarter a year ago. “Second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders exclud-

ing identified items were $1,045 million compared with $3,760 million for the second quarter 2015, a decrease of 72%. Basic CCS earnings per share for the second quarter 2016 decreased by 94% versus the same quarter a year ago. “Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items for the second quarter 2016 decreased by 78% versus the same quarter a year ago. Cash

flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2016 was $2.3 billion, which included negative working capital movements of $2.5 billion, compared with $6.1 billion for the same quarter last year. Capital investment for the second quarter 2016 was $6.3 billion,” he said. Saying that the impact of BG on the second quarter 2016 production was an increase of 768 thou-

Nigeria threatened by rising insecurity, says FG Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Federal Government has expressed concerns over the rising cases of insecurity in the country, occasioned by herdsmen/ farmers clashes, insurrection, terrorism, ethnic nationalism, militancy, and other challenges, saying they have the capacity to wreck the ship of state. That was as the government also reiterated the need for self-censorship in

the reportage of national issues, that can endanger the corporate existence of the country. These positions were articulated yesterday in Abuja, by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin. The top government officials, who spoke at the Defence Correspondents Seminar with the theme, "Constructive Reportage As An Important Ingredi-

sand boe/d, he added: “excluding the impact of divestments, curtailment and underground storage utilisation at NAM in the Netherlands, a Malaysia PSC expiry, PSC price effects, the Woodside accounting change, and security impacts in Nigeria, second quarter 2016 production increased by 30 % compared with the same period last year, or 2% excluding BG.”

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG promises 6,000mw before December Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Federal Government, yesterday, reiterated the promise to increase the power generation to 6, 000 megawatts before the end of the year. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, reiterated the promise while speaking before a delegation of the International Monetary Fund, (IMF). The Minister projected an increase in power supply to 30, 000 megawatts in 2030. Represented by the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Fashola also assured the International delegation of Federal Government’s commitment to addressing infrastructural decay which has for years stood on the way of sustainable growth of the economy. The Minister, speaking on power generation, according to statement from the Director of Press, Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, said, "Government intends

Presidency commends Senate on ambassadorial nominees Chukwu David Abuja

he Presidency, through its Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, yesterday commended the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on what he described as "thorough and intellectual" manner in which the screening exercise for 47 ambassadorial nominees was carried out. This was as the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, charged the nominees to represent the country well in the

FG to prosecute looters of donor funds Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Federal Government has concluded arrangements to prosecute all government officials indicted for misappropriating donor funds in the health sector. Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, disclosed this yesterday when he accompanied Dr. Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi and The Global

to tackle this rot in the power sector through holistic approach as contained in the recently unveiled Road Map to Power, which are time lines and planned series of complimentary activities and deliverables. “We are expecting that at end of the year, our generating capacity will be over 6,000MW by end of 2016, 10,000MW in 2019 and 30,000MW in 2030”. As at yesterday morning, the power generation stood at 2, 751 megawatts. The Minister, stressing the decay in infrastructure, stated that Nigeria with a population of over 160million, Nigeria was seriously challenged with provision of infrastructure due to endemic corruption. He stated that government had taken bold steps to harnessing the solar powered projects by signing off on the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), with 14 companies located in nine states and FCT with the planned incremental, stable and uninterrupted power supply. "This will bring to the national grid 1,150MW of solar energy"' said the Minister.

Fund to a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja. According to the minister, an audit report detailing the names of those who misused and diverted donor funds meant for improving the health sector was already with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The audit, the minister explained, was done between the period of 2010 and 2015.

countries where they would be posted. Enang gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the Ambassadorial nominees on a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, immediately after the conclusion of the screening exercise. The SSA,who described the screening exercise as the most thorough he had witnessed during his time in the National Assembly, also commended the Senator Monsurat Sunmonuled committee for its show of dedication and commitment. He said: "Let me use this opportunity to commend the Senate committee for the way and manner in which the screening exercise was carried out." I must say it is the most thorough and intellectual I've seen in my time here. "Also, the committee has demonstrated by its decision to screen the nominees despite the Senate being on recess that it is committed and dedicated to service of our dear nation," Enang added. Responding, the President of the Senate, advised the nominees to represent the country positively in their respective postings, saying that they have made history by going through the screening exercise.

national | news

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Drug trafficking: Indonesia executes three Nigerians Ndubuisi Ugah and Yekeen Nurudeen

ndonesia this morning executed three Nigerians and its citizen earlier convicted for drug trafficking by firing squad. Deputy Attorney General for General Crimes, Noor Rachmad, told journalists that the convicts were put to death shortly after midnight. Rachmad did not say why 10 other drug convicts, who had been expected to face the firing squad, were not executed, although the island where the convicts were being put to death was hit by a major storm as the executions took place. He said: “The executions were for now conducted on four convicts on death row. This is not a fun job. For us, this is really a sad job because it involves people’s lives. “This was done not in order to take lives but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking.” Six Nigerians alongside 14 prison inmates were initially expected to face the firing squad this weekend for drug trafficking offences. Four Nigerians along-

side four other foreign nationals were also executed for similar offences in April 2015 in Indonesia. The 14 “convicted” inmates comprising four Indonesians and 10 foreign nationals, according to reports, had their death verdicts already ratified and were to be executed at Nusakambangan Prison Island. Meanwhile, the international human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), has renewed its calls on the country to halt execution of drug offenders.

Amnesty International, which staged a peaceful protest at Indonesian Embassy in Abuja yesterday, advised President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to maintain his electoral promises to improve respect for human rights by immediately establishing a moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty, reviewing and commuting existing death sentences and abolishing the punishment from national legislation. Speaking through it’s Country Director, Mak-

mid Kamara, Amnesty International noted that death penalty is always a violation of human rights and can never be condoned under any circumstances. He said that Indonesian government's decision to go ahead with a third round of executions was never the solution to deter crime. An official of Indonesia Embassy, Mr. Indra Noer, received the protest letter from aggrieved Amnesty International protesters, promising to convey the content of the massage to

the authorities concerned while commending the peaceful conduct of the rally. Earlier in a statement issued during the rally, Amnesty International said 15 prisoners could be executed this weekend. The statement noted that Indonesia had a strong record of fighting for the rights of it’s citizens abroad on death row, which was a position that the authorities did not consistently uphold at home, where Presi-

Akeem Nafiu

theft charge. The commission had alleged that Moji Yakubu and her co-defendants had conspired to steal about 10 hectares of land located at Sangotedo, Lagos. However, while the matter was slated for ruling, the EFCC lawyer went before another judge of the same court, Justice Aishat Opensanwo and obtained a forfeiture order to halt an ongoing project by Monan Trading Company on the 10 hectares of land. At yesterday's proceedings, Justice Ipaye informed parties that the ruling was not ready and that the matter would be

adjourned till September. Defendants' lawyer, Mr Yemi Adeshina, however drew the attention of the judge to the forfeiture order allegedly obtained by the EFCC against his client. He told the court that the order amounted to window shopping by the EFCC and should be immediately set aside. When asked by the judge if the allegation by Adeshina was true, the EFCC lawyer, Sonaiki confirmed that he had actually gone before Justice Opesanwo to obtain the temporary forfeiture order.

Sultan seeks more support Judge blasts EFCC lawyer over professional misconduct for anti-graft war A

n EFCC lawyer, Mr. Babatunde Sonaiki, was yesterday chided by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court over what the judge described as 'gross professional misconduct'. The judge expressed her displeasure at the lawyer's conduct at the hearing of a criminal charge filed by the EFCC against a business woman, Mrs Moji Yakubu, her company, Monan Trading Company and nine other persons over alleged N800million land

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has solicited for more international support to the ongoing anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan made the solicitation when he spoke with top United States Officials at the Woodrow Wilson Centre, Washington DC, on Wednesday. This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto yesterday, signed by Kogunan Sokoto, Malam Danladi Bako. ``The Sultan not only endorsed the war against

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the foremost priest of the Enugu Diocese of the Catholic Church Reev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, as he marks 21 years of priesthood and service to God tomorrow. Mbaka, who is also the Director of Adoration Ministry, was one of the few clergy in the country who predicted the

Lack of exercise kills 5m, causes $67.5bn loss annually

hysical inactivity, which is estimated to cause more than five million deaths a year worldwide, has also been found to cost the global economy $67.5 billion a year in healthcare and productivity losses. According to findings published in ‘The Lancet’, which unveiled the yearly losses, an hour a day of exercise could eliminate most of that burden. A sedentary lifestyle is a type of lifestyle with no or irregular physical activity which is commonly found

corruption, but decried the conversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram to personal use by past government official. ``This was done with the connivance of some unscrupulous politicians. Such funds would have enhanced the capacity of the military to fast track the curtailment of insurgency in the north east of Nigeria,'' it stated. According to the statement, the Sultan also urged the international community to support Nigeria with logistics and materials to address humanitarian challenges in the country.

Buhari hails Fr. Mbaka on 21st priestly anniversary

L-R: Chef Stone, Mrs. Fatima Mustapha; Mother of the Dangote Salt Brand Ambassador, Olufemi Ashipa; Head, Marketing, NASCON, presenting car keys to the Brand Ambassador, Zara Mustapha (Chef Zeeliciousss), and her father, Mr. A. M. Mustapha, after the signing ceremony in Abuja.

Appolonia Adeyemi

dent Widodo had claimed that the death penalty was needed to deter drug crime. It said Widodo would be putting his government on the wrong side of history if he proceeded with the fresh round of executions. The organisation warned that some of the prisoners who could face firing squad were convicted through manifestly unfair trials and had not submitted clemency request to the President.

in both the developed and developing world. Sedentary lifestyles are linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, researchers found. However, activity - such as brisk walking - could counter the higher likelihood of early death linked with sitting for eight or more hours a day. According to the researchers, the greatest risk of premature death was for people who sat for long periods of time and did not exercise. Giving details of their findings at a briefing in London, the internation-

al team of researchers warned that there has been too little progress in tackling a "pandemic of physical inactivity". A professor at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences and Cambridge University, Ulf Ekelund, said that the WHO recommendations for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week was probably not enough. A quarter of adults worldwide do not meet even the WHO's recommendations. "You don't need to do sport or go to the gym ... but you do need to do at least one hour a day," he said, giving walking at 5.6

km an hour (km/h) or cycling at 16 km/h as examples of what was needed. “People who sat for eight hours a day but were otherwise active had a lower risk of premature death than people who spent fewer hours sitting but were also less active.” This is a suggestion that exercise is particularly important, no matter how many hours a day are spent sitting. Fox News Health, an

603,700

The total area (in sq. km) of land of Ukraine. Source: Worldfactsandfigures

online news site reported that in another of the series of four studies that researchers estimated healthcare costs and productivity losses for five major diseases linked to lack of exercise - heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer cost $67.5 billion globally in 2013. Melody Ding of the University of Sydney, who led this part of the research, said the costs occur largely in wealthier countries, but as poorer countries develop, so too will the economic burden of chronic diseases linked to inactivity

emergence of President Buhari as Nigeria's next leader prior to the 2015 presidential elections. Buhari, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, facilitated with Mbaka and his family on the occasion of the anniversary celebration. The President extended his best wishes to Fr. Mbaka's family, congregation and well-wishers as they celebrate this special occasion with him in his continued devotion to the well being of others as a father, wise counsellor, teacher and guardian. President Buhari also commended Fr. Mbaka’s steadfast devotion to his vocation and ministry amply demonstrated in his love and service for his people, nation and God. He prayed that God Almighty, who has given the cleric the strength to devote his entire life to service in the Vineyard , will continually bless and prosper his ministry. Mbaka, who is seen as a controversial priest, delivered a new year message in 2015, believed to have led to the ouster of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

FRIDAY, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Police kill three Nasarawa Poly students

The protesting students

Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

t least, three students of the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia have been reportedly shot dead by anti-riot policemen. The incident occurred on Tuesday while the students of the polytechnic were protesting the death of their colleague knocked down by a fast moving car. But the three students were reportedly shot by anti-ratio policemen drafted to disperse the protesters. Meanwhile, authorities of the Nasarawa State Polytechnic have shut down the institution on the orders of the government. The closure, the Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr. Labani Joseph, was to check further violent protest and to prevent further loss of lives and property. Addressing journalists on the campus of the institution, Joseph explained that when the authorities got the news of the death of the student who was killed by a car, they immediately conveyed a meeting to address the students not to take laws into their hands. However, according to him, to their greatest shock, the students embarked on a violent demonstration.

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

He said: “When the situation got out of our control, we informed the education office and they had to send security agents to quell the protest. In the process, some students were shot. “In view of the ongoing situation, we have directed that the school be closed down indefinitely. We have also directed that the security officers should ensure no student is seen around the school community or converge on the campus until further notice.” Witnesses said the students were protesting the death of the final year Accounting student, Winners Pius, who was knocked down by a car about 8:36p.m. on Tuesday. According to one of the witnesses, the driver immediately reported himself at the Police Area Command, adjacent the polytechnic. “Angered by the death of their fellow student, the students blocked the highway, demanding police release the driver who killed their colleague. “In attempt to resist their demand, the police at the Area Command opened fire on the protesting students leading to the dead of three students,” the witness said. According to him, several other students sustain gunshot wounds.

Some of the injured students were rushed to the school clinic while bodies of the victims were taken to Sandaji Mortuary in Lafia, the state capital. A student of Computer Science Department in the polytechnic, Pam Joseph, said the students were enraged over the death of their colleague. He said the students also demanded that the school authorities put speed bumps near the entrance gate of the institution to force speeding drivers to slow down. But, according to Joseph, the institution’s authorities gave reasons the students were not satisfied with. He said: “If they had listened and acted by putting speed bumps not only by the school gate but at least a kilometre before the gate as earlier demanded by the students, this death might not have been recorded but all the are concerned about is school fees.” When contacted on the phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ismaila Numan, said he was on leave. He, however, gave our correspondent a phone number of another police officer who neither picked his calls nor replied to a text message sent to his mobile line.

City Briefs

Fire guts Bola Ige Market Sola Adeyemo

Ibafan

roperty worth millions of naira were yesterday destroyed when fire engulfed three shops at Igbo traders’ section at the Bola Ige International Market, New Gbagi, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. The shops were filled with different types of textile materials like Ankara, lace ma-

Cultists kill retired ASP, son in Benue Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

uspected cult members yesterday murdered a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Daniel Akogwu, and his son, Oche, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The victims, it was learnt, were killed by a cult group which one of his sons allegedly belonged to. The said son is reportedly at large at the moment. The suspected cultists invaded Akogwu’s residence located off David Mark bypass, behind Police Headquarters, at 4a.m. in desperate search for the fleeing son. A neighbour, who simply identified himself as Mr. Adah, told journalists that the cult members laid an ambush for who would first come out of the house to open the entrance door to Akogwu’s apartment.

Don’t free murder suspects, family begs commissioner Mariam Abdullahi

embers of Oshunfunmi family of Ikorodu, Lagos, have raised the alarm over plan to free two suspects arrested in connection with the death of their son, Azeez Oshunfunmi. In a petition written by their lawyer, Ayodele Omoniyi, yesterday, the family said unless the Lagos State Commissioner

for Justice and Attorney General used his good of offices, so the suspects currently in prison custody following the order of a Chief Magistrates’ Court, Tinubu Square, vide charge no B/ 80/ 2016, might be released any time from now following a fictitious advice from his office. The petition reads in part: “We, however, believe that your office shall do justice in the matter by acting justly

and rightly and abiding by the sacred oath that you have taken to uphold and do justice to all manner of person not minding their status in life. “We are only persuaded to drop the idea of carrying placards to the Ministry of Justice or going to the press without first bringing the matter to your attention for appropriate monitoring and supervision to right the wrongs.”

terials, among others. Though no one could ascertain the source of the incident, sympathisers watched helplessly as the property were being razed because the firefighters were not available. Friends and colleagues of the traders made efforts to salvage some of the materials. The fire, however, was later brought under control.

Suspected cultists

He said: “It was when the mother of the boy, a food seller who usually comes out early to prepare for her business, opened the door that she stumbled on to them and started shouting.” Adah explained that the shouting by neighbours attracted Akogwu’s attention, who quickly pulled his machete and ran out to find out why his wife was shouting, only for the cult boys to open fire and to kill him on the spot. Adah said that the killers attempted to set them and their home ablaze before the police, who arrived at the scene, chased them away and evacuated the bodies. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident. Yamu, however, said that no arrest had been made in connection with the incident. He said investigation to unravel the killers was in progress.

METRO

FRIDAY, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Divorce court

‘My husband dates four girls on our street’ A

42-year-old housewife, Mrs. Cecilia Ajayi, yesterday pleaded with an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State to dissolve her 20-year-old marriage to her husband, John Ajayi (46). Cecilia accused Ajayi of being as a womaniser. She said: “My husband is a womaniser; he is dating four girls in our street and brings them into our matrimonial home. “On many occasions, he and his lovers had beaten me up whenever I prevented them from entering our room. “He was not satisfied with his lovers, as he had several times made attempts to rape my younger sister.’’ The petitioner also accused Ajayi, for who she bore three children, of being a consumer of excessive alcohol. She added: “John is a drunk. After drinking to stupor, he will be falling inside gutter, talking in an incoherent manner.” Cecilia also claimed that her husband sent her packing because she was not educated, saying “he can no longer cope with an illiterate”. The wife said that Ajayi refused to leave his family house since they got married in 1996. She said: “On three occasions, I was attacked by John’s family members over inheritance. My husband’s family wanted to kill me; they said that I was the one preventing my husband from sharing his late father’s property. “John always said that he could not relocate from his family house.” The petitioner urged the court to end the marriage, because she was no longer interested in the affair because her life was no longer safe.

Hausa,Yoruba clash: Looters feast on community Camillus Nnaji

oodlums are catching in on the attack at White Sand community, Orile Iganmu area of Lagos, to loot property, cash and other valuables belonging to the residents. Thousands of residents have become homeless and lost property estimated to worth millions of naira to looters following the violent clash between Hausa and Yoruba youths in the community on Monday. Looters invaded the community to take advantage of the fleeing residents to steal their property and goods. When our correspondent visited the community yesterday, there were rubble of shops and other structures destroyed during the clash. Some of the residents, who sneaked into the now deserted community, were afraid while recounting their ordeal. At least, three persons were killed during the clash on Monday, when Yoruba youths in Badia and Iganmu went on a reprisal attack against the Hausa who were accused of causing a breach of the peace in the area. A man identified as Mr. Ojo was said to have been stabbed in the eye by Hausa youths. The reprisal attack, which involved some Customs officers, led to Monday’s violence, when peace talks between Oba of Iganmu

and Seriki Hausa, could not calm the aggrieved youths. Some of the residents called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to step in and restore peace in the area. They also asked government to fish out perpetrators of the violence. A welder, who identified himself simply as Sodipo, said his alternator valued at N150,000 and electrodes worth N50,000 had been stolen. Sodipo also said the attackers torched his shop. Another person, who identified as ‘Chairman,’ said he lost his heavy duty generator valued at N200,000. A mother of three, Mrs. Fatima, who hails from Maiduguri, Borno State, said she and her children had become homeless. Fatima said she was sojourning at her sister’s house. She said: “But how long can that be?” Another resident, Aisha, said her newly bought children’s clothes worth N25,000 had been stolen, while her shop was destroyed. A provision seller, who gave his name as Bala, said his three shops were looted and vandalised, while cash of N200,000 was stolen. He said: “I am confused; everything I worked for has gone. I think the main reason for this attack was to steal our things.” The mosque serving the community was vandalised while N200,000 in the collection box was reportedly The vandalised mosque stolen.

Gunmen storm UNIJOS VC’s house, kill guards

‘My man humiliates me in public’

housewife, Kudirat Shitu, yesterday urged an Oja-Oba Independent Panel Sharia Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve her 11-year-old marriage to her husband, Taofeek Shitu, for alleged molestation and irresponsibility Kudirat told the court that Taofeek usually humiliates her in public as well as not catering for her needs. She said: “My lord, ever since I got married to Taofeek, he had subjected me to varying degrees of molestation or public humiliation. “I am also psychologically and emotionally down because rather than correct my mistakes within our immediate living room, he prefers going outside where people can ridicule and look down on me. “As if that is not enough, Taofeek is in no way alive to his responsibility as a husband because he does not even fend for me and our four children, let alone clothing our nakedness. “For instance, we spent the last Ramadan fast in hunger, including the under-aged children who ordinarily should not fast because there was no food. “Worst still, Taofeek has been preventing people who wanted to render support or monetary assistance to me and the children. “Please my lord, there is no amount of plea from him that will make me change my mind as my family members have already approved of the separation.” Taofeek, 50, denied the allegations of being irresponsible. The respondent added that though it was true that he had in the past cautioned her publicly, Kudirat was a disobedient wife.

Musa Pam Jos

rmed men on Wednesday night invaded the private residence of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof Seddi Sebastian Maimako. Although the VC was not around at the time of the attack, the gunmen shot and killed two persons. The victims were a guard employed by the university, identified as

Owes Jibrin, and an assistant patrol supervisor. The attackers Maimako’s house on Eto Baba Road, Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State about 8:30p.m. But the UNIJOS management, in a statement signed yesterday by the Principal Assistant Registrar Information and Publication, Abdullahi Abdullahi, described as unprovoked attack. Abdullahi said: “Some unknown assailants with unknown motives ar-

rived the personal residence of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, and in the process, opened fire and kill one of the internal security personnel of the University by name Owes Jibrin, while another security officer, an assistant patrol supervisor with the Security Division was also killed.” According to Abdullahi, another security guard on duty at the residence, Mr. Adamu Salihu, a police corporal attached to the Nasarawa Gwom Police Station, was critically injured as a result of the pandemonium. He added that other security guards on duty escaped unhurt and were able to raise the alarm before the assailants fled. According to him, Maimako was away from Jos on an official assignment when the incident occurred. Abdullahi said that no member of Maimako’s immediate family was hurt as a result of the incident. Meantime, according to him, a delegation from UNIJOS led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Teresa Nmadu, has visited the family of the killed security personnel and the injured.

Police closing in on RCCG pastor’s kidnappers –Source Taiwo Jimoh

olice may soon rescue a pastor an Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mr. Olukayode Bajomo, who was abducted on Sunday. A source in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos, told our correspondent yesterday that they were closing in on the kidnappers. “Since they have called the family of the pastor early this week to demand N100 million, they have not called again. But we are close to them

through our intelligence gathering and we are going to get them and free the pastor unhurt,” the source said. The gunmen, who disguised as worshippers, were said to have abducted the pastor inside the church while preparing for the workers’ meeting. Bajomo was kidnapped about 7a.m at his church located at Santos bus stop, Isawo. A day after he was kidnapped, the abductors contacted his wife on the phone and demanded N100 million. Immediately the abductors contacted the pastor’s wife, she and

some members of the church went to the SARS office at Ipakodo to make official report of the incident. She, however, went with the police to the scene of the incident. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolapo Badmos, said they were working on the rescue of the pastor. She said: “We are working assiduously to free the pastor from of his abductors. We also urge the family members not pay any ransom to the kidnappers.”

POLITICS

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ize-Iyamu not my match – Obaseki Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, rated his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, low on isues of governance issues and experience needed to preside the affairs of the state. He blasted Ize-Iyamu for allegedly being part of those who ran the state aground during the PDP reign in the state. Obaseki spoke during his campaign tour to Oredo and Ikpoba Okha council areas of the state. He said: “Somebody who has not worked before cannot govern Edo State. Ize-

Iyamu has no experience to govern the state. For the PDP to present Ize-Iyamu is the greatest insult against the people of Oredo and Edo State generally. And we will not allow it, we will show them that because we allowed them steal the other time, this time around we will jail them. We will not allow them to come back and steal. “This is a man whose only antecedent is being personal assistant and just a politician. He lacks what it takes to lead our people. This time around we have come to work. By the grace of God, we will win come September 10. The minimum votes, we must get in Oredo is 120,000 votes.” Also speaking, deputy governor of the state, Dr. Pius Odubu, noted that the Adams Oshiomhole

administration had laid a solid foundation for the future of the state and therefore urged the people to vote for Obaseki. “We cannot go back to Egypt. There is nothing in the PDP to celebrate.

ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the outgoing governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, is already nervous over the September 10 governorship election in the state. The party noted that Oshiomhole's threat to arrest its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu before the election was borne of desperation to hang on to power at all cost. The Edo State governor had said that he would send evidence of Pastor Ize-Iyamu's corrupt practices to the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But PDP in a statement by the spokesperson of its National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, wondered when it has become the duty of Governor Oshiomhole to dictate for the EFCC. “We have observed in recent times the utterances of the governor of Edo State during the APC's gubernatorial campaigns ahead of the September 10, election in the state and we wish to remind the governor that he should maintain the sanctity of his office as an executive governor of the state instead of directing the EFCC of who to arrest or pros-

ecute,” the statement said. The party asked Oshiomhole if he has become an operative of the anticorruption agency. According to it, Governor Oshiomhole's statement has confirmed the opinion of perceptible Nigerians that the anti-corruption war of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is nothing but a partisan political agenda to intimidate, suppress and silence PDP members. “Governor Adams Oshiomhole is desperate to hang on to power through his imposed stooge, despite the fact that he has lost the trust and confidence of the people of Edo State,” PDP added.

'How Ize-Iyamu hid to evade arrest in 2007' Cajetan Mmuta Benin

do State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, described as laughable, claims by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, that he made him governor in 2007. Oshiomhole stated this while speaking during the campaign flag off of the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki in Oredo and Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Areas of the state. He said: “On April 17, during my election, IzeIyamu was in hiding from

Mojeed Alabi

Students of the school

"Our environment is student-friendly, well equipped learning aids and facilities. We have cocurricular activities like jet club, debating society, music club and so on. It has become a global trend and it has been well embedded in the school programme." Also speaking, the school's Director, Miss Adebimpe Oladunjoye,

defection of some chieftains and members of the PDP led by a former chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Victor Ebomoyi. They defectors were received into the APC by Governor Oshiomhole.

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (left), with the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Zenner, during a visit to Yakubu in Abuja…yesterday.

At Premier Model College, creativity is our watchword –Proprietor he management of Premier Model College located at Agbado Area of Ogun State has revealed that its source of strength and many successes recorded within the short period of existence is in the school's culture of imbibing the spirit of creativity and courage in its pupils. The proprietor of the school, Mr. Adekunle Oladunjoye, explained that the school, established in 2012 with the vision to build accessible, affordable and an institution in service to humanity, has recorded some achievements. He said: "Our pupils are engaged in vocational training alongside the school’s robust curriculum, they are trained to use their hands and also be creative.

vbere; former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie, Director General of the Obaseki campaign organisation, Osarodion Ogie. The rally witnessed the

Edo DECIDES

Oshiomhole nervous of poll – PDP Onyekachi Eze

APC has done well for our people and we all must reward APC by voting Obaseki,” he said. Other speakers at the rally were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihon-

added that it is part of the school's tradition to take the kids on excursion "because we know that it contributes to learning beyond the classroom." "As spelt out in our vision, this school in the efforts to mould students character towards conquering the challenges of life, is in the habit of training the pupils to know that humility, dili-

gence and hard work are key to achieving success. "Premier Model College since inception has taken part in various competitions like debates, spelling bee, current affairs amongst others and we have excelled. For instance, we recently took part in the children's edition of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' and we did well," she added.

EFCC, he did not vote. How can somebody who did not vote claim that he made me governor? There is no village in Nigeria that I will spend five minutes that people will not come out and say this is Comrade. “We have worked for our country, we have made our name, we are

not tied to anybody’s trousers, we worked and fought poverty as well as worked for the people.” On the alleged plot by the ruling APC to rig the forthcoming poll, Oshiomhole said from the history of the state, it was the PDP that has the tradition of election rigging and not the APC.

PDP clears Anenih of alleged anti-party activities Felix Nwaneri

he National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared the former chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, of allegations of anti-party activities leveled against him during the 2015 elections. The then National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had accused Anenih of anti-party activities in Imo State during the last presidential and state elections and in a letter dated May 19, 2015, signed by then PDP National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, requested him to appear before it, a summon which he shunned before he voluntarily relinquished the BoT chairmanship position. But, the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, in a letter dated July 22, and addressed to Anenih, informed him of the party’s withdrawal of the summon notice. The letter, signed by the Secretary to the committee, Senator Ben Obi, read in part: “With a view, to finally clearing all issues relating to this matter and

based on your request to meet with the current Caretaker Committee, and the agreed meeting which took place on July 13, 2016, the Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, wishes to thank you for appearing before it to finally clear all issues relating to this matter. “Having heard from you, and made some consultations, the Caretaker Committee has reviewed the whole episode and decided to withdraw the said letter from and by the defunct National Working Committee.” Anenih, who commended the PDP National Caretaker Committee for its steps to correct the injustice meted to me by the immediate past NWC, said it was “a consequence of this blatant unfairness and other similarly disappointing developments following the loss of our party in the presidential election, that I was compelled to resign from office by the leadership of the party.” He also commended the committee for giving him the opportunity to explain himself with respect to the issue as well as the process it has embarked upon to reposition the party.

