Friday, september 2, 2016 by Newtelegraphonline

FG shops for N2.4bn to pay off Aero Contractors workers

lNCAA: Aero, FirstNation Airways not folding up lWorkers protest over unpaid salaries Wole Shadare

he Federal Government is shopping for N2.4 billion as sever-

ance benefits of workers of Aero Contractors Airlines that had been asked to go

on ‘indefinite’ leave. There are, however, two possibilities here. Paying

off the workers suggests that the airline may not come back if the govern-

ment is already shopping for cash to pay off the over 1,200 workers who barri-

Foreign airlines petition ministry over poor facilities at airports }4

caded the airline’s headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to ask for their severCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Smugglers disguise rice as corpse, use ambulance }3

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Vol. 3 No. 926

Friday, September 2, 2016

MTN unveils Osuofia, Saka, Falz, 7 others as brand }5 ambassadors

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Buhari to Nigerians: Change not bed of roses Ali

Soyinka

The church

lPDP: FG insensitive to plight of Nigerians }2 & 8 lAPC: PDP's voodoo economics responsible for recession lMan commits suicide, leaves note for Buhari

Students catching a glimpse of the solar eclipse at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NSRDA) during the 2016 Annular Solar Eclipse in Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

EFCC recovers N2bn, 33 properties from air chiefs

Amosu, Adigun, Gbadebo apply for plea bargain –Magu High alcohol intake reduces female fertility }7

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari to Nigerians: Change not bed of roses

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the much expected change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the country cannot be achieved just on a bed of roses. Buhari stated that he is quite aware of the pains and inconveniences Nigerians are going through. The president, who stated this yesterday during the commissioning of the Osogbo Government High School in Osun State, explained that positive change was possible only through patience, perseverance and steadfastness. He said: "We promised the Nigerian people positive and progressive change during our campaign. We are not and shall not be deterred from that noble undertaking. "But as we have learnt from history, change has never been attained by nation states on a bed of roses, but rather, through patience, perseverance and steadfastness. We are quite aware of the pains and inconveniences." This was as special prayers were offered by the president and other digni-

taries for quick recovery of the nation's economy at the Osun Government House by Muslims. The president stressed that his government will not fail in delivering on the promises made to Nigerians during electioneering on boosting the educational sector. Buhari, who arrived the venue at 11:12a.m., proceeded straight to inspect the new facility before commissioning it. He said it was commendable that the government of Osun State was striving to achieve the purpose of states creation which is bringing governance closer to the people at the grassroots through expansion of the educational sector. "As you are aware, the purpose of state creation is to bring leaders of government closer to the people, accelerate development, promote patriotic spirit and engender self-sufficiency. "I am glad to note that efforts are in place for Osun to achieve these desired goals. "With our progressive governance system in place, I believe it will only be a matter of time before more will be done that will quicken the pace of development all over the country. "In a federal system, states and local governments are the centres of

development, our administration has been helping the states, not just to survive the harsh economic and financial weathers, but to realise their developmental objectives as well, irrespective of the political party in place. We will continue to do this," he added. "In our party manifesto, we promised to provide free and qualitative basic education. We are implementing the Basic Education Act. We also promised to make education more cost effective and devote not less than 10 per cent of the budget to education. "What we are witnessing here is the formal fulfillment of that promise in Osun State by the state government," Buhari stressed. The president, who charged other state governments to emulate the

policies of the Osun State in improving quality of education across the country, said this was a sure way of guaranteeing the lives of future children. "We understand that the state government is building 20 of such of these high schools state-wide. This is the way to go, particularly in our fast growing urban centres where space, facility and resources are relatively scarce and have to be maximised. "There should be a substantive commitment of energy and resources for education by all levels of government. "This is how we can renew our society and shape the future of our children. We promised Nigerians positive and progressive change during our campaigns," the president

Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of being responsible for the current economic woes plaguing Nigeria. The ruling party said the previous government subjected Nigeria to voo-

doo economics and reckless fiscal policies during its 16year rule. National Secretary of the APC, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, made this assertion while responding to the accusation the PDP levelled against the ruling party in the wake of the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which confirmed

You're insensitive to plight of Nigerians, PDP tells FG ABUJA

he People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the tweet by the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, on the economic recession in the country is the height of insensitive of a government to the plight of people it was elected to serve. The minister had, in the wake of the statement by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) declaring that the Nigerian economy is in recession, posted on her Twitter handle: "The strongest of all warriors

are these two, Time and Patience. I know people are concerned about Recession. Recession is a word..." But PDP, in a statement yesterday by Deji Adeyanju, Director, New Media, accused the minister of insensitivity to the suffering masses who are the victims of the recession. "Contrary to her belief, 'recession' is not just a word; it’s a horrible reality for millions of Nigerians who face increasing difficulty in putting food on the table and meeting basic everyday financial obligations. "It’s all the more shocking that her comment was

through education because education is the path to development," he said. The project, Aregbesola said, cost the state government about N1.35 billion. Dignitaries at the event include Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Isiaka Ajimobi (Oyo) and Kashim Shettima (Borno). Others were the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, as well as state and National Assembly members, among others. Traditional rulers that attended the event were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, among others.

APC: PDP's voodoo economics responsible for recession

L-R: Zamfara State Governor, Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari; Chairman, UBA Plc. and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, during Elumelu’s visit to support Aisha's ‘Get Involved’ initiative for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja… yesterday

Onyekachi Eze

noted. Buhari expressed the readiness of his administration to sustain unwavering determination for provision of quality services to Nigerians across other sectors of the economy. He also thanked the people of the state for their support during the 2015 presidential election which gave the APC victory. In his welcome address, Governor Rauf Aregbesola thanked the president for honouring his invitation to the state. He said the 75 classrooms capacity school facility is built on a 800 square meters of land space. "We are producing the new man intellectually, morally and socially through education. We want to determine the next 15 years of the state

made on the day when the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released a report stating that 4,580,602 have lost their jobs since May 29, 2015," the statement added. The party noted that her comments fly against the reality of rising food costs, parents withdrawing their children from schools due to fee increments, rising transportation costs, rents and other such everyday expenditure. According to the statement, "Her comments are insults to suffering Nigerians and make mockery of the pain we bear as a result of the sheer incompetence

and lack of ability of the Muhammadu Buhari administration of which she is an integral part. "While 4,580,602 may seem like a statistic, these are real people with real responsibilities." The PDP, therefore, urged the minister to apologise to Nigerians for "her insensitive comments, (and) to stop speaking like a motivational speaker and act like the Minister of Finance that she is." The party promised to take on the minister on her statement about fiscal discipline which it observed, "makes no sense in the face of available data."

that Nigeria was in recession. The PDP, Bunu said, lacked the moral basis and credibility to comment or condemn the APC-led government on the economy after "the mess" it left behind. According to the party’s scribe, the PDP should rather apologise to Nigerians for the deplorable state of the national economy. "The warning signs were glaring to the immediate past administration but it chose the path of economic sabotage by looking the other way and squandering the country’s commonwealth – a reckless decision that has brought the country to its knees. "Nigerians will recall that even the immediate past Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, confessed that the zero political will to save under the immediatepast administration is responsible for the challenges facing the country," he said. Bunu, however, assured Nigerians that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration would remain solidly committed to resuscitating the economy in the quickest possible time and in the best interest of the people. The current administration, he said, has embarked on a well-thought economic agenda, policy actions, appropriate fiscal, governance, and socio-political reforms to revamp the economy and tackle the nation’s current challenges in the short to long term. "Under the new flexible foreign exchange policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in June 2016, we now have a single market-determined exchange rate which enables suppliers of foreign

currencies to bring in their money and take the same out at market-determined rates. The new foreign exchange policy being implemented will ensure our economy recovers in the medium to long term. "As contained in the assented 2016 National Budget, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is aggressively formulating and implementing policies aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy from oil to other sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. The administration is also proactively tackling increased attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta which has led to disruptions in crude production. "The president’s shuttle diplomacy has yielded positive effects on the country’s economic policies. As a result, several agreements concluded during the visits are positively impacting on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation," he said. Bunu also said that in spite of the attempts by some persons to discredit the anti-corruption efforts of the Bihari administration, the war against corruption has remained a top priority that has been well-received and supported across the country.

The total number of open play goals scored by Spain at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

1,312

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation in Chile at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EFCC recovers N2bn, 33 properties from Amosu, air chiefs Juliana Francis

he chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has revealed that over N2 billion and 33 properties were recovered from three air force personnel. The seizures were made

from the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu; former Director of Finance and Budget, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo (rtd) and former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting in NAF, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun (rtd). The trio is presently

facing a 26-count charge of fraud and money laundering. New Telegraph learnt that the monies were recovered from various bank accounts linked to Amosu, Adigun and Gbadebo. It was learnt that the properties include luxury apartments, hotels, shopping malls, mansions,

parcels of land and ultramodern diagnostic centre located in highbrow areas of Lagos and Abuja. Magu, who made the disclosure yesterday at the EFCC Ikoyi, Lagos office, during a tour of the commission’s detention facilities, added that it was shocking that just three men could steal such a stag-

L-R: Luiz Gomez Para (Real Madrid); Wasel Sabastien (Paris Saint-Germain); Franco Maria Maggi, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Gordon Tannock (Arsenal); Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Nicolaas Vervelde; Nick Pinder (Manchester City) and Ravannelli Fabrizo (Juventus), at the Star European Clubs partnership announcement in Lagos…on Wenesday

Police crime database’ll gulp N16bn –IG Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Acting InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday, said the establishment of a Crime and Incident Data Base Centre will cost the Force an estimated N16 billion. This was as the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), urged the police to adopt the concept of "smart-policing" as well as the use of technology to fight crimes in the country. Osinbajo and Idris spoke yesterday at the foundation laying ceremony of the Data Base Centre, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. While laying the foundation, Osinbajo expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigeria Police to do exploit, even as he main-

tained that the Force was one of the best in the world. The vice president, who noted the challenge of inadequate equipment, however, expressed optimism that the establishment of the data centre will enhance the capacity of the Police to perform their crime-fighting roles effectively. "The Nigeria Police Force has been one of the best in the world. I am saying this because I witnessed what they achieved in Somalia on a peace mission as I worked with the United Nations and saw how our police distinguished themselves. "Also, as an Attorney General in Lagos State for eight years, I worked with the police. The challenge has been lack of equipment and welfare of the policemen. I believe that with the proposed Nigeria

Police Crime and Incident Data Base, our men will conduct police activities smartly and faster," Osinbajo noted. Speaking on the importance of the data centre, the IGP said it will facilitate the process of profiling suspects, regardless of where they indulged in the crimes. Idris further clarified that the N16 billion estimate will be spread across the 36 States' Commands of the Police as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to him, the centre will enable the police harness data from the 36 states and the FCT, into a central pool. This, he noted, will help detectives get information on suspects, whose data will display once their names were keyed in. "The introduction of

Smugglers disguise rice as corpse, use ambulance

ice smugglers have devised new method of importation by packaging the commodity in form of a corpse, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The smugglers now wrap bags of rice as corpse and smuggled them in ambulance. Confirming the recent trend, Mr. Selechang Taupyen, the spokesperson, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command yesterday said it had seized 11 bags of imported rice wrapped as a

3,628

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Kiribati in 2001. Source: Itu.int

corpse. Taupyen said that the smugglers used an ambulance for their operation to deceive unsuspecting officials. He also confirmed that one Moses Degbogbahun had been arrested over the incident. “The smuggler concealed the smuggled bags of rice in a Volvo ambulance with Reg. No. DV 74 EKY and he was arrested along Aradagun toll gate area of Badagry. “The mobile patrol team, led by Chief Super-

€34.8m

The estimated transfer value of Edinson Cavani of PSG in 2016. Source: 101greatgoals.com

intendent of Customs M. Ozah, noted the frequent movement of the ambulance and this aroused curiosity of the team and the vehicle was stopped for proper examination. “During the examination, 11 bags of imported rice were discovered and they were carefully arranged and wrapped as a corpse. “The suspect is still undergoing investigation for possible prosecution,” he said. Taupyen, however, warned smugglers to desist from such habit, adding that all smuggling antics along the borders would not go undetected by its officers and men on patrol.

the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Data Base is long overdue, considering the myriads of challenges that are characterised with the manual form of Police Crime and Incident Registers, which have become obsolete and moribund," Idris noted.

gering amount of money from public treasury. Magu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Operations, Mr. Iliyasu Kwarbai, said one of the properties is valued at N1.8 billion. According to him, the total value of the 33 properties is over N12 billion. Magu noted that the three air force personnel are presently asking for plea bargaining. He said: “Plea bargaining lessens time wastage and money spent on prosecution. Usually, it’s the accused person that applies to the EFCC for plea bargain. In the arms deal investigation, we recovered over N2 billion cash from three air force personnel. We also recovered over 33 properties from them. One of the properties is valued at N1.8 billion. “They have applied for plea bargaining. It means they have pleaded guilty. The punishment will be mitigated and we’ll still recover some of Nigeria’s stolen assets and they’ll still serve punishment.” On the tour of the detention facilities, Magu said that the commission wanted to show members of the public how transparent the EFCC was. He said that suspects were never unduly detained, beaten or harassed. According to him, present-

ly, the Lagos Zone has just 22 suspects, including one female in detention. His words: “We feed our detainees three times a day. We don’t beat or abuse suspects. We don’t box them. We don’t extort. We’re not armchair investigators. We go to banks and get our facts. Some of them insult us, but we don’t reply. We’re a group of professionals. All we want are answers to some questions. We confront them with facts and figures.” He disclosed that most suspects involved in high profile cases, easily fall sick once they are detained. He said: “The moment we take them to our detention facility at Okotie Eboh in Lagos, they fall sick. They fall sick because they have been living in luxury with our collective stolen wealth.” Magu, who also conducted journalists and civil rights organisations round the EFCC clinic, said the facility was for both suspects and staff. He said that once any suspect complains of ill health, the person would be taken to the clinic, where they have standby doctors. If the EFCC doctors couldn’t handle the illness, the suspect is immediately referred to another hospital. The EFCC usually picks the bill for such medical expenses.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Foreign airlines petition FG over poor facilities at airports Wole Shadare

espite the internally generated revenue (IGR) and government intervention funds in the aviation sector, airline operators are concerned over poor infrastructure at the airports. Consequently, foreign airlines flying into the country have petitioned the Ministry of Transportation over the appalling facilities at virtually all the airports across the country. The carriers, which spoke on condition of anonymity because of their safety, called on the Federal Government to look deep into airport terminals around the country in order to give better services to operators, passengers and others users of the facilities. Sources privy to information on the terminal quoted Gulf Carriers as saying that it pays FAAN N80 million every week for Passenger Service Charge (PSC), while another European carrier pays FAAN N160 million weekly. Cumulatively, the Gulf carrier pays N320 million monthly and the European carrier, N640 million. The payments include, but not limited to Passenger Service Charge (PSC),

jetty (Aerobridge), landing and parking. The foreign airlines complained that while they sell tickets in naira, FAAN mandates them to pay for their charges in dollars. Penultimate month, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) directed airlines operating in the country, particularly foreign carriers, to immediately stop the sale of air tickets in the United States dollars and other foreign currencies. According to the regulatory agency, the affected airlines have been given notes of warning and their action declared a flagrant contravention of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s prerequisites guiding the cost of products and services in the country. It was gathered that some foreign carriers started demanding for payment for flight tickets only in dollars since April this year in a bid to repatriate funds to their home countries due to scarcity of foreign exchange in Nigeria. Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, stated that it was disturbed by reports that some foreign airlines were declining to accept naira as payment for tickets. “In other words, some foreign airlines have bla-

tantly resorted to selling tickets only in foreign currencies. This act is considered insensitive to passengers who have chosen the airlines for their travels,” he stated. One of the staff of a foreign carrier said the complaint had been on, but that FAAN had not responded. “The excuse given is that the Ministry of Aviation has not given directive to that effect. Baggage damages by conveyor belt is another issue. “Most times, when pas-

sengers’ luggages get damaged, the airline is bearing the brunt and pay compensation to passengers instead of the airport authorities that operate the conveyor belt. Out of the 21 aviobridges, only four are working,” the source said. Spokesman for FAAN, Yakubu Datti, could not be reached as he was said to be in a meeting with the Minister of State on Transportation, Hadi Sirika. A popular aviation consultant, who pleaded anonymity, listed some of

the sources of IGR as five per cent on ticket sales and outbound passengers/ airport service charge on over 15 million passengers at $50 from each outbound international passenger and N1000 on each domestic passenger. Others are landing and parking charges on about 250,000 air traffic per day; sales charges and about 300,000 tons of cargo freight; air navigational and air traffic control charges on 400,000 air traffic and overflying movement.

It also include royalties on the imbalance of over 50 Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) and on commercial right agreements; charges on over one trillion litres of fuel sales and the revenue on car parks and toll gate concession, rent, offices and land charges, among others, at over 24 airports. Others include aircraft landing and parking with average charges of between $400 on smaller aircraft and $3,000 on bigger ones from over 250 air traffic yearly.

Ex-NBA president, Daudu, seeks divorce after 28 years of marriage Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

ormer President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Joseph Daudu (SAN) has filed a divorce suit, signifying his intention to nullify his 28-yearold marriage. According to court papers available to New Telegraph yesterday, the divorce suit, number KDH/ KAD/595/2016, was filed at Kaduna High Court one on July 8, 2016. In the suit, Daudu petitioned the court, stating that his marriage with Ranti Bosede Daudu, "has

broken down irretrievably", while he seeks joint custody of their 15-yearold last child, "James Baba Daudu until he attains majority age." According to the 14 paragraphs petition, the ex-NBA boss said that the marriage that held under the Marriage Act at the Sabon Gari LG marriage registry, Zaria on October 24, 1987, followed by church wedding at the St Georges Anglican Church, Sabon Gari, produced six children aged between 15 years and 30 years. The petition stated that the couples cohabited at Rwaff road, Zaria between 1987 and 1990,

and at Barnawa old GRA between 1991 and 2001 but from March 2013 "when cohabitation and consortium ceased. There are six children of the union between the petitioner and respondent." "The first five children have attained majority age and, therefore, no specific arrangement for custody needs to be made on their behalf. In respect of James Baba Daudu, aged 15 years, the petitioner proposes an amicable arrangement of joint custody as is presently rotated between petitioner and respondent. "The ground upon which this petition is anchored is that the mar-

riage has broken down irretrievably. The petitioner and respondent have lived apart for three years, the petitioner and respondent have not related as husband and wife from the 30th of March 2013. The petitioner does not desire or intend to resume cohabitation with the respondent. "The petitioner seeks a decree of dissolution of the marriage between the petitioner and respondent on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The petitioner also seeks an order of joint custody of James Baba Daudu, until he attains majority age," the petition stated.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday Ojeme

s the Federal G ove r n m e n t officially declares that the economy has gone into recession, a group of industrialists, under the aegis of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has partially attributed the problem to policy inconsistency on the part of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking with journalists yesterday after the association’s 56th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, the President of NECA, Mr. Larry Ettah, noted

Industrialists decry state of economy that the various signals emanating from the apex bank had not been helpful in growing the economy. “The Central Bank has credibility deficit. They have not been encouraging foreign investors. Investors love to see consistency; they are waiting to see if we are consistent,” he said. The Federal Government had, on Wednesday, admitted that Nigeria was in its worst possible time with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the 2016 second quarter

MTN unveils Osuofia, Saka, 8 other artistes as brand ambassadors

TN Nigeria yesterday announced Osuofia (Nkem Owoh) and nine other artistes as its 2016/2017 brand ambassadors. Mr. Richard Iweanoge, the General Manager of Consumer Marketing of the organisation, said this in a statement in Lagos. He listed the other nine as: Saka (Hafiz Oyetoro); Nedu (Steve Onu); Adamu Zango Praiz (Praise Adejo); Iyanya (Iyanya Mbuk); Chidinma (Chidinma Ekile); Falz (Folarin Falana); Tekno Miles (Augustine Kelechi) and Skales (Raoul Njeng-Njeng) Iweanoge said this was in line with the company’s commitment to support Nigerian musicians by providing alternative platforms for them to receive lucrative value for their intellectual property. It was also designed to continue to support the development of the entertainment industry, he said. According to him, this is by financially empowering Nigerian artistes and musicians through the promotion and monetisation of content on its various digital platforms. “With the significant investment made so far in Nigeria’s music industry, MTN remains and will continue to be one of the biggest supporters of the music industry. “We have a track record of consistently providing the stage for some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes to shine and express themselves. Through our Caller Ring Back Tunes (CRBT), MTN is the largest music distributor in Africa.

11m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Africa in 2006. Source: Itu.int

The life expectancy of men at birth of Iceland in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

“Through the platform, we ensured that Nigerian musicians would no longer suffer the scourge of piracy. “They are able to make good money, as a result of their hard work,” he said. MTN Executive, Ms Amina Oyagbola, said in the statement that MTN was proud to be associated with the growth and development of the careers of all its ambassadors, past and present. She commended them for their contributions to the company’s development in the country. Oyagbola said the company would continue to maintain the cordial relationship with them.

released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing the nation’s economy now in recession. The nation’s external reserves fell by 2.86 per cent to $25.45 billion on August 29, the latest report from the CBN showed on Wednesday. The foreign exchange reserves stood at $26.2 billion at the end of July. The continued scarcity of foreign exchange also pushed the naira to an alltime-low of 420 against the United States’ dollar at the parallel market. The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said the nation had a long way to go and the government was not deceiving itself that all was rosy. Ettah, who described

the recession as structural, said what the government could urgently do at the moment was to encourage positive growth by first investing a lot more in power generation. He pointed out that it was shameful that while South Africa is generating 40,000 megawatts of electricity, Nigeria is talking about 3,000MW. Ettah, who was reappointed the president of the association at the meeting, noted that Nigeria should be aiming to generate between 15,000MW and 20,000 MW to encourage the needed growth. He said: “We inherited a mess, but this government is turning it into disaster. Why is capital inflow not

coming in? Now government revenue monthly is about $1 billion, but what we need is $3 billion. In a situation where we need $3 billion and what we get is $1 billion, there is a problem. “So how do we meet the $2 billion gap? We have a lot of import demand to be financed with dollar. We import a lot of things. What we should be thinking about is how to produce them locally. How do we diversify the economy to ensure that things that are imported are produced locally?” While projecting that oil price will still remain low in the next two or three years, he, however, said that the current recession would force the

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country to become much more productive. On job creation, Ettah advised that it was not the duty of the government to create jobs, but should rather create a conducive environment for industries to thrive and create employment, adding that the faster these things were addressed, the better for the economy. “A conducive business environment is created when there is monetary and fiscal stability as well as security. Signals are clear that unemployment is increasing. It shows there is a lot of work to be done. It cannot be done by government alone. Government should create a conducive environment that will encourage the private sector as the engine room of growth,” he said.

L-R: Head, Diaspora Banking, FirstBank, Carol Anyaegbunam; FirstBank Customer/ Businessman, Alaofe Mohamed Afis; Group Head, Retail Banking (Lagos Central), FirstBank, Folake Ogunnaike; Bank’s Customer/Managing Director, Total Filling Station, Alhaji Mamud Ishola and Business Development Manager (Festac), FirstBank, Mr. Emeka Nwanya, at the launch of FirstDiaspora CFA Domiciliary account in Lagos.

FG shops for N2.4bn to pay off Aero Contractors workers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ance benefits. The second possibility is that the government could pay off most of the workers with plans to start on a clean slate by employing fresh workers in its turnaround plans. This is coming as First Nation Airways said it is undergoing maintenance on A319 fleet, adding that the maintenance exercise would be completed on or before September 15, 2016. The management of the airline, in a statement, said the carrier planned the maintenance action well ahead and notified passengers of the situation, stressing that it notified the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The airline lamented the current foreign exchange constraints, coupled with other 70 per cent devaluation of naira partly contributed in no small measure to the development. Most of the Aero workers were seen dancing, cursing and asking the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to pay them their threemonths salaries and other entitlements, saying they were ready to leave employment of the company any

time they are settled. Some of the workers locked themselves inside the premises of the company and vowed not to leave the premises. Other workers were seen passing food to them as they had been there since last Wednesday. Speaking to New Telegraph at the protest ground, President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Benjamin Okewu, said the unions had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the need to investigate the former management of the airline over graft that he alleged crippled the carrier. ATSSSAN and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) had caused a forensic audit that was carried out, but which result was not made public. The report investigated how tax payers’ money invested in Aero was embezzled by a few individuals. The unions accused Oceanic Capital of using Aero’s name to take a loan from the defunct Oceanic Bank and transferred it to Oceanic Capital, which went on to purchase some

planes and leased them back to Aero through Oceanic Leasing Company. “This can be confirmed on the tag printed on the plane clearly stating Oceanic Capital as the owner of the plane. It was this loan that almost killed Aero not CHC as being speculated. “This loan was allegedly used to purchase seven B737-500from Arizona at an average cost of $12 million each, but from the website of the firm from where the aircraft were purchased, they were going for about $4 million each. “From records, a total of seven airplanes were purchased, but only six were received by Aero from Oceanic Capital on lease. Aero was paying a lease rate to Oceanic Capital monthly, which almost wrecked the company and made CHC to withdraw as technical partner and took away all their equipment,” he stated. The group further alleged that when Oceanic Bank was taken over by Ecobank, all documents relating to the deal were destroyed and the debt transferred to Aero. A source close to the carrier, who spoke under a condition of anonymity,

put the airline’s trade debt at N20 billion, adding that the brand has been badly eroded over crises that has left the 57-year-old airline in pitiable situation. But the NCAA has defended the airlines, saying they are not folding up, but “merely suspending their operations temporarily to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.” A statement by the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, explained that Aero Contractors Ltd., currently has only one serviceable aircraft, adding that this in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out scheduled commercial operations with only one aircraft. Usman noted that the minimum acceptable number is three aircraft. “In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the Authority’s regulations, therefore, cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operations. The only option available is to suspend your opera-

tions temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course,” he stated. He, however, stated that NCAA’s Regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on nonschedule operations in the interim. He disclosed that the First Nation Airlines, on its part, is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft, stressing that another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the Regulatory Authority. In these circumstances, these airlines, he said, clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension. The NCAA boss said: “The NCAA wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace. “Every facet of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) and Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) must be adhered to with due diligence. In addition, everything has been put in place to continue to ensure compliance.”

NEWS | national

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fines: MTN Nigeria targets N300bn from IPO proceeds

Kunle Azeez

TN Group Ltd., Africa’s biggest wireless operator by sales, and minority shareholders in its Nigerian business are seeking to raise about $1 billion (about N300 billion) in an initial public offering

(IPO) a condition tied to the settlement of a record fine imposed by the West African government. This development was disclosed by people familiar with the plan, Bloomberg said yesterday Minority shareholders may sell down their holdings or exit entirely, while MTN may offer a

Ooni foresees bright economic future for Nigeria

he Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, said the nation would bounce back on track in spite of the present economic challenges facing it. Oba Ogunwusi said this during the courtesy visit by some management staff of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, (FIIRO) to his palace yesterday, in Ile-Ife. He said that the country needed to engage its citizens, particularly the youth in empowerment programmes to be able to achieve the expected economic growth. The royal father said the nation's strength lied in its human capacity, adding that there was need for continuous empowerment

programmes. Ooni lauded FIIRO's management's readiness to support and partner with the palace on its proposed empowerment programme and provision of employment for youths in Ife, Osun and the country at large. He said the country was blessed with such an institute which had come up with several products, relevant to the planned empowerment programmes. The royal father commended the management of FIIRO for its continuous commitment in ensuring self -reliance among Nigerians, saying this would help reposition the country to compete favourably with its counterparts.

small portion of its stake in the business, one of the people said, declining to be identified because the details are private. The Johannesburgbased company is still fine-tuning any offer and no final decision has been made on the amount, the people said. MTN declined to com-

ment, according to Bloomberg. The IPO is part of a deal struck with the Nigerian government to pay a N330 billion penalty for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered subscribers. The negotiations over the fine, which has contributed to a 38 per cent

Implementation remains Nigeria’s only problem, says Mabogunje Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

minent Professor of History, Akin Mabogunje, on Wednesday observed that Nigeria was full of people of ideas and good policies, but that its leaders lacked the ability of implementation for the development of its citizenry. Mabogunje, who is the Chairman of the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) established by former Permanent Secretary in the Communication Ministry, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, said this in Ibadan at the inauguration of the 34-member Public Policy Group, a think tank of academics, egg heads, captains of industries, with

the objective of forming policies for the government to turn around the fortune of the country. He said that there was the need for government and all stakeholders in the socio-economic development to prioritise on areas requiring urgent attention for policy development and articulation, while lamenting the rising trend of restlessness and security breaches were offshoots of bad policies and inability to implement good ones. According to Mabogunje: "There is clearly a glaring need for government and all stakeholders in the socio-economic development to prioritise on areas requiring urgent attention for policy development and articulation."

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Haliru Jika; Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Mike Okiro and Chief Executive Officer, Hardcore Biometric Systems, Nasa Anthony, during the foundation laying ceremony of the Nigeria Police Force Crime and Incident Data Base Centre in Abuja …yesterday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

decline in MTN’s share price since it became public in October, cost 1.3 billion rand in professionalservice fees, according to the company. Nigeria is MTN’s biggest money spinner, accounting for more than a third of its sales and profit for a company that has a market value on the Johannesburg bourse of 220 billion rand ($15 billion). Nigeria’s economic slump deepened in the second quarter as a declining oil industry weighed on output, with gross domestic product in Africa’s most populous country

contracting by 2.1 per cent from a year earlier, after shrinking 0.4 per cent in the first quarter. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index has slumped 7 per cent over the past year as a currency peg that lasted about 16 months deterred foreign investors, weighed on growth and led to a lack of dollars, curbing imports and causing shortages from fuel to industrial materials. MTN said in July that it hired Citigroup Inc. and Standard Bank Group Limited as advisers on the transaction.

N80.63bn

The total revenue of 2015 Government Quarterly Target from Company Income Tax for the 2015 Q2. Source: Firs.gov.ng

PDP BoT has no executive powers –Ojougboh Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer National ViceChairman, SouthSouth, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, yesterday said the function of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) was well spelt out in the party’s constitution, which does not include executive powers. Ojougboh, who was appointed by the factional National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as acting deputy national chairman, was reacting to the resolutions reached at last Monday's meeting of the board in Abuja. The BoT had passed a vote of confidence on the Senator Alhmed Makarfiled National Caretaker Committee, and has as well, directed that the next national convention be held in Abuja. But Ojougboh said the

role of the BoT as stated in Section 32 (5g) of the PDP constitution was merely advisory. "For the avoidance of doubt, the functions of the BoT are well articulated in the constitution of the party and Section 32 (5g) states that it will 'offer advice on matters. "We therefore assert that the BoT has no power in the constitution to issue executive orders on the party's matters," he insisted. Ojougboh emphasised that the tenure of the BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jubril, had expired in accordance with Section 32 (2c) of the constitution, which states that "the Chairman and Secretary of BoT shall serve a term of five years and no more." But former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Jalo, faulted the call for Senator Jibril to resign.

