Friday, may 15, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

A media partner of Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS /newtelegraph

Vol. 2 No. 450

Friday, May 15, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Buhari, Gowon, other dignitaries expected as Oshiomhole weds in EDO }9

4.6m Nigerians unemployed, says NBS Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

igeria currently has a total of 4,672,450 unemployed citizens, the National Bureau of Statistics

(NBS) has said. The agency said it used 48 hours within seven days reference period as benchmark for computing the labour statistics. The unemployed figure released yesterday, which is based on a revised concept and meth-

odology for computing labour force population, indicates that the nation's unemployment is now 6.4 per cent of total labour force population of 72,931,608. In the revised figure, the total number of fully employed citizens, using the 40-hour bench-

mark, now stands at 55,206,940. The population of the underemployed, using 20-39 hours as the benchmark, is 13,052,219 while those in the unemployed category (1-19 hours) are 3,145,383. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEW TELEGR

Jazz

APH FRIDAY,

MAY 15, 2015

Lagos Interna tional Jazzfes in three days t fireworks

Music

COSON’s garland Uwaifo, Obey, s for 2Face others

Entertainme nt Why I am

Entries continue for 12th Abuja Film Festiva l 12th Abuja InternationTalheFilm Festival which (AIFF

) , comm April 15 will enced entrie s AIFF, with close on July 15. audience over 15 juried and choice award ably the s, argulongest runnin glophone g Anfilm festiva Africa, is l in West sanctioned also an officially qualifying for both festival narrative and mentary short subjec docuts. In a mail the AIFF made available by CEO, Fidelis “The festiva Duker, from Septeml, which will hold the Silverb ber 23rd to 26th at Nigeria is ird Cinemas Abuja open for interested filmmakers who can also load the festival forms downwww.abujafil mfestng.orgfrom submit by and post three ies of the DVD copFilm to Festiva ager, 12th Abuja Intern l ManFilm Festiva ational l:” AIFF is presen ted annua by NAFIF lly O 100 films are Ventures and over at the Silvebiscreened annually melvin Ejiro ferent genresrd Cinema in difdocumentari (features, short, shorts, experi es, animations, mental). Why did you Duker furthe choose to toe r explained that, Abuja line? your father’s Festival is International Film As a produc a nization thatnot-for-profit orgaing with dad er and director workemphasizes as an art every profess has been fun. Though film form, and mission is that, “ Its lenges, but ion comes with its chalto enhanc diversity father’s linein all I chose to toe by bringin e cultural my g Nigerian independent is a fulfillin of business becaus e tions, horizo movie produc that tasks g career. I like anythinit my intellig n-expanding g national films is ence, what filmma interand that studio films and high-quality ing is a busine king does. Filmm aktheir festivato audiences before minded people.ss for the intellig l release.” ent Creativity better person helps you to become encouraged . That is what actuall a seriousness,me. To m underscore y my ber of the I am a registered memAll Movie sociation of Nigeria Producers As(AMP I am taking I have passionafter my dad becaus Movie making for making moviese and I intend is in the family blood. flying. And to keep the Ejiro name from where I intend the contin duker ue my father the new genera stops. We are tion.

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}25 Best of entertainment so far how many movies have you produce and soaps d with your ter of behind I have worked dad? the scene technical as an assista and in the producer aspect. of great nt movies such ther’s shoes too I don’t see my faas Whispe rs In The big for me Dark in 2012, he has passed In 2013. I becaus worked as all his knowle e and experie the assista producer dge nce in movie in nt Classique. the TV series titled to me for me to making In 2014 I worked take over prepared assistant and has me for as the produc Yellow Cassav er for the movie, thought me all the future. He has I need to know a’ with God I produced and in 2015. and almigh ty I know able to fit series titled and directed the into his shoes I will be TV One House. family oriente The 30mins can’t see myself being perfectly. I d televisi industr in any other era is about on soap opy but movie love, morals family togetherness, to be known for industry. I want professionalis individual and issues that affect Good works. m. in their everyd home and ay life at within the How long have society Images is another series. ness of make you been in this busiI was the believe? that produc I have been 2008, in Eldorad tion manager in the o, a soap opera in try since the associa I was 14yrs movie indusI was te I was also producer in 2010 and from acting. I acted old. I started the associa in movies Just A Night, of Treasu the first childre like res anothe te producer ror movie in Nigeria r soap opera 2008. And n horin in pines’ I was ‘A Night In The Phili- Domitila and Dear . I also acted in the assista Mother. After that of that movie nt produc I left the industr er face in 2012. my educat y to fully in 2006 ion, then came back What was the and started motivation? with workin my I love acting, dad. I started but I think to direct movies learning howg I’m betI grew stronge , as each day passes r in directin g.

Minister rescued as fire guts Federal Secretariat F

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The Federal Secretariat building on fire in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI.

We won't accept excuses from Buhari, say Lamido, Aliyu Dan Atori MINNA

igawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and his Niger State counterpart,

Dr. Babangida Aliyu, yesterday told the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, to

stop making excuses on governance. The duo stated that Buhari must fulfill his com-

mitment to Nigerians, as the people would not accept any excuse for poor CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Quick Read

Editorial

Remembering Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) }19 Abia North: Kalu begins inspection of }6 INEC documents

News

FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Minister rescued as fire guts Federal Secretariat Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

inister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, was among scores of people rescued yesterday as fire gutted the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja. It was learnt the building went up in flames due to power surge. The minister was in a meeting with principals of the 104 Federal Government Colleges at the ministry's podium on second floor of the building, when the fire broke out around 1:30pm. Pandemonium broke out at the complex as civil servants scampered for safety after several efforts to use fire extinguishers to put out the fire failed. The minister was, however, brought out of the complex unhurt at 1:59p.m. by his security aides while fire service vehicles struggled to enter the complex. Firemen from the Federal Fire Service who arrived the place at 1:56p.m, had difficulty in accessing the location of the fire. Their movements were impeded by human and vehicular traffic around the area. Shekarau, who was led out of the complex into his car by policemen, left the complex immediately. There were, however, conflicting accounts of the exact point where the fire started. While the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, who later briefed journalists after taking brief from the fire fighters, said the fire was caused by the electric panel on the fifth floor of the complex, eyewitnesses said the fire started from the 10th floor. She said: "I think the situation is really being managed by the fire service. I have gone to commend them for their prompt intervention. You can see how many trucks they came along with. I was talking to the man in charge of this operation this afternoon and he assured us that they found the point where the fire started at the fifth floor and that they would get everything under control. But very importantly, we are sure nobody is hurt. The fire people are working. “The offices are intact. I think the incident was caused by an electric panel or so. Like I said, the fire chief has assured us that they are doing well.

But the offices are intact, everybody is safe, nobody is hurt.” The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Elechi Collins, also told reporters that the fire service had deployed about eight fire-fighting vehicles to

the scene. He also confirmed that no casualty was recorded even as he disclosed that the fire broke out from the fifth floor. "We got a call at 1:35p.m. and of course, our new resolve to attend to the fire promptly. You

could see the number of fire trucks here. We have been able to nip in the bud the spread of this fire. “The fire started from the fifth floor and spread to the sixth floor. It is a rumour that it started from the 10th floor," he said.

An eyewitness said the fire was caused by a welding work going on, on the 11th floor of the building where an overhead water tank was being constructed. Workers were seen struggling to escape from the 11th floor of the

complex when the fire started. Another witness said the fire started from the third floor, adding "we were in the reception on the third floor when we heard a loud noise and we were covered by a thick smoke.”

Governors Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari (Zamfara), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during the launch of a book on the Rivers State governor in Lagos...yesterday.

Oil marketers court APC leaders over N200bn subsidy payment lNo guarantee to end of scarcity before May 29 - MOMAN Adeola Yusuf

uel marketers have reached out to some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to influence the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, to pay the outstanding N200 billion on subsidy, interest and foreign exchange differentials, New Telegraph has learnt. A source said yesterday that they had decided to woo the APC leaders in the face of the seeming reluctance of the outgoing Jonathan administration to settle the Federal Government's indebtedness to fuel marketers as a way of ending the crippling nationwide product shortage. The courting of the APC came on day the importer said they could not guarantee that the ongoing fuel scarcity would end before the expiration

of this government on May 29. The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), which stated this at a joint press conference in Lagos, alleged that the "insensitive approach" of the outgoing government to sufferings caused by the ongoing scarcity was likely to make the incoming government to inherit the crisis. "We are beginning to lose hope in the outgoing government and, as I speak, we are talking to very top politicians in the opposition party," the source said without giving more details. Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Thomas Obafemi Olawore and his DAPPMA counterpart, Mr. Olufemi Adewole, however, told reporters in Lagos that government

officials have continued to shun meetings and requests for measures to end the scarcity through payment of the debts. Olawore said the marketers, whose businesses and accounts had been rendered insolvent by the debts, were ready to approach the incoming government. "If they don't pay, we will approach the new government," he said, adding that part of the purpose the media briefing is "to put things on the table for them to see and understand." Asked when the fuel scarcity caused by the halt in fuel importation by marketers would end, Olawore said: "Scarcity will disappear only if there is payment and it is this payment that makes banks to guarantee us loan and it is this that will guarantee importation of product. "For the past two weeks

when this scarcity has started, nobody in government has spoken to us and we believe that if they are sensitive to the plight of Nigerians, they would have called us. In fact, we were the one that demanded for the last meeting we had with them. "It is hard to determine when the scarcity will disappear because we have not been able to get our money; because our suppliers no longer believe in us. We are unable to import products and it is the small quantity from the NNPC that everybody is scrambling for in Apapa." On the claim by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that it has 1.2 billion litres of petrol in stock; the MOMAN secretary said Nigerians should query the claim. "Anybody that tells you that there is 1.2 billion litres somewhere, ask the

person that where is the stock. What they are telling us is that they have about 300 ships somewhere," he said. Adewole also called on the Federal Government to fulfill its contractual obligations to the fuel marketers. He said: "We are still appealing to the Federal Government to pay our members. The debt is over N200 billion based on debts profile of N200 billion as at February this year. "This means that between that time and now, the amount must have risen." He added that the silence of the Federal Government was a ploy to delay payment. "The government has not called us for talks since about two weeks that we stopped importation and we believe that this is a ploy to delay payment," he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, May 15, 2015

SPECIALonREPORT The 8th Senate’s Fresh Generation Godswill Akpabio

Aliyu Wamakko

Jonah David Jang

Stella Adaeze Oduah

Samuel Egwu

Rabiu Kwankwaso

Theodore Orji

Mao Ohuabunwa

Uche Lilian Ekwunife

Buruji Kashamu

Jeremiah Useni

Abubakar Kyari

Ben Murray Bruce

Peter Nwaoboshi

Biodun Olujimi

Dino Melaye

Monsurat Sunmonu

Bayero Usman Nafada

Bala ibn Na’Allah

Isiaka A. Adeleke

Abubakar Danladi

Adeola Olamilekan

Binta Masi Garba

Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim

Mustapha Bukar

Duro Samuel Faseyi

Fatimat O. Raji-Rasaki

Shehu Sani

Mustapha Bukar

Philip Aruwa I Gyunka

Buhari Abdulfatai

Suleiman O. Hunkuyi

Osinakachukwu Ideozu

Danjuma La’ah

Bassey Albert Akpan

Olanrewaju Tejuoso

Mohammed A. Ohiare

Nelson Asuquo Effiong

Achonu A. Nneji

Sabo Mohammed

David Umaru

Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi

Barau I Jibrin

Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Clifford A. Ordia

John Enoh Owan

Mathew A. Urhoghide

Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka

Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi

Gbolahan Dada

Abdul-Aziz M. Nyako

Francis A. Alimikhena

Olaka Johnson Nwogu

Ogba Joseph Obinna

Tijjani Yahaya Kaura

Donald Alasoadura

Rose Okoji Oko

Yele Omogunwa

Ogola Foster

Gershom H. Bassey

Suleiman M. Nazif

Malam Ali Wakili

Abdullahi A. Gumel

Marafa Bashir Abba

Yahaya Abdullahi

Abdulrahman Abubakar

Salihu Hussain Egye

Mohammed Garba

Ighoyota Amori

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

Ahmadu Abubakar

Mohammed Hasan

Isah Hamma Misau

Ibrahim Abdullahi

Muhammad Ubali Shitu

On June 4, 2015, the eighth Senate of the National Assembly will be inaugurated. Of the 109 Senators who will be taking their seats, 75, representing 68 per cent will be fresh in the upper chamber. Who are these fresh Senators? What are their backgrounds and antecedents? What quality of debate and contributions are we likely to see from them? These and more will be the kernel of a special report by New Telegraph on that day. The report presents a unique opportunity for family, friends and associates of these fresh Senators to felicitate with them. For enquiries and participation: Call Biodun: 0802-301-5582, Taiwo: 0803-304-2915, Onwuka: 0803-733-9843, David: 0810-759-1663

Travel Advisory

FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45

(SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50

AEROCONTRACTORS

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, May 15, 2015

PDP chiefs seek court order to stop Mu'azu's ouster Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

egal moves to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from sacking its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and other members of the National Working Commit-

tee (NWC) started yesterday before an Abuja High Court. Two members of the party, Tasiu Iliyasu Hussaini and Waziri Amadu, in a suit, asked the court to stop the PDP from forcing Mu'azu and other NWC members from resigning their positions until after

the expiration of their tenure in office. The plaintiffs further want the court to determine whether the NWC of the party can be dissolved or forced to resign their positions without following the required procedure laid down by the party's constitution.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Iliya Dauda and Nafiu Yakubu, asked the court to declare that the NWC of the party cannot be dissolved or forced to resign their positions without following procedure laid down by the party's constitution. The plaintiffs also asked

4.6m Nigerians unemployed, says NBS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Another category of unemployed, comprising those doing nothing, stands at 1,527,067. Statistician-General and CEO of NBS, Dr. Yemi Kale, said the bureau had a moral burden to be impartial, neutral in presenting its data, which he described as an important data to be relied upon by policy makers in the formulation of national policies. He said unemployment was a challenge both to developed and developing nations, adding that going by France computation of unemployed, every person in France will be unemployed as the full time employment benchmark in France is 35 hours a week. He said: “Some have suggested we use the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition for unemployment as used in many other countries in the world for the purposes of international comparisons, while the difference between one and 39 is classified as underemployment and above 40 hours as full employment. While NBS has the legal powers by the Statistics Act to unilaterally determine appropriate statistical methodologies for the country, the decision to amend our national definition of unemployment, however, given how important a challenge is to our country, is not something we take lightly at the NBS.” He added that NBS has constituted a committee to review the unemployment statistics to come out with new statistics different from the ILO's definition. “It is for this reason we have called together men and women who have distinguished themselves in socio-economic and statistical analysis to be members of the ‘Review of Unemployment Statistics Committee’ and to advise us on the appropriate definitions and methodologies. "We need to know how many are unemployed. How many are in seasonal, venerable and structural employment? I need to stress this point here that the definition of employment doesn't take your income or qualifications into accounts. Some have argued that a taxi driver is only employed if his

skills and qualifications are in line with what they perceived as basic requirements required being a taxi driver,” Kale stated. Speaking at the occasion, the Chairperson, NBS Committee on Definition, Methodology for Computing Unemploy-

ment Statistics in Nigeria, Professor Sarah Anyanwu, advised the statistics bureau to disaggregate labour force data to capture employment and categories of unemployment. She also harped on the imperative for NBS to consider implementing La-

bour Market Information System( LMIS) approach in capturing labour force statistics and labour market dynamics in the survey instrument. Her recommendations were contained in a 73-page report submitted yesterday to the NBS management.

the court to make an order restraining the party from directing Mu'azu and other NWC members from resigning their positions without following the prescribed procedure in the party's constitution. Apart from PDP and Mu'azu, other defendants in the suit are PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus; National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo; Deputy National Secretary, Chief Onwe Solomon Onwe; National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh and Women Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe. Others are Financial Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Anani; Legal Adviser, Mr. Victor Kwom; Organising Secretary, Mr. Abubakar Mustapha; Youth Leader, Mr. Hussaini Maibasira;

Treasurer, Mr. Bala Buhari and Auditor, Mr. Adewale Adeyanju. In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by the plaintiffs, they averred that the leaders of the party are calling for the dissolution of the NWC of the party because of the defeat suffered in the last elections, adding that the calls for their resignation violated the PDP constitution and the collective resolve of party members. They also averred that the calls for the resignation of the NWC members would jeopardise the efforts of party members to reposition the party for success in future elections. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

L-R: Guest Speaker, Prof. Adeniyi Agunbiade; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) and General Overseer, Foursquare Church in Nigeria, Revd. Felix Meduoye, during a lecture in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

We won't accept excuses from Buhari, say Lamido, Aliyu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

performance. The two governors said at the inauguration of the Shiroro Bridge in Minna that Nigerians would hold Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable for the state of their well being, irrespective of the state of the economy. Lamido said: "You must fulfill your promises because there was no condition given on how to do it. Whether the economy is favourable or not; do not give us any excuse. "We will not tolerate any excuse because when you were asking for votes and making promises, there were no conditions given. "A party of evil men is a party that raised them. Whatever they are, they owe it all to the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) because PDP, one way or the other, brought almost all of them into politics. It is about time for them to reflect because Nigerians will definitely hold them accountable. "They try to turn tribe against tribe, brother against brother; they try to break and distort Nigeria's harmony, raising false hope. They must fulfill all their promises." The governor added that throughout the APC campaign, developmental issues were not the focus, but the dysfunctionalities of the nation, especially Boko Haram insurgency, corruption and other security issues. The governors also lambasted the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, insisting that they must quit

for leading the party to a ‘disastrous defeat’ in the general elections. According to Aliyu, since if the party had won the general elections, the NWC, led by the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, would have taken the credit for the victory, members should accept the blame also for the defeat. Aliyu said: "How could you lead a party to a disastrous defeat and you are still thinking of some ideas? And it is now you are asking people or blaming people that you have not been given chance and that the money of the campaign was not with you. "Why didn't you tell us before the elections? Why do you have to wait until you are defeated? Because you assumed that

if we had won, you would have taken the credit for the winning, so take the blame for losing. "That's all we are saying. But if it is the party's belief that the leadership be retained, we will not fight it because the actual change will come in March 2016. That is when we will go to the convention and all PDP members will be there and we will elect new leaders. "So, it is even better. What I said was for us to entrench democracy and faith in God, immediately the defeat happened, tender your resignation letter.” Speaking in a similar vein, Lamido said: “It is not time for any blame game. It is time to think and reflect on how to reposition PDP. The party is a party of national inter-

est and unity. We should all accept that we made mistakes and find ways to correct it in the future.” The Jigawa State governor denied plot by him and others to leave the party, saying, "we have both agreed not to leave the PDP. We dey kampe for PDP; we dey shelele for PDP." Aliyu collaborated his colleague, saying, "Sule Lamido, you are not creating any new party. You and your godson will remain in the PDP forever. Whoever planted that story has made a mistake because for us, we have every opportunity to have defected, but we did not because we know in political development, particularly in democracy, defection is not the best way to develop and entrench democracy in any society.”

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FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

PIB: Reps slash Petroleum Host Community Fund to 7.5% Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday cut down the proposed levy on oil companies for the operation of Petroleum Host Community Fund, as contained in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), from 10 to 7.5 percent. The lawmakers passed the amendment, amongst others, at the resumed consideration of the PIB, which began on Wednesday. The Petroleum Host Community Fund is to cater for the mitigation of all negative environmental impacts on host communities arising from exploratory activities of oil companies. The provision, as contained in clause 116 to 118 of the PIB, was slashed following arguments that retaining the 10 per cent may have negative effect on future investment in the sector. Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor (Delta), was the first to question the independence or otherwise of the Petroleum Host Community Fund in terms of legislation and administration. He said: "When you look

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at the proposal, there are too many technicalities that have been added here. So I would suggest that every operator, both in the up and downstream sectors of the industry, pays a given percentage for the operation of the fund." Relying on Ogor's submission, Hon. Sokonte Davies (APC, Rivers) proposed an amendment that whatever monies accruing to host communities shall be subject to the approval of the National Assem-

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He said: "Whatever we do, we must take into cognizance the implications of the impact this is likely to have on future investment in the sector." According to him, oilproducing communities may soon extend to all the states in the North-West and North-East, except Sokoto and Kebbi states. Following this information, the percentage was reduced from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, covering both upstream and downstream

sectors of the industry. Also yesterday, Hon. Robinson Uwak (PDP, Akwa, Ibom) stressed the need to eliminate all encumbrances for effective administration of the fund with a view to ensuring maximum benefits to the host communities. "As a people from oil host communities, we are privy to some of the challenging issues. "Most times, what happens is that state governments relate directly with

the minister and oil companies and exclude the people and, therefore, the monies meant for community development never get to the people" he said. He added that the amendment should make the provision actionable without recourse to the state governors, since the governors always subvert the interest of host communities. The House will resume consideration of the report next Tuesday.

L-R: Chairman, Governing Board, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Air Commodore Ishaku Ganga Mwadkon (rtd); Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and Director-General, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, during the inauguration of CPC’s audio-visual studio in Abuja…yesterday.

Abia North: Kalu begins inspection of INEC documents Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

ABUJA

bly. The amendment was seconded by Hon. Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara) and passed by voice vote. On future investment in the oil sector, the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on PIB, Hon. Ishaka Mohammed Bawa, suggested a reduction of the proposed percentage. He explained that host communities will increase in future given the discovery of oil in many places in the North, which will raise the stake for investors.

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally complied with the order of the Abia State National and state House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal to allow former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, to inspect documents used in the Abia North Senatorial election. Also, the tribunal granted another ex-parte for the inspection and taking of records of the card readers used during the March 28 election.

The tribunal granted the ex-parte yesterday during its sitting at the Federal High Court complex, Umuahia, where it relocated after its inaugural sitting at Abia State High Court four. Kalu, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) candidate for the Abia North Senatorial District, is challenging the return of Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as senatorelect for the area. Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Mohammed Wakili, in granting the request made by Kalu, said: “The tribunal hereby grants the request to inspect information

recorded in all the card readers used for the Abia North Senatorial District election.” He further ordered that the exercise be conducted within seven days. Wakili adjourned the matter to May 25. Okorie, counsel to Kalu, had at the inaugural sitting of the tribunal on May 6, requested to be allowed access to the documents used for the election for the Abia North Senatorial District. “The last time the tribunal gave us order to inspect and take records of the ballot papers and other documents. So, we have to report to the tribunal on the compliance

so far, to inform them that INEC was able to comply with the order. You know INEC and their foot dragging, they wouldn’t want you to have what you need to prosecute your petition. But then, we have to compel them to do that and they only agreed to do that today and they are headed to Arochukwu,” he said. According to him, “The reason the tribunal asked us to come back today is to know whether we are having any hitch in effecting the order they issued, assuming they have not been complying to the extent they are now, the tribunal would have made some consequential orders against INEC and then

demand their immediate compliance.” He said that since the commission has started complying, the tribunal would allow it to continue with the order. Okorie explained that in line with the order of the tribunal for them to inspect information on the card readers, his team would do that immediately “with our forensic experts.” The tribunal listed 13 other cases including, Ahamdi Emmanuel Nweke of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji in the Abia Central Senatorial District petition.

NJC: Appointment of judges will be through advertisement Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday said that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will henceforth advertise vacancies for the position of judges in various

courts. This was as the council introduced guidelines to ensure that only honest, hardworking and untainted lawyers become judges. The CJN, who was speaking in Abuja at the swearing-in of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a justice of the Supreme

Court, said the guidelines provide for a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment, leading to the emergence of only the best legal minds with high moral standards to serve as judges in our revered temples of justice. He further disclosed that Justice Sanusi was

the first judicial officer to be appointed under the new guidelines. According to him, the process began by advertisement in the media for the vacancy and calling for interested candidates to show interest in filling the vacancy. "Acts of lobbying for appointment, exhibition

of bad behaviour in and out of court, influence peddling, rendering dishonest or questionable legal opinions, submission of false credentials, are just some of those conducts exhaustively listed in the 2014 guidelines as acts that would preclude appointment to judicial office," he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, may 15, 2015

ational Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC,) Chief Bola Tinubu, yesterday said that the results of the March and April elections demonstrated the desire by Nigerians for change. Tinubu spoke at the launch of a book: "Dynamics of Change, The Amaechi Years," compiled and edited by Dr Chidi Amuta and Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, which was held in Lagos.

Election results showed Nigerians desire for change, says Tinubu He said that with the elections over, both the leaders and citizens must brace up to meet the challenges required to build a better, more prosperous nation. "Indeed, even as we

subscribe to the tenets of common sense revolution, we must re-tool ourselves and the new leadership must embark on policies that will improve the general well-being of the masses," he said.

Benin president hails peaceful conduct of elections Anule Emmanuel and Johnchucks Onuanyim

he President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the peaceful manner in which Nigeria conducted the 2015 general elections. Yayi, who visited Jonathan yesterday at the Presidential Villa, told State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting that President Jonathan's contribution to the development of democracy in Africa was indelible. He said that apart from playing a leadership role in Africa, President Jonathan had taken part in mediation in achieving peace in many countries such as in Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cote d' Ivoire. "I came to congratulate my brother, President

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He is a very great statesman; he organised the election peacefully in the largest country in Africa. He explained that "to us, the election was very transparent and peaceful and coming back, he took a wonderful decision by a great statesman by calling his challenger to congratulate him even before the final results were released. "Usually, in Africa, it is rare. He gave us very good example of democracy, not only in our sub-region, but also in Africa and the whole world at large. Also yesterday, Yayi revealed that 55 per cent of the population of his country are Nigerians. He disclosed this at the Defence House in Abuja, while also stating jokingly that Benin is the 37th state of Nigeria. The President, who

was on a courtesy visit to the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, pledged the support of his country in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and the incoming government. Addressing journalists after a meeting with Buhari, Yayi who read a prepared speech said, "I came to recognise the President of Nigeria. Benin is the 37th state of Nigeria, and Nigeria is the 7th department of Benin. "55 per cent of population in Benin come from Nigeria. You know I am at home here. So, just to remind you that my brothers, sisters of Nigeria have recently chosen my senior, the President Buhari as the President in order to let their destiny be in his hands for his integrity, his experience and as a former head of state of the great Nigeria".

Transition: APC insists on lack of cooperation from FG l Says Metuh has disdain for truth Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday insisted that the Federal Government was not cooperating with the party's Transition Committee on the process of proper transition of power come May 29. The party also, in statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, issued in Abuja, slammed the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, stating that he has disdain for the truth. The chairman of the Transition Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, had earlier dissociated the committee from the statement credited to the APC of FG frustrating the

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Transition Committee. Joda, speaking recently on the committee, stated that the two committees were operating on the same page. He dismissed reports that the presidency was not cooperating with his committee to ensure a smooth transition. But the APC, in a repeat of its earlier stands yesterday said, "We say, with all sense of responsibility, that as of today, May 14th 2015, just about two weeks to the May 29th handover date, no shred of information as to the status of governance from any Ministry, Department or Agency of government has been given to our Transition Committee. ''If that qualifies, in Metuh's lexicon, as cooperation, then there is a problem somewhere. We dare Metuh or anyone for that matter, to controvert

the fact that not a line of handover note has been handed over to our Transition Committee. Until then, Metuh has egg on his face". APC restated its earlier advice to Metuh to urgently undertake a crash course in how to be an opposition party spokesman so he won't talk or write himself into avoidable trouble in the days ahead. The party admonished the PDP spokesman to always cross-check the information available to him in order to separate rumours from facts, saying had he done that, he would not have issued the statement in which he tried to cast aspersion on the APC by accusing it of ''fabricating lies'' over the issue of the Jonathan Administration's non-cooperation with the APC's Transition Committee.