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Special Report

Ironsi

Gowon

July 29: A significant date in Nigeria’s history

July 29 is an unforgettable date in Nigeria’s history. It was a date the country witnessed the overthrow of two military regimes – the first in 1966 and the second in 1975. FELIX NWANERI reports

t is reflection time today as Nigeria marks the 50th anniversary of the July 29, 1966 coup that toppled the regime of the late Maj. Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe AguiyiIronsi, and 42nd anniversary of the overthrow of his successor, General Yakubu Gowon, on July 29, 1975. The 1966 military putsch, which was dubbed counter-coup to Nigeria’s first coup of January 15, 1966, claimed the lives of Ironsi and the then military Governor of Western Region, the late Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, among several others. Ironsi was only six months in power. Conversely, the one that deposed Gowon after being in power for nine years was bloodless. Ironsi seized power in the ensuing chaos following the January coup and was in Ibadan as part of his reconciliation tour after the first coup, which saw the killing of mostly prominent Northern politicians and army officers, when he and Fajuyi

were arrested and murdered by a group of mutinous soldiers of Northern extraction. Both Ironsi and Fajuyi fought in the United Nations operations in the Congo. Ironsi was the target of the coup plotters, but Fajuyi died protecting him. There are several accounts of the July 1966 coup, but there is no doubt that it was staged to vent anger in the aftermath of the January 15 coup. Three officers formed the innermost circle of the plot. They were Lt. Col. Murtala Muhammed (Inspector of Signals), Captain Theophilus Danjuma (General Staff Officer II, SHQ) and Captain Martin Adamu (2nd Battalion, Ikeja). The coup leader was Lt. Col. Muhammed. Before then, some young Northern military officers had seized the opportunity of the Platoon Commanders Course at the Nigeria Military Training College (NMTC) to come together to share ideas and vent their frustration over the first coup. These officers included Lts. Abdul-

lahi Shelleng, Muhammadu Jega, Sani Abacha, and Bukar Dimka. They were said to have held secret meetings and even wrote a letter of protest to the Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, openly stating that if senior Northern officers did not take action within a certain time frame, they would, and that senior Northern officers would have themselves to blame for the catastrophe. Active planning for the coup began after the promulgation of the Unification Decree on May 24, 1966. This was after the Supreme Military Council (SMC) had ratified it. The provisions involved the abolition of the regions and their conversion into groups of provinces, although with the same boundaries, governors and administrations. As a result, Nigeria would cease to be a federation but would become the Republic of Nigeria. The decree was apparently because Ironsi inherited a Nigeria, deeply fractured by its ethnic and religious cleavages. The fact that only one of the high-profile

victims of the January 1966 coup was of Igbo extraction, led the northern part of the country to believe that it was an Igbo conspiracy. Though Ironsi tried to dispel this notion by courting the aggrieved ethnic groups through political appointments and patronage, his failure to punish the coup plotters and the promulgation of the unification decree, which abrogated the country's federal structure in exchange for a unitary one - crystallized this conspiracy theory. The climax of the suspicion was July 29, 1966. While at the Government House, Ibadan, as part of a nationwide tour, his host, Fajuyi, alerted him to a possible mutiny within the army. Ironsi desperately tried to contact his Army Chief of Staff, Gowon, but he was unreachable. In the early hours of the morning, the Government House, Ibadan, was surrounded by soldiers led by Danjuma. Danjuma arrested Ironsi and questioned him about his alleged complicity in the January coup, which saw the demise of the Sardauna of Sokoto and Ahmadu Bello. He was later killed alongside Fajuyi in a forest outside of Ibadan. The coup plotters named Gowon, then a lieutenant colonel and who apparently CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

12 Special Report

Ogundipe: A victim of principle

rigadier Babafemi Olatunde Ogundipe, Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and Ironsi’s Second in Command(2ic) died a sad man, five years after he survived the coup. Till date, many still blame him for not taking over when the Head of State was assassinated. Looking back now, it would be unfair to blame the Ijebu man for running away from Nigeria and allowing Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, his junior to assume leadership. He had just one choice: to die in the hands of the Northern coup plotters. Not wanting to be a dead hero, Ogundipe read the hand writing on the wall, especially when a Northern sergeant refused to take orders from him. Ogundipe did not fight. And he did not live to fight again. Ogundipe, from Ago Iwoye, Ogun State was born in Lagos in 1924. He schooled in the Eastern region and was in love with the military. He enlisted in 1943 and fought for the British during the Second World War. He saw action in Burma and India and much later furthered his career in the

United Kingdom, earning a commission in 1953. He also fought in the Congo from 1960-1963. To be fair to Ogundipe, he did not command any troops. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Col Gowon, had more power militarily on July 29, 1966 than the number two man and Gowon was pencilled down for the big job by the plotters who were almost 100 per cent from the Northern Region. While the likes of Commodore Akinwale Wey and Col. Adeyinka Adebayo, were comfortable serving under Gowon, their subordinate in Nigeria, Ogundipe tactically relocated to the United Kingdom, where he became the High Commissioner from 1966-1970. He died at 47 in London in 1971. A man who fought several wars outside Nigeria cannot be said to be a coward. He did his best under the circumstances. He suffered humiliation in life and in death has been severally pilloried. One of his relations joined the para-military and made it to the top. Olusola Ogundipe retired from the Nigeria Prisons Service as Comptroler –General, after 34 years.

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ogundipe

JULY 29, 1966 casualties

he then Head of State and Commander –inChief, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi- Ironsi, was abducted with Governor of the Western Region, Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, by troops led by Captain Yakubu Danjuma, who later could not handle his men paving way for Lts Garba Dada Paiko and William Godang Walbe to do their wish. The senior officers were driven in a Land Rover to a bush in Olodo on the Ibadan-Iwo Road, tied to palm trees and executed by other ranks, including Ibra-

him Rabo, Clement Dabang, Tijanni Maiduguri, Useni Fagge and some add, Musa Bitiyong. Commander of the Third Battalion, Kaduna, Lt. Col. Israel Okoro was killed in front of the Guardroom after being deceived by his much trusted Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Ahmadu Bello. Lts Bukar Sukar Dimka and Dambo shot him. Capt. Idika also lost his life believing a send forth party organized for him was for real. Major Christopher Chukwunweike Emelifonwu, Deputy Assistant Adjutant and

Quarter Master General, One Brigade, Kaduna was killed. Maj. Ofong Ukpo Isong who had pleaded with Maj. Chukwuma Nzeogwu to spare Maj. Hassan Katsina’s life earlier in January was gunned down. Major Theophilus Nzegwu of the Air Force suffered same fate just like Majors Peter Obi, Ibanga Ekanem, Ayodele Ogunro, Alistair Drummond, Bernard Nnamani and J.O.C. Ihedigbo. Staff Officer, Capt. H.A. Iloputaife was tied hand and feet, bounced like a ball and wasted. In Abeokuta, Garrison

Commander, Lt.Col. Gabriel Okonweze was murdered. Commander, Second Reconnaissance Squadron, Maj. John Ikechukwu Obienu, lost his life. He was outstanding in his Sandhurst Cadet years and some accounts say he backed out of the January 1966 coup at the last minute. Two of the January plotters were also killed. Maj. Donatus Okafor was brought out of Abeokuta Prison and buried alive. Major Christian Anuforo was grabbed from Benin prison, dehumanized and shot along the Benin –Ore Road. The

Ironsi's last days: Gen Ironsi (middle) at a military exercise in Kachia, Kaduna shortly before he was killed in Ibadan. Third from left holding an umbrella is Lt. Col. Israel Okoro PHOTO: Courtesy:Alex MadIebo

Recce officer had killed Finance Minister , Festus Okotie-Eboh, Cols . Kuru Mohammed, Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe and Yakubu Pam during the First Coup.

Murdered in 1966 *Gen. Aguiyi- Ironsi *Cols. Fajuyi *Israel Okoro *Gab Okonweze *Majs. Anuforo *Don Okafor *John Obienu *Theo Nzegwu *Peter Obi *Ibanga Ekanem *Chris Emelifonwu *Ayo Ogunro *Ofong Isong *Alistair Drummond *Ben Nnamani *J.O.C. Ihedigbo *Capts. H.A. Iloputaife *I.U. Idika *H.A. Anuna *J.I. Chukwueke A.O.Akpet *S.E. Maduabum *G.N.E. Ugoala *P.C.Okoye *L.C. Dilibe *J.U. Egere *T.O. Iweanya *R.I. Agbazue *Lts. S.E. Idowu *E.C.N. Achebe *G. Mbabie *S.A. Mbadiwe *F.P. Jasper *P.D. Ekedigbo *S.E. Onwuka *J.D. Ovuozurie *A.D.C. Egbuna *E.B. Orok *J.U. Ugbe *Francis Musa *2Lts. A.O. Olaniyan * A.R.O. Kasaba * P.K.Onyeneho *F.M. Agronaye

Special report

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPEN FORUM

...50th anniversary of july 29, 1966 coup

Obioha: Ironsi, Fajuyi were victims of military actions

Chief Ralph Obioha is a former member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)

eneral Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was a victim of senseless actions of military adventurers of which he had no hands in but had to pay the ultimate prize with his life. No one had accused him of any act in the unfortunate military coup of 1966. In fact, he risked his life to abort that coup that was recruited by misguided officers of the Nigerian Army; who carried out an unbalanced waste of precious lives of Nigerian leaders and fellow officers based on unjustifiable and reckless belief that they, the perpetrators of that coup, had the answers to the ills of Nigeria. No one has ever accused the late General Aguiyi-Ironsi of having anything to do with that coup. Ironsi was an unfortunate victim of the action of others. We salute the former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the symbolic atonement of what the Nigerian Army visited on the late General AguiyiIronsi by appointing his son, first as an Ambassador of Nigeria and later as a Minister of Defence. Obasanjo’s action

Aguiyi-Ironsi was a victim of senseless actions of military adventurers

was a gesture that was not lost to fair minded Nigerians. We reproached the former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, who incidentally is General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s kinsman (they both hailed from Igbeaku); but could not honoured a distinguished officer of the Nigerian Army, who reached the pinna-

cle of his profession by not naming the Abia State University after him. There is a saying that charity begins at home, Abians should take note. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, would always be remembered by Nigerians as a fine officer, who defended his honour with his life to guard the principles of a soldier’s alliance to his supreme commander and he will go down in Nigeria history as an officer and a gentleman. The lesson about the 1966 coup is that the actions of the Nigerian Army and the sacrifice of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Adekunle Fajuyi. I believe that people in such position, whether as officer of the Nigerian Army or as leaders of Nigeria must quickly think out their actions before they carry it out. That bring us to the manner our current leaders are toying with the issue of impeachment. All well meaning Nigerians must now learn that nation building is a very delicate exercise that requires patience, deep thinking and national interest.

Interview by Temitope Ogunbanke

Yakasai: Inadequate political advice led to the tragedy

Alhaji Tanko Yakassai is a presidential adviser in the Second Republic and the chairman of Northern Elders Council ( NEC)

think what brought about that July 29, 1966 tragedy to the nation was the decision of late Johnson AguiyiIronsi not to appoint civilians as commissioners and advisers, because if he had done that, they would have advised him on different matters. The truth is that a country like Nigeria requires tact in dealing with situations. My experience is that anybody who comes to rule Nigeria with the attitude of rush don’t last long, Aguiyi-Ironsi didn’t last long; Murtala Muhammed didn’t last long and someone else that I can't remember. Nigeria is a very delicate country, we are different types of civilizations trying to melt together, it requires time to understand the dynamics of different federation and see how we can marry one another. I think the lesson that the country has learnt is that when Aguiyi-Ironsi came, if he had invited political leaders, to step

If he had invited political leaders, to step in, he would stabilised his administration

in, he would stabilised his administration. But he didn't do that. He was not trained as a politician but as a military man. That was the lesson and I believe it was learnt because when Gowon came after him, he quickly engaged the political class and that was what made him to stay in power for nine years. In fact, what brought about his downfall was the

decision by the military to renege on the returning of the country to democracy in 1976. Democracy is not a subject that can be taught in the school or you can buy in the market. It is an experience that you accumulate, you don't get it overnight. It comes gradually, as you are building it, you are learning. Even the United States and others that we took democracy from, it took them a very long time to develop democracy and they are still learning. One thing I have however observed is that throughout the world there is no replica of one federation, each federation is unique, they are different from each other. Each federation in the world is unique. So, we have moved away from the military era and we must start nurturing our own democracy for the betterment of the people.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Olajide: 1966 coup ruptured federalism W

Dr. Kunle Olajide is the National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF)

e must always remember the July 29, 1966 coup for historical purposes because it is part of history of Nigeria. We must not also overrule the value and courage of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi. The incident also had effect on the issue and trajectory of Nigeria. In fact, we are yet to get out of the effect of that event, which is still with us in Nigeria till date because one of the immediate causes perhaps was the Decree 24 of the military decree promulgated by General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and we are still running a unitary government. The remembrance of that day brings to my mind the ills that military incursion has done to the politics of Nigeria. Federalism was completely ruptured and the traditional one-line command of the military was introduced into governance and since then we have never been out of it, which is what is really hindering the progress, development, peace and stability of Nigeria. Until we accept the fact that Nigeria is a heterogeneous country of diverse people and can only be best managed under a true federal system and structure, the country is not likely to make any progress and instability

Federalism was completely ruptured and the traditional one-line command of the military was introduced into governance

will continue to be on our path. So, that is why it is necessary to remember that day because that particular event had its good and bad side. Good side in valour, courage and statesmanship of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi but the bad side in the militarisation of the Nigerian polity. July 29, 1966 coup brought a lot of damage to the system by destroying our federalism with reality of Nigeria situation that is a heterogeneous country

of diverse people with different culture and issues. The only way for Nigeria to get out of the consequence of the coup is to revisit the recommendation of the 2014 National Conference for implementation. That is the only solution but as long as we continue to run this country as a unitary country, it cannot work. It has not worked anywhere in the world and it is not going to work in Nigeria. Ekiti State government have done enough to immortalise Fajuyi with a lot of structures in his memory. We have the most central and famous park named after him, Adekunle Fajuyi Park, where he was buried, with his statue erected. We have done a lot of things to immortalise him but more things need to be done. We cannot really do enough for him because Fajuyi really exhibited ‘Omoluabi’ trait of a Yoruba man. He refused to betray his visitor and was prepared to give his life at that tender age of about 41. The best thing in his memory would have been to have a restructure and reorganised federal system in Nigeria.

Interview by Temitope Ogunbanke

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Ironsi: Ironside, the crocodile Emissary EMEKA OBASI emobas2003@yahoo.com 0809-445-7557 (sms only)

igeria’s first Two –Star General. First African to command United Nations forces. First compatriot to command the Army. First Private to rise to the rank of General in the Nigeria Army. First of our country men to serve as Equerry to Queen Elizabeth of England. First Military ruler of our country. Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi. OFR, MVO, MBE, PSC, IDC. Ironsi emerged as Head of State in 1966 without taking part in the coup that toppled the Azikiwe/ Balewa Government. He was penciled down for execution but ended up hunting the hunters. At the end, the politicians voluntarily handed over power to him. In a broadcast at 11.50 p.m. on January 16, 1966, Acting President, Dr. Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu said :” I have been advised by the Council of Ministers that they had come to the unanimous decision voluntarily to hand over administration of the country to the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic with immediate effect”. The General ended his acceptance speech thus:” The invitation has been accepted and I, GENERAL JOHNSON THOMAS UMUNNAKWE AGUIYI-IRONSI, the General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army, have been formally invested with authority as Head of the Federal Military Government and Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces.” That was the day this man’s problems began. The North accused him of not killing all those that overthrew the previous government. They said his Unification decree favoured the Igbo. But his Supreme Military Council [SMC] of nine officers had only two Igbo, himself and Lt.Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. The others were Brigadier Babafemi Olatunde Ogundipe,Lt.Col. Yakubu Chinwa ‘Jack’ Gowon, Commodore Joseph

Edet Akinwale Wey, Lt.Col.George Tamunoiyowunam Kurubo, Lt.Col. Hassan Usman Katsina, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi and Lt.Col David Akpode Ejoor. The 12-member Executive Council comprised the nine SMC members and Major Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson, Mr. Luis Orok Edet and Alhaji Kam Selem. Out of his 23 Permanent Secretaries, eight were from the North, Mid-West had seven, Westerners were five and only three came from the Eastern Region. Ironsi appointments were skewed towards the North. In the Army, he promoted Katsina from Major to Lt.Col. The quartet of Murtala Rufai Mohammed, Mohammed Shuwa, Iliya Bisalla and Ibrahim Bata Malgwi Haruna who were temporary Majors became substantive Lt. Cols. Police Chief Edet gave way to Selem. Gowon was Army boss, over and above Col. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, Lt.Cols Wellington Umoh Bassey, Hilary Mbilitem Njoku, Conrad Nwawo and Philip Effiong. Ironsi’s Private Secretary was Hamzat Ahmadu, Commander of his Personal escorts was William Godang Walbe and one of his ADCs was Mohammed Sani Bello. Inspite of these appointments, soldiers from the North plotted and killed him in a most uncivilized manner. They were advised against doing it up North and grabbed him in the Western Region, with no respect to his host,Fajuyi. Among those who went for Ironsi were Captain Yakubu Theophilus Danjuma, Lts. Garba Dada Paiko, Walbe, Abdullahi Shelleng, Nuhu Nathan, Titus Numan and Pam Mwadkon. The leaders were Murtala and Capt. Martin Adamu. Capt. Adul Wya, Lts. Bukar Suka Dimka and Ibrahim Bako also played active roles. Danjuma and Adamu were pioneer Cadets of the Nigeria Military Training College. They entered in March 1960 as members of Course One. Among their mates were Ben Gbulie, Alani Akinrinade, Godwin Alabi-Isama, Ayo Ariyo, David Lasisi Bamigboye, Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, Simeon Uwakwe, Pius Eromobor, Emmanuel Abisoye, Ignatius Obeya, Chiabi, JOC ihedigbo and Sule Apollo. Ironsi and Fajuyi were the very best in terms of courage. Ironsi as a Lt.Col and Commander of the Nigerian Battalion in Congo in 1960, flew on a light plane to Katanga and all alone secured the release of captured

This name was derived from Baron William Edmund Ironside [1881-1959], British Field Marshal

Austrian medical workers and some soldiers. This earned him the Ritter Kruez [First Class] Medal courtesy of the Austrian Chancellor. Fajuyi was decorated with the Military Cross during the same crisis, the first Nigerian to be so honoured. These two brave men were led like common criminals and killed in Olodo on the Ibadan Iwo –Road by Non Commissioned Officers who had no respect for even the officers that led them to the Government House, Ibadan. Among the assassins were Ibrahim Rabo, Clement Dabang, Useni Fagge and Tijanni Maiduguri. The British recognized Ironsi as a man of courage. He trained at Camberley Staff College and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1949. Ironsi was Military Adviser to the Nigerian High Commission in London between 1961 and 1962. The officer was also at the Imperial Defence College. The Brits found a name for him. Johnnie Ironside. This name was derived from Baron William Edmund Ironside [1881-1959], British Field Marshal who fought the Boer War and also took active part in the Two World Wars. He was a Scot, born in Ironside, Aberdeenshire. What an irony that some of those who plotted Ironsi’s down fall or took part in his execution also died as a result of subsequent plots. Dimka, Rabo, Dabang, Sabo Kwale, MacDonald Gotipb, and Wya were executed following the assassination of Murtala Mohammed. Musa Bitiyong was shot in 1986 for plotting against General Ibrahim Babangida. Bako died during the December 1983 coup. Dabang was picked from the hospital bed and tied to the stakes, Rabo of NDA Course Three was begging for the rope around his neck to be slackened as he was “ being choked before the time”. Ironsi’s son became Defence Minister of Nigeria, shortly after Danjuma vacated the position, thanks to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whose junior, Murtala was promoted to Lt.Col. by the same Ironsi while he [OBJ] remained a Major. Ironsi was married to Victoria before he was toppled for Gowon to reign. Gowon was a bachelor. But he found a wife named Victoria. Aguiyi means crocodile. Ironsi got a carving from the Congo, a crocodile and used it as swagger stick. Those who murdered him also feared the non living croc.

Adieu, Sir Gilbert Onwuamaegbu Annie Okonkwo

he journey from the time you became sick until your last breath Sir, Gibert Obiadiwe Onwuamaegbu, Nze Nnanyelugo Oba, was one of mixed emotions. Beautiful and lively most times, painful and uncertain sometimes, but courage and hope all the time. At times, our search for words to interpret the complexity of life is futile. But yours is an easy narrative. You were loved by many, adored by friends and respected by all. In our deep and lengthy relationship, there were three epic encounters that stood above the rest. They are priceless treasures that will forever remain green in my memory. The first happened when I was just twenty three years old, a youth in a hurry to quicken the transition of adolescence to adulthood. You

sowed the life seed of confidence in me, when you gave your princess, Lady Chinyelu, Ugo Agu, to become my peerless jewel as wife, friend and now mother. That has remained my unrivalled testimony. Another was when your love and faith in me brought down standing walls of judgment and uncertainties. Though apolitical, you gave unconditional support to my political expeditions with an uncut native intelligence far smarter than consultants. Needless for emphasis, your compulsive nurture to me in business was a heritage of insights from your rich hindsight. And the most recent Sir, was when we agreed you will live a hundred and fifty years, and set a modern world record on longevity. At 93, you gave it your best shot before succumbing to the immortality of the higher realm. Here, we are consoled to celebrate a real champion of life whose great

grand children are proud bearing colourful banners of goodbye. Your footprints will reside within our hearts to inspire our minds. Your words of wisdom will reflect in our speeches and guide our actions. Your cares and charity without borders already made us committed caregivers voluntarily. Your last few years were hard but eventful too. It revealed a new depth of love and shared bonding from Lady Harriet Nkechi Onwuamaegbu, your loyal wife for fifty eight years. She took irrepressible delights and glowed in self denial as she attended to your every detail for succour. And she truly came tops exceptionally. There were moments when words failed and tears flowed. Moments when faith was challenged and emotions ran high. But you kept our hopes renewed in a manner that gave courage a new lease. That way you made it simpler for us to be gallant

and pull through despair with victory. We will all miss you painfully no doubt. We will bear our pains with triumph though. We will comfort your wife and our matriarch. We will ensure she bests your record and make you proud. Surely, you were a man of integrity, passion, faith and family. Above all, you were a dedicated son of The Most High God, The Everlasting King upon whose feet you now worship, dance and rejoice. We look up and thank Him really for his many blessings. We thank Him for the man you were. We bless His name for everyone here to celebrate the exit of a great ideas enabler and a solid social energiser. Adieu Nnanyelugo Oba! Adieu My Great Father-in-law! Fare Thee Well to eternal bliss. •Senator Okonkwo wrote in from Lagos.

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Fajuyi: The uncommon hero

he story of the Nigeria Army cannot be told without the brave deeds of one of the country’s finest officers, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, a man who died loyal to his guest and Commander–inChief and the First Nigerian fighter to be decorated by the United Nations. Fajuyi will be eternally remembered as a gallant officer who had a choice to save his head and give away his boss but chose to die with his Superior officer. Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi- Ironsi, the country’s first Two-Star General and Military leader was on a tour of the Western Region after visiting the Northern Region. Fajuyi was governor of the West and both were at the Government House Ibadan. At exactly 6.30 a.m. Captain Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma stormed the area with troops who were originally stationed to protect the Head of State. Lt. William Godang Walbe was in charge of Ironsi’s personal escorts but was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He joined forces with those whose mission was to kill his master. With Lt. Garba Dada Paiko and other ranks like Clement Dabang, Tijanni Maiduguri, Useni Fagge and Ibrahim Rabo they rendered Danjuma powerless, dragging Ironsi out into the open. Fajuyi was shocked by the rascality of the guardsmen and their disgruntled leaders. He resisted their attempt. In plain language, the boys asked him to stay away since their target was the General. The

governor refused to give way. The two senior officers were bundled into a Land Rover, driven to a lonely bush at Olodo on the Ibadan-Iwo road, humiliated, tied to two palm trees and executed. Fajuyi could not stand the shame of having the Commander–in–Chief killed in his presence in the West by Northern soldiers who could have done that conveniently in their region which Ironsi had visited before travelling down to Ibadan. That would be a huge stain on his honour. It was much expected. A Japanese officer of the Samurai would choose harakiri [belly cutting or suicide

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their seniors, beat them to pulp and shot them like animals. Their bodies were later retrieved by officers of the Police Special Branch under Maigari Dikko and including Joseph Dechi Gomwalk and buried at the Ibadan Military Cemetery. It was not until six months later, in January 1967 that Fajuyi’s body was exhumed and taken to his home town Ado Ekiti for proper burial. Fajuyi remains a pride to the Nigeria Army. By staying with

Loyalty may lead to death but it is a thing of honour to die as a man than to live as a coward

to dishonour. Fajuyi was Yoruba but had travelled far and wide in the course of training. He trained in Britain, had served the British in Germany, worked for the United Nations in the Congo and also was in Pakistan. In the Congo, Fajuyi was Military Assistant to the Supreme Commander of the UN Forces in 1960. As a Major, he earned the Military Cross for gallantry and courage; the First Nigerian Army officer to be so decorated. Therefore, when confronted by the Coup plotters in 1966, he displayed his trade mark bravery by choosing not to abandon his Commander-in- Chief. They spent their last moments together, a harrowing experience where subordinates stripped

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

Ironsi even in death, he sent a message to future generation of officers and men especially in this era of insurgency where there have been re-

ported cases of trained soldiers running away from battle in the North –East. The governor was loyal to the end. Ironsi had appointed him military governor of Western Region even when there were insinuations that Col. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, a fellow Yoruba could have been favoured for the position. The latter only became governor under Lt.Col. Yakubu Gowon following the assassination of Ironsi and Fajuyi. It could be argued that because Fajuyi spent quite sometime as an officer in the Eastern Region, he was prepared not to be labeled a traitor. Fajuyi was once at the First Battalion Enugu as Weapons

Training Officer and later as Company Commander. Upon return from the Congo and wearing the rank of Lt.Col, he was posted to the Coal City to Command the Battalion there. In 1964, Fajuyi traveled to Pakistan for a Senior Tactical Course. When he returned, the Colonel was again sent to Enugu. With all his accomplishments, Fajuyi was a decent man who did not believe in looting the peoples Commonwealth. When he died, there was no palatial home anywhere in the country not even in Ado Ekiti attached to his name. The building he was putting up before appointment as governor suffered neglect immediately after the elevation. Fifty years after the demise of this warrior, Nigeria is filled with corruption. Governors are buying houses overseas, some soldiers are richer than their states and public officers pledge loyalty to their pockets not to the nation. By remembering heroes like Fajuyi, younger Nigerians have something to look up to. His wife Eunice died in 2013, his second son Dayo departed in the same year but the Fajuyi name still rings a bell. His first son Donald Femi is proud of his father and has continued to maintain the good name. Today, Fajuyi should be celebrated as an exceptional Nigerian, a brave soldier and one that compatriots should emulate. Loyalty may lead to death but it is a thing of honour to die as a man than to live as a coward.

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Ironsi, Fajuyi’s burial site, Idi Ito, remains rustic

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

ajor General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was born on 3rd March 1924, was assassinated in Ibadan, the capital of the then Western Region, on the 29, July 1966. The senior Nigerian military officer was at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on a nationwide tour where he was hosted by the then Military Governor, the late Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. The 42-year old Head of State was assassinated along with his host, Fajuyi, and later buried at Idi Ito Village situated between Erunmu and Ataari Villages along the old Iwo/Ibadan Road in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan. The old road stretched from Ibadan to Lalupon, Offa towards Iwo town in Osun State.

The Muslim Praying Ground close to the burial site at Idi Ito Village(inset) Ironsi

The burial site of the assassinated officers is a few metres after the Muslim praying Ground (Yidi) at Idi Ito, a distance of about 10 miles from Ibadan, according to some residents of the area spoken to. The burial site is very close to the now abandoned Erunmu Dry Port in the area. It was opposite the then Seventh Day Adventist Modern School, not too far from the main road. According to some elders spoken to, the soldiers were buried not far

from the main road along an un-tarred road which branched to the right at Idi Ito leading to Erunmu, Ayede, Ataari and Oyindamola communities. According to Pa Hamsat Bello (105), the story was true that the former Head of State and the then Military Governor were assassinated on July 29, 1966 and buried at Idi Ito Village close to the station, around Ataari community on the outskirts of Olodo leading to Iwo town in Osun State.

The centenarian community leader, told New Telegraph that he was already a full grown adult then and had a vivid experience of the news about the coup that led to the assassination of Ironsi and Fajuyi in Ibadan. His words: "The incident was true. Some soldiers came and buried the corpses of the two national and gional military leaders at Idi Ito following the 1966 counter coup. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Gomwalk’s family remains stoic Musa Pam Jos.