Nweke, others seek devolution of power to regions Nollywood stars meet Zuckerberg Kayode Olanrewaju

ormer Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke II, yesterday called for a political and economic system that would devolve power to the regions on mutually agreeable terms. This was as he argued that such would lead to greater accountability and faster economic development. The former minister spoke at the 17th edition of Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, which was organised to celebrate the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo. Nweke, who bemoaned the nation’s economic recession and the unparalleled level of degeneracy among Nigeria’s political class, which he blamed on the self-serving mindset which has stunted the nation’s development, impoverished the people and kept the country constantly on the brink. The guest speaker, who spoke on this year’s theme: “The State of the Nigerian Nation: Redefining Our Values,” expressed worries over the level of violence in the country, especially the Boko Haram insurgents and the Niger Delta militia, among other agi-

tating militia groups. While insisting that the country has lost its values and so degenerated to a country that is at war with itself, and whose people are at war with each other, Nweke wondered how Nigeria has regressed to a country in which bad behaviour is rewarded. As part of way forward from the present predicament the nation is, he canvassed for a decentralised police system that would respond faster and better to security matters. “I will support a decentralized police system that will empower the security architecture of the state to respond faster and better to the realities of our security situation today."

Mojeed Alabi

rominent Nollywood stars, including Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth, Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chidinma Ekile, Yemi Alade, Stephanie Linus, Adebola Williams, among others, yesterday met with the billionaire Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, when he visited Afrinolly, a leading Nigerian studio known to be deploying cutting-edge technology to producing films, musical videos in the country. The visit to the company by Zuckerberg was part of his tour of the

country as part of efforts to gain first-hand knowledge about how Nigerian entrepreneurs are creating the next wave of mobile innovation and to learn how Facebook can better support technology development and entrepreneurship in emerging markets. While taking the Facebook founder round the company, the owner of the studio, Chike Maduegbuna, gave an overview of how films are made and distributed in Nigeria, with Afrinolly’s mobile application, being one of the most popular ways that Nigerians watch African music videos, films, comedy and trailers. Maduegbuna demonstrated how Nollywood

film studios are already using cutting-edge 360-degree cameras and virtual reality to create new experiences. Maduegbuna said; “Nollywood is struggling to grapple with the level of organization and resources required to provide studio-based production infrastructure and services. Similarly, piracy and inadequate cinemas have limited the movie distribution channels available to Nollywood. “We see two opportunities for Nollywood; first, is to embrace technology and establish viable mobile-phone distribution of movies to complement the expanding cinema chains."

national | news

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Soyinka wants preachers of religious intolerance prosecuted Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

igeria's Literary icon and Noble Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday, condemned in very strong terms the wanton killings and reckless destruction of property in the name of religion. He said that such

dangerous precedence smacked a total departure from the norm, value system and culture that bind various interests together across the country. Speaking against the backdrop of the August 22 Talata-Mafara crisis that erupted in Abdu-Gusau Polytechnic in Zamfara State in which eight persons lost their lives, Soyinka described the events

High alcohol intake reduces female fertility Appolonia Adeyemi and Eleazar Nwanti

omen who drink 14 or more servings of alcohol (excessive alcohol consumption) a week are likely to have an 18 per cent decrease in their fertility. According to these findings in a paper published by The BMJ, low to moderate intake of alcohol, defined as one to seven servings a week, seemed to have no effect on women's fertility, nor did the type of alcoholic beverage consumed. However, the researchers suggested that couples should abstain from alcohol during their fertile window until a pregnancy is ruled out, because the foetus may be particularly vulnerable to alcohol during the first few weeks after conception. "Total abstinence may however, not be necessary to maximise conception rates because if alcohol is consumed moderately, it seems that this may not affect fertility," said Annie Britton from University College London. In Nigeria, infertility is common. It is estimated that one in four couples may experience delay in achieving conception. Infertility is often thought of as a female concern, but in fact, in a third of cases it is because of male problems, such as a low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and problems ejaculating, among others. Other factors that may play a part include age –

female fertility declines sharply after the age of 35 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), gynaecological problems such as previous ectopic pregnancy or having had more than one miscarriage, medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and thyroid and bowel diseases, lifestyle factors such as stress, being overweight or underweight, and smoking. According to official guidelines in several countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), United States (U.S) and Denmark, women trying to become pregnant should abstain from alcohol consumption, the science daily reported. But, the extent to which alcohol intake affects female fertility is unclear. "However, it would be wise to avoid binge drinking, both for the potential disruption to menstrual cycles and also for the potential harm to a baby during early pregnancy," Britton added. "If a couple is experiencing difficulty in conceiving, it makes sense for both partners to cut down on their alcohol intake," Britton noted in the paper published by The BMJ. The study included 6,120 female Danish residents, aged 21 to 45 years to examine the association between pre-conception alcohol consumption and time to pregnancy. The study assessed overall alcohol consumption, as well as intake of specific types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.

and those involved as "idiotic". He wondered why an academic environment was suddenly turned to a theatre of bloodbath all in the name of religion. Delivering his lecture titled "Culture At Risk" at the Second Eminent Lecture series organized by the University of Benin, Edo State, yesterday in the state capital, he reminded all that abuses of culture have negatively robbed and weakened nations, including Nigeria, the capacity for resistance under aggression, or more routinely, retarded their material progress. He said until the preachers of religious intolerance

Government Areas. He identified the affected Local Government Areas as Abua/Odual, Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Andoni, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Etche and Ikwerre. Others are Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Omuma,Oyigbo, Port Harcourt City and Tai. He further directed the affected chairmen to hand over to the most senior officials in their councils.

$350m

The net worth of Tom Hanks in 2016. Source: Fropky.com

"certainly, there are very few products of human practices and supposed intelligence that evokes such contradictory, sometimes self cancelling assessments and acceptability as those that are often confidently cited under the cultural mandate." "The debate is endless. It does not matter whether we are speaking of fattening houses for prosperous brides, technologies for planting, harvesting and preserving, or a people's annual pilgrimage to a spiritual landmark of a community, consecrated over centuries- we encounter both positive and negative indications," he said.

Governors owing salaries not prudent –Abubakar

Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

overnor of Jigawa State, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, has condemned state governors owing workers' salaries. He stated that they are not prudent. The governor, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, while fielding questions from journalists, stated that governors should cut down on things that have no much impact on the people and address things that are of importance to

the people. According to him, his administration considers staff salary very important and therefore cut down on expenditures of the government house in order to pay salaries. He said: "For instance, the government house expenditure has been reduced as much as 80 per cent, while the general overhead has been reduced as much as 47 per cent. The security vote has been reduced as much as 87 per cent. "We use only 13 per cent of what they normally use on security votes. We use only about 20 per cent on

what they normally spend on government house expenditure. So, all those expenditures that have no direct bearing to the common man has been reduced drastically to give room for service to the people". The governor, who emphasized that his administration was not owing salaries, said: "In fact, we always pay salaries on the 25 of every month, whether federation accounts comes in or not. We are not owing either local government or state salary and we are not owing pensions. In fact, pensioners are paid on

NCAA, NAMA, six others sued over forceful eviction

Wike dissolves 17 LGAs Caretaker Committees A

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers yesterday announced the dissolution of the Caretaker Committees of 17 Local Government Areas of the state. Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant on Electronic Media to the governor, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt. Nwakaudu said that the dissolution was with immediate effect but was silent on the remaining Caretaker Committees of six Local

made to pay restitution for incitement to murder under the banner of cultural relativism, it encourages others to continue in the act. "My view is that, we can complain, we can proffer, we can condemn, as much as we want, until those who are guilty, even by curious liability when a murder is committed are brought to book and made to apologize to the whole nation, and face penalty, such will not stop", he said. He pointed out that,

L-R: Wife of Osun State Governor, Sherifat; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; President Muhammadu Buhari; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his Borno State counterpart, Ibrahim Shettima, during the commissioning of Government High School, Osogbo in commemoration of Osun State's 25th Anniversary… yesterday

Akeem Nafiu

were made face trial and if found guilty, be punished; religious violence would be a hard nut to crack and cannot be abated in the country. The Noble Laureate said that when those who have instigated the killing of persons in the name of religion and blasphemy are allowed to walk freely in the society without being compelled to face trial according to the law, it would further encourage more religious violence in other parts of the nation. "When you have people like that whom I know that have instigated the killing of others walking freely on the street, without being

N10.2billion suit has been slammed on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and seven others by 40 retirees of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation before Justice Abdulazeez Anka of the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged and forceful eviction from their quarters. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA), Director-General of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Director-General of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were also joined as co-respondents. Other respondents in the suit are: Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The applicants, who included Oni Babatunde, Moshood Kolawole Jimoh, Temitope Tubi, Nwoke Onyebuchi Ogbonna, Bryank Kaduru and 35 others were former employees of the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The applicants, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked FHC/L/ CS/1135/16, are seeking a declaration that their arrest, harassment and detention by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and IGP at the instigation of the respondents on August 6, 2016, without any cause of lawful excuse was wrongful, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void, as it violates their fundamental rights.

the 13th or 15th of every month. We are not owing gratuity as well. "So, we are really very clean as far as staff welfare is concerned and even this week or next, I will be paying the annual leave grant to the workers which is a promise we made to them."

Electricity: Group appoints pioneer executive secretary Mojeed Alabi

he Head of the Regulatory and Transaction Monitoring Unit of the Presidential Taskforce on Power, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Ogaji, has been appointed the pioneer executive secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), a non-profit and non-political organization. The group was formed to provide a platform to discuss issues relevant to the nation’s electricity generation industry, and proffer sustainable solutions to sectoral challenges. The association, which comprises all the thermal, gas, renewable sources and hydro power generating companies in Nigeria, noted that the selection followed a thorough and deliberate selection process.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Man hangs self, blames Buhari in suicide note

Tony Anichebe Uyo

50-year-old man, Chief Ekanem Edet, has taken his life at Mbiabong Itam in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and left a suicide note blaming President Muhammadu Buhari. Residents of Mbiabong Itam were shocked to discover the body of the former secretary of the Mbiabong Village Council dangling on the suspended rope from the roof of his house. Edet, popularly called Jolly Boy, blamed his decision to commit suicide on the prevailing hardship which had taken a toll on his life since the nation’s leaders on May 29, 2015. A few days before his death, the father of two was complaining of the current economic crunch which had impacted on the living standard of the masses. Edet, who was selling Ogogoro (local gin), cigarettes and other stimulants, according to family source, Buhari decided to take his life when it appeared he could no longer run his small family with the meagre earnings from his business. hard times. Only God knows,” “He was a very sociable man Okon Effiong, a close associate and always shared his thoughts of the deceased, told journalists. on issues. I don’t know why he Effiong said Edet’s body was should consider suicide as the discovered by his friend, who last option to escape from these went to visit him that fateful day.

His wife and two sons, it was gathered, had gone out at the time the man committed suicide. “Later in the day, his friend came to check on him, only to discover that his long-

time friend and confidant had killed himself,” Mfonobong Ekpe, a teacher in the neighbourhood, told our correspondent. Although our correspon-

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

dent did not see the note, some relatives said the former village secretary left a suicide note blaming the president for inflicting unbearable pains and hardship on the people. “He used to complain that his petty business was no longer fetching him enough money to take care of his basic needs such as food and clothing for his family as well as pay his children’s school fees. “He was always blaming Buhari for his economic policies that do not allow the common people to afford basic commodities like garri, bread, yam, rice, beans, oil and kerosene and other essential goods,” Asuquo Bassey, a pastor at the local church said. According to him, the family was reluctant to call the police when it discovered the sad incident because of the suicide note which indicated that Edet took his own life. When contacted on the phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cordelia Nwawe, said her office was yet to be briefed on the incident. On Monday evening a man attempted to commit suicide by jumping into Mile 2 River, Lagos. The man, who was later rescued by some divers in a speed boat, reportedly shout “Buhari, Buhari, Buhari,” jumped into the river. “Buhari’s government has finished me and my business. I can’t afford to live anymore. Bye, bye to Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying. When he was rescued, the emergency unit from the Lagos State government gave him first aid. The man was too weak to talk.

City Briefs

Man, 20, electrocuted Cleric dies in Abia generator explosion Victor Mba Aba

20-year-old sales boy, identified simply as Monday, was electrocuted in front of his master’s shop while trying to remove a fallen high-tension cable on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway near Osisioma junction, Aba, Abia State. A witness said Monday, who hailed from Arochukwu, tried to remove the cable which cut during downpour. The witness said that immediately Monday touched the wire, electricity was restored and he was electrocuted.

When our correspondent visited the area, the owner of the shop could not speak on the incident as he was said to be recovering from the shock of the sudden loss of his sales boy. Some of the neighbours blamed the incident on the epileptic power supply in the area. According to them, Monday touched the cable with his bare hands because he did not expect power would be restored soon. At the office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), nobody was willing to speak on the issue.

Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

man said to be a pastor with Foursquare Gospel Church was burnt to death when his generator caught fire and exploded. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Plot 100 Nkwere Street in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. Also, a yet-to-be identified generator repairer was severely injured in the fire outbreak. It was learnt that the deceased had called the mechanic to service his generator. But while the pastor was helping the artisan to start the generator, it caught fire and exploded. It was also learnt that while

the mechanic, who was closer to the door leading to the staircase where the generator was kept was able to escape, the pastor was not. The mechanic is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Umuahia, while the pastor’s body was deposited in a mortuary. A witness, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that efforts to put out the fire could not save the victim as he was already dead by the time he was brought out. He said: “When we saw smoke coming out from the building, many of us rushed to find out what was happening. When we got there, we saw the mechanic struggling with fire all over his

body. But the pastor was on the staircase and smoke enveloped the whole place. “We tried pulling out the generator with a stick, but we found out that it was chained to the staircase. Before we could put out the fire, the man had died.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogbonaya Nta, confirmed the incident. He said: “The pastor actually called a generator repairer to service his generator and in the process the generator caught fire and burnt the two of them.” Nta added that both of them were taken to a hospital but the pastor was confirmed dead, while the mechanic was currently receiving treatment.

METRO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Divorce court

My wife left me for her lover A

36-year-old man, Ikenna Ezenekwe, yesterday told a Mararaba Upper Area Court, Abuja that his wife, Jane, ones asked for the termination of the marriage and settlement so that she could marry her former lover. He also said that Jane later left her matrimonial home and went away with her lover. Ezenekwe, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said this while testifying in a divorce petition he filed against his wife, Jane. He said: “She once told me that she was tired of the marriage and I should settle her so that she can go and marry her former lover who is in the village but I refused.” The Upper Area Court judge, Ibrahim Shekaru, adjourned the matter till September 27 and ordered that summon be issue to the respondent. Ezenekwe, who resides in Orozo, Nasarawa State, asked the court to dissolve his five-year-old marriage to Jane for allegedly abandoning their matrimonial home. The petitioner said his wife also brought her lover to their matrimonial home to sleepover whenever he travelled. He said: “I opened a provision shop for my wife in 2013 at Jikwoyi, Abuja, but each time I went to the shop I see a young man named, Ugo, who always sits and cuddles her. “Whenever I confront my wife about her relationship with Ugo, she always brushes it aside and gets angry. “She did not only limit her relationship with the man to the shop, but she took it to my house.’’ The petitioner also told the court that the respondent had threatened to kill him. He said that sometimes in August 2015, Jane took a knife, threatened to kill him, but he ran to the police station and reported the matter. Ezenekwe told the court that Jane was compelled to write an undertaking never to do that again.

Eight more girls admit pastor slept with them lReligious leaders, greatest sexual crime perpetrators –Police

Muritala Ayinla and Taiwo Jimoh

ight more girls yesterday claimed that the General Overseer (GO) of Tongues of Fire Restoration Ministry, Sogunle, Lagos, Pastor Chukwuma Nkwocha, was sleeping with them. This brought the number of girls allegedly abused by Nkwocha to 10. After the GO was arrested on Tuesday, two of the 30 girls rescued from the church, told the police that the self-acclaimed man of God had carnal knowledge of them while others denied being abused. However, top police officers told our correspondent yesterday that eight other girls had admitted Nkwocha abused them. The girls have been moved to the police Protective Centre at Ikorodu, Lagos. The victims accused Nkwocha of sleeping with them forcibly in his house. Police sources told our correspondent that the girls were taken to a private hospital to confirm the allegation if they were actually raped by the pastor. “The girls have been taken to the Protective Centre of the State Police Command at Ikorodu, after medical checkup had been conducted on them to ascertain their allegation against the pastor,” one of the officers said. The GO’s younger brother, Mr. Ikechuwkwu Nkwocha, had told New Telegraph that the man was a nice fellow who only provided the girls accommodation. He said: “My brother is a nice per-

son. When some of these girls come to the church and complain of accommodation, he always comes to their rescue by providing them apartment in his house.” Ikechuwkwu, however, alleged that it was one of the girls, who the pastor chased away, that petitioned the police, accusing him of trying to rape her. This came as the police in Lagos yesterday bemoaned the surge in domestic violence and sexual assault. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, expressed concern on the development while briefing journalists at the state Secretariat, Alausa, to kick off a monthlong awareness campaign against all forms of domestic and sexual violent crimes. However, Badmos said religious leaders led the pack in the crime. The PPRO said statistics available to the command showed that there had been an increase in the report of sexual crimes over the past few months. She said the command was working closely with the Office of the state Attorney General and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to frontally address the issue. Badmos said from the recent reports and investigation, it was discovered that the major perpetrators of sexual offences were religious leaders hiding under religion to commit heinous crimes. According to Badmos, a few days ago, about 30 girls were rescued from an acclaimed man of God. She added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, had already ordered a discreet investigation into the

The church

case, while the public would be briefed in due course. On his part, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said a detailed research was carried out in February in all prison facilities in Lagos on sex convicts and inmates awaiting trial for Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases. He said the campaign against sexual crime should not be left alone to the women folk. According to him, all hands must be on deck to frontally address scourge. Kazeem said there would be all male walk in the state to curb the crime during the programme tagged: “Promoting Positive Masculinity, Men Can End Sexual and Gender Based Violence.” According to him, it was carefully selected and centered on the compelling need to ensure men act as flag bearers in the fight against such crimes.

Ogun hospitals shut over pregnant women’s death Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

Adultery:Two-year-old marriage crashes as wife refuses oath-taking

two-year-old marriage between a 29-yearold housewife, Mrs. Yetunde Omale, and Mr. James Omale, ended yesterday because the woman refused to swear at her husband’s village to proof her innocence over alleged infidelity. President of the Igando Customary Court, Mr. Adegboyega Omilola, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), dissolved the marriage blessed with a child. In his judgement, Omilola said that it appeared that the man and the woman were tired of the marriage since all efforts to reconcile them had failed. He said: ‘Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve it. “The court, hereby, today pronounces the marriage between Yetunde Omale and James Omale dissolved, and both parties, henceforth, ceased to be husband and wife. “Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance and molestation.” Earlier, Omale, self-employed, told the court that his wife was promiscuous in his response to the divorce suit she filed. He said: “My wife knows that she is guilty of adultery that is why she is afraid to go to my village to swear. “She left her matrimonial home for a month to an unknown destination. “In my tradition, after a woman had left her matrimonial home and wanted to return, she must first go to our village to swear that no man slept with her while she was away.”

Gov. Amosun

gun State government has closed down three hospitals over alleged quackery activities resulting in the death of two pregnant women. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, disclosed this in Abeokuta. The affected hospitals are Shepherd Clinic and Maternity, Ayo Ni Medical Centre and Dayo Maternity Home, all in Ifo Local Government Area of the state. Ipaye, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Hospital Services, Dr. Solomon Shokunbi, disclosed that two

pregnant women bled to death because they were allegedly attended to by quack doctors. The commissioner did not reveal the identities of the deceased pregnant women. He explained that one of the deceased had initially been on admission at Dayo Maternity Home before she was referred to Ayo Ni Medical Centre, where she later gave up the ghost after efforts by the former to take the delivery of the baby proved abortive. Ipaye bemoaned what he described as the “criminal and inhuman activities of the quack medical doctors”.

Bishop Azubuike goes home, as Ikpeazu, Orji mourn Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

igerians from all walks of life will today converge on St. George’s Cathedral Church, Isiala Ngwa to pay their last respects to the charismatic bishop, the Rt. Rev. Owen Nwankujuobi Azubuike. Several people regard Azubuike as a quintessential priest. In his opinion, Sir Loveday Okwuonu said: “On the pulpit and especially on crusade grounds, you are stunned by his outstanding delivery. He would dazzle and move his audience with eloquent but heart-rending sermons; his spellbinding anecdotes, his sonorous voice in choruses, his infectious dance steps,

Azubuike

evocative and efficacious prayers dissolved many hearts of stone and drew them to God.

“You saw a man radiating sincere divine fervor, a man imbued with a clear vision of an urgent mission! He was your evangeliser par excellence and no one would take that from him.” He will be sorely missed by his dear wife, Virginia Nwada Azubuike; sons – Emeka, Prince and Covenant – as well as daughters - Amarachi Eric Ukanwa, Chioma Ngozika, Sowechi Uche Nkemdirim and Ozioma Emeka Nwafor. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, his predecessor in office and personal friend of the late bishop, Senator Theodore Orji, and Rt. Hon. Martin Azubuike, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and a staunch member of the Cathedral Church of St. George, will be among the dignitaries expected to grace the funeral.

10 News|NATIONAL

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG’ll work with northern states to revive Durbar festival – Mohammed his office. “Until recently, Durbar used to be a fixed cultural item in many parts of northern Nigeria and it is about time we revived it. This is one culture that you can hardly find replicated anywhere in the world. “Durbar in northern Nigeria is unique not only for its pageantry and colour, but for the potential it has to create jobs and also create wealth for our people,” he said. Mohammed said Bauchi State was not only the citadel of Durbar but a hub of tourism in Nigeria, as his ministry would

Temitope Ogunbanke

he Federal Government yesterday expressed its readiness to work with states in the northern part of the country to revive the Durbar festival following its huge potential to showcase the pristine African culture and also create jobs. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this in Abuja, when he received the Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to

Richman

commence the tourist sites in the state as part of deliberate efforts to promote tourism. “One thing Bauchi is known for is tourism and culture. Many people in Nigeria will remember the Yankari Games Reserve, but what many people will not know about the games reserve is that a few years ago, it was actually given back to the government of Bauchi State and since then they have taken tourism very seriously,” he said. Speaking during the visit, Governor Abubakar described Mohammed as an astute information

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I, formerly known and addressed as Omoro Richard, now wish to be known and addressed as Omoro Richman. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public should note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE IFELAGBA WEAVERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

–(President)

–(Secretary)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To introduce and encourage the use of technology by weavers in Nigeria, so as to expand production for export 2. To promote culture among the populace 3. To encourage the patronage of the locally made goods. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BAR. S.K HASSAN ESQ

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PRIME HEALTH CARE AND CANCER CENTER 4A SOBO SIFFRE, AROWOJOBE ESTATE, MENDE, MARYLAND, LAGOS

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004. The Trustees are: 1. Prof. Olalekan Olatunde ABUDU 2. Prof. Boniface Adedeji OYE-ADENIRAN, mni 3. Mrs. Fadekemi Basirat OGUNTUASE 4. Dr. Kehinde Sharafadeen OKUNADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To reduce mortality among women in Nigeria by organising grass-root advocacy and providing affordable health care and support services to those affected by the common communicable and non-communicable diseases especially female cancers and HIV. 2. To increase public awareness about the common killer diseases among Nigerian women. 3. To organise regular community outreach programmes. 4. To organise regular policy-driven advocacy drives as a way of reaching out to decision makers. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR HEALTH LAW DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under part 'C of the companies and Allied matters Act Part ‘C’ 2004. The Trustees are: 1. Olayinka Owoeye 2. Ebenezer Durojaye AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To advance the human rights to health of everyone, especially disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in Nigeria. 2. To serve as a public health law resource and advocacy center in Nigeria and beyond towards creating healthy and thriving communities. 3. To promote access to health care for the most vulnerable and marginalized populations such as women, girls, children, orphans, sexual minorities, people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, migrants and refugees, drug users and prisoners, among others. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Yinka Owoeye, Esq. 50/52, Broad Street, Lagos

ELOBUIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elobuike Chidinma Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Okafor Chidinma Mercy. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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This is to confirm that the names Ughiovbe Ilounokhalumhe Solomon and Ughiovbe Ilous Solomon refer to one and the same person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. Skye bank Plc, GTBank Plc and general public should note.

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This is to notify the general public that the names Nnachi Chukwuemeka Ibiam and Nnachi Chukwuemeka refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Nnachi Chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Plc, First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Awoegbe

This is to confirm that Awoegbe Friday Chinedu and Awoegbe Chinedu refer to one and same person. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as Awoegbe Friday Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

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James

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manager, who had redefined the art of public communication in Nigeria. “It is important and incumbent on me to pay this courtesy visit for the single reason that information and communication are essential and

integral part of the success of any democratic government and Alhaji Lai Mohammed has blazed the trail from the time he was the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress to his present appointment as the Minister of Informa-

tion,” he said. The governor said his visit to the minister was very successful as he would be taking home some salient points that would help him to rejig the machinery of information management in Bauchi State.

ASUU to FG: Constitute economic team to tackle recession Babatope Okeowo Akure

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday asked the Federal Government to constitute a new economic team to address the recession the country has been plunged into as a result of the drop in revenue from crude oil. The Akure zone of ASUU comprising Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), said the economic team should contain men and women with knowledge of the

economy. According to the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Alex Odiyi, the Federal Government should look inwards in addressing the economic problem the country was facing in the last one year. Odiyi, who was addressing reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had no solutions to Nigeria’s myriads of economic problems, rather, there should be home grown solution to the nation’s economic woes. Odiyi advised the Federal Government to go into the nation’s universities and constitute a sound economic team instead of dancing around international agencies for solu-

tions to agriculture, engineering and economic problems. According to him, domestication of the nation’s economy is the panacea to the dwindling fortune of the country’s economy and other spheres of life. The academic union also threatened to embark on strike over the policy somersault of the Federal Government in education, especially the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in universities. He said: “The policy has made it impossible for universities to draw research grant, run programmes based on endowment funds and transfer funds earmarked for staff development in universities locally and overseas.”

Don’t negotiate with Boko Haram, coalition cautions FG Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

s pressure continued to mount on the Federal Government to engage Boko Haram insurgents in negotiation to secure the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE), has cautioned the Federal Government against such negotiation with the terrorist group. It warned that such negotiation would taint whatever success the government might have recorded in its war against terrorism, as it would also

serve as an open invitation to other groups with similar a mindset to hold the nation to ransom. CATE during a protest march to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Information yesterday, advised the Federal Government not to allow any group or sect hold the nation to ransom through unreasonable demands. During the march, which was led by its Secretary General, Daniel Obaje, the coalition also commended the military for decimating the Boko Haram sect in the North-

East. “We all are not unaware of recent trends in the very successful fight against terrorism as instituted by the dedicated government of President Muhammadu Buhari. His administration has achieved high percentage achievements in this area of ensuring national stability and peace. “However, certain elements in the nation, who have over time benefited from the spoils of violence and its antecedent followings, have risen to distract the vision and drive of this administration to put a final nail to the coffin of these saboteurs,” it said.

CIPM to Buhari: Ensure budget funds are not diverted Muritala Ayinla

orried by the alarming rate of unemployment in the country, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) yesterday, tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that funds allocated for projects across the sectors were not diverted, saying the unemployment rate would be

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I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anoliefo Veronica Nkemdilim now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vera Nkem Nwafor. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

managed if capital project were executed as designed in the 2016 budget. The institute, which carried out an extensive research on Nigeria’s unemployment trend and came out with a solution to the nation’s lingering problem, said the Federal Government would manage the growing rate of jobless Nigerians with the scheme already designed by the ruling All Progressives Congress, but that the strategies could only be effective if the funds allocated for the capital project are not diverted. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on the steps towards solving the

nation’s unemployment challenges, Chairman, National Unemployment Challenge, Dr. Musa Rabiu and the CIPM President, Anthony Eromosele Arabomen, said the nation’s unemployment problem ranged from lack of job to unemployability of Nigerian graduates. According to Rabiu, “The Federal Government is on the right track, but it must make sure that funds are not diverted. We hope there will be no diversion of funds or leakages. The Federal Government must ensure that there is no leakage in the funds for construction and other capital projects.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Edo decides PDP to Police: Don't be partisan

Politics

Performance APC raises the bar in Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;West

12 13

Battling for Ondo APC guber ticket Barring unforeseen circumstances, the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State is expected to emerge tomorrow. Babatope Okeowo reports on the top contenders for the sole ticket

bout 3,000 delegates drawn from 203 political wards will tomorrow converge on International Event Centre, Dome in Akure, the Ondo State capital to elect one of the 25 aspirants jostling for the sole ticket of All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of the governorship election fixed for November 26. Already, the electoral committee constituted by the National Secretariat of the party headed by the governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, is in the state. The advance team led by Alhaji Ali Magashi, has made all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the primary election. In fact, the list of delegates who would vote had been given to the aspirants for claims and objection before the election. For the past few months, the aspirants, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, have been moving from one local government to another canvassing for votes of delegates. Some have shared cars, motorcycles, money, rice, T-shirts and faz caps in order to woo delegates to their sides. Some of them have gone a step forward by sharing political positions with their supporters even though they have not emerged as candidate not to talk of winning the election. Although 25 aspirants paid N7.5 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms, eyes would however be on six of them who are

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

ÂŠ Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

didate against him in the primary.

Abraham

Akeredolu

likely to emerge as the candidate of the party. The likely candidates are Dr Segun Abraham, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Chief Olusola Oke, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Bode Ayorinde and Prof. Ajayi Boroffice. In the last few weeks, the state chapter of the party has been embroiled in crisis over the perceived endorsement of one of the aspirants. The aggrieved members wanted the chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke removed over the alleged pandering to the wish of the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Aside Tunji Abayomi, who came out boldly to attack Tinubu over the endorsement of one of them, others aside Abraham have been using their supporters to haul abusive words against the National Leader of the party. Abraham He is perceived as the endorsed candidate of Tinubu. Before the en-

Akeredolu A former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the legacy political parties of APC in the 2012 governorship election in the State. He lost the election to incumbent governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko. Aketi as he is fondly call by his admirers, has the backing of some powerful forces in Abuja, the seat of power. The governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, the Ministers of Solid Minerals, Power, Works and Housing, and Transport, Kayode Fayemi, Raji Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi are alleged to be the leading supporters of Akeredolu. Like others, he has moved round the state wooing delegates to his side. Among his core loyalists are the Deputy Chairman of the party in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, an ex-officio member and Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, a former House of Representative member. His major albatross according to many people is that he does not have the temperament to rule a state like Ondo. He is perceived as a reactionary individual which is an attitude that politicians resent. Another issue against him is that he fizzled out of the political scene after the 2012 election only to reappear during the 2015 presidential election. The dispute between him and the leadership of the party in the South-West headed by Tinubu may likely cost him the ticket.