Tinubu said that the 2015 Presidential election campaign was a great opportunity to popularise and test the noble idea of a "Common Sense Revolution" in Nigeria. He said that the common sense revolution was not a violent one to tear things down. "It is a positive one to rescue, repair and restructure the nation and its institutions in ways that further collective prosperity and well-being. "The only violence that is to be done is to violence, injustice and poverty themselves," he said. Tinubu said that a common sense revolution was a call to return to a level

of decency in the relationship between government and the governed. "Indeed, there is a publication with that title authored by me in which I argued that Nigeria was ripe for a change of leadership and Nigerians must act in a common sense and rational way in choosing their leaders,'' he said. Tinubu described Gov. Rotimi Amaechi's administration in Rivers in the last eight years as another justifiable celebration of idea of Common Sense Revolution for development. He said that the book was a timely service to history while commending the editors and authors of essays in the book.

Earlier in a keynote address, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, commended Tinubu and Amaechi for their contributions to the nation's democracy. "The political atmosphere, whatever you call it, be it change or hope, whatever name, I recognise two individuals in this particular process that led the chart for change. "These two individuals are Bola Tinubu and Rotimi Amaechi; I call them the architects of the process of change," Soyinka said. Amaechi, in his remark, thanked the authors and everybody who came for the launch. He said that many of his actions ahead of the elections were borne out of a desire for change and expressed delight that the APC was successful in the Presidential election.

Jonathan signs new criminal justice bill into law Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015 into law. The bill, which was passed by the Senate on May 5, seeks to, among other things, address the problem of delayed criminal trials in the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed this in an interview with journalists in Abuja. He said that President Jonathan signed the bill into law considering its impact on the growth of democracy and the economy. Abati said the President

signed the document on Wednesday, the same day he received the bill from the National Assembly. "The President has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015. He signed it the same day he received it from the National Assembly. With that development, the bill is now an Act," he said.

WANTED URGENTLY Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, publishers of New Telegraph, Saturday Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, requires the services of: Copy Editors: Must be graduates of English Language with a minimum of Bachelor's Degree (Second Class Upper). Applicants must have calm personality; be good writers with eyes for details and must be able to infuse life into 'dead' copies. He/she must have at least eight years post-qualification experience either in the media or the publishing industry. Legal Officer: with LLB (minimum of Second Class Lower). Should possess at least 4 years post-call experience. Must be able to provide assistance in preparing, drafting and vetting all agreements as well as rendering accurate legal opinion. Eligible applicants should submit their applications within two weeks to: Head, Administration Department, 1A, Ajimobi Street, off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos or newjobstoday2015@gmail.com

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Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he Coordinating Minister of the Economy / Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, has directed the immediate termination of Graduate Internship Scheme(GIS) partnership with FORCECOM Networks Limited. She also directed that the firm be investigated by security agencies, a statement issued yesterday by GIS Communication Specialist, Mallam Suleiman Haruna, said. Her actions came 48 hours after GIS scheme

Enraged by GIS protest, FG terminates contract with Forcecom participants staged a protest in Abuja over unpaid eight months arrears of allowances. Unable to bear the hardship of continuous learning without allowances, GIS participants on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja. Some of the reasons cited yesterday for the termination of the partnership included, nondeployment of the interns to work on mobile

money business months after they were deployed to the company, sending timesheets showing interns had worked and requesting for payment of their monthly stipend when it was clear that the interns did not work at all. Other reasons attributed to CME for terminating GIS contract with FORCECOM Networks are coercing interns to

sign an undertaking to pay out N7, 500 as monthly stipend for training with Lekki Business School, and sending a standing order of N7, 500 monthly deduction to the bank on behalf of Lekki Business School, even after the firm had agreed with the PIU at meeting that the company was not supposed to collect the money. Some interns have paid this money already.

L-R: Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro; MTNF scholar/beneficiary of Oracle Training Programme in Switzerland, Mufutau Akuruyejo; Dean, Student Affairs, UNILAG, Prof. Tunde Babatunde; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma and Country Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, Adebayo Sanni, after a press conference announcing the partnership between MTNF and Oracle, in Lagos …yesterday

Plot to amend House Rules thickens Philip Nyam Abuja

s the jostle for the speakership of the House of Representatives get hotter, there are plots by a group loyal to one of the contenders to amend the House standing Rules on voting procedure. The group, alleged to be loyal to the minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, is said to be mobilising members to support a motion that will alter the voting method from secret

ballot to open ballot. Order 2, Rule 4 (f) (ii) of the House Standing Orders 2014, states that: "Voting by secret ballot shall be conducted by the Clerk-at-Table using the list of the members-elect of the House, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his vote, with the proposer and seconds as Tellers." The motion was initially planned to be tabled on Wednesday but the plot was aborted at the last minute after the promoters realised that they didn’t have enough sup-

port to push it through. "They have planned to propose the amendment under matters of urgent public importance on Wednesday but changed their mind after realising that it will be defeated," a ranking member who does not want to be named said. The lawmaker, who disclosed this to New Telegraph, on condition of anonymity said the group is planning to "come under a substantive motion next Tuesday to propose amendment to the voting pattern from secret to

open ballot." According to the lawmaker; "We are aware that the amendment is being proposed so that their godfather will see them voting for their anointed candidates but under the secret ballot nobody will know who each member voted for "Secondly, we are also aware that they want to induce members with money to vote for their candidate but they want to make sure that those who collect their money votes for their candidate."

Nigeria lost 1,800mw in one month — Perm Sec Chukwu David Abuja

his Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, yesterday in Abuja disclosed that Nigeria had lost 1800 Megawatts of electricity in less than one month. He also attributed the deteriorating power outages in the country to activities of vandals, who go

friday, may 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

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about destroying both oil and gas pipelines across the country. Igali made the disclosure at the meeting of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy with the Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), where he explained to the Senators that the deteriorating state of power supply in the country was caused by the activities of van-

dals. He said, "We have been able to explain to electricity consumers that the current power outage is as a result of high rate of pipeline vandalization. They vandalize both the crude pipelines and gas pipelines. When the crude pipelines are vandalized because people want to steal crude, and condense some that affects the gas. "But the more sinister

one which is with a lot of pain is when people deliberately blow up pipes written clearly Gas Pipeline. They blow them up almost every day; they blow them up and that denies the power plants some gas. Unfortunately, our country depends on a lot of gas. We have hydro power plants in Shiroro, Jebba and Kainji, which are the major ones. But in dry season, the hydro does not do well.

Fidelis Edokpa, an intern attached to FirstCom Network Limited and on a monthly stipend

of N30, 000 said he has not been paid his allowance in the last eight months by the government.

Youths march for Dogara T

he aspiration of Hon Yakubu Dogara for the speakership of the House of Representatives got a boost yesterday when two youth groups staged a rally in Abuja urging lawmakers to elect him as Speaker. The youths, under the aegis of the Northeast Unity Forum (NUF) and Nigerian Youth Against Political Sabotage (NYAPS), told reporters that their action was informed by the need to ensure justice and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions in the incoming Buhariled administration. The National Coordinators of (NYAPS), Comrade Tony Obuah and Alhaji Mohammed A. Wandi who spoke on behalf of the

groups, stated that: “We have gathered here today in solidarity to give a sense of belonging to the people of Northeast. To say that they have suffered so much and they need to be given the opportunity to feel accepted as bona fide citizens of this country. “You can bear me witness the trauma these people have gone through and are still going through due to the Boko Haram insurgency. There have been increasing poverty in the Northeast. Education is at its lowest ebb because of insurgency. So we feel it’s high time they are compensated having produced the second largest votes that gave victory to the All Progressives Congress in the just concluded Presidential elections on March 28."

Public presentation of three books on Fashola postponed

he public presentation of the three books, “The Great Leap: Selected Speeches of Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN”, “In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Raji Fashola” and “The Lagos Blow Down: West Africa’s First Controlled Demolition”, billed for today, Friday May 15, 2015, has been postponed. A statement from the Office of the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said a new date for the

launch of the three books, focusing on the activities of the State Governor in the last eight years, would be announced later. The Special Adviser, who edited two of the books and co-edited the third with seasoned writer, Dapo Adeniyi, apologized for any inconveniences the postponement may have caused the numerous invited guests and his friends from far and near who had already expressed their willingness to attend the occasion.

Consumer abuse: FG intensifies efforts to check business’ impunity

he Federal Government has moved a step further in its efforts to check the prevalent business practice of consumer abuse with impunity, with the inauguration of the first in-house audio-visual studio at the Consumer Protection Council. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who commissioned the studio in Abuja yesterday, said apart from the fact that the project would help increase consumer awareness, business operators would also learn to respect consumer rights more since it would

be easier for aggrieved consumers to name and shame fraudulent operators through the various CPC studios across the zonal offices in Nigeria. In a statement, he noted that, whilst the advent of industries in new areas such as telecommunications, information technology and online sales had brought new challenges for consumers as regards getting full value for their money, the current management of CPC was resolute in its drive towards addressing critical issues of abuses across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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Buhari, Gowon expected as Oshiomhole weds Ethiopian beauty A

ll roads lead to Iyamho community, Etsako West council area of Edo state and the political stronghold of former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, as he marries Miss Lara Forte. The Ethiopian young lady, who is a former model and air hostess, is

expected to be the center of focus as former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, ex-Presidents, Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari storm the state today to grace the historic ceremony. Also, expected to arrive the state for the event are APC National

leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the party’s national chair man, Chief John Oyegun, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, other top politicians, captains of industry, labour leaders,

the clergy and activists, as well as associates of the governor. New Te l e g r a p h learnt that the registry marriage will take place in Auchi,headquarters of Etsako West Local Government area and will be followed by a grand and sumptuous reception slated for the guests at Iyamho, the governor’s country

home. Findings further revealed that all hotels in Auchi , Ekpoma, Uromi and other nearby towns have been fully booked ahead of the arrival of guests. According to the wedding invitation to dignitaries, Governor Oshiomhole was quoted to have written: “While looking forward to the

honour of your distinguished presence, I sincerely crave your pardon for the rather short notice. Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest esteem.” Governor Oshiomhole’s final resolve to remarry is coming about five years after th death of his wife and First Lady of the state, Clara, in 2010.

Three soldiers, many insurgents die in Maiduguri’s failed attack A

civilian vigilante official, Yusuf Sani, has revealed that at least three soldiers, six vigilante members and many Boko Haram fighters were killed during Wednesday’s failed attack by insurgents on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Troops repelled the attack, even as a dusk-todawn curfew, has since been imposed on the city. Wednesday’s attack came on the heels of coordinated offensives on the insurgents. The French news Agency, AFP, quoted Sani as saying; “Three soldiers were killed during a fight with the terrorists while six of our members were killed by three female sui-

cide bombers. “The terrorists suffered serious casualties,” Sani said, without being specific on the figure. He added that 12 vigilantes were injured by “the shrapnel of the detonated bombs.” Sani’s position was corroborated by an Army official, who preferred anonymity. “We rounded them and killed many of them... I cannot tell you the number of we killed ,” the unnamed officer added. Streets have since been deserted, even as schools, markets and public buildings, “including hospitals, were also closed.” Spokesman for the 7 Division, Colonel Tanko Gusau, said the lock-down was ordered “to protect

lives and properties of innocent and law-abiding people of Maiduguri”. The army said female suicide bombers had detonated explosives before the attack. According to sources, “the assailants had made attempts to overrun the military facility, which was attacked on March 14 last year, freeing hundreds of detained Boko Haram suspects. “A member of the civilian vigilantes, who assist the military with security and intelligence, said the attack could have been a reprisal for losses incurred in a Tuesday offensive on their camp some 40 kilometres (25 miles) outside Maiduguri.”

Miss Lara Fortes, Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s bride

PSS arrests 56 suspected Obasanjo meets Buhari, submits strategic report Johnchuks Onuanyim cultists in Edo Emmanuel Onani ABUJA

police Special Squad (PSS) assembled by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, to tackle violent crimes in Edo State, has arrested 56 suspected cultists. The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police. The statement, which noted that those arrested are undergoing interrogation, reads: “The intervention of the InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase...in the troublesome cultism-related violent crimes in Edo State has started yielding positive results. The Special Crack Squad designated for the assignment, has on 12th

May 2015, through vigorous intelligence, arrested eleven highly placed persons from different locations of the state who are ring leaders of cult groups linked to recent cult related killings in the state. “At the moment, a total of 56 suspected vicious cultists linked to the recent cult related violence in the state have been rounded up by the Squad and are undergoing interrogation. “The IGP reiterated that no criminal will be spared, no matter how highly placed. The Police High Command g raciously appreciated the collaborative efforts of the members of the public, particularly in Edo State, on the achievement made so far by the Special Crack Squad, and assures that adequate measures would continue to be put in place to ensure safety of lives and property, nationwide.”

Abuja

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday led a team of experts to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, and submitted to him a report on how to revamp the economy to him. Among those who were in the team were: the chairman, governing board of the Centre for Human Security of Obasanjo Presidential Library, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, who was incidentally the chairman of the committee; former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu and Dr. Christopher Kolade. Kalu presented the report to Buhari. The report was presented to Buhari at the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) office in Abuja. Top on the list of the strategic report were Education, Power, Security and Infrastructure. The strategic report was an outcome of a development research work embarked upon by the Centre

for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library on major social challenges facing Nigeria in the last four months ago. Speaking to journalists at the end of the brief ceremony that was held behind closed doors, Mabogunje said the report contained policy documents that would help the Presidentelect restructure Nigeria, revealing that Buhari was full of thanks for the documents. He said: “Centre for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Liberary has been working on a number of critical issues for the development of this country and they have now sent a delegation of those who have been involved with the preparation of those policy documents to talk to the President-elect and get him to appreciate what is being done to help his administration. That’s why we are here. “We have looked at education, security, economy, power and infrastructure. Those are the areas we’ve made recommendations

and which we hope the new administration will be able to work on. “He (Buhari) was very happy that we’ve been thinking about how to help him hit the ground running and he expressed his appreciation for what we’ve been doing.” Also, Kolade explained the long, medium and short terms goals of the report. According to him, the strategic plan hoped to raise the country’s power generation to 10,000 MW within a short period of time. Explaining what transpired inside, Buhari’s spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “The whole idea was that Obasanjo set up his own think-tank with the aim of carrying out a study on challenges facing the country in five key areas of education, power, economy, security and infrastructure. The study was commissioned four months ago so that the outcome will be made available to the incoming administration after the election.”

Shehu also stated that the President-elect expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for their kind gesture, however regretting that the outgoing regime of President Goodluck Jonathan had not done anything close to that. He said: “An appreciative President-elect expressed gratitude to Obasanjo and his team, describing their intervention as a great impetus for the incoming government. Buhari regretted that the out-going government that is supposed to give him tips on how to take-off has done nothing so far. He thanked the Obasanjo team for their gesture, assuring them that his administration will be needing their advice as time goes on.” On his part, Mallam Ahmed Joda, Chairman of the Buhari Transition Committee said: “I am here not in the capacity of the chairman of the transition committee. I am here because I am a chairman of one of the committees that consider security issues at the Obasanjo Centre for Human Security.”

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Juliana Francis and Camillus Nnaji

our policemen attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on AntiPipeline Vandalism Unit were shot death during a clash with vandals yesterday. Many others were also injured in the shootout at Obadore area of Igando on the outskirts of Lagos metropolis. It was gathered that the vandals, numbering over 20, positioned themselves in strategic positions in the creeks to ward off intruders. Police authorities, however, said three policemen were killed. A police source said that vandals took away the bodies of the policemen. He said: “As we speak now, we are still searching for the bodies of the policemen.” The incident was said to have occurred about 10am. Other members of the squad, who were able to escape, quickly called for re-enforcement. Different police stations and divisional police officers, under ‘Area M Police Command, Egbeda/Idimu, closest to the scene, were directed to the scene. It was gathered that the team responding to a tip-off, stormed the area and quickly intercepted three vehicles loaded with fuel products and two empty vehicles. The team also nabbed a female suspected vandal named Anchika at the site. Just as the policemen were about to leave with the exhibits and the female suspect, vandals, who had laid ambush, appeared from nowhere and opened fire on them. Some members of the team quickly recovered from their shock and retaliated. Another police source said: “At the end of the shootout, two policemen were seriously wounded, and might have been killed. Others sustained gunshot injuries too. I do not know whether more suspects were arrested from the scene.”

Pipeline vandals attack IG’s squad, kill four policemen

File picture Suspected Vandals

The source said the wounded policemen were rushed to Igando General Hospital for treatment. “As we speak, there is massive operation ongoing in the area as armed policemen are now everywhere,” said the source. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, who confirmed the incident, said that three policemen were killed.

FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

According to him, the antivandalism unit has an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the unit. He said it was Ibadin’s jurisdiction. Several calls to Ibadin, however, were not answered. He also did not reply to text messages. Ojukwu said: “Some pipeline vandals engaged the IGP’s

Special Task Force on Oil pipeline Vandalism. Police have started hunting for the shooters. We do not have policemen specially classified as IGP’s men. Every police officer is from the IGP. But the situation is under control now. We are investigating the circumstances thoroughly and we assure you that the offenders will be apprehended.”

Mother of two seeks N15m to fight leukaemia

A ABIODUN BELLO

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that policemen from IG’s Special Task Force on Anti-Vandalism had an encounter with vandals, leading to the loss of some policemen. He, however, insisted it was not in his area of jurisdiction to confirm the number of those killed.

41-year-old mother of two, Mrs Abimbola Mordi, who is battling with leukaemia, has appealed to Nigerians to save her from untimely death. She needs N15 million to fight leukaemia, a dreaded and rare form of cancer. Mordi, a businesswoman, is currently on admission at the Lagos State University teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Lagos for immediate blood transfusion.

Her husband, Mr Victor Mordi, said in a statement that experts at the hospital said she needed N15 million to tackle the disease. The money, he said, would cover air ambulance, treatment and recovery outside the country. Already, she had undergone the first stage of the draining and painful process of chemotherapy. According a medical report at the hospital, it was noticed that her platelet had broken

down completely. A medical doctor, Dr Olaitan Adewunmi, said all functions of her red blood cell had been deranged. Narrating the genesis of the ailment, Mrs Mordi said that after given birth two years ago, she started experiencing general body weakness, which she linked to old age. She noted that when she discovered that her legs were swollen, she was alarmed, adding that this was the rea-

son she went for a laboratory test in March. She said: “Three days after, the result came, it was indicated that my PVC was just at a misery of 14, test revealed I have leukaemia.” Her husband explained that the disease had devastated the family since the diagnoses. He appealed to Nigerians to help the family by donating to: Mrs Abimbola Mordi, First Bank Plc account no: 3009893985.

News 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Vigilante kills best friend Taiwo Jimoh

etectives attached to the Homicide Section, Ogun State Police Command, are looking for a man who lured his best friend into a forest, killed him and abandoned his body there. The incident occurred at Ibafo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The fleeing suspect, identified simply as John, was said to have invited his friend, Idris Alaba, to a party, but later tricked him into a forest, where he used a plank to smash his head. The victim reportedly died instantly. Alaba’s murder was later discovered after police arrested John’s two children. The suspect’s children had reportedly packed their belongings and were about to run away from the community when the residents apprehended them. They were later handed over to the police. The residents said the deceased was the head of the vigilantes in the area. John’s children said they overheard their dad, telling somebody that Alaba was disturbing their business in the community.

Alaba’s house

Alaba’s journey to the grave started on May 3, after John, a member of the vigilance group, invited him to a party in Sagamu. The two men left Alaba’s residence on Ajemobi Street and rode on a motorcycle to the supposed function. The family of the deceased, however, became worried when their father did not return home. Anxious, they called his line, but it was switched off. They called John’s phone who told them that he left Alaba at the party. A family source said: “Alaba’s children said they were worried after speaking with John. He was the one that took their father to the party. They were also worried about

PHOTO: KEMI OLORUNTOLA

the brusque way John spoke to them.” A member of Alaba’s community said: “Immediately we rushed to John’s home on Ebute Ojora Road, we were shocked to find John’s two kids armed with their luggage. It was clear they were running away. “We apprehended and handed them over to the police at Ibafo Police Station. Youths who went there with us almost lynched the two kids. “One of John’s children, David, pleaded with the angry residents. “The kids said they overheard their father say the late vigilante was preventing them from carrying out their

‘business’ in the community. He said they would deal with him.” One of the vigilantes, Mr Amos Omoedo, said the children of the deceased called him and some other members of the group on Monday morning that they had been searching for their father since Sunday. He said: “It was when we got to Ibafo Police Station with family members of our boss, that the children of the suspect told the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that their father took the victim to Makun forest in Sagamu.” Vigilantes from Ibafo, Abeokuta and Sagamu mobilised and went into the forest. Omoedo added: “When we got there, it took us hours before we could enter the forest. The first thing we noticed in the forest was the footpath they took. We saw the motorcycle tracks. We followed the tracks and traced the victim. We found him dead. The plank used in smashing his head was beside him.” Mr Kehinde David, a resident of the area, said: “We urged the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to fish out John and others who killed Alaba.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident but said the suspect was still at large. The PPRO, however, promised that John would not escape the long arm of the law.

Fashola’s wife replaces 69-year-old classroom block Muritala Ayinla

agos State governor’s wife, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, yesterday inaugurated a newly renovated 69-year-old block of classrooms at Ikorodu with a call on the well-meaning Nigerians to invest in education for better future. Fashola, who also unveiled an ICT Centre in Owode Primary School at Ibelefun com-

Samuel Tafa

etectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos are on the trail of suspect, who jumped bail, after allegedly duping his friend of N19,365,280. The victim, Mr Kazeem Adepoju, said Mr Tunde Oladunmoye, duped him. Oladunmoye was arrested by SARS after he repeatedly promised to pay Adepoju the N19 million but always failed. Kazeem, an oil marketer, said he fell into the trap of Oladunmoye who obtained diesel from him. The suspect had promised to pay some money and pay the remaining later. “I introduced Tunde to my boss as oil product supplier. He used to collect, pay and balance later. The first consignment we supplied him worth about N3.9

munity, called on parents and teachers to inculcate moral values in their wards and pupils, to enable them to become great future leaders. Speaking while inaugurating the building at the Muslim Primary School, Ikorodu, the governor’s wife said the projects were executed by the Committee of Wives of the Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). She added that the NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) was committed to

changing and impacting on the lives of the residents. The building has Administrative Block, six classrooms with suitable furniture, water facility and six water system toilets. Fashola, who is also COWLSO’s chairperson, said that the organisation had, in the last eight years, renovated 40 primary schools and completely built three blocks of class rooms across the state, to complement the efforts of

the of the government in the education sector. She added that some of the projects would soon be completed. The governor’s wife explained that COWLSO began to invest in education upon realisation that government could not do everything. She urged every group, association and other humanitarian organisations to embark on life-changing projects, especially in education.

Oil dealer dupes friend of N19m million. He, however, paid N2 million and promised to pay the balance later. But he had not balanced up the debt before he asked me to make another supply. “But my boss did not succumb to the demand. Tunde called me back. He said I should assist him. I danced to his tune and introduced him to the friends of my boss. I convinced them to supply him on credit. He also did not pay them,” Kazeem said. The victim added that after a lot of pestering, Oladunmoye promised to pay the debts. According to him, he, however, disappeared. It was after his disappearance that it struck Kazeem that Oladunmoye might have played a fast one on him. The case was reported to

SARS. Detectives started looking for Oladunmoye and tracked him to Laveronic Hotel on Oregunwa Street, Oregun Road, Lagos State. The hotel belongs Mr Lanre Gentry, the husband of a popular actress, Mercy Aigbe. Gentry is said to be a friend to the illusive Oladunmoye. The suspect was arrested and taken into police custody. He, however, wrote an undertaking, admitting that he owed people money amounting to the tune of N19 million. He also promised to pay. The suspect was, however, granted bail. It was alleged that Gentry stood as his surety, promising to present Oladunmoye whenever police needed his attention.

When police waited for him to come on the agreed date, they tried to reach him, but the suspect’s phone was switched off. Not only did Oladunmoye not report to the police, he sued SARS and Lagos State Police Command, alleging unlawful arrest and detention. When contacted on the phone, Gentry said: “I don’t understand how securing a bail for someone becomes the same thing as standing as a guarantor in a matter of debt. “Let whoever is accusing me produce evidence that I agreed to stand as a surety for Oladunmoye in the N19 million debt matter. I can help someone I know if I hear he is held by the police, but I was not there when the business was transpired. They know his house and how to find him.”

City Briefs NSCDC rises against fake private guard firms John Edu

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), members of the Private Guard Companies (PGCs) and other stakeholders have teamed up to fight against fake private guard companies in the country. The NSCDC Commandant, Mr Gabriel Abbafi, applauded the meeting which was held at Ajao Estate, saying it would help in cementing synergy between security organisations. Abbafi noted that it was also a forum to discuss and find ways to ensure the country’s security. According to him, the forum was an interactive session for stakeholders in the private security companies. He said: “We are not happy with the sort of personnel employed by some security guard companies. Most of these guards are not trained. These same guards end up committing crime instead of fighting it. “NSCDC has decided to set a standard which would be used to monitor private guard companies. Any security company found liable would be shut down.” While highlighting the importance of members of the private guard companies to synergise, Abbafi suggested that they should inform one another of the current security trends in their areas.

Police warn vehicle owners T

he Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Badagry Police Divisio, to remove them within 21 days after this publication or lose them to the public through auction. They are ‘ scrap’ vehicles - Toyota Corolla saloon car, gray colour, unregistered; Nissan Sunny saloon car, red colour, with registration number SU303AAA; Nissan Sunny car, black colour, marked DA902MUS and Nissan Blue Bird, wine colour, with registration number DU64AAA.

Elders’ Forum congratulates Osinbajo

he Elders’ Forum of Ilu-Omoba Ekiti Progressive Union has hailed the election of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as the Vice President, adding that his past experience in governance would help chart a cause for the future of Nigeria. This is contained in a congratulatory message jointly signed by Rt. Rev E. I. O. Ogundana, retired Bishop of Remo (Anglican) Diocese; Justice E. O. Kowe, a retired judge in Ekiti State and Prof. Olufemi Omosini, a retired professor of History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. According to the forum, the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential election, with votes from all Nigerians, bears witness to the acceptance and people’s admiration for Osinbajo and his principal, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). The forum also noted that Buhari’s ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption must have endeared him, Osinbajo and APC to Nigerians, hence their overwhelming victory. The statement reads in part: “It is our hope and expectation that you will bring with you your past experience in governance especially to chart a cause for the future of Nigeria. We wish you the best of luck in the task ahead.”