Gomwalk

ate Joseph Dechi Gomwalk was a Nigerian Police Commissioner and the first Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State after it was formed from part of the Northern Region. Gomwalk was the one of those that discovered the bodies of Ironsi and Fajuyi, 50 years ago, during the counter coup of July 29th, 1966, which toppled the then Military Government of the late Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi. New Telegraph’s visit to the House of the late commissioner of police located at Naraguta Avenue in Jos Plateau State witnessed only the security at the gate of the house. When New Telegraph contacted two sons of the late Gomwalk, Hon. Yilji Gomwalk and Pastor Dunka Gomwalk, both, who were out of Jos declined comments on any issues. They said since

their father was executed in 1976, no member of the family have granted an interview. They were small then. Many doubted Gomwalk's role in the coup. His properties were all seized by the government but later returned and his full rank as commissioner of police restored. Investigation revealed that the Gomwalk’s family is living a relatively quiet but comfortable life unlike others who

The front gate of Gomwalk's house

are still pleading for state pardon. The elder child of the late commissioner of Police, Hon. Yilji Gomwalk was Commissioner during Governor Jonah Jang’s administration in Plateau State and running mate to the PDP governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, the late Senator Gyang Pwajok, while Pastor Dunka Gomwalk is the Senior Pastor of the Covenant Word Christian Centre International, Jos, Plateau State. However Pastor Gomwalk described his father as a man, who loved humanity as expressed in his work in Plateau, "As far as leadership is concerned, I’m proud of him. Though he was not a perfect man as no one is but he tried setting good examples for others to follow as seen when he led the Benue-Plateau State. "Though, I was a very young person at that time, he did his best for the country and the testimonies abound in the areas where he governed."

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Emeka Obasi

e stands out in the unpredictable history of friendship. Mohammed Sani Bello spared his colleague where others looked away from past years of bonding. Brutus betrayed Julius Caesar, Thomas Sankara did not get Blaise Campaore’s grace nor did Samuel Doe spare Thomas Quiwonkpa. Lt. Sani Bello spared his buddy, Lt. Andrew Nwankwo as the duo of Garba Dada Paiko and William Godang Walbe, led by Captain Yakubu Danjuma stormed the Government House, Ibadan, to abduct Maj. General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt.Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. Bello was Ironsi’s Army Aide de Camp (ADC) while Nwankwo served as the Air Force ADC. The former, from the Northern Region and the latter from the East made a deal. If there was a coup by Northern elements, Bello was to protect his friend. In the event of an Eastern operation, Nwankwo would do the same. The agreement worked. According to one time Chief of the Biafra Army, Maj. Gen. Alexander Atta Madiebo, who was a Lt. Col. at the time of the July 29, 1966 coup, “Ironsi’s ADC,

Special Report 17

Sani Bello… a true friend

Bello

Nwankwo who was with Ironsi at the time of his death, later told us the story in Enugu of how the general died. According to Nwankwo, at 0630 hours on the 29thof July 1966, Ironsi, Fajuyi, the gover-

nor of Western Nigeria and himself were arrested at Government House Ibadan by Northern troops under the command of Captain Danjuma. “Col. Hilary Njoku, who was also pres-

Burial site, Idi Ito, remains rustic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

“The spot was very close to our Yidi (Praying Ground) which we are still using till day. Everybody knew of the assassination of the military leaders and that they were buried in the Idi Ito forest after being shot dead. This community was shaken on that day when the soldiers came to exhume the bodies. Their presence on the old road scared every passerby. "After the bodies were taken away, some soldiers even mounted a camp at the junction of the Station Market then, eating there for close to two weeks. We were going there then to see them", Pa Bello recounted.

were scary then. There was no civilisation then as now. We quickly ran back. "The spot they were standing on that day was few metres after our Praying Ground (Yidi). It was later that we learnt from others who said they passed there that the soldiers were there to exhume the bodies of the slain Ironsi and Fajuyi. That was why they blocked the road. "Prior to that day, nobody knew that anybody had been buried in that place because the place was a very thick forest with a pathway. It was about three days after the soldiers had left that some of

wo brothers, who also claimed to have seen the soldiers when they stormed Idi Ito Village, Prince Ganiyu Bello (65), and Rasidi Babatunde (64) also spoke with New Telegraph to corroborate the centenarian's account of the incident. According to Babatunde, who said that he and Ganiyu were in Primary six of the Seventh Day School then, they were in company with two other friends: Fatai Hassan and Ezekiel Taiwo, while on their way to the Ataari Village after firewood sale, when they ran into the group of soldiers, who came for the bodies. Babatunde said, "On that day, I was on the old road to Ibadan with Fatai Hassan, Ezekiel Taiwo and Ganiyu Bello on our way from the Station Market where we had gone to sell firewood. As we approached the Seventh Day Adventist Modern School, we saw afar a military Land Rover with soldiers standing on the road. They were heavily armed and were wearing camouflage dress with netted helmets. We were afraid because soldiers

Ironsi

The bushy pathway to the site Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi were buried at Idi Ito Village

us went there and we saw gloves used by those who removed the corpses, scattered and flung around in the forest. We also saw signs of fresh grave sites where the bodies were exhumed. But nobody could say exactly when the bodies were buried, whether in the night or during day time. We didn't even hear it from anyone how the bodies were conveyed away from the place. That was because soldiers were dreaded then and their presence on that day was scary and intimidating. "Before that day, we had heard on the radiovision that there was a coup and that the two soldiers were killed in it. Both the Head of State and the Governor were arrested at the Agodi Government House," he said. On the report that the soldiers were tied to trees in the forest and shot dead, Prince Ganiyu Bello (65) said, "What I heard was that the two soldiers must have been killed somewhere and their corpses brought to this area for burial. Nobody ever said that they heard any gunshot sound around here on the day the news was broken. We only learnt of the burial incident the third day when I with some of my colleagues saw the soldiers with their vehicle blocking the old road. Like my younger brother has narrated, to me, the news that the soldiers were tied to trees and shot in this forest is not true. "Nobody in this village or the neighbouring ones even recalled since that 50 years ago that they heard any gun shot. There was not even any trace of blood stains on the trees around the place when we went there the third day. Like Rasidi has said, apart from the fresh nature of the graves we saw, there were hand gloves scattered about the area. That confirmed to us that the bodies of Ironsi and Fajuyi were what the soldiers came to exhume here," he said. Painting a picturesque reminiscence of the incident, Bello said, "This is the pathway to the place where the bodies were buried. It is not far from this tarred road. This is the spot the soldiers were standing that day. You can see our Muslim Praying Ground close by. It has been here since then. This is where we were praying before that coup incident and we are still using it till now. The pathway to the site had been overgrown with weeds because we no longer use it. The new Ibadan-Iwo Road has rendered this old road desolate. Apart from those who go to their nearby villages here, vehicles no longer ply this road," he added.

ent, escaped with multiple bullet wounds. The troops used to effect the arrests were those detailed to protect the general during his tour. The captives were driven to an isolated jungle outside Ibadan. By the time they got there, the three prisoners had been so thoroughly beaten that the older two-Ironsi and Fajuyi- could hardly stand up. Shortly after, Fajuyi was shot and then Ironsi.” Madiebo’s interesting story continued.“ While Ironsi was being shot, Nwankwo said he ran into the bush and escaped. He emphasized that his escape was not due to his cleverness but because his colleague, the Hausa ADC, who was also present wanted him to escape. Nwankwo explained that during the month of June 1966, he and his Northern colleague had discussed the possibility of another coup. The Northern officer was emphatic that the Igbo were going to do it again but Nwankwo swore it was going to be done by Northerners. “According to him, at the end of a long but heated argument, they came to an agreement that whichever side did it, the man on the winning side should save the other’s life. Based on this agreement, the Northern ADC whispered to Nwankwo to escape while Ironsi was being shot, and also discouraged the soldiers from chasing after him. Nwankwo said he later made his way to Lagos and contacted this Northern officer again, who not only hid him for a couple of days but eventually took him out of Lagos in the boot of a car.” The Civil War that followed cost millions of lives. Bello was not to play an active role for a long time. He was wounded fighting in Bonny and remained in the rear until the end of the crisis. In 1975, he was appointed Military Governor Of Kano State. He was there when General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated by some of those who helped him carry out the Counter Coup of 1966 that killed Ironsi. Bello left the Army in 1979 and moved straight into business. Between 1984 and 1986, he was called to serve the country again as High Commissioner to Zimbabwe. Today, he is more interested in the Sani Bello Foundation and has interests in Oil and Gas, Tele Communications, Banking and Insurance. There is one thing to take away. Sani Bello was commissioned Second Lieutenant on July 29, 1965 after passing out from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England. His boss was killed on July 29, 1966 and he became governor following the July 29, 1975 Coup. 2nd Lt. Bello was posted to First Battalion Enugu as Platoon Commander. That was his first draft as an officer. So, his love for the Igbo could have come from that experience. He did not know much about the East until that posting, having been born in Kontagora. Bello had attended Government College Bida with friends like Ibrahim Babangida and Garba Duba. They began military training on December 10, 1962 as members of Course Six of the Nigeria Military Training College (NMTC), Kaduna. Among Bello’s course mates were Gado Mohammed Nasko, Sani Sami, Mohammed Magoro, Ndakotsu, Paul Ufuoma Omu, Abdusalami Abubakar and Mamman Jiya Vatsa. That good Sani Bello did to an Igbo officer in 1966 has made him an eternal hero among Ndigbo. Today, his son Abubakar Sani Bello is governor of Niger State, the state of birth of two great Nigerians revered by the Igbo: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. It is interesting that Governor Bello defeated Umaru Nasko, whose father fired the first artillery shots that started the Civil War.

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FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Adekunle Fajuyi:

The brave host

Memories of the life and times of Late Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi still linger fresh among family members and associates 50 years on. Today, remembrance ceremonies in his honour will be held across Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan and Lagos. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN reports Fajuyi

alf-century remembrance ceremony of the passage of Late Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, first Military Governor of old Western Region kicked off this week in his hometown, Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State. It started with the laying of wreath at his popular tomb, Adekunle

Fajuyi Memorial Park. Fajuyi, then just 40 years, was murdered in the wee hours of July 29, 1966 at a location near Iwo-Road, close to Agodi in Ibadan capital of now Oyo State, while hosting the then Head of State, Maj. General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was also assassinated, by

obviously vengeful counter-coup plotters of northern stock, led by then Major (later General) Theophilus Danjuma (rtd). The civilian administration of late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa had been similarly toppled in a bloody coup six months earlier, ending Balewa's life alongside those of other ranking functionar-

ies of his government, who were mainly northerners. Fajuyi was survived by two wives, including late Mrs Eunice Oja and 88-yearold Mary Adebayo, said to be currently staying with her children in Ibadan; two male children, Donald Femi Fajuyi (still alive and deeply involved in the ceremo-

God and friends helped me survive –Ironsi’s widow Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi

o much has been written about the personality of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson-Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi and his death in the hands of the 1966 counter coup plotters just six months into his administration. But very little is spoken about the family he left behind and especially his widow, Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi. As the family marks the 50th anniversary of that sad blot in the nation’s chequered history, one is fascinated by the strength of character and exceptional energy that kept and sustained her for half a century without a husband. The pain is heightened by the gruesome detail of the event which she confessed she would not like to recall. As she sat at the veranda of the family house, she still exudes resplendent elegance in her flowing sky blue brocade. She discusses

fluently in English language with strength of voice that belie her age, though a well kept secret. Half a century down the line, Mrs Ironsi relives the devastating trauma of the murder of her husband which she described as too sudden that so many years after, she is yet to fully comprehend and come to terms with. The sorrow, grief and trauma were heavy and palpable that only the invisible soothing hands of providence could sufficiently console her. God did not disappoint her faith. Little wonder that the half a century of widowhood neither devastated her health nor affected her mind. She is still strong, sound and forthcoming in discussing the events of the sad end of her husband with amazing accuracy. “I cannot go back to think about it.” She reminisces the event with a tinge of pain and sorrow which she is yet to reconcile with but she has found solace in God. How was she able to cope with the loneliness of widowhood and raising her children alone? “Your guess is as good as mine. It’s not easy; it’s very difficult but it is good also to know God. When you believe in your God and you had a wonderful husband as I had, you will know that everything will come when they will come and you have to see it as it comes and having God on

Special edition 19

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

nies) and Dayo, of blessed memory (both lawyers) and other female children. Details of his life and times were recounted by son, Donald and some of his (Fajuyi's) associates, including his immediate successor in office, General (rtd) Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, who hail from Iyin-Ekiti and who built the prestigious park where his remains were interred and still lie till date.

Journey to the military – Adeleye

Alhaji S.B Adeleye, alias Meboloshirin (I cannot befriend a wretched person) had in 1943 advised late Fajuyi to join the army with him and three other friends. Adeleye, aged 104 years, who now lives Iyin-Ekiti, said the five of them had trekked the entire way from Ado-Ekiti to Ajase town, which was just about 20 kilometres to Ilorin, where they planned to join the army to enable them partake in the World War 11, which by then was going on. He said:"I became friends with late Francis Adekunle Fajuyi in 1933. I was the one who advised him to let us join the army in 1943. He was then teaching in AisegbaEkiti and was then receiving 12 shillings per month. "I returned from Lagos and went to meet him and said that I wanted us to go and join the army. I told him that I tried joining the army at the Glover Memorial hall in Lagos but could not because they said I have a small stature. I said but I really like to join the army and I advised him to join me. He agreed and around 1pm one afternoon, we set out for Ilorin. We had three other friends, who joined us and we trekked for six hours from Ado-Ekiti to Ajase town. The town is about 20 kilometres to Ilorin, where we wanted to join the army then. "We left from a spot in Okesa area of Ado-Ekiti where the All Saints Church is now situated. That area was a bushy area and it used to be the masquerades' grove that time. "Fajuyi brought the idea that we should go at that time because he knew his father would not allow him to go if we delayed till the next morning. "One other person, whose name I cannot remember is the younger brother to the wife of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi, who I think has become the Alare of Are-Ekiti. "We got to Ajase town at 7pm that day

your side, you will cope. I have had strength from my God to be able to achieve this. You will agree with me, it’s not easy.” The matriarch of the Ironsi family sees the 50th anniversary as significant to her and members of her family in many respects, but especially as a time of thanksgiving to God. “This 50th anniversary means a lot to me, to thank God for his wonderful mercies. When I look at it, I know that people should actually believe in God for miracles and hope in God for their salvation. I don’t want to go back to those sad memories. It’s a sad memory, very difficult. Thanks to God and some of my good friends.” She could not recall any particular special moments with her late husband because every day and moment were alike- wonderful with him. They were so intimate that members of the armed forces who knew them and her parents were afraid she would not survive without him. “You must say day to day, as long as we lived together, even in the army, they did not know, even my parents did not know, that I would have been alive without him. Nobody believed it. He married a younger love at the ripe age from the convent and he moulded me in his own way and we all got on well together to have our children. Suddenly, you saw a change. It was very sudden. It’s something that I don’t want to remember. Whenever I remembered it, I called upon the name of the

and we wanted to continue trekking to Ilorin but we waited to get food to eat but there was no food. That was why we decided to sleep at the Ajase motor park that night. But then, we later changed our minds when we saw an ambulance that was conveying a corpse to Ilorin from Ajase that night. Because I had lived in Lagos before then, I was smarter than others and approached the driver of the ambulance. He agreed to take us to Ilorin on the condition that we would each pay a Shilling and squat where the corpse was kept, and we agreed. "The ambulance took us to Ilorin and we went to a Catholic Church on Jeba road where Fajuyi's teacher, who had been posted from Ado-Ekiti to Ilorin, was. We trekked from where the ambulance dropped us to the Catholic church around 10 pm. Fajuyi's former teacher, who I only remember as Mr. Rewane, a white man, took us in and gave us a tin of garri and four cubes of sugar each for supper that night before we slept. "The next morning, he asked us why we were at Ilorin and we told him we wanted to join the army. He was surprised. He asked Fajuyi if he brought his Standard Six certificate and Fajuyi said yes. He then said that Fajuyi would not join the army but he would find a job for him. "The other four of us then left Fajuyi with his teacher and went to the place where the commissioning into the army for the World War II was going on and as soon as we got there, we were promptly welcomed and in less than 15 minutes, the officers there started to take down our names for registration.”

who, liked him a lot. When he told his boss that I was staying, the boss was happy and offered me a post of a Dispatch Rider (D.R) for then Governor-General, John Macpherson. "While in the service of the GovernorGeneral as dispatch rider, I was able to assist my younger brother, General Adeyinka Adebayo, who came to stay with me in Lagos then. When Adebayo completed his Class four education in 1948, I searched for a white collar job for him in other areas but we didn't get. I later asked him if he would like to join the army and he said yes. I said Samuel Ademulegun, Ralph Sodeinde, Ironsi and Babatunde Ogundipe were then the highest ranking officers in the Nigerian army then. "I took Adebayo's application letter to the governor-general and he had written exactly the same thing Sodeinde wrote in his own application letter. The only difference was that address and name of Robert Adeyinka Adebayo. The governor-general was surprised and asked me why my younger brother was bearing that name. I was a sergeant then in the army and I explained to him that after losing my father, my mother had moved on to marry Adebayo, who was Adeyinka's father and that settled it. That was how my younger brother, General Adebayo, emerged the number five person in the Nigerian army then. He is the only one alive now out of the five of them. Adebayo started his military training at the 3rd Battalion in Abeokuta.”

Fajuyi nearly became a forest guard

Fajuyi was a wrestling champion –Akerele

Pa Adeleye equally recalled how, but for the twin vices of tribal and religious discrimination which was then already raging, Fajuyi's dream of becoming a soldier would have been ended by his teacher, Mr. Rewane, noting "Five days after we had been accepted at the army recruitment camp, Fajuyi came to see us. His teacher had secured a job for him as a forest guard and he rode a bicycle and wore the uniform. They allowed him in because he was a government worker." He spoke: "He told us that he had to tell a lie to be employed as a forest guard in Ilorin then. He said he told the forest office that he was from Offa on number 9, Yoruba

Lord and God answered me and gave me the strength.” Her panacea for stable and progressive Nigeria is for the people to be content and shun greed. “I have said a lot to them in many papers. I have told them to love one another; to wait for your own turn in everything. It’s greed that is causing so much problem in our country. If only we can be patient enough and then wait for your own turn, God has a purpose for everybody. You don’t have to kill anybody to get it.” One would appreciate her philosophy of resignation to God when it is known that in the midst of all these, there has not been any kind of support from the Federal Government. She and her family have survived purely by God’s grace and the goodwill of friends. She is presently a Commissioner in the Abia State Local Service Commission. She said if there was any assistance from the Federal Government it would not be hidden, “even the whole world will know about it.” Her greatest asset is the good health which also is from God. That’s the reason she still works. As the epitome of virtue, both her community and her church have honoured her with various awards. In recognition of her virtuous conduct, the Catholic Church conferred her with the honor of Noble Lady while the Ibeku clan recognized her as Ezenwanyi of Ibeku (Queen of Ibeku)

Fajuyi

Road. He said he had to tell such lie because the North wouldn't have employed him if they he had told them the truth that he was from the West in Ado-Ekiti. We had three regions then, the North, East and the West and these three regions preferred giving appointments only to their own children. "Kwara State was of the north then and it extended to Omu-Aran and close to Otun in Ekiti here. When stayed for 22 days in camp, before we were ferried inside the train to Enugu for military training. We had spent three months in the training camp in Enugu when I saw my friend Fajuyi again. He said he had been sacked from the forestry office in Ilorin because the office found out that he was a Christian and not a Muslim like them. He added that because he was sacked from the forestry department, he had then opted for the army and had been recruited. "While Fajuyi's set was taken to the CTS in Accra, Ghana for their military training, my set trained in Enugu. It was from our respective training camps that we were later sent to the war Fronts in India during the World War 11", the old colleague said.

Embodiment of greatness, compassion

Pa Adeleye equally revealed some of the virtues of late Fajuyi, saying "When the war ended in 1945, he was redeployed to Zone 6 in Apapa, Lagos while I returned home first. He had been trained to become a clerical officer in the army because he had a Standard Six when he joined." Said he: "I went back to meet him. We used to hail each other with an alias then. I used to call him Kakao while he used to call me SB. He encouraged me to stay in the army with him. He took me to his boss, Major D.J Bonne, a white man,

To Pa Sule Akerele, of Okesa quarters, Ado-Ekiti, who was once renowned as a clothes seller, and weaver of native Royal Yoruba attire such as 'Ofi' Aran, and 'Dansiki, Fajuyi was equally a local wrestling champion in their days as very young men in Ado-Ekiti. Akerele said: "I was Fajuyi's close friend when we were very young and used to wrestle from quarters to quarters in Ado-Ekiti. We used to gather ourselves for wrestling matches in the evenings. We would move from one quarter to another. We moved from Ule-Asa in Okesa quarters; we went to Basaya in the same quaters, and went to a place called Ojude in Eregburu quarters in Ado-Ekiti for local wrestling matches. "Other places where we used to wrestle include Akogun quarters in Irona, Ejigbo place in Ejigbo area and then to Odofin quarters in Odo-Ado and also the Ode-Remo quarters. "We were in our early twenties. Some of our other friends then included Jimoh Iyalode from Ejigbo, Saka Agemo also from Ejigbo, Yesufu , Aliu Dara from Idolofin, Salami Oluyele from Ejigbo, all of them are gone now except Oluyele, who I am not sure he's still alive. During the local wrestling matches, once a wrestler throws his opponent to the ground and the opponent's back reaches the earth, the wrestler has won and he would be carried on the shoulders by his supporters who would hail him home. "Fajuyi used to win in many of the matches and he used to be carried on the shoulders of the supporters and hailed as a champion. "Before he went to join the army, he informed me and I told him that the only reason why I could not join him was because he was educated while I didn't go to school. That was why I didn't follow him to join the army then. "His sudden death in 1966 was a huge blow to us. We all heard about the news and we were shattered. Many of us, including those older and younger ones to him wept bitterly”

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FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

It’s painful, but no vengeance

–Aguiyi-Ironsi’s son Ambassador Thomas Ikokwadighim Aguiyi-Ironsi is the first son of Nigeria’s first military Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi. How has the family fared 50 years after the first military coup and Ironsi’s death? He speaks on this and other issues with IGBEAKU ORJI

ow has it been with the family since the 1966 coup and you in particular stepping into the shoes of your father? One has not stepped into the shoes of the late Supreme Commander. All I and my siblings and especially my mother have been trying to do is to keep the flag flying; to maintain his good name. He did leave a good name. In life, there are ups and downs and for our family, there’s been no exceptions. We’ve had our high points, we we’ve had our low points but in the final analysis, we thank God for everything.

children. My mother was a young widow who never remarried. She concentrated on business, she concentrated on politics and all we thank God for is that we have our good health. Unfortunately, one of my siblings, Dr. Jennifer Aguiyi Ironsi, died last year from cancer. That has been a blight to the family. My own first son, Robert, died in a motor accident, having just got married and working in a bank in Australia. These, have been, as I said, the ups and downs but of course, the ups are that we’ve had our children, my mother even has great grand children, grand children, so life goes on.

What programme do you have for the anniversary? Yes, 50th anniversary is of course a very big occasion. We celebrated his 20th anniversary in a very big way. We celebrated his 40thanniversary in a very big way and the 50th anniversary would have been something to really go to town. But bearing in mind the current realities on ground in Nigeria, we thought it best to concentrate on prayers. Consequently, the anniversary is going to involve religious service and just reception. We are not doing the launching of his Foundation yet; we are not doing any lecture series yet but all these things will come about in due course. The important thing is that his memory will continue to be in the annals of Nigerian history and in the best of his ability with well wishers we continue to make sure that his name remains in the memory of Nigerians.

What is your assessment of Nigeria today vis a vis the unity the late Head of State envisaged for the country? Well, you have to understand that I am not prepared at this juncture to speak too much on political and security issues having been a former Minister of Defence. There are certain things I cannot yet reveal. But from my own personal view point, I was brought up to be detribalized. I am not Igbo per say, I am not Yoruba per say, I am not Hausa per say or Niger Delta per say. I am a Nigerian. That is how my perceptual lens is, as a Nigerian. And when you talk of unity, my own analysis is that this thing you call Nigeria has different people, different religions, and what is important to keep us together is for us to respect ourselves and for the rule of law, whether it is customary, English or sharia, to be respected so that there can be order in a society. That is why I am so happy that President Muhammadu Buhari is somebody who believes in law and order and he’s giving the correct example as to how things should be followed. I want to use this opportunity to urge all Nigerians to support him but more importantly,

How has it been with your other siblings? I am not sure what you mean by how has it been. We were children when our father died. We’ve done our education, we found our jobs, we followed our careers, we’ve got married, we’ve had our

to pray for him. Nigeria is in need of prayers for its continual existence and more importantly development. The structure called Nigeria has people, and as I said, people have to respect themselves. In Islam, they say, not all fingers of the hand are equal but when they are together the hand works very well. So, this is what we need to do. We need to ensure that those who don’t have are put in a position to have, especially things like housing, water, food, the basic amenities. The least people in Nigeria should have those things, so that we can have cohesion and security in our country. From the Christian point of view, you are told to love your neighbour as yourself. So, we are not supposed to be selfish; we are supposed to be generous; we are supposed to be giving our tithes. These are all supposed to help to make the society better. That’s the long and short of it. If you also look back, some of the masterminds of the coup are still alive. Having spoken from the perspectives of Christianity and Islam, can one draw the conclusion that you have forgiven them for what they did at that time? As many people know, I was with my father, at his last moments before he was spirited away at Ibadan. Of course, he spoke to me for a long time before he was taken away. One of the things he told me was that I should not take vengeance. As a little boy at that time, at the age of 13, I could not comprehend why he was telling me I should not take vengeance. It’s only as the years have been going on, and as I have been reading my Bible, and as I have been understanding other religions, and traveling to other countries and getting what is called the life experience, I came to understand that oh, what my father was trying to tell me was that

vengeance belongs to God; that there is a God who does things in his own time, in his own way; that we are to love our lives to pray to God and God will do the rest. So vengeance is not in my vocabulary, is not in the vocabulary of my family members. That is not to say that we do not feel the pain of not having our father around, or that my mother does not feel the pain of having been widowed at a young age and not having her husband to be with her. The pain is there, but there’s no feeling for vengeance. What one is happy about is that some people acknowledge the fact that somebody who did his national duty when called upon, he did not do a coup, he was called upon to take on the reins of power and bring stability and order to chaos at a particular point in the history of this country. So, we are happy that some people believe that such a person should be honoured and of course, when we celebrated Nigeria’s 100 years, he was one of the people that was thought fit to be honoured and I also thank former President Goodluck Jonathan for at least, being able to do that. I will like to thank President Ibrahim Babangida for giving him the nation’s highest award after his death, posthumously. I will like to thank former President Olusegun Obasanjo for taking an interest in the welfare of the family. As to other members of the public, one cannot of course forget the role of his bosom friend, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo, who, over the years, has always done his best to assist the family, his army ADC, His Excellency, Col Sani Bello. He has tried from to time to assist the family. But by and large, the family’s progress has been due to the positive role and encouragement given to us by our mother, Noble Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi Ironsi, Ezenwanyi of Ibeku.

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Beyonce, Blue Ivy wear matching floral dresses during holidays in Paris

Launching

Glimmers of hope as TMC launches full-service talent agency

Entertainment AMANDA EBEYE

ICT company unveils Mercy Aigbe-Gentry as brand ambassador

I’m the most popular African female artiste, Tiwa Savage boasts

I’M TIRED OF ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON MARRIAGE

It’s barely her seventh year in Nollywood, but Amanda Ebeye’s frequent presence on the scene makes many doubt so. After studying International Studies and Diplomacy at Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, she joined the Nigerian movie industry and since then, her life has not remained the same. The ‘Clinic Matters’ starlet talks about her experience in this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA

What is Amanda doing at present? I am busy as usual, going to locations and contributing my quota.