Boroffice

Oke

Although 25 aspirants paid N7.5 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms, eyes would, however, be on six of them

dorsement, which has generated crisis in the state chapter of the party, the businessman has moved round the states canvassing for votes among the delegates. Some of the factors in his favour is that he is the only aspirant who has not shared political positions among his supporters. This, many people said would make him accessible to all party members irrespective of the group they belong if eventually he wins the primary and the election. Also the aspirant is from IkareAkoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state. The local government has bulk vote among others in Ondo North Senatorial zone of the State. The endorsement by Tinubu has made him the candidate to beat in the election. However, the gang-up against him by other aspirants may scuttle his chance of winning the primary. Other aspirants, New Telegraph learnt, are meeting in order to present a consensus can-

Alasoadura The senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial district is one of the aspirants to be reckoned with having scaled the hurdles to become the Senator of Federal Republic. As a former commissioner of Finance for six years, he has knowledge of grassroots politics in the state. At a point, the structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was built around him. His major selling point in his Akure domain which many people see as alternative to that of Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) if APC is to win the state. The argument is that if Akure with the largest votes in the state is left with the candidate of PDP, the APC would lose the election, hence the need to pick another Akure person to balance the equation. The campaign issue against Alasoadura who is the only aspirant without external support is the support he gave to Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki during the battle for the Senate Presidency against the instruction of the leadership of the party in the South-West geo-political zone. Oke The candidate of the PDP in the 2012 governorship election is unCONTINUED ON PAGE 12

POLITICS

Stories by Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

head of the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Judiciary in the State, the Police and the Civil Service not to allow the All Progressives Congress (APC)led state government use them against its members in the build-up to the election. The PDP, in a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, alleged that the APC has perfected a plot to use the Police, the Civil Service and the Judiciary to take many of its prominent leaders out of circulation before the election and release them thereafter when the elec-

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP to Police: Don't be partisan

tion must have been concluded. The statement read: "In the last couple of weeks, a lot of information has been coming to us from all manner of sources. As a responsible political party, we analyze, investigate and authenticate before reacting. "The latest is the shameful and unlawful directive issued to the Edo State Head of Service, Gladys Idahor, by the outgoing Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as it concerns the standing as surety for arrested members of PDP in the days leading to the governorship election scheduled for September 10th. "In a meeting with all Directors and Permanent Secretaries in the employ

Oyegun urges electorate to vote for continuity ational Chairman of Edo DECIDES N the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has appealed to the people of Edo state to vote massively for the party's governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the September 10 governorship election, stating that Obaseki’s victory will consolidate the gains of Governor Adams Oshiomhole's unparalleled achievements in the last seven and half years. Oyegun made the call in Benin City, the state capital while debunking claims by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that the Oshiomhole’s administration did not achieve anything substantial but robustly rich in propaganda. He said,“Obviously, the PDP is suffering from crisis of confidence and self-destruction because they had 10 good years to develop Edo State at a time the federal allocations due to the state was highest, coupled with ecological funds that ran into several

billion of naira. “Granted that Governor Oshiomhole made some genuine mistakes, he is still the best we have produced since the history of this state and region as governor and those who doubt this assertion are those who have their memories to forget the history of our people. “That is where continuity and solid development comes in. I am convinced that no one is better qualified than Mr. Godwin Obaseki tobe the governor of the state after leaning the role of leadership and governance process in the last seven and a half years under Governor.”

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

doubtedly one of the leading lights in the state politics. He came second in the election behind the incumbent despite the crisis in the PDP as at then. He was a member of the House of Representative in 1992, a pioneer Commissioner representing the state in the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a Chairman of the State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC). He was also a Legal Adviser of the PDP for years. Oke is believed to have the backing of the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, with the understanding that he would make Hon. Bola Ilori, a Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Environment his running mate. As the only strong aspirant from his senatorial district, Oke may get the bulk vote from his area to outwit other aspirants. However, the cog in the wheel of him

of the Edo State government, the Head of Service intimated them that there is going to be mass arrest of PDP leaders across

the 18 Local government areas by the state police command. "We urge the police, civil service and state

Obaseki

on. Philip Shaibu, the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday narrated how the former chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, allegedly mutilated the 2008 budget sent to the state House of Assembly by the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Shaibu who disclosed this in Benin, the state capital shortly after receiving the endorsement of the entire leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the state capital expressed delight over the support and endorsement by the students. He noted that the opposition PDP intends to further destroy the economy of the state but appealed to the people of the state to cast their votes for the APC and not the opposition party in the September 10 gubernatorial poll. Shaibu, a former Presi-

judiciary not to allow themselves to be used to intimidate, harass and detain our members and to immediately release

Ize-Iyamu

all those who have been thrown into police cells and prisons across the state under spurious allegations."

Mahmood

NANS endorses Obaseki dent of NANS reminded Edo people not to forget too soon how the state used to look like when the PDP was in power, pointing out that Oshiomhole’s administration has turned the fortunes of the state round in favour of all. “Everybody knew what Edo State used to experience flood and criminality but today Oshiomhole’s administration has rescued Edo state. Our budget in 2008 was taken to Abuja to be scrutinized by one man called

Anenih. That was when PDP was in charge of the state Assembly. I escorted Comrade (Oshimhole) to Abuja to Anenih’s house, and Anenih used his red pen to remove everything that is good in the budget. While describing Obaseki as one man who would turn Edo State to Dubai, Shaibu said the APC governorship candidate remains a man of many parts. His words: “Obaseki is a man that when you talk about the story of transformation in our banks,

you must mention his name. If you talk about those industries that are making waves today in Nigeria, the story will not be complete without calling the name of Obaseki. If you want to talk about Nigeria as far as the economic issues are concerned, you must mention Obaseki. “Everybody wants to tap from his experience. It is a gift from God at this time that APC decided that it is time to look for a technocrat to head the government here."

NUJ chair tasks media on peaceful conduct

edia practitioners have been advised to use their platforms to promote peace and harmonious relationships amongst members of the public ahead of the September 10 governorship election in Edo State. Chairman of Edo State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sir Roland Osakue, gave the charge

yesterday during the media chat organized for journalists in collaboration with National Democratic Institute (NDI) Speaking at the event tagged " Edo Media Peace Day Chat", Osakue said the essence of the parley was to brainstorm on the need to provide safe environment for journalists covering the elec-

tion, stressing that the Union has collaborated with the various security agencies with a view to providing adequate security for journalists. He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to tidy up their side by doing their best to conduct free, fair, credible and conclusive election on September 10.

APC guber ticket: The contenders, the pretenders getting the ticket is the time he joined the ruling APC. He led his supporters from PDP to APC after the presidential election of last year when President Muhammudu Buhari has already been declared winner. Despite his defection, Oke was unable to win House of Assembly election for his new party. The outcome of the state assembly in his area put to question his relevance in the politics of Ilaje Local Government Area and South Senatorial district where he once held sway. Boroffice A two-term Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial district is one of the front runners to the APC’s governorship ticket. The Asiwaju Akoko was one of the aspirants of ACN in 2012 elections before the leadership in the party picked Akeredolu. He is one

politician that has not lost election since his foray into politics. Apart from winning his own election, he also produced a House of Representative and the House of Assembly members in his constituency. He also has the backing of the wife of National Leader, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu and the former interim Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande. However, his inability to keep to his promise during the last election when he said he would not seek the office of the governor if voted for second term as a senator is a major issue confronting his aspiration. The votes from the four Akoko local governments may be divided between him and Abraham and this may give other aspirants edge over the two of them. Ayorinde A member of the House of Representa-

tives from Owo/Ose Federal Constituency has been a major financier of the party since he was elected into the National Assembly. This perhaps gave the impression that he has the backing of the State Chairman of APC, Kekemeke. The Pro Chancellor of Achievers University has distributed vehicles, motorcycles and cash in order to woo delegates but has Akeredolu, who is more rooted in the politics of Owo to contend with. Although there six are the top contenders in the primary election with one of them likely to emerge as the candidate of the APC, aspirants like Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo and Chief Jamiu Ekungba, who are viewed as having outside chances may however spring surprise in the election.

Politics

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The recent gathering of governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has, once again, brought to the fore the need for a united and strong party at the region. Sola Adeyemo reports

overnors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at both the national and South West zone of the country recently converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to deliberate on the state of the nation vis-a-vis the performance of the ruling party, and x-rayed its challenges, and came to the conclusion that President Muhammadu Buhariled administration was capable of taking the nation to the Promised Land. The zonal conference which held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, witnessed a lecture with the theme: "The South-West and the Challenges of Change in Nigeria", delivered by Prof. Ropo Sekoni. It had in attendance many stalwarts of the party including the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; the party’s National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun; the National Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni; the South-West Zonal Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, and Prince Tajudeen Olusi, among others. The governors present at the gathering include Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Deputy Governor of Ogun, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, who was represented. Some Ministers present also included: Minister of Solid Minerals and Natural Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his counterpart in Communication, Barr. Adebayo Shittu. Also not left out of the conference were serving and former National Assembly members from the region including Dr. Victor Olunloyo and Chief Bamidele Olumilua, former governors of Oyo and old Ondo states, respectively. In a communiqué read after the conference by Dr. Bayo Ademodi and signed by Chief Henry Ajomale, Chairman, Planning Committee, the conference recognised the need for diversification of the economy, noting that it had become mandatory for the successful enthronement of true political and fiscal federalism with each geo-political zone exploiting its resources for maximum development. The party, which acknowledged that many Nigerians are suffering owing to paucity of funds in the Federal Government's coffers, nevertheless appealed for patience, while calling for the unity of party members in Ondo State in the exercise that would lead to the emergence of the party's standard bearer for the November 26 gubernatorial election in the state. The party unanimously congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari's administration in its determined and largely successful effort, so far, to steady the ship of the Nigerian state, which the conference

L-R: Governors Ajimobi and Aregbesola, Senators Fasanmi and Ojudu at the conference.

APC raises the bar in S’West

described as listless and heading for complete wreck on account of 16 years of acute mismanagement by successive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- led Federal Government, just as it calls for more engagement in influencing the affairs of the party and government at the national level. The party also congratulated its governors in the zone for their "dexterous ability to effectively manage the affairs of their respective states in the face of a severe economic downturn" noting that it was on the account of their admirable performance that the region remains amongst the most economicallyviable and investment- friendly in the country. Setting the ball rolling, the Vice President Osinbajo, noted that the current pains and sufferings that Nigerians were feeling presently were the results of mismanagement of the commonwealth of the nation by past government, reiterating that President Buhari is only too aware of the economic hardship that the people are going through. Speaking through Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Vice President, who said that Nigeria's dawn was about to break with the renewed determination of the APC-led government to turn things around, noted that Nigerians just had to change from their old ways of doing things because things could not be allowed to continue the way they were. His words, "When we took over the reins of governance, we knew that things were bad. What we did not realise, however, was just how bad they really were. Now we know better. The current pains and sufferings that our people are feeling today are the results of yesterday's mismanagement of the commonwealth of our great country. "President Buhari is only too aware of the economic hardship that our people are facing. He feels the pains that you feel, and he has asked me to reassure you that a glorious dawn awaits. As you all may well know, the darkest part of the night is the period before dawn. Nigeria's dawn is about to break. We are determined to turn things around, so that, once more, our people will begin to feel real impact of government in their lives".

The challenges facing the SouthWest are democratically, economically, environmentally and knowledgeconnected

In his presentation, the guest lecturer, Professor Sekoni, seized the opportunity to correct some observations which he described as erroneous assumptions about the actions of the APC that saw to the emergence of government of the day. According to him, the erroneous assumptions include: “that our current political leaders made a mistake working towards forming the All Progressives Congress, and for working very hard to push the party to victory in 2015. The political commentator who noted that although, former President Goodluck Jonathan had become the foster child for everything that had gone wrong with Nigeria before the last election, the guest lecturer said the situation that came to a head at the time of the election did not start with Jonathan. He posited that "Although, Goodluck Jonathan had become the foster child for everything that had gone wrong with Nigeria, it is honest to accept that the problem that came to a head at the time of the election of 2015 in terms of adverse effects of mis-governance on the country as a whole, especially corruption and policy failures, did not start with Jonathan. It had been part and parcel of the concept and practice of governance in the country for decades before the arrival of Jonathan." However, he stated that the challenges facing the South-West are democratically, economically, environmentally and knowledgeconnected, concluding that "the Buhari/APC administration made the right choice of manifesto when it determined that Nigeria was already close to coma and needed change that can pump oxygen into its heart". Speaking earlier, the host governor, Ajimobi, enjoined the conference to support the Buhari administration by willingly giving it the needed support. He noted that leaders of the party in the South West were not fair in their complaints of marginalisation by President Buhari- led administration, saying that they have been too distanced from the presidency. His words, "We have won election for a very long time. Before, majority of Yoruba people were not in the progressives. Now that we are at the Federal, I have not seen any differ-

ence. My prayer is that our party will continue to be in government. We should know that it is not the best if you succeed and others don't benefit from you. We have been in government for almost two years, how long shall we continue to prepare?. "We are here today not only to felicitate but also to reposition ourselves for unity, participation and cooperation for better service delivery to our people. Some people feel sidelined and neglected. Why should you feel so? When I wanted to become the governor of this state, I was going to people. Now, I have become the governor, they still expect me to be looking for them. It is not possible. I was looking for something then, I went to them and if they are looking for something, it is normal that they should be looking for me too." After highlighting achievements of President Buhari, the National Chairman of APC, Chief OdigieOyegun noted that, "it will be wrong to give the impression that it has all been plain sailing. We all know that the economy is in bad shape due to years of dependence on oil as the mainstay of our economy. The administration of President Buhari has however set in motion an enabling environment for diversifying of our economy. Policies are being put in place to promote agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing sectors as alternative means to generate foreign exchange". Also, speaking at the occasion, Governor Aregbesola, made a fresh call for restructuring, genuine and true federalism and a Nigeria that is all-inclusive, noting that "In 2013, the country had about N1.2 trillion as our total accrual, but now in 2016, there is only N21 billion in total accrual and we pretend things are normal. Anybody who tells you Nigeria is rich is ignorant. Our common wealth is in the pockets of some people. We all share poverty together and just because a few monopolise this poverty, we think we are rich; we are very poor", he asserted. Clearly, the conference has taken a bold step and makes strong statement about the state of the party in the region; it is only left to be seen whether the various recommendations made will see the light of the day.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Reaping from readers' reaction (2) Emissary EMEKA OBASI emobas2003@yahoo.com 0809-445-7557 (sms only)

n small scale business parlance, the customer is always right. As you stretch out to sell your goods, the bottom line is to make profit. In the process, you are expected to take all the knocks as long as cash rolls in at the end of the day. In writing, one must also expect all kinds of reaction. The good, the bad , the ugly. It is like holding public office. Those who cannot take shit, may not have what it takes to lead. President Muhammadu Buhari would not have heard of a dog bearing the same name if he chose to stay back in Daura. Early in 2015, Sai Baba was like a password. Today, many who hailed him are still expecting the much expected change. That is what a leader goes through. As leaders lead the people, readers also read the writer. I have a couple of readers who keep me going. Some are good to me, showering my mailbox with kind words. A few hit me so hard that I wonder if I snatched their spouses. The good thing is that I try as much as possible to respond to them privately. And somehow we end up as friends. Here we go. RE: MIMICKING MIKEL OBI’S BIG HEART Mekus, I agree with you intoto that Mikel has a big heart. Mikel really surprised me with his excellent conduct both within and outside the pitch in Rio. He not only exhibited humility but added patriotism to it. The only unfortunate thing about the whole issue is that Nigeria is not worth a man’s soul especially under the current dispensation that is characterized by nepotism, islamisation and Northernisation. –Uzoma Nwoko RE: BUHARI: BOWWOW COGNOMEN

BOOMERANGS I don’t like the way you treated and eventually killed that your dog, that was too brutal and inhumane. The poor thing attacked you because you were not caring for it, which is bad of you. If you can’t care for a pet, how can you care for your kids? You were cruel to that animal. So cruel and wicked. So you can kill anyone who hurts you? – Lmao 08178477297 RE: OKWARAJI: DAY JESUS SAW RED Love your piece on Okwaraji. One correction though; Okwaraji played for Eziachi Secondary School in Orlu, not Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu. – Emeka Ibemere RE: IRONSI, IRONSIDE THE CROCODILE My dear Emeka Obasi , thanks for that piece. I have known about 70 percent of all the facts you clearly stated there , having studied Nigeria as my main private curriculum for the past 30 years. – BU 07052601855 Very incisive especially what befell the criminals years later. –Dele Ige, Ile-Ife Ironsi ruled Nigeria for 200 days and so did Murtala that pulled the trigger on him… six months. – Dr. Eugene Arinze. Mr. Obasi, did you notice that most of all those foot soldiers at the fore to kill Ironsi and Fajuyi, who all subsequently suffered violent deaths, were mainly northern Christians? Same race that actively participated in the pogrom against the Igbo. There is a curse on them. It is why they are being decimated today. – Chima 08028963250 Just to appreciate your piece. More of it. – Comrade Ikah Benjamin Ejiofor RE: OGBULAFOR: BIFFING AND BEATING BIAFRA Greetings to you my beloved brother. I am seriously angered by the sufferings and hatred our people are facing in this entity called Nigeria. Your entire write-up reminded me of

The poor thing attacked you because you were not caring for it, which is bad of you

those ugly events and it made me sober and I almost shed tears for our people. Soo Chukwu will see us through. Well done. – Adiele 08037231061 I know Biafra will be liberated someday. God bless you and all Biafrans dead or alive. I pray God Almighty ,the creator of Heaven and Earth will give you strenght to always say the truth. Truth will surely prevail. Chukwu Gozie gi 08185271446 It is really sad Bro. Emeka. Indeed I had known that the issue is more than meets the eye. Unfortunately, the Ogbulafors of this world amongst Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba etc whose stock in trade is compromise and who want to remain VIP for life will always water things down to make feelings and effect seem insignificant. You have my prayers of recompense from God. All blessing. –Pastor Bobola, Akure. Thanks for your piece concerning the Igbo. Keep it up. 08184203210 All I can say is thank you for trying to reopen this issue. I am very worried that the Igbo in the National Assembly are not fighting Buhari for continuing the Civil War as president of Nigeria ,50 years after. Please remind the Igbo legislators in Abuja of what Justice Chukwudifu Oputa said when he submitted his report on reconciliation to the President of Nigeria. He advised: When your right as a Nigerian is violated by anyone, no matter how highly placed, do something to show that person your annoyance. – Barr. Nwokoro Chris Williams. RE: MESSI: MANY MESSY MISERIES A bit surprised that New Telegraph could allow a piece as pedestrian as the one published today. The World Cup Award for the best player was one instance. But to have instantiated your claim with breaking a goal record is laughable. You wrote tripe. This is low grade schadenfreude. Try reading up proper football commentary. What you wrote is guff, the type that would irritate Andrian Durham, the model of sickly genre you seem to want to copy. Sad to read this tosh. Ghengis Khan ayelala50@gmail.com

Azubuike: Exit of the People’s Bishop Loveday Okwuonu

n December, 1984, I visited my father at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Omoba where he served as the Catechist. It was their Adult Harvest Celebration. You will recall that 1984 was a year the heavens folded their rain bearing wings and no rain came for several months so that crops shrivelled in the heat, heralding hunger. There was just little or no harvest to celebrate! Father had invited a young church teacher from the neighbourhood to preach the gospel at that event. As the young man mounted the pulpit I noticed something unusual in his mien: he was virtually vibrating, no, constricting all over; his trembling lips were muttering urgent prayers. What looked like tears ran down his cheeks! Within a few minutes he had held the 500man strong congregation spell-bound. He took his text from the book of Genesis 19: 15. He quoted copiously from the Bible to buttress his point that whenever the elements turned against humanity, it was

their sins, our sins, that precipitated it. It happened to Sodom, he said; it would happen to us he concluded. I was deeply touched by the time he had finished. That young man was Owen Azubuike, who died recently as Rt. Rev. Owen Nwankujuobi Azubuike, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Isiala Ngwa. Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwankujuobi Azubuike could easily have adopted the famous words of Charles the first of England from the scaffold in 1649, as his epitaph: “I have a good cause and a gracious God on my side… I go from corruptible to an incorruptible crown’’. It captures aptly the belief, the ambition and the vision of this man of God whose life spans sixtynine eventful, even dramatic years! When in 1947 he was born into the family of late Chief Paul Azubuike Ngwaba and Lolo Ugadiya Azubuike Ngwaba of Ebere na Owo in Isiala-Okpu Autonomous Community, Okpu Umuobo Ancient Kingdom of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government, Abia State, nothing unusual marked the entry of that child of destiny who was to become one of the most popular priests of his time. His youth was not distinguishable from those of his peers:

there was the long period of schooling; there was the intense struggle to realize his dreams; there were efforts to discover the hidden power that is within – which would propel him to his destined career. That struggle was long and fierce in the life of young Owen. He tried his hands on several occupations unsuccessfully, until that day in 1974 when he surrendered himself to Christ during a Morris Cerullo city-wide crusade in Aba. Like St. Paul he was caught permanently by the Holy Spirit and from then on a burning desire consumed him – to share the word of God and preach it to the end of the world as demanded by his Master! Unlike many these days he did not choose to establish his own ‘ministry’; instead he opted for a place in the established church of God, starting humbly as a church teacher. It is significant that the Anglican Community to which he belonged recognized the huge potentials in this young man and decided to train him as a priest. Thus he was admitted into the famous Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, in 1989. In 1992, after completing his training, he took the diaconate vow and in 1993 was ordained a priest by the Rt. Rev. Prof. A.O. Iwuagwu, the then

Bishop of Aba Diocese. From then on, it was a meteoric rise! Rev. Owen Azubuike was installed a Canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael’s and All Angels, Aba in 1995, just two years after his priestly ordination! He was later that same year appointed the Diocesan Missioner, a hugely demanding task of evangelism and church planting. Testimonies abound of his successes in this direction. His rising profile continued and in another five years he was collated an archdeacon. That was in the year 2000. In March, 2007, Ven. Owen Azubuike was elected Bishop of the newly created Isiala Ngwa Diocese and was consecrated at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu, by his Grace, Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola CON, the then Primate of All Nigeria on April 18, 2007. At a ceremony marked with pomp and pageantry the following day, 19th of April, he was enthroned the first Bishop of the new Diocese at St. George’s Church, Umuomainta, Nbawsi. Rt. Rev. Owen Nwankujuobi Azubuike was the quintessential priest: on the pulpit and especially on crusade grounds, you were stunned by his outstanding delivery. • Okwuonu wrote in from Isiala Ngwa, Abia State.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Why our graduates are failing

he trend with which establishment of universities has been turned to constituency projects by political office holders, specifically some state governors is condemnable and absolutely unacceptable. For any government, either at the federal or state, university be that as it may, should be seen in its entirety beyond mere political gerrymandering, as being orchestrated without decorum and disregard for universality. As a purveyor of knowledge, efforts need to be galvanised to regard and treat the ivory tower as such, if the country discerns to make meaning out it. Apart from being subjected to abuse, it is however, worrisome that many state governors have misconceived the essence of universities as mere dividends of democracy, which should be appropriated to their towns and villages on the altar of self-centredness and nepotism. There is no doubt in the fact that the country, as the case may be, is in dire need of more universities, given the exponential growth in population and the limited admission spaces in the existing 142 universities (federal, state and private) of the federation. But, this should not serve as enough yardstick for any governor to site universities at their backyards just because they are

in power and in control of the state’s finances. Unfortunately, this aberration has continued to be fanned in absolute contradiction at the expense and detriment of the existing universities, which either are starved of funds or neglected outright by the same governments which take pride in establishing new universities, when the old ones are left to suffer. No doubt, establishment of a university has its guidelines and regulations, as provided for by the law and co-ordinated by the National

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the creation of the institution in line with the guidelines such as location, financial capacity of the state government to fund and the need for the establishment of the institution on one hand. The NUC, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in approving and issuing operating licence to universities. It is therefore curious to see some governors bypassing these legitimate considerations

Governors cannot unilaterally set up an institution of learning

Universities Commission (NUC), the agency saddled with the mechanism of supervising and controlling the operations and functions of existing universities, as well as establishment of new ones, but it is disgusting that most often, these regulations are set aside for political and pecuniary reasons. The fact remains that governors cannot unilaterally set up an institution of learning, especially a university for that matter, without legal, constitutional and financial framework, as well as without inputs from major key players in the project, including the state House of Assembly. The assembly approves the executive’s bill for

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to secure approval. We must blame the state legislators and NUC, which most often than not are unconscious

of these responsibilities to the state, but put selfish considerations and gains far above the interest of the people in passing the executive bills for the establishment of universities. On this expedition is Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson, who despite inability to fund the Niger Delta University (NDU) located on Wilberforce Island, which was established in 2000 by the late Chief Diepriye Alamieseigha’s administration, went ahead to establish the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, in his home town. This is a state which houses the Federal University, Otuoke, established by the former President Goodluck Jonathan

in Otuoke, his home town. Likewise, last year, the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, apparently disregarding the people’s outcry over his administration’s neglect of the existing Ondo State University of Science and Technology, located in Okitipupa, established the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, sited in Ondo, the governor’s home town. The National Universities Commission should as a matter of expediency realise that its responsibility does not stop at giving approval or issuing of operating licences to the new universities, as it owes the people the duty of ensuring the establishment of functional universities based on quality investment and funding profile of the state. The commission should ensure that any state applying for a university should have provided substantial funds, as regulated by NUC and such funds should be domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that should monitor their disbursement. Without this and other frameworks for establishment of universities, the country will continue to witness still-born institutions, which were founded merely to score political goals. This in all intent and purpose is not the ideal of a serious university setting.