News

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Group insists on Lagos PDP chair’s ouster Wale Elegbede

s the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gets intense, the executive members responsible for the sack of the party’s chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle, congregated yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja GRA, insisting that the chairman’s impeachment still stands. At an expanded executive meeting comprising

of members of the Central Working Committee (CWC), State Working Committee (SWC) and the local government chairmen of the party summoned by the anti-Shelle group, it was resolved that the chairman’s removal will pave way for the restructuring of the party. Addressing the gathering, the acting Chairman of the party, Hon. Kamar Olorunoje, noted that the group has gotten additional signatures to the ones that effected the removal of

Shelle last Monday, adding that the group now has 37 executive members in its fold. The parley, which was held under a tight security around the complex, was not without any skirmish despite the initially denial to the group access into the secretariat. But with the

arrival of Olorunoje, the security agents allowed them access to the Secretariat. According to Olorunoje, the factional acting Chairman of the party, Shelle should respect the will of the majority in the party who believe his kind of leadership can no longer profit them, hence the decision to sack

him as the leader of the party. He said: “We did not expel Shelle. We are only saying he cannot lead us again. We gave him 48 hours to pack out of the assembly complex and it has lapse. Let me read out the text he sent to me and others this morning (yesterday). He said, ‘the meeting you are

calling is illegal. Be warned in your own interest. I will not sit and watch him destroy the party. This is not a banana republic.’ Members of the antiShelle executives were asked to identify themselves and confirm appending their signatures in support of Shelle’s removal.

NCCE may take over NUC’s roles in varsities Mojeed Alabi

here are indications that the National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE may take over some of the responsibilities of the National Universities Commission, NUC, in the regulation of courses and programmes of the education faculties in the nation’s universities. This follows the proposal by the commission to be saddled with the responsibility to regulate all teacher training institutions across the Federation, as part of efforts towards redefining education sector in the country. The NCCE Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Alex Maiyanga, who revealed this yesterday in an interview with New Telegraph during the 36th convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka Lagos, said the commission was craving for the review of the Act establishing it and that the proposal would soon be sent to the National Assembly for endorsement. According to Maiyanga, no nation can develop beyond the quality of its

teachers, and that the need to make teaching profession an enviable one requires a special attention and focus from its regulatory agency. He said Finland has been adjudged as a country with the best education policy globally and that such feat was achieved because it prioritized teaching and made its reward system appealing. He, therefore, suggested that all colleges of education should be permitted to run degree programmes in order to make the schools attractive to admission seekers and thereby increase the quality of the products. Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has insisted that Nigeria’s vision of becoming of the best 20 global economies by year 2020 will remain a mirage if the country fails to invest massively in technical and vocational education. Shekarau, who was represented at the convocation ceremony by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had achieved much in that respect and would want the new administration to build on such legacy.

Managing Director/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya (left), presenting a gift to the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, during a courtesy visit to the Government House recently

Ekiti kidnapping: NMA faults security measures AdesinaWahab Ado-Ekiti

he Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti chapter, has expressed displeasure with the manner security agencies in the state were handling the investigation of people abducted by unknown gunmen in the state in the last few weeks. Briefing newsmen in AdoEkiti yesterday, the association’s Chairman, Dr Joseph Akinbote, said the police were not even working on

leads given them by doctors, saying enough patrols were not mounted across the state to curb kidnappings. Akinbote also said, as part of measures to safeguard doctors and other health workers his association has banned pasting of the association’s emblem on their vehicles. The body was reacting to the inability of the police to track down those who abducted the former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Patrick Adegun, his wife, Kikelomo as well as a nurse working with the

Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Mrs Margaret Aladenika, at various points in the state. A lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore, was kidnapped at the same time with these medical practitioners, though at different locations. On the personal safety of his members, he said, “We are also advising them to stop moving around at night because these people had the erroneousimpressionthatwe receive higher pay and that we can be profitable object of kidnap.Thisisresponsiblefor whykidnapperswereafterus.

“Theyhavetoremoveanything that could suggest that they are members of this association since we are the target,” he said. Akinbote lamented that the police and the SSS operatives have not given them enough protection, despite that the number of doctors that were receiving kidnap threats keep rising on daily basis. “Most of our members who go to duties at night have been complaining that they used to drive several kilometres on the road without seeingpolicepatrolvehicleon the way.”

Staff audit for salary has exposed Osun workers’ salaries will be Lagos inducts 9,780 artisans, tradesmen Technical and Vocationghosts workers –Fayose Ayinla Muritala paid soon –Aregbesola al Educational Board Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said the on-going verification of workers in the employment of the state government before the payment of their April salaries has exposed the fraud entrenched in the state’s public service payment system. In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor said when the exercise was concluded, the exact number of genuine workers in the state would be determined.

The governor, who also insisted that operation stop and search of vehicles by security agencies must continue, notwithstanding the opposition by the All Progressives Congress ( APC), wondered why efforts being made to fight kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state were being given political coloration by the APC. Fayose, who also inaugurated suggestion box as means of knowing the views of the people at the Governor’s Office in AdoEkiti, said it was very clear that quite a number of ghost workers were drawing salary from the government purse monthly.

Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said that his administration was exploiting all possible avenues to source for funds to offset state workers’ six months accumulated salaries. Aregbesola, who made this known through the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, described his administration as workers-friendly and assured that in no distance time, all their demands woukd be adequately met.

He commended the workers for their persevance in the last six months and charged them not to see industrial action as the panacea to the unpaid salaries at hand. Aregbesola attributed failure of the government to pay salaries of the state workers to reduction of allocation from the federal government, but assured them that there would be solution to it soonest.. “State workers should exercise patience and never consider industrial action as the last option, but embrace dialogue and peace with the hope that their salaries would soon be paid.”

he Lagos State Government yesterday said that it has trained no fewer than 9,7800 artisans in various trades, skills and competency under its capacity building initiative, the Lagos State Tradesmen and Artisans Empowerment Programme (LASTAEP). This was even as the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday called for the production and patronage of locally made products to address the problem of unemployment in the country. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the newly-inducted 2,000 artisans and tradesmen by the Lagos State

(LASTVEB), Governor Fashola said the training was to enhance productivity and engender growth in the informal sector. It was gathered that the 2000 artisans and tradesmen successfully completed an eight-week intensive training in entrepreneurship, use of ICT and other business skills, to upgrade their skills in the small enterprises. It was also learnt that the programme was initiated to bridge the skills gap and tackle unemployment challenge resulting from inadequate or lack or pre-requisite skills of Nigerian artisans.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Transition

Suswam, Ortom in war of words

Probe

Adeniran: Jonathan’s administration is corruption-tolerant

Open Forum

Parliament

Babatope: Probe of Jonathan, an exercise in futility

State legislatures remain appendages of govs – Mark

Politics Like a leopard that cannot change its skin, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is back to the trenches of crisis, less than one month after the general elections. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE looks at the latest round of crisis within the state chapter of the party

Back to the trenches

ince the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Lagos State has been elusive to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite being in charge at the federal level. The party’s futile attempts at winning the governorship in the Centre of Excellence, which has largely been adduced to internal strife and ego battle, was relatively managed prior to the just concluded general elections until last Monday when another bubble busted. General elections At the March 28 and April 11 elections, the credential of the party soared especially in both the National and state Assembly elections. For the first time in its history, the party won six seats in the House of Representatives and got eight state constituencies in the state Assembly. Though the path to the party’s governorship primaries wasn’t that rosy, the swift intervention of the presidency, led by the VicePresident Namadi Sambo, calmed frayed nerves in a contest that pitched Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro against the eventual candidate of the party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who is believed to be a protégé of a former PDP deputy national chairman, Chief Olabode George. During the presidential elections, the PDP candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan scored

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

George

Obanikoro

632, 327 votes in Lagos while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, got 792,460 votes. In the governorship election, PDP again played second fiddle to the APC. Agbaje got 659, 788 votes while Akinwunmi Ambode polled 811,944 votes. Ambode, who had an overall margin lead of 152,206 votes over Agbaje, won in 15 local government areas. Agbaje, however, won in five local governments – Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo Odofin, Oshodi-Isolo, Surulere and Ojo. Contesting APC’s victory An interesting encounter ensued just before the official declaration of Ambode as governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Whilst Agbaje was already conceding defeat to Ambode and put a congratulatory call across to the APC candidate, the PDP had at the same instance protested the outcome of the polls and forwarded a petition to INEC. The PDP agent at the collation centre was however astonished when reporters showed him evidences that Agbaje had already called to congratulate Ambode. After the elections, the party decided to contest the outcome of the governorship, two senatorial districts, House of Representatives and state assembly election at the Justice Muhammad Sirajo-led three-man election tribunal. Bode George’s leadership The major groups within the Lagos PDP prior to the reconciliation

Efforts were made to rig the primaries and I stood my ground to prevent illegalities

Shelle of George and former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe were the Union and Establishment factions. While George controls the Establishment group, Ogunlewe was the leader of the Union group. But upon reconciliation, the groups were collapsed to jointly work for Agbaje at the poll. After the reconciliation, George, a retired Naval Commodore, held sway and was regarded as the undisputed prime leader of the party in the state being the highest ranking Lagos politician in the party’s structure. However, the emergence of Obanikoro as Minister of State for Defence without the blessing of George, untied the knots of George’s political sophistication. In fact, that ministerial leap ahead of George, gave Obanikoro the impetus to aspire for the governorship ticket for a second time. With the protest that trailed the outcome of the governorship primaries where Agbaje was declared winner, almost capsizing the party’s preparation for the election, Obanikoro was reportedly appeased and returned as cabinet minister with his present position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II. However, those in the know in the party believe that regardless of the patch up from the presidency, the animosity and soap opera of rivalries between Obanikoro and George still subsist despite the public façade and make-believe being put forward by both gladiators. A competent source within the

party said: “The solidarity you saw for Agbaje by the Obanikoro group was just a mere window dressing, the minister is still fuming about the role George played in denying him the governorship ticket and they still feel that Agbaje was an outsider in the party. “In the same vein, the GeorgeOgunlewe group are not ready to play into Obanikoro’s hand because they still see him as Bola Tinubu’s boy who may sell out the party at the right price. So, there is mutual suspicion between both groups and it was these mindsets that both groups and their supporters approached the election and the outcome was visible for all to see,” he said. The impeachment plot With the leadership of the party at the national level already enmeshed in blame game after the polls, it was the turn of the state chapter and they even went a step further to announce the impeachment of their chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle, and replacing him with his vice, Hon. Kamar Olorunoje. A faction of the state executive council, led by the party’s secretary, Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, had on Sunday night sent text messages to reporters inviting them for a press conference somewhere at Sabo, Yaba. On getting to the venue, the group said they are shifting the briefing to the party’s secretariat at Ikeja GRA, stating CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Suswam, Ortom in war of words Benue State governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam and the Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom are presently hitting at each other. PHILIP NYAM and CEPHAS IORHEMEN report

he political face-off between incumbent governors and their predecessors has started playing itself out in Benue State as outgoing governor of the state, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, and the governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom are presently engrossed in a war of attrition. Suswam had earlier, following the footsteps of President Goodluck Jonathan, congratulated Ortom before the result of the April 11 gubernatorial election was announced. Suswam did not stop at the felicitation but pledged to work in harmony with the governor-elect for a smooth transition. As part of the transition, the outgoing governor purchased and presented to the governor-elect and his deputy and their wives eight official cars to facilitate their movement. Suswam had also advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor against challenging Ortom’s victory at the election tribunal. In reciprocity, Ortom extended an olive branch to the outgoing administration promising that his government will be inclusive and no one will be witch-hunted. But things suddenly turned sour when Governor Suswam fired the first salvo warning Ortom to stop parading himself as governor “as if he has already assumed office.” The bitter fight Suswam, in his latest attack on his successor in-waiting, scolded him to “desist from acting as if he has already assumed office.” The outgoing governor who was reacting to contents of the media briefing by the former Minister of State Trade, Industries and Investment where he asked the present administration to stay action on the appointment of traditional rulers as well as the discreet recruitment of over 6000 workers and his resolve not to put to use the eight SUVs presented to him and his deputy until they are properly accounted for, accused Ortom of running a parallel government in the state. The issue of appointment of first class chiefs has been a thorny matter in the state particularly in Tiv land. It became even more controversial by the fact that the governor’s elder brother, Dr. Terkule Suswam, is among the new chiefs. But the exchange of words started in earnest when Suswam in a statement through his Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Justin Amase,

Suswam

Ortom

told Ortom that he is “still incharge as executive governor and would not tolerate reckless pronouncements from any person or persons on matters of government and governance in the state.” The governor, who cautioned the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate decorum and desist from jumping the gun with inflammatory statements capable of creating ill-will and tension in the state, advised them to wait until May 29 when their administration will be officially inaugurated to also take charge of the state. APC’s defence But in a swift response, the APC rose in defence of the governor-elect cautioning Governor Suswam to stop blackmailing the party. In a statement by the State Secretary of the APC, Hon. Onov Tyuulugh, the party said that they are not interested in Suswam’s olive branch and overtures, and advised the governor to stop blackmailing the incoming government with what he described as “olive branch” since the party with the mandate of the people, does not need anybody’s olive branch. According to the party scribe, “democratic power proceeds from the mandate of the people and the Suswam government should stop making us feel apologetic for receiving an overwhelming mandate from the people.” The APC accused the governor of deliberately frustrating the democratic transition process, and implored the “PDP to accept the fact that the people wanted

Pay outstanding salaries of civil servants and pensioners, and stop chasing winds

change; voted for change and the APC is eager to provide that change.” On the controversy surrounding the appointment of first class chiefs at the twilight of handover, APC warned the outgoing government “to be careful in handling state affairs, insisting that it maintains its earlier position that the plan to enthrone the chiefs, conduct local government election and secret recruitment into the civil service be suspended, as beneficiaries of such exercise would be sanctioned. The party advised Suswam to “pay outstanding salaries of civil servants and pensioners, and stop chasing winds by acts that are inimical to the peace and progress of Benue State, such as the vindictive deposition of the Ter Nagi, Chief Abomtse.” Suswam’s defiance In spite of the caution from Ortom and his party, Governor Suswam went ahead to confirm the appointment of six additional first class chiefs from Tiv extraction in the state after the Tiv Area Traditional Council unanimously selected the first class chiefs and forwarded same to the governor during their meeting held at the Tor Tiv palace in Gboko. Defending Suswam’s actions, the secretary of the Tiv Area Traditional Council, Mr. Torsaa Shinyi, said the decision to unanimously appoint those chiefs was affirmed by the traditional rulers in their domain, adding that the selection and the appointment was based on the new traditional and chieftaincy law recently passed by

the state house of Assembly. Those selected and appointed include Tor Sankara, Chief Terkura Suswam, Tor Gwer, Chief Godwin Ikerever, Tor Lobi, Chief Moses Anagede and Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iyorter. Others are; Tor Jechira, Tergem Ugande and Tor Jemgba, Chief Afatyo Ajoko. The facts It is a fact that Suswam’s emergence as governor was the handiwork of his predecessor and Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, but he (Suswam) later turned his back against him throughout his eight-year rule as governor of the state. In fact, Suswam forced Akume to flee from the PDP to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Suswam allegedly sponsored former House of Representatives speaker pro-tempore, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, to snatch the zone B senatorial ticket of the PDP from Akume; a development viewed as embarrassing by Akume’s followers and admirers. Similarly, Senator Barnabas Gemade played active role in Akume’s election as Benue governor, but they later had a frosty nexus until recently when the duo settled their scores to achieve certain political interests. As it is, Suswam and Ortom will disagree for a long time to come because the two have different orientations. Besides, when Ortom start digging into some of the issues that made Benue people to reject Suswam at the poll, the relationship between them will further aggravate.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

OPEN FORUM

...planned probe of jonathan’s govt

Babatope: Probe of Jonathan, an exercise in futility Chief Ebenezer Babatope is a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Minister of Aviation and Transportation

I Babatope

Chief Ralph Obioha is the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)

f for any reason, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is not brought to give account; all Nigerians will lose their confidence in General Muhammadu Buhari’s philosophy of change. It is not even an advice that Buhari should fulfil, it is a duty that he must keep that promise of making sure that the past administration is brought to account. A lot of people may say, let us not open old wounds. I believe they must be made to give an account, if not for anything but for clearance pur-

cannot advise General Muhammadu Buhari on what to do but I know that if he decides to probe President Goodluck Jonathan administration; it will be an exercise in futility because the president has not done anything criminal while in office which can make people believe that he is a corrupt man. President Jonathan is not a corrupt man. So, if Buhari decides to probe

him, it will be an exercise in futility and will nearly be pursuing shadow because every sane person knows that Jonathan never ran a corrupt administration. If Buhari tries to probe any part of the present administration, those who are in charge will respond to him but I can assure you that Jonathan did not do anything criminal while in office. Papa Obafemi Awolowo was asked many years ago, what he would do about probing previous administration if he gets to power as president. He replied by saying: “I will draw a big line between event of the present and the past. I will not waste my time, money, energy and resources probing past administration. I will ensure that the police do its job as it should be done.” So, that is the only advice I can give to Buhari. I will advise him to act based on the word of my leader and mentor, Papa Awolowo many years ago on the

need to separate events of the past from the present. But if he wants to probe any administration, good luck to him. Anybody who tries to make probing a past administration a focus of his administration; particularly probing Jonathan administration is wasting his time and will be involving himself in an exercise in futility. If he has areas which he wants to probe, let him go ahead to do it and give reports. But at the end of the day, I hope he will not be suffocated by the reports of such probe. If Buhari wants to probe President Jonathan’s cabinet or aides on account that they are corrupt; let him go ahead and let us spend many months probing those they said are corrupt. But I can assure you that about Goodluck Jonathan, I can bet the whole of my life and vouch for him that he was never a corrupt leader. It is the perception of some people that members of Jonathan’s government are corrupt.

Obioha: President must account for stewardship poses, so that any new administration would be very careful that after whatever service they gave to Nigeria, they must be made to be accountable. The depth of our problem in Nigeria today is the level of corruption, impunity and the volume of stealing that occur in the system. So, forcing people to return massive looting would definitely help Nigeria to make a start. The problems facing Buhari are so enormous, so I am standing on the side that people who give services should be made to give account of their services; return Nigeria from being a service-oriented public service to a master-oriented public service. In the laws of our land, there are sanctions that are already in our codes to take care of punishing those caught in corrupt practices. So, I don’t see why people should be thinking on what

should be the punishment for corrupt people. Our codes contain the punishment that should be applied for the nature of the crimes committed. If Buhari probes Jonathan’s administration, the whole of Nigeria and the international community will hail and applaud him. And tactically, it will also give him a breathing space to stand to tackle the mess that we have descended into. After one year in office, Nigerians will never put any more blame on Jonathan administration if Buhari did not take care of getting them to account for their alleged misdeeds. I am saying alleged misdeeds because it is when you investigate and establish that the culprits commit the offence, that you can punish them for their misdeeds. It is also to the interest of the Jonathan administration for even insisting that this accounting should take place.

Obioha

Adeniran: Jonathan’s administration is corruption-tolerant Comrade Debo Adeniran is a human rights activist and Chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL)

t is apparent that the Goodluck Jonathan-led government is corruptionpersonified. We seem to have a president who has no single appetite to fight corruption and only mouths anti-corruption. We have people who are corruption-compliant at the helms of his affairs. Many who have been indicted in some scandals are still walking free on our streets, which have emboldened some others to perpetrate corrupt acts under his administration. His government did not see stealing of public funds as corruption. Looking at the case of the unremitted $20 billion raised by the then Central Bank Governor of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido, the case of $10 billion expended by the current Petroleum Minister, Diezani AlisonMadueke, on chartered jets; the Stella Oduah scandal; the Malabu Oil deal.

Adeniran

These and many others are cases that established that Jonathan administration is corruption-tolerant. Those ones should be brought to justice because if corrupt persons are not made to face the wrath of the law, there won’t be deterrent. I have always thrown my weight behind probing everyone that has governed this country since we returned

to democratic government in 1999. Hence, it is not only Jonathan’s government that should be questioned by the incoming administration; every other government before it should be made to account for every of its wrongdoings. President Jonathan should be probed because rather than curbing corruption, his administration actually promoted it. The amnesty granted the former Governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamiesigha is enough indictment on the administration that there are many things that should be dug into in the present administration. The president is surrounded by people of questionable characters. The Director of Media and Publicity for Jonathan’s campaign, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, is still in court for financial impropriety. The fact that the ex-minister was the image maker for Jonathan showed what Jonathan and his administration stood for. Looking at the case of John Yakubu Yussuf, it is a case we would not forget in a jiffy. A man who embezzled N27.2 billion Police Pension Fund and was only fined N750, 000 to which he paid. If not for the outcry from the public that he should be brought back to justice, he would not have been re-arrested. Even

after he was, nothing was done because nobody is hearing anything about him again. Another is the case of Lucky Igbinedion’s brother, Micheal Igbinedion, which happened recently who also laundered N25 billion from the Edo State coffers’ and was only given a fine of N3 million. The more shocking are the N2.5 trillion fuel subsidy of 2011, for which nobody has been jailed and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga’s revelation in April 2013 that Nigeria lost N755 billion monthly to inaccurate measurement of exports. There is need for the incoming government to do something about the endemic corruption in the country, if the country is going to survive. Basically, Jonathan government and every other past government should be probed and everyone indicted should be made to cough-out what they had stolen from the nation’s covers. It has been established that corruption festers in the country because there is no deterrent punishment. Probing Jonathan’s government would keep the people that would work with the incoming administration on their feet. Interviews by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Politics

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP’s ship ‘sinking’ in Lagos C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

that they cannot be bullied by anyone or group. The heavy presence of security agencies at the secretariat promptly send a signal that it is not a usual gathering and with notable faces in the PDP echelon like the chairman, his deputy, public relations officer and others not anywhere in sight, newsmen knew that a radical move was in the offing. Addressing newsmen on behalf of other members of the executive, Owokoniran said 34 out of 39 state executive council members of the PDP in Lagos have resolved to impeach their chairman, Shelle, and they unanimously replaced him with Olorunoje, in an acting capacity. The members accused Shelle of being responsible for the loss the PDP suffered in all the elections held in the state, among other 13 allegations raised against him. Owokoniran said Shelle refused to appear before the Disciplinary Committee set up by the party. According to him, the panel recommended the expulsion or impeachment of the state chairman having found him guilty of all the allegations levelled against him. Reeling out the allegations against Shelle, Owokoniran accused him of unilaterally rendering the PDP structure inactive before, during and after the 2015 general elections without the approval of the state exco, allegedly allocating “funds to various party members and officials according to his wishes of seeking the approval of the State Working Committee,” among others. He also accused Shelle of hijacking the functions of treasurer and the party secretary, adding that “the money received by the party was outsourced to a third party who keeps it in his bank account and disburses from it.” “Party guideline on payment for nomination form was breached by allowing his favoured aspirants to collect forms without payment. “In Epe LGA, he manipulated a draw situation between two aspirants in the party primaries to favour his preferred candidate. His candidate defected to the APC after losing the election,” Owokoniran alleged. In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed acting chairman, Olorunoje, promised to bring about a new lease of life to the Lagos PDP, adding that, “the party shall be reorganised, renewed and reformed to face future challenges.” Interestingly, majority of the actors in the purported impeachment of Shelle are known allies of Obanikoro except for a few who may have joined the tide along the line against Shelle who is a protégé of George. Shelle fights back While his impeachment was on, Shelle was away in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to attend the meeting of South-West PDP executive. Describing his impeachment as a failed political coup, Shelle said members who carried out the act are ignorant of processes within the party, stating that the attempt against his position in the party is faulty and illegal. Addressing a press conference

nothing about it. He is in Abuja and we are in Lagos. “If this thing is against Agbaje, one of them would have spoken out, if we don’t have the support of these people, we won’t have this number. The removal of Shelle was moved by those in Agbaje’s camp. If it was an Obanikoro initiative, how is it possible for us to get this much number from the state executive?”

Agbaje

on Tuesday, Shelle said his opposition to the planned rigging of the party’s primaries marked the beginning of his present travails, stating that, “efforts were made to rig the primaries and I stood my ground to prevent illegalities. Up till now, the so-called opposition within the system has not accepted defeat at the primaries. “I am a member of the NEC and as such they have no powers to remove or impeach me. They are therefore referred to Section 59 part 3 and Section 31 part 1 of the PDP constitution which clearly states the procedure to be taken before a member of my status can be removed. Their action is irresponsible. They tried to divide the party along personality lines, but thank God, I have all the leaders and members behind me,” he said. While making a veiled reference to Obanikoro as being behind the plot to remove him, Shelle said, “I don’t want to be direct in my answers but by implication, I suspect and I have enormous information because the members that carried out the impeachment saga belongs to a particular group and their leader must have been responsible for their action because they eventually shared money at the end of their exercise. “They even panicked and forgot the list of their members. By implication, it is a fact that a failed aspirant sponsored the impeachment against me. They should know that the wages of sin is death and as soon as I forward the report of the disciplinary committee to the zone and the NEC, necessary disciplinary action will be taken against them. “They were disappointed and have not stopped looking for ways to fight back. We have no regrets presenting Agbaje and given another opportunity, I will do the same. We gave APC a good fight yet this group did not relent. They want to hijack the party structure.” While debunking allegations of misappropriation of campaign funds, he stated that funds for the campaign did not pass through him, adding that candidates of the party in the elections were mobilised directly. He added that the party has set up a disciplinary committee, whose report will be forwarded to the zone and then the NEC for necessary sanction against the erring members.