Why I’m yet to sign another artiste on my label – Tuface

LANRE ODUKOYA COORDINATOR

lanreodukoya@gmail.com

You seem to feature more in TV soaps now than you actually do in movies? That is not correct. You’re probably yet to watch some of the movies I have featured in. I have done lots of movies, far more than soaps. Since 2011, I have not done any soap apart from Bella’s Place and Super Story which I also featured in this year. It is unfortunate that we churn out high quantity of movies without good quality in Nigeria. I have featured in many soaps and I didn’t want to be in many soaps at a time because it drops your face as an actor. For me, an actor should not be in more than a soap opera at a time. What do you consider before picking up scripts? Before, I wasn’t careful about what I was doing, I just did all the jobs that came my way, but now I am very selective. For me to feature in a movie now the story has to be good and the role has to be challenging. I don’t do regular stories a lot but I go for challenging roles which will bring out the best in me. I picked up the scripts of the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 2

entertainment

Glimmers of hope as TMC launches full-service talent agency

he Temple Management Company (TMC) is set to raise the bar in the creative talent management sphere in Nigeria with the launch of a 360 management company. At a time of rising global recognition and demand for the work of Nigerian creative talents, the perennial challenge has been that to compete properly with their international counterparts, Nigerian artistes need better branding, access and positioning. Industry experts have also pointed out that brands have failed to maximise their potential because of the representation they currently get. TMC, which began operations in March 2016, primarily in the entertainment, sports, media and art sectors, is set to change all that, and bring Nigerian talents to the same table with their international counterparts. Incorporated in Nigeria with strong international affiliations across Africa, North America, and Europe, TMC was founded by serial investor and art aficionado, Idris Olorunnimbe. The company set out with a mission ‘to continually improve on content, bridge the gulf between local talents and their foreign counterparts in line with international best practices’. With a formidable team parading some of the brightest young professionals in entertainment, fashion, arts, finance, law and media, TMC is prepped to deliver its objective to raise the profile of local talents. Mr. Olorunnimbe, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer, sums up the TMC vision this way: “With the constant expansion of the entertainment industry and growth of sporting activities, our vision is to remain the leading African talent and event management outfit, representing the biggest talents in entertainment, sports, media, the arts and other relevant areas. “Our focus is now to expand the recruitment of agents to create a new enduring institution in this country.” According to him, TMC will focus on the core functions of talent representation but will, allied with corporate organisations, also provide a wide range of financial and advisory services, manage endorsement portfolios, and package bespoke events for domestic and international markets. Within a short spell, TMC has already sent shock-waves into the industry by signing management deals with some of Nigeria’s biggest talents, including Nigeria’s biggest record label, Mavin Records, renowned disc jockey, DJ Jimmy Jatt, award-winning visual artist and writer, Victor Ehikhamenor, media personality Bunmi Davies, artist/jeweller Mode Aderinokun and Funmi Iyanda. After signing the deal with TMC a few weeks ago, Mavin Records CEO, Don Jazzy, said, “We are stepping into the future with The Temple Management Company as they redefine creative talent management in Nigeria.” The TMC board includes Mr. Tunde Folawiyo and Mr. Ajibola Abudu.

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Nollyhood is rough, tough, good’

Ebeye

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

soaps I featured in lately because they were very challenging. Is that why you decided not to feature in Clinic Matters any longer? I did just 39 episodes of Clinic Matters and it has not gotten out of people’s head long after I left. I left because the producer and I didn’t agree on some things; I got a better offer somewhere else and I moved on. What would you rather have the industry do differently? The industry is good and growing. I am very optimistic that the industry will be bigger and better in the next couple of years. The cinemas are doing well but I feel we should always have a touch of our culture in every film we do. There are so many stories we haven’t shot yet and it is as if we have exhausted all stories. The industry will be better if we can pay attention to our stories. Right now technical aspect is improving in the industry. The major change I hope to see is the story. We should endeavor to inculcate our African culture in our stories because we have so many stories to tell. When will you produce your own movie? I am thinking towards that direction and hopefully someday I will do that. I am not considering that now because I can’t afford the funds now. It will be a high budget movie. I will put my all in it and that is why I am taking my time to do it. Aside acting what else is Amanda into? I’m doing nothing else at the moment. Not even trying to sing? Everybody can’t sing, but I sing to myself in my bathroom anyway. What were your earliest influences into acting? Growing up as a child, I always

wanted to be on TV. I have always loved the camera and I have always been a spokesperson. I found out that I learnt from TV apart from my parents, siblings and church. Most people sit down to watch TV and I found out that I could be a teacher being on TV; that attracted and also motivated me as I can do what I love doing but instead of going to classroom to teach, I can do it on TV. That is why I have cut out lots of scripts because if I cannot teach, which was the first reason I chose acting, then there is no point appearing on screen. Having spent six years in Nollywood, what’s your experience like? It has been good, rough, tough, it keeps fluctuating but it will get better. Do you see yourself becoming a diplomat later in future owing to the training you had in the university? I don’t know, but if I am made an ambassador, I will gladly accept it. How did your parents react to your career choice at first? My father initially didn’t like the decision because he wanted me to do something in which I will make more money. He views actors, painters and artists as poor people. My mum always supported my dream of becoming an actor right from a very tender age. My daddy is cool with it now anyway. Why won’t he be cool with your choice now that you bring the money home? I can’t give my dad money. I don’t have a pinch of what my parents have, so I can’t give them money. They could be happy that I can take care of myself, but it doesn’t affect them. Aside fame and fortune, what other good has acting done to you? It has taught me a lot because coming to the industry I thought it was

going to be smooth and rosy. I used to watch Bimbo Akintola, Geneieive and others and I used to feel acting is so easy. When I came in, I realised that it is not easy but rather, very hard. It has made me to be humble because when you get into the industry, there is so much pride attached to you because you want to think you can do it, but later you will realise that it is not easy. Lots of people that have been there grew, and every single person coming into the industry must grow. Acting has made me to understand that life is not easy because I thought life was. I thought it was about speaking English, but later I realised that it is beyond that. I had to start learning how to do some local things because if you want to be a centralised actor, you have to appeal to diverse sets of audience. I couldn’t speak pidgin before, but now I can speak pidgin fluently. My younger siblings don’t really like it when I speak it, but I am happy I can now speak pidgin. Who are your friends in the industry? Everybody is my pal, because they are all my colleagues. I don’t have special friends; I only have a few friends. I look up to people like Genevieve Nnaji, RMD, Bimbo Akintola, Patience Ozokwor and Ramsey Noah.

entertainment

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Why I’m yet to sign another artiste on my label –2Baba

inger and record label owner, Innocent Idibia a.k.a. 2Baba, since owning his Hypertek record label, has only signed singer, Dammy Krane, and has been trying to manage his own time in the studio with that of his artiste too. While both are busy putting in their best in the studio to dish out good contents, many have been wondering why 2Baba has not signed other artistes like other record labels. Recently answering some questions through City Fm 105.1, the singer stated that signing an artiste is not as

easy as many people view it from the outside. “E no easy my brother. No be as you dey look am from outside o. Football easy die when you watch am for TV,” he said. Speaking about the high expectations from him as an artiste, the singer noted that he is only out there to make good music and take care of his family as he is not bothered by what people expect from. “I just want to do my thing and take care of my family. Expectations are always there but that’s their problem not mine,” he added.

2Baba

Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam show climaxes in Ibadan

he ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State capital will today Friday play host to the final of the 2016 Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam after a rigorous two months of drills, excitement and tensions amongst promising Fuji artistes. Over 400 young Fuji artistes have participated at the various stages of the talent hunt scheme, sponsored by Goldberg, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, but only six remain in contention. The six finalists that would compete for the coveted crown of Wura 1 at the event scheduled for Trans Amusement Park are: Shina Akanni; Saheed Ishola; Temitope Ajanni;

Kuteyi Sikiru; Alausa Olalekan and Muftau Alabi. Before this stage, the contenders had participated in the auditions and selection parties held in eight different locations: Sango-Ota, Egbeda, Oyo, Ilesha, Akure, Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan, and Sagamu. Meanwhile, the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emma Agu, disclosed that the Goldberg team would pay a courtesy visit on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji in his palace as part of activities for the final. According to him, Goldberg believes in and celebrates peo-

sake of their son, Jamil who recently turned one. Tiwa was practically the only female on the One African Music Fest that just ended, where she shut down the venue with her electrifying performances. In a recent interview with a New York VJ, Ebro Darden on Beats1NYC, the singer practically said she is like the most popular Female African singer, and she worked hard to achieve that. Her words: “I am the most popular female artiste in Africa, and I worked hard for it.”

ple’s cultures and values. His words: “As an organisation, the development of our host communities is a priority to us. As part of our efforts towards community development anywhere we operate, Goldberg, in 2012, inaugurated the ‘Fuji t’o Bam’ initiative because the brand believes that Fuji is a strong socio-connecting factor that reflects the cultural and social life of the Yorubas anywhere they may be. Again, we believe Fuji is a vehicle that can engender massive behavioural change in our society, especially among Omo Odua (the Yorubas) and not a catalyst for division, rancour, strife, conflict and violence.”

ICT company unveils Mercy Aigbe-Gentry as brand ambassador

I’m the most popular African female artiste, Tiwa Savage boasts hen an artiste makes a claim impossible to fault by cynics, she’s right on her way to heroism. You would agree that songstress Tiwa Savage has done Nigeria proud. The first lady of Mavin Records has been dishing out hit songs consistently and taking her music far across continents. The Mavin Star bounced back stronger after she was hit with her marriage controversy which at a time trended even more than her Music. But after a break to relax, she took the negativity and turned it into a positive vibe by coming out stronger than she has ever been. Although news of her estranged husband is yet unheard, but loved ones and concerned fans are really praying and hoping the duo are able to sort out their differences for the

Aigbe-Gentry

ollywood star, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, has been unveiled as the brand ambassador of Edalaf Brothers Nigeria Limited, an information technology company. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Edalaf Brothers, Falade Abiodun, said that Aigbe-Gentry was doing great despite being a mother and happily married. According to him, the actress has proven herself to be morally upright, scandal free and she can move the youth. “With her as our face, we believe we will have the undivided attention of the Nigerian youths and we can actually make the difference by guiding them in the right path to

discovering their individual talents and following their passion,” he stated. In her remarks, Mercy-Gentry, said she was excited to be part of Edalaf Brothers. “I am so delighted that Edalaf Brothers appointed me to do this. It is a huge one for me and I pray to God that the collaboration would yield positive results. The deal also allows me to have a website and an app for people to download on their phones. It is a great achievement and it is a way for me to connect with my fans more,” she said. She added that she would be using everything at her disposal to promote Edalaf Brothers and what they do. “I have over 1 million followers on Instagram and I have over 5000 followers on Facebook. My fans are loyal to me, so I can always influence their decision in a way. I am 100 per cent sure of their credibility because I have an image to protect. I will use everything at my disposal to push the brand,” she noted.

entertainment

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Alicia Keys dazzles at Democratic National Convention A

licia Keys sang her heart out on stage during night two of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, and looked absolutely gorgeous on stage while doing it. Alicia Keys, 35, really looked stunning as she sang “Superwoman” on Day 2 of the DNC. For starters, the singer wasn’t wearing any makeup, and we could not have been more impressed by how gorgeous she looked baring her nude look. She also rocked a black and white scarf tied around her gorgeous curls, which were piled high

on her head. The choice to go with a natural look is no surprise to us, as Alicia has been going without makeup a lot lately. On Saturday Night Live in May, she showed up and flaunted her bare face while singing, “In Common” and “Hallelujah.” Then, at the BET Awards on June 26, she walked the red carpet without any makeup and her hair was wrapped in a silver scarf. She actually looked pretty perfect! It is so inspiring that she feels confident enough to show off her natural, beautiful self! After all, one of the best ways to get your voice heard

is to stand behind what you say with confidence. And that is something all the presidential candidates in this race for the White House should be prepared to do. We just love Alicia’s look and how it speaks volumes about how much she respects honesty and the truth. Confident ladies who took the stage at the DNC on the first night of the convention included First Lady Michelle Obama, who rocked her speech with glowing skin, defined eyes and soft curls in her hair. Singer Demi Lovato also stunned on stage with bold brows and a nude lip.

Blac Chyna sobs on mom’s shoulder after Rob Kardashian split T

ough times are here! Blac Chyna is struggling, following her split with Rob Kardashian. After he reportedly found ‘suspicious texts’ in her cell phone and deleted all traces of her on Instagram,

Alicia

Beyonce, Blue Ivy wear matching floral dresses during holidays in Paris L

ike mother, like daughter. Or at least that’s the way you would likely hope things to go if Beyonce was your mama. And lucky for Blue Ivy, she’s already modeling after her flawless, famous mum in these adorable photos of the two in matching outfits. And in Paris no less! In these absolutely adorable photos which Beyonce shared on her website — four-year-old Blue Ivy is seen holding the hand of her 34-year-old diva mom, while the two sport matching Gucci roses and bees ensembles on a balcony in front of the Eiffel Tower. Beyonce accented her dress with a large black flower choker, cat eye glasses, a pink clutch and pale, purple strappy

Beyonce with her baby

heels. Baby Blue wore a pink bow in her curly, black hair and adorable pink sandals. Beyonce’s dress clocks in at $2,700, while Blue’s itty bitty match is a mere $655, according to the Daily Mail. A pretty penny to pay for two dresses? Yes, but that’s worth it for the endless cute factor? Beyonce and her gorgeous little girl are shown dancing around like goofballs on the terrace with the Paris skyline in the background. We love seeing one of our favor-

ite mother and daughter pairs share a special moment like this. Bey is on the European leg of her Formation World Tour and is clearly making time for fun with her family in between shows. Blue will only be little for so long, and Jay Z, 46, and his wife had better take advantage of the time they get to spend with this outrageously adorable tike. Here’s to more matching outfits while Blue is still young enough to think they’re cool.

things have been rough. Here’s some scoop on how Blac is finding support with her mom. Mothers know best. Blac Chyna, 28, is going to the one person she can always depend on, her mum Tokyo Toni, in the aftermath of parting ways with her baby daddy, Rob Kardashian, 29. “Blac loves a good fight, but not with her fiancé,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “It’s so tumultuous that she’s been staying at her mother’s house and has been crying, literally, on her shoulders for emotional support.” The expectant parents suffered their first major fight over the weekend after he reportedly found “suspicious texts” from “shady dudes.” The lovebirds were filming a scene for ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ and the heated dispute reportedly went down on camera. Rob has since wiped his Instagram account clean, which is a vast difference from the blossoming romance we formerly saw of him and Blac that flooded his social media pages. On July 26, he did post a photo of his $220k Flying Spur Bentley, captioned: “Got my baby back,”

Chyna

leading to speculations that he was back in possession of the car he lent to his pregnant fiancé, or maybe she is the “baby” who returned home. Rob seemed to remove her from his life, publicly and privately since “he was so pissed at how she spoke to him, so he deleted everything about her to hurt her,” according a July 26 report from E! News. They also noted how Chyna is “paranoid” about her man cheating because of “past experiences,” but the couple is working through their differences. “They’re back in love and have spoken through their fight.” Luckily, she’s got her mama by her side to get her through these bumps in the road.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Agric How far can FG’s new agric policy go?

Business

Environment Nigeria commits $1m to improved water, sanitation projects

29 30

Cyber security: MainOne tackles N127bn yearly losses CAPACITY BUILDING The ICT firm moves to empower businesses and other organisations on how they can mitigate DDoS attacks in the country

Kunle Azeez

est Africa’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm, MainOne, has decried the N127 billion annual losses to cybercriminal activities being faced by organisations and individuals, saying it was set to tackle the menace. Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, disclosed this in a document obtained by New Telegraph, in which she stressed that her company was set to address Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which have become rampant. The MainOne boss noted that DDoS attackers attempt to overwhelm online financial services with malicious traffic from multiple sources aimed at making such services unavailable. “These attacks continue to evolve with cyber-criminals targeting government and corporate systems with a frightening level of sophistication and frequency. Organisations cannot afford to be complacent about their cyber-security and defences, as traditional methods

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

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Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

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Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

L-R: Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, with Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Mohammad Indimi, during his mechanise agriculture investment visit to Kogi State.

of detection have been rendered obsolete. “The situation has alarmed governments to such levels that billions of dollars have been committed to ensuring cybersecurity and state security apparatus at the highest levels are addressing these issues.” She explained that as West Africa’s premier connectivity and data centre provider, MainOne, which has partnered with Radware, a global leader in cyber-security, is leading the fight in Nigeria’s business landscape to develop a solution specifically-designed to improve organisations’ ability to effectively respond to cyber-attacks. “This Managed Security (DDoS) Protection Service provides optimal protection to meet the unique needs of enterprise networks and applications. The service is an always-on service that is easily deployed to help organisations assure the mitigation of DDoS attacks and service assurance of their networks and data centres,” she said.

Opeke said that the solution provides the shortest time to protection as traffic is continuously routed through MainOne’s DDoS protection systems with minimal customer involvement for unlimited number of attacks, size of attacks and attack duration. “As part of its plans to launch the DDoS protection service, the company plans an Enterprise Workshop with Radware in August for Chief Executive Officers, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and other IT decision makers. “Without doubt, businesses with a desire to promote global best practices in information, computer and internet security and stay ahead of threats will need to adopt MainOne’s DDoS protection,” she said. According to a 2014 report published by the United Kingdom (UK) Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the annual cost of cybercrime to Nigeria was projected at N127 billion annually or 0.08 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2015, the overall cost of cyberattacks was pegged globally at $400 billion and with the growing fre-

Adeola Yusuf Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

INFLATION RATE May 2016...............................15.6% April 2016............................13.7% March 2016..............................12.8%

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

Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent Energy

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Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

EXCHANGE RATE

WHAT'S NEW

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel Market as at July 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N377 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N500 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N409

l Foreign Reserves – $26.347bn as at 22/7/2016

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Chuks Onuanyin

Being the amount Nigerian banks lost via electronic fraud and cybercrime between 2004 and 2014

Rates Dashboard

Energy Editor

Wole Shadare

N164 billion

quency and intensity of threats, experts say the need to pro-actively address cybersecurity threats has become critically important to most enterprises. National Security Adviser to Nigeria’s president, Babagana Munguno, also lamented the cost of cybercrime to government, economic activities, security and vital infrastructure. Advocates of improved e-security in the country have also called on policy makers and government agencies to ensure that data is better protected with focus on the institutions in sensitive sectors, including government, financial, oil and gas and telecommunications. According to reports, threats to financial institutions appear to be higher than others, as the recent increase in financial inclusion and cashless banking across the country is generating large amounts of data and placing billions of naira in financial assets at play. Regulatory agencies suggest that between 2004 and 2014, Nigerian banks lost over N165 billion via electronic fraud and cybercrime. Findings from a recent report from Websense Security Labs found that attacks against financial services institutions are four times higher than that of companies in other industries, the highest of any sector.

(Interbank as at July 8)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N310 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N386 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N322

Source: CBN

Nigeria’s harsh economy hits Indian motorcycle export

‘Over 80% Nigerians can’t afford N4.5m mortgage’

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BUSINESS |NEWS

BAN The ban on the use of the two-wheeler for commercial purpose by some state governments has also affected its import into the country Sunday Ojeme

he prevailing economic crisis in Nigeria has taken a toll on India’s motorcycle export business as statistics made available by Bajaj Auto revealed that export volumes were lower at 370,600 units, compared with 476,000 units in the last one year. According to the report sourced from The Hindu, Bajaj Auto’s standalone net profit rose two per cent for the three months ended June compared with the same period last year, as the company witnessed headwinds in some of the export markets, including Nigeria and Egypt. The company reported higher turnover when compared to the same period last year. “Domestic motorcycle sales grew by 13 per cent as against industry growth of nine per cent. Overall market share in domestic motorcycles improved to 19 per cent. The growth has been fuelled by success of new products namely V15 and Avenger,” Kevin D’Sa, President, Finance, Bajaj Auto, said. However, exports were hit badly as consumers in oil economies faced a liquidity problem. Apart from the currency crisis hitting the country, the sweeping ban on the use of motorcycle as a means of trans-

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria’s harsh economy hits Indian motorcycle export

portation in some states across the country has also affected the volume of sale. Those affected have either relocated to other routes, dropped the business entirely, or gone into the use of more acceptable threewheeler. The ban, which began in Abuja, has spread to Enugu, Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Uyo and Lagos. While the ban is total in some states, the riders are, in some cases, restricted to rural communities where they are not expected to disrupt traffic flow in the city centre.

Earlier in the year, The Economic Times quoted the ET Intelligence Group as saying that investors were reassessing the projected export growth and margins of Bajaj Auto due to sharp volatility in the currency of Nigeria, the largest export market. It noted that what turned investors more cautious was the yawning difference between the prevailing rate of the naira and its six-month forward rate, which suggests the possibility of another 25 per cent devaluation.

Giving reasons the investors are keenly looking at Nigeria’s currency, the report noted that Bajaj Autos billed its dealers in Nigeria in dollar terms and that if Nigeria is facing lack of forex availability, it affects the incremental volumes of the company. It added that vehicles sold in Nigeria were not on credit, which provided some comforting factor. “Devaluation affects the pricing power of the local currency, thus in order to sustain volumes, the company has to

cut prices. Last month, it reduced process by $10-$20 per bike. It impacts average realisation for the firm, as Nigeria accounts for nearly 30 per cent of its two-wheeler export. “If the company continues to bite the bullet, it will be margin dilutive. Exports accounts for nearly 46 per cent of total volumes and, according to analyst estimate, 55 per cent of operating profit. The market is pricing in an operating profit margin of 21 per cent in FY16 and FY17, compared with 19 per cent F15,” the report noted.

L-R: Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Rahul Colaco; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai and the company’s Corporate Affairs Director, Ore Famurewa, during a visit to highlight the company’s support for the state government’s schoolfeeding programme, in Kaduna.

‘Over 80% Nigerians can’t afford N4.5m mortgage’ INTERVENTION The nation requires N59 trillion to bridge 17 million housing deficit Dayo Ayeyemi

oing by low-income level of average Nigerians, over 80 per cent of the population cannot afford a N4.5 million ($15,000) mortgage, even with a 20year tenor, New Telegraph has learnt. Due to citizens’ low disposable income, over 79.6 per cent proportion of households in Nigeria require social or low-income housing. According to estimates’ table on: “High Ratio of Housing Cost to Income” made available by First World Communities Limited in Lagos, only 13.8 per cent proportion of current households in Nigeria could afford mortgages by subsidised plans such as the National

Housing Fund (NHF). Founder and President, First World Communities Limited, Gen. Tunde Reis (rtd), said that 3.1 per cent households in Nigeria could potentially access mortgage market, while 1.3 per cent could afford to make outright cash purchases or use mortgage loans. “Assuming no interest, no down payment and 45 per cent of monthly income as repayment, the cheapest house in the formal sector in Nigeria is set at N6 million ($20,000),” Reis said. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation with 180 million people. Currently, the nation has housing deficit of 17 million, with current production of 100,000 units per annum, while 700,000 houses are needed annually to meet this deficit. Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria’s estimates has shown that N59 trillion is needed to bridge the housing gap. Reis blamed absence of

clear property and security rights, mandatory Governor’s Consent for all land transactions, inefficient land management system, high cost of land transactions, premium barrier and slow change in use of public land for the escalating housing shortage in Nigeria. Canvassing the restructuring of the nation’s housing industry, Reis urged government’s ministries with private sector to come up with policy development to salvage the situation. He also seeks the appointment of regulators from government agencies to oversee the process. On affordability gap fund, he enjoined the appointment of Housing Fund Advisors for the purpose of evaluating housing schemes for admission to the fund, adding that some banks should be selected to function as Housing Fund Custodians. According to him, combined cost of land acquisition and high cost of build-

ing materials would escalate cost of housing development in the country. Describing the affordable housing delivery’s vicious cycle, he said: “High cost of housing relative to income leads to reduction in demand; reduction in demand for housing caused by affordability; reduction in supply of housing leads to high cost; and reduced investment in housing to match demand.” He also advocated liquidity support for mortgage banks through the secondary mortgage market. On economy diversification and impact on affordable housing delivery, Reis pointed out that housing contributes to the economy (GDP) through the economic impact of new housing development and consumption spending from its services. As a result, he stated that housing development activity would directly impact new construction and have ripple effect on the economy of spending by those em-

ployed in the construction activity from their wages and profit. Besides, he said it would have effect of spending on local goods and services generated by those occupying completed homes. However, he blamed the nation’s housing problems on acute shortage of housing stock, inadequate scale of delivery, absence of quality assurance framework, fragmented industry, artisanal construction, absence of community management to preserve asset value. On housing finance, the president of First World Communities Limited, listed high interest rates reflecting risk and source of funds, absence of long term mortgage finance, non-replicable of housing delivery models, absence of foreclosure laws, lack of institutional depth, affordability gap between cost of houses and income of end users as major problems of existing housing delivery.

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

labour

INTRIGUES Government has failed to provide enough protection for Nigerians in the hands of those who provide goods and services

Sunday Ojeme

don, Prof. Barnabas Agbonifoh, has taken a swipe at the Federal Government for its failure to protect consumers, thereby exposing them to the dictates and manipulation of producers of goods and services. The professor of Marketing stated this during his inaugural lecture at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The lecture titled: “Power, Powerlessness and Ambivalence in the Nigerian Marketplace: Consumer, Who Will Save You,” drew scholars from within and outside the university community. Lamenting the pains concumers go through in the hands of goods and services providers, he said as a regulator of the relationship between the producer and the consumer, government was weak, sometimes ambivalent and, therefore, ineffective. The don urged consumers to come together under an association to counter the antics of producers of goods and services. He described the marketplace as the hub of every economy and the juncture of all operators within an economy. He said: “In a broad sense, there are three types of actors

President Muhammadu Buhari

Consumer protection: Don slams government in the market, namely, the producer, the consumer and government. The producer is the business organisation or entity that makes and/or offers goods and services for sale. Middlemen of various sizes and hues often represent it. “One other operator is the buyer or consumer. There are two main types - the corporate or industrial consumer

NUPENG: Why we restricted petrol tanker movement

he leadership of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has given reasons why it placed a nationwide ban on movement of petrol tankers between 6pm to 6am. Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Zonal Council of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG, Comrade Tayo Boyeji, said this in a statement in Lagos. He also warned that henceforth, no petrol tank farm must admit trucks into their premises from 4pm. Boyeji also said petroltank farms should not also engage in night loading of trucks henceforth. Besides, he said that the union in Lagos area alone had trained over 1,500 petrol tanker drivers on how to obey Nigerian road signs and how to be security conscious at all times. He said the decision to place a ban on night movement of trucks was taken because of the incessant attacks on petrol tankers at night, and the hijacking of petrol tankers.

Agbonifoh

Boyeji also added that Nigerian roads were full of potholes and bad portions, which the drivers are not aware of and which often lead to accidents. He said: “We have placed a ban on driving from 6pm to 6am, we have kick-started this since three weeks ago, if you get to any depot now, they are no longer loading in the night, as a matter of fact, no tanker is allowed to come into the tank farms after 4pm, and the ones that are caught inside the terminal must remain there, those that cannot move before 6pm should remain at the depot. “This move will not lead to fuel shortage because vessels are not discharged at the tank farms at night. “The main reason for this decision is because of the hijackers and you also know that most of the accidents that take place happen at night due to driver’s fatigue and sometimes due to the bad roads he may not be aware of.” Boyeji stressed that training of the drivers was a continuous exercise that will be done in phases.

and the final consumer who is usually either an individual or a household. “In the marketplace, the producer is relatively powerful, while the consumer is relatively powerless. It is also argued that, in the context of Nigeria, the government as a regulator of the relationship between the producer and the consumer is weak, sometimes ambivalent and, therefore, ineffective.” “On the contrary, consumer powerlessness is attributable

to illiteracy, ignorance, complacency, apathy, laziness, poverty and susceptibility to non-rational buying.” He averred that corporate power derived mainly from corporate wealth, influence and connections, which give them better access to litigation, legal representation, ability to lobby and otherwise induce regulators, law enforcement and judicial officers. He added that the consequence of the interface be-

Lagos plans platform to absorb technical graduates

agos State government has initiated a project to absorb graduates of its technical colleges. The platform, according to a statement, is specifically designed for the maintenance and renovation works of public schools across the state. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who disclosed this in Lagos, said that the technical and vocational education had produced qualified competent and skilled youth in the state. She commended the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association and Industrial Training Fund for creating the platform for the graduates of the state technical colleges to be skilled and for giving them adequate entrepreneurial trainings that would make them actualise their dreams as entrepreneurs. She said: “At this point of

huge youth unemployment, innovative solutions that could transform the economy of the nation are imperative and technical- vocational education is a tool to inspire the youths to achieve their full potential.” The deputy governor pointed out that the current administration in the state was seriously exploring all available avenues to encourage the growth of young entrepreneurs and as such, had decided to engage graduates of its colleges. He appealed to well-meaning individuals to partner with the administration in addressing the problems of youth unemployment, restiveness and misdirected agitations, adding that the state government would continue to work with the private sector in delivering a robust technical and vocational education.

tween corporate power and consumer powerlessness was exploitation of the consumer by business organisations. According to him, business organisations achieve this through unethical and illegal practices which, quite often, take the form of substandard and unsafe products, brand proliferation, planned obsolescence, hoarding, profiteering, unsubstantiated advertising claims, one-sided or biased promotional messages, dishonoured warranties, advertisements directed at hapless children, encouraging excessive materialism and confusing and misleading consumers. He, however, noted that government’s efforts to protect consumers through laws aimed at regulating product quality, sale of foods, drugs and other products and services have yielded little dividend for consumers for a variety of reasons. Reasons for these, he explained, include poor funding of these agencies, corruption, inadequacies in some of the legislations and the cumbersome nature of the processes for seeking and obtaining redress as well as the unhelpful attitude of consumers. Besides, he said: “It is also clear that business philosophies and initiatives such as the marketing concept and relationship marketing have proved largely ineffective essentially in empowering consumers because they bestow on the corporation the initiative to act in the overall interest of both the organisation and the consumer. “Rather than merely calling on, or expecting the government to take action, consumers should take their own destiny in their own hands. This should take two forms. First, they should act on their own individually to protect themselves. They should educate themselves on their rights in the market and be active in protecting those rights. “When making purchases, they should be circumspect; they should be alert and take steps to spot any form of malpractice. “Second, consumers of various goods and services should form associations and operate to protect their members in the same way that trade unions and trade associations operate. “Such consumer associations should constantly put pressure on government and business organisations in matters involving the interest of their members. The philosophy is to act and call on the government and business organisations to provide the necessary support rather than doing nothing and expecting the government and business organisations to provide the needed protection alone. Consumer organisations should assist aggrieved members by helping them in seeking redress from erring organisations,” he added.

agric

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

How far can FG’s new agric policy go? Last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a new agric policy known as Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP) (2016 – 2020), which is aligned with the nation’s diversification programme. TAIWO HASSAN x-rays this strategy In the beginning Before the advert of oil boom in Nigeria, agriculture was the mainstream of the country’s economy and was the major source of revenue generation for government, accounting for about 65 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As at that time, incomes were derived from export of major cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, palm oil, cashew nuts, groundnut, cotton and cassava, among others – which all provided about 70 per cent of active labour for Nigerians. However, the sudden discovery of oil at Oloibiri in 1956 gradually started showing negative signals towards agric development in Nigeria, as government shifted its focus to oil exploration and production (E&P) in 1958, thus making Nigeria join the league of oil producing states in the world. Also, the neglect of agriculture saw many past administrations country unveil various blueprints to revitalise the industry, but it was easier said than done, as various agric master plans hit the brick wall due to lack of attention to intensify the policies. Consequently, this reduced Nigeria’s agric sector’s revenue generation from the export of major cash crops and also, its contribution to the country’s GDP. However, in order to revitalise the nation’s agric sector, former President Goodluck Jonathan introduced Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), which was one of its 7-point agenda to accelerate growth and development in the sector and Nigeria at large. The Jonathan’s ATA policy was a game changer for the industry, as the bold policy and institutional reforms added 20 million metric tonnes of food to domestic supply and created at least 3.5 million new jobs in agriculture and allied industries in 2015. Buhari’s new policy At the FEC meeting in Abuja

Farmers in the farm

last week, the new agric policy - Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP) (2016 – 2020) was formally approved as a policy and strategy document for the Nigerian agric sector. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, noted that starting in 2010 – 2011, the Federal Government, after years of benign neglect, began to reform the agriculture sector. He recalled that to refocus the sector, government implemented a new strategy, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). In 2011-2016, he said the focus was on rebuilding a sector whose relevance had shrunk dramatically, adding that that was reflected in the lack of lending to farmers by the financial system and the dramatic levels of food imports from across the world. The ATA, he said, served its core purpose of helping refocus Nigeria’s attention on agriculture. His words: “Today, as we evaluate the progress made under the ATA, it is apparent that additional work is still required in order to meet our objectives. Nigeria still imports a significant amount of food. Nigeria is also not earning significant foreign exchange from agriculture, meaning we are losing on both ends. Therefore, it became paramount to “refresh our strategy” to tackle these two issues head on. The Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) is that refreshed strategy.