POLITICS

Stanley Okoro Emegha

he history of any given society is replete without events for it is events that make history. These events may be either positive or negative depending on natural circumstances or the charismatic ability of the political gladiators at the helm of affairs of such society at any passing phase. These events nevertheless dictate the evolutionary trend of such society vis-avis its struggle to modernization. The events of history often time not only serve as a parameter or yardstick to measure the success or failure of any society but also constitute a formidable factor in identifying what went wrong and how past mistakes can be corrected so that the society can forecast and project into the future for purpose of posterity. This has been the case with the homogeneous entity known as Edda Clan, whose inhabitants have right from time immemorial shown positive adaptation to modernization. The H.D Waddington Report Published in 1930 by the Federal Ministry of Information described the Edda Clan as an ancient civilization, stressing that the peoples' origin and migration pattern are synonymous with the famous people of Arochukwu and Ohafia who historically are their kith and kins. This was explains why notable personalities of Edda extraction such as Omezua Emea Udu Oji, Prince Anya Oji Egbeke, Chief Ukpai Nsi Agwu, HRH Ezeogo Okorie Oji Uzor, HRH Ezeogo Okoro Onuma. Eze Edda XXI, Chief Oko Emegha, Chief Oji Nnachi, Chief Ewa Oji Ama etc had played prominent roles during the nationalist struggle and some of them had occupied key positions in both colonial and post colonial era For instance, Sen Ezeogo Uka of Nguzu Edda was elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1959 representing Abakaliki/Ogoja Province - a position he held until. 1966 at a time HRH; Ezeogo, Ogbuagu Ekumankama was already the Registrar of Co-operative Society of the Federation. The outbreak of the Nigerian civil war in 1966 unarguably truncated the visible political gains made by the Edda Clan at the center of national politics. This dark era of political doldrums continued until 1976 when Chief Francis Ama Oji - a product of Forabay College of Democratic Republic of Congo was appointed a Permanent Secretary by the Imo State Government. It is on record that he had in liaison with other compatriots of Edda extraction such as Osuu Sylvester Chima Oduko, Omezua Emea Udu Oji, Henry Ama, Ugorji and others attracted the establishment of Government College at Owutu Edda in 1984, Owutu Edda General Hospital in 1991. Oso Edda General Hospital in 1992, delineation of 10 political wards from Edda out of the existing 16 political wards in then Afikpo Local Government Area as well as the creation of Afikpo South Local Government in 1991 among other visible achievements. The brilliant performance of Chief Francis Oji in the civil service as a seasoned technocrat earned him an appointment in 1988 as the Deputy governor under the then military administration of Imo State, Navy Commander An-

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Umahi's love for Edda clan

Umahi

thony Oguguo and later the Babangida Military junta appointed him as the Minister of Police Affairs in 1991 and he was appointed later in the same year appointed as the Special Adviser to the Military Administrator of Abia-State, Group Captain Frank Ajobina. Furthermore, it is worthy to also mention here the immense contributions and noble role played by Osuu SO. Oduko to the growth and development of Edda. He was appointed as Permanent Secretary in 1988 and his first place of posting was Imo State Civil Service Commission. He happened to be the longest serving Permanent Secretary of Edda extraction who bowed out of service in 1999 after the attainment of 60 years of meritorious service to his fatherland. It was until 1995 that the Edda clan produced the first Commissioner following the appointment of Dr. Ekuma Oji Uzor as the Commissioner for Health by the Military Administrator of Abia State, Navy Commander Temi Ejoor - a position Oji Uzor retained in the Administration of Navy Commander Walter Feghabo after the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996. Unequivocally, these pockets of appointments trickled to the Edda clan in piece-meal until in 2011 when Engr. David Nweze Umahi propped up Prince Ugorji Ama Oti to succeed him as the State Chairman of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). This opportunity opened the floodgate of other juicy positions which the Edda people graciously received with pride such as the post of senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, Head of Service of Ebonyi State and Commissioner for Information and State Orientation to mention but few. In other words, it is an in controvertible fact that while the tenure of office of Engr. David Nweze Umahi as the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be a season of harvest of political appointments by

the Edda Clan, his eventual emergence as the Executive Governor by divine providence signaled an unprecedented recognition and apparent avalanche of more of these appointments in major Ministry and key sectors as follows: Dr. Dermis Ude Ekumankama, Hon. Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development; Prince Sunday Ugwuocha, Senor Special Assistant the Governor on Salt and Cement Production; Barr Joseph Ekumankama, SSA to the Governor on Abuja Liaison office. Others are Hon (Mrs.) Emerald Akaji, SSA to the Governor on Women Mobilization, Ebonyi South Zone; Prince Ugorji Ama Oti, Chairman, Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Board; Barr. George N. Ukpai, State Auditor General for Local Government; Chief Abia Onyike, General Management Ebonyi Government Printing Press; Dr. Nnachi Okoro, Commissioner III, Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC); Mrs. Ijeoma Oji Uzor, Secretary, Fiscal Responsibility Commission; Mrs. Maria Okechukwu Ama, Secretary, Women Development Commission; Dr. Uchenna Okoro, Chairman, Primary Healthcare Agency Development Board; Prince Anya Okorie, member, Primary Healthcare Board; Mr. Paul Nkama, member, Primary Healthcare Board; Mr. Osita Ugo, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Media. The catalogue of positions occupied by illustrious sons and daughters of Edda will be incomplete without mentioning the likes of Sen. Sonni Ogbuorji - Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation whose wealth of experience and political sagacity has made him indispensable in the senate. He appears to be the longest serving senator, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, being the first senator from the zone to enjoy re-election to the senate for two consecutive terms - courtesy of Engr. David Nweze Umahi. At this juncture, it is imperative

Umahi has, in turn, demonstrated his magnanimity, benevolence and love for the Edda Clan

to also give special kudos to the two law makers of Edda extraction in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for their ingenuity and level headedness. The law makers in question made their constituents proud by joining forces with their colleagues in making effective legislations aimed at improving the social well-being of Ebonyians. The effected two law makers are namely; Hon. (Engr.) Chidi Emerole Ejem representing Afikpo South East Constituency and his Counterpart, Hon. Nkemka Okoro Onuma representing Afikpo South West constituency. They have no doubt distinguished themselves as tasted and trusted confidants who are responsible and responsive not only to the electorate but also to their political mentors. While Engr. David Nweze Umahi must be commended for balancing political appointments to reflect the geographical spread in the state, the infrastructural development effort of his administration especially in Edda is exemplary. It is gratifying to note that work on the construction of Amasin/ Amangwu/Owutu/Ebunwana/ Ekoli/Nguzu Road is in progress. Hopefully, the construction of the three bridges at Amangwu Edda has reached 70 per cent completion. The reactivation of the Rice clusters at Oso Edda and the adoption of the large expanse of land at Akaeze/Oso Edda Rice Farm Land by the State Government as pilot / demonstration farm for massive rice production are measures aimed at repositioning Edda as the food basket of Nigeria. Edda youths and women are not left out in the Youth and Women Empowerment Programme of the Ebonyi State Government as substantial number of Edda Youths have already been short-listed as potential beneficiaries of the sum of N600 million approved by the State House of Assembly for the first phase of the youth empowerment programme in vogue. Be that as it may, it is worthy to mention here that the fact the people of Edda voted m a s s i v e l y f o r G o v. David Nweze Umahi was because of the ingenuity of the Afikpo South LGA Chairman, Chief Julius Ama Oji (Ochiri Edda) whose unwavering commitment to the struggle was not only exemplary but also worthy of commendation. To whom much is given much is expected. Therefore, it is not out of place that during the April. 11 2015 Generational Election, the People of Afikpo South Local Government Area in their quest for power shift to Ebonyi South Zone, ranked third among the LGAs that gave Engr. David Nweze Umahi the highest number of votes in the State. Governor Umahi has in turn demonstrated his magnanimity, benevolence and love for the Edda Clan through his extra-ordinary welfare package to the people. Since one good turn deserves another, the people of Edda would always rally round the Umahi Administration in its dogged determination to transform Ebonyi State to an enviable height. â&#x20AC;˘Emegha is a member of Advisory Committee on LG Projects Monitoring, Ebonyi State

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Arts

Why Jangu-Gu drum, technique appeals to me, by Williams

CULTURE

Agwu Enekwachi

kachukwu is an artist in search of the true meanings to the realities of life based on his imagination and visual experiences. To this end the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Fine Art graduate explores the potent expressive qualities offered by both painting and poetry allusive to the happenings around his environment. How does he create coherent bodies of work to advance his narratives? Akachukwu Chukwuemeka achieves this through the interpretation of his personal journeys and aspirations. After passing through studio processes his ideas become visual revelations reflecting society’s rhythms. As one can understand from his creative thrust, painting and poetry are the sure channels through which Akachukwu attempts to answer old and new questions by allowing his mind to sieve through those experiences gleaned from the observations of the silence within and without. Akachukwu explained that his inspiration dates back to his childhood days when his young creative mind would perceive and recreate images in his environment. “Those days, my dad would sometimes take us through the short bushy pathway that led to our house in the suburb of Nsukka, as we passed especially in the twilight, you would see tree forms looking like animal or human forms that seem like they are about to grab someone. It was my imagination working on those images and they seemed to evolve and transform,” he said. Akachukwu also found the sky an interesting source of inspiration. He talks about the plenty of forms that are visible to him by observing the clouds in the sky. These are forms most people would look at as ordinary cloud. Gazing at one of his paintings, he said, “The forms are evanescent, not permanent but constantly shifting so you must capture your image of interest before they disappear.” While in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and in search of inspiration, those memories of childhood came back. “I re-cultivated the habit of watching and reflecting on the cloud forms of the sky. When you look at the sky, there is no limit to the harvest of images. “Some-

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Akachukwu

Looking at the sky

Akachukwu: My engagement with forms from the sky

times you see images that suggest people coming back from the market or images that look like people having a meeting, going to wedding or playing football. When I started my studio practice here in Abuja, I decided to investigate and build a narrative around the phenomenon in order to explore and tap from its ephemeralness.” After many years, he is still inspired by the rich forms from the sky through which he creates some of his surrealist paintings. For Akachukwu, the sky is a metaphor for our individual worlds and the happenings therein. To create these worlds, Akachukwu uses dyes to first colour his canvass to recreate the cloudy patches of the sky. His canvasses are a meeting point of perceptions and deliberations. “On some days, I use my camera to capture images of the sky. Like I said the forms are ever changing and once you get an interesting form, you pick it before it melts away,” he said. Akachukwu’s views as captured in his work “Belonging” is based on the cellularity of man’s social existence. Within a larger world, we all belong to one group or an-

When you look at the sky, there is no limit to the harvest of images

other - religion, race education, politics, sports, or any aspect of human endeavor. It is common for people to gravitate towards certain interest. He explains that in the Nigerian system, people refer to the inordinateness of this concept as ‘cabal’. In the work, different groups of both human and animals congregate in separate circles within a space. Although dominated by human forms, what looks like a small congregation of animal forms also shares the canvas space. He noted that “everybody belongs to somewhere even when you are forced into one. I believe life is so because we are searching for meaning so that our aspirations and values will be met.” In “Looking at the sky” the forms look towards the source of an eternal energy. The humanoid forms all seem to listen, as if in expectation of the fulfillment of a certain deep yearning. “Sometimes there is so much noise in the society that we don’t have time to withdraw a bit and listen to our inner selves. The self needs to be connected to the Supreme Being. In the world, we are usually preoccupied with the activities of life which seem to choke the voice of reason. I want to buy a big car; I

want to have a society wedding.” The artist talks about his experiences of noise and silence during his brief stay in Lagos in 1999. “Each time the public electricity supply went off, the following silence though temporary brings peace, you could hear the tiny voices that had been drowned.” Akachukwu asserts that it is “such few minutes of silence and his personal moments of solitude that inspire him to engage in creative work.” On the several unfinished canvases in his studio space looking like imitations of the sky, Akachukwu said: “I invented the sky on the stretched canvasses before me. I‘ll begin to stretch my imagination using the forms I see as points of departure. Building on the initial forms and colours, I continue until I arrive at a good result. This takes time but at the end of the process, the result becomes clear.” Asked if the provenance of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam influenced his taking to the sky? He says: “As a child, I did not know anything about Michelangelo. It was when I got into the University that I began to hear and read about him and his great works like the creation of Adam. I was not imitating anybody. It was an original inspiration. Rather the western artists whose works excited me a lot were Salvador Dali because of his surrealist paintings and Van Gogh because of his expressionism,” he explains. In one of his surrealist paintings titled the wandering woman (Oil on Canvass), the usage of the image of a spider makes reference the power of the woman. Akachukwu explains, “I relate the power of a woman in relation to the power of the spider. The spider is patient until you land in its web. No matter how smart you think you are, when you end up in her love web, she won’t let you go.” About how far he intends to take his art to? He said, “I want to continuously explore my art and take it to the highest visibility. The main desire of an artist is to be seen and appreciated. But sometimes people want to make sales and because of that their art may lose its voice. Art for me must reflect my philosophy and ideas and this for me is beauty. That way, when I come out with a piece, I do so with a strong voice that is uniquely mine. Akachukwu also talks about what art practice and patronage should be. “I believe as an artist that I don’t have to bother myself with marketing my works. It is part of the problems artists encounter in Nigeria. The artist creates the work, goes out to market it, because of that; you don’t really have time for the primary business of creativity. I believe in my manager who takes care of the marketing. The galleries are also a part of my plans. I just want to have enough time to create works.” Agwu Enekwachi, Art teacher and sculptor, writes from Abuja

ART

Isioma Williams is a choreographer, dance director and drummer with years of experience at the national and international levels. In this interview TONY OKUYEME, he talks about his encounter with the popular Korean drum, Jangu-Gu, why he is organising drum workshop among other issues.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

WhyJangu-Gudrum,technique appealtome,byWilliams South-Korean drum (Jang-gu), and the Yoruba culture of the bata drum. The ‘Journey of the Jang-Gu…’ shall further focus on the quality, uniqueness and relationship of these epic drums,” William said. He disclosed that through popular demand the 2nd phase of the Jangu-Gu drum training workshop kicks off today at the Little Theatre of the Artist’s Village, NCAC, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The workshop is a platform to train artistes in how to play the Janggu drum and everything involved in its usage, as it relates to all aspects of our art. “After a successful 1st phase, which rounded up with a concert organized to showcase the knowledge acquired during the session, the demand for the 2nd phase became high and this motivated the Korean cultural centre Nigeria led by Mr. Han Sungrae, to further continue the sponsorship of the Janggu drum training workshop, initiated and also facilitated by Isioma Williams, the Director of Drumsview concept and a pioneer member of the Korean Culture Supporters Club. He added that the workshop, which is scheduled to run for three months, from Monday September 5, to Wednesday, November 30, 2016, aims “to build up each participant’s overall understanding of drumming and music (including notation, scoring and sight reading). Generally, the

or those who know Isioma Williams, his engagement with traditional drums spans over two decades, during which he has also been engaged in choreography and dance directing as well as acting on stage. Buy one thing is obvious, his passion for traditional drums, is palpable. “In my experience as a traditional drum musician, I have had vast knowledge of the Nigerian traditional drums, as well as some international traditional instruments,” he says, during a workshop on Jangu-Gu, a popular Korean drum, which he organized at the Artistes Village, National Council for Arts Williams shows how to beat Jangu-Gu drum and Culture (NCAC), National alone. Hence, in a way to spread Theatre, Lagos. and share these vibes, to connect He noted that having organ- not just to the African culture but ised and participated in several also to have a transcultural feel of international cultural exchange music, I have decided to embark programs, with countries like on a project I tagged ‘Journey of Ghana, South-Africa, Mada- the Janggu Drum to Africa’, so gascar, Togo and Japan among that traditional musicians from others, he has seen and experi- Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa enced different cultural drums can also have the Jang-gu experiand drumming. “So, as a result ence.” of my participation in the naWilliams, a former chairman tional theatre of South Korea of the Lagos State chapter of CPI 2013, I experienced the the Guild of Nigerian Dancers brilliant, amazing and eclectic (GOND), explained that the JangJangu-Gu drum. Gu drum workshop will expose “The Jangu-Gu drum and its young artists to different cultural, drumming technique appeals religious, geographic and socioto me so much that it creates economic backgrounds and in so a semblance of my love for the doing, provide the opportunity Bata drums of the Yoruba cul- for them to develop a greater unture. This influx of sensation derstanding of diversity. and memories as well as the “‘Journey of the Jang-Gu…’ is gathered experience, is beyond a drum workshop that explores what I can conceal or utilize the traditional culture of the

workshop will expose participants to discovery and how to make impact through our individual acts. “We expect that at the end of the workshop, each participant will not just be able to drum but will receive enough education for sharing and continuity even after the workshop. “The workshop will use interactive teaching techniques and each participant will be encouraged to participate from the basis of his or her own experience and insights. We hope that in addition to learning and skills development the workshop will provide a valuable opportunity for those involved in this to meet together and encourage each other towards further discovery, education and implementation. According to him, it will also be a time to think and work on new ideas, in time set aside from the ordinary demands of life. “It is hoped that it will also be a time for participants to recuperate so as to be able to return to their work with new energy. “But I want to specially appreciate the South Korean government for granting me the scholarship to visit and study in Korea and a very big thank you to the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, for giving me the opportunity to express myself by accepting and sponsoring the first phase of my project, and that might not been possible without the help of the former Director of the Centre; Mr. Kwon Yong IK and his able assistant; Madam Meeyoun Jee.”

Jangu-Gu drum and its technique appeals to me..., it creates a semblance of my love for the Bata drums of the Yoruba culture Williams (middle) and his colleagues on Bata drum

Project Fame: End of the road for Gabriel, Steve Edwin Usoboh

L-R: Show host, Bolanle, Falz and Joseph Benjamin on the set of Project Fame West Africa Season 9

ast week, Project Fame West Africa Season 9 contestants put up a great show as they treated audience and viewers to beautiful rock ‘n’ roll perfor mances. In the end, the power to retain the best singers in the competition was still put in the hands of teeming viewers across West Africa. It would be recalled that all 12 contestants were placed on probation penultimate week, and just before the names of contestants with the least number of viewers’ votes were revealed, all the contestants delivered another impressive group perfor mance. It was later revealed, however, that Gabriel, Oluchi, Steve, Dapo,

and Winner had the least number of viewers’ votes and so were required to perfor m again to escape elimination. Thereafter, the Judges saved Winner, Faculty saved Dapo and the contestants saved Oluchi, leaving Gabriel and Steve as the eliminated contestants. The remaining 10 contestants thrilled the audience with five star perfor mances. Meanwhile, what was ter med the night of Best Street songs took another turn when Falz aka ‘Falz The Bahd Guy’ made an unexpected appearance on stage, unsettling the hosts of the show, Joseph and Bolanle. In addition, Emeka, aka Emekus (a Season 7 finalist) also lighted up the stage as he performed his latest single titled ‘Jehova Witness’.

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Adiukwu: I’m a 'race for life' veteran Ogechi Perpetual Adiukwu is a TV personality, philanthropist, and women’s rights advocate. The founder of Oge Stars Football Club; OGE Women, Children & Youth Empowerment Initiative; and Peps-Pean TV Productions, told EBERE AMEH about her involvement in the cancer project, adding that people buy into such idea and trust because they know that the funds raised would be used for the purpose intended

gechi Perpetual Adiukwu is a lady with a big heart. Her passion to help humanity is unrivalled. This has led to her establishment of Peps-Pean Productions, a TV show that encourages charity and grassroots sports development; membership of organizations that work to alleviate the plight of the less privileged, like Soroptimist International and Society of St Vincent De Paul, just to mention a few. Not satisfied with her enormous efforts, she founded the OGE Women, Children & Youth Empowerment Initiative with a bias for the Internally Displaced Persons in the country, but with her new motto ‘Pepsie what Next?’, the young lady is set on conquering more grounds for God and for the needy. After losing a friend to cancer some years ago, Pepsie, as she is fondly called, got interested in the UK Race for Life to raise money for cancer research and has participated consecutively since 2011. “I joined Cancer Research Uk’S Race for Life in memory of my friend Ngozi and with gratitude

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Adiukwu

on behalf of survivors – my niece Uche and my friend’s husband, Tony. This year was my 6th race for CRUK,” Pepsie explained. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a series of women only events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. Over the past 20 years, more than 8 million women have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, raising over £547 million to fund the charity’s lifesaving work. “There were several ‘Race for life’ 2016 events across the Uk to raise money for Cancer Research UK Marathon, Half Marathon, Hiking, Pretty Muddy, 10k and 5k races. My 5k race was fun; it was entirely up to the participant whether she wanted to run, jog or walk. There were mothers pushing prams, mothers with very excited kids eating ice cream and walking along. Cute looking dogs were also on parade. The route was lively with volunteers hifiving and cheering us on. Supporters and the public also cheered us on with shouts of well done...great job! This year’s race was just as enjoyable as the previous ones. “I am probably a ‘Race For Life’ veteran. I started in 2011 and have done five events. Last year I did

People will also have to buy into the idea, and trust that the funds raised would be used for the purpose intended

the 5k Pretty Muddy race a muddy obstacle course that you climb over, crawl under, and charge through to show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink according to CRUK. It was quite challenging I fought my fear of heights and won! “Now, I plan my visit to the Uk with ‘Race for Life’ in mind. There were 3,458 participants, £262, 642 was raised...CRUK hope to raise over £50 million from Race for Life 2016 to continue lifesaving research.” Pepsie said while describing her experience. Race events particularly funstyled ones like ‘Race For Life’ make very interesting fund raising. People who like supporting good causes are more likely to do so if they are going to have fun while doing it because it’s a win win situation. Speaking on why Nigerians have not come up with such a noble idea to raise money for causes that would benefit the nation, Pepsie said that people will have to trust that the funds raised would be used for the purpose intended to participate. “I believe there have been some charity race events in Nigeria by a couple of wives of governors and NGOs. However to create or establish one like Cancer Research UK’s ‘Race For Life’ takes a lot of dedication and hard work. People will also have to buy into the idea, and trust that the funds raised would be used for the purpose intended. I have given it some thought but it’s not on the front burner because it would take a lot of planning. I would want to do it right.” Pepsie is presently focusing on her NGO, ‘OGE Women, Children & Youth Empowerment Initiative.’ Through it, she is enabling the IDPs (women and children) to identify their skills and build on them. “I started a football club for girls in one of the IDP camps in Abuja. I also take the children out to get away from the ‘slum’ and experience a different way of life. They have been to a puppet show at the Sheraton hotel, International food fairs and film shows at the French Cultural Centre, Eating out at Mr Biggs and a visit to Magic Land an entertainment theme park. A couple of months ago, to mark my birthday, I hosted thirty of them at my home to a red carpet party with clowns and a DJ,” the pretty lady explained. As the Programme officer of Soroptimist International, Abuja, Pepsie has assured that the new executives, just like the previous ones, would put smiles on the faces of the poor residents of Abuja. “In my club, SI Abuja, we have a good track record of executing life changing projects. The Immediate past president, Anthonia Okoli with assistance from the embassy of Switzerland, anchored borehole projects that provided clean water to six rural communities. I plan

to empower women and girls through skills acquisition and the president, Gloria Bai is articulating an educational project for girls and a milling centre for women in disadvantaged communities.” Pepsie joined Soroptimist International after visiting their stand to make a case for a trafficked young woman at the ‘Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.’ According to her, she is in the organization to inspire action to transform the lives of women and girls. Having been at the forefront of advocacy for women and child’s rights, Pepsie noted that women and the girls have been getting the short end of the stick of culture in Nigeria. “We have to change all the traditions/practices that impinge on their human rights. Practices like Female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriages/abductions and forced marriages ‘Ese Oruru style’, trafficking of young women for the purpose of prostitution, rape etc. We have to, without ceasing, speak up against these evils and stop these practices…lest the soul of this nation be destroyed,” she said. Reacting to the dismal outing of the Nigerian contingent to the Rio Olympics, the veteran Sports Journalist enumerated what Nigeria can do to get it right next time. “I wrote an article for Vanguard four years ago titled ‘Olympic Revelations.’ I was in London and witnessed the result of our shabby preparations. I asked a question ‘How much money did we have left and what use would it be put to?’ I also suggested that we needed to start preparations immediately to enable a successful outing in Rio 2016. Sadly, nothing changed... Oh, Siasia, Mikel and co. got us bronze I forgot! “We all know what we can do to get it better…Certainly we should focus our limited funds in the direction of supporting the Olympic sports at which we know we can excel in, over time. Kenya, as we know focus on long distance running while in the UK the funding through the National Lottery is allocated to individual sports on the basis of their previous medal results. In a sense we can call this a ‘vertical focus’ where we should prioritise from the grassroots to the elite levels in specific sports and sports development. Unlike the USA, we do not have the resources to enable a ‘horizontal focus’... i.e. across all sports. “May I also add that the London 2012 Paralympics gave us all something further to cheer about. Let’s hope that the Rio 2016 Paralympics similarly succeeds,” Pepsie advised.

20 FEMINIQUE

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Do you have a family football team?

ow many children do you have or plan to have? One dozen or just enough to make up a team? Today’s write up is as a result of many questions I receive about family planning. Q: Which is the best method for family planning? A: None. There are various methods, which I will highlight below and each method has its pros and cons. The very first step you should take is to consult a doctor. Unfortunately most Nigerians ignore this step until they get into trouble by using the wrong family planning method. Worse still, they depend on what their friends have been using. Forgetting that what is good for the goose (Yemi) is not always good for the gander (Tinuke).Before choosing a family planning method, you should think about the following, with your partner and your doctor. • Your overall health status. • How often you have sex • The number of sex partners you have • How soon you want to settle down• How well each method works to prevent pregnancy • The possible side effects • How comfortable you will be with the method. And finally your financial status, because even the most effective family planning method fails occasion-

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Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi ally. But note that your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose is always used correctly, as per instructions and every time you have sex. Here then in summary are the various methods. Total abstinence from sex. This is the safest. It is 100 per cent guaranteed. It is also one of the two methods that protects against STD and HIV/AIDS. But of course, I can never advocate it for adults and married couples. I do not belong and will never belong to the club that believes in ‘The Joys Of Sexless Marriage’ Natural family planning/rhythm method. This means that you only have sex when you are safe. This is one of the worst ways of family planning. The failure rate is very high. Difficult to calculate and must be calculated every month based on your menstrual cycle. Which changes monthly. I don’t support it unless you are ready to bear the consequences. Barrier Method. This puts a block

or barrier which prevents the sperm from getting to the egg. These are. Male and Female Condom. The male condom is more reliable, convenient and both serve a dual purpose as I explained last week. But you should not use both together o!! Don’t be like the typical Nigerian that believes more means double or better protection. Diaphragm, Cervical cap and Cervical shield. These are worn by the woman. Hormonal Methods. These prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg. The most popular are, the Oral contraceptives (Pills), the Patch and the Injections. The pills are the most popular. All these have various side effects and contraindications. These include but are not restricted to the following, If you are older than 35 and smoke. If you have a history of blood clots. If you have a history of

Unfortunately, most Nigerians ignore this step until they get into trouble by using the wrong family planning method

breast, liver, cervical or endometrial cancer Implantable devices — Devices that are inserted into the body and left in place for a few years. The popular ones are the Rod (implanted under the skin); and the Intra Uterine Devices. (I.U.D) inserted into the vagina. Permanent Birth Control Methods — These are surgical and are for those who are sure that they do not want more children. Used by both men and women. Emergency Contraception — Used if a woman’s primary method fails. It is also known as Plan B, One-Step, Next Step, or the “morning after pill.” It should not be used as a regular method of family planning. Unfortunately, most Nigerians use this as their primary method. The most popular is postinor 1 or 2. This is dangerous because these pills contain a very high dosage of hormones which should not be taken constantly. Must Read. There are some dangerous, sometimes fake and banned drugs in the market used by Nigerians either as pregnancy prevention or Abortion. They include, Menstrogen, Apion and Still, Gynaecoside, B codeine, M&B, Quinine, Alabukun etc. If you love your life and your womb, please don’t touch them.

Ego: Diary of a happening mom Ebere Ameh

have been given a couple of months to heal before attempting pregnancy. I pray everything goes as planned. Though Danny is praying for a boy, I am praying for twins - a boy and a girl. Going into the labour room has never been my favourite pastime, so I’ll want to go in once and for all. My prayer for twins was not answered when I was with Segun, maybe this is my chance. But if my answer would only come through invitro fertilization, I’ll pass. I’ve heard stories that I’d rather not contemplate it, God helping me. Mom came last weekend with the intention of nursing her daughter who just had surgery but was surprised I was as good as well. After a few minutes of observation, she called me into the visitor’s room downstairs ‘to have a word with me’. “Ego, why are you so stubborn?” She queried as she practically dragged me in and towards herself. “So you refused to do the surgery after all we discussed? That is selfishness, you know?” she continued despite my laughter. “You can laugh at me all you can but I’ve been observing you. Your husband is a very good man and all he asks for is a child from you. I will not stay here a minute longer if all you care about is yourself.” she said, making for the door in anger. “Mom, listen to me,” I managed to say before she got out. “I’m laughing but I think I should be angry with you for not trusting me enough.” “Trust ke…” she wanted to continue when I cut in again, this time, pulling my dress to show her the scar, an evidence of the surgical procedure.

Mom couldn’t believe I had surgery “Oh, my!, I’m so sorry. So you did it after all? But you are already up and about, what did they give you?” she queried even as she came closer to observe site properly. “You can touch it,” I said. “Medical science has advanced so much. I have been strong all the while.” After ascertaining that I could eat anything, she made haste to prepare a delicious Ofe Owerri and pounded, which happens to be Danny’s favourite too, despite being Edo. After dinner, I enacted for him my little drama with Mom earlier that day and he almost choked with laughter. My children have got the house full with guests. We gave in to their request for their friends to sleepover in our house and to say that they have been having

a fabulous time would be putting it mildly. I ensured the servants prepared delicious dishes of their choice for them and John had gotten the Space Wagon ready to take them around town, and later to see a movie, as soon as they are ready. I hope they don’t come asking their parents for an extension. But even if they do, I’m equal to the task. Outside the fact that they are everywhere, they are in a world of their own, playing and telling stories of their US holiday. So far, my domestic staff have managed them well. The only thing I wouldn’t want to hear is my children asking for a sleepover in their friends’ houses too. I’m yet to come to terms with that practice and they know it. They can bring in their friends, and I know I will take good care of them, but I don’t trust their friends’ families enough to reciprocate. No,

not at this time when we have paedophiles everywhere and cases of fathers raping their own children every day. Danny, sensing that I was bored after a whole week of rest at home, graciously suggested that we went out, foregoing his towns meeting holding that Sunday. It was a big sacrifice to me, knowing how much he longed to be at the meeting after being absent two consecutive times because of our holiday. He was never a fan of village meetings but it is his late father’s wish. So, we went from the club where we met old friends to the cinema to see a movie. Thank God I wasn’t looking sick, neither was I limping in any way. We had a great time together with friends and joined by a couple of others, we saw an adult movie that roused us up for intimacy. Danny is smart indeed.

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Orlando Bloom warns Miranda Kerr about naked photos Olo Omidan Bata on the world stage, headlines Abidjan exhibition, AU, UNESCO events

I’ll still act in another life

– Ramota of New Masquerade Nigerian film, ’76, Lands Landmark Premiere in London

Julius Agwu’s manager dispels rumour of brain tumour relapse

Better known as Ramota in popular, but now defunct TV series, New Masquerade, Mrs. Veronica Njoku was a secretary at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA Channel 6) in Aba many years ago. Having watched her mother display acting skills before congregations as a child, she told Flora Onwudiwe she would like to be an actress if she could live her life all over again How did you become involved with acting? I started acting during my primary school days at Methodist Primary School at Surulere, Lagos. I finished my primary school in 1972 and back then, we were acting plays based on stories from the Bible.

lanreodukoya@gmail.com

Did you explore the talent even more when you got to Secondary School? I did not go secondary school. I sat for my General Certificate Examination (GCE) at home and cleared all my subjects and went on to get a job with a construction firm as a typist. The company later relocated to Aba. It was when the company folded up that I applied to work in NTA Channel 6 Aba.

What year did you join the NTA station based in Aba?

LANRE ODUKOYA COORDINATOR

I joined Nigerian Television Authority (NTA Aba as a secretary to the Manager, Programmes in 1974. When did you join the cast of The Masquerade? I started featuring in The Masquerade in 1976 while working with NTA Channel 6 Aba. Noting that you acted exactly like Apena, how did you get the role of Ramota in The Masquerade? When Apena (Mrs. Christy Essien Igbokwe) of blessed memory left acting in The Masquerade, they were looking for who can play her role. When they approached me, I told them that I grew up and schooled in Lagos and could play the role well. I was asked if I could speak Yoruba fluently, which I answered in the affirmative and I was

auditioned for the role of Ramota. My performance pleased the producer, Mr. James Iroha and that was it. On the first day, how did you react to the camera? I featured with Mr. James Iroha (Giringori) and Clarus (Mr. Davis Ofor) but I was not given a permanent role. While growing up, did you ever think of becoming an actress? Yes, I have always thought of becoming an actress. In fact, my mother was my mentor because she used to act in our church, St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church in Surulere. Then I used to watch her act before the congregation and I knew I wanted to be like my mother upon growing up. So did she discourage you when she got to know you wanted to take to acting? No, she did not. Rather, she encouraged me once I made it known I would like to follow her path. Getting the role is different from acting it. What challenges did you face in getting into that role? I would say the role seemed so natural for me; I did not have any problem with acting the role. Did you watch the late Christy Essien-Igbokwe while playing

the role of Apena? Yes, I watched her a lot, but apart from watching her, Christy was also my friend, so that made it very easy for me. Besides acting what other things did you do? Working as a staff of NTA was the only other thing I was doing apart from acting. How much were you paid per episode? I cannot remember now; it’s now a long time ago. Playing Ramota can make one assume you are from Lagos or another part of the South West but where are you from exactly? I am from Umudike in Ikwuano, Abia State while my husband is from Emekuku Owerri in Imo State. What year did you retire from NTA? I retired from NTA Aba in 1992 as Secretary to the Manager, Programmes. Have you acted at any other time since you retired? Yes, whenever Chief Zebrudaya gets a contract to perform live before the audience, we come together as members of The Masquerade cast to act. CO N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 2

entertainment

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Julius Agwu’s manager dispels rumour of brain tumour relapse A whirlwind of unsubstantiated claim that comedian, Julius Agwu, has gone to London after a brain tumour relapse frightened the showbiz community. But the tension is dousing. This is after Julius Agwu’s manager debunked the rumour that the comedian has been hospitalised again. Agwu’s manager, Bishop, said the comedian was hospitalised by his doctors in the United Kingdom, for stress and not for a brain-related issue. News made the rounds on the comedian’s ailment after his show, Crack Your Ribs UK Edition, slated for Sunday August 28th could not hold due to his hospitalisation. But debunking the much circulated rumour, Bishop said Agwu had gone for routine checkup but was held back by doctors who said

he has not been having enough rest. On his Instagram page, Bishop stated, “That’s not true. It’s nothing serious. Julius just went for a checkup. He was grounded on routine visit to the Doctor on Friday because he hadn’t been having enough rest as prescribed by the doctor. “He’s doing pretty well and might even come over to US to complete his much needed rest and routine doctor’s visit.” It would be recalled that the popular comedian, last year, had a successful brain surgery in America after two lumps were discovered in his brain after series of tests. On May 12, 2015, Caucasian surgeons at the Park Plaza Hospital in Houston Texas were said to have battled for hours to save him.