Olorunoje

This move is not about Obanikoro or Agbaje, it is a movement for our survival and that of the party

On whether the impeachment plot is by extension an affront against the leadership of George in the state, Shelle said: “I don’t want to speculate but I know we have a good leadership and Chief Bode George is a leader of leaders. But there is this urge by a particular individual and group to hijack power from somebody who is superior, knowledgeable and has the reach across the state. Everybody has to wait for their turn and I want to advice members of this party to follow the line of discipline and we must respect our leaders.” “They were disappointed and have not stopped looking for ways to fight back. We have no regrets presenting Agbaje and given another opportunity, I will do the same. We gave APC a good fight yet this group did not relent. They want to hijack the party structure.” The state chairman also debunked allegations of misappropriation of campaign funds, pointing out that candidates of the party in the elections were mobilised directly and not through him. Shelle said he remains the chairman of the party until 2016, hinting that he has no plans to contest for the leadership of the party again when his tenure lapses. No support from Obanikoro Meanwhile, the anti-Shelle group held an expanded executive meeting comprising of Central Working Committee (CWC), State Working Committee (SWC) and the local government chairmen. The parley, which was held at the state secretariat under tight security, attracted members of the group, who said they have finally sacked Shelle from the secretariat and the party. Speaking with New Telegraph, the factional chairman of the party, Olorunoje, rebuffed insinuations that Obanikoro was the sponsor of Shelle’s impeachment, stating that, “I can tell you that Obanikoro knows nothing about the impeachment of Shelle. In fact, he got to know about it that same Monday morning. This move is not about Obanikoro or Agbaje, it is a movement for our survival and that of the party. We are getting old, our counterpart in APC have been enjoying for the past 16 years, we have nothing to show and these same sets of people still insists on leading us. Yes, I am very close to Obanikoro but on this, he knows

Moral burden For the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC), a moral burden is hanging on their head if they accede to the petition and action of the 34 members that removed Shelle as chairman. A high-ranking member of the party told New Telegraph that “the same albatross of mismanagement of election is hanging on the neck of the NWC and NEC. So, if they ratified what has been done by the Owokoniran group, they will surely run into a moral issue. And don’t also forget, if they fail to accentuate the chairman’s sack, it will suggest that the minority is ruling over the majority. The national PDP has both the yam and the knife that is why one cannot rule out reconciliation of both groups at the end of the day.” Roll call of anti-Shelle’s group As at yesterday, 37 of the 49 members of the executive are said to have appended their signature to the removal of Shelle. Notable among them are the Secretary, Owokoniran; State Woman Leader, Mrs. Sola Oladeinbo; State Treasurer, Samseeden Arobieke; State Auditor, Huyinbo Senyon; State Youth Leader, Jide Ladeinde. Others said to be in the group are the three South-West representatives of Lagos State in the zone; five ex-officio members; 14 of the 20 local government chairmen in the state, among others. PDP reacts In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of the PDP, Barrister Taofik Gani, he urged party members to discountenance the said sack whilst also admonishing that the brains behind the preposterous action to retrace their steps and allow peace to reign in the party. He said: “The PDP reiterates that the state chairman leading the present state exco has delivered the best unprecedented electoral result to the party members. “The party also faulted the modus operandi employed by the detractors which offends the provisions of the party’s constitution on the sack of a State chairman. “The state chairman is a member of NEC and can only be removed or suspended by the consent of the NEC. There is no NEC approval to the action. It thus stands, null and void. For sake of clarity, Captain Tunji Shelle remains the legitimate chairman of PDP in the state. All dealings with the party in the state should be through him.” As the centre could no longer hold in Lagos State chapter of the PDP, the resolution of the crisis will go along way in determining the future of the party in the state.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has bemoaned the loss of institutional memory in the Nigerian legislature. Addressing new state legislators at an induction course in Abuja on Monday, Mark spoke on the general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan and the legislature Sacred duty to serve I wish to welcome you all to the nation’s Capital, Abuja, and in particular to this intensive induction certificate course. I congratulate you on your election victory in the State Assembly Election. Your victory is a call to serve your nation and your various constituencies in the state legislature for the next four years. You should treat this as a special privilege that out of 170 million Nigerians, you have been elected to serve. This is a sacred duty: Don’t abuse it; and don’t take the electorate for granted. You must work for them and win their hearts. Remember that in another four years, they would have assessed you and would have the opportunity once again to exercise their franchise. The 2015 general election that saw you emerge as representatives of the people is a significant landmark in the story of our democracy. As electoral democracy becomes more entrenched, we are witnessing an improved level playing field, increased transparency of the electoral process and a remarkable maturation of our political institutions. It is my hope that we can build on these gains and ensure that free, fair and credible elections become the hallmark of our democratic system. 2015 general elections You have been elected at a very important time in our nation’s democratic history. At a time when many feared for the future of Nigeria, we showed the world the strength of our democracy. Permit me to re-echo what has been repeatedly said; the real winners of the 2015 elections are the Nigerian people who showed enthusiasm and shunned violence to demonstrate to the world that elections need not divide us. Despite a few technical challenges, the conduct of voters was largely peaceful. The turnout and enthusiasm of voters across Nigeria were also highly commendable. I believe that technology has become an integral part of our electoral process. The use of the card reader by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the 2015 general elections improved the integrity of the electoral process. Some people have expressed misgivings about the technical glitches encountered by its use. Rather than castigate it, all stakeholders should work

Mark: State legislatures remain appendages of govs

Mark

together to address the shortcomings in order to improve on it. Therefore, INEC should as a matter of urgency carry out a comprehensive review of the just concluded election. This I believe would strengthen the electoral process and make it more auditable, credible, transparent, free and fair. Turnover of legislators Since 1999, a defining feature of our democracy has been the high turnover of our legislators. This presents a serious challenge as it impacts negatively on legislative effectiveness as more experienced members give way to newer ones. As a result, in every four years institutional memory is lost and sadly the nation is worse off for it. Notwithstanding, it is gratifying that we witness today, the induction programme organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies (NILS) for state legislatures. I am aware of the weaknesses in the resource positions of many, if not all the State Assemblies. Most State Assemblies face challenges such as lack of adequate facilities, low quality of support staff, inadequate capacity building activities and executive dominance and interference. Given these challenges, the need for a sustained capacity building cannot be over-emphasised. I urge State Assemblies to take advantage of the programmes which NILS has designed to improve the efficiency of the legislatures. May I also take this opportunity to advocate

for greater synergy and communication between the National Assembly and the state legislatures. NILS has organised many training programmes for State Assemblies in the past three years. Among these are the NILSCAP Project, partly funded by Africa Capacity Building Foundation, supported the training of parliamentary staff of State Assemblies in 2014. I hope that such capacity development activities will continue to enrich the State Assemblies.

Since 1999, a defining feature of our democracy has been the high turnover of our legislators

Financial autonomy for legislators Another challenge faced by State Assemblies in Nigeria is funding. This issue has been debated extensively and I wish to reiterate the fact that institutional autonomy cannot be divorced from financial autonomy. This informed the decision of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to vote overwhelmingly for financial autonomy in the last constitutional amendment exercise. An exercise which for some inexplicable reasons is now stalled by the executive. I am happy that this intensive certificate course, which is a replica of the one just concluded for the federal legislators, is extended to the State Assemblies. This is the first test of NILS Training Programmes for the incoming state legislators and I believe it is a good start. It is my hope that all State Assemblies will look up to NILS for future continuing education programmes. The key objectives of this

week long training are to provide you with the basic knowledge required to settle down and function optimally in the legislature; help you understand the processes and business of the legislature; introduce you to legislative committees and the critical tools for the performance of legislative functions and also guide you on the nitty-gritty of the relationship between the legislature and the other arms of government. We have deliberately brought together legislators, old and new, to encourage wider interactions among the members. In the past, the induction programme was held separately at each of the six geo-political zones. The present arrangement whereby all the legislators converge at the same venue was tested during the induction of federal legislators only two weeks ago and it proved to be successful and highly effective. I commend NILS for this initiative. Jonathan’s statesmanship As I said at the induction of federal legislators, real credit must go to Nigerians and especially President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR), for overseeing transparent and credible elections and for promoting a political culture of tolerance. The President’s gesture of congratulating the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), and conceding defeat even before the final results were announced CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Let’s boogie Ndigbo, it’s no booboo Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

t sounds like crap when I hear people shout that the Igbo are finished politically simply because Gen. Muhammadu Buhari won election. And I am also following keenly the horse trading and power sharing formula being flaunted by the happening guys. Stupid reasoning that is what I call it. Does it mean that because Gen. Buhari and the All Progressives Congress did not score enough votes in the South-East, the people must be punished for it? Now tell me , is the Imo state governor, Ethelbert Anayo Okorocha, not a member of the APC? Do we not have APC members from the South –East in the National Assembly? Those who want the Igbo to come to them as beggars should bury their heads in shame. Any Igbo who has the blood of his ancestors flowing in his vein and goes to Abuja or Lagos to beg for appointment or forgiveness, surely does not deserve to be one of us. Nigeria stands on a tripod, whoever does not want to recognize that, will never succeed in leadership. You can shift the goal post in the middle of the game, for political balance. Did Nigerians not hear of the Doctrine of Necessity, when President Goodluck Jonathan ascended the throne in 2010? That is just one of many references. When Gen. Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1976, there was military Doctrine of Necessity. Thank God General Buhari is alive and ready to ascend the throne once again. With the emergence of Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo,a Yoruba ,as new leader , something had to be done to keep the core North in the political equation. Lt. Theophilus Danjuma, a Middle Belter, was of

course, the most powerful man, as Army chief, following the demise of Gen. Mohammed. Four names came up for elevation. Lt. Cols. Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Buhari, Muhammadu Jega and Bello Kaliel, to fill the position vacated by Gen. Obasanjo. Buhari and Yaradua, from Kaduna state at the time, were course mates, having joined the army same day. The position went to Yar’adua. And the result was that he jumped rank to become a Brigadier[Brig. Gen.] and of course, the Number Two man, as Chief- of –Staff Supreme Headquarters. It did not take long for him to be promoted to a Two- Star general while some of his mates were still Lt. Cols. It is part of our history. For convenience, we could bend backwards. Was that not how the Yoruba were rewarded with the Presidency following the death of Chief Moshood Abiola in 1998? Everyone believed that injustice had been perfected and a fair deal was worked out. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo benefitted from another Doctrine of Necessity. So in the real sense of it, the politics of give and take did not start with Jonathan and will also not end with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Those who want to punish the Igbo for exercising their civic rights ,must be joking. We went to war because we had to go to war at the time we did, that was the best option even if Col. Chukwuemeka Ojukwu did not have all the weapons under the sun as he boasted. The war was prosecuted with all savagery, and at the end, the mantra was, No victor , No vanquished. Nine years after the war, an Igbo ,Dr. Alex Ekwueme ,was Vice President of this country and most of the presidential running mates were Igbo. Forty five years after the war, some Nigerians still think that the Igbo have not been tormented enough. This is annoying. Under the President Shehu Shagari government, the Yoruba did not get any plum position ,politically. The only top Yoruba man in government was the Chief Justice of the Federation, Atanda Fatai Williams. Yet, nobody complained that they were finished. At least, they were not harassed by any

group. That is politics. Through Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they were so much at home playing the opposition fiddle. The Igbo should not be derided because they have found themselves on the other side of the game. It is a blessing which we are ready to carry on our shoulders. The Nigerian project is ours, as much as others are afraid of our rising again. No Igbo will be forced out of this country because when we wanted to do that, the entire country united against us. We shall all swim and sink together. Those who are afraid, are the ones instigating hate messages. The more the abuses come, the more united, we get. Lessons have really being learnt. Many parochial Nigerians are afraid of the Igbo man. They see him as a strong potential that must be stemmed. That is the poison of little minds. I must say something of the Yoruba. They are not entirely anti Igbo. There are more Igbo- Yoruba marriages in Nigeria of recent ,than any other tribes. What I have noticed is that a handful of Yoruba, who are not so sure of themselves suddenly blame the Igbo around them for all their inadequacies. I can never hate the Yoruba race, I have taken from them, I have also paid a lot of tax to the Lagos state government. I cannot, because of the 2015 elections, condemn the Yoruba race. The difference is that when all Yoruba plan to go one way, one Gani Fawehinmi, Tai Solarin, Adeniran Ogunsanya or Wole Soyinka [when he was still Wole Soyinka], would veer off track in defence of other peoples rights. I cannot say that about other non-Igbo nationalities. Gen. Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must now show that they are true statesmen. An Igbo could be Speaker of the House, an Igbo can also be President of the Senate, no matter his party. That is Doctrine of Necessity. If we get nothing out this APC Victory Party and Sharing Formula, it will unite the Igbo the more. And when the Igbo Renaissance begins, Nigeria cannot stop it. Ndigbo shall rise again. Onye ndi iro gbara gburugburu, na eche ndu ya nche mgbe nile.

Kashamu: Between the law and powerful men Philip Ogenyi A.

s a close watcher of the debate on renditions across the globe being championed by the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) and other international organisations to take a detail study of the on-going politically motivated KASHAMU-gate, in writing this article, I will put issues in perspective without attempting to dignify or demonize any individual knowing well that strategic diplomatic issues are involved. At the first official visit of the US President, Barack Obama to Africa and precisely in Ghana, he identified the problem of Africa to be the continent having strong men rather than strong institutions. Obama must have at some point had a few characters, who I will not mention, in mind where he advocated for the strengthening of institutions. The thinking is that unlike individual strong men, strong institutions, like in a democracy, are anchored on rule of law, fairness, justice and equity to all concerned. In this vein, laws must be clearly written down no matter how highly placed in the society everybody is bound to live by it whether it’s dictates favour ones feelings or not. This

is why we cannot talk about rendition in Africa without critically looking at the case of Prince Buruji Kashamu and his indictment by the US authorities for alleged drug related offences. The hues and cries against plans to forcefully abduct him should not in any way be misconstrued to mean obstruction of justice. No one should have anything against extradition, which Wikipedia described as “the official process whereby one country transfers a suspected or convicted criminal to another country. Between countries, extradition is normally regulated by treaties.” This is varies sharply from what those against Kashamu are proposing. They are working on extraordinary rendition or irregular rendition, which our earlier source described as “the government sponsored kidnapping and extrajudicial transfer of a person from one country to another.” Tragically, those championing rendition in Nigeria are in custody of all valid judgements in the United Kingdom, which had earlier vindicated Prince Buruji Kashamu and are fully aware that this man is innocent. Upon their realization that they cannot make a case against Kashamu before an impartial arbiter, the infamy of an illegal

abduction or kidnapping remains the only way left to satisfy their bruised ego. People of conscience must dare to say no to such people because Nigeria is not a banana republic. An American judge, Charles R Norgle, District Judge of United States District Court for the Northern District Illinois, Eastern Division on the July 15th, 2010 ruled that Kashamu is not a fugitive. This is contrary to the information in the public domain that Kashamu has committed a crime and absconded from prosecution in the United States. For Judge Norgle, a judge who ordinarily has no basis to side with Kashamu to have reasoned clearly that he is not a fugitive is a pointer to all discerning minds. In his words, “In Hijazi, the Petitioner had not fled the United States. Id at 412. The Seventh Circuit reasoned that the fugitive disentitlement doctrine there did not apply to Hijazi. id. In the instant case, there is also no indication that Kashamu has fled the United States.” Prior to this, a court in England presided over by district Judge Tim Workman on January 10, 2003 declared in his judgment (after three years of diligent trial) that he found the man not guiltyculpable. This judgment has not been appealed by the

US authorities. The US authorities have not appealed this judgment and no steps have been taken further by the US until now that they are being instigated by some elements in Nigeria. Pertinent points to note and reiterate include the fact that the US authorities have till date not made any extradition request to the Federal Government as admitted by the Attorney General in his letter of January 28, 2015 and then separately by US George Norgle in 2013. Judge Posner of the US 9th Circuit pointed out in his judgment of September 15th 2014 that “Kashamu remains in Nigeria, living openly, a prominent businessman and a politician belonging to the ruling party. Although the United States has an extradition treaty with Nigeria, our government has made no effort to extradite him.” The hullabaloo about the whole saga remains in the wildest imagination of Prince Kashamu’s enemies and those he has defeated through his humanitarian programmes for women and youth empowerment initiatives across the country. The only way to get him out of their way is the present cooked up stories which Nigerians have refused to accept. • Philip is a public affairs analyst and human rights crusader based in Abuja

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Remembering Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley)

obert Nesta Marley may be long gone but he still lives in the heart of many fans all over the world. Although a Jamaican, the reggae musician is celebrated beyond his country of birth and continent for different reasons. Africans were so dear to him and Marley devoted many of his tracks to the struggle in mother Africa, the place of origin of his maternal ancestors. It did not matter to him that his father, Captain Norval Sinclair Marley, was a Briton, of mixed Jewish and Syrian blood. Marley tilted towards his mother, Cedella Malcolm Booker. Some of his hit songs centred on Africa and the legion problems poured on the people ,mostly by the activities of Europeans whose sole purpose of coming to the continent was exploitation, albeit, coated in the colours of religion and humanitarian considerations. One of his heroes was Marcus Garvey, the great African, who spoke for the oppressed Black race in the Americas. Later in life, Marley abandoned his Roman Catholic faith for Rastafarianism. His idol was Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, the Lion of Judah, whom he described as ‘Almighty.’ The height of Marley’s love for the roots of his mother, was when he performed in Zimbabwe on

April 17, 1980, during that country’s independence celebrations. To his eternal credit, he also dedicated a track to that nation. Many other tracks covered the atrocities committed in the continent. Africa Unite, released in 1976, was geared towards the liberation of South-Africa. Following that was Exodus, released in 1977. In 1999, Exodus was named Album of the Year, by Time magazine. Other songs about Africa include Survival and Redemption song. Marley was a man of peace and he desired peace everywhere he lived. One of his greatest contributions was in 1978, when he united Jamaican Prime Minister, ,Michael Manley, and opposition leader, Edward Seaga, during a performance in Kingston, tagged, One Love Peace Concert. Both politicians joined him on stage and held hands. Same year, the United Nations honoured him with the UN Peace Medal. Bob Marley was not really a non conformist. He believed in what ever he set out to pursue, inspite of odds. Even when he escaped assassination, he still mounted the stage to perform, backed by a different band since most of his band members were too traumatized to join him. Taking marijuana was to him spiritual and medicinal. He said, “now when you smoke, it can make you cool, you know. It

makes you stimulate your mind, and makes you sit down and meditate and be someone. Rum teaches you to be a drunkard, and herb teaches you to be someone.” Marley was in love with football. Nicknamed Skipper, Bob’s visit to American President Gerald Ford was not complete without a ball juggling session in White House.” Football is freedom, a whole universe,” he would later say. “Me love it because you have to be skillful to play it.” Nesta Robert Marley was born on February 6, 1945 ,in Rhodes Hall, Nine Miles, St. Anne and showed interest in music early enough when he began to perform with a vocal group in Trenchtown. Among his peers, were Neville Livingstone,[Buny Wailer], Peter Tosh, Beverly Kelso, Junior Braithwaite and Cherry Smith. They formed their first band known as The Teenagers, before changing to the Wailing Rude Boys. Then, they became the Wailing Wailers and finally, in 1963, they settled for the Wailers. The boys later went their different ways, churning out great hits in their individual capacities. Marley outshone all of them and his songs dominated the music and reggae scene for a long while. One Love was voted Song of the Year by the British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC]. Legend, released in 1974, sold

250,000 copies annually for many years successively. He also settled down with Rita, who had four sons, Ziggy, Damian, Rohan, Stephen and a daughter, Cedella, named after his mom ,for him. There were also other women and children. One of the women was Cindy Breakspeare. Marley passed on, May 11, 1981. Cause of death was malignant melanoma, something like cancer of the foot. Even in death, he was honoured post humously in 1994. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He got a State Burial. Seaga, who had become Prime Minister, gave a befitting eulogy. ‘His voice was an omnipresent cry in our electronic world. His sharp features, majestic looks, and prancing style, a vivid etching on the landscape of our minds. Bob Marley was never seen. He was an experience which left an indelible imprint with each encounter. Such a man cannot be erased from the mind. He is part of the collective consciousness of the nation.” Today, 34 years after, Marley lives on. People are Jamming and dancing Roots, Rock, Reggae. The world has never known a greater reggae musician. And in Africa, the Rastafarians still wear their dread locks, speaking patois. In whatever form he is remembered, Africa, his maternal home will never forget our Bob Marley.

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Politics

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mark: INEC must carry out review of 2015 polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

is exemplary. He has demonstrated patriotism, political maturity but more importantly, as a statesman, he has put Nigeria on the world map of the league of mature democracies. This must be a lesson to all politicians that our first loyalty is and must be to the state. It is also imperative to state that President Jonathan has not gone to any election tribunal. I enjoin politicians to imbibe this example. For the first time in our democratic history, a ruling party is

handing over to an opposition party. This is a clear indication that our democracy is growing. We must always remember that the democratic ideal seeks to guarantee equality and basic freedom; to empower ordinary people; to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue; to respect differences; and to bring about political and social renewal without violence. Thus, I would like to underscore that for us in Nigeria, the 2015 elections mark a significant achievement in the consolidation and deep-

ening of our democracy. Import of legislature The legislature in Nigeria has a chequered history. But in all its travails, the parliament has stood on the side of the people and intervened at the most critical moments to salvage the system from imminent collapse. I have always maintained that the most important legacy of the legislature in the last 16 years is its commitment to lawmaking, oversight functions and representation to ensure good governance. The legisla-

ture has also come to be recognised as a watchdog of the executive and an important link between citizens and the state. At the national level, the legislature has continued to assert its independence and resist executive interference. Thus, the legislature has achieved institutional stability and transformed from being a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mere rubber stampâ&#x20AC;? of executive decisions and policy initiatives into an institution that now enjoys a reasonable degree of legitimacy and respect. We are not quite

where we want to be though. But can we say the same of State legislatures? If I may tell all of you here, the general impression is that the state legislatures have remained an appendage of the government houses or governors. I recall that when the first constitutional amendment was done, the State Assemblies did not have the political courage to muster enough votes for their financial autonomy. For example, as lawmakers, you must avoid holding your sessions in the Council Cham-

bers of the Government Houses. It is ignoble to use the Mace outside the chamber or borrow Local Government Legislative Council Mace to conduct your affairs or resort to self-help by using your Mace to perpetuate violence. You must conduct your sittings in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the extant rules of the House. As state legislators you must restrain yourselves from the excessive use of the constitutional provision that empowers you to impeach either your speakers, executive governors or their deputies. Impeachment process Impeaching a public elected official is a very serious legislative process and must not be abused or taken for a joke. Impeachment is not designed for a few days exercise. Where it has become the last resort, it must be painstakingly conducted within the hallowed chamber of the parliament in accordance with the extant rules of the House and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is not to say that there should be no collaboration between the executive and the state legislatures on matters of public good. A cursory look at the participants here today reveals an interesting blend of age, gender, personalities, professional backgrounds and affiliations. It is a positive sign towards crafting laws that would address the structural deficiencies of our economy, the weaknesses of our political system and the ills of our society. I certainly expect healthy, stimulating and enriching debates in the days ahead, as we settle down to work and examine different issues from different perspectives. As you commence your duties as legislators, I urge you to conduct yourselves in a manner beyond reproach. I equally invite you all to define your appropriate role as our electoral democracy moves from mere procedural concerns to substantive issues. Just as I have called for synergy between State Assemblies and the National Assembly, I wish to emphasize that a strong partnership is also required between the executive and the legislature in order for Nigeria to achieve its developmental goals, increase transparency and accountability and curb corruption.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Media

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Motion Picture Practitioners Council is long overdue – Information Minister

Arts

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CULTURE

NIBF: Experts ponder on poor reading culture, book for sustainable development Ebere Ameh

he importance of education in youth empowerment and development resonated at the just concluded international conference of Nigeria International Book Fair. The event, which took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos saw scholars presenting shocking statistics on the relegation of education in Nigeria, the dearth of books and its effect on youth empowerment, poor reading culture of Nigerians, among other burning issues in the education sector, while proffering the way forward. In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Ayo Ojeniyi, who is also the Publisher of HEBN Publishers Plc, observed that the most important tool for youth empowerment is exposure to quality education, adding that African countries with their teeming youths need to wake up from their slumber to the fact that youth empowerment is key to sustainable development. “Through the ages, education is known as the antidote to stop the spread of poverty and ignorance. It is the key for unlocking natural resources. Hence, sustainable national development requires a huge investment in education. There is no nation aspiring to become developed that will not give education its pride of place,” Ojeniyi said, adding that for transformation as seen in the world top 15 economies to take place, the youth must be empowered through education. He lamented the fact that

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

L-R: Prof. Darah, Prof Ismail Junaidu, Mr. Ayo Ojeniyi Alhaji Rilwanu Abdul Salami and Mukesh Dhruve at the international conference of the Nigerian International Book Fair Lagos

book is not given its pride of place in Africa observing that only one percent of the books used in Nigeria is published in Nigeria. He however called on the government, public spirited individuals, civil societies and corporate organizations to invest in the knowledge industry and help in the resuscitation of the reading culture of Nigerians. In his keynote address at the conference, which was themed “Empowerment through Book for Sustainable National Development”, Prof. G.G. Darah of the Delta State University, Abraka, explained that Nigeria has the largest population of people without basic education. “By 2013, Nigeria had 34 million adults who have not had the benefit of basic education. There were also 10.5 million children of school age who were not enrolled.” Despite the discouraging statistics, Darah observed that unlike Ghana and South Africa who spend 25% and 21% respectively, of their annual budget on education, Nigeria devotes less than 8% of her annual budget on education.