In 2015, ATA policy added 20m mt of food to domestic supply & created 3.5m new jobs

“The purpose therefore of this policy document is to provide a disciplined approach to building an agribusiness ecosystem that will solve these two gaps. He said the private sector will remain in the lead while the government facilitates, as well as provides supporting infrastructure, systems, control processes, and oversight. The key federal MDAs he added, will take on more of a regulator’s role to ensure a nuanced commercial development of the market necessary to close these two gaps. The minister said: “The success of the new policy will be driven by the levels of engagement of market place participants, farmers, states, investors, financial institutions, and communities. “Other stakeholders from research laboratories to the Nigeria Customs Service to donors will also play vital roles. Performance will be tracked and published periodically to help inform smart decision making, but also to reinforce our fundamental goal of leveraging the capabilities of Nigeria to ensure food and income security,” Ogbe added.

ing model that is largely inefficient. As a result, an aging population of farmers does not have enough seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, crop protection and related support to be successful. The latter challenge was driven by an equally inefficient system for setting and enforcing food quality standards and poor knowledge of target markets. Insufficient food testing facilities, a weak inspectorate system in Federal Ministry of Agric and Rural Development (FMARD), and poor coordination among relevant federal agencies compounded initial problems such as poor knowledge of permissible contaminant levels. Putting Nigeria’s agriculture sector on a path to growth will require actions to solve these two gaps: produce enough fresh, high quality foods for the Nigerian market and serve the export market successfully and earn foreign exchange. The new policy (APP) is a strategy that focuses on solving the core issues that has to do with limited food production and delivery of quality standards.

Significance of the policy Nigeria is facing two key gaps in agriculture today: inability to meet domestic food requirements and an inability to export at quality levels required for market success. An age-long problem is a productivity challenge driven by an input system and farm-

Conclusion It is agric stakeholders’ expectations that as productivity improves domestically and standards are raised for all Nigerian food production, export markets will also benefit immensely from the new policy. This is expected to positively impact on Nigeria’s balance of payments.

businesS \ agric

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG to revamp 15,000 tractors for farmers

FOOD SECURITY Anambra State has increased its rice production capacity from 80,000 metric tons to 210,000 metric tons Caleb Onwe

L-R: Second Vice President, Association of Agricultural Products and Equipment Manufacturers in Nigeria (AAPEN), Alhaji Bashir Abasu; President, Chief Eric Umeofia and Secretary General, Alhaji Umaru Abdullahi, during the press conference by the association on government need to support the ingenious manufacturers in Lagos.

Abuja

s part of efforts to end the food crises in Nigeria, which the Federal Government said will end in two years time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is considering the rehabilitation of about 15,000 tractors out of the 30,000 that are broken down nationwide, for farmers’ use. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this in Abuja when the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, paid him a courtesy visit. Ogbeh gave the assurance that Anambra was doing everything possible to end the food crises in the country by adopting practical measures that will encourage farmers to make more commitment to food production. He explained that the ministry was considering the need to add 10 per cent soya beans into cassava to enrich it with more protein for more nourishment for the children. He said that about 15,000 broken down tractors out of the 30,000 available in the country would be rehabilitated to support farmers in Nigeria. Ogbeh commended the commitment of Governor Obiano in the agricultural sector and

promised to support his state in the ministry’s programmes. He said the ministry would be willing to help Anambra State in fish fingerling production and other areas of the sector to boost food production in the country. The minister, however, advised the governor on the use of NPK 15-15 fertilizer, which, according to him, destroys the soil. He also encouraged the state to consider the use of lemon grass to tackle the erosion problems in the state. Ogbeh also commended Anambra State for improving its rice production capacity

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

Price 416-6 332-4 994-0 341.4 30.81 207-4 10.750 422-0 502-0

Change -0-2 -0-4 +4-6 +0.2 +0.02 -1-4 +0.085 -0-4 +2-4

Contract Sep 16 Sep 16 Aug 16 Aug 16 Aug 16 Sep 16 Sep 16 Sep 16 Sep 16

Time(ET) 05:48 05:45 05:48 05:43 05:45 05:02 05:37 05:39 04:57

Price 73.96 187.35 142.20 19.46 2840 327.10 0.0000 0.1924 3115.00 0.0000

Change -0.14 +5.90 ++0.65 -0.18 +8 +0.50 -0.0220 -0.0020 +12.00 -0.0075

Contract Dec 16 Sep 16 Oct 16 Oct 16 Oct 16 Jul 16 Jul 16 Jul 16 Jul 16 Jul 16

Time(ET) 05:45 07/26/16 05:48 05:49 05:49 07/26/16 07/12/16 07/12/16 05:33 07/12/16

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

Meats Commodity

Price

Change

Contract

Time(ET)

Live Cattle

113.150

+0.925

Aug 16

07/26/16

Feeder Cattle

142.450

+0.750

Aug 16

07/26/16

Lean Hogs

75.725

-1.075

Aug 16

07/26/16

Class III Milk

16.99

-0.10

Aug 16

07/26/16

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

from 80,000 metric tons to 210,000 metric tons, stressing that the ministry has succeeded in reclaiming all the Universities of Agriculture. He said the ministry had commenced the process of training 100,000 extension workers up to the Local Government Areas, stressing government’s determination to take-off the wandering cows out of the streets

within 18 months. Earlier in his remarks, Governor Willie Obiano said Anambra State has been doing well in commercial agriculture, adding that the state spent almost N150 million last year to boost seedlings. Besides, he said that the state had commenced the exportation of Ugu and Bitter leaves to the United Kingdom, adding that about N20 million was used for the

Anambra, Thailand firm sign pact on $400m agric deal Taiwo Hassan

he Anambra State government and Thai Borneo Energy Limited, Thailand, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to attract agricultural investment projects valued at $400 million to the state. Managing Director, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Mr Billy Ekwunife, disclosed this to newsmen after a meeting with the business group and others in Awka. Ekwunife, according to a statement, said that the major focus of the investors was massive farming and production of rice and palm kernel oil for local consumption and export. “The state government will provide the land and some other logistics for the investment, while Thai Borneo Energy Limited will finance the project through their partners, the Bukham Group. Their rice specie is quite different from the rice we have in the country, which will be harvested three times a year. The oil palm tree to be introduced is three times better than what is obtainable in Nigeria,” he said. Ekwunife explained that

the investment will create jobs for youths when actualised and help to boost rice production in line with the state government’s desire to produce 320, 000 metric tons yearly. He stressed that communities where the project would be sited would also benefit from the power project to be put in place. However, Ekwunife, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, said a final agreement would be reached with the investors at a later date. The governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano said that his administration was ready to invest in agriculture in line with the Federal Government’s diversification agenda to boost the country’s economy. Obiano, also said that no state in Nigeria can avoid to joke with agriculture due to the drop in the prices of crude oil at the international market. The governor noted that agriculture is the leeway to the creation of job opportunity for the teeming youths in the country, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise agriculture in the state for the betterment of the state’s economic growth.

training of farmers on packaging of produce for exports. He thanked the minister for his readiness to support Anambra State, saying his administration is well focused, well organised, keeps good records and would support every effort of the government in boosting food production in Nigeria.

Catfish farmers urged to export produce

atfish farmers have been advised to key into the international demand for the commodity, by packaging and exporting their produce. An Aquaculture Consultant, Mr Tajudeen Morakinyo, made this call during a chat with newsmen in Lagos. He said that produce exporting would improve their income, grow their businesses globally and also improve the nation’s agricultural sector. The huge trade in smoked fish steamed from growing demand by the increasing number of Africans living in the Diaspora. The U.S. and Europe are the major destinations for Africans, who venture abroad. It is noteworthy that up to 40 per cent of smoked fish exported from Africa is detained, returned or destroyed at the U.S. and European ports, due to improper packaging and labeling. Morakinyo said that farmers needed to improve their farm practices, to tap into the available market for the export of smoked fish. “First, the smoked and dried fish must be well-processed and preserved. If the fish is not smoked, using the right wood, charcoal or technique, it may end up with high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH).

Environment Watch

PROJECTION No fewer than 3.2 million people are expected to benefit from access to improved sanitation

FRIDAY, JUly 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria commits $1m to improved water, sanitation projects

Dayo Ayeyemi

he Nigerian government has committed one million dollars towards increasing access to potable water for all Nigerians by 2030. Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, disclosed this during the opening of the Sixth General Assembly of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The committed fund, he said in a statement, was part of the pledges made to scaleup water sector projects, adding that the disbursement of the funds were in process. Adamu, who is the Chairman of African Water Facility (AWF), appealed to other African countries to redeem the pledges they made towards the reality of the project 2012. He said: “I wish to note that pledges made by African countries in 2012 have not been paid up, with the sole exception of Burkina Faso. We want to thank the Nigerian government who recently committed one million dollars, of which the disbursement is in process.”

UN lauds first solar-powered bypass of globe by airplane

N Environment Chief Erik Solheim has lauded the Solar Impulse team, which last Tuesday, completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in a solar-powered airplane. Congratulating the Solar Impulse team, Solheim said the team has accomplished something truly groundbreaking, proving practical what was once thought impossible. The team includes pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. He said: “While they have achieved another milestone in flight, their circumnavigation is even more momentous for what it demonstrates about clean technology. We may not be flying on a commercial solar plane in the next few years, but we are already driving electric cars, powering our homes with sunlight and running entire countries on renewable power. “We live in a world where renewables are no longer an alternative source, but already the norm for a good deal of our energy needs. This transition is critical to fight climate change and improve the health of our planet and people. Solar Impulse has shown not only the pace of the transition, but that the sky is the limit to what we can do with clean technologies.”

Water supply in one of Ekiti communities. Photo by ekitistate.gov. ng

He said that African Water Facility (AWF) had committed 1.6 billion euros to implement water and sanitation projects in the region. Adamu said that 3.2 million people are expected to benefit from access to improved sanitation and over 2.8 million of them would have access to improved drinking water sources. He said the AWF was ambitious in its goal towards developing the region’s water sector to achieve water security in line with the Africa Water Vision 2025, which entails a sustainable access to a safe

and adequate water supply and sanitation to meet the basic needs of all. The bankable project, he stated were direct contributions to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said member states have committed 922 million euros for the implementation of follow-up projects, which were relevant to total development of the sector. He said the AWF was committed to developing the sector, hence the focus on targeting cross-cutting issues of climate change, environment protec-

101 nations embrace fresh biodiversity plans

ne hundred and one parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have submitted new national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). The new pact set out national contributions to the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, a set of 20 global targets to be achieved by 2020. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are part of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, an overarching framework to protect biodiversity and enhance its benefits for people, approved by governments in 2010 and since recognised by the United Nations as setting the global framework for action on biodiversity. CBD Executive Secretary, Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, stated that reaching the milestone was an important achievement, “but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.” He said: “In the lead up to the thirteenth meeting of

the Conference of the Parties (COP 13), being held this December in Cancun, Mexico, I encourage all countries that have yet to develop, revise or update their NBSAPs, to do so as soon as possible.” In adopting the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity invited Parties to establish their own national targets, using the Strategic Plan as flexible framework, taking into account national needs and priorities, while also bearing in mind national contributions to the achievement of the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The majority of NBSAPs include targets that reflect specific Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and many relate to targets on public awareness, pollution reduction, invasive alien species, protected areas, preventing extinction, access to and sharing benefits from genetic resources and sharing information and knowledge.

tion, gender and social equity. AWF prioritises projects in water harvesting, conservation, storage, recycling and reuse, and the use of renewable energy to power water stations and infrastructures. Adamu expressed hope that all member states would reach a consensus on all deliberations, thereby taking the region to its next level. He called on member states to pay up their pledges for project scale-up, saying by the end of 2018, an estimated 44 million euros would be needed. Commissioner for Rural

Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission, Ms. Rhoda Tumusiime, called for the implementation of bankable projects of what would be implemented at national levels. Tumusiime urged member states to dialogue and agree on the direction that Africa needed to take, towards achieving sustainable development and water security. Tanzanian Vice President, Ms. Samia Suluhu, called on African governments to overcome the existing challenges and take advantage of the available opportunities.

Scientists fret over Paris climate goals

reaking the lower emissions limit set at the historic Paris Agreement on climate change last year may expose the world to damage caused by rising temperatures, scientists from Climate Analytics and International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) have said. The scientists stated that the controversial and stillunproven technologies − including bio-energy and carbon capture and storage − will be needed in order to achieve the agreement’s report According to report, a new analysis of the science and policy underlying the 1.5°C temperature rise limit included in the agreement’s long-term temperature goal has identified several areas that its authors say need more research. The agreement aims to keep global average temperature rise “well below” the 2°C previously agreed,

and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The analysis by a team of scientists, who have published key research papers on the science, impacts and policy aspects of the 1.5˚C limit is the centrepiece of a collection of content by Nature Climate Change, Nature Geoscience and Nature journals, titled Targeting 1.5°C. Much of their focus is on what available science says on low emission pathways that could achieve 1.5˚C. They say most such scenarios at least temporarily overshoot the 1.5˚C limit − that warming would rise above this level before returning to below 1.5˚C by 2100. Scientific adviser at Climate Analytics, CarlFriedrich Schleussner, said: “Whether the presently available pathways are in line with the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal is not a scientific but a political question.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Child trafficking Policemen accused of collecting N2.5m bribe to free trafficker

Crime

Uniform power Policemen stripped, flogged me –Driver

32 33

Our father raped us countless times without condoms –Daughters l Father: I was checking if they were virgins

Juliana Francis

wo teenage sisters have revealed in chilling details, how their biological father, repeatedly raped them without using condoms. According to the girls, Enobong, 16 and Imaobong, 13, not real names, their father, a mechanic and driver, from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, turned them into sex objects and always raped them without using condoms. The accused man, Mr. Okon Jimmy Amah 40, father of four, allegedly had sexual intercourse with both girls at different times, especially at midnight in their home. Amah confessed to have had sex with both of his daughters. He however added that he was only attempting to check if the girls were still virgins. According to him, he continued to have sex with them, because his second wife, who lives with him, used to deny him sex. Enobong is a Junior Secondary School (JSS3) student, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Enobong also sells recharge cards at the State Secretariat Complex, Uyo. Enobong was living with her mother in Benin, Edo State, until April 9, 2015, when she decided to visit her father in Uyo. It was after she got there, that her father turned her into his lover. She said: "My father started soliciting sex from me. In fact, that April, my father forcefully had sexual intercourse with me in our small room. He had sex with me in the middle of the night. He has had sex with me several times. I have lost count

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

Amah

of the number of times he had sex with me. What is making this issue explodes now, is that one day, after I returned from selling recharge cards, my father got angry that I got home late. I tried to explain to him that I had to balance my account. He however refused to accept my explanation. He started flogging me with a fan belt.” Enobong said her father used a motor fan belt to flog her. The girl said that her father beating her, was nothing new, but the beating of that particular day, was too severe. The beating left a lot of bruises on Enobong’s body. It was so obvious that one of her customers, who noticed the bruises the following day, asked her what happened. Apparently sick and tired of the life she had been subjected to, hungry for a person to share her pains, Enobong poured out

Sometimes, my wife used to deny me sex. That was why I solicited sex from my daughters

her heart to the customer. The shocked customer happened to be a lawyer. He took the matter to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Akwa Ibom State. Enobong was invited to share her horrifying experience. She also revealed that she had once told her stepmother, that her father used to have sex with her and her younger sister, Imaobong. Recollecting her own experience, Imaobong said she was 11-year-old when her father started having sex with her. She said: “My father returned home one day and called me to a quiet place. He asked me whether I had ever had sex with a man before. I said no. He said he would be the first man to have sex with me. I was shocked. I wanted to say something, but he shouted

at me to shut up. “When it was midnight, my father raped me. I cried and felt ashamed. He raped me, not once, not twice. He raped me several times. One day, my mother heard me crying, she came to me. I told her the little I could. My mum was angry. But my father didn’t stop having sex with me. My mum knows about it.” Amah is married to two wives. One lives with him, while the other does business in Benin, Edo State. Amah, who is in police custody, didn’t deny the allegations. He however denied having sex with his daughters several times. According to him, he did it, “only once.” He said: "Yes, I slept with my daughters in the bedroom room, while my wife was sleeping in the sitting room. My wife was ill with malaria. She had been ill for a week. Sometimes, my wife used to deny me sex. That was why I solicited sex from my daughters." According to him, aside from his wife sexually starving him, he suspected that his daughter, Imaobong, wasn’t a virgin. He needed to confirm. His words: “I suspected that Imaobong has had sex with a man. But when I inserted my manhood into her vagina, I discovered that she had never had sex. At that point, I immediately removed my manhood from her vagina." As if carrying out the ‘manhood test’ on Imaobong wasn’t enough, Amah, also decided to verify Enobong’s virginity. He said: “In the case of Enobong, I also intended to find out if she has had sexual intercourse with any man. When I inserted my manhood into her vagina, I discovered that no man has had sex with her. I immediately removed my manhood.” Amah further admitted to using motor fan belt to beat Enobong, after having sex with her. He said: "It’s true I flogged my daughter with a car fan belt, after which I dumped it in my pit toilet." The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare invited the police. The girls’ father was arrested and charged to court. He was arraigned on threeCONTINUED ON PAGE 33

CRIME

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Men of the community, during their emergency meeting

Policemen accused of collecting N2.5m bribe to free trafficker Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

olicemen attached to the Ebonyi State Police Command, have been accused of collecting N2.5m bribe from a suspected child trafficker in order to set her free. This accusation was first leveled against the police by a Human Right Activist, Idam Emma and later supported by members of Amasiri Community, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. It was gathered that the community had been repeatedly plagued by activities of child traffickers. Members of the community have been doing everything within the ambit of the law, to check the activities of these traffickers. One of the recent moves a member of the community took was to go undergo cover and pose as a father, who wanted to sell his two kids. The idea was to uncover a suspected trafficker, who allegedly used to frequent Amasiri, to buy kids. To uncover this trafficker, the community involved three policemen in the operation. The suspected trafficker fell for the ruse and was arrested. The community expressed shock to later discover that the trafficker was allowed to go, after the policemen allegedly collected a bribe of N2.5m from her. The matter was reported at the police command and the policemen were detained. But after a while, the policemen were released. The outraged community members, including a traditional ruler, immediately petitioned the Governor of Ebonyi, Mr. Dave Umahi and the state’s commissioner of police. According to the petition, the action of the policemen would continue to make the community seem attractive to child traffickers.

One Onuabuchi Ikpor, a member of the community, who started the whole process of arresting the suspected trafficker, said he had watched and discovered ways most of the child traffickers operated. Thus, on June 8, 2016, Ikpor confided his observation to Idam Emma. He told Emma how he witnessed sells of infants and pregnant teenagers within where his mother’s hotel was sited. He told Emma that the prime trafficker appeared to be operating from Umuahia, Abia State. Ikpor had allegedly collected the phone number of the trafficker in Umuahia, from another suspected dealer, promising to find children to be sold

The suspected child trafficcker and a rescued victim

When Ikpor tabled his findings and plan before Emma, the activist said he needed to be further convinced. Ikpor placed a call to the trafficker, put the call on speaker and Emma listened. Ikpor and the trafficker bargained and fixed a date. It was agreed that Ikpor would supply 10 infants on an agreed date. Ikpor said: “Prior to the agreed date, Emma and I tipped off three policemen attached to Afikpo North Area office of the Federal Investigations Bureau (FIB). The policemen placed another phone call to the trafficker and it was agreed that the kids would be supplied and sold two by two. “On the agreed date, the traf-

ficker declined to come to Amasiri for the transaction. She said she had been making too many trips to Amasiri and needed a break. She told me to travel with the children to Okigwe, Imo State, where the deal would be sealed. We obliged. On June 10, 2016, I took my two kids; male and female and my sister-inlaw, to pose as my kids’ mother. Emma, the activist and the policemen went with us. Following instructions, we alighted at Okigwe, before the motor park. Emma and the policemen kept surveillance from afar.” Ikpor said that after haggling over the price for the two kids, the trafficker told him to join her inside her car, so that they would head to Umuahia, where they would seal the deal. They zoomed off, while the plain clothed detectives followed closely behind. The policemen intercepted the trafficker at Umuahia Tower Express Road. Ikpor said: “The policemen transferred my kids, myself and the trafficker into their own car and reversed, heading back to Afikpo. The policemen stopped at Mile 2 Police Post, Ishiagu, where on interrogation, the woman confessed to have a network of three syndicates. They later headed for Afikpo Police Division, and stopped. This time, the policemen ordered everyone to get down, except the suspect.” According to Ikpor, he and Emma felt something was not right and decided to trail the policemen. They trailed them to Afikpo Area Command. Later, the policemen seemed to disappeare. They went to FIB, Afikpo office. They saw two among the policemen, but the suspect and the third policeman was nowhere to be found. Ikpor said: “The policemen pretended to be taking the suspect to the police command. But on their way, they took the suspect to the bank, where they collected N2.5million and released her.” Emma, who also petitioned the commissioner of police on the matter, explained how Ikpor came to him and how he got involved. Emma said: “We asked Ikpor how he could identify this group, and he told us that he collected their phone number and told them that he had two children for sale; male and female, at N400,000 and N3000,000 respectively. We asked him to call them on phone and put the phone on speaker which he did. This was to enable us confirm what he was alleging.” Emma said: “It was at this juncture, we involved two policemen, Emeka and Kelvin, who identified themselves as officers of the FIB Afikpo Office.” The officers later called Sergeant Ferdinand, claiming he was the officer in charge of their office. Emma said that the trafficker was baited and later apprehended in Umuahia, Abia State by the policemen. Emma said: “But the policemen began playing hide and seek, as soon as they crossed the boundary into Ebonyi State. First they took a detour to a Police post in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, instead of proceeding to the Afikpo Local Government Area. There they interrogated the trafficker, who allegedly confessed to the crime. “After interrogating the trafficker, we left for Afikpo. On getting to CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

CRIME

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Policemen stripped, flogged me –Driver Farida Mohammed

company driver, Mr. Segun Aina, has revealed how policemen attached to Moroko Police Station, Lekki Phase 1,Lagos State, stripped and flogged him. Aina, 34, said that his encounter with the policemen on July 21, 2016, was an experience, he wouldn’t forget in a hurry. He was flogged by three policemen. They flogged him with belt, broom and also repeatedly punched him. According to Aina, he was maltreated and bruised simply because he chastised a cab driver for breaking the traffic law. When Aina boarded a cab, he didn’t know three of the passengers were policemen. They were all in mufti. When the driver of the cab got to where he was supposed to wait for the traffic light, he didn't. Rather than wait patiently for the light to turn and signal his turn to drive, the driver just sped through. Aina knew that such move had repeatedly caused the accident of many vehicles, often leading to the death of innocent passengers. He chastised the driver, trying to point out the errors of his ways. This apparently annoyed the policemen. One of them, demanded to know who Aina was, that he should boldly cautioned the cab driver. He threatened to ‘teach’ Aina a lesson he wouldn’t forget. Before Aina knew what was happening, the policeman gave him a blinding slap. He ordered the driver to drive into Moroko Police Station. It was there that Aina’s torture and trauma started. Aina said: “ One sergeant Yinka told me to pay a fine, but I couldn’t because I had no money on me. I was stripped off my clothes, belt and forced to frog jump. I was repeatedly flogged. They removed and destroyed my belt. I was seriously bleeding. An unknown policeman recorded a video of me and my torture and threatened to post it on Facebook. I was also ordered to sweep the premises of the police station.” Like most people working on the Island, Aina used to leave home early. On that fateful day, he found himself

Aina

Lagos CP, Owoseni

at the bus stop around 5am. The plan was to board a cab to his office, Osapa London. When he saw this

particular cab, he jumped in. The cab driver zoomed off. Aina recounted: “On getting to the traffic light at the end of Ajose Adeogun, moving to Ligali Ayorinde, the light was on red. But for just no reason, the driver drove against the traffic light. I challenged the driver. I asked him why he drove against traffic light. The man sitting behind him, whom I later discovered is called Sergeant Innocent Ojobo, shouted at me. I was shocked. I didn’t know him. We’ve never met. He asked me whom I was to rebuke the cab driver for breaking traffic light. He said he would punish me. He wasn’t even in uniform. I thought they were armed robbers. I didn’t know he was a policeman.” Aina continued his narration: “ Sergeant Innocent slapped me and threatened to detain me at the police station. He declined all pleas from both the cab driver and I. I didn’t even know why I

Community demands prosecution of policemen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Amasiri; the officers ordered me and Ikpor to alight.” According to Emma, he later traced the officers to their office in Afikpo. His words: “On reaching there, we saw their car parked in front of the office, and then we knocked on the door and entered. We only saw Ferdinand and Kelvin, but the trafficker and Emeka were not there. Ferdinand asked us what we came to do; I told him we came to know the next line of action as we had brought the suspect to the station. He said we were not police, but I reminded him that I also have an office to report to. It was then that he called on Emeka to bring the woman to their office, and immediately Emeka and the woman entered, a man came for her bail.” Emma said he insisted that the woman should not be bailed, but detained at the divisional headquarters in Afikpo as it was late. But the officers allegedly refused to

heed his advice. They zoomed off with the woman, saying they were taking her to police command that night. According to Emma, Ikpor came to his house the next morning, to alleged that the policemen collected a bribe of N500, 000 and allowed the woman to go. He said all efforts to contact the officers to know the status of the matter, proved abortive as they refused to pick their calls and later switched off their phones. Emma said he was left with no choice, than to report the matter to the Area Commander in Afikpo. He was invited to make a formal statement and thereafter, the matter was transferred to police command. Emma said that when he came to Police Command to report the matter, he was threatened by some policemen. He further alleged: “They had people trailing me. They tried to abduct me on the day I came to submit the petition to the commissioner of police.” In a petition dated June 30, 2016, signed by traditional ruler, Omezue

Ichie Chukwu Idam, Omezue Mbe-Agbaenyi, Ichie Oka Itiri, Reverend Sunday Eze and other stakeholders of the community, the people said the recent arrest of the trafficker and release by the officers of the FIB Afikpo Annex was clear indication that the police were not ready to check activities of traffickers. In a petition, the community sent to state’s commissioner of police, the community alleged that there was a plot to shield the trafficker and the three policemen. The community demanded for the re-arrest and prosecution of the three policemen The petition gave the first names of the three officers as Ferdinand, Emeka and Kelvin. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, denied knowledge of the matter. She said: “We are not aware of the matter.” She immediately switched-off her phone. But a copy of the petition was obtained by our correspondent. The petition, dated June 20, 2016, displayed the commissioner of police’s official stamp.

was begging him. But I begged him, so that he would allow the matter to go. “As we alighted at the station, Sergeant Innocent commanded the other two officers who were in the car with us-one Dagrin and a mobile policeman, to lead me into the police station. The Mopol and Dagrin led me to the station at gun point. Inside the station, we met Inspector Sunday, Sergeant Yinka and two other policemen. The Divisional Police Officer(DPO) told Inspector Sunday and the two policemen to explain what happened; Sergeant Innocent claimed I called them “Yeye.” He further stated that he cried and pleading with them to stop flogging him, but they wouldn’t listen. He recollected asking the policemen if he had offended them in anyway, so that he could apologize. He just wanted the flogging to stop. Aina said he spent a week at Meditop Hospital, Shagamu after the incident. After much degradation and maltreatment, Aina secured his freedom. He however knew that he had been unjustly ill-treated. He also knew he has a right. He sought the intervention of the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), a nongovernmental organization, acting as a watchdog over activities of the police. NOPRIN petitioned the DPO of the station. The DPO would later call the three policemen to explain once again, drama that played out between them and Aina. Aina said: “ I was shocked when the DPO denied that the policemen punished me. He said it wasn’t at his station. My brother, Mr. Bola Adewale Adeoye, requested that the station should write an apology letter to me, but they refused. Since then, everything had been quiet on the matter.” Aina said all he wants, is for Sergeant Innocent, Dagrin and their mobile police colleague to be probed and checked. He said if nothing was done to curb their excesses, they would mete out similar treatment on other Nigerians. Aina’s co-worker, who refused to give her name, said she remembered the day of the encounter vividly. She said: “He was supposed to be at work around 7:30am on that fateful day, but he came too late, crying. He said policemen arrested and beat him mercilessly. He was even bleeding. I had to clean his blood.”