L-R: Chika Okpalla (Zebrudayah); Claude Eke (Jegede Sokoya) and Ramota on stage

I didn’t go to secondary school – Ramota CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

How can you separate Ramota from Veronica or are they similar? (Laughter) They are not the same. I am a very violent or troublesome woman in the role Ramota but for Vero, she is a gentle and loving mother with a caring husband. She relates very well with her children. How did you meet your husband? I met my husband at NTA Aba; I had started acting when I met my husband; and he also encouraged me to continue. What have you observed about artistes of this generation that is not like your own era? They are too ambitious; they are always looking for ways to make quick money. This was not the case during our own time.

Agwu

Do your fans embarrass you sometimes when you are with your husband in public? That has happened a lot. My husband has been embarrassed because they would tell him he snatched the wife of Jegede (Mr. Claude Eke) of blessed memory. And what was your husband’s

reaction? Sometimes he laughs at them and there are times he reacts in an angry manner. Did that ever cause any misunderstanding between the two of you? No. Does he stay to watch you record on set? Sometimes he stays behind to watch us record and if we are recording live he will be in the studio with me while the recording is going on. What attracted him to you? I don’t know but he loved me and we lived happily until he died in June last year.

What was his job at NTA Aba? He was a producer of Igbo programme at NTA Aba. If there is anything like reincarnation would you like to come back as an actress? Surely, I would like to come back as an actress. I love acting. Have you missed anything about New masquerade now that it has been rested? Yes I missed a lot about the New Masquerade; I wish it could come back on air immediately. Was there any misconception

on the side of your husband’s relatives about being the wife of another man on set? When we just got married, they approached my mother in-law and she started quarrelling with me but I told my mother in-law that I am not like what was portrayed of me. I made her understand that I am a different person entirely and not what they have painted me to be. My husband also talked to my mother who later calmed down and she never disturbed me and my husband again. Did men make any advances towards you because of your popularity? No, the men and even women were afraid to get close to me as a result of the character and how well I played it. Would like any of your children to take after you? Yes, even my last boy studying Mass Communication in IMT Enugu wants to be an actor. When he is at home, he does funny things that generate laughter. It was speculated at some point that you have some health challenges. How true is that? Yes, I have arthritis on my leg but it doesn’t mean I cannot move around. I move around on my own.

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian film, ’76’ premieres in London

‘7

6’, the multi-million dollar landmark Nigerian cinematic production, already scheduled to make a global opening at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival later this month, has now also been exclusively chosen to have its European premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival. This is the first Nollywood film to be chosen by both Toronto and London film festivals back to back - a new milestone in African cinema. The film, a love story embedded in treason, intrigue, patriotism and faith is set in Ibadan, Nigeria, against the backdrop of transition and the struggle

for political stability in 1976, and is inspired by real life events that led to the assassination of the then Head of State, Murtala Muhammed. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation with over 170 million people and is home to Nollywood, the 3rd largest film industry in the world. The film, cast and crew have received a major boost with a high profile endorsement from the Head of State who succeeded the assassinated Murtala Muhammed at the time, His Excellency General Olusegun Obasanjo, then later went on to become a two term President making him both a military and civil-

Rita Dominic and Ramson Nouah on the set of 76

ian leader of the largest black nation in the world.

Olo Omidan Bata on the world stage, headlines Abidjan exhibition, AU, UNESCO events N igeria’s only female potter, Olo Omidan Bata, is set to explode on the world stage as she takes her musical act to some cities across Africa and Europe following a series of performances lined up for the artiste from the stable of Atunda Entertainment. The young Nigerian act blaze the trail with her show of exceptional display on the three piece ‘bata’ drum combining it effectively with her sensational singing and titillating performance accompanied by well– choreographed back up dancers. Her unique style of performance has earned her accolades and huge following as she has over the years performed at a number of high profile corporate events and stages across the country. Now she is set to take her act to the world stage courtesy of a series of invitational performances across Africa and the world. Her world tour begins on the Africa continent as she has been engaged as the star performer at the Made in Nigeria exhibition holding in Abidjan, Cote d’ Voire on September 5. Next on the list is a visit to the Addis Ababa headquarters of the African Union (AU) to perform at the reception for world dignitaries attending the African Fashion show on September 15. The fashion event is being put together by AU in conjunction with the legendary Gold for African Fashion. This climaxes with appearance on the Paris stage as she performs for guests in October for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) fashion show event in partnership with the legendary Gold for African Fashion.

entertainment

Obasanjo described ‘76’ as “the best view of one of the worst times in our nation’s history. A must watch and an insight that was long overdue. Watching the attention to detail and hearing my own voice in February 1976, brought out both sweet and sour memories as Murtala Muhammed was not only my boss, he was my friend. I cannot attest to what went on in the homes as we were focused on the field, but this film gives even I, an insight into that.” Set during the era of military assassinations and political unrest in Nigeria, the movie also had the full approval and endorsement of the Nigerian Army and the Murtala Muhammed family, and was shot inside the confines of a military base, another first in Nigeria’s cinematic history. It comes 40 years after the actual events and follows four years of work by the multi award winning director, Izu Ojukwu and the production teams of Adonis Production and Princewill’s Trust, a brainchild of Prince Tonye Princewill and Adonijah Owiriwa who are the film’s executive producers. Africa Magic, a Multichoice subsidiary also signed on as partners. “Our objective was to show audiences, amongst other things, what the wives of officers had to go through. Military coups were our legacy. In some ways, we are still trying to recover from this. Everyone sees and hears the perspective of the officers. But the woman’s story stays silent. We wanted to highlight the strength and the vulnerabilities of the typical African woman through the eyes

of officers’ wives. This is a filmmaker’s small contribution to raising their volume,” the Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa stated. The film stars renowned and respected Nollywood stars Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Memry Savanhu, Daniel K Daniel (African best actor 2016), Debo Oguns, Adams Shuaibu and a host of other rising stars. At the centre of this very gripping romantic thriller is the charismatic, ‘Captain Joseph Dewa’, played by Ramsey Nouah who is indicted by the military for his alleged role in the coup. The film premiere in London on the 15th of October and will be attended by all the key cast, crew and special guests. It will then have its African premiere in Lagos on the 11th of November before being released nationwide in cinemas from November the 25th. The BFI London Film Festival’s 60th anniversary edition will take place at venues across the UK capital, from 5th to 16th of October 2016. In an exciting development for the 60th edition of the LFF, it will also see the launch, with the BFI and LFF’s official Time Partner IWC Schaffhausen, of a significant new bursary award to support exceptional new and emerging UK filmmakers. The IWC Schaffhausen Filmmakers Bursary Award in association with the BFI is a £50,000 award to benefit an outstanding British writer, director, or writer/director whose first or second fiction feature film premieres at the BFI London Film Festival.

entertainment

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rihanna worries about Chris Brown during police standoff Poor Rihanna! The 28-year-old singer seems happy as a clam with her new beau Drake, but that didn’t stop her from totally freaking out about ex Chris Brown’s home being surrounded by police after he allegedly threat-

Melania and Donald Trump

Rihanna

Selena Gomez ‘Revival’ European tour officially cancelled

oor Selena Gomez! She’s taking a break from touring after revealing on Aug. 30 that her lupus has been causing depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Now, the ‘Same Old Love’ singer has begun canceling concerts in Europe and Canada, according to various venues’ websites and fans who received emails from ticket companies today, Aug. 31. Selena Gomez, 24, has officially begun canceling dates on her Revival World Tour following her tragic announcement that her lupus has been affecting her ability to perform. Though not all of the dates have been taken off yet, the “Heart Wants What It Wants” singer will not be performing various shows in Europe and Canada. Ticketholders received the email from Live Nation this morning, confirming that the shows had been cancelled. Take a look at Selena’s heartfelt message to fans below:

Concerts in the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland and more have been affected. Selena was due to perform in those locations this coming October and November. Fans are understandably disappointed, but understanding — health comes before everything! “Thank you for being who you are. You have our hearts @selenagomez #GetWellSoonSelena,” one fan tweeted. “We love you Selena and you have to visit us after your break and when you’ll feel better,” another user agreed. Selena’s health concerns have caused also her to cancel two concerts in Atlantic Canda in Paradise, N.L., and Moncton, N.B., according to David Carver Music. “With the unfortunate announcement of Selena Gomez canceling the balance of her world tour, David Carver Music firstly extends our thoughts and well wishes to Ms Gomez.

hings may be heating up between Rihanna and Drake, but that doesn’t mean she stopped caring about her first love, Chris Brown. A source tells HollywoodLife.com that she was very ‘worried’ and texted him during his Aug. 30 standoff with police. And here’s the scoop.

ened model Baylee Curran with a gun. “Rihanna’s nervous, scared and panicking over what’s happening at Chris’ house,” a source told HollywoodLife. com. “All she can think about is him and Royalty and hopes that Chris will get out of this situation. She’s been texting him like crazy and he hasn’t responded to one of her texts and that’s making

her extremely nervous. She needs him to text her and say something.” A second source explained further how worried Rihanna is about her first love. “Of course Rihanna is worried about Chris after hearing about the police being at his house,” said the insider. “She knows how hard he’s been trying to be the best dad he can be to Royalty. This kind of drama doesn’t make him look good. She’s hoping it was all a big misunderstanding for Chris’ sake.” Many definitely hope it’s a misunderstanding, but things are certainly looking bad for the singer right now. Chris allegedly pointed a gun at Baylee after she touched a chain at his house and refused to leave. Police surrounded his home until he finally came out to talk. He wasn’t arrested, but his aggressive anti-police Instagram videos definitely won’t help his case. He later posted an Instagram message after his arrest proclaiming his innocence.

Orlando Bloom warns Miranda Kerr about naked photos M

iranda Kerr wasn’t totally blindsided when ex-husband Orlando Bloom’s totally nude pictures surfaced. The model revealed that Orlando warned her before the photos were released, thankfully! Thank god! As soon as Orlando Bloom, 39, found out that his naked beach tryst with girlfriend Katy Perry, 32, was captured by a photographer, he raced to warn his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr. Orlando was a gentleman, and courteously gave Miranda a heads up via text so she didn’t have to see the photos for the first time like the rest of us. She talked about the shocking text with the Kyle & Jackie O Show in Australia on August 30. “I don’t know if you’ve seen the same

photos, but even when people are paddle-boarding, people are supposed to be wearing pants of some description.” Kyle joked, clearly talking about Orlando’s infamous naked pictures. “They are, they are!” Miranda replied, laughing. “Did you wonder, Orlando what are you doing? Why are you naked?” Jackie asked. “Oh my God — he texted me and he was like, ‘Um, I’m really embarrassed. Some photos are coming out. Just thought I should let you know,’” Miranda told Kyle and Jackie. “And I was like, ‘Hmm… right, what were you thinking? Seriously, what were you thinking?’” It’s so nice to hear that Miranda and Orlando are so amicable after their 2013 divorce. Orlando, of course, is in a high-profile, hot relationship with Katy now — his partner in naked paddle-boarding crime. Miranda is engaged to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, 26! Orlando and Miranda have a young son together, Flynn, so everyone’s just lovely together for the sake of the little guy. It was really great of Orlando to let Miranda know what was coming before she went online.

FRIDAY, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Agric SG2000 programme as yardstick for Nigeria’s food security

Business

Environment SG2000 programme as yardstick for Nigeria’s food security

29 30

What's new Shareholders lost N687bn in 2 months p.26

Minister: FG needs $7bn to boost mining, steel industry p.26

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi; Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Mr Jack Li and Marketing Director, Mr Leo Yin, at the signing of the commercial contract agreement on the first segment of Calabar-Port Harcourt Coastal rail line and Segment 3 of the Lagos-Kano Rail Modernisation project in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

Sacked private sector workers: PFAs clear 25% payment RELIEF The new pension scheme has given relief to Nigerian workers, who, hitherto, go through stress getting their benefits

Sunday Ojeme

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

n fulfillment of their obligations to the Pension Reform Act 2014, some Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have paid disengaged workers 25 per cent of their contributions after losing their jobs. The private sector workers, who benefitted, were among the 159,361 sacked workers including those in the public sector. Section 7 (2) of the PRA 2014 allows a worker who voluntarily retires, resigns or was disengaged from employment to access 25 per cent of his RSA if he is unable to get another job after four months. According to the National Pension Commission (PenCom), out of the N49.55 billion pension benefits

paid by the PFAs, the bulk went to junior workers mostly from the private sector. The regulator revealed that the Commission granted approval for the payment of N3.32 billion to 10,481 Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders under the age of 50 years who were disengaged and could not get another job after a period of four months. It noted that the private sector accounted for 95.55 per cent (152,262) of the disengaged RSA holders, who received a total of N49.55 billion being 25 per cent of their Retirement Savings Account balances. The regulator said 270 of the disengaged workers were Federal Government employees; 282 from the states and 9929 from the private sector. It also revealed that at the end of 2013 financial period, only 36,369 sacked workers with N29.8 billion as their RSA balance in both the public and private sector withdrew N7.4billion from their various PFAs. By the end of 2014, the number of contributors who withdrew from their RSA rose to 96,708. Of these workers, 92,245 were from the private sector while

N46.55 billion Being the amount paid by Pension Fund Administrators to disengaged workers from the prvate and public sectors as at the first quarter of this year

4,463 were public workers. With a total contribution of N126.4billion in their pension accounts, they withdrew N31.6 billion at the end of 2014. Since inception, over N64.11 billion has equally been paid as benefits to next of kins of deceased Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders. PenCom’s quarterly reports also revealed that the number of death benefits paid had been on the rise as membership of the scheme increases. The CPS, which has been on for 12 years, has gained strength within the private sector and Federal Government establishments. On the part of states, the director-general revealed recently that no fewer than 26 states across the country had adopted the scheme and now at various stages of its implementation. Anohu-Amazu noted that recent sensitisation programmes were predicated on the need for on-going public awareness initiative about the CPS and associated pension issues. She observed that most perceived inadequacies of the scheme CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE June 2016 ..............................16.5% May 2016...............................15.6% April 2016............................13.7%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel Market as at August 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N412 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N530 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N454

l Foreign Reserves – $25.600bn as at 24/8/2016

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at August 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N314.95 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N403 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N345

BUSINESS |news

FRIDAY, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Shareholders lost N687bn in 2 months APATHY Poor financial results, volatility in exchange rate erodes investors’ confidence

Chris Ugwu

espite the fact that transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) ended the month of August 2016 on a favourable note as key measurement indicators finished with a gain of N36 billion or 0.38 per cent, shareholders lost N687 billion between July and August 31, 2016. Available statistics show that activities on the floor of the NSE continued to skew downward, as the market, which opened at N10.165 trillion in market capitalisation and 29,597.79 in index at the beginning of trading in July closed yesterday at N9.478 trillion and 27,599.03 index points, hence has earned a loss of about N687 billion or 6.75 per cent year to date. Low sentiment in the market had worsened following investment apathy, which had made both foreign and local investors remained on the sidelines due to upset in the financial market arising from drop in oil price, instability in forex and poor HY 2016 financial results. Financial analysts believed that some of these factors sent a shock wave to both local and foreign investors and created uncertainty in the investment environment, which led to retreat on the part of the bargain hunters. Chairman/CEO of Partnership Investment Plc, Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi, while explaining why the activities in Nigerian capital market had

been on downward swing for a considerable period of time, said the market lacks long term liquidity and this makes it hard to attract investors who don’t see growth in the immediate. “Those who have traditionally provided liquidity have gone away one by one. The retail investors were driven away in the crash of 2008 with the casino banking crisis we saw and the severe losses that followed. They have not come back. The banks that provided margin loans have also permanently stayed away and now foreign portfolio investors who want quick profits have also now left for good,” he said. However, as stocks are repriced lower and naira continues to weaken, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Companies (FDC) Limited, Mr. Bismark Rewane, said that the stock market might witness an uptick in foreign portfolio inflows, which could offer some support for the Exchange in

coming weeks. Rewane who stated in FDC’s Bi-monthly Economic & Business Update, noted that the depreciation of the naira in the foreign exchange market offers attractive valuations for foreign investors who have, however, remained indifferent, citing uncertainties surrounding Nigeria’s foreign revenue and CBN’s continued intervention in the foreign exchange primary market as reasons for lethargy. He said: “As equity risk premium rises and dividend yield falls, we expect investors move to safer assets classes with guaranteed returns.” Rewane, while assessing the state of the market, explained that half-year results of listed companies were lackluster across board with just a few firms posting impressive reports and outperforming analysts’ expectations. “Trends are beginning to form across sectors, as

the effect of disruptions in the production of crude oil weighs down the oil and gas sector. This is in spite of the partial recovery of crude oil prices in the international market. “Whilst the agricultural sector is beginning to witness recovery as the ban in the importation of crude palm oil creates an opportunity for sustainable growth and increase in market share for the listed companies in the sector. The NSE ASI closed at 27,420.99 at the close of trading, shedding 2.10 per cent in the first three weeks of August. “Market capitalisation also reduced from N9.62 trillion to N9.42 trillion, shedding over N200 billion in the period review. Consequently, the year-to-date (YTD) return on the market was -4.26 per cent even as the Central Bank adopted several measures to woo foreign portfolio investors. “All sectors recorded negative performance in the first

half of the month. Oil and Gas sector led the losers chart shedding 6.43 per cent as the share price of Seplat plunged by over 19 per cent due to the suspension of oil exports from the Forcados terminal. Consumer goods sector didn’t fare any better as it lost 3.26 per cent during the period under review. Dangote Flour (-9.68 per cent), Guinness (-4.77 per cent), Nestle (-2.94 per cent) and Champion Breweries (-22.13 per cent) were also sold off by portfolio investors concerned over weakening market fundamentals,” he said. He explained further that during the period, financial services sector dominated activities on the Exchange accounting for 69.09 per cent of total value traded while consumer goods sector accounted for 13.99 per cent and industrial goods, oil and gas and conglomerates accounted for: 8.65 per cent, 6.50 per cent and 0.93 per cent respectively.

L-R: Economist & Policy Analyst, Dr. Ogho Okiti; Africa and Middle East Senior Economist Bloomberg Intelligence, Mark Bohlund; Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Nike Akande; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar N. Onyema; First Vice President, Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Head of Market Structure Strategy, MEA, Bloomberg, Selloua Chakri; Senior Banking Industry Expert, Bloomberg, Paul Wallace, and Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Ade Bajomo, at the NSE-Bloomberg CEOs Roundtable session in Lagos.

FG needs $7bn to boost mining, steel industry PFAs clear 25% Minister: CASH payment $2bn investment is CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

often stemmed from a lack of understanding of the diverse opportunities in it for a smoother retirement process. CPS offers additional impetus for participation by explicitly prescribing the coverage of states and local government employees, in addition to federal public service and private sector, she said. The adoption of CPS by states has been identified as one effective tool of managing finances through regular monthly pension contributions into employees’ RSA’s as opposed to the arrangement under the Defined Benefits Scheme.

needed to revive Ajaokuta steel complex Taiwo Hassan

igeria is seeking investments of $7 billion in mining and steel sectors over the next decade for developing the gold and iron ore extraction industries to diversify her oil-dependent economy. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, said this in an interview in Abuja. He said that one of government’s priorities is to meet its annual steel demand of 6.8 million metric tonne. The

current output of one-third of that is produced mainly from scrap iron. “About $5 billion will kickstart the mining sector,” Fayemi said, pointed out that about $2 billion investment will help to revive Ajaokuta, a steel complex with an envisaged installed capacity of 5mmt of steel a year, but currently non-functional. Improving mining output, developing infrastructure and boosting agriculture is part of government’s plans to broaden Nigeria’s economy. “In two to five years, we want to have started production of iron ore, lead, zinc, bitumen, nickel, coal and gold at a serious scale,” he said. The minister said that some of the companies con-

sidering investments in Nigeria’s mining sector include Lagos-based Multiverse Mining & Exploration Plc and Australia’s Kogi Iron. The Federal Government is working on a mining plan and a bill proposing the creation of regulatory agency for the sector. Fayemi said that an autonomous agency would be better positioned to focus on performance and efficiency of the sector. “Currently, the ministry does everything: licensing, monitoring, inspection, and it should not be like that,” he said, pointing out that uncertain regulatory environment dissuades prospective investors. The new legislation is to include incentives to attract investments such as full foreign ownership of

mining projects. Fayemi added that the government was ready to actively explore solid minerals sector and other key sectors to stimulate the country’s economic growth and development in the aftermath of the plunge in the crude oil at the international market. Fayemi said government was committed to relaxing existing mining laws in the country that have been hindering growth and development in the sector in the past years. He said that government was ready to review some mining agreements in the country, adding that they are determined to sign pact with state governments on mining exploration that will explore the potentials and opportunities in the sector.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

LABOUR

Fake job applications: Report indicts Nigerians, Americans DESPERATION Growing unemployment is compelling job seekers to fill in appealing information to potential employers

L-R: Minister of Budget & National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY I KUOMENISAN

Sunday Ojeme

he temptation to beat competition by job seekers is compelling them to hide some facts in their job applications, according to a study conducted by a New York-based accounting and advisory firm, Crowe Horwath. The study, which was conducted recently, listed Nigeria, India, Philippines, United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Egypt and Oman, among others as countries where such had become rampant. According to the study, background checks in 2015 showed a higher-than-average rate of discrepancies between résumés and applicants’ actual skills or background. In fact, almost 18 per cent of all background checks on job applications in 2015 across different countries showed inconsistencies. The report disclosed that it was largely driven by jobseekers’ temptation to beat competition in job markets in the countries involved where Crowe Horwath

conducted its study. It observed that employment history and education were the major components where employers found glaring inconsistencies, and accounted for 69 per cent and 19 per cent respectively of all discrepancies. Such inconsistencies include incorrect information on the institution of education, qualification, or grade received; manipulation in dates of employment; inaccurate job titles and wages; and even submission of false or forged documents. In fact, 60 per cent of the

inconsistencies were listed as “major discrepancies” while the remaining 40 per cent were “minor discrepancies.” Annalinde Nickisch, human resources consultant at The Thought Factory in Dubai said: “Hiding a few facts on their resumes to meet the job requirements is becoming increasingly popular for candidates. “Commonly, this would only constitute small exaggerations such as extending a job’s tenure to cover three months of unemployment, omitting the word ‘Assistant’ before their Manager

title, or adding languages, job responsibilities and professional qualifications that they haven’t necessarily completed.” He said this had placed growing importance on pre-employment screening and vetting of new hires — a process that is still not performed by all employers. In the UAE, such screening is particularly important, Crowe Horwath said in its report. “With the UAE’s workforce heavily relying on expatriate labour to sustain the country’s economic growth, pre-employment screening and assessment

NDE takes beautification training to Abia

he nationwide training on Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS) by National Directorate of Employment (NDE) for some unemployed school leavers has been taken to Abia State. This according to a statement, is coming after the Federal Capital Territory and Ogun state had benefitted from the scheme, which is aimed at equipping young school leavers. Beneficiaries of the training session, which will last a minimum of three months, will also be entitled to stipends to cover transportation from their various places of abode to the centre. Speaking at the opening ceremony at NDE office in Abia, the Acting Director General, NDE, Kunle Obayan, said the choice and emphasis on specialised training on soft and hard landscaping was a carefully designed initiative to align the trainees with the current demands of society’s economic activities. He said the EBTS was conceptualised by the Special Public Works (SPW) department of the NDE, saying that all categories of the unemployed in Nigeria, including those about to retire from service, should embrace and benefit from the programmes developed over the years by the agency. He, however, pointed out that

the astronomical growth in unemployment and dwindling economic fortunes had made it impossible for NDE alone to tackle unemployment hence the need for partnership among governments, non-governmental organisations and others. Obayan advised the trainees to grasp all aspects of the package so as to optimise the

opportunity and justify the investment on them by the Federal Government.” On his part, the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Hagler Okorie, said there was need for diversification of the economy since the earnings from the oil sector could no longer support the economy fully. He said: “But despite this,

there is still hope for the youths. So, you trainees must take the NDE training seriously so that in the end, you can apply what you learnt because what you learn is what will carry you on for life. The state government would continue to support NDE programmes.”

Don to managers: Keep public interest above yours

usiness and professional managers have been advised to keep the interests of those they deal with in the course of duty above theirs. Professor Benjamin Osisioma gave this advice at an awards ceremony organised by the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Lagos. He said all recognised professions had developed codes of professional ethics aimed at providing members of the profession with guidelines for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the responsibilities of the profession. In his paper themed: ReBranding the Nigerian Professional Manager: From Good to Great, Osisioma said rebranding arises where a company, product or service sees a need to reposition in an attempt to

shed a negative image, move the brand up-market, or communicate a new message. According to him, often times, firms re-brand in response to external and/or internal issues. Describing professional managers as experts and specialists in their chosen area of competence, he said they carried the unique responsibility to serve the public’s best interest, even at the sacrifice of personal advantage. He added that though the public had little technical knowledge in the professions, yet fair and competent performance by professionals was vital to public health, safety or wellbeing. According to him, the present age heralds global imperatives, which require managers to think critically and make

judgments, assess the credibility, accuracy and value of information, analyse and evaluate it, make reasoned decisions and take purposeful action. He said: “They should be able to solve complex, multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems, think creatively – challenge the status quo, think outside the box, and question the herd. “They must develop the ability to recognise and act on opportunities, ever willing to embrace risk and responsibility in the pursuit of profitable outcomes. “They need to learn to communicate and collaborate with groups and teams, skilled at interacting competently and respectfully with others, demonstrate new specialised skills, and make innovative and creative use of knowledge.”

of foreign job seekers has been thrust into the limelight as the purpose is to assure the company [it] is hiring a reliable and qualified candidate,” the company said. Crowe Horwath pointed out that skipping a background screening could lead to hiring of wrong employees, which in turn may result in damage to the business and lead to higher costs, employee turnover, and lower morale.

Taraba lifts embargo on employment

ollowing the white paper on the verification of transfers and employment into the state civil service, the Taraba State government has lifted the embargo placed on employment. At the state executive council meeting in Jalingo, all members, according to a statement, accepted the white paper committee’s recommendations for the embargo to be lifted. They, however, directed that due process must be followed in the course of engaging workers into the service. The SEC also agreed that all employment into the state’s civil service should be made on the strength of presentation of genuine education and professional certificates against the statement of results or testimonials. The Chief of Staff, Rebo Usman, who disclosed this, said the entire council unanimously agreed that critical area of needs should always be taken into consideration in employment as well as transfer so as to sustain the system. He said that the council also resolved that employees currently on the payroll without certificates should, as a matter of urgency, be advised to present their genuine education or professional certificates or be thrown into the unemployed market.

he SG2000 programme commenced in Nigeria in March 1992, following the signing of a partnership agreement with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FMARNR) to work with federal and state agencies with the overarching objective to raise agricultural productivity and improve food crop marketing in the country. Impacts of the programme Speaking at the SAA side event at the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD 6), Nairobi, Kenya, last week, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, said, over the past 20 years, the growth of the SG2000 programme has been impressive in terms of its spread and reach in Nigeria. For example, he said, within this period, Nigeria worked with more than 4,500 extension agents and three million small holder farmers in the diffusion of improved crop varieties including wheat, maize, rice, cowpea, peanut, soybean, tomato, pepper, groundnut, millet, sorghum, sesame, cotton, and cassava technologies. According to him, the successes achieved in the programme were due to the mutual cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and small holder farmers to ensure that agricultural inputs are distributed effectively to them for the sole purpose of improving food productivity and security in the country. Ogbeh said that the programme operates by working collaboratively with innovative farmers, to establish production-scale plots to demonstrate packages of improved technology for improved agricultural productivity and food crop marketing through improved access to seeds and seedlings, better fertilizer application methods and crop protection, as well as improved crop management methods through the administration of Management Training Plots (MTPs). Impacts of ADPs The minister said that the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) have been pivotal as enduring institutional platforms for anchoring the SG2000 Nigeria in the participating states under a well structured arrangement. According to him, it entails the participating ADPs assigning State and Zonal Coordinators and Extension Agents (EAs) to implement the jointly planned SG2000 field programmes. He added that the SG2000 supplements the in-service training of ADP staff that provides on-theground training to participating farmers. To him, this is with a view to ensuring successful technology transfer, while assisting them in obtaining inputs and solving dayto-day problems affecting low food crop productivity. He said: “The SG2000/ADPs mode of operation in disseminating improved agricultural technologies to farmers has made tremendous impacts in the extension services of the participating states and their ability to transfer technology packages for various crops,

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AGRIC

SG2000 programme as yardstick for Nigeria’s food security The Sasakawa-Global 2000 (SG2000) programme is an avenue for impacting agricultural technologies and capacity on small holder farmers in Nigeria to assist them raise agricultural productivity. In this report, TAIWO HASSAN looks at how the product has faired

President Muhammadu Buhari

resulting in doubling and in some cases quadrupling farmers’ yield. “The interventions of SG2000 have resulted in a widespread adoption of improved crop production technologies by over 500,000 small holder farmers in Adamawa, Kano, Gombe and Jigawa States. “Capacity building of extension agents and farmers has been a major programme priority and activity of SG 2000 since 1993. Besides, he said: “SAA/SG2000 is always practical, providing hands-on training in demonstrated agricultural technologies as have been offered in farmers’ fields and in the classroom. Currently, SAA/SG2000 promotes the use of Farmer Learning Platforms through, which options in technologies are made available to farmers to study and learn from. Thus, the current SAA/SG2000 programme is holistic in approach, using commodity value-chain development strategies with the use of an effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Sharing system.” FMARD’s pact Based on the outstanding records of successes by SAA/SG 2000, the minister stated that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), again signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 8, 2013 with SAA to support the implementation of the carefully planned FMARD in some selected states of the federation. According to him, the arrangement is that the MoU will be effective for a period of five years, with the FMARD providing the needed funding while SG 2000 shall use its technical and administrative structure to implement the collectively agreed project activities. Ogbeh explained that the intention of the MoU is to formalise a joint endeavour aimed at transforming agri-

Ogbeh

Small holder farmer is still an important player in increasing agricultural productivity in Nigeria

cultural productivity and production in Nigeria as a means of ensuring food security and better nutrition for the country, through extension services. Specifically, the minister said, in 2014 a total of N280 million was released to SAA/SG 2000 for extension service delivery to six states of the federation, covering all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This intervention, according to him, has directly touched on the lives of over sixteen thousand smallholder farmers by improving their production and productivity; indirectly touching more than double this figure. He added that this partnership shall continue to its logical conclusion and shall be financially supported by the FMARD to cover the entire country. Lessons from SG2000 One of the key lessons of the Sasakawa-Global 2000 (SG2000) programme is that the small holder farmer is still an important player in increasing agricultural productivity in Nigeria. It underscores the fact that with both proper organisation and the right support system, the small holder farmer can be significantly enabled to maximise his/her output towards the accomplishment of Nigeria’s national strategic objectives of ensuring self-sufficiency in the nation’s local staples and food security for the ever increasing national population, as well as ensuring the phenomenal growth of agro-exports for increased foreign exchange earnings. The second lesson is the essence of forging collaboration and partnership among key stakeholders in the agricultural development value chain for the accomplishment of a common purpose. It underscores the reality that agri-

cultural activity and programmes are best designed and executed along several boundaries of authorities with well-defined roles and responsibilities. This is especially important in Nigeria bearing in mind that Nigeria operates a federal system of government where the control of land is within the purview of state governments, and where the farmers are predominantly located. Any successful agricultural programme, therefore, must take cognisance of this governance reality if it is to be both sustainable and impactful. The third lesson is that notwithstanding the success of the SC2000 programme, it needs to be scaled- up significantly to attain a much wider scope, bearing in mind that the total number of farmers that have benefited from the programme over the decades pales into insignificance relative to those who are presently excluded from the scheme. Commenting on this development, Ogbeh said: “I am aware that, presently, there may be severe constraints in widening the scope of the programme on the part of all the multi-stakeholders participating in the scheme. But, my humble opinion is that we can collectively look into the possibilities and explore all options towards scaling up the programme without necessarily incurring unbearable costs.” The fourth lesson is the importance of a virile extension system to enhancing agricultural productivity and competitiveness. In Nigeria, it underscores the need for us as a nation to revive the extension service system, which is almost getting moribund. Incidentally, a virile agricultural extension system used to be one of the pillars of our agriculture in the past. The fifth lesson is the importance of capacity building. The SG2000 programme succeeded largely because capacity was built consistently over time because the capacity-building component was recognised as an important element of programme success. This is worth re-stating as an objective contributory factor to success. Lastly, notwithstanding the key role that the smallholder farmer is still playing in supporting Nigeria’s aspiration to achieve food sufficiency and food security, the country need the entry of big players in the agriculture industry to bring innovation, quality assurance, entrepreneurship, modern technology, finance, global good practices and expanded markets to radically improve the fortunes of this sector so that it can attract multiple players to drive it as a profitable business. This, invariably, means giving almost equal attention to both the smallholder and large scale/ commercial farmers as complementary and strategic role players in agricultural development. Conclusion With a proactive SG2000 programme, it shows that small holder farmers still have high hopes of getting the required farm inputs to boost food productivity in Nigeria.