“The figures for the respective countries reflect the dimensions of the challenge of providing adequate educational opportunities for the young people. In the modern world, the spread of education to all is a prerequisite for development. Without a literate and educated population, African countries cannot attain the status of a knowledgeable economy,” Darah noted. He also bemoaned the relegation of the book industry in the country to the background; a situation he said disempowers the youths. “By under-developing the book industry in Nigeria, government is guilty of the breach of the fundamental rights of citizens to benefit from the spiritual and ethical values that book provide,” adding that the youths who are the main victims of the book hunger are being systematically disempowered and dehumanized. “The problem is not just that the individuals who need books are denied access due to severe and shortages and exorbitant costs, even public libraries which were started by British colonial government nearly a century ago are not provided. A few years ago, President Goodluck Jonathan initiated a pet project appropriately codenamed ‘Bring Back the Book.’ The purpose was to develop public libraries and stimuilate a reading culture. Regret-

tably, the project was not implemented to satisfy public expectation,” Darah lamented. He decried the numerous challenges facing the local production of educational materials such as chronic inadequacy of electricity and dependency on imported paper products, identifying piracy as ‘one of the seeming intractable hindrances’. “In the 1980s, the government made some attempt to tackle the menace by setting up the Nigerian Copyright Commission to safeguard intellectual property rights of creators and authors. The commission has worked with various organizations such as the Association of Nigerian Authors to combat the terror of piracy. But the problem has not abated,” Darah observed. The professor of Oral Literature and Folklore however, identified the effective ways of empowering the youths through books as including the provision of universal education and elimination of illiteracy from the African continent; the extension of basic education to the secondary and tertiary levels; the devotion of 25% of the county’s annual budget to education; bail out of the nation’s publishing sector and the translation of great books into CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Arts

igerian musical scene has continued to witness new vibes, all wrapped up in artistic creative ferment, enjoying sleek reviews and huge following. Anu otherwise known as D Lady Ekwe has upped the ante with release of a 125 man cast video of her newest singles, Ur Omalicha Nwa. Anu’s musical video premiere, which held recently at the La Campagne Club, Ikeja, Lagos, playing host to a huge audience who came to savour her entertaining and sensational live presentation alongside the screening of the musical video, was for many reasons an epoch making event. In terms of its creativity, it sets a new record in the Nigerian musical industry with its 125-man cast, which is the first time any musical video would be employing such a huge cast. Produced by Unlimited L.A. Production under Atunda Entertainment, the video is an audacious one, clearly setting the pace. Ur Omalich Nwa is a story of love, it tells the undying and triumphant love of two lovebirds, a young maiden and a young lad, who despite the obstacles put in their way, endured the vilifications, proclaiming their love for each other. It all played out in a rural community, which was set in La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun Village, Lagos. The naturalness of the African themed resort with its lush and inviting greens, beach front, ocean and beautiful rural - like scenery was a perfect location for Anu and her 125 man cast to tell a griping story of love in a very entertaining and creative manner. Anu who is enjoying a rising profile in the industry for blending her singing talent well with

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Anu D Lady Ekwe’s video Ur Omalicha Nwa premieres

Anu on her Ekwe

her adept percussionist flavour for Ekwe, a traditional musical instrument, which ought to be men’s exclusive but she has customised it as her stage signature, was at her best, serenading and charming everyone with both her singing and performance prowess. Ur Omalicha Nwa video is in every respect a good cut, with

good story line, perfect location and perfect picture, good editing with the singing and acting blended together to produce what in years to come should be adjudged as one of the best flicks coming out of Atunda Entertainment who are the managers of Anu. The fact that it was well received by the audience, which was

From Akanni, Volunteer of the Savannah for Adams Taiwo Jimoh

olunteer of the Savannah, a book written in honour of the national coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, who turned 45 years-old, recently, was launched in Lagos. The launching of the about 100-page book written by Adams’ long time personal assistant, Mr. Segun Akanni had the crème-de la crème in the society in attendance. The writer described Adams as a person who believes in Yoruba culture. “The man fondly called Oga by his adherents for the past decades have spent his energy and money to promote the Yoruba cultural heritage, because he believes that the Yoruba culture is sophisticated and can be a catalyst for sustainable social and economic development,” Akanni said. According to him, Adams single-handedly founded the Olokun festival foundation and Oodua Progressive Union in order to extend and propagate its cultural awareness to the Yoruba in the diaspora. “I wrote the book to give the general public the possibility

to see and know who the man called Adams is from close range. Many people had read different meaning about his person; I decided to make the book public as his closed confidant,” he said. Akanni also said that many referred to him as the ear, eyes, and mouth of Adams and that is the reason it was important that anything anybody wants to know about him would be found in the book. The author also explained that, “the book would provide the readers a large window to see a true picture of who Adams is, because apart from his wife, if anybody knows Oga in and out, I am that person, because I am always with him day and night”. Adams thanked the author for finding time to write the book, due to his tight schedule and their regular movement day and night. He said: “I wonder how Akanni had been able to cope with his wife because for the past 13 years we are always together either travelling or doing one thing or another. He also described the author as a very brave person, who is never afraid of anything,

In Abuja Photo Junctions exhibition opens today

Adams

even when I am afraid. The book no matter how small it is, is an authority on anything he wrote about me. “Being an insider who is always with me, he knows about me; because when you write about yourself people may not take you serious.”

a mixed one, consisting of some high profile business executives, youths most of whom were young artistes, fashionistas and some elderly ones who have thronged the venue to enjoy an evening of live music, comedy, fashion show, DJ/dance, food (grills and chills) and drinks, shows that there is a great future ahead of Anu and her brand of music.

he opening reception of Photo Junctions with LagosPhoto holds today Friday, May 15, at the Thought Pyramid, Wuse 2, Abuja. “Photo Junctions” is a week-long exhibition organised by the Embassies of France, Germany, Spain and The Netherlands, and in partnership with LagosPhoto Festival. The aim of this initiative, the organisers stated in a release, is to promote international photography in Abuja and to provide local photographers an opportunity to exchange their visions and photographs also with foreign photographers. Three facilitators from France, Spain and The Netherlands will be in Abuja for a few days to give workshops. The event will also host three different photo exhibitions (two at the Thought Pyramid Gallery and one at the French Institute) and two talks based on the topic “The Journey” by the Nigerian photographers Aisha Augie-Kuta and Tom Saater. LagosPhoto is an annual photography festival in Lagos, Nigeria. Launched in October 2010, LagosPhoto is the first and only international arts festival of photography in Nigeria. Events include exhibitions, workshops, and large scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming public spaces and engaging the general public with multifaceted stories of Africa. LagosPhoto presents a contemporary and historical visual essay of the continent to both a local and global audience.

Media 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Motion Picture Practitioners Council is long overdue – Information minister Tony Okuyeme

igeria’s Information Minister, Senator Patricia Akwashiki has underscored the need for the Nigeria’s Motion Picture Industry to be regulated. She said that industry will continue to wallow in some of the challenges inherent in the sector, except it is regulated. Akwashiki stated this during her visit to the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Jos, on Tuesday May 12, 2015, stressing that the practices of filmmaking should no longer be unregulated. The sector, she said, must come under regulation to enable its potentials be adequately harnessed for growth and development. According to her, the take-off of the Motion Picture Practitioners Council (MOPICON) is long overdue. MOPICON, the Minister noted, will provide the basis of who to practice the art and business of filmmaking in Nigeria, which has been suffering from content, technical competencies and advancement, despite its achievements. The Bongos Ikwueled Board of Directors of the Nigerian Film Corporation was also commended for its endorsement of the takeoff of the MOPICON. Senator Akwashiki, whose itinerary included her attendance of the 2014 /2015 Matriculation of the National Film Institute (NFI) Jos, commended Managements of the Ni-

gerian Film Corporation and University of Jos for sustaining the needed partnership in film training for Nigerians. In her address at the Matriculation Ceremony, the Information Minister said the Nigerian film Sector was equally set to maximise its full potentials as one of the world’s greatest film industry with its admission as the second African nation into the prestigious International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) since 2011. “Domestic and foreign windows of opportunity, partnerships and collaborations shall continue to receive appropriate endorsement by government,” she said. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos Prof. Hayford Mafuyai said the partnership between the University of Jos and the National Film Institute has increased the fortunes of both institutions and the opportunity for research and studies in Film Production. He assured that the University of Jos will continue to provide the enabling environment for a sustainable Affiliation of the National Film Institute to University of Jos. The Chairman, Governing Council of the National Film Institute and Managing Director, NFC Dr. Danjuma Dadu, addressing the 162 students who matriculated, said the Institutes philosophy was to train job creators and not job seekers. Places visited by the Honourable Minister included the sound stage, equipment storage

Sen. Akwashiki (right) and Dr. Dadu (left), at the matriculation ceremony of the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos

and the recording studio of the National Film Institute and the Permanent Site and Headquarters of the Nigerian Film Corporation, all in Jos. At the Permanent Site, NFC Boss informed the Honourable Minister that the land which measures 160.5 hectares was acquired from Plateau State Government and the Corporation efforts in providing the approved designed infrastructure at the site has been hampered by funds. The Private Public Partnership (PPP) option, Dadu said, was being explored to enable the Corporation grapple with the problems of infrastructural devel-

opment at the Permanent Site. At the Headquarters of the Corporation, the Minister, amongst others places visited the newly installed Ultra-Modern Edit Suit that is over compliant with the digital migration from analogue to digital broadcast transmission. The Edit Suit, an Apple 4k workstation, whose capacity and features are incredibly spectacular, has six thunderbolt 2 ports and can connect to SAN or fast local RAID storage. Other features include accelerated effects, optical flow analysis, video export, AMD FirePro with the capacity to deliver 24 virtual cores in Audio.

Dadu stated that the Edit Suit will be commercialised under a Special Purpose Vehicle. Despite the activities of the Nigerian Film Corporation since its establishment in 1979, lack of capacity to enforce existing film policies, uncertainties of Government policy thrusts on motion picture, industry association and guilds fragmentation, resistances of filmmakers to be regulated, absence of support systems and film production infrastructure, piracy, film distribution and marketing and the obsolete Nigerian Film Corporation Act, Dadu said are some of the challenges being faced by the Corporation.

At NIBF, book for sustainable national development

Pupils at the 2015 International Book Fair, Lagos CONTINUED FROM PAG E 21

the indigenous languages. Recalling a memorable statement by the renowned Writer, Chinua Achebe of blessed memory, Darah said “Its morning yet on creation day in Africa in the area of education and books. Yet, education and books are the imperishable

heritage that Africa can give to its young people,” concluding with a wish that the 2015 Book Fair Festival will challenge our political leadership to give priority attention to the knowledge economy that can empower Africa to become a leading global player in the pursuit of sustainable development. Meanwhile, while field-

ing questions from the press earlier at the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) Prof. Ismail Junaidu who was the Special Guest of Honour at the conference, observed that both parents and teachers, and not just the government, should share the blame of

the falling standard of education and poor reading habits of the children. “What we fail to understand in Nigeria is that it is not only the government that is coming that will change things, we too need to change. Government cannot do everything especially in a democratic dispensation where it is government of the people for the people and by the people. It is people centered, so don’t expect that miracle will happen, all of us, as far as the education sector is concerned should have our hands on deck. “The parents have a role to play, the teachers have very crucial roles to play and the government too have their own role to play. When we start saying, as far as the education sector is concerned, this is what I want, then the government has no option than to do it,” Junaid said. On the reading culture, how children can be encouraged to read beyond the classroom, the NERDC scribe said that the reading culture must first be revived.

“First, we need to revive the culture. When that is done, wherever a child sees a book, or some reading materials, automatically, he will pick it and read. But a situation where you don’t even encourage your children by buying books for them, what do you expect? Parents have to try more because with the television and the internet, their attention is much more divided. They are now either on the phone, on the internet or watching television than reading. That is why we say that the responsibility doesn’t rest squarely on the government or the school but the home too. The parents must sit up and encourage their children to read,” he explained. The conference, which had dignitaries from the all spheres of life in attendance ended with a question and answer section where burning issues concerning education, poor reading habit of Nigerians, the relegation of the education sector to the background by the government, the need for retraining of teachers, among others, were discussed.

Tourism

Stories by Andrew Iro Okungbowa

he Gambia, which is otherwise known as the ‘smiling coast of Africa,’ is renowned for its tourism, with array of attractions ranging from natural to manmade, beckoning tourists and fun seekers from across the world to its shore to experience the beauty and allure of the’ smiling coast’. Over the years, The Gambia has consistently played in the Nigeria market, soliciting the patronage of Nigerians for the most exotic and enchanting tourism offerings. It is therefore no longer news that many Nigerians now see The Gambia as a perfect hideaway for leisure and even for investment and other form of businesses. Happy with this development, The Gambia tourism market, led by the tourism board have recently turned their attention on the prospect of getting corporate organisations, blue chip companies and event planners to look in the way of the country for business and social conferences. According to the Marketing Director of The Gambia Tourism Board, Mr. Adama Njie, The Gambia is a natural choice for Nigerian corporate businesses. “The Gambia, famed for its hospitality, is a natural choice when it comes to hosting business events. Therefore, Nigeria – based organisations should take advantage of this, ‘‘instead of traveling all the way to Europe and North America to experience jet lag and unfriendly weather, Nigerian business executives should see The Gambia as a home away from home and a destination conference participants to get maximum value for their money with minimum distractions, ” said Njie. According to the marketing director, the country has over the years built sufficient infrastructure and facilities of various kinds to cater for all forms of corporate events, from conventions and exhibitions to international conferences, seminars and workshops as well as social engagement, especially weddings and birthdays. Experienced and trained events facilitators are on hand to ensure that things run smoothly while catering services are designed to meet specific tastes of conference delegates, allowing participants to savour good food in the course of their business trip. This fact is also affirmed by the Director General of The Gambia Tourism Board, Abdoulie Hydara, ‘‘tourism in the Smiling Coast of Africa has evolved over time and gigantic strides have been registered to make the sector to even more effectively respond to needs and aspirations of the discerning visitor. This is evident in the mix of high quality facilities at our disposal. We have the capacity to cater to the needs of all categories of visitors.” Many resorts provide conference participants first-rate accommodation, cuisine and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasiums, spas and massage and wellness treatment. These, coupled with the courteous and professional hotel staff plus the pleasant climate of The Gambia, create the perfect ambience for leisure after business hours.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Gambia beckons business conference planners Popular tours include a day trip to Makasutu - an ecological forest along the tributary of The Gambia River; 2-day excursions to the old capital, Georgetown; bird watching excursions; a bush and beach safari to beautiful, untouched villages as well as sport fishing. Shorter one-day river trips such as the Roots tour, one of the biggest attractions in The Gambia, which includes a visit to a former slave station on James Island, on the Gambia River, are also available. “With such a wide choice of attractive activities and facilities for corporate meetings and conferences, The Gambia, is your perfect location for your next pre and annual general meeting”, said Njie. CHECKLIST OF TOP RATED CONFERENCE FACILITIES Ocean Bay Resort and Hotel’s swimming pool The country has a wide range of well apportioned and top rated conference facilities, hotels and resorts. This includes: Bijilo Beach Hotel: offers state of the art facilities ideal for annual general meetings, workshops, retreats and seminars. Located about 12km from the airport, Bijilo has the advantage of being just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Bijilo Forest Park, affording conference participants an opportunity for relaxation after grueling work sessions. A typical conference setting The hotel is equipped with two Sunswing Beach Resort: Locatrestaurants, which offer Italian, ed in the un-spoilt Kololi beach, French, Greek, Scandinavian, it offers guests, naturally inviting English and local delicacies. Upscenery for meetings and busiscale leisure and entertainment nesses and also enticing for leisure are guaranteed. and entertainment. Guests can Kairaba Beach hotel: A luxury have a feel of its Maddies Beach hotel with style and panache comes Club, which is known for its Friwith a number of well – designed day night jazz entertainment and conference amenities, which inSunday acoustic blues. clude a large conference hall, six Ocean Bay Resort and Hotel: meeting/syndicate rooms and JaaRight at the heart of the beautima Hall, which is multi – purpose ful beach district of Cape Point, built. The rooms are exquisitely Bakau, the resort offers fascinatfurnished while its cuisine and ing view of the Atlantic Ocean and leisure packages are made for eh the magnificent Gambia River. princes, as it offers one of the natuThe conference hall comes in sevrally endowed swimming pool and eral sizes and equipped with modbeach facilities.

ern facilities with lavishly fitted rooms, super delicacies and heavy leisure packages to the bargain. Sheraton Gambia and Spa: Is perhaps one of Gambia’s most sought after hospitality because it is well apportioned and located in a very serene environment where nature is it best. With its array of facilities, it caters for different needs. SenegalGambia Beach Hotel: It offers enriching tropical serenading environment and a first class facilities and top rated services with leisure and entertainment top notch as it is centrally located in the tourism circuit base of the country. Baobab Holiday Resort: With just 15 minutes drive from the airport, the resort is an ideal place for guests who want to discover all that The Gambia has to offer in a very special way. Golden Beach Hotel is set amidst acres of lush gardens and un-spoilt beaches; it offers a range of conference, leisure and gastronomic facilities for the discerning guests. Laico Atlantic Hotel and Resort: It is located in a coastal region of the country and offers guests amazing natural pull coupled with well – apportioned facilities.

Weizo to focus on seamless travel in West Africa

s momentum gathers for the forthcoming travel trade show, Weizo to be hosted in Accra, Ghana on July 3, it has been revealed that the focus of the one – day travel, tourism and aviation event, is on seamless travel in West Africa. Speaking on this development, the promoter of Weizo, Mr. Ikechi Uko who is also the head of Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ) organizers of the annual Akwabba, revealed that the theme was inspired by the submission of the former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, who at the Abuja Bantaba event of 2012, made a case for the integration of West Africa as a single domestic aviation hub. Therefore, the travel ex-

hibition, which would also have series of talk session, is dedicated to examining this dream of Demuren. It is billed to hold at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel with the Ghanaian Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, as the hostess. ‘‘With the theme “Seamless Travel in West Africa” Weizo is targeted at the founding vision of ECOWAS to create a region of one people integrating and growing together. It is coming as ECOWAS celebrates 40 years of existence,’’ said Uko even as he lamented that ‘‘with a population of close to 300 million people in 15 countries and a fast growing economic block, West Africa started the regional integration race in Africa since the 1970s but has since lagged behind East and

Southern Africa.’’ Weizo seeks to bring travel professionals together to share knowledge and work out a future path of success for the region. The special adviser to the UNWTO Secretary General, Mrs. Rosette Chantal Rugamba will deliver a keynote paper, entitled: “Regional Blocks as Tourism Destinations.” The aviation session will have two lead presentations, one by Adefunke Adeyemi, Head, IATA for Africa and the Middle East: “Intra Africa Air Connectivity, the Facts, Challenges and Benefits” and the second paper will be on “Passenger Friendliness and Airport Infrastructure in West Africa”. Other speakers at the event include, Head HRG and general sales agent for Delta Airlines in

Nigeria, Mr. Femi Adefope who will speak on: “Trans-border Investment in Travel Business,” the Managing Director of ABC Transport, Mr. Frank Nneji, who will speak on “Doing Business across West Africa”; while the other paper to be presented at the event will be on the: ‘Role of the Private Sector in Regional Integration.” Uko revealed that Accra Weizo will bring together over 150 major players in travel and tourism in West Africa and will also honour 20 outstanding travel personalities for their roles in building trade across the sub-region. The event is in partnership with the Ghana Tour Operators Union (TOUGHA) and will feature private tours to Accra and Cape-Coast on the second day.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Jazz

Music

Lagos International Jazzfest in three days fireworks

COSON’s garlands for Uwaifo, Obey, 2Face others

Entertainment Why I am taking Entries continue for 12th Abuja Film Festival he 12th Abuja InternationT al Film Festival (AIFF) , which commenced entries April 15 will close on July 15. AIFF, with over 15 juried and audience choice awards, arguably the longest running Anglophone film festival in West Africa, is also an officially sanctioned qualifying festival for both narrative and documentary short subjects. In a mail made available by the AIFF CEO, Fidelis Duker, “The festival, which will hold from September 23rd to 26th at the Silverbird Cinemas Abuja Nigeria is open for interested filmmakers who can also download the festival forms from www.abujafilmfestng.org and submit by post three DVD copies of the Film to Festival Manager, 12th Abuja International Film Festival:” AIFF is presented annually by NAFIFO Ventures and over 100 films are screened annually at the Silvebird Cinema in different genres (features, short, documentaries, animations, shorts, experimental). Duker further explained that, Abuja International Film Festival is a not-for-profit organization that emphasizes film as an art form, and that, “ Its mission is to enhance cultural diversity by bringing Nigerian independent movie productions, horizon-expanding international films and high-quality studio films to audiences before their festival release.”

Duker

after my dad in filmmaking, by Melvin Ejiro

Melvin Ejiro, a member of Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), is the son of multiple awards winning Nollywood film producer, Zeb Ejiro, OON, who is reputed to have discovered most celebrated first generation Nollywood thespians. In this interview with New Telegraph, Melvin, who works with his father as an assistant producer and director, threw more light on why he chose to toe his father’s line. He spoke with Sony Neme Melvin Ejiro

Why did you choose to toe your father’s line? As a producer and director working with dad has been fun. Though every profession comes with its challenges, but in all I chose to toe my father’s line of business because it is a fulfilling career. I like anything that tasks my intelligence, and that is what filmmaking does. Filmmaking is a business for the intelligent minded people. Creativity helps you to become a better person. That is what actually encouraged me. To m underscore my seriousness, I am a registered member of the All Movie Producers Association of Nigeria(AMP I am taking after my dad because I have passion for making movies. Movie making is in the family blood and I intend to keep the Ejiro name flying. And I intend the continue from where my father stops. We are the new generation.

F sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

uji fans are in for another good time as top Fuji icons and ace comedian, Saheed Osupa, Sule Malaika and Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin) will thrill thousands of fans at the Ota town hall today. Also on the card are Sanyeri, Odunlade Adekola. This is coming as 30 contestants of the total of 91 picked at the various loca-

So far how many movies and soaps have you produced with your dad? I have worked as an assistant producer of great movies such as Whispers In The Dark in 2012, In 2013. I worked as the assistant producer in the TV series titled Classique. In 2014 I worked as the assistant producer for the movie, Yellow Cassava’ and in 2015. I produced and directed the TV series titled One House. The 30mins family oriented television soap opera is about family togetherness, love, morals and issues that affect individual in their everyday life at home and within the society. Images is another series that I was the production manager in 2008, in Eldorado, a soap opera I was the associate producer in 2010 and I was also the associate producer of Treasures another soap opera in 2008. And in ‘A Night In The Philipines’ I was the assistant producer of that movie in 2012. What was the motivation? I love acting, but I think I’m bet-

ter of behind the scene and in the technical aspect. I don’t see my father’s shoes too big for me because he has passed all his knowledge and experience in movie making to me for me to take over and has prepared me for the future. He has thought me all I need to know and with God almighty I know I will be able to fit into his shoes perfectly. I can’t see myself being in any other industry but movie industry. I want to be known for professionalism. Good works. How long have you been in this business of make believe? I have been in the movie industry since I was 14yrs old. I started from acting. I acted in movies like Just A Night, the first children horror movie in Nigeria. I also acted in Domitila and Dear Mother. After that I left the industry to face my education, then came back fully in 2006 and started working with my dad. I started learning how to direct movies, as each day passes I grew stronger in directing.

Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam jam takes centre stage today l Osupa, Malaika grace Ota concert tions for Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam have moved to the quarter final stage to compete for the Wura 1 of Fuji and the handsome cash reward.

The contestants had emerged, from Nigeria’s leading Fuji talent hunt contest, CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Osupa

Entertainment

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lagos International Jazzfest in three-day fireworks Stories by Sony Neme

or three days, April 30 to May 2, it was jazz at its best at Freedom Park, Lagos, as Inspiro productions organized the 3rd edition of the Lagos International Jazz festival. This year’s edition was significant as it coincided with the International Jazz day, which climaxed a month-long Jazz Appreciation month. The festival director and founder Ayoola Sadare, said, the 2015 edition marked 10 years since he went to seek the founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival Africa’s Grandest Gathering, Rashid Lombard. His words: “My aim was to get Rashid Lombard to help establish a similar Jazz festival in Lagos; and integrate the megacity into the global jazz tourism circuit. That was where I met Lekan Babalola the two-time Nigeria International Master percussionist Grammy Awards winner. Lekan interestingly headlined this year’s edition alongside Herbert Kunle Ajayi, Daniel Isele and Biodun Batik, as well as Prince Eji Oyewole, Jimi Solanke and other celebrated musicians.”

Lombard

The festival took off on day one with a cocktail held in honour of the Jazz impresario and special guest of honour That gave way as HKA, Nesta, Aduke, Adeh, Ini the Minstrel and others open the show on the various stages of the festival namely the Fela Kuti, Steve Rhodes, Rolling Dollar, Bala Miller and Osita Osadebe Stages. Day two and three of the festival had more of Nigerian musicians who play a blend of Jazz and Jazz related music both accomplished and upcoming. They were Imole Afrika, Wole Jesutomi, and Samson Iroko. Also on stand were Tosin Paul, Seun Stics, and Daniel Bankole, as well as Bimbola, Kingsley Etuk, Femi Slide, Tayo Conga, Wisdom Justine, Oba, Phebean, Survival Band and The MTN project fame season 7 winners among others. Before the Jazz Appreciation Month there were some activities to drum up awareness with a film show facilitated by the American Embassy Lagos titled ‘Legends Of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis. Next was the International Jazz Day Lecture delivered by Rashid Lombard titled ‘Jazz Festivals as a Driver for Tourism and Economic Growth’,

Veteran broadcaster and Jazz critic Benson Idonije also delivered a paper titled ‘The power and essence of Jazz – Fela as case study’. Ayoola Sadare also shared his journey into the world of Jazz from 2005 till date. Organizers raised the bar with support from Sovereign Trust, Hellofoods, Easytaxi, Supermart, CWay Waters, 7up, Tasman, Hotel 1960, Luzol, Delaja Daniel Photography, Adex Records, Kadia Makeovers, and Jacob’s Canaan among others. A visible additions to the event this year included VIP Corporate Hospitality Lounges namely Piano, Trumpet and Sax Lounges with Telecoms giant MTN very prominent in their exclusive Piano Lounge where they entertained their special guest. The Lagos International Jazz festival ended on a high note with Bay Lounge Waterfront hosting The Jazzy Aftermaththe After Party at Lekki on Sunday May 3 with performances by Tarri, Adeh and others. The vision of Sadare as he stated is still on course is that in years to come tourists would fly in from all over the world to hear the beautiful sounds of Jazz and indigenous music in the ever bustling Lagos Megacity.

Fuji T’o Bam jam takes centre stage today C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

Top DJs for Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite

he much-hyped Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite (NBN) is back in Lagos. This is after having successful tour of Ibadan in 2013, and Abuja with Kaduna being host last year, of the monthly event designed to further celebrate broadcasters, OnAir Personalities, television and radio stations. To make it a grand return, Saturday May 30th, has been set aside for Rhythm 93.7 FM’s DJ Humility, Brila FM’s ace presenters, Ogechukwukanma Ogwo and Murphy Ijemba, to be celebrated at the NBN. The event is billed for the new Vapours Nite Club, Victoria Island, Lagos . While DJ Humility of Rhythm 93.7FM, was crowned ‘Best In-House DJ’ in Nigeria during the 2011 maiden edition, both Ogechukwukanma Ogwo and Murphy Ijemba had emerged Most Popular Radio Sportscasters at the prestigious Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) held in 2012 and 2013 respectively,.

after rigorous auditions in Ota, Osogbo, Ibadan and Akure for the biggest Fuji concert of the year. The selection from tight battle has produced WoleAnobi (Angel) Ota, Akeem Okikiola, Akure, Ejire Performer, Osogbo, Arole Currency, Ibadan and others. Antenna, first edition winner of the contest and ambassador of Fuji t’o Bam and Yoruba movie producer and actor Odunlade Adekola, doubled as the compere, as they entertained the massive crowd that witnessed each audition. Adebayo Faleke, Splash FM on air personality and one of the judges of the show, reportedly revealed that the contest

Golberg Fuji To Bam contestants

have not only exposed the talents, but has helped the contestants in outlook, speech and confidence. Another judge, Alhaji Sikiru Agboola, said the platform is the first Fuji music talent hunt in the history of Fuji music in Nigeria. The Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc had noted that Fuji music enjoys huge followership, especially in the south Western part of Nigeria, which encouraged the brand to create a credible platform for the brand to get closer to consumers and share their interest and culture. Fuji T’o Bam is an indigenous music activation platform of Goldberg which has in the last two editions led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents

Tunde &Wunmi Obe with 2Face, Dammy Kranne others in T.W.O. Plus

fter twenty-five years of professional and personal collaboration in a career with several hit songs and music awards, pop duo Tunde and Wunmi Obe better known as T.W.O. have announced the release of their fifth studio album titled T.W.O. Plus. The new album, marketed by Ugo Best Global Ent., was launched for general release on Tuesday May 5, 2015 The 15-track album, featuring collaborations with 2face, 9ice, Dammy Krane, Teniim, Segun Obe, Floss and Brace amongst others, is a fresh addition to the artistic repertoire of T.W.O. Interestingly, the first couple of the music industry has remained one of the few Nigerian music acts from the 90s who are still relevant with evergreen music.