‘Our father raped us countless times without condoms’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

count charge of incest, carnal knowledge and assault, contrary to Section 242 and 364 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Akwa Ibom State. When the matter, with suit number HU/65C/2016, came up before Justice Okon Okon of the State High Court in Uyo, on July 14, 2016, there was no witness to testify against the accused person. The Defence Counsel, Barrister Harrison Ernest, raised an objection. He argued that the matter should be struck out, for lack of diligent prosecution, since there was no witness in the case. The court ruled that by the next adjourned date, if the Prosecution Counsel, Barrister Mary Icoba, couldn’t produce witnesses, the court would have no option, than to strike out the case against the accused person.

CRIME

Flora Onwudiwe

12-year-old maid, Esther Mfon, has revealed the harrowing experience she went through in the hands of her madam, Mrs. Blessing. Esther’s maltreatment would have gone unchecked, if not that Blessing, furious with her for not being able to get kerosene to buy, chased her out of the house with a kitchen knife around 11pm. She was wandering the streets, confused and worried, when a security guard, from the same Akwa Ibom State as her, saw her. The security guard handed her over to another woman, also from Akwa Ibom, to watch over for the night. The woman is Mrs. Victoria Samuel. For daring to assist the little girl, Samuel would later get arrested and detained. Narrating the story of her life, Esther said: “One day, my madam asked me to go and buy kerosene. I searched everywhere, but I couldn’t find anyone selling kerosene. People, who used to sell, didn’t have. I returned home to tell her. She started beating me. She picked a knife and chased me out of the house. She said she would kill me. I ran out.” Esther said that it was after she ran away, that the security guard took her to Samuel. Samuel is a regular customer of Blessing, who sells foodstuff. Esther said: “The woman, who assisted me, used to buy foodstuff from my madam. She’s our regular customer. While I was wandering around the street, I came across the security man, who took me to her home that night. I preferred to stay with her, than to go back to my madam’s house that night.” It was discovered that one Comfort, half-sister to Blessing, allegedly sold Esther to Blessing. Esther said that when she left her village in Akwa Ibom State, heading to Lagos with Comfort, she thought she was going into a life of bliss and good education. Within weeks of her arrival, her dream turned into nightmare. She said she had been subjected to four years of torture and labour. When she couldn’t bear the suffering anymore, she begged Blessing to take her back to her village. Esther said: “I told my madam and Comfort that I would like to go back to my village. I would like to go back to my poor mother. My mother lives with my siblings in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.” Recalling the night she was chased out of the house by Blessing, Esther alleged that Blessing, angry over the unavailability of kerosene, grabbed a kitchen knife, threatening to stab the girl. Esther, who lived with her madam at New site Ijegun-Egba, said she searched everywhere for kerosene that fateful day, but she didn’t find anyone selling. But Blessing refused to believe her. When Blessing grabbed a knife, Esther ran out of the house. This was happening around 11pm. Esther was wandering around that night, when a security man, member of Bakassi men at Alebiosu, Ijegun Egba, saw her. He listened to her story and later handed her over to Samuel, whom Esther knew as her madam’s customer. Remembering her family in the village, Esther said she’s the fifth child, among seven children. She said: “We’re seven children. Three boys and four girls. I’m the fifth child. My father is late. My mother sells bean cake (akara) to sustain us. I was in primary five, schooling in a government school, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when Comfort came to meet my mother. Comfort and my mother, are

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Madam chases 12-year-old maid out of home with knife …for failing to find kerosene

Esther

members of Mount Zion Believers’ Church in Uyo. “They are close friends. Comfort told my mother that she wanted to take me to Lagos. My mother told her I was too young. I was just eight years old then. Comfort told my mother that the woman I would be living with in Lagos, had a provision store. She convinced my mother to allow me to follow her to Lagos.” When Esther got to Lagos, Comfort handed her over to Blessing. Esther soon discovered that there was no provision store. Rather, she was forced to wake up around 4am every day, trek to Ijegun Market, where she sells foodstuff for Blessing. After Esther repeatedly demanded to be enrolled in school, Blessing grudgingly did. Perhaps because Esther couldn’t cope with primary five tests, she was placed in primary three, at Ijegun Satellite Town Primary School. She said: “When I came to stay with Blessing, I met two other boys. They are older than me. They later ran away. My madam brought a girl to join me. My madam is a widow. Her husband died last year. She doesn’t have any child. Every child that lives with her, works for her. My madam used to wake us before

4am to prepare for market. She would not come to the market until later. She would ask me to go to school around 10am. Sometimes, I go to school without eating. She doesn’t give us food always. Sometimes, when she gives us food, she would ask us not to eat the food because we didn’t complete assignments she gave to us.” Esther said that each time she told Blessing that she wanted to go back to her village, she would call Comfort. Comfort would dash over to beat Esther. Esther was baffled that Comfort, who was her mother’s friend and fellow church member, could suddenly become cruel to her. Esther said: “I came to live with my madam when I was just eight years old. I’m now 12 years old now. For four years, I have been suffering. I’m not the only one living with her. There’s a nine years old girl that came to join me after the two boys ran away.” Esther alleged that Blessing used to feed them soured food and because they were hungry, they would eat it. She said: “ I have no uniform and bathroom slippers to go to school. I don’t even have schoolbag. I have no pen. A polythene bag is what I used as my schoolbag. My class teacher is aware of all these. She used to

complain. She used to ask me why my madam refused to buy shoes and schoolbag for me.” Esther further complained that Blessing used to tell her mother through phone call, that she would soon bring her home, but she kept procrastinating. Samuel, who took interest in Esther because they came from the same state, recounted how she got involved in the matter. The matter landed her in police detention. Samuel, who sells bean cakes at Alebiosu Street, IjegunEgba, said: “When I moved into the area, a neighbour introduced me to Blessing. My neighbour told me that Blessing sells our native foodstuffs. It was through Blessing, I got to know Esther. Esther was the major person assisting Blessing in the market. I have lived here now for three years. Esther is a young girl. I noticed she wasn’t happy. One day, I inquired from Blessing if Esther and the two boys were her biological children, she refused to give me a straight answer.” Samuel said that what bothered her most, was that Esther always wears tattered dresses. She said that whenever she gives her daughter’s dresses to Esther to wear, Blessing would frown on the gesture. Esther drew nearer to Samuel and soon started confiding in her. Samuel said: “Esther narrated her ordeal to me and I pitied her. I decided to visit Blessing one day. I discovered that the road leading to where she lives, was bad. There was stagnant water everywhere. In fact, it was a dangerous terrain for a little girl to be passing through every day, especially around 4am. Esther would trek to the market, passing through the bad roads, but Blessing would board a bus to the market.” Samuel said that one day; Esther came to her house, insisting that she would like to go back to Akwa Ibom. She wanted Samuel to plead with Blessing on her behalf. Recalling the fateful day that Blessing chased Esther out of the house in the night because she couldn’t find kerosene to buy, Samuel said: “I was praying that day when Esther came. The time was around 11pm. She said her madam wanted to stab her with a kitchen knife. She ran away. I allowed her to sleep that night.” Esther had been living with Samuel for almost a week, when Blessing paid them a surprised visit. Blessing told Samuel that Esther stole her N50, 000 on the fateful night she ran out. Samuel said: “On the night Esther came to me, she was without any money. She wore a torn dress.” Thereafter, Blessing reported Samuel to Agboju Police Station. The police arrested Samuel. The security man, who saw Esther on the night she was chased out, said: “I was on duty when I saw Esther roaming the street late at night. We later handed her over to Mrs. Samuel.” Blessing however denied ever being cruel to Esther. According to her, she bought schoolbag and other items Esther needed for her progress in school. Blessing told police that Samuel kidnapped Esther. When Samuel was arrested and taken to the station, police carried out preliminary investigation. They later detained Blessing and allowed Samuel to leave after quizzing Esther.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EXHORTATION “Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)

IslamEx-Speaker Bankole craves religious education 24 Shawwal, 1437

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

8 ways to prepare for Hajj QUESTION

How can a Muslim prepare for Hajj?

ANSWER

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Make sure your passport has not expired. Be sure to get it, or any other paperwork relating to your residency in your country to be complete before you leave. Start today by calling your local Saudi Arabian embassy to ask about the requirements and preparing the necessary paperwork. Or you can also ask your travel agent (some who offer Hajj packages also help arrange immigration matters for those customers taking their Hajj package). 5. Read about how to do it There are a number of guidebooks on how to perform Hajj. One of them is A Handbook of Umra & Hajj by Sarwar Alam Raz. Know the different rituals of Hajj, how and when they are performed, as well as the things to avoid and things that are recommended to do during Hajj. 6. Keep yourself physically fit Hajj is one pillar of Islam that is physically demanding. Having to walk in the heat, running from Safa to Marwa, these are just some of the rituals someone performing Hajj will have to do. Start watching what you eat and walking 30 minutes a day or getting involved in any other kind of Islamically permissible activity you enjoy to keep you physically ready for when you go to Hajj, if Allah wills it. Also, get a medical checkup. 7. Make an appointment with those who have made Hajj Make a formal appointment by phone or in person with someone who has performed Hajj. If you are planning to meet them in person, ask them to bring their Ihram and other things they used during Hajj. Use this meeting to get tips and practical advice from them which you won’t find in most guidebooks. 8. Read the Diary of a person who has performed Hajj If you know of no one who lives near you who has performed Hajj, read the diary of a Hajji by Ishaq Zahid (it’s online and it’s free!) to get the inside story on Hajj from someone who has performed it.

for better governance, development CHARGE Bankole charges teachers, students at MSSN quiz competition on falling standard of education in the country Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sabur Dimeji Bankole, has thrown his weight behind calls for more attention for teaching of religious education in school for better governance and development. Bankole, who bemoaned the falling standard of education in the country, blamed the situation on the various tiers of government as well as teachers. He spoke in Abeokuta during the grand finale of the maiden secondary schools quiz competition organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ogun Area Unit at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The former Speaker, who was the chairman of the occasion, appealed to teachers to always instill moral values and discipline into their students. He also tasked the executive and judicial arms of government to relate with the best of their abilities towards the betterment of Nigeria. Bankole said, “I think it’s not rocket science that the standard is not what it should be. I believe the government whether state or federal should look into the situation and hopefully, things will get better for the future of the country. “This is a challenge not to these

young people - boys and girls - but the challenge goes to those who are teaching these young boys and girls. The challenge goes to us that are forming policies in governance that are supposed to provide character, leadership and competence to all of you (students) here.” The former Speaker noted that though religious education was good, teachers should also strive to train students on their core subjects in order to develop their intellect. He admonished Muslim students to remain focused and dedicated, saying whatever education they acquired would be beneficial in future. Bankole said, “When you suffer, you would know the value of things. It is a privilege to be here today. For your parents to take care of you, the organis-

ers allowing you to come and demonstrate, is privilege. With privilege comes responsibility to make sure that whatever we gain here is passed to the necessary sections of governance. “The next is perseverance, which gives you character; character gives you hope, hope to become governor, hope to become President, to become teachers and to become Aliko Dangotes of this world.” Earlier in his speech, the Amir of MSSN B-Zone, Alhaji Mushafau Alaran, enjoined Nigerians to be tolerant, saying the nation was experiencing problems because the citizens refused to abide by the instructions of God. He expressed the support of MSSN for the anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari, calling on all Nige-

rians to be patient with the present administration. “We appreciate the anti-graft war of this present administration. We want all and sundry to imbibe it. Let us be patient with him in his move to look for an egalitarian society. What the President is fighting is accumulated situation. Moreover, Rome was not built in a day. We must all exercise caution to feel the impact of good governance,” he added. On the recent Appeal Court judgement over use of Hijab in public schools, Alaran said the development reinforced the belief of Muslims in the Nigerian judiciary. He urged all the state governors to permit the use of Hijab in schools, stressing that there should not be any agitation before students could be allowed to wear it.

L-R: Chief Imam of Badagry, Sheik Abdulhakeem Uwais Akewusola; Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim; Chief Imam, First Central Mosque, Alhaji Sadala Abdulrahman and Alhaji Tijany Gbajabiamila, during a seminar for the intending 2016 Pilgrims in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Lagos to pilgrims: Don’t travel with kolanuts, hard drugs to Saudi Arabia Muritala Ayinla

agos state government has warned intending pilgrims for the 2016 Hajj to desist from travelling to the Holy land with Kolanuts and hard drugs. The government also said that authorities of Saudi Arabia have forbidden pilgrims to travel to the country with vegetable, palm oil, cooking stove, pots, gas cooker. It warned the intending pilgrims to be security concious and ensure that nobody arranged their luggages on their behalf. Speaking at a one-day seminar organized for year 2016 intending pilgrims in Lagos held at the LTV Blue Roof, the state’s Commissioner for

Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem Abdullateef who disclosed this, said that adequate logistics had been put in place for an hitch-free Hajj exercise this year. According to him, the state has also provided decent accommodation and proper healthcare service both in Medina and Mecca for this year’s pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabia. Warning intending Pilgrims against inclusion of prohibited items in their luggage, Dr Abdullateef implored the pilgrims to assembly their items themselves to be sure of its content. “Don’t allow anybody to arrange your bag on your behalf. Hard drugs, Kolanuts are forbidden. vegetable, palm oil, cooking stove, pots, gas cooker

are not allowed as well. You are allowed to carry two bags each and food stuff that are not list among prohibited items” “One 8Kg luggage will accompany you into the plane and should not consist any liquid or metallic objects such as cutleries. The 32 Kg luggage would be kept in the lugagge section. Note that Travelling bags of 32kg capacity will be distributed to all the pilgrims” The Commissioner explained that a list that would reflect order of departure of pilgrims would be pasted at the Pilgrims Board on August 5 adding that arrangement have been concluded with Med-view Airline for the exercise. “The first batch of our Pilgrims would leave Lagos for Medinah on the 8th of August.

Each batch would be accompanied by medical and other essential workers of the Board” He also assured intending pilgrims that there is effective welfare packages that would make their stay in the Holy land a memorable one. “We have taken into consideration, hot weather condition by securing Tent B class for our Pilgrims. We have also procured desert air conditioner with numerous fans for our pilgrims. Noting that the State government has saved huge amount of money that would have been used for sponsoring people on free pilgrimage for infrastructural development, Dr Abdullateef implored the pilgrims to embark on the journey with the fear of Allah.

36 Special Report

FRIday, July 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

July 29: A significant date in Nigeria’s history

Fajuyi

Muritala

Babangida

Danjuma

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

had not been actively involved in events until that point, the Head of State. On ascent to power, Gowon reversed Ironsi's abrogation of the federal principle. In 1993, General Ibrahim Babangida, a participant in the July 1966 revolt, named an Army Barracks after Ironsi and posthumously awarded him the country’s highest honour – Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR). A street in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory was also named after him. For Fajuyi, some streets in Lagos (Ikeja) and Ibadan were named after him. There is a square – Fajuyi Square – in his honour in his home state, Ekiti. On 29 July 1975, that General Gowon was ousted, he was attending an Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) summit in Kampala, Uganda, when a group of officers led by Colonel Joe Garba announced his overthrow. The coup plotters appointed Brigadier Murtala Muhammed as head of the new government, and Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo as his deputy. Architects of the coup were field grade officers of the ranks of Lt. Col. and Colonels. Other than Brigadier Murtala Mohammed, who was prospectively identified and kept in the picture to minimize last minute arguments about leadership, no other brigadiers were directly involved. They include Colonels Garba, Anthony Ochefu, Alfred Aduloju, Ibrahim Taiwo, Abdullahi Mohammed, Lt. Colonels Ibrahim Babangida and Shehu Musa Yar’adua. The plot started after Gowon reneged severally on his promise to relinquish power. He had declared on October 1, 1974 that Nigeria would not be ready for civilian rule by 1976. He also announced that the handover date would be postponed indefinitely.

The man Ironsi

Ironsi

ohnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi was born to Mazi Ezeugo Aguiyi on March 3, 1924, in Ibeku, Umuahia present-day Abia State. He moved in with his elder sister, Anyamma, who was married to Theophilius Johnson,

Yar'Adua

Garba

a Sierra Leonean diplomat in Umuahia, when he was eight years old. Ironsi subsequently took the last name of his brotherin-law, who became his father figure. At the age of 18, he joined the Nigerian Army on February 2, 1942 against the wishes of his sister. He was admitted to and excelled in military training at Eaton Hall, England and also attended Royal Army Ordnance Corps before he was later commissioned as an infantry officer with the rank of Second Lieutenant on June 12, 1949. He soon returned to Nigeria to serve as the Aide-De-Camp to John Macpherson, Governor General of Nigeria. He was assigned as Equerry to Queen Elizabeth 11 during her visit to Nigeria in 1956, an assignment for which he was sent to Buckingham Palace to train. During the Congo crisis of the 1960s, Ironsi, then lieutenant Colonel, led the 5th Battalion to the Kivu and Leopoldville provinces. His unit proved integral to the peacekeeping effort, and he was appointed the Force Commander of the United Nations Operation. In 1960, he led the Nigerian contingent in Congo. There, he single-handedly negotiated the release of Austrian medical personnel and Nigerian troops, when they were ambushed by Katangese rebels. For this, he was awarded the 1st Class RitterKreuz Award. This and many other exploits earned him the name "Johnny Ironside", a corruption of his name "Ironsi" with reference to various British military

historical parallels. Ironsi returned from Congo in 1964 during the post-independence "Nigerianization" of the country's institutions of government. It was decided that the British General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army, Maj. General WelbyEverard, would step down to allow the government to appoint an indigenous GOC. Ironsi led the pack of candidates qualified for the coveted position. A consensus was reached by the ruling Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) coalition government, and Ironsi became the first indigenous GOC of the Nigerian Army on February 9, 1965.

The man Gowon

Gowon

orn on October 19, 1934, General Yakubu Chinwa Gowon is an Angas from Lur, a small village in the present Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was Nigerian military leader between 1966 and 1975.

He was educated in Zaria and joined the Nigerian Army in 1954, receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant on October 19, 1955, his 21st birthday. He also attended both the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, UK (1955–56), Staff College, Camberley, UK (1962) as well as the Joint Staff College, Latimer, 1965. Like Ironsi, he saw action in the Congo as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, both in 1960–61 and in 1963. He advanced to battalion commander rank by 1966, at which time he was still a lieutenant colonel. After the coup of January 1966, he was appointed Chief of Staff by Ironsi, thereby becoming Nigeria's youngest military Chief of Staff at the age of 31. But Northern officers staged a counter-coup in July 1966, and Gowon emerged as the compromise head of the new government. Gowon tried to resolve the ethnic tensions that threatened to fatally divide Nigeria. Although, he was eventually successful in ending attacks against the Igbo in the North, he was unable to effect a more lasting peace. In a final attempt to resolve the conflict, on May 27, 1967, he declared a state of emergency and divided Nigeria’s four regions into 12 states. Three days later, the Eastern Region declared itself the independent state of Biafra with then Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as its leader. Consequently, armed conflict began in July. After the Federal Government’s victory in January 1970, a remarkable reconciliation took place between the two sides Gowon declared that there would be no victor and no vanquished. In this spirit, the years afterward were declared to be a period of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reconciliation. The oil-price boom, which began as a result of the high price of crude oil (the country's major revenue earner) in the world market in 1973, increased the Federal Government's ability to undertake these tasks By the mid-1970s, Gowon was emerging as an international leader and was involved in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). On July 29, 1975, however, while he was in Uganda for the Organisation of African Unity summit, the army removed him from office. Gowon was exiled to Britain. He was stripped of his rank for allegedly participating in the assassination of his successor, General Muhammed, in 1976. He was pardoned by Shehu Shagari in 1981, and his rank was restored by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1987. Having earned a Ph.D. at Warwick University in 1983, he became a professor of political science at the University of Jos in the mid-1980s.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Analysts predict modest growth for second half of 2016

WEAK Rising inflation, security challenges impact economy

They pointed out that fiscal policy did not meet expectations over the first half of 2016 especially given the delayed signing of the 2016 budget into law, and the ongoing sabotage of crude oil facilities, which have resulted in the country incurring huge losses in oil revenue. The analysts said that while they were forecasting a modest improvement in economic activity in the second half of the year due to the passage of the 2016 budget and deregulation of the petroleum sector, they expect inflation to remain high, a development, they said, will lead to further monetary policy tightening. They said, “We project a 300bps interest rate hike over the second-half of the year from 12per cent to 15per cent, as inflationary pressures curtail the CBN’s expansionary ambitions.” According to the analysts, “Nigeria’s inflation rate maintained an uptrend throughout the first half of the year, hitting multi-year highs, with seemingly high volatility in each of the months. We estimate the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to average 18.2per cent in H2-2016, bringing our inflation outlook for

Tony Chukwunyem

gainst the background of the announcement by the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, that the economy is already “technically” in a recession, analysts at Cordros Capital have painted a somber picture of the country’s financial system in the second half of this year. In a note obtained by New Telegraph, the experts predicted that the economy will register modest growth even as it will continue to face headwinds in the form of rising inflation and continuing security challenges. As the analysts put it, “In March, we had revised our growth projection for the year to 2.5per cent (from 3.8per cent) following the slower-than-expected start to the year. Recovery in economic activity is likely to be modest over the second half, but with significant downside risks. Consequently, we have revised our growth estimate for 2016 to a more modest 0.08per cent.”

the year to a less conservative 15.7per cent.” In addition, they pointed out that the rising inflation coupled with the CBN’s forex reforms meant that there was a likely possibility for further yield expansion in

the second half of this year. “A threat to our forecast is the possibility for lower than expected bond supply to fill the hole from plummeting fiscal revenues,” the analysts stated.

itch Ratings has downgraded Lagos State’s Long-Term Local Currency (LTLC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B+’ from ‘BB-’ with a stable outlook. The global rating agency said the key reason for the action was its downgrade of Nigeria’s LTLC IDR on 22 July 2016. According to the agency, “Under our criteria, a local or regional government can be rated above the sovereign only in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, following the downgrade of Nigeria’s LTLC IDR on 22 July 2016, we have taken a similar rating action on the state to align its local currency ratings with the sovereign’s.” Similarly, it noted that a downgrade of the sovereign’s ratings would lead to a corresponding action on Lagos’s IDRs. The agency further stated, “In the absence

of a sovereign downgrade, an operating margin declining towards 30per cent, unfavourable changes in the national tax policy, debt rising beyond Fitch’s expectations of N350billionN400billion over the me-

frican economies have grown substantially over the past decade, but poverty and inequality reduction has remained less responsive to growth successes across the continent, according to the 2015 edition of the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s African Development Report. The study with the theme, “Growth-poverty and inequality nexus: overcoming barriers to

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 June, 2016 26/07/2016 Mar 2015 28/7/2016 26/7/2016

Source:CBN

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

FGN Bonds

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)

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

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

Change (%) 1.12 ▲ -0.27 ▼ -0.17 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.03 ▲ 0.42 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 30-Jun-16 7.92 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 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 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.57 ▲

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

an economic rebound in the country’s economy in the second quarter of this year was unlikely. He noted that the implementation of the 2016 budget in the second quarter remained slower than expected.

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

dium term and economic instability, even at the local level, could lead to a downgrade. “A sovereign upgrade may be reflected in Lagos’s ratings, provided that improvements in budgetary performance

reduce debt levels to 1x the budget size (about N400billon). Further improvement of the local economy giving additional boost to internally generated revenues would also be positive for the ratings,” Fitch added.

AfDB: Poverty, inequality persist despite Africa’s growth

As at N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 16.5 14 10.77 US$43.49 US$26,229,961,624

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had said at the end of the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting last Tuesday (which hiked benchmark interest rate from 12 per cent to 14 per cent,) that

Fitch downgrades Lagos to ‘B+’, with stable outlook

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

Change (%) -1.75 ▼ -2.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

sustainable development” was launched last Wednesday. The report stated that despite earlier periods of limited growth, African economies have grown substantially over the past decade, noting, however, that poverty and inequality reduction has remained less responsive to growth successes across the continent. According to the report, “Africa’s recent economic growth has not been accompanied by a real structural transformation. As a result, millions of Africans, especially women and youth, have been left behind.” It sheds light on how the intermediating role of various forms of inequality limit the transformation of Africa’s growth into prosperity for all, pointing out, “Unequal ac-

cess to economic resources and opportunities is mirrored in the continent’s high income inequality, gender gaps in earnings and opportunities, the rural-urban divide, youth under-employment and in the limited priority given to key poverty-reducing sectors like agriculture, agro-industries, and manufacturing.” In his Forward remarks, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said: “I firmly believe that development is about delivering real improvements in living conditions right across society. This analysis shows that widespread inequality is limiting both growth and poverty reduction across Africa. These income disparities have remained persistently high over decades, leaving Africa one of the world’s most unequal regions.”

Firms boost digital banking security

irst Authentication Services Limited (FASL) has partnered with Entersekt, an innovator in mobileenabled digital banking security, to make Transakt available in Nigeria. Transakt is a patented two-factor authentication and app security product that provides full protection from phishing and other attacks targeting the online, mobile and card-not-present channels. Transakt uses stateof-the-art digital certificate technology and proprietary validation techniques tailored to a wide range of mobile devices to create a mutually validated, end-to-end encrypted communication channel between a bank and its customers’ mobile phones or tablets. This channel, which

is fully out of band, delivers push authentication prompts to users in real time. They approve or reject transactions and digitally sign their responses with a single tap, while Transakt does the hard work in the background securing the entire process. There is no need for expensive hardware tokens or cumbersome one-time passwords. The Transakt software development kit can be integrated into existing full-service banking apps, but it is also available as a standalone authentication app available in all major app stores. Bespoke customization of the authentication app is also now offered by Entersekt for banks that want to deliver a fully branded app directly to their customers.