BUSINESS \ AGRIC

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Forex: FG to boost local fish production

CAPITAL FLIGHT About $700 million (N210bn) is spent annually on importation of fish into Nigeria Stories: Taiwo Hassan

ederal Government plans to boost local production of fish species, in an attempt to reduce the huge importation of the product into the country and also to conserve foreign exchange in the fishery sector. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, said this during an interactive section with the management of Triton Aqua, one of the leading stakeholders in Nigeria’s fishery sector, during their courtesy call to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development head office, in Abuja. He said that a whooping $700 million (about N210 billion) is spent annually on importation of fish. The minister said it was no longer sustainable for the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, to continue to spend such amount on fish imports at this period when the Nigerian economy had slipped into recession. He said that more funds would be provided to the research institutes to scale up research work into the local production of other fish species, apart from the regular catfish and Tilapia.

takeholders in Nigeria’s agric sector have decried the lack of standardised farm practice in Nigeria, ascribing it to reason for low agricultural produce in the country. The participants, which included the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Manzo Maigari; Head, Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria Limited, Ade Adefeko; Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicampro, Michael Agbogo and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, spoke at a seminar on Business of Agriculture conference at Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos. They, however, expressed optimism for the sector’s revival in the long run. In his opening speech, Maigari said that farmers must be able to produce at whatever cost, sell and make profit from their farms’ set up. He however noted that the country

Tilapia fish

His words: “Government can no longer sustain the high importation bill on fish. We need to start looking inwards to see how Nigeria can produce some of these fish both for local consumption and importation.” He added that government will encourage ‘massive investment’ in artisanal fish production to meet the protein needs of Nigerians. The minister pledged to collaborate with Triton Aqua on fish production to reduce the annual fish import bill.

for expansion of its investment and to access the Gurara Dam in Kaduna State and Doma Lake in Nasarawa State. He said: “We are also going to produce 70,000 metric tonnes of catfish and tilapia with the government’s support in five years and create 3,000 jobs for young people in Nigeria. We are also setting up our feed and hatchery company. We used to be a trading company, but now a producer, which is in line with government’s drive to diversify the economy,” Samtani said.

How to improve agriculture in Nigeria, by stakeholders was yet to have standardised farm practice and this makes produces fall short of the global standard during export of agric produce. His words: “Today, we are able to export maize to America and Europe and tomorrow, we are not. We must produce in such a manner that the practice is acceptable globally. You must use water that meets global sanitation you must farm in an environment completely devoid of open defecation. You must apply fertilizer and the likes of them at recommended dosages such that at harvest you do not have residual chemicals that would pose threat to health. For instance, nobody wants to buy from you and get typhoid, nobody wants to buy produce that exposes his or herself to cancer. Once all these are done, farmers will be able to produce and sell.”

‘FAO tool helps livestock farmers to improve output’ new and interactive tool released by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations allows farmers, policy makers and scientists to calculate meat, milk and eggs production as well as greenhousegas emissions from livestock to make the sector more productive and more climate-friendly. GLEAM-i, the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model interactive, provides answers to a wide range of questions. For example, as a small livestock keeper or a pastoralist, how can you get your animals to produce more milk, meat or eggs? If you’re a policy maker, what practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock should you support? Based on GLEAM, the model developed by FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division to support policy and practice change to achieve sustainable livestock development, GLEAM-i can be

Ogbeh urged the company to train more people in fish production so as to have sources of livelihood. The minister said that the ministry had acquired 100 hectares of land in Gaube area of the Federal Capital Territory and it will be developed similar to the Songhai farm in Kwara state, where young people will be trained on modern farming techniques. Chairman, Triton Aqua, Ashvaran Samtani, called on government to support the company in acquisition of land

run by anyone using the Excel software, including community organizations working in remote rural areas. It includes variables such as countries and regions, the number and types of livestock - dairy or meat sheep, backyard or industrial pigs, grazing or mixed systems - feed materials, manure management as well as the specific conditions under which the animals are kept. “The objective of GLEAM is to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that livestock activities are as efficient as possible so that they can continue to contribute to people’s food, nutrition and livelihood needs while utilising fewer natural resources,” said Anne Mottet, Livestock Policy Officer at FAO. Hundreds of millions of people around the planet depend on livestock for livelihoods, food security and nutrition. •Culled from FAO website

He said that the clash between herdsmen and farmers, which had been a reoccurring decimal in the country; was simply a breakdown of law and orders and growing population. The commissioner advised that the best thing to do at this period of time was to encourage and build capacity of the herdsmen. His words: “They need to understand that it is not about numbers of cows but productivity. Instead of keeping 100 cows that give you 150 liters of milk per day, you

could keep a cow that gives you 50 liters of milk per day. It is happening all over the world. The lesser cows you have, the easier to manage. “In Kaduna State, for example, we have been able to bring in varieties of nutritious grass from Brazil. Within six weeks, milk output has improved from 1.5 litres to 3.5 per day. Imagine the result you extend that to six months. Those hybrids will not only produce more milk, but the beautiful thing about it is that we would achieve three things.”

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

Price 363-4 304-0 966-4 315.0 32.72 163-4 9.320 368-2 490-4

Change -2-0 -1-4 -6-6 -1.8 -0.34 -2-6 +0.015 +0-4 -2-2

Contract Mar 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

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

Price 66.43 187.00 144.75 20.59 2930 313.50

Change -0.46 -5.75 +0.30 -0.41 -32 -0.30

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Mar 15 Dec 14 Jan 15

Price 107.800 143.075 62.100 16.58

Change -0.650 -1.475 -0.250 +0.02

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

Softs

Time (ET) 10:34 10:34 10:30 10:35 10:35 09:33 09:24 10:34 10:31 Time (ET) 10:35 10:07 10:02 10:35 08/30/16 10:34

Meats Commodity Live Cattle Feeder Cattle Lean Hogs Class III Milk

Time (ET) 10:35 10:35 10:35 10:34

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

ENVIRONMENT WATCH

DANGER Agencies predict repeat of 2012 flood

Stories: Dayo Ayeyemi

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NCF to coastal states: Beware of illegal sand miners

orried by devastating flood ravaging many parts of the country, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on governments of coastal states such as Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta and others to take necessary actions in curtailing activities of illegal sand miners. This measure, Director-General of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi said, would go a long way to prevent coastal erosion in the communities. In a statement, he urged the regulatory bodies to be fully prepared to handle the consequent emergency situation in manners that will prevent or minimise losses. While urging Nigerians to take action to reduce the impact of the disaster, Karunwi urged them to engage in various short and long term sustainable measures that can mitigate the effects of climate change that ‘are now with us, rather than live in fear of the flood.’ In the immediate, he urged Nigerians to, as a matter of urgency, embark on decongesting and clearing of drainages in and around their surrounding and engage in proper waste management by disposing their wastes in designated dumpsites only. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), as indicated in the 2016 Annual Flood Outlook of the

Flooded Niyi Okunubi Street, Lekki Phase 1, as a result of down pour in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) and as corroborated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had predicted an impending flood in the country. True to the regulatory agencies’ declaration that flood will affect all the states of the federation except Ekiti, Kaduna, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), some communities in Benue, Gombe, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara had already been overwhelmed by flood. Lagos and Ogun states had their own share last Saturday and Sunday, as prolonged downpour wreaked havoc

UNEP boss lends support for sustainable devt in Africa

nited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chief, Erik Solheim, has reiterated the organisation’s support for the African region towards the swift implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Solheim, who said this in Addis Ababa during a visit to Ethiopia, also met with government officials, heads and representatives of key regional institutions as well as strategic partners in the region. Solheim’s visit to Ethiopia, his first mission in Africa since taking the helm of UN Environment, was an opportunity to reiterate support for the region, and to enhance cooperation with African Union and other partners towards speedy imple-

mentation of Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on climate change. He reaffirmed UN Environment’s support for Africa’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the continent’s Agenda 2063, stressing the centrality of environment to both agendas.

in many parts of the states. NiMET had warned that havoc that flood will be wreaked will be of the same proportion as what was witnessed in the country in 2012 in which 363 persons were killed, 2.1 million people displaced and losses recorded put at N2.6 trillion. The Climate Change Agreement signed to law in New York on April 22, 2016 also prescribed measures that will forestall or at least minimise the fury of nature and protect the planet earth as well as enhance prosperity and alleviate poverty. “To this end, we implore all, particularly business organisa-

tions, to consider cutting down on fossil fuel usage and promoting energy use efficiency in their business operations towards the attainment of a green economy. Also, other activities that will keep the atmospheric temperature below two degrees Celsius should be made a priority, in line with the Climate Change Agreement,” Karunwi said. Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has directed officials of relevant agencies to ensure the immediate demolition of all illegal structures along drainage channels and alignments hampering the free flow of water in the state.

Nigeria validates pilot REDD+ readiness

takeholders have endorsed the Integrated Analyses for the pilot Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) for Cross River State. The stakeholders, which comprised civil society groups, academia, media and community representatives endorsed the initiative at the end of a two-day validation workshop, held in Calabar,

Cross River State, according to a statement. With the endorsement of the study analyses, Cross River state will now move to develop a REDD+ strategy that will both inform the national strategy and serve as model for other states, particularly Ondo and Nassarawa states that are already eyeing the programme. Essentially, the strategy will comprise policy reforms,

Experts clamour for Green Water Initiative in Africa

ater and climate experts have called for a Green Water Initiative, as part of a water revolution in Africa, that would alleviate hunger on the continent and help to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking in Stockholm, Sweden, at the onset of the 2016 World Water Week (WWW), world-renowned hydro-climate experts, said that rainwater harvesting and other green water management methods are key to alleviating hunger in sub-Saharan Africa and meeting the SDGs. Green water is the part of the

Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, who gave the directive during ongoing tour of dark drainage spots in the state, appealed to residents located on the state’s low-lying areas and flood plains to relocate to higher grounds, adding, “weather reports predicted heavier rainfall in the weeks ah ead.” Speaking during a tour of flood ravaged locations in the state last Monday, the commissioner revealed that most of the flooded areas had been abused by refuse dumps, illegal structures on low lying areas, flood plains and drainage channels.

rain that infiltrates into, and is stored in, the soil. Senior Scientific Advisor to Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), organisers of the WWW, Professor Malin Falkenmark, said: “Large parts of the world are struggling to adapt to a drier reality, but challenges are especially dire in Africa’s drylands. Africa’s climate is its Achilles Heel,” The group said that in the water-scarce regions of sub-Saharan Africa (mainly consisting of savannah), direct management of scarce rainfall must form an integral part of the development

agenda. The group includes Malin Falkenmark (Stockholm International Water Institute and Stockholm Resilience Centre), Johan Rockström (Stockholm Resilience Centre), Johan Kuylenstierna (Stockholm Environment Institute), Charles J. Vörösmarty (CUNY Advanced Science Research Centre), Torgny Holmgren (SIWI) and Fred Boltz (The Rockefeller Foundation). The vast drylands encircling the Congo Basin are home to some 750 million people, a number that is expected to increase to 1.6 billion in the next 35 years.

investment priorities, and a related REDD+ implementation framework, with due monitoring and safeguard systems, as called for under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The strategy also intends to enhance the value of standing forests and to incentivize sustainable forest management through a multi-stakeholder approach and a green development perspective. Commissioner, Ministry of Climate Change and Forestry, Cross River state, Dr. Alice Ekwu, said the state has 50 per cent of rainforest in Nigeria hence qualified for REDD+ programme, explaining that the programme had been on ground for the past four years. She added that much has happened in preparing the state for REDD+ readiness stage, which the meeting was set to conclude and move to the investment stage. She commended the United Nations-Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD+) for using the state as pilot scheme in Nigeria.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AutoBeat

Peugeot 4008: SUV with a difference Paul Ogbuokiri

or many auto enthusiasts, especially, those with preference for Peugeot vehicles, the wait is over, as their demand for a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), commonly known in Nigeria as Jeep, has been met by the renowned auto maker. The Peugeot 4008 is here to answer all the questions about off-road and off-road drives. Before now, Peugeot has not been known for making Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). It was known more with the production of sedans and estates. You remember the 404, 504 and 505 sedans and estates. They were in a class of their own during their time. They were preferred models of car buyers in the 70's and 80's. Peugeot has taken advantage of the current trend in the automobile industry whereby Sport Utility Vehicles have become the way forward to launch itself into the SUV category. The launch of the 4008 into the market marks yet another beginning for Peugeot in the automobile world especially at a time when even luxury automakers are veering into SUV production. Even Bentley has come up with Bentaya, and Jaguar launched F-Pace, Porsche did theirs and Audi introduced many SUVs. Only an unserious car maker would ignore these car segments and Peugeot has cashed into this segment with the 4008.

Having established itself as one of the leading automobile makers in the world, Peugeot has brought its many years of experience to bear in the new 4008 sport utility vehicle. The 4008 adopts a clearly distinctive style. It asserts a personality with audacious lines and a genuine all-terrain attitude that is both expressive and dynamic. Compact and solid, the Peugeot 4008 is an off-road vehicle with a strong personality. It combines outstanding handling with comfort. The versatility according to Peugeot was achieved through a high quality suspension system and a range of transmission mode. Distributed in Nigeria by PAN Nigeria with head offfice in Kaduna and a network of branches and after-sales facilities nation-wide, the 4008 is masterfully crafted to take any tough task. The 4×4 mode of the 4008 overcomes every terrain when the need arises while the two-wheel drive is at home with dry tarmac road. In poor road like sandy or muddy road, the 4WD Lock mode tackles the road with ease. Interestingly, the 4008 is available with a 2.0 litre engine which delivers 150 brake-horse power. Here, the user has the advantage of fuel economy and at the same time, a powerful engine. This engine is marched with a continuously variable automatic transmission, CVT, combined with steering wheel paddle-shift controls for driving pleasure. The adventurous person-

ality of the 4008 comes handin-hand with an interior that is enhanced by the quality of the trim and the materials used such as chrome. Other details like the LED lighting on the side of the glass panoramic roof contribute to the perceive quality of the interior. The 4008 is fitted with efficient and practical equipment, devised for occupants’ pleasures, safety and driving comfort. For instance, with the 4008, the traditional key has been replaced by an electronic recognition system that simplifies using the 4008. With the identifier still in your pocket or hand-bag, you can access your

4008, start it, and top it simply by pressing the button. The vehicle can be locked again simply by pressing the button on the front door handle or boot as you leave. There is generous legroom and headroom for all occupants. The 4008 also offers occupants comforts worthy of the finest saloon cars: numerous storage comportments, automatic air conditioning, a refrigerated glove box, electric windows, quality sound system etc. Peogeot didn’t leave anything out in ensuring safety in the new 4008. The 4008 uses an ESP that incorporate traction

control and hill assist functions. The car is also fitted with automatic light illumination based on the exterior level, with fog lights built into the front bumper, Xenon headlamps combined with headlamp washers and an electric attitude correction system that reduces dazzle for other road users. The 4008 is fitted with seven air bags, ISOFIX, as well as front and rear audio park assist system. The customer can choose from a variety of interior trims. The 301, 508, Partner and 3008 are other Peugeot models complementing the 4008 on the Nigerian road.

Dollar crisis threatens Nigeria’s only indigenous car plant

nfortunately for Nigeria's main domestic vehicle assembly firm, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), the main imported component, engines can no longer be obtained as the economy is starved of dollars because of the slump in oil prices. Indications are that the Nnewi based company can no longer be able to buy imported components. Nigeria’s GDP figures on Wednesday confirmed that the continent's biggest economy slid into its first recession in 25 years in the second quarter, shrinking by 2.06 per cent after a 0.36 per cent contraction in the first three

months of the year. The poor state of the manufacturing sector in particular is a blow to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been pushing hard to wean Nigeria off its dependence on crude oil sales, which make up 70 per cent of government revenues. At IVM, whose products are intended to show Nigeria can export more than oil, workers have already been sent home because of a lack of parts from Japan, China and Germany, which account for much of the content of the vehicles they produce. Production had stopped "as we are waiting for the imported

items for which there is a forex issue," chairman Innocent Chukwuma said at the firm's plant at Nnewi, in southern Nigeria. Launched in 2010, IVM last year raised its annual production target for 2016 from 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles due to a "Made in Nigeria" campaign that generated strong sales to the police, state agencies and churches. Those ambitions are now looking shaky if promises of government assistance fail to materialise, Chukwuma said. "I believe they are doing something but if they can't do anything we'll lay off some workers," Chukwuma said.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Preparing for Eidul-Adha QUESTION

What are the tips for individuals, families and communities on how to prepare for Eid-ul-Adha CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

ANSWER

Eid is a great occasion to do this. A gift exchange can be with just a couple of friends or even acquaintances. Giving and getting gifts is a great way to increase in brotherhood and love on this occasion. Remember though, that gifts should not burn a hole in your wallet. They should be affordable, well thought out, and of course Halal. 4. Get a new outfit If you’ve been dragging out the same dress, suit, etc. for Eid day these past few years, invest in a new one this Eid. If you’re really tight in the finances department, at least make the necessary effort to launder and/or dry clean what you want to wear. Don’t just do this for the actual clothes you wear, but also do it for your jacket and scrub your shoes also. 5. Attend Eid prayers It will really feel like Eid if you attend the prayers. Be part of not just the congregation but the Dua (supplications) following the prayer. You’ll feel the community spirit and Eid will really feel like Eid. 6. Hug the strangers If you’re on your own, you know how lonely and sad Eid can be watching others hug each other while you stand on the sidelines. This Eid, make it a point to hug those Muslims you notice standing alone, with no family or friends with them. Invite them over, make plans to get to know each other or at least tell them about any upcoming Eid community events. An interesting story on the power of hugging: in one Muslim community in central Canada, a man watched curiously as Muslims were hugging each other following one of the Eid prayers. He inquired as to why they were doing this, studied Islam, and later became a Muslim. 7. Visit relatives and friends Call up that uncle you haven’t seen in months and arrange to drive the extra hour or so to visit him on Eid. CONTINUE Next WEEK

30 Dhul Qadah, 1437 AH

Muslim groups rue Neuro-Psychiatric hospital’s threat on hijab lNurse faces job loss for refusing to remove Hijab PROTEST MURIC vows to mobilise against hospital over alleged extremism Adeola Yusuf

uslim groups and associations have condemned what they called, the extremism and excesses of the management of Neuro-Psychiatric hospital Abeokuta, for allegedly threatening a Muslim nurse, Mutiat Alao, to remove her hijab or get sacked. The groups particularly wanted the federal government and the ministry of health to call the Provost of Neuro-Psychiatric hospital, Aro in Abeokuta, Dr A. O Akinhanmi, to order for his stance, which they considered to be a threat to the peace and harmony in the country. Alao, a new staff of the hospital, was told that she was at the risk of losing her job for alleged disobedience to the order of the provost. National president of the National Council of Muslim Youth (NACOMYO), Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, who said that he paid a courtesy call on the provost expressed worry over the decision of the management of the hospital not to abide by the circular issued by the National Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Coordinator of the Muslim Rights Concerns (MURIC), Ogun

Muritala Ayinla

he families of pilgrims from Lagos state for this year holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia should not panic over inability to yet communicate with the pilgrims on phone, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, has said. The new policies by Saudi Arabia on security measure, Abdul-Lateef, who doubles as Amir-ul-Hajj for the state said, mandated the registration of SIM card before usage, and this had prevented pilgrims from communicating to their loved ones. He therefore implored families of pilgrims to be patient as the communication problem will soon be over. “Lagos State had commenced the movement of pilgrims from Medinah to Mecca after they

L-R: Senior Special Adviser on Religious matters to former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Hakeem Kosoko; Sarkin Hausawa of Agege, Alhaji Musa Muhammed Dogon Kadai; Chief Imam of Oba bi Olorun Kosi Mosque, Abdulhameed Abubakir and Team Head, Movement of Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA CARE), Popoola Taoheed, at the inauguration/donation of a water borehole facility by MICA CARE in Lagos.

state chapter, Mallam Luqman Soliu, added in a statement that the act was a violation of the fundamental human rights of Muslims in the facility. Also, the Ogun State Chapter of Al-Muminat (The Believing woman) has condemned what it called injustice and extremism on the part of the provost and other principal officers of the hospital. The threat, it was gathered worsened last week when the provost refused to honour all peace moves. It was learnt that despite being employed since July 25, 2016, “the affected woman who was one of the three female Muslims offered jobs out of the 29 nursing officers has been prevented from fully resuming her duty post because she refused to remove her hijab.” It was also learnt that out of

the two Muslim women that were threatened, “one has removed her hijab after being compelled and threatened of job loss.” But Alao insisted on using the Hijab, saying that the Nigerian Constitution and a circular by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for practising issued for practising nurses across the country permitted wearing the Hijab. The circular dated 11th February, 2002 with reference number NSMCN/CMF/191/1/3 with the title,“NURSES UNIFORM,” seen by New Telegraph read in part, “Female nurses should wear either a Nurse cap or a shoulderlength hijab.” The circular was signed by the Secretary-general/Registrar, P.N Ndatsu, and addressed to the Chief Medical Directors of

University Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres and Specialists Hospitals. Neither the provost nor the Public Relations Officer of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital could be reached on phone. A member of the management however said after his anonymity was assured that the implementation of any circular issued by the National Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria was at the liberty of the Provost. Also, efforts by Muslim organisations to ensure that Alao was allowed to use the Hijab proved abortive as the provost allegedly refused to yield to pleas. On their parts, Muslim organisations in the Ogun State have condemned the act and asked the management not to deny the constitutional right of Alao.

2016 Hajj: Why families of Lagos pilgrims should not panic –Commissioner have completed the necessary prayers and visitation to Masjid Haram, Jabali Uhud, Mosjid Kiblatyn, Sabuha Mosjid and Mosjid Kuba as well as other historical sites of prophet Mohammed which is part of Umurah rites,” he said in a statement. Meanwhile, the medical team of Lagos state Government have continued to sensitise the pilgrims on how to live a healthy life while in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team is in Saudi Arabia to cater for the health needs of pilgrims and it warned Lagos pilgrims to avoid moving around in the sun, adding that doing this is dangerous to their health.

The continued stay in the sun, according to the team, kills blood, dry water in the body fast, cause headache, pains, weakness and dehydration. Head of the team, Dr. Abdul Majeeb Muhammed- Isa, said that his team is expected to provide on the spot medical service, health talk and enlightenment programme for Lagos pilgrims. He explained that it’s imperative for pilgrims to do their activities in the morning or in the night because the hot whether in Saudi Arabia is hazardous to people’s health. He further opined that though he is not discouraging pilgrims from going for prayer

at Haram but he advised that they go for Subhi, Maghrib and Ishai at the mosque while Zuhri and Ashri should be observed at home. Dr. Mohammed-Isa advised pilgrims to eat enough fruits and drink plenty of water to boost their immune system and to help them stay healthy at all times. He said that the State Government is working round the clock to solve the problems of those who are unable to bring their prescribed drugs to Saudi Arabia due to one reason or the other, pointing out that government had provided necessary drugs to cater for their health needs.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Agony of a father

Crime

My son’s killers will have no peace, father curses

Baby factory Police arrest teenagers attempting to sell unborn babies

Syndicate How we changed stolen cars to new ones –Suspects

35 36

My husband’s killers are dying mysteriously, says widow of activist •As police arrest two more cultists Tobi Ayinde and Endurance Evulukwu

any people may not have known the late human rights activist, Mr. Vincent Ola-

tunde. He was however known to cultists, cyber criminals and policemen stationed at Somolu area of Lagos. He had a penchant for reporting any perceived ill in Somolu, before he was killed by cultists. Three years after his murder, the Lagos Police State Command, last week, announced that his killer has been arrested. The arrest of Ibrahim Balogun, alias Small Jepron, the alleged leader of Eiye confraternity in Somolu, that killed Vincent, has made Mrs. Adetutu Olatunde, wife of the slain activist, to reveal the nightmare her life and those of her children has become. Balogun was alleged to have murdered Vincent and four others at Shomolu. Vincent was attacked on October, 1, 2013. He died, leaving his wife to bring up their children alone. One would have expected Adetutu to jubilate over the arrest of Balogun, but instead, she lamented: “My children and I had gone through a lot since the death of my husband three years ago. Some of the cultists, who killed my husband, are still threatening to kill my children and I. They said we’ve been reporting them to the police.” The widow recalled an inci-

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

Balogun

dent that became imprinted in her memory. It happened in the area she and her children relocated, after Vincent died. Adetutu said: “One day, I was outside with my children when some of the cult members came to our street. They came to see one of their friends, who just returned from London. Immediately they saw my children and I outside, they moved towards us and started threatening and cursing us.” Recollecting how her husband was killed, Adetutu said: “I still remember that day like it was yesterday. The day cultists shot my husband; I was outside, waiting for someone. I saw some young boys. They rode on five motorcycles. They positioned themselves in front

I was in prison when he was shot. But I was part of those that planned the operation

of our former house. They were all dressed in black.” Adetutu said that when the cult boys arrived, they initially didn’t recognise Vincent. She said someone, standing close to Vincent, fingered him. She narrated: “Immediately they saw him, they brought out their guns and started shooting straight at him. He tried to run and defend himself, but they eventually shot him. They thought he was dead at that point and left him. We rushed him to Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, where X-ray was conducted on him. About 23 pellets were discovered on his arms. The medical doctors said they could not operate him, so that he would not die from blood shortage.”