According to a release sent by Wumi Obe to New Telegraph on Monday, “T.W.O. Plus employs a more urban production feel and mixes it with their signature melodies and socially conscious messages.” T.W.O. Plus retains the feel-good factor from their previous albums with appealing notes. The couple has produced successful albums such as T.W.O 4 Real, T.W.O. Legit, and Mogbomoya and Adupe all popular anthems. According to Wunmi, “T.W.O. has grown and evolved over the years, both as a sound and as a brand and this album is a celebration of all that is great about T.W.O. as well as a venture into a fresh sound because we have always prided ourselves on our ability to be musical innovators.”

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

ultiChoice Africa has declared this month purely for the celebration. As a result DStv will be delivering quality African entertaining contents like never before. For them, “This month, every day is Africa Day on DStv as we celebrate our dynamic and beautiful continent with an exciting array of local talent and vibrant, informative and entertaining homegrown programming. The statement further explained that, “Africa Magic channels will continue to deliver original, home-grown content in entertainment, lifestyle,

CinemaWatch

(Radio/TV/Events Guide)

MAY 14 — MAY 21 Highlights

DStv declares May for solid entertainment drama series, reality television and film. The channels are home to an

array of entertaining African content to highly rated shows Not only

will viewers be treated to these all-time favourite shows, but they will also

get an hour-long dose of their favourite musicians every day as Africa Magic World flexes its music muscle with Africa Magic Music (Weekdays at 14:00 and 23:55 CAT).” It further stated that Africa Magic Family will also introduce a one hour music block which may increase to three or more hours in subsequent months. The channel also bring popular shows like Tyme out with Tee A on Wednesdays at 23:00 CAT, Star Superfan every

Thursday at 20:00 CAT, and Airtel Changing Lives on Wednesdays at 21:00 CAT. “For more African talent, be sure to catch the new kid on the TV block, the local adaptation of the multiple award-winning ABC television drama hit series, Desperate Housewives Africa as it takes over your screens on EbonyLife TV. Desperate Housewives Africa, launched on April 30, 2015 at 22:00 CAT exclusively on DStv Channel 165 will closely reflects the original multi-award winning American version with a uniquely African flavour. Viewers can look forward to an enthralling and spell-binding homegrown pilot that takes the Desperate Housewives format as you once knew it to scandalously new dimensions,” it states

DStv Snitch on Friday, May 15 on M-Net Movies Showcase at 19:45 CAT Dwayne Johnson aka ‘The Rock’ brings out his softer side as a father who goes undercover to infiltrate a drug cartel. When his son is wrongfully accused of drug distribution a man makes a deal with the state. He’ll go undercover to infiltrate a drug cartel on a dangerous mission to save his son from prison. Fast & Furious 6 on Saturday, May 16 on M-Net Movies Showcase at 19:45 CAT Featuring the late Paul Walker for whom a fatal car crash ended his promising career. The car chases get faster and the action gets more furious when a crew of specialized drivers reunite to take down a mercenary organisation, in exchange for full pardons. Empire State on Sunday, May 17 on M-Net Movies Showcase at 19:45 CAT Reluctant criminal (Liam Hemsworth – brother of Chris – and the one who dated Miley Cyrus) concocts a plan for the biggest cashin-transit heist in US history. If only The Rock didn’t get in his way. After being drawn into a high stakes heist a young man and his friends must face the consequences of their actions. Sniper: Legacy on Friday, May 15 on M-Net Movies Premiere at 20:30 CAT This film, the fifth in the Sniper series, explores the emotional bond between a father and a son who both view the world down the barrel of a gun. My Big Fat Fabulous Life airs on TLC Entertainment on Wednesdays at 20:00 CAT Follow the exploits of Whitney Thore, who weighs an incredible 172kg while standing just over 1.5 metres tall. Not long ago, she was a slight 50kg dancer, but after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome she gained more than 45kg in just nine months – and because of the disorder, the weight gain only continued to get worse. But when her self-choreographed performance of ‘A Fat Girl Dancing’ became an overnight sensation, she was plucked from obscurity and her life was turned upside down.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Showbits • Black Miss Japan fights racial prejudice. • OJB denies kidney relapse rumour, says he is healthy. • The Application film drops • Pasuma features Patorankin • Colourful Moments From Lagos Carnival 2015 • 2face Idibia, Fred Amata, Sani Danja.. others’ at the Newman Street Season 2 Launched • Romantic Comedy Movie “So In Love” Premieres At Silverbird Galleria • Tonto Dikeh Shares new photo with her man, Mr X • Jim Iyke’s table water goes on sale in Nigeria • Late Classic FM OAP Slyvester ‘Sly’ Ojigbede buried a week today • I haven’t cheated on Toyin Lawani in four years says fiance Lord Trigg • Beauty of the day: actress Ebube Nwagbo rock Denim-On-Denim • Celebrity birthday: actor Femi Jacobs was plus one last Friday • GhenGhen! Amber Rose Slams Kanye West; Says Travis Scott Writes His Songs Obey

Okoroji

COSON’s garlands for Uwaifo, Obey, 2Face others

ll roads will on May 20 lead to the Banquet Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel Ikeja, for the fifth anniversary celebration of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON). COSON is Nigeria’s sole collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings. Expectedly, Nigeria’s entertainment stakeholders will converge there to wine and dine for the organization that has become a reference point in the promotion and defence of intellectual property rights in Nigeria. Information made available to New Telegraph by May Uket, for COSON, explained that, “High point of the day will be the decoration of distinguished Nigerians into the COSON Roll of Honour for

their eminent roles in the defence of the rights of creative people in Nigeria. Leading the pack is erstwhile Chairman, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Recording Industries (NARI), Evang. (Dr) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi,. Also inclusive are multiple music award winners, Ekasa music creator, Prof. (Sir) Victor Uwaifo and 2 Face Idibia.” She further hinted that, “The event will climax with the decoration of the Director–General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba, with the Copyright Medal of Honour. That is the highest recognition that the music industry can present to any individual in acknowledgment of that person’s significant

contribution to the promotion and defence of the rights of creative people in Nigeria.” We gathered that, “Mr. Mba unanimous choice was by the COSON Board for the notable role he played with his commission in resolving the over four decade raging dispute between the music and broadcasting industries in Nigeria, on payment of music copyright royalties.” That prompted COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji to describe Mba as ‘a square peg in a square hole’. Furthermore, COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji has, reportedly assured all invitees that every detail has been taken care of ensure a day of tremendous joy to all who attend the COSON ceremony.

Sther escapes as P.Scholes, Uloma vacate Nigerian Idol 5 Edwin Usoboh

wo more contestants in the on-going season five of the Nigerian Idol TV Reality Show, P.Scholes and Uloma, have lost the chance to win the coveted multi-million naira show with their evicted at the weekend. Show anchor, Illrhmz announced their names during the weekly eviction show in Lagos. That brings the number of those evicted to five. The duo alongside Sther, polled the least number of votes and were expected to exit the show, but the judges lifeline saved Sther to escape the inevitable fate that befell the other two. Sther has survived two eviction scares, requiring in each instance a last-minute breather from the Judges. Other contestants still in contention for the top prize are Dolu, Preye, Classic Tunez, K-Peace, Brenda, and Nex2. They will face

further eviction tests through the public voting process to determine the eventual winner. Nigerian Idol focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The winner goes home with cash prize of N7.5 million, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million with Universal Music label and some high-end devices.

Legend dancer stuns Awka

espite losing his right leg in a car accident years ago, Nwanbu Nwanem has danced his way into the hearts of many especially in South East Nigeria. Performing at the Gofi Premium Lounge,

Tonto Dike

Glo welcome party for corps members Edwin Usoboh

atch ‘A’ members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Lagos were on Friday, May 8, treated to an evening of fun and entertainment by national telecoms operator, Globacom. The party which marked the beginning of the 2015 Batch ‘A’ service year was attended by a large number of the corps members at the Orientation Camp located at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos. In a welcome address by the company’s representative, Kunle Akanmu, Globacom Business Director, said that Globacom was delighted to be part of the corps members’ orientation camp activities and that the party was aimed at celebrating the beginning of their service year which it believed, would be successful and rewarding. Nigeria’s biggest comedy export, Basketmouth anchored the event, unleashing rib-cracking jokes in his usual characteristic manner, and had the guests roaring with laughter. Hip-hop super star, Wande Coal was also on ground to thrill the guests. He expectedly put up an exhilarating performance to make the evening a memorable one.

venue of the Legend Extra Stout Taste and Tell in-bar activation in Awka, Anambra State recently, Nwanem entertained lovers of Legend. Popularly known as Ikim- The Wounded Messiah, he performed alongside Pammy Udu Bunch, a local cultural troupe. According to him, a devastating car accident severely damaged his leg during his childhood days prompting it to be amputated.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Labour

States in disarray over unpaid wages

Agric Watermelon: Tapping into nature’s wealth

Business What's news

London properties: W’ Africans outwit Chinese buyers Investors from West Africa are taking over from Russians and the Chinese, who are known to be keen buyers in London’s prime property market, New Telegraph has learnt.

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Nigeria’s vehicletracking licences rise to 165 The licensing of new players issued vehicle-tracking licences by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has increased the number of operators in the sub-sector to 165, New Telegraph has learnt.

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L-R: Managing Director, First Nation Airlines, Mr. Kayode Odukoya; Chairman, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Chief Wale Babalakin; Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Benjamin Chidoka and Chief Executive Officer, (BASL), Mr. Chistophe Penninck, during the inauguration of Common User Passenger Processsing System (CUPPS), by the BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, Murtala Muhammed Airport-Two, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Only 76m bank accounts opened in Nigeria, says E-PPAN

he number of bank accounts opened by individuals and organisations in Nigeria has just reached 76.03 million, according to the Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN). The body also adjudged this figure very low when compared with the estimated population

of 170 million people in the country. It also stated that the uptake of mobile subscriptions had surpassed the number of bank accounts in the country, making telecoms a key sector for driving financial inclusion through mobile money in the country. Official data from the telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), showed that from about 400,000 mobile subscriptions in 2001, the telecoms industry has grown tremendously, recording over 142.5 million as at last February. As such, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Mrs. Onajite Regha, who spoke in a presentation at a mobile expo in Lagos, said that

INFLATION RATE April 2015................................8.7% March 2015.............................8.5% February 2015.........................8.4%

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

MOBILE PHONES

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Mobile phones hold the key to deepening financial inclusion

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Kunle Azeez

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

mobile subscriptions in the telecoms sector should be leveraged to make Nigeria a leading player in Africa’s mobile money market. Mobile money is the use of mobile phone and other mobile devices to send monetary value from one person to another. New Telegraph, however, learnt that the introduction of Mobile Payment System in Nigeria was created as an integral part of PSV2020/FSS2020

400,000

Total mobile subscriptions in 2001, which has risen to 142.5m as at last February

and is aimed at migrating the Nigerian economy from being cash-based to electronic-based. Since mobile phones have become widely acceptable and used in the country, the CBN encouraged the introduction of financial services through that channel, which is expected to foster financial inclusion of the unbanked populace, facilitate economic activities and deliver on employment and economic growth on the long-run Already, the CBN has so far issued licences to about 20 mobile money operators, less than half of them are currently visible in the country to provide mobile money services to telecoms subscribers, who use the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at May 8)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N222 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N338 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N248

l Foreign Reserves – $29.677bn as at 7/05/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at May 8)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

GROWTH

There has been a surge in demand from W’ African buyers Dayo Ayeyemi

nvestors from West Africa are taking over from Russians and the Chinese, who are known to be keen buyers in London’s prime property market, New Telegraph has learnt. It was gathered that West African purchasers have been drawn to living north of Hyde Park or just off Park Lane on Upper Grosvenor Street or Mount Street, as they preferred period buildings with newly refurbished luxury interiors, which they can move straight into. Report from London Property Finder said that the investors are used to buying property as an investment, adding that the key thing for West Africans has been to own a home in London, which they can use for a minimum of a few months of the year. According to a prime London estate agent, Harrods Estates Mayfair Office has reported a surge in demand from West African buyers in Mayfair with a 40 per cent rise in sales of luxury property to the nationality in the last 12 months and up 400 per cent compared with the

London properties: W’Africans outwit Chinese buyers previous year. Director at Harrods Estates, Shirley Humphrey, explained that the firm has seen a considerable increase in demand from West African’s looking to purchase a pied terrace in Mayfair. He stressed that the

over 142 million mobile devices being used in the country. But Regha insisted that mobile money or mobile payment, which is the person-to-person payment through the mobile phone or the use of mobile phones to conduct financial transactions, holds the key to driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. She said: “Though mobile money was first introduced in the Philippines in 2001, Kenya’s M-Pesa continues to be the most successful mobile money deployment globally and transformed Kenya’s entire economic system. “Nigeria has an estimated population of over 170 million people, with over 142 million mobile phones and has the potential to become Africa’s biggest mobile money market, yet, since the introduction of mobile payment, the “big bang” adoption we had all expected seems to elude us,” she added. She explained that despite the on-going efforts by key players such as banks,

majority of buyers from West Africa have been looking to spend between £2.5 million and £6.5 million on a two or three bedroom apartment, where they can stay when visiting London on business or for pleasure.

“As with many international buyers, West Africans are seeking apartments in luxury developments, which offer 24-hour security, concierge and spa facilities. Family is very important to them and they prefer to cluster-buy more than

one apartment in the same building so that they have somewhere for their children, parents and grandparents to stay,’ said Humphrey. She pointed out that Mayfair is seeing resurgence over the coming years, with an array of

new luxury developments in the pipeline and the return of many commercial buildings put back to residential use. The area has long appealed to British nobility, aristocracy and high society as well international wealthy individuals from around the world, including Middle Eastern, Chinese, Indian and Russian buyers.

L-R: Head, ENR, SAP West Africa, Mr Mike Okwechime; SAP Lead Accenture, Mr Tunde Adebola and Field services Director, SAP West Africa, Kehinde Awe, during the SAP Forum Africa, in Lagos.

‘Only 76m banks accounts opened’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

mobile network operators and mobile payment service providers (MPSP) in promoting and offering mobile payment options, absence of widespread customer acceptance of this innovation has resulted in a lag in the adoption of mobile payments as an alternative form of payment mechanism. While each of these players approaches the market with different expectations, Regha advised that collective awareness creation is key to the success of mobile payments in Nigeria. Drawing on the experience with cashless Nigeria mobilisation, where CBN led all industry players on a nationwide mobilisation, Regha said that no matter how great the mobile technologies and solutions provided are, they are useless if the users are not aware of the benefits to their lives. She encouraged the mobile payment service providers to come together and launch a massive awareness brand acoustic campaign to drive the message of the benefits of mobile payment to the consumers.

REGULATION The sector’s regulation of the by government has resulted in having genuinely-licencsed players Kunle Azeez

he licensing of new players issued vehicletracking licences by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has increased the number of operators in the sub-sector to 165, New Telegraph has learnt. According to the latest status report on vehicle-tracking subsector of the nation’s telecoms industry, additional 22 operators have been granted operating licences this year. The new licences brought the number of car-tracking operators, which hitherto stood at 143 as at the end of December last year, to 165. The report showed that, of the 22 new licences this year, six each were issued licences in January and February, while 10 were licensed in March. However, only three of the 22 new licensees are to operate in Abuja, while the remaining 19

Nigeria’s vehicle-tracking licences rise to 165 players are Lagos-based. Vehicle Tracking Services (VTS) sector is regulated by the NCC till date, because the operators carry out their operations, relying on telecoms infrastructures and spectrum to delivery tracking services to their customers. A vehicle tracking system combines the use of automatic vehicle location in individual vehicles with software that collects these fleet data for a comprehensive picture of vehicle locations. Modern vehicle tracking systems commonly use Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GLONASS) technology for locating the vehicle, but other types of automatic vehicle location technology can also be used. In Nigeria, vehicle-tracking business is gaining importance among individuals who own expensive cars; transport companies and other blue-chip companies, which usually own a fleet of cars. Signing up to tracking service guarantees additional layer of security for their vehicles

and guarantees a location-specific tracking when stolen. Before now, the tracking sector remained largely unregulated but the NCC moved in to properly control the industry through licensing. This followed findings that about 175 operators were operating in the country without appropriate regulatory approval. The development, it was learnt, compelled NCC to begin regularisation of their operations with a clampdown on illegal operators and the commencement of the issuance of licences to genuine operators to play in the car-tracking market space. According to official data obtained from NCC’s website, the licensees are charged a licence fee of N500,000 to operate for a period of five years before a renewal with the same amount. Leading players in the sector include Catrac Limited, Matrixvtrack Nigeria Limited, Tycil Telecom Limited and Trackers Security Systems Limited, all of which officially pioneered car-tracking businesses in Nigeria by obtaining licences from the Commission.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

TUC to President: Sack NIMC boss p.32

Labour

States in disarray over unpaid wages BURDEN Some incoming state governors have a lot to contend with civil servants Sunday Ojeme

or some state governorselect that will man the saddle of leadership as from May 29, one of the challenges they will be inheriting is crisis within the workforce over unpaid wages running into several months. While it is certain that some aspects of indebtedness that are yet to be disclosed await them, what is, however, obvious for now is the backlog of salaries and allowances being owed civil servants as well as some unresolved issues by the current governors overseeing affairs in those states. The beginning As early last January, organised labour in Plateau State comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) had given the state government a 14-day ultimatum within which to resolve the outstanding labour issues with civil servants in the state. The NLC Chairman in the state, Jibrin Bancir, said that labour had kept faith with history knowing that the collective bargaining approach machinery embarked upon by the union had never yielded any positive result, as the gestures were always met with rebuff by the state government. Agitations As the handover date draws closer, civil servants in some of the states are already calling on the governors to offset the payment before they quit for the incoming administration. Evidently, the governors who are also on their way out are waiting quietly to offload the burden on their successors as they really don’t have a solution in sight. Before getting into the current mess, civil servants in some of the states had worked amicably with the governors by showing understanding and taking wholeheartedly the excuses given by the governors. However, reality has begun to dawn on all as the number of months keeps increasing and the areas piling up without cogent explanation from those who should say something. Before the current crisis of confidence between the Government of State of Osun and the civil servants, who are currently being owed about six months, the relationship was very cordial to the point that the latter could defend the governor on any issue even to their detriment. Rumours flying around since the crisis began indicated that the

Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam

state government ran into debts, as it overshot its recurrent expenditure through over indulgence in job creation and initiation of projects that are not financially sustainable in the short-term. Indebtedness Part of the indebtedness stemmed from bond obligations entered into by the state governors as a way of raising enough money to carry out major projects they initiated as part of their campaign promises. Some states had subscribed to bonds to either run the government well or engage in frivolities, thereby, plunging the administration into debts. Available records at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that as at the end of 2013, Kogi had accessed N5 billion bond while Lagos State raised a total of N187 billion. Osun State had raised N30 billion including a N11.4 billion sukuk. Others include: Kwara – N17 billion, Niger – N15 billion, Kaduna – N8.5 billion, Rivers – N250 billion, Gombe – N20 billion and Edo – N25 billion. Benue, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta states have also raised N13 billion, N16.5 billion, N27 billion, N25 billion N50 billion, N18.5 billion and N50 billion respectively. The need to service bonds and other debts has drastically affected the monthly allocation to some of the states, especially those without substantial proceeds from internally generated revenue. Osun Like some other states, the situation in Osun is gradually coming to a head as heralded by the state’s medical officers, who could no longer pretend over the situation and resorted to demonstrate to draw the governor’s attention to their plights. The resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, staged a peaceful protest against non-

Delta State Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan

payment of their salary by the state government. The doctors, being owed a minimum of six-month arrears of salaries, said that living had become difficult in the last six months owing to the situation. According to the President, Association of Resident Doctors, Lautech chapter, Dr. Olalekan Ajayi, the situation has become devastating as workers in the state, including the doctors, were suffering, despite their commitment to duties and compassion for patients. In their usual practice, the Deputy Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Akintunde Adegboye, appealed to the doctors to exercise patience with government, assuring that steps were being taken to address the issue.

The need to service debts has drastically affected the monthly allocation to some of the states

Bauchi While the dust in Osun was yet to settle, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Bauchi took up the gauntlet by beginning an indefinite strike following failure by the government to pay March and April salaries to civil servants in the state. The Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade Hashimu Mohammed Gital, lamented that their meeting with the government on salary issues ended in deadlock. Gital said, “The organised labour gathered that the failure of Bauchi State Government to pay the outstanding salaries was because the last federal allocation for the state was used for the payment of severance benefits of the outgoing political office holders and contractors, leaving the workers helpless without the salaries.” Delta Similarly, in Delta State, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) carried out its threat by embarking on strike action over backlog of salaries owed its members by the government. Reports have it that activities at the 25 council secretariats across

Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang

the state were grounded as the aggrieved workers, who previously issued a one-week ultimatum commenced an indefinite strike action to protest the non-payment of their four-month salaries. The president of NULGE, Comrade David Ofoeyeno, lamented that 21 out of the 25 councils in the state have defaulted in the payment of salaries to workers for over four months. He vowed that the striking workers would not go to work until the backlog of salaries was fully paid. He said: “The SEC of NULGE met and decided to call for an indefinite strike, and the strike will not be called-off until the salaries are paid. The councils shall be under lock and keys.” Benue In Benue State, the workers, whose apathy was fingered to have led to the governor losing the election, have cried out to the state Governor, Gabriel Suswan, to pay their backlog of salaries before quitting office on May 29. The state chapter of the TUC led by its Chairman, Ordue Tartenger, also asked the state government to stop the deductions being made on monthly salaries of civil servants in the state under the guise of ‘donation, contribution and levy.’ The TUC leaders urged Suswam to pay the leave grant arrears of 2012, 2013 and 2014, and to schedule payment for 2015 in due course. Edo Meanwhile, it is not all gloom in all the states, as the government of Edo and Kaduna states have come out to defend their zero indebtedness to their workers. According to the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Louis Odion, the state has always met its salary obligations to the civil servants before the end of each month. The outcry by the commissioner became necessary when the state was erroneously lumped among those that owe.

Business | Labour

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

TUC to Jonathan: Sack NIMC boss CONTEMPT The management and staff are expected to maintain status quo ante Stories by Sunday Ojeme

he leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed worries over the crisis currently brewing between the management of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the workers.

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by the President, TUC, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, the Union called on President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the Director-General of NIMC before the dispute gets out of hand. He expressed surprise that despite the directives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation that the NIMC management should put on hold its plan to sack 1,000 senior staff in its employ pending the outcome of the court processes at

the Court of Appeal, Abuja, the Commission was bent on proceeding with the retrenchment exercise. The TUC posited that if public officers could not be bound by the rule of law, the society might slip into anarchy as citizens would be tempted to resort to sell-help to resolve disputes. He said, “In civilised and democratic societies, the court is the last hope of the common man and that is why all parties to any dispute are always compelled to maintain status quo ante pending the final de-

termination of a suit in court. “We cannot, therefore, understand why the Management of the NIMC will continue to insist on sacking 1,000 workers when the Minister of Labour and Productivity had intervened on the matter following a trade dispute declared by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), apart from the fact that the Court of Appeal, Abuja is adjudicating on the issue.” He said that if the management of the NIMC had followed due process on the labour dispute that had lingered on for more than three years, the ASCSN would not have been forced to resort to picketing NIMC offices throughout the federation. The congress regretted that in 2012, the NIMC Management retrenched more than 5,000 junior employees

for no just cause, and thereafter started its war of attrition with the ASCSN over its resolve that 1,000 senior staff should also be thrown into the labour market. The TUC argued that no matter the merit or demerit of the action of the NIMC management on the planned retrenchment, the fact that relevant authorities including a court of competent jurisdiction had apprehended the matter, is sufficient for it to maintain status quo ante pending the final determination of the case at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. “We accordingly call on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene on this matter and remove the Director-General of NIMC for acting in a manner capable of disturbing the peace of the country,” Kaigama stated.

Apapa gridlock: Freight forwarders threaten strike

C L-R: Desperate Housewives Africa Actor, Ozzy Agu; Co-Actress, Michelle Dede, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya and Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, at the premiere of Desperate Housewives Africa in Lagos.

UK Network Rail workers vote to strike over pay etwork Rail workers have the proposed Network Rail back to the table for further N voted in favour of a UK- deal rejected by the union. discussions.” He added: “We’re certainly wide strike in a row over pay, Mr Cash said: “It is now the Rail, Maritime and Transport union has said. Having rejected pay offers from Network Rail, 80 per cent of members voted to strike, on a turnout of 60 per cent. Union bosses turned down the offer of a one-off £500 payment to staff and three years of rises in line with inflation. Network Rail said industrial action would “have a massive impact on millions of passengers”. “It cannot be right that the unions can hold the country to ransom in this way,” said Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, which owns and maintains most of Britain’s railway infrastructure. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Prime Minister David Cameron also condemned any industrial action. In the ballot, members voted by a bigger margin - of 92 per cent - in favour of other forms of industrial action, short of a strike. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the results, which will now be considered by the union’s executive, showed “the anger” of staff. A no compulsory redundancy commitment extended to the end of 2016 was also in

down to NR to start taking this issue seriously, to understand the deep-seated grievance felt by their staff and to come forward with a renewed offer which protects pay and jobs.” He called the one-off lump sum “wholly inadequate” and said the RMT was “extremely concerned” about the time limit applied to the no compulsory redundancy commitment. The RMT’s 16,000 members at Network Rail work across the company’s operations and maintenance. Carne said Network Rail employees had received pay rises eight times higher than those of other public sector workers over the last four years and had also been offered a deal for the next four years. He argued that unions had also rejected a number of proposals that would boost productivity. “Industrial action would have a massive impact on millions of passengers as well as freight distribution across Britain.” he said. Mr Carne added that with a turnout of 60 per cent, “fewer than half ” of the RMT’s members at National Rail had voted in favour of strike action, and urged union leaders to “come

a step closer to the first national rail strike in two decades. “And the fact that the RMT look after signal workers means any strike action would freeze the whole network. “But there’s still a way to go before commuters face any chaos. “My understanding is that there is not an insurmountable gap between the unions and Network Rail. The sticking point isn’t the whole pay deal, just this year’s £500 lump sum offer, coupled with a guarantee about forced redundancies.” Both sides also say they are prepared to keep talking. “We may see strikes announced, possibly over the bank holiday. “But there is a decent chance - not definite, mind that they will reach a new deal and call them off, he said. The new Business Secretary Sajid Javid said the government is to press ahead with introducing new laws to stop certain strikes going ahead unless they have the support of 40 per cent of workers eligible to vote. In addition, at least 50 per cent of those entitled to vote will need to have done so in order for a strike to go ahead.

learing and forwarding agents under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if something urgent is not done about the unending vehicular gridlock along the Apapa Oshodi expressway. The association also lamented the financial loss to the situation, which it put at the region of N5billion daily. Making the declaration in Lagos, ANLCA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kayode Farinto, said the association would embark on an indefinite strike if government failed to immediately fix and relocate tank farms sited around the port area. He said, “The Federal Government is not exempted in this daily record of losses as revenues generated by some government agencies have begun to drop at an estimate of over N5 billion daily. This is as a result of the traffic gridlock. “The traffic gridlock along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Wharf Road, Marine Bridge, Ijora is so unbearable that it has become a nightmare coming and going out of Apapa. “If nothing is done, we may have no other option than to withdraw our services from the ports in order to compel the federal government to live up to her constitutional responsibilities to the citizens. All these above mentioned entering routes into Apa-

pa have become den for armed robbers and hideouts for them to perpetrate their evil acts. “Some stakeholders have at various times been dispossessed of their valuables and cash at gun points on a daily basis.” The association blamed tanker drivers’ uncivilised and uncultured attitude for the gridlock, saying that it would constitute a special task force that would curtail the excesses of the tanker drivers and proffer short-term solution to the gridlock. He said: “We should all recall that last year when the Navy constituted a special task force, there was sanity on the roads. “We call on the federal government and Lagos state government as a matter of urgency to organise a vibrant task force to monitor the various outlets into and outside the ports and to caution all the tanker drivers. “In as much as the situation is getting out of hand, ANLCA however, call on the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to find a lasting solution to this menace.” He noted that during the electioneering campaign, the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Oshinbajo promised to look into the Apapa traffic matter promising that the new administration will relocate the tank farms in and around the port environment to somewhere around LekkiEpe Expressway.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Agric

Olam to mill 200,000mt of paddy rice in June p.34

Akinjide donates tractors, others to Oyo farmers p.35

‘Govt, stakeholders’ partnership key to poultry growth’

he president, World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), Dr. Edir Silva, has said that effective collaboration between government and stakeholders globally, is key to poultry growth and its sectoral development. Silva said this as a key note speaker at the 5th Nigeria International Poultry summit at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He said that the collective efforts and constant interfacing amongst poultry sectoral players and government will enable them grow the sub-sector to enviable heights. This he said, would also tackle headlong any challenge ahead just as it is tackling the scourge of Avian influenza (bird flu) that is currently ravaging poultry industries across the globe. Silva stated that modern poultry practice, science and technology, have become interwoven such that the industry cannot afford to be left behind in the area of research and development. He also harped on the need to imbibe bio-security as the globally accepted standard of prevention and control, thus urging industry players to be pro-active in all their dealings.