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BEARISH Equities drain, as investors step-up profit taking Stories: Chris Ugwu

hares of blue chip companies yesterday ended on the negative, as performance indicators, NSE ASI and market capitalisation fell further by 0.56 per cent. Market watchers believed bargain hunters made a retreat to take profit following the gains recorded during the last two days. Consequently, the All-Share Index shed 158.66 basis points or 0.56 per cent to close at 28,046 .96 index points as against

Stock market down by N55bn 28,205.62 recorded the previous day, while market capitalisation of equities depreciated by N55 billion or 0.56 per cent to close lower at N9.632 trillion as against N9.687 trillion. Meanwhile, a turnover of 270.7 billion shares in 3,957 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. The premium subsector was the most active during the day (measured by turnover volume); with 108.03 million shares exchanged by investors in 849 deals. Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of FBNH Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. Also, the banking services sector of the financial services

Dangote Cement posts N103bn PAT HY2016

angote Cement Plc has reported a profit after tax of N103.420 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 from N121.808 billion posted in 2015, representing drop 15.09 per cent. The group in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) also reported a profit before tax of N124.890 billion in 2016 as against N128.726 billion posted a year earlier. Revenue stood at N292.191 billion as against N242.215 recorded in 2015, indicating a growth of 20.63 per cent. Dangote Cement reported a profit after tax of N52.779 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 from N68.620 billion posted in 2015. Its profit before tax stood at N54.539 billion in 2016 as against N70.168 billion posted a year earlier. Revenue stood at N140.521 billion as against N114.738 recorded in 2015, indicating a growth of 22.47 per cent. The Company had announced a profit after tax of

N181.3 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2015 while profit after tax grew by 13.7 per cent. Accordingly, the firm paid N8 per share as dividend to the amazement of the shareholders. Highlights of the result showed that revenue was up by 25.6 per cent to 491.7 billion, as new plants perform strongly across Africa. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 17.5 per cent to 262.4 billion at 53.4 per cent margin. Also, earnings per share appreciated by 15.2 per cent to 10.86. Also, dividend went up by 33.3 per cent to 8 per share at 73.7 per cent payout ratio. Group cement volumes rose by 35 per cent to nearly 19 million tonnes, price reduction drives rebound in Nigerian market in the fourth quarter, as volumes rose by 36 per cent and full-year volumes up 3.2 per cent despite severe economic challenges.

sector, boosted by activities in the shares of GTB Plc and Skye Bank Plc followed with a turnover of 105.08 million shares in 2,033 deals. Further analysis of the day’s trading showed that MRS Oil Plc topped the day’s

gainers’ table with 10.20 per cent to close at N38.78 per share, while Pharma Deko Plc followed with 4.85 per cent to close at N1.73 per share. Law Union and Rock Assurance Plc added two per cent to close at 51 kobo per share.

On the flip side, Skye Bank Plc led the losers with a drop of 7.89 per cent to close at 70 kobo per share, while Berger Paints Plc shed 4.98 per cent to close at N7.63 per share. Cutix Plc trailed with 4.97 per cent to close at N1.55 per share.

Diamond Bank reports 25% FY2016 PAT decline

iamond Bank Plc has reported 25.51 per cent drop in profit after tax for the half year ended June 2016. The financial statement released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the group recorded a profit after tax of N9.053 billion during the half year as against N12. 154 billion posted in 2015. The group’s profit before tax stood at N10.485 billion in 2016 from N14.193 billion reported a year earlier, accounting for a drop of 26.12 per cent. However, total comprehensive income rose by 13.3 per cent year on year to N16.3 billion as against N14.4 billion recorded in comparable period of 2015. Non-interest income grew by 33.4 per cent to N26.5 billion. The bank’s credit creation rose by 28.6 per cent, as loans and advances to customers grew from N763.6 billion in the same period last year to

N982.3 billion. Also, loans to other banks grew by 30.7 per cent to N78.5 billion in H1 2016 from N60.1 billion in the corresponding period last year. Commenting on the Bank’s H1 performance, Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer, stated that despite the economic headwind, the bank would remain resilient and sustain the positive growth throughout H2. He said the lender’s strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios plus its digital transformation have rightly positioned it to meet customer obligations and offer service deliveries that are beyond banking. He said: “With the domestic economy contracting, the Nigerian banking industry has faced a number of challenges over the last six months. Nevertheless, in the first half of 2016, we have remained resilient in weathering these headwinds and there are real bright spots in our income streams, as well as noteworthy cost reduc-

tion, which give us confidence going into the second half of the year. Due to actions taken and an ongoing prudent approach, our regulatory capital remains strong. This position of helped offset the one-off impact of the recent devaluation of the naira, as acknowledged by Fitch Ratings when they affirmed our B rating with a stable outlook. Liquidity of the bank also remains high and is well above the guidance ratio stipulated by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “Although year on year impairment charge grew by 45.6 per cent to N19.0 billion, reflecting the Bank’s continuation of prudent provisioning, which is aimed at strengthening performance in the years ahead; its operating costs and interest expense are shrunk by 10.7 per cent and 27.5 per cent respectively compared to H1 2015, reflecting success of the cost control initiative and low cost deposit strategy,” he said.

NSE launches recruitment portal

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched an online portal to attract top talent and optimize its recruitment process. According to the management, the recruitment portal, which is expected to enhance the Exchange’s recruitment capability, increase turnaround time and provide a consumer-friendly candidate experience, will handle all aspects of recruitment, from application, to scheduling in-

terviews and on boarding of new hires. Speaking on this development, Head, Human Resources, NSE Pai Gamde, noted, “technological advances have streamlined almost all business functions and the Human resource function is not an exception. By taking our recruitment process online through our website, we have developed a secure platform to capture, reach out and engage with qualified candidates who can support our continuing

drive for growth in the Nigerian capital market”. “The entire recruitment process is automated from start to finish. This in turn allows for rapid feedback and real time updates on whether an applicant has been successful or if the vacancy has already been filled. The platform also provides a fully responsive design, optimizing the site for mobile and desktop to provide a consistent, userfriendly experience on any device”, she added.

NEWS | south-west

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EFCC on wild goose chase in Ekiti, says Fayose

Babatope Okeowo AKURE

kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday accused All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as instrument of coercion against the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the country. Fayose, who was on Orange FM in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the EFCC is only on wild goose chase in the state as it has met a brickwall in the effort to nail him with

corruption charges. The governor wondered why the anti-corruption commission has now shifted its attention to the finances of Ekiti State after the initial probe of the fund from the Office of the National Security Adviser, under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), he allegedly used for his election. Fayose said the EFCC was now harassing banks in Ekiti, seeking for records of government and chasing contractors, claiming that the contractors gave me kickback while their initial investigation was on his campaign funds. "They are on vendetta

mission. They said I collected money from Dasuki and I have told them that I did not collect a dime from Dasuki. I have N300 million in my fixed Deposit Account in Zenith Bank and I declared it in my Assets Declaration Form. "I have challenged them to publish the statement made to the EFCC by Dasuki where he said he gave Senator Musiliu Obanikoro money to give me or where Obanikoro himself said he gave me money.

$220m The net worth of Robert Downey Jr. in 2016. Source: Fropky.com

"Since they have seen that the Dasuki money issue won't offer them the implication of Fayose that they desperately needed, they are now harassing contractors in the state. But I can assure them that their efforts will come to nothing," Fayose said. He added that the EFCC does not have any power on state finances, saying by Section 125 subsections (2), (5) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is the House of Assembly of a state that is vested with powers to superintend over the funds of a state. His words: "Our Constitution did not place Ekiti

Kayode Olanrewaju

PHOTO: NAN

Lagos declares emergency on flooding, restricts movement

agos State Government yesterday declared a state of emergency on flooding in the state, saying that the July 2016 Environmental Sanitation Exercise will still be dedicated to cleaning of drains and canals across the state, to allow for free flow of water as the raining reason nears its peak. The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, who disclosed this, in a statement, said human and vehicular

movements would be restricted between the usual 7:00am-10.00am. The Commissioner said: “As we are all aware, Lagos is a Coastal City that has high water table levels and prone to flashfloods whenever it rains. We must therefore imbibe habits which will reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of flooding in the state.” He also said that the target of the state this year is to sustain past record of flood abatement, thus making it possible for the state not to experience flooding.

OAU reopens August 3 Kayode Olanrewaju

bafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, which was shut few weeks ago, will reopen on August 3 for full academic and administrative activities. According to the university's Senate, which approved the reopening of the institution, Wednesday August 3, has been fixed for the resumption of continuation of screening exercise for the new students, while returning students will resume on Sunday August 7.

Now that they have the federal powers and they are using the powers to oppress the people, they are against restructuring of Nigeria." The governor, who declared that he had no personal scores to settle with President Muhammadu Buhari, said: "I am not attacking Buhari; I am only telling him the truth. I was 24 years when Buhari became military head of state. We queued then before we could purchase essential commodities, this is the same way things were difficult." He reiterated his call to the Federal Government to declare emergency on agriculture, saying: "It is not enough to say people should go back to farming."

Ajasin Varsity suspends student over EFCC Internet scam allegation

Onlookers at the Bola Ige Market that was gutted by fire early yesterday morning in Ibadan… yesterday.

Muritala Ayinla

State House of Assembly under the control of the Attorney-General of the Federation or the EFCC. He said the APC was part of the history of debts in Ekiti State, disclosing that; "I left N10.4bn and N6.9bn was handed over to Segun Oni. Their own government handed over debts. They handed over debts in 2003 and did same in 2014." He called for proper restructuring of the country in line with report of the 2014 National Conference. He said: "Nigeria has not been properly structured and that's why we are facing all these problems. Remember it was those in power now that clamoured for restructuring when they were in opposition.

The university was shut down more than a month ago in wake of mounting opposition and protracted protest by the institution’s chapters of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the NonAcademic Staff (NASU) against the appointment of Prof. Ayobami Salami, as the Vice-Chancellor. The Federal Government, however, ordered the sack of the new vicechancellor and appointment of an acting vicechancellor.

He added that, “this can only be achieved through effective collaboration of the people.” The commissioner advised residents in the state to desist from dumping waste arbitrarily into the drainage channels and canals, in order to maintain a flood-free Lagos, warning residents who still patronize cart pushers to desist from the illegal act. He also advised them to dispose their waste through LAWMA/PSP Operators, urging the entire residents to ensure that

their environment is kept clean at all times and free from storm water stagnation, which could also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other health hazards. He therefore, warned inter-state and luxurious bus operators, transport owners and road transport workers to comply with the restriction order on human and vehicular movement between 7.00am-10.00am, stating that anyone caught violating this order will be apprehended and prosecuted.

New CP takes charge in Ogun, warns criminals Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he newly appointed Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Illiyasu, yesterday formally took over the state command, with a stern warning to criminals to steer clear of the state. Illiyasu spoke during the handing over ceremony in Abeokuta by the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abdulma-

jid Ali, who was recently promoted as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2. The new police commissioner promised to ensure the safety of lives and property. He also read a riot act to suspected militants operating in some parts of the state to desist from their nefarious activities, stressing that the police has made tactical and covert deployment to flush them out of their hideout.

he management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has announced the indefinite suspension of Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole, a 400-Level student of Political Science of the university, over alleged involvement in N16 million internet fraud. This was as the university in a statement yesterday said the student gave the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) a fake name and level as Adebiyi Tayo Abudu, a 300-Level Mathematics student, while his real name is Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole and in 400-Level Political Science student of the university. The statement signed by Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mr. Sola Imoru, said: “The

attention of the management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State has been drawn to reports in the media of a case of alleged N16 million internet fraud involving one Adebiyi Tayo Abudu, who was alleged to be a 300 Level Mathematics student of the university. “We wish to inform the general public that the suspect gave a fake identity to the EFCC. His real name (on our record) is Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole and he is a 400 Level student of Political Science of the university.” According to the statement, the university noted that, “In line with the regulations of the university, Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole has been suspended from the university, pending the conclusion of investigation and prosecution by the anti-graft body.”

1,554 Ogun public schools to benefit from free meal Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

gun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has said that the free meal project of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration will be offered in 1,554 public primary schools spread across the state. Amosun, who spoke during a stakeholders' workshop on the National Homegrown School Feeding programme in Abeokuta, disclosed that the scheme will take off with a new academic session in September. He stated that no fewer than 200,000 pupils will also benefit from the school feeding initiative.

The governor said the programme was in fulfillment of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, pupils from Primary 1 to 3 would kick-start the scheme while those in Primary 4 to 6 would be considered later. Amosun said the free meal would increase enrolment figure in schools, adding that it would also stimulate the nation's economy and tackle unemployment rate. The governor noted that the scheme would boost the agriculture sector, urging the unemployed youths to key into it towards making themselves self-sufficient and employers of labour.

News|south-EAST

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NLC to Abia: Capital projects no reason to owe workers Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

orried by the increasing problem of salary arrears owed Abia State workers, the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday asked the state government to settle workers arrears of salaries, saying embarking on capital projects is no reason to owe workers. The council rose from its executive council meeting in Umuahia, the state capital, condemningthetrend,which it described as unacceptable and urged the state government to take immediate steps to redress the situation. Abia workers are owed salaries of between three to four months, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) were owed about three months, local government workers were also owed four months.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NLC told Governor Okezie Ikpeazu not to use the issue of projects embarked upon by his administration to deny workers their salaries, lamenting that Abia workers “are currently passing through hard times due to non-payment of their salaries.” The communiqué was sent to Governor Ikpeazu through the Head of Service, while labour also called on the government to “as a matter of urgency, address the issue of pension arrears owed pensioners that was between five and 12 months.” The council also condemned in ‘strong terms, the non-release of checkoff dues as at when due from MDAs,’ even as they called on the government to ‘clear the arrears of gratuity owed to retirees in Abia State spanning over 15 years.’

Biafra: Ndigbo not second citizen in Nigeria

political group, the Biafran Independence Movement (BIM) yesterday said that the condition of Ndigbo in Nigeria has gradually being reduced from second to third class citizens in Nigeria, with the members vowing to resist such with the last drop of their blood. Biafra Director of Information, Chris Mocha, who raised the alarm while addressing members of BIM at the Ojukwu Memorial Library Auditorium, new Owerri, Imo State, expressed concern that Ndigbo are still being treated as inferior citizens in the country and have remained prime

targets in every violence across the country with little or no intervention from the Federal Government, saying it will be resisted at all cost. Mocha, who described the development as worrisome, called on the Federal Government to stop the gruesome murder of Ndigbo, which he noted has assumed a different dimension in recent times without any provocation in some northern states by Muslim extremists or face reprisal attack. “We have been massacred in the north, our women raped and abducted by armed Fulani herdsmen in our local communities, this will not continue. Our non-

The number of fatalities in terrorists’ violence involving civilians in 2015. Source: Satp.org

violent position should not be taken for granted,” Mocha warned. “When one tribe becomes an endangered species; there is always no security for lives and property; there is a ceiling placed on them beyond which they cannot grow; there is no future, the Igbo child is made to look very inferior before his other mates from Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba tribes; that means Ndigbo are not wanted in Nigeria. And this is why our people must go.” He said the establishment of MASSOB on September 13, 1999, by the Biafran leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, who he claimed mobilised

$17.8m

The total amount of salary/winnings of Fernando Torres (Soccer) for 2015. Source: Forbes.com

supporters for ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, turned out to worsen the relationship between Nndigbo and other tribes in Nigeria even as the latter rose to power only to continue with his hatred and marginalisation of Ndigbo as he has demonstrated on various occasions. His utterances and actions on Ndigbo was a clear testimony since after the civil war. He was quoted as saying during his visit to Bayelsa state that “Ndigbo’s cry against marginalisation was uncalled for as people defeated in any war, such as Ndigbo would stay for 200 years before they could rise again.”

39.5%

The urban population percentage of Saint Helena in 2012. Source: F

IPOB to Biafra: Don’t be deceived by ‘customary government’ Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

he leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday sounded a note of warning to the international community as well as Biafrans that there is nothing like, ‘Customary Government of Biafra,’ as some selfacclaimed Igbo leaders are portraying themselves. In a statement signed by IPOB Media and Publicity Officer, Emma Powerful, the group said it was notifying the international community and Biafrans in particular that there is no such thing as Customary Government of Biafra. “At this stage we are simply freedom fighters and the leader of IPOB is Nnamdi Kanu, who was given the mantle of leadership of IPOB by the High Command of the Biafran

Army on May 30, 2014 at Enugu. “The ceremony bestowing leadership of IPOB on Nnamdi Kanu was documented and can be viewed on YouTube. “Sadly, we have discovered that one Dr. Dozie Ikedife and his APC cohorts are parading themselves as Customary Government of Biafra, even when our sovereignty, which was robbed us by Nigeria and Britain, has not been restored. Worse still, these fraudsters are ordering genuine Biafra freedom fighters to come under their illegal and unrecognised ‘Customary Government.’ “These usurpers have never come out for demonstration or supported the release of our leader. They are busy conniving with Rochas Okorocha and some Igbo politicians, who over the decades have sold their conscience to Nigeria.

Enugu to revive emergency call centre to curb crime

nugu State Government has approved the reactivation of its emergency call centre to facilitate passage of information and communication to enhance governance and promote crime prevention and fighting in the state. To this end, the state executive council has approved N10 million for the reactivation of the Enugu State Emergency Call Centre (ECC) short code 117 sequel to the memo brought to it by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Greg Nnaji. According to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udueuhele, who briefed newsmen after

a meeting of the council, the science and technology commissioner had told the council that the memo when implemented, would help to mitigate the current security challenges and serve as an effective means of communication between the state government and the people through passage of reliable information, advice or suggestions. In another development, the executive council has approved the draft bill presented to it by the Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney General of the state for the amendment of the state’s Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board law cap 43 revised law 2004.

L-R: Widow of the former Minister of Transport, Mrs. Ucha Maduekwe; her twin sister, Mrs. Nnenna Anigbo; Son, Ukiwe Maduekwe and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, during a condolence visit by the Minister and Directors of the Federal Ministry of Transportation to Ojo Maduekwe’s family in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ebonyi: We didn’t mortgage workers’ salaries for agric loan Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

bonyi State government yesterday debunked allegations by the people that it has mortgaged salaries of civil servants in the state for an agricultural loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Uchenna Orji, stated this in Abakaliki while reacting to the allegation. According to him, the

Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

or tampering with electrical installations in their state, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) yesterday warned that residents of Imo State might witness a blackout soon should such act continues. According to EEDC

one hectre per worker policy of the state government attracted the attention of the apex bank, which agreed to partner with the state government by making certain facilities available to all interested farmers in the state. He explained that under the scheme, anybody who is interested in taking up farming will be given N170, 000 worth of farming support. He noted that at harvest time, government will receive the crop equivalent of the money.

On the demand for BVN number on the application form, Orji said it is to forestall people from collecting multiple times. He said: “Nobody is deducting any money from their salaries. “Government has encouraged all those who are willing to participate to open a separate account from their business or salary accounts. “So that if you are participating in the programme, your money will not be deducted whatsoever.

“You will access this money in cash and in kind to enable you go into crop production and at the end, after harvesting, government will buy back and take the monetary equivalent of what government has invested in your farm based on the one hectre. “The excess is yours, but government can still buy back that excess at the prevailing market price. And give you the money if you want or you can keep it. No money will be deducted from your salary.”

Enugu Disco threatens blackout in Imo Head of Communications in a statement signed by Chukwuemeka Ezeh and made available to the media, EEDC is a responsible organisation committed to supporting developmental activities so long as they do not jeopardise their operations. “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company

(EEDC) as a responsible corporate citizen is committed to supporting developmental activities of its host communities. These activities most times take different forms including road construction, road expansion and drainage construction,” among others. “In most cases these

activities affect existing electricity distribution networks, as they involve relocation of poles, cables, injection substations/ transformers to allow the contractors effectively carry out their works; but this must not be executed without proper approval and involvement of relevant authorities.

News|SOUTh-SOUTH

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

ASUSS members on warpath over missing N20m Cajetan Mmuta ‘BENIN

he leadership and members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Edo State chapter, are now on each other’s neck following allegation of misappropriation of N20 million belonging to the union.

Sennuga

The money was said to have been realized during the tenure of the former Chairman of the union, Comrade Ifaluyi Isibor, about two years ago. New Telegraph gathered that two factions have emerged within the body as controversy over the whereabouts of the money now remains a question awaiting an-

swers from members of the union. Chair man caretaker committee of ASUSS, Comrade Samuel Akhabue, yesterday raised the alarm over the alleged disappearance of N400, 000 said to have been spent on public relations, without due approval from members of the union. At an emergency

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebowale Ekundayo Oluranti Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sennuga Oludayo Oluranti. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Awolusi

I, formerly known and addressed as Ajayi Christianah Tolulope, now wish to be known and addressed as Awolusi Christianah Tolulope. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Uwem

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Ebere, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Uwem Ebere Chinyere Gift. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

Onyekwere

Hammed-Adisa

I, formerly known as Miss Hammed Titilade Sukurat now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shukurat Hammed-Adisa. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and Public note.

Paul

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogundele Kazeem Adedayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogundele Adedayo Paul. All former documents remain valid. Bank and general public take note.

Olagunju

I, formerly known and addressed as Bilikis Opeyemi Yekini, now wish to be known and addressed as Olagunju Bilikis Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Bank and general public take note.

Endurance

Enu

I, formerly known and addressed as Akoko Godwin, now wish to be known and addressed as Enu Godwin. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

NWEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeh Vivian Obiageri now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nweke Vivian Obiageri. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), NYSC, Union Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

Aja

I, formerly known and addressed as Aja Carole Ola now wish to be known and addressed as Aja Ngozi Ola. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Nwankwo

This is to confirm that the names Mrs. Lovelyn Okezuonu Onyekwere and Okamadu Margaret Ngozi refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lovelyn Okezuonu Onyekwere. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should take note.

This is to notify the general public that my correct names are Charles Endurance Inema instead of Charles Endurance that was erroneously written in my Ecobank account. Also my date of birth is November 25, 1980 and not May 20, 1980. All documents remain valid. Ecobank Plc and the general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that the names Nwankwo Chukwuma Emmanuel was wrongly written as Nwankwo Chukwuma Elumu in my BVN registration. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Nwankwo Chukwuma Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. Access bank Plc and the general public should take note.

Ekiokenigha

Ogunsua

Adetunji

I, formerly known and addressed as Edoni Elizabeth Ronami now wish to be known and addressed as Edoni Elizabeth Ekiokenigha. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwarantimi Ayodeji Adebayo now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunsua Ayodeji Oluwarantimi Adebayo. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR RESTORATION OF VALUES

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Dr Ogunwande Isiaka Ajani ...Chairman 2. Mr Kamor Babatunde Lawal ...Secretary 3. Mr Agunbiade Adesina Ibrahim 4. Mrs Tahir Ramotalai Titilayo 5. Mrs Idris Khadijah Abolanle Abdul Wahab

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote ethical values in the society 2. To imbibe moral consciousness and raise upright personalities. 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: AMOO & ASSOCIATES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PETROLEUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY P.M.B.0248, BAUCHI Re: Extension of Invitation to Tender

This is to inform the general public that the above mentioned organization has extended the date of collection and submission of tender documents for its 2016 fiscal year capital projects from 28th July to 11th August, 2016. Inconveniences regretted, please. SIGNED: Management

I, formerly known and addressed as Adetunji Feyishayor Christiannah now wish to be known and addressed as Adetunji Feyisayo Christiannah. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Chibo

I, formerly known and addressed as Okpara Ogbonnaya Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Nte Chinedu Chibo. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank, Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

Greem

I, formerly known and addressed as Inie Ebi now wish to be known and addressed as Greem Ebiikienmo. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public please take note.

Giftoo

This is to confirm that the names Oduaran Francis Bridget Giftoo with which my Skye bank/BVN was registered is the same person as Onojighofia Bridget Oduaran. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Oduaran Francis Bridget Giftoo. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank Plc and the general public should take note.

Limited

I, formerly known and addressed as Timifast & Sons Enterprises now wish to be known and addressed as Timifast Intergrated Services Limited. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

Obanigba

I, formerly known and addressed as Akintelu Abiola Bolatito, now wish to be known and addressed as Obanigba Abiola Bolatito. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Olusola

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogundare Samuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogundare Samuel Olusola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

meeting held in Benin yesterday, members of the union demanded for explanation on how the former administration allegedly squandered the money, which according to aggrieved members was part of the N500 monthly dues paid by members of the union under the watch of the union’s Chairman, Mrs. Bridgette Asemota. But Asemota in a reaction yesterday denied

allegations of embezzlement of the union’s money. She said since the last one year of her administration, the union has recorded enormous progress, including getting a befitting union secretariat, where she said members have held several meetings since May 2016. She said her refusal to connive with disgruntled elements who

presided over the affairs of the union in the past and were yet to come to terms with the reality of the present state of things, was the reason for the rebellion against her leadership. She said: “Those disgruntled people want me to share the members’ monthly contributions with them. They want to be getting double salaries even when they have left,” she said.

Protesters block Ibru burial site’s entrance with coffin Gabriel Efeduku Ughelli

undreds of protesting women from Okpame family in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday blocked the major entrance to the burial site of the first executive governor of Delta State, late Chief Felix Ibru, with a coffin. The women, who embarked on the peaceful protest at about 6.30am yesterday, marched round the Agbarha-Otor community with a coffin, calling on the Ibru family to relocate lbru’s tomb from their land,

FRSC: Road users responsible for 80% auto crashes Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday said road users in the country, especially commercial drivers, are responsible for 80 percent of auto crashes in the country due to their lack of concentration, fatigue and bad judgement. Rivers State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corp Commander, Andrew A Kumapayi, who made this known at a one-day Comprehensive Health Check programme for members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Port Harcourt, urged drivers to take issues relating to their health very seriously.

change OF NAME

Efua

This is to confirm that Florence Oyetunde Isijola and Florence Efua Isijola refers to the same person. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

adding that Okpame family never sold the land to the Ibrus, nor did the Ibru family bought such from them. Workers at the disputed parcel of land were said to have disappeared from the site on sighting the women blocking the major entrance with a ‘fearful looking’ coffin. The protesting women while carrying out the protest, displayed vari-

ous placards with different inscriptions such as; “Ibru give us our land, we did not sell, you did not buy;” “You approached us to use the land for plastic industry and not for burial ground;” “Ibru, poor people have rights in Agbarha-Otor;” “This is oppression;” “Leave Okpame family land alone or is the tomb the plastic industry you told us;” among others.

Bakassi residents still need Buhari’s assistance, says Ita-Giwa Wale Elegbede

ormer Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, yesterday reminded the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, that the President is the president to all and not just of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and as such, the Bakassi people would continue to seek his assistance in properly resetting the people. In a statement signed yesterday in Lagos, Obono-Obla had criticised Ita-Giwa for urging Buhari not to neglect the people of Bakassi and that as he was rebuild-

ing the North East, he should also remember the people of Bakassi, who have been displaced for 11 years. The statement reads in part: “As a nationalist and mother of the nation, I will continue to agitate for my people. The Bakassi struggle should not be politicized, because President Buhari is a father to us all. “Meanwhile, ObonoObla is a man I have tremendous respect for and I urge him and other Nigerians to go back and read my statement. I wrote that President Buhari is a man of the people and as such prevailed on him to help my people because the suffering is too much. How does that amount to insult or hypocrisy?

Amaechi: I ran a transparent govt as Rivers gov inister of Trans- the Federal Ministry of M portation, Chibuike Justice in Abuja, yesterday. Rotimi Amaechi, again He also said Rivers yesterday reiterated that as governor of Rivers State for eight years, he was transparent and did not embezzle money meant for the people. He said he did not receive N3 trillion during his tenure as alleged by his successor, Nyesom Wike. The former governor made the clarification at a stakeholders’ forum on corruption organised by

State became the first to implement the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act in Nigeria during his tenure as governor of the state. According to Amaechi, “If you had followed the Rivers State government when I was governor, we were the first state to introduce the Public Procurement Law in the country.

north | news

friday, july 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sokoto uncovers 13,000 Benue: Police officer escapes ghost workers in LGAs death, 16 arrested over tax policy S Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

police officer, whose identity was not disclosed yesterday escaped death by a whisker as he was almost lynched by irate youths at Gaando Settlement near Tse-Kucha in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, where hundreds of irate youths barricaded the roads in protest against the high taxation policy of the state government. The police officer, who was said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, reportedly sustained injuries in the ensuing confrontation with the protesting youths. An eyewitness told New Telegraph that the youths, who were protesting what they described as multiple taxation policy of the administration, barricaded the ever-busy road linking Dangote Cement factory for over five hours. The five-hour protest was said to have caused a gridlock as motorists and other road users plying the major federal high-

way were stranded. The source quoted the protesters as lamenting the high tax imposed on local farmers and traders of various farm produce, especially tomatoes by the state government. New Telegraph also gathered that the protest took another dimension when scores of operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) were drafted to the scene of the protest to calm the situation from escalating to mayhem. However, the protesting youths who were alleged to be armed with

dangerous weapons, engaged the police operative in a gun battle during which the police officer was said to have been hit by bullet. Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yanu, confirmed the incident, saying 16 persons had already been arrested in connection with the protest and were being interrogated. Similar protest was staged in various parts of the state such as Lessel in Ushongo Local Government Area, where the protesters made bonfire

and destroyed properties over the high tax regime on perishable farm products including tomatoes and pepper. The people had decried the low patronage by buyers from outside the state due to the heavy tax imposed by the State Internal Revenue Services (BIRS). In another development, ASP Yamu had also confirmed the death of a Police Inspector and his son, who were allegedly killed by cultists around Banner of Grace Church in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

okoto State Government said it has discovered no fewer than 12,915 ghost workers, whose names are on the payroll of the 23 Local Governments Areas of the state. The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, disclosed this during a media briefing in Sokoto, the state capital. He said: "The ministry, through the Monitoring Department and other stakeholders was said to have concluded the Local Government Council junior staff verification of about 58,143 workers,

A medical officer screening workers as part of activities to mark the World Hepatitis Day at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja … yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Zamfara: ADC seeks end to legislative, executive impeachment feud Idris Salisu Gusau

n opposition party in Zamfara State, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the legislative and executive arms of government to end their feud over the impeachment saga in the interest of the state and its good people.