The family later relocated to another part of the metropolis for security purpose. Adetutu said the relocation became necessary after it was discovered that the cultists were frantically searching for Vincent, to ensure he was finally eliminated. Adetutu said: “To my surprise, even when we were invited to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, some of the cultists, laid ambush for him. He escaped. Since then, I lost my respect for the police. I didn’t know how the cultists got to know that my husband was going to the station that very day. Someone must have told themat the police station. Some of these cult boys had been arrested before, but we see them walking freely in the community after some days. Even this Balogun that was arrested will soon be released. They’ll come back to start trailing and threatening my family. That’s why I don’t like speaking with journalists.” She said that the most painful event of her life was when Vincent died on her birthday. He died from the gunshot wound inflicted by the cultists. She said: “But my children and I have accepted our fate and left judgment to God. My late husband’s spirit fought hard for vengeance. Seven of the cultists that killed my husband have died mysteriously. Among them was the boy that shot him. I’m happy their leader has been arrested. Others should be arrested too, so that peace will return to Somolu community.” Vincent was standing in front of his house, on Craig Street, at about 1.30pm, on October, 1, 2013, when about 15 cultists, who rode on motorcycles, attacked him. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said police have been on Balogun’s trail over major cult clashes in Somolu. Owoseni added: “Balogun, who is an ex-convict, was arrested on August 21, 2016, after terrorising Somolu with his gang. They have turned the community into a theatre of war.” Balogun said: “I joined cultism in 2009 after my best friend, Sunday Folorunsho, was killed by Aiye cult members. Immediately my friend was killed, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

CRIME

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Joe's two wives and brothers during Umahi's condolence visit to the family

My son’s killers will have no peace, father curses •Son beaten, tied and dumped in river Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

esidents of Uburu Community, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have seen many things in life, but seeing a 70-year-old man, weeping broken heartedly, is a sight many of them do not wish to see again. The old man, Abaa Umahi, has been crying for days since he received the shattering news of the murder of his 30-year-old son, Joe. Abaa said he was crying, not just because his son died before him, but also over the horrifying manner Joe was killed. According to him, Joe was grabbed by local vigilante men for allegedly stealing a motorbike and beaten to stupor. He said his son’s killers couldn’t even substantiate the allegation. It was gathered that someone saw Joe with a motorbike that has been missing and without

bothering to ask him, where he got it, he alerted vigilante men. After beating Joe, the vigilante men tied his hands and legs with rope. They tied the ropes to bags of sand and dropped him into Isu Achara River. He sank like lead. The deceased has been described as the breadwinner of his family. He also was the person that used to fend for his aged father. Abaa said that the murder of Joe was the worst thing that had ever happened to him. His words: “I would have been happy if I had died, so that Joe buries me. I’m sad that I’ll now be the one to bury him. His killers murdered and dropped his corpse into the river. People tell me to endure it, but how can I? How can I endure such gruesome murder of my son? How can I forget it?” Joe, a politician, farmer and husband of two wives, was alleged to have been taken into a forest, beaten to coma, then tied and dumped into the river. He died, leaving six children behind

and a heavily pregnant wife. Weeping profusely, Abaa said that if not that his son was a good man; many sympathisers wouldn’t be trooping into his compound to pay condolence visits. Almost choking on his tears, Abaa wept: “If Joe was bad to everyone, this crowd wouldn’t have been here to sympathise with us. Because of the way he was murdered, his soul will not rest in peace. Those who killed him will not have peace until Joe avenges!” The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr. George Okafor, explained that the police have arrested six suspects, including the chairman of the vigilante group, one Dennis Agwu, in connection with the murder of Joe. Okafor said divers have recovered the corpse of the victim from the river, where it was dumped. He added that autopsy would be conducted on it. Okafor further said: “The matter was reported at the Onicha Police Station on August 11, 2016. We

were told that one Joseph Umahi, 30, of Obilo Ohaozara, was beaten up by vigilante men and the chairman of Isu Achara village. The victim was reportedly seen with a motorcycle, which was allegedly stolen. The vigilante men were alerted and the victim was arrested. The village chairman took part in the arrest. “They beat up the man and at a point, took him away from the place they caught him at Isu Achara, and moved into Umuezu Forest. The village chairman, Dennis Agwu and the vigilante men beat the man to coma and made sand bags, with which they tied to his neck and threw him into the stream where he drowned. The chairman of the village was arrested first before some members of the vigilante group. It was their confessions that led police to the forest, as well as to the river, where divers were able to fish out the body.” The state government has launched investigations into the murder of Joe. Governor Dave Umahi announced this. According to the governor, chairman of the local government area and Coordinator of Isu Development Centre, where the incident took place, have been summoned to explain why they allowed a vigilante group to exist against government’s directives. While commiserating with Abaa’s family, Umahi said: “We have come to sympathise with you on what happened. But the acting governor did his best and ensured that the matter was not swept under the carpet. We were shocked when we heard the incident. This is why we are not happy over it, because Joe was our great supporter. Joe’s death pains us exceedingly. His death should remind us however that nobody knows when he or she will die.” Umahi further said: “We want to say that we will bring all those involved in this dastardly act to book. The law will definitely take its course. We have started looking into what happened and some persons have been arrested in connection with the killing. Arrest is still on and even if I’m no longer the governor, I’ll follow this matter to its logical conclusion. “The executive council will sit and discuss how to help the surviving family members. Joe was one of us. Anytime you want to bury him, let us know. We’ll take up the burial responsibility. We want to assure that we will not abandon the family to suffer. Let's use this opportunity of his death to know God. We’ll all die one day and be judged by the life we lived.”

IG's team arrests suspects for stealing 600 bags of rice Juliana Francis

peratives attached to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris's, Special Intelligence Response Squad (IRT), have arrested some suspects behind the hijacking of 600 bags of rice valued at N6million. The suspects, were arrested after Idris, ordered the IRT operatives, led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr. Abba Kyari, to track those behind series of hijacking in

Abuja. The IGP was said to have become alerted on the increasing cases of diversion of goods after one Yahya Umar Santa, wrote a petition to the Federal Capital Territory State Criminal Investigations Department(SCID), complaining that a transporter disappeared with his 600 bags of rice. The petitioner said the stolen rice was worth N6m. When the SCID was not making headway with the investigation, Idris instructed IRT to look into the matter.

A police source said: “The efforts by the FCT Command was not yielding result, hence IRT operatives were deployed by the IGP. On August 4, 2016, one Mallam Sani Mohammed Usman, 45, who received the truck was arrested in Kano. Immediate follow up led to the arrest of one Nasiru Mohammed, 28, Ibrahim Mohammed, 42, Yahaya Shuaibu, 38 and Alaramma Nura Idris, 37. The major buyer, Abubakar Ishaku Gwagwalada was also arrested. Gwagwalada bought 400 bags at N7, 000 per bag. They were all

The suspects

arrested in Kaduna, Niger and Abuja respectively.” The suspects are said to be assisting IRT operatives to

catching other fleeing members of the gang. The police are also making efforts to recover the bags of rice.

CRIME

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Police arrest teenagers attempting to sell unborn babies Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Abia State Police Command has arrested two teenage girls for allegedly attempting to sell their unborn babies. According to the police, they were arrested along with one Oluchi, the wife of the owner of the home, where they planned to have the babies and later sell them. The girls, Esther Odum and Ebere Ejimadu, have however denied the allegation. They insisted that there was a mix up somewhere. They stressed that they went to the medicine home for treatment. The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, said: “The command got information that the suspect, Ifeanyi Agbasonu and his wife Oluchi, were operating a baby factory at No. 2 Bridget Road Aba. It was there that the two pregnant girls, Esther Odum and Ebere Ejimadu, were arrested.” Odum, from Owerri, Imo State, admitted that she was pregnant, but denied nursing any idea to sell the baby after birth. Odum said: “I was introduced to Ifeanyi Agbasonu as a homeopathic doctor. I have not stayed there for long. I just arrived there. The place didn’t look like a hospital to me. I came there on Wednesday and was arrested on Friday. When I got there on Wednesday, Ifeanyi told me that

Oluchi with the teenage girls

he is a homeopathic doctor, who specialised in the treatment of infections and wounds. Ejimadu said: “I got there on Monday. I live with my aunt at Port Harcourt. The doctor in the hospital told me that I have infection. He said I was free to choose the kind of medicine I wanted to take. He said I should choose either orthodox or traditional. His wife advised me to choose traditional treatment. She said it would work better than

orthodox medicine. My aunt said she had a doctor that specialised in treatment of infections. She took me there. I was supposed to stay there until Sunday. I was however arrested. He has even started administering the medicine on me.” Oluchi said she knew her husband to be a homeopathic medicine practitioner. She said she was surprised to see policemen at the medical centre.

She added: “When I asked them their mission, they said I was under arrest. I asked why? They said I would know when I reach their station.” The command also paraded four young men suspected to be fake members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Police said the four men specialised in hijacking petroleum tanker drivers for ransom.

Last words of activist: I was shot with poisoned bullets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Eiye members in the community approached me; they said they would fight the Aiye group on my behalf if only I would join their cult group. I didn’t want my friend to die in vain; that was how I became a full-fledged member of the Eiye confraternity. We fought the Aiye group successfully.” When Balogun was asked why his group attacked Vincent, he said: “I was in the prison when he was shot. But I was part of those that planned the operation. He was attacked because of his relationship with the policemen. I

The late Vincent during the last interview

went to prison because two persons died after our group clashed with Aiye group. It was after I came out of the prison I heard that Pappy (Vincent), died as a result of the gunshot wounds.” Balogun added: “Some of the guns we use for our operations were supplied by one Waliu, a member of Eiye. Since I joined Eiye, I have killed two people. I stabbed them to death. I was arrested at my mother’s street by policemen from Alade Police Station. I regret my action. After I returned from prison, I signed an undertaking that I would never involve myself in cultism anymore. Since I came back

from prison, I have not fought with anymore again! Whenever the Aiye group fights in the community, they would mention my name. Government should provide jobs for youths. Youths join cultism out of frustration.” On Monday, policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State Command, arrested two more members of Balogun’s gang. When Vincent was attacked by cultists for always monitoring and reporting their activities to policemen, he survived the attack. He laughed after he heard that the bullets the gang fired at him were poisoned ones. He wasn’t meant to survive, but he did. But a few days after narrating his encounter with our correspondent, Vincent died. According to Vincent, the cult boys, numbering over 10, attacked him right in front of his house and even after he dodged series of the flying bullet and took to running for his dear life, they pursued him. Before the war the cultists declared on him came to an end, more than six people had been killed, while three persons were injured. Immediately they fired the first bullet at him, right in front of his house, with his petrified wife and child watching, Vincent had dodged behind a bystander, who was later alleged to be the

‘pointer’ for the gang. Vincent said: “I don’t know whether because of the amount of blood the shooter saw that made him, not to check whether I was dead or still alive. But he apparently thought I was dead. I later heard that the bullets they used in the local guns were poisoned bullets. I was not supposed to survive such a bullet. Anyway, the shooter brought out his phone, called somebody and told the person that he had killed me. That I was dead.” Immediately Vincent heard the phone conversation, he continued to play possum until his assailant left. Later, his wife and children, who had already started weeping, thinking he was dead as a doornail, entered. They could not believe their eyes when they found him still breathing, but nursing a bullet wound. He was sneaked out of the apartment and taken to the hospital. “I heard from reliable sources the cultists were popping champagne, celebrating my demise when someone called and told them that I was still alive. An argument started; with some saying it was impossible. They traced me to the hospital where I was receiving treatment and unleashed hell in that street. But they couldn’t gain access into the hospital. I was later transferred out of that hospital.” The activist died a few days later, after laughing at the idea of the poisoned bullets.

CRIME

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

John, Sariwayo and Nwaigwe

How we changed stolen cars to new ones –Suspects Endurance Evulukwu

etectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three men, who are part of a syndicate, which used to steal vehicles of unsuspecting Nigerians and transform such cars into new ones. The suspects are Frank John, a former boat driver, Inosa Sariwayo, an auto electrician, otherwise known as 'vehicle rewire' and one Ifeanyi Nwaigwe. They were arrested on August 18, 2016, at Jakande and charged with car theft. The crackdown on the syndicate began on August 17, 2016 , after someone residing at Agege area of the metropolis, alerted the police that his car had been stolen from where it was parked. Reacting to the arrest of the syndicate, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects were traced to their hideout. When policemen stormed the hideout, they discovered that the suspects had dismantled parts of cars such as windscreen, ignition and others and were trying to replace them with new one. The idea was to make the old stolen cars, to appear new to anyone who wanted to buy them, said Owoseni. They were already changing the parts of the car that was stolen at Agege, when police surprised them. Owoseni further said: “These incidents happen in Lagos regularly. There are areas where car parts are changed and the car re-registered to appear like new ones. We urge Nigerians to be vigilant and mindful of their property. They should also report suspicious people to the police.” One of the suspects, John, said he was innocent. According to him, he was aware that the cars were sto-

len ones, he however was not guilty because he was not the person that removed them from where they were parked. He said his only offence was in assisting the syndicate to carry out rewiring of the vehicles and change of ignition keys. He said he was initiated into the business by a friend, simply known as ‘Baba Michael.’ He said that Baba Michael used to constantly supply him cars to rewire. Recollecting how he met Baba Michael, John said: "I met him one day after my boat developed fault. He introduced me to the business this

year in April. On the first day they gave me a car to rewire and change with it ignition, I asked them who the owner of the car was. They said it belonged to one of their customers. After receiving the second car last week, I found out that it was a stolen vehicle. I met them at Command, Ipaja area the first time. On Wednesday, I met them at Lekki, to collect the other car. I gave the car to Inosa to rewire and that was how I was caught by the police." Sariwayo, who described himself as a professional vehicle electrician, hotly denied knowing anything about stolen vehicles. He said

he works with John as a rewire and didn’t know whether cars given to him by John to work on, where stolen ones or not. His words: "I was caught by the police on Thursday while I was repairing the car Frank gave me. I have done this kind of job for him before. He usually pays me N2000. Frank came to my shop at CMS and asked me to repair the car. I didn’t ask Frank where the car was from or who it belonged to. It’s not my business to do so. Usually, while repairing the car, I would purchase new car keys and change the ignition to the new one; in order for the car to start." John claimed to have been paid N 50,000 to effect such changes on the cars. He was contacted last week to effect changes on the car which was moved from Agege, where it was parked. He said he knew it was stolen, but didn’t think of reporting to the police. He also agreed that the rewiring of car's ignition and changing of parts to make the cars new was a suspicious practise, but had never questioned his suppliers. Nwaigwe, a public toilet cleaner, also denied being a member of the syndicate. He said the police picked him alongside with Inosa while he was going about his daily work at their workshop. Nwaigwe said: "I was at work when the police came and questioned Inosa. They asked him who gave him the car he was working on and pointed at my work place and said the person who gave him the car was there, waiting for him. When the police met me, I told them there must have been a mistake. I know nothing of the incident. A colleague of mine told the police that I know Frank and the police took me.” John emphaised: “ I’m innocent! I didn’t steal any car. I only assisted them to rewire the cars. I hope that Baba Michael and his friends are found fast.” Inosa said: “ I hate the situation I find myself today. No member of my family even knows that the police arrested me. Anything can happen to me. I’m angry with Frank for getting me involved in this situation.”

SARS men get N500,000 for illegal demolition, face trial Juliana Francis

he Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, has ordered the immediate arrest and orderly room trial of four policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), over illegal duty. The four policemen; one inspector, three sergeants, were arrested after they carried out the demolition of a building located in Ikeja area of the metropolis without court order. It was gathered that when Owoseni was briefed on the issue, he immediately ordered the arrest of the men and immediate orderly room trial. The policemen were further discovered to have abandoned their duty post at Badagry area of the state, to head to Ikeja, where they carried out the illegal demolition. The SARS men were alleged to have been lured out of their duty post by

one Alhaji, who paid them N500, 000 to embark on the illegal duty. The Alhaji was said to been having a running battle with the owner of the building. Before the policemen got to the scene, the Alhaji had already hired a bulldozer. Without much ado, the policemen started supervising the demolition of the building. The owner of the building alerted Ikeja Police Station about the ongoingdemolition. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Ikeja Police Station, raced to the scene with some policemen. When they reached, they discovered that the people behind the demolition were policemen attached to SARS Ikeja. When the DPO asked them to present court order, instructing them to carry out the demolition, they couldn’t. The DPO arrested and took them to Owoseni’s office. A police source said: “The policemen carried out the illegal demolition

without court permit or Commissioner of Police permission. One Alhaji paid them N500, 000 to carry out the demolition. The Alhaji rented a bulldozer, gave it to them and they started demolition. The Alhaji told them that someone trespassed on his land. “It was also discovered that the Officer in Charge of SARS (OC), who happened to be their boss, was not aware of the demolition. The CP ordered that they should be arrested.” The source said: “They left their duty post and moved to Ikeja. Aside from that, it’s not SARS job to carry out demolition. It’s the job of police task force.” The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the incident, said: “They went for illegal duty at Ikeja, to demolish a property. Information got to the CP, who ordered their arrest. They are currently undergoing disciplinary procedure.”

BUSINESS \ MONEY LINE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

CBN: August Manufacturing PMI falls to 42.1 RECESSION Employment level, raw material inventories declined at a faster rate Tony Chukwunyem

igeria’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August declined to 42.1 compared to 44.1 in July, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. In the August manufacturing PMI posted on its website yesterday, the apex bank stated that production level, new orders, employment level and raw material inventories declined at a faster rate, adding that supplier delivery time improved at a slower rate. According to the banking wathcdog, a composite PMI above 50 points indicates that the manufacturing/nonmanufacturing economy is generally expanding, 50 points indicates no change and below 50

points indicates that it is generally declining. The August PMI shows that of the 16 manufacturing subsectors, 15 including, nonmetallic mineral products; transportation equipment; petroleum and coal products; fabricated metal products; furniture and related products; cement; appliances and components; printing and related support activities; paper products; computer and electronic products; food, beverage and tobacco products, among others recorded decline in the review month. The electrical equipment sub-sector remained unchanged in the review period. The report also showed that at 40.5 index points, the production level index for manufacturing sector declined for the eighth consecutive month. It fell at a faster rate than that recorded in July 2016. Similarly, the study showed that the new orders index declined for the eighth consecutive

Agbaje succeeds Osinbajo as Integrity Organisation chair

he Governing Board of Integrity Organisation (consisting of Integrity and The Convention on Business Integrity, CBi) has appointed financial analyst, Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, as

FG raises N213bn in treasury bills, yields flat

he Federal Government raised N212.85 billion in an auction of treasury bills last Wednesday, with yields little changed from previous sales, data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) showed yesterday. The DMO raised N45.85 billion of three-month paper at 14.38 per cent, down from 14.99 per cent in midAugust; N62 billion of sixmonth bills at 17.50 per cent, up from 17.48 per cent, and N105 billion of one-year paper at 18.42 per cent, down from 18.50 per cent. Higher subscriptions on the one-year sale suggested some offshore investors participated, market players said. Last Monday, offshore investors traded about $270 million through the interbank forex market to fund investments in naira debt.

the new chairman of the group. He takes over the mantle of Chairmanship from Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In a statement, the organisation said: “ Over the years, Mr. Agbaje who is the Chief Executive Officer of RTC Advisory Services Limited (formerly Resources and Trust Company Ltd) has distinguished himself as a selfless and committed member of the Governing Board; he has also made invaluable contributions to the growth of the organisation during this period. He would be ably assisted by Mr. Soji Apampa as the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation. In his previous role as The Executive Director, Mr. Apampa had steered the ship of the organisation from 2007 till date. The appointment takes effect immediately.” Integrity Organisation Limited is an anti-corruption, research and advocacy organization concerned with the issues of accountability and transparency in Public and business life. It was founded in 1995 during the Abacha regime as a direct reaction to the corruption and poor governance of Nigeria represented by that era.

month. “At 37.5 points, the index declined at a faster rate when compared to that in July 2016. At 57.4 index points, the supplier delivery time index for manufacturing sub-sectors improved at a faster rate than that in the month of July 2016. The index improved for the sixth consecu-

Tony Chukwunyem

n the wake of the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) release of data last Wednesday, showing that the economy contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of the year, financial services group, Renaissance Capital (RenCap) has revised its 2016 growth projection for Nigeria to -1.4per cent from -0.5per cent. In a note obtained by New Telegraph, RenCap’s Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Economist, Yvonne Mhango, hinged the firm’s position on the expectation that any boost from government spending in the second half of the year would be cancelled by the fall in oil production, high interest rates and the contracting services sector. The firm said: “We revise down our 2016

tive month,” the report stated. Significantly, the study showed that the employment level index in the month of August 2016 stood at 40.4points, indicating a faster decline when compared with the level in the preceding month. The index has been declining for 18 consecutive months.

In the same vein, the apex bank stated that the composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector declined for the 18th consecutive month. The index rose marginally to 43.7points, indicating a slower decline compared to that in July 2016. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) last

Wednesday released data showing that the country contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, thereby confirming speculations that the economy is in recession. The data also showed that inflation increased to 17.1 per cent in July from 16.5 per cent in June.

RenCap revises Nigeria’s growth forecast down to -1.4% growth projection for Nigeria to -1.4per cent from -0.5per cent previously. We expect any lift from government spending in 2H16 to be offset by depressed oil production; a contracting services sector; and the dampening effect of high interest rates.” It stressed that the deepening of Nigeria’s economic decline was largely due to the troubled oil and gas sector, which contracted by 8.0per cent YoY in 2Q16 vs -6.8percent YoY a year earlier. “The deterioration in the non-oil sector’s growth performance was in part due to the services sector, which contracted for the first time in 2Q16, since this

current economic slowdown commenced in 2H14,” RenCap stated. Similarly, it pointed out that the services sector, which accounts for 50 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contracted by 1.3per cent YoY in 2Q16 vs growth of 4.7per cent YoY, a year earlier. It explained: “The sector’s decline was in part due to zero YoY growth of its largest subsector, wholesale and retail trade, compared with 5.0 per cent in 2Q15. This was compounded by real estate’s negative YoY growth of 5.3per cent (vs 3.0per cent growth a year earlier), and financial institutions sharp 13.2 per cent YoY contrac-

tion (vs growth of 6,6 per cent in 2Q15).” Continuing, the firm predicted: “We are likely to see the biggest contributor to growth, crop production slowdown in 2H16 because of an increased risk of flooding, according to a famine early warning network. Oil output is likely to remain depressed at c. 1.6mbd in 2H16, at best, vs 1.96mbd in 5M16. The execution of the FY16 budget from June may provide a lift to public administration. However, as the external financing required to fund capex has yet to be raised, construction, which contracted by 6.3per cent YoY in 2Q16, is likely to continue declining in 2H16.”

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

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 17.1

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 July, 2016

14 10.77 US$49.17 US$25,417,398,048

26/07/2016 Mar 2015 31/9/2016 31/8/2016 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.65 114.59 111.96 120.58 109.60 100.54 83.82 97.56

1.07 3.24 3.87 5.82 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.4583 9.1071 11.0102 12.3790

Bid Yield 10.38 10.55 11.60 11.44 12.27 12.40 12.44 12.49

Change (%) -2.50 ▼ -0.74 ▼ -0.65 ▼ -0.68 ▼

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

Price 104.80 114.89 112.26 120.88 109.90 100.84 84.12 97.86

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

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

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 30-Jun-16 7.92 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 8.08 -0.51 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.59 8.34 8.71 -0.31 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.33 8.99 -0.31 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.36 10.28 -0.07 ▼ 9.11 9.98 -0.07 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.57 ▲

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

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

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -1.75 ▼ -2.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

businesS \ Financial Market News

FRIDAY, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BULLISH Investors gains N282bn Stories by Chris Ugwu

n spite of disturbing news on recession, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) trudged along, driven by sustained bargain hunting activities, which lifted the NSE ASI and market capitalisation by 2.97 per cent. The NSE Industrial Index increased the most by 463 bps to lead NSE-ASI to record 3-day gain. Specifically, the All-Share Index gained 820.89 basis points or 2.97 per cent

businesS \ Financial Market News

Stock market advances on sustained bargain hunting to close at 28.419.92 index points as against 27.599.03 recorded the previous day, while the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N282 billion or 2.97 per cent to close at N9.760 trillion from N9.478 trillion. Meanwhile, a turnover of 229.2 million shares worth N3.243 billion was recorded in the day’s trading. Banking services subsec-

Mutual Benefits’ FY 2015 pre-tax profit down by 81%

utual Benefits Assurance Plc has posted a pre-tax profit of N1.195 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2015. The pre-tax profit represents a drop of 81 per cent over N4.980 billion recorded during the same period of 2014. Similarly, profit after stood at N812.048 million in 2015 as against N4.980 billion reported a year earlier, accounting for a decline of 76 per cent. According to a notice from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the statement of financial position as at the period under review, showed gross premium written grew to N14.598 billion in 2015 as against N15.451 billion recorded a year earlier, indicating a drop of 6 per cent. Mutual Benefits Assurance recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cool World, a subsidiary of PZ Cussons, to provide insurance cover for its products. Group Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, said the partnership would expand its insurance service to more Nigerians. “By this partnership, all

products bought by customers of the firm in the country will be insured against losses such as household damage from fire, material damage and theft among others,” he said. Ogunbiyi said the company was taking this initiative to add value to the products sold by Cool World through insurance, adding that it hoped to extend this service to its customers in West African countries. The Managing Director, Mutual benefits General Insurance, Mr. Segun Omosehin, said that the partnership made insurance more beneficial to the public. With collaboration, he said, Mutual Benefits would be able to take insurance to the grass roots. Commercial Director, Cool World, Mr Olugbenga Kolawole, said that the partnership would transform retail business in Nigeria. He pledged that customers of the company would not have to worry about any damage they might incur from buying its products because they were fully insured by a reliable insurance firm.

tor of the financial services sector was the most active during (measured by turnover volume) with 132.3 million shares exchanged by investors in 1.192 deals. Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Diamond Bank and Fidelity Bank Plc. Premium sub-sector boosted by activities in the shares of Dangote Cement Plc and

Zenith Bank Plc followed with a turnover of 18.9 million shares in 624 deals. The number of gainers at the close of trading session was 25, while decliners closed at 13. Dangote Cement Plc led the gainers’ table with 8.59 per cent to close at N191.00 per share, while CAP Plc followed with a gain of 4.92 per cent to close at N31.57 per

share. FCMB Plc added 4.90 per cent to close at N1.07 per share. On the other hand, Caverton Plc led the price losers’ table, dropping 4.79 per cent to close at N1.39 per share. Chellaram Plc followed with 4.75 per cent to close at N3.41 per share while Triple G Plc trailed with a loss of 4.58 per cent to close at N1.46 per share.

Standard Bank sees increased M&A in telecom, media

tandard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, is partnering with international news and events provider TMT Finance for the inaugural TMT Finance Africa in Lagos 2016 Conference, which is bringing together the leading decision makers in African telecoms, media and technology (TMT) to Lagos. The event will feature over 60 key C-level speakers from the most active and innovative companies, investors and advisers in Africa, including: IHS Towers, Airtel, Standard Bank, Etisalat, MTN, Vodacom, Africa Internet Group, Ringier, iRoko and MainOne. Others are iPNX, Spectranet, Fibersat, Citi, Convergence Partners, Standard Chartered PE, Carlyle, Africa Capital Alliance and Emerging Capital Partners. “As one of the leading TMT banks in Africa, we are excited to partner with TMT Finance for this event, which will bring the key telecom, media and technology companies, inves-

tors and advisers to Lagos in Nigeria,” said Standard Bank’s Global Head of TMT, Nina Triantis, who will be speaking on the TMT M&A Panel at the conference in one of the key sessions of the day. The event comes at a time of accelerating investment, innovation and M&A activity across Africa, and in particular Nigeria, with Lagos widely viewed as the central hub for technology innovation and investment in Africa. “Investment and M&A in TMT continues to be especially active in Africa, with many companies across the continent considering strategic options, growth along diverse verticals, private debt and equity financing rounds, M&A, and public listings,” said Standard Bank’s Triantis. “The debt markets continue to be supportive for the right companies in Africa, despite macro challenges in many African countries as well as global uncertainty, though the funding currency and medium will inevitably re-

flect these challenges,” she added. Current deals in Africa being reported by TMT Finance News include MTN’s Nigerian IPO, the sale of South Africa’s Neotel to Liquid Telecom, Millicom’s strategic review of its African assets, several fibre investment projects and fundraisings, and the potential listing/ sale of Nigerian fintech firm, InterSwitch. The conference includes five leadership panel debates, five visionary keynote speeches, 8 peer to peer round tables and five networking sessions. Key session themes announced include: Telecom Leadership Africa: Broadband Infrastructure Investment; Digital Africa; Mobile Infrastructure Strategies; Mergers and Acquisitions; Private Equity Africa Roundtable; Regulation and Policy; Financing Telecoms; Broadband Infrastructure; Investing in Mobile Data and Services; Mobile Banking, Fintech and M-Health; and Media and Convergence.

NEWS News|SOUTH-WEST

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ondo APC primaries: I fear no charms – Jigawa gov

ndaunted by fetish items decorating the Ondo state Secretariat of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State yesterday said he would not be swayed by the items from conducting the party’s primary elections fixed for tomorrow. He said he was not afraid of found in the party’s secretariat charms as the election would go as scheduled, insisting that there was nothing to fear as the primary would be conducted

39,030

in a free, fair and transparent environment. Abubakar said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja shortly after he was sworn in as the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo Primary Election Committee. He said: ‘’Free and fair election will solve the problem. If they believe we are free, fair and transparent, they will accept the result. ‘’Well in the first place, I don’t believe in juju so certainly I am surely not

The total area (in sq. km) of water of Sweden. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

afraid. ‘’I don’t know of any imposition, my duty there is to be free, fair and transparent and I think that is the only thing that will help the party.’’ He said the issue of identifying the delegates was important and their international passport, permanent voter card or national identity card would suffice. ‘’Anyone of the three will be able to solve the identification problem.’’ Abubakar advised other governors to cut

€35.1m

The estimated transfer value of Daley Blind of Manchester United in 2016. Source: 101greatgoals.com

expenditure in order to overcome the embarrassment of owing staff salaries. He said once the workers were paid and happy, any state would move forward and be productive. ‘’In Jigawa, we are not owing salaries. In fact we always pay on the 25th of every month whether the federation account comes in or not. ‘’We are not owing either local government or state salaries and we are not owing pension. In fact pensioners collect

410,934

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

their pension on the 13th or 15th. ‘’We are not owing gratuity as well. We are really very clean as far as staff welfare is concerned and even this week or next week, we’ll be paying the annual leave grants as promised. ‘’The magic is being prudent. You just have to do what you think is good for the people. ‘’Paying workers is of paramount importance and we have to sacrifice all what we do to be sure to pay our workers be-

PDP candidate, Jegede, to empower youths Babatope Okeowo Akure

overnorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) yesterday expressed his preference for youth empowerment, saying he would made youths employers of labour instead of jobs seekers. Jegede who is the immediate past Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in the state said his government would give top priority to youth empowerment with a view to making

L-R: Member, Apc Committee for The 2016 Ondo State Governorship Election Primaries, Mr Martins Nnorom; secretary of the Committee, Dr. Bruce Ugbode; Chairman of the Committee and Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar; and the National Organising Secretary of Apc, Sen. Osita Izunoso, during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Osogbo

resident Mohammadu Buhari yesterday pleaded with the nation’s Academic Staff Union of Universities to shelve its planned indefinite action in the interest of peace as the government was already addressing its grievances. Besides, he assured them of addressing the rot in the education sector just as panacea for other sectors was in top gear. Buhari said this yesterday in Osun during his

Emmanuel Uti

one-day working visit to the state barely 48 hours after ASUU threatened to embark on a nationwide strike to press home its demands for the implementation of its 2009 agreement with the Federal Government. Buhari maintained that education would no longer be relegated to the background by his administration as 10per cent of the budget was already devoted to education with a view to demonstrating its priority. He insisted that education would be given priority by the three tiers of gov-

ernments for the overall development of every individual in the society. He said: “My government has devoted ten per cent of the entire budget to the education sector to show the priority of the government and my desire is to maintain high tempo in education as it was in the past. “All Progressives Congress government is set to make education in Nigeria qualitative as promised in our manifesto. We are desired to tackle the rot in the education sector, so also, other sectors in the country.