Watermelon

Watermelon is wellknown in Nigeria. However, beyond its popularity is its potential to create wealth. DELE ALAO writes

Watermelon: Tapping into nature’s wealth 5,345 youths,

itrullus lanatus, otherwise called watermelon, according to experts, is ranked third among the world’s highly cultivated crops, superseded only by potato and tomato. Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, in the genus: citrullus and is related to the same family members such as cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin that run as vines on the ground surface. There are hundreds of cultivars of watermelon and they vary widely in taste, size, texture, shape and colour. Some of the common watermelon varieties are sugar baby, Sangria, Jubilee and Orangeglo Golden Midget among others. It is widely grown across many tropical countries where it is one of the major commercial fruit crops. The largest producers of watermelon are China, Turkey, Iran, Brazil and the United States of America (USA). It is produced all over Nigeria from Maiduguri to Lagos, Sokoto to Calabar. Planting season In the Southern part of the country, there are three planting seasons for the fruit. Early planting season is in March, mid-

One can start off with as little as between N30,000 and N60,000

season planting and the most lucrative but risky is June 25 to July 15, while late season planting is August 15 to September 15 in Kwara, Oyo and northern parts of Ogun State. Planting in South Ogun such as Ilaro, Ifo, Ota, Idiroko to Badagry in Lagos State, is September 15 to October 15. This, farmers said, is because late rains last till December in these areas. In the Northern part, early season planting is in May while late season planting is July. But with functional irrigation in the north, farmers there are able to plant throughout the year. Lake Chad basin in Bornu and Hadeja River Basin in Kano are the major irrigation projects turning out watermelon all year round in Nigeria. It was discovered that when the price increases so high, watermelon is imported from countries such as Niger, Chad, Benin and Togo. Meanwhile, it takes approximately 70 to 90 days for planting and harvesting watermelon, depending on the viability of the seeds used. Start-up and RoI For as low as N30,000, the journey to a huge Return-on-Investment (RoI) from watermelon can start. According to the managing director and chief executive, Fastlane Farms, Jerry Obamwonyi, “one can start off with as little

as between N30,000 and N60,000 and be sure to make between N300,000 and N700,000 or more from an hectare (two and half acres) if you know your onion in the business. And these profits can be doubled, tripled or even quadrupled just by scaling.” Apart from the low capital involved to start the cultivation of the fruit, other benefits, Obamwonyi said, include cheap use of items, such as chemicals, seeds and fertilizers, among others. Also of immense benefit is its short time production cycle. “Just within 70 to 90 days and the Return on Investment is huge and can make anyone generate wealth. You don’t need to even use or touch any traditional crude implement such as cutlass or hoe from planting to harvesting. You just use some improved chemical substances. That is, we do it our own way and most other farmers are also adopting this easier method,” he said. Obamwonyi added: “It is also believed that more profit is made during extreme dry season as most people that cannot secure irrigation service would be deterred from planting, leaving those who can afford to construct irrigation to make lots of profit from the business. Between November and February, most people in the Southern part of the country grow theirs inside swamps and they make lots of profit.”

women benefit from ATA

ive thousand-three hundred and forty-five youths and women have benefited from the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government, a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said. According to the 2014 annual report of the ministry, several programmes, including the Youth Employment Agriculture Programme (YEAP), was launched to develop a new generation of 750,000 young commercial farmers and agribusiness leaders for Nigeria. The report added that the first set of 28 Nagropreneurs received grants of between N2 million and N5 million to further develop their agribusiness in January 2015. The report showed that an expression of interest for financing of business plans had gone out for the second round of grants to Nagropreneurs. The study indicated that in other interventions by the Gender and Youth Desk of the ministry, a total of 2,274 youths and 3,071 women were trained in 10 agric value chains namely rice, cassava, sorghum, maize and soya beans. Others include horticulture, cattle, sheep and goat, poultry and fish farming.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Olam to mill 200, 000mt of paddy rice in June BOOST Backward integration to aid local production and job creation

Dele Alao

lam Nigeria Limited has unveiled plans to increase its stake in the rice industry as it kick-starts milling of 200,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice in Doma Council, Nassarawa State, by June 1, 2015. This, the company stated, is part of efforts to aid the realisation of the self-sufficiency target and job creation efforts of the Federal Government. General Manager, Olam Rice, Reji George, said that the firm’s backward integration plan in the sector was expected to aid local rice production and job creation. The firm had, earlier this year, unveiled its locally-produced rice to the Nigerian market. Olam’s Business Head for Rice, Anil Nair, had explained that the launch was designed to meet growing local demands for the commodity as well as reduce its importation. He said that the launch of the commodity in Lagos was strategic since the state holds the largest market of rice consumers. Nair said: “There are lots of paddy been produced and, Lagos being the biggest market in the country, is having local rice coming to it. It is a sign of good things to come and we hope that two years from now, we will be able to bridge the gap. We have a milling capacity of about 800,000 tonnes in the country and we hope to help this country eliminate import completely.” On placing a total ban on the commodity, George said: “I believe it should be a gradual process. Before you ban rice

A rice mill

or any agricultural commodity, you must have to develop the local strength of rice production. If you plan the ban of rice importation, companies like Olam is into commercial production of rice with 6,000 hectares in two cities, making it 12,000 hectares that would definitely help bridge the demand and supply gap, and with support from other companies, in addition to the role government is playing. He said: “In a few years’ time, we would be able to bridge the demand and supply gap and we would be able to be self-sufficient in rice production.” The community leader of a settlement in the Doma area, Kushunta Adi, said: “Before the coming of Olam to our

community, most people in this area were idle, which is not good, but today, the story is different. In fact, at that initial time, most of excavators on the project were foreigners, but today, the company has employed many of our youths and this is helping many families here. “In fact, what they have done here is enormous. I believe if the Federal Government can copy them, the country would be better. If we have one or two other companies like this in Nigeria, it will be difficult for us as a country to import rice.” A former Attorney General of the Federation and Secretary of the rice farmers’ association, Michael Aondoakaa, urged government to

S’African firm taps into agro-foods processing Deborah Olayode

gric-Vie, a South African firm, is ready to invest in Nigeria’s growing agro-foods processing sector, its Executive Director, Avril Stassen, has said. The Agric-Vie boss, who spoke in Lagos, noted that his firm, which has investments in 12 African food businesses, plans to target companies involved in the processing of grains, dairy, fruits, poultry and fast food in Nigeria. With a population of about 170 million, Stassen said that the country pro-

vides a major market for processed foods. “There are a many locally produced foods in Nigeria, with limited processing. It is also an area our team has skill and experience in. The scope for growth is wide,” he added. Agri-Vie, based in Cape Town, plans to more than double the size of its investment fund next year to $285 million from $110 million and reach $500 million in the next decade. The company also plans to invest about $12 million in each business, without setting a specific number of

targets. Stassen said that his company was interested in companies that are already profitable and will add value to local production, thus promoting food security. He said: “As the Nigerian economy grows, we expect more companies here to require growth capital. Nigeria’s economy probably expanded 6.4 per cent in 2013 and services, trade and agriculture will continue to drive growth this year, the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on March 7.”

urgently protect the local rice industry from being thrown out of the agriculture sector. Aondoakaa, at the House of Representatives hearing, expressed worries that corrupt actions by some rice importers could destroy government’s policy and truncate the local rice sub-sector. He disclosed that a

certain company behaves like another government and has resorted to dubious activities in apparent bid to frustrate the local rice manufacturers. He called on all and sundry to stop this untoward activities in the best interest of Nigeria, especially local farmers and others.

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

Price 486-4 363-6 962-6 305.5 33.36 246-0 9.500 512-2 541-6

Change -6-4 -0-2 +2-4 unch +0.04 -5-0 -0.045 -7-0 -3-6

Contract Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15

Time(ET) 12:47 12:47 12:47 12:47 12:47 12:44 12:37 12:46 12:41

Price 65.67 117.25 136.30 13.60 3070 24.58 1.3540 0.1358 3056.00 0.6502 238.10

Change +0.30 -1.95 -0.10 -0.62 +19 unch -0.0150 -0.0052 +19.00 -0.0037 +4.10

Contract Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 May 15

Time(ET) 12:47 12:46 05/13/15 05/13/15 05/13/15 05/13/15 08:46 09:35 11:06 05/12/15 12:14

Price 152.425 218.900 85.100

Change +0.875 +1.200 -0.150

Time(ET) 12:47 12:47 12:47

16.36

-0.03

Contract Jun 15 May 15 Jun 15 May 15

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

Meats Commodity Live Cattle Feeder Cattle Lean Hogs Class III Milk

11:09

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

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Akinjide donates tractors, others to Oyo farmers EMPOWERMENT Bags of fertilisers, seedlings and cartons of agro-allied chemicals distributed to farmers’ groups

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has donated 1,800 bags of fertilisers, 40,000 cartons of agro-chemicals and two new tractors to the Oyo State farmers through her agricultural foundation. The ceremony, which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State, according to a statement, is in furtherance of the minister’s

similar gestures since three years ago. She presented the fertilizers and the tractors through the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State chapter, led by its chairman, Olumide Ayinla. Represented by her Special Assistant on Agriculture, Dr. Oyeleke Oyinloye, the minister noted that the Foundation was not inaugurated merely for political reasons, but to entrench her love for the Oyo State farmers, even if she is no longer in politics. Oyinloye said: “A total of 1,800 bags of fertiliser, seedlings and 40,000 cartons of agro-allied chemicals are being distributed to 75 farmers’ groups from across the 33 local government areas of the state. “The minister had earlier donated three tractors and today, she is adding another two, to assist farmers in their agricultural practice, as well as

improving the socio-economic well-being of the state.” He recalled that Akinjide had, in the past three years, donated 25,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in Oyo State irrespective of their political affiliations; 20,000 kilogrammes of seeds and provision of loans through the established micro finance bank in the state. Oyinloye added that the beneficiaries who were from 75 groups comprising between 10 and 20 members in a group, were selected through a technical team constituted for the purpose. Responding to the gesture, Ayinla described the action of the Minister as a welcome and unprecedented development. He said: “The programme has been on for three years now. We are happy that Akinjide has the genuine interest of farmers at heart and she has shown immense love for the masses,”Ayinla said.

has been assisting farmers in the last four years through the growth enhancement support scheme. She believes that the output of farmers in the state can be improved if assisted. “Last year, farmers recorded higher yield. They were also offered assistance through the agric loan scheme by a micro finance bank.”

Ebonyi signs MoU to boost rice production

he Ebonyi State government is set to benefit from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s implementation support scheme programme to boost food production in the state. This is in a bid to expand the state farmers’ access to funds, farm inputs and necessary infrastructure. The state had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Eboyin State’s Agriculture Development Programme Coordinator, Mr. Sunday Ituma, in Abakaliki, during a facility tour of the state, said that the scheme was aimed at assisting the rural farmers with proper budgeting, policy implementation, infrastructure such as roads, bridges and culverts, as well as the provision of necessary farm input and the widening of market opportunities for their farm produce. Ituma added that the IFAD team was in the state to strengthen relevant institutions and examine modalities put in place by

the state for the scheme’s implementation. Besides, he said that they wanted to review issues concerning budget and logical framework for the programme, among others. On the requirements to ensure implementation of the programmme, he said that government had fulfilled all necessary requirements, adding that the state steering committee had been constituted. He said that an MoU, which had been evaluated by the state’s Attorney General and forwarded to IFAD and Federal Ministry of Agriculture had also been signed. The team leader and IFAD Country Programme Manager for West and Central Africa, Ms. Atsuko Toda, commented on the modalities put in place by the Ebonyi State government as satisfactory. He said that their intent was to commence work immediately in the state with more concentration on production and aggregation of rice clusters in Izzi, Ikwo and Afikpo South Local Government Areas of the state.

Sustain ATA, group tells Buhari

Tractors

he World Bank, through the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAP), has donated four mango drying equipment worth $280,000 to some farmers in Nigeria for the production of mango chips. At the commissioning of one of the equipment in Sabo –Wuse, Niger State, the National Project Coordinator of WAAP, Prof. Damian Chikwendu, according to a statement, explained that the donation of these equipment for the processing or production of mango chips was intended to reduce post-harvest losses suffered by farmers as well as create jobs, especially for the teeming youths and women in the rural areas, which would, in turn, mitigate rural-urban migration. Chikwendu noted that it

Oyinloye noted that the annual programme was well embraced with the number of beneficiaries growing from six groups at commencement to 75. “The number grew to 35 last year and we have 75 groups now. With this initiative, we are encouraged to go back to farm,” Ayinla said. He added: “Oloye Akinjide

World Bank donates $280,000 for mango chips equipment was the first time that these machines would be provided for farmers free of charge, adding that the machines would go a long way in reducing post-harvest losses, which farmers have been grappling with in Nigeria. The four equipment, he explained, were given to commercial farmers in Lagos, Niger, Benue and Gombe states. He also commended one of the beneficiaries of the equipment and the Executive Chairman of Longa-Ewa Lakes Limited, Njidda Ahmed, for the giant strides the farm has made within the short time it has embarked on the production of mango chips. Also, the Executive Chair-

man of Longa-Ewa Lakes Limited, praised the World Bank for its kind gesture, giving assurance that the production of mango chips would assist tremendously in reducing the post-harvest losses in mango production. Ahmed said that he had already planted over 3,000 mango trees that would serve as source of raw material for the production of mango chips, apart from the purchase of truckloads of mangoes from the mango producing states in Nigeria. He expressed joy that through the assistance of the Work Bank, his farm would add value to mango through the processing of the chips.

he All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the incoming administration to sustain and expand the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of President Goodluck Jonathan. AFAN’s National Technical Adviser, Dr. Tunde Arosanyin, said this in Abuja. Arosanyin noted that “there are aspects of the ATA that are laudable, especially the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, which are impacting positively on the lives of farmers. GES is a technology that allows registered farmers access farm inputs like seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals at subsidised rate via mobile phones known as e-wallet system. “This scheme is currently being expanded to include access to heavy

farm machinery like tractors, affordable finance, insurance and extension services,” he said. Arosanyin added that many farmers would agree that the Jonathan administration had transformed the agricultural sector through the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adewumi Adesina. He, however, called for a review of the fertiliser distribution formula of the GES scheme. He said: “Under the scheme, a farmer currently receives three bags of fertiliser, regardless of the size of his or her farm. And you discover at the end of the day that the three bags are not enough for a farmer cultivating a hectare of land or more, because buying it in the market is quite expensive and this is affecting productivity.”

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Auto Beat Hyundai Motors, FCMB launch Power of 2 H

yundai Motors Nigeria in collaboration with First City Monument Bank Plc has introduced a joint marketing incentive known as the ‘Power of 2’ to help perceptive customers procure new generation Hyundai cars of their choice without necessarily parting with the value of the car in one fell swoop. The incentive which is currently trending and financed by FCMB would allow customers including those without functional FCMB account to access the scheme and procure latest Hyundai cars with series of other incentives ranging from comprehensive insurance cover for the loan tenor, free registration, free maintenance service for six months/10,000kms and a free tracking devise. Successful customers would also be availed of fantastic discounts on choice cars with unwavering interest rate throughout the loan tenor. Couple with this is preferential access to loan, threeyear warranty or 100,000kms (de pending on

whichever comes first) and lots of gifts items like FCMB branded goody bags and umbrellas. Announcing this offer in Lagos, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Jatin Nadkarni said the ‘Power of 2’ initiative is an offshoot of Hyundai latest brand direction - ‘Modern Premium’ and slogan - ‘New Thinking, New Possibilities’ which isn’t only focused on increasing sales but aimed at making Hyundai one of the brands that customers genuinely love.” He said the dealership wouldn’t cease to invest in new marketing activities that could endear Hyundai Motor’s unique premium experience to customers and “We are convinced this initiative will attract perceptive customers and subsequently raise our market share,” Nadkarni said. He enjoined customers to take advantage of

Hyundai Sonata 2014 model

the endorsement by simply walking into any Stallion Motors accredited Hyundai dealership in the country to get a profoma invoice for a choice Hyundai car and thereafter a deal is struck with FCMB. Some of the Hyundai passengercar range listed in the ‘Power of 2’ The interior view of Hyundai Sonata 2014 promo with varied equal monthly instalments (EMI) starting ranking had lately rose three notches with Grand Xcent’s N55, 527 are Sonata, to reach the top global 40 ranking for Elantra, Azera, iX35, SantaFe, Accent, the first time in 2014 and posted another two digit growth, fuelled by the successVeloster, i20 and i10. Nadkarni said Hyundai is committed ful launch of game-changing products to becoming a lifetime partner in automo- such as the all-new Genesis and Sonata biles and beyond adding that the Korean as well as implementation of its Modern automaker offers top-quality best Premium brand direction which has been sellers that have won interna- creating not only a unified image for the tionally acclaimed reputa- brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers. tion. Hyundai Motor Interbrand a global brand rating agenb r a n d cy recently states: “Hyundai Motor is one value of the fastest growing automobile brands in terms of both volume and brand value while adding unique convenience features across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction.” The agency added that the company’s commitment to brand building extends to multiple touch points, raising brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection.” “Unsurprisingly, while rival Japanese carmakers for instance, seem to have tied themselves into a knot with overlapping prices and specs, Hyundai has gone the opposite way by streamlining its utility vehicle line-up – an indication it took home valuable lessons from rival carmakers”, Mr. Nadkarni reasoned.

GM lowers forecast on electric cars Paul Ogbuokiri

eneral Motors Co said it will fall short of its goal of having 500,000 GM vehicles on U.S. roads by 2017 that are powered by some form of electricity. This is even as GM this week celebrates 500 million vehicles built globally over the past 106 years - the most by any automaker to date. GM is the first vehicle manufacturer to achieve this milestone and remains focused on being the most valued automaker in the world. While GM celebrates this achievement, General Motors South Africa (GMSA) is proud to have produced 2.76 million of these vehicles in the country since it started manufacturing operations in 1926.

Ian Nicholls, Vice President GMSA Operations, said GM attributes this momentous milestone to all its loyal customers. Nicholls emphasised that they could not have reached this milestone had it not been for the customers. “Five hundred million vehicles mean 500 million customers. The No. 1 U.S. automaker said in its annual sustainability report that lower gasoline prices and a “surge” in model offerings from all automakers contributed to the lower-than-expected sales for electrified products, including plug-in hybrids, pure electric vehicles and vehicles with the eAssist system that boosts fuel efficiency in gas-powered cars. “For our commitment to electrification, our forecasted outlook currently projects us, along with the broader auto-

motive industry, falling short of expectations for 2017,” GM said in the 2014 report few days ago. “GM is committed to electrification ... but consumer demand for these vehicles has not kept up with our initial projections,” it added. The company said it counted 180,834 electrified GM vehicles on U.S. roads last year, up from 153,034 such vehicles in 2013. GM Chief Executive Mary Barra outlined its 2017 target in November 2012 when she was the automaker’s global product chief. At the time, Barra said the company’s plans called for the eAssist system, which boost fuel efficiency as much as 25 per cent in some gas-powered vehicles, to be on “hundreds of thousands” of vehicles annually by 2017. GM, like other automakers, needs

more fuel efficient cars as the industry pushes toward more stringent U.S. requirements that will be in place by 2025. Electric vehicles have failed to catch on with consumers due to high prices, disappointment with electric driving range and an under-developed charging infrastructure. Low gas prices have fueled consumer demand for larger vehicles, including full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. In 2013, The U.S. Department of Energy backed off President Barack Obama’s goal of putting 1 million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015. GM is developing an all-electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Bolt, with an electric driving range of 200 miles and production is expected to start in 2016. It will sell for about $30,000 after a federal tax rebate. The automaker also this fall is introducing a redesigned version of its Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid that has an increased electric driving range of 50 miles and sells for almost $1,200 less than the current version of the car.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Photo | News

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

A Nigerian who just returned from the Republic of Niger, showing love to her child at the NEMA Transit Camp in Yobe. PHOTO: NAN

Dr. Mohammed Sagir, who rode a bicycle from Kaduna to Abuja for General Muhammadu Buhari (right), being welcomed by President/CEO, Reagan Cement, Chief Reagan Ufomba, in Abuja.

Founder, Our Troops Foundation, Mrs. Funmi Ogbue (left), presenting a souvenir to President Goodluck Jonathan, during a courtesy visit by the trustees of the foundation in Abuja.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Senator-elect for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani (left), addressing executive council members of Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi Central Market, during their visit in Kaduna.

President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu (middle), laying foundation for the construction of accountancy lecture theatre of the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. With him are staff of the institution.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Union Journalism (NUJ), Ogun State chapter, Mr. Wole Sokunbi; Comptroller of Customs, Haruna Mamudu; Publisher of First Awareness, Otunba Yomi Olomofe and Mr. Niyi Ogungbola, at the presentation of awards of excellence to Mamudu in Abeokuta.

L-R: Lecturer, Redeemersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; University, Dr. Omowale Adelabu; Managing Director, Synthesis Communications Limited, Mr. Desmond Ekeh and Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Agbo Agbo, during the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BrandiQ Campus Club visit to Synthesis in Lagos.

L-R: Chairman, Governing Council, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka Yaba, Kabir Aliyu; Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Dr. Gloria Elemo; Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Sijibomi Olusanya and Director General/CEO, National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Mr. Umar Bindir, at the 36th convocation lecture of the college in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Feminique NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Obianwu: Fighting cancer through sanitary pads Nkem Obianwu is the CEO of Friendlies Sanitary Wares Nigeria ltd, makers of organic sanitary pads. EBERE AMEH was with her recently where she revealed, among other things, that most of the sanitary pads in the market are the reasons for the rampant cases of infection and cancer among women

hough it was just 9.00am, the sun was oppressively hot. The heat was compounded by the power outage that happened a few hours before Nkem Obianwu walked into her office complex in the quiet part of Surulere. There was a huge contrast between her air conditioned car and the already stifling office where she just entered. Her sound proof generator would have come to the rescue because production must go on, but there was no diesel and the gas stations close by weren’t selling, there is scarcity of the product. Nkem has started a sanitary pad production business after resigning from the bank where she worked for over 13 years. Epileptic power supply, resort to independent power production, resulting in high overhead cost are some of the challenges businesses like Nkem’s have to grapple with in a country so richly blessed. “As you can see, power is one of our challenges but much more than that is the unnecessarily strict or rather, unachievable conditions financial institutions give to business persons who want to obtain loan to either start or expand their businesses. All those beautiful offers you hear on TV and read on the

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

pages of newspapers are all gimmicks. I was lucky to get a grant from the Federal Government through the YouWiN Initiative and though it came in piece meal, I’m forever grateful to the government for the opportunity.” A mother of two and graduate of Economics and Management Science, she incubated the business for more than five years, during which she garnered more knowledge and continued in her bid to access funds. “I carried this project for five years. In between that time, I did an MBA and later, a certificate in Nursing to have a grasp of the health aspect of the business. I also worked in a sanitary pad manufacturing company abroad. When with all my knowledge and passion I wasn’t making a start because of my inability to access funds from the financial institutions, I said let me get some women together, being that it is a women’s issue, to pull our resources together, but most of them were housewives and didn’t have money. But just when I saw that we were wasting our time and people are dying daily due to preventable causes, God intervened. I came across a YouWiN advert a day to its closing date and applied. I got it and started Friendlies in earnest,” Obianwu explained. For now, Friendlies can only produce the maternity type pads here in Nigeria because the machine to do that is semi-automated. “In maternity pad production, we are experts and competing with all those brands that do wingless pads. The machines for the winged pads are very expensive and we can’t conceive that now. We are therefore partnering with

Obianwu

a company in Indonesia. We give them our specifications and they produce the winged ones there for us,” she said. So far, Friendlies has two types of pads – the anion antibacterial sanitary pads and the ordinary classic sanitary pads. “All our pads are cotton pads. What the anion does is that it prevents the multiplication of bacteria. So instead of bacteria multiplying, as is in the case with most other sanitary pads, causing itchy and burning vulva, anion gives the bacteria a negative charge. An anion, which is also called the vitamin of the air is a plant algae that is found in ordinary natural environments like water falls, beaches and mountains. “An anion is also a natural odour eliminator because it prevents the multiplication of bacteria. It also boosts ones daytime energy. So it’s a highly medicinal plant which we use in the production of our pads.” Of all businesses, one wonders why Obianwu has to be so passionate about sanitary pad production. But according to her, it is altruism, not the love of money that is her driving force. “First of all, I’m a woman, so I use it. I also have daughters. During my time in school, I came across people who had issues with sanitary pads. Initially, we didn’t know it was the pads; we used to think it was toilet infection and all that. “I also came across a report by the world health organization where they said that 90 per cent of women all over the world are carrying genital diseases and 63 per cent of that is as a result of chemicals and toxins used in the production of sanitary pads. That was what sent the antenna that something is actually wrong and I started researching because I know that many women are affected.” In the course of her research, Obianwu tried to find out those chemicals they are using in the production of such pads and got startling revelations.