Speaking to New Telegraph in an interview in Gusau, the state capital, the state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Badamasi Bello, said his party would institute a legal action against them if it is discovered that the two warring sides were merely engineering the crisis for their selfish reasons. According to him, the legislature and the executive arms of the govern-

ment owe a lot of responsibilities to the citizens. Bello, who expressed worry over the development, said they should realise that that was not what they were elected into office in the first instance, adding that the

FG to launch graduate farmer scheme in Kogi Zacchaeus Ozovehe

Taraba discovers 2,000 ghost teachers, non-existing schools D

Lokoja

Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

he Taraba State Government has expressed shock over the alarming rate of ghost workers in the state, tracing it to high level of corrupt and sharp practices in the state. Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Yakubu Agbaizo, said no fewer than 2,000 ghost teachers in the primary schools were discovered in the ongoing verification and screening exercise, organised by the

board to know the actual genuine teachers on its payroll. He disclosed this yesterday while addressing journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, noting that apart from fishing out of the 2,000 ghost teachers, the board also discovered a number of non-existing primary schools, whose teachers were on the board’s wage bills. Agbaizo expressed concern that despite the fact that many teachers had retired over the years, the teachers' wage bill was yet to reduce from the initial N700 million monthly.

allegations and counter allegations would not do the state any good. "They should not do anything that would disrupt the peaceful political atmosphere in the state. They should face governance. Why should

etermined to fulfill its campaign promises to Nigerians, especially on job creation and diversification of economy, the Federal Government has concluded plans to launch the Graduate Farmer Initiative in Kogi and other states across the federation. Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, who disclosed this yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said that the historical importance of the state and the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue in Lokoja made it strategic to the economic diversification drive of

the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. "Our main mission to Kogi State is to launch our programme on Graduate Agriculture Scheme which was initiated by this administration to support the new initiative towards food security and self-sustenance in this country,” he explained. Adamu added: "One of the major drivers of this new push of President Buhari's administration is to support agriculture to diversify our economy from over-dependence on oil through various River Basin Authorities in the country, which among them are quite a number of large dams that support irrigation and even small hydro schemes that have been under-utilised for many years.”

they be heating the polity and creating unnecessary political tension in the state?" he added. He further explained that the Africa Democratic Congress, as a political party is poised to offer credible opposition that would put those in power to on their toes in order to bring about the good government and the required change in governance.

comprising of scheduled and unscheduled members of staff. "The verification exercise has yielded fruitful results, whereby about 12, 915 members of staff, comprising seat-at-home and ghost workers fished out of the local governments staff payrolls. The state government had through the exercise saved over N319 million and hence it was a huge success.'' Dan-Iya, however, noted that the ministry is planning to conduct a similar verification exercise for senior staff members, whose salaries are paid by the ministry through their respective bank accounts. The Commissioner explained that the Ministry and the Local Governments Service Commission are collaborating to sanitise the pay system of the local government councils. "Any official of the local governments or the ministry found to wanting in this direction would be duly sanctioned,” the commissioner stressed, saying: “The ministry and the commission have beamed their searchlights on the various departments of the 23 Local Government Areas, as well as the ministry, and anyone indicted would be sanctioned appropriately." He said the other issues that arose from the exercise, which were mostly associated with ''human error'' were being addressed in collaboration with the stakeholders.

$3.2m

The total amount from endorsements of Henrik Stenson (Golf) for 2015. Source: Forbes.com

Old boys donate N1m furniture to alma mater Abubakar Abdul Birnin Kebbi

he Old Boys’ Association of Government Secondary School, Zuru, has donated 500 pairs of benches and desks valued at about N1 million to their alma mater. The items were presented on behalf of the old boys to the school management by the President of the association, Mr. Musa Dan Bena, who said the donation had become necessary in view of the shortage of students’ furniture confronting the school. This was as he pointed

out that of a school of 32 classrooms only 18 had pupils’ furniture. He lamented that the school, which was established in 1972 and later changed to Government Science School, has over 500 of its students were sitting on the floor. Musa recalled that under the first batch, 150 pairs of furniture had already been delivered to the school authority, while the remaining would be delivered as soon as possible. "This project is a continuous one, and the association is targeting 500 nos of double desks for the students," he added.

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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

US election: Obama endorses Opeyemi Bamidele: Clinton as political heir Portrait of a patriot @ 53 Julius Jegede

t appears the legendary English poet and pre-eminent William Shakespeare (1564-1616) who first succinctly captured the picture of mankind’s aspiration towards greatness and its science had Michael Opeyemi Bamidele in mind when he said: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”. As Bamidele clocks 53 today, a lot of issues around greatness, failure and determination to achieve either of the two even in the face of daunting challenges may have again be thrown up; albeit in the conviviality of celebration of life of an achiever. The current Head and Principal Attorney of Opeyemi Bamidele and Associates with offices in Abuja and Lagos was born on July 29, 1963 to the family of Pa Stephen and Madam Tinuola Bamidele of Iyin Ekiti. The fact that he arose from a typical African agrarian family background typical of Ekiti peasant farm life was not enough to dampen his spirit to excel where others failed. Like average teens of his time faced with series of limitations, Bamidele however waded through similitude of the era. He embraced dint of hardwork, resilience and focus to get to where he is he today. Though my oga, but I still jokingly refer to him as “a village boy”, apparently because his background. Not minding that my so-called “village boy” has seen four walls of great universities around the world and visited all the continents on earth including Antarctica; perhaps, in search of greatness. This rare and uncanny fire of greatness saw him to then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where he bagged a first degree in Humanities before moving to University of Benin for a degree in Law. In the twilight of 1990s, what stood Brother Ope, (as he is fondly called) out was his exploit at University of Benin where in 1989 he emerged as the National President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). At such a tender age, Bamidele undertook the onerous task of leading hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students both in negotiations and disagreements with the headship of military government of that season. The next few years would see Bamidele out of Nigeria. He sought protection in the God’s own country, following onslaught of the military junta against social crusaders and men at the left of the centre like him. While in United States, he saw another opportunity in the military brigandage that pervaded the Nigerian political space then to pursue a Master of Law in world-famous Franklin Pierce Law Centre, University of New Hampshire Law School in Concord, Hampshire. From there, the rest is history. History of patriotism in the face of distractions, humility in the face of greatness, and uncommon thoroughness in the face of everyday speed of life. A personality that is rare to come by now, especially in the current Nigerian political cycle where friendships and moral values are easily lost. Right from the days of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1992 where he first made attempts to represent the good people of Oshodi\Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos, to his recently concluded stewardship as a federal lawmaker from Ekiti in the National Assembly, Bamidele has always demonstrated a streak of putting public interest ahead of self. His personal character may not be farfetched from why he maintained a clean

record in Lagos government where he served as a commissioner for eight years and Special Adviser to the Governor for another four years. Today, many Nigerians believe there’s something sterling about this astute politician which has endeared him to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), running to three decades now. This is aside his completion of the popular Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, as a Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development under the governorship of Asiwaju himself. Later as Commissioner for Information under Mr. Babatunde Fashola, now Minister of Power, Works and Housing; Bamidele did exceedingly well. He opened up all channels of information dissemination around policies and strategies of Lagos State Government. While at the National Assembly as a member of House of Representatives, Bamidele Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs between June 2011 and October 2011, and Chairman, National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO). In politics, Bamidele has made impact. In 1992, he contested the primary elections to the House of Representatives seat for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency in Lagos, which he gallantly lost by a single vote. Undeterred by this development, he remained active and loyal to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was appointed in October 1992 as Special Assistant on Legal Matters to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Banking and Currency in the 3rd National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In March 1993, Bamidele served as National Accreditation Officer at the SDP National Convention in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, where Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola was elected as the party's Presidential candidate. Bamidele was appointed in July 2000, as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Political and Intergovernmental Relations. He also doubled in this capacity as the National Director of Publicity of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) between November 2000 and June 2003. In 2011, he aspired to represent Ekiti Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Though he won in the party primaries but due to the persuasion of the party leadership, Opeyemi contested in the April 2011 general election and was elected into the House of Representatives. Owing to disagreement with some of the leaders of the defunct ACN in Ekiti State by the end of 2013, he left for the Labour Party on which platform he ran for the Governorship of Ekiti State in the June 2014 governorship elections, finishing in the third position. However, following the intervention of well-meaning leaders of the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC), he, along with leaders of his group, agreed to join the Buhari/ Osinbajo project in January 2015 as a part of the broad coalition which secured 41 per cent of the presidential votes in Ekiti State for the APC. He and his group thereafter publicly held a press conference in Ekiti to announce their movement to APC. Recently, the leadership of APC recently called upon Bamidele to chair the Edo State APC Primary Appeal Committee, an assignment described as very sensitive by the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, hence Bamidele’s pedigree. Happy hearty 53rd birthday to a true leader and a detribalized Nigerian. •Jegede, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja

S President Barack Obama has delivered a stirring speech at the Democratic convention, hailing Hillary Clinton as his political heir and rounding on "home-grown demagogue" Donald Trump. "There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill, nobody more qualified than Hillary" to be president, he said. When boos rang out at the name of the Republican candidate, Mr Obama simply said: "Don't boo, vote." Mr. Trump responded by rejecting the president's portrayal of optimism. "Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair," he said on Twitter. Mr. Obama extolled Mrs Clinton's character, calling her a "leader with real plans to break down barriers, blast through glass ceilings and widen the circle of opportunity to every single American". "She's been there

Obama hugging Hilary at the Convention

for us, even if we haven't always noticed," he said. Mr. Obama described his nation as "full of courage", "decent and generous", but also concerned about racial divisions and "frustrated with political gridlock". He said: "Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me." President Obama is good at this. He's really, really good at this. For all his flaws - and conservatives will be quick to point them out - he's always been able to deliver a pitch-perfect speech on the biggest stages, and

this was no exception. It was the kind of speech that had some conservatives shaking their heads, wondering how their party ceded the optimistic high ground to their opponents. Mr Obama even quoted Ronald Reagan's "shining city on a hill" line, if only to make the political shift all the more clear. But he also reserved fierce words for Mr Trump, challenging the Republican's view of the US as "a divided crime scene". Mr. Obama said the US he knew was not a "country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world".

US partners Nigeria on Power Africa Projects Oluwatosin Omoniyi

he US Consul General John Bray and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Nigeria Michael Harvey rounded their trip of assessment to Edo State yesterday. The trip which started from July 26 - 27 was to enable them assess the progress of partnered investments that advance President Barack Obama’s signature initiative Power Africa. Two out of three people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. Announced by US President Obama in 2013, Power Africa is working with African governments, the private sector, and other partners to add more than 30,000 megawatts

(MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and 60 million new connections in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. “The work of bringing much more electricity to many more people in Nigeria and Africa is well underway,” said Consul General Bray. “We recognize the great challenges ahead. But through Power Africa, the United States and our African partners are committed to improving lives, and energizing economies.” Consul General Bray and Mission Director Harvey toured the construction site of AzuraEdo Independent Power Plant, a landmark 450 MW open cycle gas turbine power plant that represents Nigeria’s first new plant in over a decade.

Power Africa officials and USAID worked with the government of Nigeria and the private sector to set the power plant on a successful trajectory. The construction of AzuraEdo Power Plant is bringing hundreds of jobs and the prospect of reliable energy to Edo State and beyond. Consul General Bray and Mission Director Harvey also visited Ihovbor Power Plant to assess how best Power Africa can assist. The US officials also discussed ongoing cooperation with Benin Distribution Company, as part of a two-year agreement signed in May 2016 for Power Africa to provide consultation aimed at improving systems and infrastructure for more reliable consumer access to electricity.

Cardinal George Pell denies child abuse claims

ustralia's most senior Roman Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, has called claims that he sexually abused children "a scandalous smear campaign". Details of alleged incidents have been broadcast by the country's public broadcaster, ABC television. Police in Victoria state have confirmed they are investigating several allegations against the cardinal. Cardinal Pell's office says he "un-

equivocally rejects any allegations of sexual abuse against him". Two men, now aged in their forties, from Cardinal Pell's home town of Ballarat said he had touched them inappropriately in the 1970s by grasping them around the groin to throw them into the air while swimming. In a separate incident alleged to have taken place in the 1980s, a man said he had found it "very odd" to find the cardinal standing naked

in front of three boys in the changing rooms at a local surf club. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported another complaint from the 1990s involving two teenage choirboys. One of the complainants has since died, the ABC said, but no details were provided. Cardinal Pell, who is treasurer to the Vatican and is based in the Vatican City, declined to be interviewed and said he had never abused anyone.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport News

Did you know?

Sport

Akinyemi is first Nigerian athlete to arrive Rio

That Michael Phelps, American swimmer, won his 19th Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 games to emerge the athlete with the highest number of medals in history.

International Guardiola confirms Stones interest

46 47

Keshi’s daughter: FG unfair to dad Dominic Adewole, ASABA

he daughter of late Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, Miss Jennifer Keshi, on Thursday bemoaned the failed promises made to her father by the Federal and the Delta State Governments. Jennifer emphatically told Governor Ifeanyi Okowa that the oil rich state was unfair to his father while he was alive by not keeping to the promises made to him. While she recalled that the Federal Government shortchanged him at the peak of his career, she wondered why his state, Delta, also reneged on its promise of building a befitting house for him at a choice area in Asaba, the state capital, for coaching the national team creditably well and as a footballer, who won laurels for the country.

Keshi (left)

He lived a good life, Okowa tells children

She lamented that many of his late father’s associates who promised him heaven and earth have since refused to fulfill their vows. Delta State government promised to build a duplex house for Keshi during former Governor Emmanuel Udughan’s administration but failed. The state re-named the age-long uncompleted Township Stadium after him but has since abandoned work on the project. New Telegraph also learnt that the scholarship promise made to his children has since been cancelled. Jennifer made her remarks when Governor Okowa led members of his cabinet and other top government functionaries to Keshi’s residence at Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state to condole with the family as Keshi starts his final journey to eternity. The late Coach’s eldest brother, Sylvester Keshi, however thanked the Governor and the Delta State Government for contributing towards a successful burial ceremony. Governor Okowa however urged the children to take solace in the fact that their father lived a good life and contributed his quota to the develop-

ment of the country. The Governor, who reminded them that as coach of the Eagles, he performed creditably well, said the deceased as footballer won laurels for the country as well. He assured them that Kesh would be immortalised. Okowa told Miss Jennifer, daughter of the deceased, that her father’s death was very painful.

“Your father lived a good life and he contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria, he was one of our own. He made his mark not only as a footballer but as a coach, he lived a good life, but, we cannot query God,” the Governor said. The remains of late Keshi will be interred on Friday at his residence in Illah.

Keshi

Ezeugo: NFF has failed Nigerians The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya

former international, Emeka Ezeugo, has said the current board of the Nigeria football Federation has failed Nigerians in a big way. Ezeugo noted that it was so bad that the Amaju Pinnick led board has had little or no impact on the country’s football and the overall development of the game. He wondered why the visit of FIFA President should affect the overall operations of the secretariat of the federation. The ex-Eagles midfielder said: “Few days

to that visit, nothing was working and that was how we lost the ticket to play at the U-20 Africa Nations Cup. This same regime has made up to miss two editions of the Africa Nations Cup backto-back. “Sad enough, they are not showing remorse, rather they are ready to record more poor results for football. We cannot continue this way. If they are honourable enough, those in the Glass House should resign and allow others do the job” Ezeugo led some youths to protest with

placards at the entrance of the Transcop Hilton Hotel in Abuja earlier in the week during the visit of FIFA President, Gianni

Ezeugo

Infantino. “I just had to do that because the FIFA President should know that all is not well here. All this board has been doing is to legitimize illegality. All we see is gloom. To name a coach is a problem and the welfare of players are not being taken care of. How do we record good results. “It is time for people with expertise to take over the running of the game in the country. Those running our football are killing the spirit of the youths,” he added. He narrated his experience with a domestic league team, the Abia Warriors. “I was being owed and had to leave. I have taken the matter to FIFA. We must learn to do things properly.”

SPORT NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Akinyemi is first Nigerian athlete to arrive Rio N igerian canoeist, Jonathan Akinyemi, has arrived in Rio, Brazil ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games which begins in the Brazilian City of Rio on August 5.

Akinyemi, who will represent Nigeria at the Olympics for the second successive time in the canoe/ slalom kayak event at the Rio 2016 Olympics, arrived Brazil on Tuesday, ahead of the rest members of

Why Hayatou snubbed Infantino’s visit

resh speculation has emerged as to why long-serving African football chief Issa Hayatou stayed away from FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s recent visit to Nigeria, his first to an African nation since succeeding Sepp Blatter. African reports claim Hayatou boycotted the high-profile courtesy trip because of an plot spearheaded by Nigerian football boss Amaju Pinnick and allegedly supported by Infantino to dislodge the

Hayatou

veteran Cameroon powerbroker as president of the Confederation of African Football. While the reports of a leadership crisis cannot be independently verified, Hayatou has made no comment as to why, as head of his region, he did not show up in Abuja where Infantino reportedly met with up to 17 African national federation presidents. Interestingly, CAF’s media department took the unusual step of failing to issue any statement trumpeting Infantino’s visit. It is common knowledge that Hayatou, who ran FIFA on an interim basis as the organisation’s most senior official in the weeks and months following Blatter’s premature exit, adopted a somewhat cool approach to Infantino winning the presidential election last February. In the build-up to the vote, CAF’s top brass formally endorsed the candidacy of Asian confederation Shaikh Salman of Bahrain who ultimately lost in a run-off with Infantino.

Team Nigeria. He was received at the Games Village by officials of Team Nigeria. ‘’He immediately got down to work and has not slowed down since he hit Rio’’, an excited official of Nigeria Olympic Committee said. Born in England, Jonathan Akinyemi is the first Nigerian to compete in the canoeing event of the Olympic Games. He qualified as Nigeria’s only canoeist to Rio 2016 in the men’s K-1 class by obtaining a top finish at the 2015 African Canoe Slalom Championships in Sagana, Kenya which makes him a medal hopeful at the Rio Games.

Akinyemi sss

Ifeanyi Matthew joins Lillestrom H

ighly-promising Nigeria midfielder Ifeanyi Matthew has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian club Lillestrom. This season, the 20-year-old Matthew featured for Kano Pillars on loan from FC Hearts. He has previously

played for another NPFL side El Kanemi Warriors. He has represented Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 levels as well as featured at this year’s CHAN in Rwanda, where then Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh picked him as his best player. Matthew can play as a defensive midfielder,

playmaker or offensive midfielder. He has superb technique, great vision, he is a fine passer of the ball and packs a decent shot. Nigeria internationals Nosa Igiebor and Anthony Ujah played for Lillestrom before they moved on to bigger clubs and leagues.

Stephen Keshi Goes Home The corpse arriving the church premises

Rufai, Ikpeba, others honour Keshi Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

F Keshi’s casket at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium yesterday

Keshi’s remains being taken to St Paul Catholic Church, Benin City...yesterday.

riends, peers, colleagues as family members on Thursday in Benin the Edo State capital honoured late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, at a funeral mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church, in Benin. Keshi’s teammates Austin Eguavonen, Uche Okechukwu, Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Ikpeba and Peter Rufai later honoured the former international by taking part in a novelty match. Keshi’s remains arrived the church premises in a black MercedesBenz ambulance and accompanied by his children, family members, friends and other sympathizers who thronged the church complex. Keshi died in Benin City on June 7 at the age of 54. He won the African Cup of Nations both as player and as coach in 1994 and 2013 respectively. Officiating priest, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere, stressed on the importance for all to believe in the power of resurrection. Rev Ofere noted that Keshi lived a life worthy of emulation as a member of the parish. According to him, the late foot-

ball icon was always willing to serve, even in the midst of scarce resources. A novelty football match organized in Keshi’s honour which attracted hordes of sports lovers and sympathizers at the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. The match between ex-internationals and All Stars ended in 1-1. The ambulance carrying late Keshi’s remains arrived the stadium complex at about 11:50am and was accompanied by his children and other family members. The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, a member of the House of Representatives, Philip Shaibu, a member of the Federal House of Representatives and several others were on hand to pay their last respect to the departed. Pinnick who led the NFF delegation to the ceremony had described the late Super Eagles captain and coach as a “super hero” known for extraordinary potentials. “I have always described him as a super hero because he was a super hero. He did not do things that were regular he did things that were extraordinary,” Pinnick stressed.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Guardiola confirms Stones interest

Mkhitaryan: I won’t play every game for Man United

enrikh Mkhitaryan insists he has been given no guarantees over his playing time at Manchester United and admits he doesn’t expect to start every game. United completed a £26.3 million deal for the Armenia international at the start of July and has made a positive impression in the early stages of pre-season under Jose Mourinho. Mkhitaryan scored 11 goals and registered 15 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season but the midfielder insists his record and price tag counts for nothing following his move to the Premier league. “It doesn’t matter if they buy me for, I don’t know, £38m or £40m, I am not guaranteed to play the games, so I am trying to do my best during the training to earn this place to play and then we will see,” he said. “I don’t think I will play every game, depending on the tactical

anchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club are looking to buy John Stones from Everton. Stones was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer and he finds himself at the centre of more transfer rumours this year with Guardiola keen to bring him in due to Vincent Kompany’s injury record. Everton rejected Chelsea’s £30million offer last summer and the Toffees are unlikely to part with the player for less than £50million “Sane is a player from Schalke. If he comes, we’ll be happy. If he stays, I’ll be happy for the Schalke fans,” Guardiola told reporters.

Stone

Bayern block Allardyce’s move for Paul Clement

Allardyce

Countdown to

ayern Munich have stopped Paul Clement joining Sam Allardyce’s England set-up. Big Sam wanted to make Clement part of his new regime and the ex-Derby boss was keen. But Clement is serving as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Bayern and the German giants have blocked him going. Allardyce wanted the

situation, depending on the opponent, but I will do everything to try and help the team.”

44-year-old to be part of his backroom team and the FA were hoping to strike an agreement with Bayern that would see Clement work part-time with England in international breaks. FA chief executive Martin Glenn confirmed on Monday that a deal for Clement was being pursued but Starsport understands Bayern have not

Olympics

Mkhitaryan

been persuaded, having only appointed Clement in June. Club chiefs instead believe he should be fully concentrated on one job. Clement has worked for the FA before. He helped England’s U-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, on an informal basis last season following his departure from Derby.

Days to Go

Emmanuel Tobi

Festus N Ezeli out sssss Festus

BA champion and New Portland Trailblazer Festus Ezeli has been ruled out of Nigeria male basketball team, the D’Tigers for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. New Telegraph scooped that the Portland Trail Blazers center will not join D’Tigers this summer due to lack of ‘reasonable insurance of his NBA contract’. “One of the reasons the 6’11 center is unable to join the Nigerian team is because the Nigeria Basketball Federation could not come to terms with Ezeli on reasonable insurance of his NBA contract,” a source close to Ezeli’s camp said. This is not at all uncommon, though it does little to quiet concerns about Ezeli’s history of knee problems. Meanwhile, Ezeli’s Trail Blazing teammate Al-Farouq Aminu is presently at training camp with the Nigerian team, though insurance information is not available.

Nadal on course, says Coach

afael Nadal is making good progress from his wrist injury ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, his coach, Toni Nadal, says. Nadal’s uncle revealed the 14time Grand Slam champion and 2008 gold medallist had come through an intense training session with Andy Murray as he looks to make his return in Brazil. “We started to intensify train-

ing in view of being able to be in time for the opening ceremony,” Toni Nadal told Cadena Ser. “Training with Andy Murray was the first really hard [session] with another ‘top’ player and we are very happy. Things went well. There are doubts about his game, [but] I think that it is normal. These are the same questions that we have after a period of inactivity.”

Nadal

Bolt

Faith, laughter help bolt calm down –Mum ow does the mom of Usain Bolt help H“We the world’s fastest man keep his cool? say things that will make him

laugh,” said Jennifer Bolt as her sprinter star offspring faces down what just may be his last Olympics. At nearly 30, Bolt has six Olympic gold medals from the Beijing and London Olympics. Though he withdrew July 1 from Jamaica’s national meet with a slight tear in his left hamstring, the world record holder in the 100- and 200-meter dash proved his fitness July 22 in the 200 at the London Anniversary Games and deemed himself good to go for Rio. A few days before the London event, his mom visited New York and said in an interview that she wasn’t worried, having long ago learned that calming her own nerves was the best way to soothe Usain. “I know he’s going to get well and everything will be OK for the games,” said the soft-spoken Jennifer, who has been cheering him on since his speed first surfaced around 12 or 13. “I tell him just stay focused, remember God, remember to pray and read your Bible,” she said.

On Marble

Marriage is that relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal.

Sanctity of Truth

Emeka Obasi Ironsi: Ironside, the crocodile

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

—Louis K Anspacher

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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

Some mothers do have them

t a stage in life, parents, especially mothers, tend to start fretting about the unmarried status of their daughters. It is at that time that they start taking interests in every man that does as much as say hello to their daughters. They ask after her male colleagues and other not-so-silly questions. They start introducing their friends’ sons and nephews and cousins and generally trying to match-make, albeit in a subtle manner. Unfortunately some parents, many mothers have lost the confidence of their daughters by interferring too much. Yes, it’s possible to over-play one’s hands even in matters concerning one’s children. You can be too over-protective and over-ambitious where your children’s welfare is concerned. Some parents are simply too fussy and rigid when it comes to giving their blessing to their daughters relationship. These fussy parents always look for one excuse or the other why one particular guy is not good enough for their daughters. And often times when one makes a closer look at their excuses, they are outright lame excuses that cannot stand up in any moral court. Imagine a mother saying that their daughter’s boyfriend is not handsome enough, in fact that he’s ugly. She even went as far as saying that she was sure the offspring of such a union will be so ugly that they would easily be mistaken for baby chimps if they ever visit a zoo. Can you beat that? How do you expect that daughter to feel or even the poor guy who had no hand or say in how he looks? Some mothers are simply selfish in their attitudes to their daughters’ suitors. They say they are doing it out of love or taking out good insurance for their daughters’ future. It’s alright to want the best for one’s daughter but when such love starts veering towards tall unrealizable ambitions, the mothers should soft-pedal. Imagine this, Rolake is 29 years old and so far, none of the four men she had introduced to her mother has met with her approval. “My mother is too fussy and she believes that all that she did not enjoy in her youth must be enjoyed by her children. You see, we lost our father while we were still all under 12 years old. Daddy died suddenly, leaving us penniless and mummy had to bring us up single-handedly. It was hard for her and none of our uncles came to our aid. As a nurse, mummy worked in two hospitals to make ends meet and sent us all to fairly good private schools. She really suffered and that’s why I’m finding it difficult to defy her. I know she wants the best for me but I’m not getting any younger yet she keeps judging my chance of a good marriage by the size of my boyfriends’ car, purse and their family background. “My current boyfriend is a medical doctor who is just starting out. He shares a flat with another colleagues

Adam’s Apple

FUNKE EGBEMODE egbemode3@gmail.com 0805-506-9066 (sms only)

My LOVE, Mom is tearing my insides out

of his. He’s quite loving, generous and caring. He has even proposed to me but my mother is the stumbling block. She said the guy is too skinny and doesn’t look like he’s going to live long. Can you imagine such a state-

PHOTO:www.weddingdigestnaija.com

ment? She’s trying to play God and it hurts. I know deep down that her objection has nothing to do with the guy’s physique. If he had been fourfeet tall and rich, mummy wouldn’t have objected. She wants a rich son-

in-law who will be able to keep her in comfort in her old age. She keeps telling me that it won’t be fair on her or us if we make bad marriages. She doesn’t want to know whether a man gets his money through shady deals or not, as long as he rides a long car and can boast of having traveled abroad three or four times”. While Rolake’s mother might genuinely not want her daughters to marry poor men, she’s also got a moral duty to ensure they end up happy. Unfortunately, if she continues like this, there’s every likelihood the frustrated girl will defy her and stop confiding in her. No mother has got any right to impose men on her daughters because she wants to be seen in the ‘owner’s corner’ of a Mercedes Benz G-wag. Some parents even based their disapproval of prospective sons-in-law on age-old family feuds. Because the poor man’s great-grant father took the girl’s great-great-grand-father’s land centuries ago, they cannot mix. Sometimes the reasons are so stupid that one can’t help but tell such parents to think of better reasons for their objections. Why should an overgrown piece of barren land spoil one’s chances of happiness, for God’s sake? Do you know some parents even disapprove of their daughters’ choices on grounds of his state of origin. Imagine a mother, true mother saying: “How can I have a son-in-law who cannot speak my dialect”? It’s even worse when a Yoruba man from Ilesha says his daughter cannot marry an Ekiti man. And these parents will be so insistent and rigid that they cause so much tension and friction in the home. If the guy is patient he might wait until his prospective in-laws come round but if he’s the impatient type, there are too many fishes in the ocean for him to die running after one. Methinks it’s simply old fashioned and selfish to deny one’s daughter of life-time happiness just because the boyfriend is poor, skinny or doesn’t speak your language. It’s a shame, really.

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.