Nkem insists that many women are dying in silence

“I found out that the pulp they use can be derived in two ways either from the wood pulp itself or recycled materials like newspapers. In using the main pulp, some of them treat it in chlorine. That is where the problem comes because it leaves a residue in the pad called dioxin. When you put dioxin in the most permeable, the softest and sensitive part of a woman’s body, it just goes in straight without being metabolized. It can live in the body for up to 15 years, because it takes long for the immune system to be compromised, before the victim comes down with cancer of the cervix, uterus, or anything. The autopsy of people who had breast cancer showed that they had a lot of dioxin that they have been ingesting or assimilating through the years, stored there. Dioxin is gotten either through what we eat and drink, but for women, in addition to that, so much from sanitary pads,” she explained. For the companies that recycle stuffs like newspaper Obianwu says the print leaves lead residues which are carcinogenic, adding that perfume, which some companies add in their pads to make the user smell fine, also contains over 3000 carcinogenic substances. “When perfumes are used in pads, the users experience itchy and burning vulva month after month which they take for infectious disease. Some manufacturers also use industrial gums and some of them contain methyldibromo and Glutaronitrilo, which are all carcinogenic, instead of using food grade gums that are harmless. These facts are frightening but they are true. “The surge in cancer cases in Nigeria is so much that it is reported that ten people are infected with cancer every hour. And from the World Health Organization, in that same report, sqaid that CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Feminique

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Don’t rush into that marriage (3)

his is the final part in this series. Family. Don’t wait until the last minute before you inform your family. Some of you even go so far as to present your family with no choice than to go along with your plans. By getting pregnant. Why the rush? Why is your family input so important? Especially for the girls? The first reason is that of planning. Any wedding, big or small requires planning. Even if you are the one carrying all the burden financially. The second one is respect. Your spouse must respect members of your family from day one. This helps to make the marital life much smoother. Marriage as I said earlier is not a bed of roses. You will have disagreements. Respect and likeness for your in laws will not allow either of you to misbehave unnecessarily. A lot of marriages collapse because the husband or wife or even both of them have no respect for their in laws. And the in laws too cannot do much because they were never carried along. Please note that this is not the same thing as interfering in your matrimonial affairs. Far from it. Your parents will just be at the back ground to stabilize your marriage. Thirdly, during your period of courtship, this gives you the opportunity to know beforehand what roles your in laws will play in your marriage. Do they really want you as part of the family? Will they allow you to live your lives as you want it without interference? The biggest issues are mostly mother in laws. Some of them are not ready to actually let go of their children. If allowed, they are even prepared to sleep in the

same bedroom with you. Although all parties could be guilty of this over protection, and possessiveness, the man’s mother is more at fault. They want to tie their sons to their wrapper ends permanently. And some sons love it. Unbelievably sad but true. Fourthly, the background of your spouse and family can be checked thoroughly. This is of great benefits to both of you. There are so many things to check for. But mostly, character, honesty, integrity, and health are essential. Finance. You both need quality advice on this. Such issues as joint or separate accounts need to be ironed out. Who takes care of what, based on your earning powers individually or collectively must be addressed. How far can each of you go with your careers, without disturbing the home set up? Especially the wife. Family planning. How many children, do you want to have? How do you want to take care of them? Growing up, education etc. How do you want to space them? Goals. You must have well defined goals for yourselves and the family. And start planning for their attainment from day one. Your goals should be divided into short term, medium term and long term. Goal setting is something most of us don’t do. We refuse to plan ahead. But as the saying goes, ‘those who fail to plan always plan to fail.’ Sex in Marriage. This is a crucial precounselling topic that cannot be over emphasized. You definitely need a sex and marriage counsellor for this. It does not matter whether you are still a virgin or not. Those who have had premarital

Fighting cancer through sanitary pads CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 39

Fadeyi

sex need a different kind of counselling from those who are still virgins. But both need to be advised by experts. Don’t joke with this because sex is an integral part of marriage. Whether you like it or not. Wishing you the very best of marital life. Cheers. Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@gmail. com or 08033148899 (sms only).

100,000 Nigerians are infected every year and 80 per cent of that are women. So women are coming down with different kinds of cancer because in addition to the normal carcinogens, we garner more through the pads we use.” Advising the womenfolk, Nkem insists that many women are dying in silence, ingesting antibiotics every month when what they need is just information. “For the people that use tampon, theirs is even more serious because if that tampon is bleached in chlorine, and they are inserting it inside the place that contains the mucous membrane, it goes straight into the blood stream. That is why there is a new interest in vaginal drug delivery system because whatever you put there goes straight into the blood stream. “I’m passionate about this because I want to create something safe. It’s not so much the money or profit that is driving me, we are not making much because the kind of safety we are looking at is a lot. We want to give the comfort, satisfaction and assurance of safety. I want to give every Nigerian woman an opportunity to use safe and decent pads at affordable prices,” Obianwu noted.

Ego: Diary of a single mom

My days as a single mother are numbered T

he saying that ‘if the stuff doesn’t kill you, it only make you stronger’ has been very apt in my five years as a single mother. Nothing can be compared to the challenge of living as a single mother in a society where marriage is seen as the only sign of responsibility; a society where a woman is considered incomplete and of no consequence without a husband. There were times I cried, there were times I smiled, but there were other times I simply got confused and helpless. Those times I needed a shoulder to lean on; a man to call my own but was restrained by societal and religious influences. But my eyes opened to the fact that one can’t really live forever to please people. The New Beginning, the women gatherings I attended, all helped to open my eyes to the fact that I have to live for me. I drew from the experiences of others and I grew strong and resilient, not out of choice but out of necessity. But there were also times I enjoyed my solitude and new found freedom. Those times that my children, those little angels, gave me every reason to rejoice in spite of everything. Then I thanked God for life, for motherhood and for giving me the grace to take a walk from an abusive marriage to Segun. Many that died in the hands of their intimate partners did not have the courage to leave. They were enthralled and entrapped by the often romantic tendencies of their abusive lovers and the consideration of what

society would say. I thank God I left and am alive for my children. Different men wanted me - the good, the bad and even the ugly; all for different motives, which were far from genuine. To some, it was to score a point, to others; it was to enlarge their harem. Some wanted the security of my finances and ran when I lost my job; others wanted the security of my bosom and would have left after getting what they wanted. I thank God for the grace to ignore all their overtures. I lost my job while a single mother because I dared to say no. I lost my investment capital to Karl, a man whom I thought was a friend. He dared to do that because

he thought that as a single mother, I was helpless, but how wrong he was. He mistook the gentle strides of a tiger for cowardice but he has murdered sleep. I will fight him by all means till I get my last kobo. Many looked down on me but others who understand that marriage is not the only measure of worth and responsibility respected me for who I am. I thank God for bringing Danny my way, a rich and caring gentleman by all standards. Having tasted love and disappointment, he is not taking chances when he sees what looks like what he wants. God has blessed me, giving me Danny on a platter of gold! The morning sun that sneaked

through the window blind disrupted my muse. I rolled from one side of my bed to the other in excitement and smiled when I caught sight of the flower Danny brought me yesterday. Am I really awake? The thought of my upcoming marriage to the most eligible bachelor in a few days filled my heart with uncontrollable joy. Nneka’s parents had sent for Danny just when we were thinking of how to go about the legal process of their divorce - a couple residing in two different continents. As he reliably gathered earlier, she got hooked with another man and wants out of the marriage. In accordance with Igbo custom, Danny was asked to come and take the bride price he paid. We were left with the issue of the children but our worry was cut short when she voluntarily said she is not interested in carrying any burden of rearing his children for him again. “What a divine arrangement!” I screamed when Danny, who came straight to my house, told me. “We are fixing the day for our marriage immediately”, he said after popping the champagne he brought. I thank God for an opportunity to experience life as a single mother. I have gone, I have seen, and I have conquered. Thank God I documented my life through this diary. If I have to write again, I will be writing the diary of a married woman and mother. To God be the glory!

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Crime

Arase: The making of an IGP Juliana Francis

obody was more stunned than the former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Mr. Solomon Arase, when he was announced as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) on April 21, 2015. He was however confirmed as the substantive IGP on May, 12, 2015. Arase, who enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980, with a degree in Political Science, was already dusting and packing his belongings from office, in preparation to retire on June 21, 2016, when he was suddenly appointed as the IGP. Arase’s appointment stunned security observers. Some said President GoodluckJonathan’s appointment was an embarrassment to the soft spoken Arase, since the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari wouldn’t retain him anyway, as he is likely to prefer his own team and loyalists. But it’s apparent that, Arase wouldn’t lose either way. Head or tail, he would go down in history and memory as one of the IGPs of Nigeria Police. He would also be entitled to pensions accrued to IGPs. The only snag? He may never have enough time and opportunity to showcase his innate policing brilliance and reformists ideas. He came too late. Like most DIGs, he had taken a shot at the position after former IGP Mohammed Abubakar, but was beaten by his predecessor, Suleiman Abba. A few, perhaps, parochial people have argued that Jonathan, replaced Abba with Arase to compensate him for something, while others insisted that Arase was appointed because he came from the Niger Delta axis, like Jonathan. But the fact most of these people failed to realize is that Arase happens to be one of the most brilliant and innovative policemen

Arase

in the Nigeria Police Force today. As a matter of fact, Arase was actually supposed to have been made the IGP before Abba, but mother

luck, politicians and politics gave him the back bench. A lot of political intrigues dragged Abba into the mantle

Abubakar

Abba

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

of the police leadership. These intrigues were over shadowed by the then forthcoming April elections. Civil Society Organisations (CSO) gave knocks to Abba while he was in office, beginning with the scandalous display where esteemed lawmakers took to jumping fences like monkeys to gain entry into the hallowed chamber. Policemen, not only fired canisters tear gas at the lawmakers, but Abba and his men were accused of taking side with the ruling party. He was seen as being partisan. CSOs further fueled this argument. Aside that, CSO also accused him of handling issues of human rights abuses with levity and not responding to petitions addressed to him on such issues. However, many believed that the political intrigues that brought Abba into office ushered him out. According to police sources, Abubakar annointed Arase as the next IGP after him, but while deliberation on the submitted list of names for the IGP position was going on, Arase had a fall out with Abubakar. The heated confrontation allegedly stemmed from an intelligence report given to Abubakar by Arase on the likely attack that might occur at Nyanya Motor Park, FCT, Abuja. The police authority reacted too late and the dreaded Boko Haram militants struck, killing and injuring a lot of people. Arase was not happy that his intelligence report was not acted upon and apparently nursed this anger for long. When it was clear Abubakar was leaving office, Arase bared his fangs and claws. They were said to have screamed at each other, with Arase yelling that Abubakar refused to act on the information he gave to him. Abubakar, who was championing Arase and listed him as the next IGP, due to the man’s intelligence and acumen, unseated him from his back, forcing Arase to ride alone. Arase rode alone and lost the race. But give or take, Arase would have been the needed reformist the police desperately required. He is just like Abubakar, willing and ready to change the force for the better. Even before his confirmation, Arase had started receiving visits from members of CSOs and human rights activists. The themes of their discussions were on extrajudicial killings in Nigeria, rights of citizens and police conduct. Police road blocks which were banned by Abubakar, and stealthily crept back under Abba’s administration, had been ordered to remain banned by Arase. In enforcing the Police Anti-CorC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘I swallowed 70 wraps of cocaine in seven hours’ Juliana Francis

39-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Celestine Ikechukwu Okonkwo has narrated his ordeal in the hands of a drug baron who sponsored his trip to Brazil under the guise of white collar job. Okonkwo, a secondary school dropout, married and father of a girl, said that he met the mysterious stranger who sponsored him to Brazil and before he knew it, he was learning how to swallow wraps of cocaine for money in a dinghy hotel. According to him, after suffering untold hardship in Brazil, scales had fallen off his eyes and he now knows that Nigeria is a blessed nation. His words: “God bless Nigeria! There is no poverty here except a person chooses to be poor.” Okonkwo who used to sell fairly used clothes at Idumota Market said that he was promised a mouth-watering job opportunity in Brazil, but was made to suffer untold hardship before being initiated into smuggling cocaine. Okonkwo explained that he was a happy man until a drug baron approached him with a promise of a better job overseas. Recalling that day like it was yesterday, Okonkwo said he was in his shop at Idumota Market, when he had the unexpected visitor. He said: “I’ll never forget the day a young man came to my shop to buy shirt. He told me he is from Anambra State and that he lives in Brazil. He also promised to help me with a good job opportunity over there. Honestly, I was excited. I felt it was answer to my age long prayer. He collected my phone number and left. That was how it all started.” Okonkwo recalled that after three months, the man called him that he was back to Nigeria. The mysterious stranger, like a Father Christmas, told him that he had prepared an international passport and also secured a visa for him. “He told me to get set to travel any time. A few weeks later, he brought my ticket and I travelled to Brazil in January 2015. He gave me the name of the hotel where I would stay pending when he would get me a job. I was eventually abandoned to suffer. When I exhausted my money, I began to sleep in a church. I also began to work for a Nigerian woman who owns a restaurant in order not to starve to death,” stated Okonkwo. The suspect also stated that drug trafficking was not originally discussed with him before he left Nigeria.

Okonkwo

His word: “Nobody discussed drug trafficking with me while in Nigeria.

It was after I had lived in the church for some months that my sponsor lo-

cated me in Sau Paulo. I was told that there was no free lunch in Brazil and that I have suffered and experienced difficult life in Brazil. This was the point they introduced drug trafficking as the only way out. They said that was what people do to make money. It took me about seven hours to swallow 70 wraps of cocaine. I was inexperienced because it was my first time. They promised to pay me N400, 000 when I get to Nigeria.” NDLEA Commander at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, Mr. Hamisu Lawan said. Hamisu said: “The suspect tested positive to drug ingestion while returning from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He later excreted 70 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.326kg.” NDLEA Chair man, Ahmadu Giade said that the story of Okonkwo should serve as a warning to others who are seeking to travel out of the country. “There is nothing wrong in seeking greener pastures but people must be properly guided. Travelling out of the country without money to pay for your accommodation. and feeding is ill-advised. Those who promise job opportunities overseas are after their selfish interest,” Giade intoned. Giade also added that the Agency was determined to investigate and expose the sponsors of Okonkwo.

Kidnapper worshiped with us before stealing a child –Pastor Camillus Nnaji

he presiding pastor of the First Baptist Church, Somolu, Lagos State, where four-year-old David Gbadebo was abducted on Sunday, said the kidnapper worshipped with them before abducting the boy. The pastor, Rev Joseph Awoshoro, said the kidnapper came as new member to the church and was even welcomed accordingly by the congregation. He, however, later collected the church’s bulletin, picked the little boy and disappeared, according to the cleric. But the boy was later found in Ogun State on Tuesday. David was at the children section of the church when he was abducted. His frantic parents were later called by the abductor to pay N700,000 ransom. The boy’s parents were still trying to raise the money when they received a call from policemen attached to Owode Yewa Police Station in Ogun State. The kidnappers abandoned

He said: “The kidnapper mixed with church members. He had worshipped with us. We gave him a new comer’s reception. He was asked to drop his name and phone number. He did, but they were obviously fake. We never knew he had a hidden agenda. He kidnapped the child after church service.” According to Awoshoro, divine intervention made the boy’s release possible. He added that the church took to prayers immediately it realised the child had been kidnapped. The church was still praying when it got the call from Owode Yewa Police Station in Ogun State. The pastor added: “Three good Nigerians had seen the child where he was dumped near Seme border with a phone tag on his neck. They took him immediately to the police station. “We are grateful to the police officers of that station because they made David the boy feel at home. The policemen David at the Seme boarder on Tues- clothed, fed and bought some things day, with a tag which had his parents’ for him. He was unscratched.” phone number around his neck. The cleric explained that though the Awoshoro said that the kidnapper kidnapper demanded 700,000, ransom, was arrested by the ‘terror’ of the no money was paid before David was found. Lord.

Bright IG, but a short tenure C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

ruption Initiative, Arase directed that ‘IGP Teams on Monitoring of Police Performance’ to immediately commence the monitoring of activities and conducts of police officers on the highways, police stations and formations nationwide. Arase expressed his resolve to rid the Force of all forms of corruption and warned officers and men to desist from corrupt practices. He further urged officers and

men of the Force to be mindful of the constitutional rights of the citizenry while performing their statutory duties, warning against excessive use of force and unjustifiable application of lethal weapons. He stressed that the Force would not hesitate to punish indicted officers who failed to follow rule of engagement. Yes, it’s only a monitoring team that can begin to change the face of policing in Nigeria. But how does Arase hope to check the monitoring team from corruption and corrupt practices? Who

monitors the monitors? Arase is a police reformist whose policing vision is premised on the commitment to intelligence-led policing strategies and community partnership. He has attended many international trainings and wanted to try them out in the Nigerian society. But sadly, Arase may not last beyond or after May 29, 2015. If he is however allowed to ride until his retirement, a lot may be achieved in a year. Perhaps the

greatest challenge before Arase, are the policemen working under him. Arase, right from when he was Deputy Commissioner of Police, in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos State, had ideas and ideals coloured with those of developed world. Will his men ever allow such lofty ideas and ideals to take root and flourish? Many policemen prefer the status quo. No doubt, Arase has his work cut out for him.

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

FULL DISCLOSURE Kenyan banks have better P/Es than Nigerian lenders Stories by Tony Chukwunyem

enior Africa Investment Analyst at Thaddeus Investment Advisors and Research Ltd, Jude Fejokwu, has advised Nigerian banks to be more transparent in their disclosures. He said this would give them better Price Earning ratios (P/Es). In a note entitled, “Kenyan and Nigerian Banks: Uncovering value in relation to their size,” made available to New

How banks can gain from being more transparent – Analyst Telegraph, Fejokwu compared the five largest banks by assets in the 2014 financial year in Nigeria and Kenya. He pointed out that while large Kenyan banks had double digit P/Es, their Nigerian counterparts had single digit P/Es. He attributed the development to investors not having as much trust in the Nigerian lenders as they had in the Kenyan ones. As the Senior Analyst put it, “I get the feeling that the market does not trust the income

statements of Nigerian banks. The market is accepting of all large Kenyan banks to have double digit P/Es and all large Nigerian banks must have single-digit P/Es. When you do not trust someone, you put them on a short leash hence, the single digit P/Es (some below 5) attributable to Nigerian banks. I guess Nigerian banks must earn the trust of investors once again before being

chronically low investment in education and learning”, the WEF said. Of the region’s top-10 economies measured by their ability to “leverage” their human capital, Mauritius ranked highest (at 72 on the global ranking) with South Africa only sixth in the region. The WEF’s human capital index for the first time measures whether a country is leveraging or wasting its human potential by looking at the level of education, skills and employment available to people in different age groups. “Talent, not capital, will be the key factor linking innovation, competitiveness and growth in the 21st century,” said WEF executive chairman Klaus Schwab on Wednesday as the report was launched.

IDB delays short-term sukuk

he Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has said it has no immediate plans to issue short-term sukuk (Islamic bonds), leaving it to domestic and regional issuers to meet growing demand for liquidity management tools in the sector. A lack of sharia-compliant paper has been a major constraint for the development of Islamic finance, with the tools needed to help Islamic banks meet tough Basel III regulatory standards being phased in very gradually. Last year, the IDB said it aimed to issue its first shortterm sukuk in 2014, adding to wider efforts to develop High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) for Islamic banks to use, but at this stage such a programme is not planned. Reuters quoted IDB President Ahmad Mohamed Ali, as saying, “IDB in principle supports the establishment of the short-term sukuk programme but for the time being we are not considering any issuance.” The AAA-rated IDB priced a $1 billion five-year sukuk in February and Ali said that next year’s issue would be similar, as the IDB focuses on

infrastructure financing. In the meantime, domestic regulators including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have expanded their Islamic liquidity tools in recent months. The Malaysia-based International Islamic Liquidity Management Corp (IILM), backed by nine central banks and monetary agencies as well as the IDB, has also tried to fill the gap with issuance of threemonth and six-month sukuk. But there are concerns that such tools could be insufficient in times of market stress, when they are needed most. “A key issue is the absence of secondary markets that provide a proven record of being a reliable source of liquidity at all times”, Kuwait central bank governor Mohammad alHashel said at an IILM seminar in April. The IILM has built a track record of regular issuance since 2013, but it has limits. IILM sukuk are not explicitly backed by member central banks and there is no clear indication by IILM whether these would be taken back and cashed in through repo-style transactions, al-Hashel said.

granted higher multiples. The banks that reveal more stand to gain more. ‘To know a bank is to potentially invest in a bank.’” Continuing, he stated, “Nigeria’s most expensive bank currently trades at $0.15 while Kenya’s most expensive bank currently trades at $3.65. It is time for Nigerian banks to open up more and get rewarded for this with higher trading multiples. When this happens,

First Bank will trade at N27.54 instead of N8.75 based on its FY 2014 performance. Like I always say, we can be transparent and still make a lot of money.” Fejokwu said, Nigerian banks’ share prices are being held down because of not being transparent enough in the past while Kenyan banks’ share prices are being driven upwards because they are more transparent.

FG sells N60bn bonds at lower yields

Nigeria ranks 120 in WEF T human-capital index igeria has performed poorly on the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) human-capital index, ranking 120th out of 124 economies. The ranking highlighted the country’s shortage of skilled employees and its poor ability to nurture talent through educating, training and employing its people. The WEF’s human-capital index ranks economies on how well they are developing and deploying their human capital, and creating workforces, which are prepared for the demands of competitive economies. The rankings, which are topped by Finland, show subSaharan Africa ranks lowest of all the world’s regions, with the region “characterised by

he Federal Government sold bonds worth a total of N60 billion at lower yields on all tenors at an auction on Wednesday, the Debt Management Office (DMO) announced yesterday. The DMO said in a statement that investors submitted total bids of N183.34 billion compared with N184.72 billion

at the last auction. The lower yields reflected the trend in the secondary market, which remain at below 14 percent following a sharp rise immediately after Nigeria’s peaceful elections in March. The 5-year, 10-year and 20year tenors each received a total of N20 billion, the DMO said.

The 5-year paper was sold at 13.84 per cent, lower than 14.44 per cent, the debt attracted at the last month’s auction. The 10-year bond fetched a yield of 13.48 per cent against 14.22 per cent last month, while the 20-year debt attracted a yield of 13.88 per cent compared with 14.45 per cent last month.

StanChart mulls private-equity assets sale

tandard Chartered Plc is considering selling part of its remaining private-equity investments in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, according to Bloomberg. A sale could value the investments at about $1.5 billion, the news agency stated A slump in Standard Chartered’s shares has led to a shakeup in top management, with Chairman John Peace, Chief Executive Officer Peter Sands,

Asia head Jaspal Bindra and Viswanathan Shankar, head of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Americas, all leaving the bank or set to do so. The bank hired Bill Winters, a former co-head of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s investment bank, to take over as CEO. “We are mooting a modest portfolio transaction that involves potential investor clients,” London-based Standard Chartered said in an e-mail on Wednesday. “We can’t com-

ment further for reasons of client confidentiality.” The bank said it isn’t planning to sell its entire private-equity business. Standard Chartered has already sold parts of its privateequity investments, including a $500 million sale in 2014 to investors led by London-based buyout firm Coller Capital. Talks on the sale are at an early stage and no agreement on structure has been reached, the people said.

Economic Indicators As at

As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR, NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$29,763,286,206

NITTY

11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 13/5/2015

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

14-May-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

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

581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 98.31 600.00 524.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 279.50

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

1.26 1.95 2.20 2.30 3.04 4.13 4.44 4.75 6.71 8.83 13.54 14.02 14.52 15.19 19.18

13.52 13.61 13.56 13.56 13.56 13.59 13.56 13.55 13.56 13.45 17.27 17.91 18.67 15.52 13.67

13.39 13.52 13.47 13.48 13.43 13.49 13.45 13.47 13.49 13.39 17.20 17.83 18.57 15.45 13.62

99.42 102.47 93.09 91.89 93.03 107.39 78.63 106.73 112.16 103.78 88.24 72.45 49.59 68.07 89.69

99.57 102.62 93.24 92.04 93.33 107.69 78.93 107.03 112.46 104.08 88.54 72.75 49.89 68.37 89.99

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,582.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,279.10

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.03 1.01 1.57 1.93 2.15

2.63 2.27 2.00 2.66 2.85

15.72 16.87 15.49 16.21 16.41

99.51 100.39 100.65 101.56 97.87

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

323.40

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.30

4.44

16.14

98.86

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.38

3.23

16.12

98.83

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.65

4.46

19.06

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.65

3.48

18.08

98.44

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.93

1.00

14.55

92.56

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.20

1.00

15.18

98.48 97.11

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

97.03

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.63

1.79

15.35

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.01

1.80

15.36

97.75

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

2.03

1.00

14.56

99.02

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.00

1.00

14.56

99.88

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.01

4.78

18.34

93.28

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.20

1.00

14.56

101.59

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 25.70

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

2.63 4.53 2.60

1.00 1.00 1.00

14.56 14.56 14.56

101.85 99.81 100.37

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.14

1.00

14.56

100.43

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.54

1.00

14.55

96.10

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.63

1.00

14.54

101.66

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.29

1.44

15.00

98.75

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.32

1.00

14.56

101.01

99.41

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 443.04

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.26

1.00

12.20

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.32

1.00

13.04

99.66

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.40

2.63

15.84

99.32

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.38

1.00

14.77

97.83

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.45

1.34

14.94

99.11

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.38

1.00

14.56

96.91

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.40

1.88

15.59

103.65

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.66

1.00

14.50

102.06

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.82

1.00

14.53

105.14

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.82

1.00

14.53

102.15

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.36

3.00

16.56

93.54

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.93

2.29

15.84

99.81

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.01

6.11

19.67

97.43

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.63

2.16

15.72

100.52

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.50

2.76

16.31

96.26

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.63

2.14

15.67

103.10

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.38

1.00

14.69

86.13

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.38

1.00

14.69

92.76

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

161.53

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

158.23

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.75

1.00

14.56

90.36

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.55

86.58

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 22.06

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.39

5.19

106.61

107.61

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.34

4.05

102.27

103.13

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.63

5.48

104.82

105.80

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,568.51

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.25

3.99

101.19

103.41

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.34

99.80

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

10.30

9.27

91.42

93.91

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.22

6.77

96.30

97.66

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.08

97.18

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.37

10.02

94.80

95.90

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

8.74 10.37 9.33

8.74 10.02 9.33

97.21 95.12 93.00

97.21 96.66 93.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.10

9.39

93.00

96.13

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,513.29

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 7 21 28 42 49 56 63 70

FIXINGS Maturity 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.17 11.19 12.22 10.73 10.82 10.30 10.93 10.81

Offer Discount (%) 12.92 10.94 11.97 10.48 10.57 10.05 10.68 10.56

Bid Yield (%) 13.20 11.26 12.33 10.86 10.98 10.47 11.13 11.04

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.9167 14.0398 15.3887 16.6075

Rate (%)

OBB

11.33

O/N

11.63

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.75 12.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

198.13 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

198.23 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21