“The commissioned schools are monumental and I appeal to other states across the federation to key into this and take education to greater heights in Nigeria. “Osogbo High School being commissioned is a legacy of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s administration. It is three schools in one place. The economy is unquantifiable and worthy of emulation by other states. “Everything will be done by the present administration to mitigate their pains and instill integrity on all sectors in the land.

he Akin Ambode Campaign group of Aboru has on Monday debunked a New Telegraph publication of July 27 entitled “Aboru Roads Weep”, saying that the said roads referred to in the publication were not a part of the Aboru Community. In a letter sent to New Telegraph dated August 29, the campaign group said that the roads referred to in the publication were all in Ifesowapo, a neighboring community. Signed by the group’s chairman, Mr. Soreme-

agos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has inaugurated a management committee to restore faulty government owned infrastructure across various communities in the state. The governor, who also decried gross abuse of government’s infrastructure at the grass roots, said that the committee would be

saddled with the responsibility of managing and maintaining 30 community halls across the state. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Communities and Communication, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Ambode said that government had been bothered that its infrastructure at various communities were being abused by residents. Inaugurating the committee, he charged them

to ensure continuous and optimal usage, as well as maintenance of the halls to prevent deterioration. “Over time, government had observed gross abuse of the state government infrastructure in our communities which necessitated the decision to embark on inaugurating the management committee to restore them to their desired form,” he said. Ambode reiterated that Ministry of Local Gov-

ernment and Community Affairs would continue to create and develop programmes and activities that were communitydriven through the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) and by harnessing all resources at their disposals towards improving the standard of living of the grass roots and stemming rural-urban drift.

kun, secretary, Prince Remi Arikawe and the coordinator, Akintunde Ambode, they said that since the roads referred to were not in their community, and as such, they officially disassociated themselves from the publication, adding that they do not want to be seen as an anti-government association. The letter reads: “Since your staff could not differentiate between Aboru and Ifesowapo, he tagged our community as an unappreciative one in spite of the ongoing huge projects of the government in our area.”

FG reinstates 91 sacked CRIN workers Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

Ambode inaugurates committee on faulty infrastructure T Muritala Ayinla

them self-reliant and employers of labour. Speaking with reporters in Akure, the state capital, Jegede said his government would encourage youths in the state to look in the direction of becoming selfemployed and economically fit to accommodate others in their respective businesses. He said: “The time has come for us to make our youths realise their potentials, that they can be useful for themselves and be responsible for the financial fortune of others if given the right environment to thrive.

Aboru dissociates community from bad roads

Buhari begs ASUU to shelve planned strike Adeolu Adeyemo

cause workers have to remain focused. ‘’We do a lot of cost savings and employ cost saving techniques to reduce expenditure of the government. ‘’For instance in the government house, the expenditure has been reduced by as much as 80 per cent, while general overhead has been reduced as much as 47 per cent. ‘’The security vote has been reduced as much as 87 per cent. We use only 13 per cent of what they normally used.

hree years after they were relieved of their job by the immediate past administration of Prof. Malachi Akoroda of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), joy of the 91 members of staff of the institute knew no bounds yesterday as they resumed duty following their reinstatement by the Federal Government. Clad in ankara uniform, specially chosen for the occasion by the jubilant workers and their unions’ leaders, the workers assembled at the entrance

of the institute accompanied by a mobile musical band, dancing, singing and praising God as well as the Federal Government for bringing them back to their duty post. Owing to a deluge of allegations of high-handedness and oppressive rule against union members, the administration of Akoroda was mired in crises in the Institute to an extent that some female members of staff and villagers in the community went half nude a few months ago. The Federal Government subsequently relieved the former University of Ibadan lecturer, to allow for peace to reign.

News|south-EAST

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Anambra debunks claims of Lassa fever

Pamela Eboh AWKA

he Anambra State Government has debunked claims that there is an upsurge of Lassa fever in the state, saying that it was only an imported issue which had been laid to rest. Making the declaration yesterday during a press briefing at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, advised members of the public to ignore the news making the round that the state was endemic of Lassa fever describing the rumour was untrue. Narrating the origin of the story, Akabuike said

that the medical doctor who died of the disease was brought into Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, on August 16 by 3:30pm on a referral from Air Comfort Hospital Asaba because the Federal Medical Centre Asaba was on strike. He noted that on arrival in Awka, the doctors queried the patient’s illness based on the symptoms and signs that suggested Hemorrhagic fever. Akabuike said that though immediate precautionary measures were taken to manage the patient, he died two and half hours later after which the corpse was confined to a particular place in the morgue.

Keep away from youth council politics, NYCN tells Obiano Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State to steer clear of the controversy being generated by some of his functionaries who use their positions and the name of the governor to promote illegality. The call was contained in a press statement issued by the Vice President (South-East) of the National Youth Coun-

cil of Nigeria (NYCN), Nnonyelu Williams Onyibor, drawing the attention of the governor to the activities of his aides particularly one Tony Uche Ezekwelu who he alleged was misleading the public in the name of Governor Obiano. According to Onyibor, the Governor’s aide was impersonating one Comrade Frank Maduka as the chairman of the youth council in Anambra state, while telling the public that he is acting with the backing of Governor Willy Obiano.

Groups denounce Biafra splinter groups Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

ver four different groups including the Igbo women assembly led by Chief (Mrs.) Mariah Okwor, Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), Igbo Students Union, Igbo Traders Association and South East Christians Network, have denounced the splinter groups out of IPOB, saying that there was no crisis in IPOB. In statement issued by the groups and made available to newsmen in reaction to the emergence of TRIPOD and REIPOB which broke away from IPOB, they condemned the action of

the splinter groups. The groups said they were embarrassed by both TRIPOD and REIPOB sudden emergence to disown the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and TRIPOB’s declaration to publicly burn the Biafra flag on October 1, even as the REIPOB nominated some names to negotiate with the Federal Government, while warning Kanu to stop parading himself as the IPOB Leader. The groups commended the courage of some of the big names amongst REIPOB’s list who have since denounced REIPOB and promptly disassociated themselves from the group.

We are not hungry, APC replies Gbazuagu Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

he Leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter, has taken a swipe at former governorship candidate in the state, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, referring to the party as being made up hungry people. Reacting to a state-

ment credited to Chief Gbazuagu, the Publicity Secretary, of the party, Mrs. Kate Ofor said that their door was open to welcome all to the party. “Our door is open to accommodate new members, especially genuine and transparent new members, not corrupt ones; contrary to the statement credited to Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu (GNG),” Offor stated.

L-R: Deputy Head, Political Section South East & South West Nigeria, ECOWAS, Andrew Fleming; British High Commissioner and Permanent Representatives to ECOWAS, Paul Arkwright and Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, during a meeting on how to attract investors to Abia state at the British High Commission in Abuja

IPOB flays Buhari, DSS over emergence of new groups Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

he Leadership of pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has again mocked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Department of State Services (DSS) for trying to create division among members of the group by creating what looked like IPOB to cause disaffection. The group, in a statement signed by its spokesmen, Barr. Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya, stated that the new IPOB groups like Re-IPOB and TRI-IPOB, were all smokescreen by Buhari to give the impression that IPOB was balkanised. According to the group if the nuances were meant to be propaganda against Biafra, they had failed to fool the people desirous of achieving self-autonomy. “Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari who committed treason on December 31, 1983 has done a very bad job as a propa-

gandist. He did this in conjunction with agents of his own Department of States Services (DSS). Buhari in his ‘propaganda gone sour’ misadventure must have succeeded in enraging outstanding propagandists such as Joseph Goebbels, Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf, and Gaddafi’s Moussa Ibrahim. Buhari and his DSS travelled on this road to infamy by creating fake groups and christening them “Indigenous People of Biafra“ with diverse deceptive prefixes such RE-IPOB,TRI-POB, BuhariPOB, Okorocha-POB, and Ohanaeze-POB. “The most intriguing aspect of this dance of shame is the use of pseudonyms that are both outlandish and laughable at the same time. For instance, the spokesperson of the Buhari/DSS-POB’s goes by the name ‘Ikemba Biafra’. Recently another fictitious name was concocted as ‘Jonathan Kurubo’, purportedly from Igbogene, a community close to River Nun in Bayelsa State in Biafraland. In the meantime, these individuals are photo-phobic

The total number of penalty goals scored by Spain at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

and have no traces or family history. Buhari and his DSS should have done better than this!” The group further noted that, “on the contrary, all principal officers and citizens of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu bear their real names and have family history as well as real photographs of themselves. “For instance, Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of IPOB and is from Isiama– Afaraukwu UmuahiaIbeku in Abia state. He is the son of His Royal Majesty Eze Sir I. O. Kanu, the Egwu Ukwu of Afaraukwu. The Deputy leader of IPOB is Mazi Alphonsus Uchenna Okafor-Mefor from Abatete in Idemili area of Anambra state. The Head of Directorate of State of IPOB is Uchenna Asiegbu from Ihetenansa in Orsu area of Orlu senatorial zone in Imo state and he is the son of late High-Chief Patrick Ezenduka Asiegbu. Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya is the Coordinator of Coordinators and

30m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Arab States region in 2005. Source: Itu.int

one of the spokespersons of IPOB and he is the son of Ichie-Inyamkwe Bernard Nsidinanya Iroanya from Obilikpa village of Aro-Ndionyemobi community of Oguta local government area in Imo state and others who cannot be mentioned here. We invite readers of this press release to google the pictures of the above-mentioned servants of IPOB to see their faces. Can we say the same for Buhari’s ‘Ikemba Biafra’, ‘Jonathan Kurubo’ and ‘Chima Phillip Effiong Osuji’? The group also stated that “by carefully inserting a fabricated Ijaw name as the leader of this nonexistent group of reprobates (for RE-IPOB), Buhari is looking to generate enmity between the Igbospeaking part of Biafra and the people of Ijaw. In Buhari‘s warped thinking, he hopes to further make the restoration of Biafra an impossibility by entrenching perpetual enmity among various sections of Biafraland just as Obasanjo and Gowon did through the ‘abandoned properties’ saga.”

The life expectancy of men at birth of Honduras in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

Herdsmen attack: Enugu students reject call for reprisal …hail Ugwuanyi’s lawful approach

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State Chapter, has lampooned those who are inciting the students and youths of the state to stage reprisal attack on the Fulani herdsmen over the recent carnage in the state, saying that it is counterproductive and might lead to the endangering of lives of youths and students in the state. He added that such revenge mission would do the Ig-

bos more harm than good. There have been public outcries, especially on the social media, inciting the students and youths of Enugu State to take laws into their hands and retaliate against the attack on Ndiagu Attakwu community by suspected herdsmen, which left two dead and three persons injured. Reacting to the development, the student union in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman of

NANS, Comrade Chidi Ilogebe and its South East and South South PRO, Comrade Victor Ezenagu, described such comments as “careless, inciting and inimical to the calculated efforts being made by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to decisively resolve the issue in line with the oath of office he swore to uphold.” While condemning the attack in its entirety, they noted that the menace of the herdsmen was a national issue, requir-

ing swift intervention of the federal government, which was constitutionally empowered to nip in the bud the atrocities of the marauders. The student leaders stressed that Enugu State was one of the most peaceful states in the country that were being ravaged by the herdsmen, wondering why some people should attempt to instigate the students to retaliate while they sit back in their comfort zones and watch.

42 News|SOUTh-SOUTH No polio outbreak here, Delta tells UNICEF Dominic Adewole ASABA

elta State government yesterday told the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) that the oil rich state had not recorded any case of polio outbreak for decades. The state told UNICEF delegation, led by Mr. Wilboard Ngambi, to turn it’s searchlight on Borno State, which was hit by the disease lately. The state said with its more than 200 health-

care centres, spread across the 25 council areas of the state, maternal and child healthcare delivery had been improved upon. Receiving the team on behalf of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, the Director in charge of Overseas Development Agency (ODA) at the Ministry of Economic Planning in the state, Mrs. Patience Ogbewi, said the state had put machinery in place to check any possible outbreak of the disease.

Activists kick against politicisation of lawyer’s murder Emmanuel Mssha Port Harcourt

uman rights activists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State have kicked against the alleged politicisation of the murder of Ken Atsuwete, who was murdered a few days ago in Port Harcourt. The activists under the umbrella of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a press conference in Port Harcourt, condemned the gruesome murder of Atsuwete by unknown gunmen, warning that politicising

his death would impact on the investigation by the police. They vowed to continue to speak the truth against injustice in the state whenever the need arose irrespective of whoever was involved. Speaking one after the other, the activists vowed not to be cowed by anybody, but would continue to do what they know best - advocacy - adding that those who killed Atsuwete should know that he risked his life serving the poor people and the down trodden in the state.

Ubulu-Uku monarch to get staff of office he son of the murdered king of UbuluUku Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, will receive his staff of office on Monday next week. His father, Edward Akaeze Ofolue, was kidnapped and killed by his abductors early this year before his decomposing body was recovered in a boundary bush between the state and the neighbouring Edo State two weeks after.

Although, Chukwuma Noah’s emergence at 17 years mired in controversy in certain quarters of the community, the state government has since accepted his rite of coronation and fixed Monday for the presentation of the symbol of authority. President of UbuluUku Development Council, Jones Ofunne, who explained the essence and efficacy of the rite to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, yesterday said peace and order would be maintained during the ceremony.

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday commiserated with the state Chief Judge Justice Kate Abiri and her family over the death of her son, Mr. Wariebi Abiri. Wariebi died penultimate week. Speaking yesterday during a condolence visit to the Chief Judge at her Opolo residence in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson described the death of the young man as tragic and devastating, consid-

ering the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise. The governor, who was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Gboribiogha John Jonah, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff and other government functionaries, expressed sadness that Wariebi’s departure was a loss to the entire state in view of his prospects in the legal profession.

Dominic Adewole ASABA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: President, AYE, Oluwa Francis; T. Williams; Vice President, African Young Entrepreneurs, Ibada Ahmed; some special Guests and Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, during the screening of applicants for Garment Factory employment in Calabar

JTF busts illegal oil bunkering syndicate, seizes N52m products Ola James Warri

peratives of Sector One of the Joint Task Force code-named ‘Operation Effurun’ in Delta State, yesterday smashed an illegal oil bunkering syndicate and seized 310, 000 litres of illegally refined diesel estimated at more than N52.5 million. Consequently, 12 suspects were arrested in connection with the dastardly act while seven tankers, loaded with the products were also impounded by soldiers of the sector.

Commander, Sector One of the JTF, Colonel Alhassan Mohammed, disclosed this while handing over the suspects and the seized tankers to officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the sector’s headquarters for further investigations and prosecution. He said since Operation Delta Safe was reactivated, his men had been working silently, busting the activities of illegal oil bunkers, burning down their illegal refineries in the swamps and creeks of its Area of Responsibilities (AOR).

Mohammed further said that the suspects were arrested at different locations with the stolen petroleum products and promised to frustrate the operations of criminals in the waterways, creeks and on land. “Since the activation of Operation Delta Safe, we have been quite busy. We have effected several arrests and seizures and we will continue to do that until the criminals have a change of heart and embrace legitimate ventures,” he said. Beside the tankers, the Army Chief said one truck, one bus and a Golf

Car were recovered from the suspects. According to him, “Some were arrested in Koko while others were arrested in Warri and Ughelli. We also arrested several Cotonou boats, but those ones were destroyed instantly. The arrests and seizures were made one month,” he said. On whether the suspects were militants, he retorted: “That’s a possibility. It cannot be ruled out because proceeds from illegal bunkering will definitely be used to procure arms and other gadgets in perpetrating criminal activities.”

Oshiomhole inaugurates Edo Varsity’s Governing Council Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday inaugurated a new nine-man governing council for Edo University, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. The board of the university is to be chaired by Prof. Pat Utomi. While inaugurating the nine-man council, Governor Oshiomhole said his

vision was to midwife a first-class university for the state and turn Edo to the hub of tertiary education in the country. He commended members of the council for accepting to help the state “to midwife the birth of a new university, not to be run the way conventional public institutions are run.” Oshiomhole said: “From my experience in Edo in the last seven and half years, I am convinced that the problem is

not money. As a political economist, one of the basic elements of economic theory is that resources are necessarily scarce in relation to our wants. “Therefore, the operating word is management. It is that quality of management and governance that defines the outcome. And so, I am confident that we can build and have a first-class university that will not only attract those who want quality university education, but will also attract even foreign-

ers.” According to him, “because of my vision of the possibility of a first-class university that does not rely on government funding in the foreseeable future, I know that no government in the foreseeable future has all the resources that a university needs to grow and develop, I just thought that having had my own frustration trying to intervene, I thought that we could build a centre of excellence that can run independently of the state.”

Petroleum Development Company and advised them to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters. “I wish to strongly advise and appeal to the NDGJM to stop further attacks on the nation’s oil and gas assets everywhere, especially in Urhobo land forthwith. Violence hardly solves human problems in sustainable ways. No matter

the tension or provocation, the Urhobo nation has always found ways to guarantee the peaceful environment necessary for a stable operation of the oil and gas industry in Urhobo land. The true strength of our vibrant youths is best measured by their non-violence resolution of the most difficult challenges confronting our people,” the senator said.

Dickson commiserates with Bayelsa CJ, over son’s death Stop attacking oil firms, Omo-Agege warns Delta youths B Ola James Warri

member of the National Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday condemned the attacks on a major oil delivery line operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Company (NPDC) at OgorOteri in Delta State. The attack was said to be carried out by youths

under the auspices of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) that was said to be displeased with the recent negotiation with the Federal Government through Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark. In a swift reaction, the senator representing Delta Central senatorial district, warned NDGJM to desist from further attacks on the Nigerian

north | news

friday, september 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Kogi: Court releases 12 over attack on governor Zacchaeus Ozovehe Lokoja

welve accused persons who pelted stones and other dangerous weapons on the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at the Lokoja Central Mosque, last week, were yesterday granted bail by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court. The governor was allegedly stoned by some unknown irate youth at the Lokoja Central Mosque last week Friday, in which some youth and an elderly man were arrested by the police. The accused persons, according to the Police First Information Report (FIR), Ibrahim Salisu Bature and 11 others, who were arrested in connection with the assault on the governor, were charged for criminal conspiracy; attempt to commit homicide, as well as belonging to armed robbery gang and cultism before the chief magistrate. But the accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. In his oral application for bail, lawyer to the accused persons, Mr. Salihu Abdulmalik, pleaded with

the court to grant his clients bail on the ground that the governor was never a complainant in the first place. “Governor Yahaya Bello, whose name appeared in FIR was not a complainant in this case, more so, the name of the governor's Chief Detail does not appear in the police report," Abdulmalik added. Abdulmalik, who described the FIR as a report-

£53.2m

The amount of money spent by Tottenham in the summer 2015 transfer window. Source: 101greatgoals.com

ers’ note, said the allegations before the court were grounded on malice which had political undertone. He further prayed the court to jettison the submissions of the prosecuting witness, and subsequently admit the suspects on bail. In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Levi Animoku, granted the accused persons bail since there was no complant in the police report. “I am of the opinion that the case before me has no complainant. I read in the newspapers and social media where the state governor and his aides

Niger State Governor, Dr.Abubarka Sani Bello (left) with the Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Minna … recently.

Nasarawa partners Dangote on sugar, rice production Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

asarawa State G ove r n m e n t has expressed determination to partner Dangote Group on investing in sugar, rice and exploration of coal in the state. The governor, Tanko Al-Makura disclosed this at Obi when he received a delegation from Dangote Group, which was in the state to explore investment opportunities in areas of agriculture and mining industry. He said that the state was endowed with 70 different kinds of solid minerals in large commercial quantity, which were still begging for exploration, saying that coal used for the production of cooking found in large deposit at Shankodi in Obi Local Government Area and Akunza Migili in Lafia Local Government Area of the state were of high quality and in large quantity. The governor urged the Dangote Group to take advantage of the 17,000 hectares of land valid for the cultivation

denied that the governor was stoned at the Lokoja Central Mosque,” he said. He, therefore, granted the accused persons bail and further adjourned the case till September 15, 2016. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has commenced training of 150 youths in Kogi state for various skills in agriculture and other ventures. The programme is meant for students in secondary schools to make the best use of the long vacation in order not to engage themselves in social vices and unproductive activities. No fewer than six states

of sugar and rice, and invest massively. Al-Makura said the investment by Dangote in these areas would create wealth and employment opportunities for the people, and as well add value to the economy of the state and the country in general. The General Manager of Dangote Sugar Company, Abdullahi Sule,

who leader the Dangote Group on the visit, said the team was in the state to explore ways of investment in sugar and rice production, as well as coal exploration. Sule said that the Group was ready to partner the state government towards investing in the three critical economic areas to improve the state’s economy.

Ortom to drop commissioner over don’s murder Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

ndications emerged yesterday that Benue State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sekav Iortyom may be sacked by Governor Samuel Ortom if he is culpable in allegation linking him with the brutal murder of a lecturer at the University of Mkar. The don was killed on August 11 in his residence at the university staff quarters, while he was holding a morning devotion with members of his family.

However, New Telegraph gathered that the late lecturer, who was aspiring to contest the chairmanship of Buruku Local Government Council on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had in his dying words accused the commissioner for being responsible for his death. Ortom said that any of his appointees found in any criminal activity or corrupt deal would be shown the way out, even as he demonstrated such vow by sacking his Adviser on Rural Development, Mr. Tsenongo Abancha for corruption.

from the six geo-political zones of the federation including Kogi were selected for the training, which is targeted at making the benefiting youths in the states to be employable and selfsustaining in their acquired skills and vocation. Declaring the five years and two months training programme open in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital,

the Acting Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Kunle Obanyo, who was represented by the Zonal Director, North Central of the NDE, Mr. Jibril Aye said the programme was designed for youths in view of the dwindling economy making it impossible for them to have access to white collar jobs.

We can’t afford to fail, Bello assures Kogi residents Zacchaeus Ozovehe Lokoja

ogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has reiterated his administration’s commitment to credible leadership, even as he chided past leaders of the state for their lack of vision and corruption, a development which according to him had held the state down for two long. The governor, who disclosed this while addressing government officials at a workshop on the ‘New Direction Blueprint’ of his administration in Lokoja, the state capital, yesterday said his administration was prepared to refocus the state and re-

bound it for development. While noting that his administration will religiously follow the blueprint to achieve development for the state, Bello said: “In order to have a Kogi State that is devoid of endemic poverty and underdevelopment, my administration has come up with the New Direction Blueprint to address the infrastructural deficit as well as the poverty bedeviling the state.” He added: “I urge all government officials in the state to key into our development agenda. We have to be on the same page to move Kogi State forward as we bid to move away from the status of a potential giant to a real giant."

Benue Speaker denies kidnap plot against colleague Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange yesterday described the petition against him and the Majority Leaders, Hon. Benjamin Adanyi by a suspended member representing Logo Constituency in the Assembly, Hon. Kester Kennedy as a desperate attempt to disparage him, the leadership of the House and the entire members of the Assembly. Ikyange, while reacting to complaints by Kyenge

of threat to his life and conspiracy to kidnap him, written by his counsel, Onoja A. Esq and addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), denied the petition, saying he never nursed such intention. The Speaker, who explained that while they are still awaiting their invitation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja to answer charges leveled against them, said the petition was a deliberate but unsuccessful attempt by his colleague to drag his name and that of other principal officers and members to the mud.

Nigeria completes airlifting of 22,435 pilgrims to 2016 Hajj Abubakar Abdul Birnin Kebbi

he leading air carriers, Flynas Air Service, handling airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, said the country had successfully completed airlifted the pilgrims. The carrier gave the hints yesterday following the directive by the Saudi Arabia authorities over the deadline for the closure of all the entry points into the country

for this year’s Hajj exercise. In a statement signed by the spokesman for the airline, Mohammed Said, explained that the directive was in line with the bilateral agreement signed between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in 2013. He added that 22,435 pilgrims for this year exercise, who had successfully been airlifted, were already at Saudi Arabia, saying: "The feat was achieved through 63 flights scheduled across eight designated airlift centres in the country."

He noted that rather than showing remorse for his misconduct that earned him five months suspension from the House, Kyenge has unfortunately continued to disparage the legislative institution with his baseless and unsubstantiated allegations. Ikyange recalled that shortly after the suspension, the lawmaker had in a press interview cast aspersions against him, the leadership and the entire Assembly. He said the embattled lawmaker also addressed a press briefing in his constituency where Kyenge maligned the Assembly by curiously describing his suspension as an act of victimisation as a result of the position he took on the alleged vehicle purchase scam. “I was not surprised at the level at which Kyenge is going about his negative campaign against his leadership,” he noted, saying it was an open display of frustrated man, who came to the Assembly with a tall ambition of becoming a Speaker. While insisting that when his (Kyenge) ambitious dream would not be realised, his indictment by the Justice Kpojime Commission of Inquiry that he should refund N1.7 billion.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Donald Trump: Mexico will pay for wall, '100%'

S Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has insisted Mexico will pay for a border wall "100 percent", in a major immigration speech. He told a cheering crowd in Arizona that he would secure the border, and left open the possibility that millions of illegal immigrants be deported. Hours earlier, he met Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto but said they had not discussed financing the wall. The president later insisted he had told

Mr Trump Mexico would not pay. There had been speculation that the Republican candidate would back off his plan to deport the estimated 11m undocumented immigrants living in the US. In his speech in Phoenix, there were conflicting signals about this. He said their fate was not a "core issue" and that deporting "criminal aliens" would be the priority. "We will treat everyone living or residing in our country with great dignity," he said. But later he struck a more uncompro-

mising note when he added: "Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws." In a fiery speech that was at odds with his softer tone in Mexico City, he said he would: Attacks on illegal immigrants have been central to Donald Trump's campaign and key to his popularity with a section of the American public. But the Republican is trailing Hillary Clinton in the polls and he needs more support from minorities, including the

country's 55 million Hispanics, if he is to have any chance of winning. For a very short time, that problem seemed to explain his trip to Mexico City, to meet the president and preach friendship. The softening of Donald Trump didn't last long. By the time he got to Phoenix the candidate's rhetoric had hardened dramatically. He promised to deport two million "criminal aliens" in his first hour in office; warned that millions more would be "subject to deportation" and re-stated his

signature pledge, to build that "beautiful" wall. This was not the policy pivot that many were expecting - and that many think Mr Trump needs if he is to keep his presidential dream alive. Mr Trump said it was the right of the US to choose immigrants that "we think are the likeliest to thrive and flourish and love us". Elaborating on that idea, he said his "extreme vetting" would involve an ideological test for immigrants applying to live in the US.

Sri Lankan nationalists protest UN chief's visit

D Demonstrators set fire on an image of the United Nations (U.N.) High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein during a protest against his visit.

Post-electionriotsrageinGabon'scapital,severaldead

abon's capital Libreville erupted into a second day of violent protests on yesterday sparked by a disputed election, with at least three dead and hundreds arrested after the challenger rejected results that gave President Ali Bongo a narrow victory. Riots raged in at least nine Libreville neighborhoods yesterday morning, two witnesses and a police source said. Interior Minister Pacome Moubelet Boubeya said three people had been killed and up to 1,100 arrested across the West African country of 1.8 million, one of the continent's top oil producers. Bongo said the electorate had given its verdict, and described the camp of challenger Jean Ping, a former close ally of the Bongo family, as "a small group

whose only aim is to take power for themselves." Ping, who dismissed two days ago’s result as fraudulent, told Reuters in an interview that two people were killed and others wounded when the presidential guard attacked his party headquarters overnight. He called for international assistance to protect the population against what he described as "a rogue state". Former colonial ruler France, the United States and the European Union urged calm late two days ago and called on authorities to release polling station results for greater transparency, while the United Nations also urged restraint. The result extends for another seven years the Bongo family's half century grip on power in a country where oil accounts for about 60 percent GDP. Bongo's

office accused the Ping camp of planning "coordinated attacks on symbols of the state", adding that security forces had in response encircled Ping's headquarters and clashed with his supporters, resulting in one death. Yesterday, one witness reported hearing gunfire and blasts in the Nkembo neighborhood, near the city center, while another saw protesters loot shops, turn over rubbish bins to block streets and smash cars in the Avea neighborhood. "This is just a consequence of the current situation. This is because of the victory of Bongo against Jean Ping," said witness Alex Mbadinga, 32. Libreville residents said that the internet was cut yesterday. Social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, stopped functioning overnight.

Mother Teresa to be made saint Sunday by Pope

other Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, is set to become a Catholic saint on Sunday in an open-air Mass led by Pope Francis. Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, the Canadian priest who promoted her sainthood cause, said yesterday in Vatican that hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to attend the canonisation service to be led by Pope Francis in front of St. Peter's basilica. He said that her canonisation is one of the highlights of Francis' Jubilee of Mercy. ``Affectionately called the "saint of the gutters" during

her lifetime, Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be made an official saint of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, just 19 years after her death. ``The Church defines saints as those believed to have been holy enough during their lives to now be in Heaven and able to intercede with God to perform miracles. ``She has been credited with two miracles, both involving the healing of sick people,’’ he said. Kolodiejchuk said that Mother Teresa was one of the most influential women in the Church's 2,000-year history, acclaimed for her work amongst the world’s poorest of the poor in the slums of the Indian city now called Kolkata. He said

critics view her differently, arguing she did little to alleviate the pain of the terminally ill and nothing to stamp out the root causes of poverty. The priest recalled that in 1991, the British medical journal the Lancet visited a home she ran in Kolkata for the dying and said untrained carers failed to recognise when some patients could have been cured. Kolodiejchuk said her detractors missed the point of her mission, arguing that she had created a place to comfort people in their final days rather than establish hospitals. "We don't have to prove that saints were perfect, because no one is perfect," he said.

ozens of Sri Lankan nationalists yesterday protested against a three-day visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, demanding he leave the island and stop an investigation into alleged abuses at the end of the civil war. Ban is in Colombo to assess Sri Lanka's efforts to address post war reconciliation. Sri Lanka, under the ousted leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, crushed the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. The United Nations accuses the military of killing thousands of civilians, mostly Tamils, during the final weeks of the 26-yearwar. It agreed last year, through a UN resolution, to address the

alleged war crimes and make efforts toward reconciliation. The Tamil Tigers were also accused of violating human rights during the conflict. Ban met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Wednesday and President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday after addressing a youth conference in southern city of Galle. He is scheduled to visit former northern war zone of Jaffna on Friday. However, in the capital Colombo, a few fringe nationalist groups, which still back Rajapaksa, protested in front of the UN office and main railway station, demanding he leave. Around 60 people took part in each demonstration.

Australia sues Volkswagen over emissions fraud

ustralia is suing the local arm of Volkswagen for allegedly misleading customers by selling modified vehicles that covered up emissions fraud. Its consumer watchdog claims Volkswagen intentionally sold more than 57,000 such vehicles over a fiveyear period. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking a public declaration of misconduct, financial penalties and corrective advertising. Volkswagen Australia said it is reviewing the ACCC claims. In a statement, the firm said it does not think that the court action

"provides any practical benefit to consumers because software solutions for cars affected by the voluntary recall are expected soon". "The best outcome for customers whose vehicle is affected is to have the voluntary recall service updates installed," Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Michael Bartsch said. The ACCC lawsuit covers 10 Volkwagen car models including the top-selling Golf, Passat and Polo, "These allegations involve extraordinary conduct of a serious and deliberate nature by a global corporation," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

Ring of Fire eclipse wows stargazers

targazers in parts of Africa have been treated to a spectacular "ring of fire" in the sky as the sun was almost - but not completely eclipsed. An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farther away from the Earth than during a total eclipse. The result is a bright circle of sunshine surrounding a dark, shadowy core. The best views were seen in Tanzania, where the event lasted about three minutes. The eclipse could also be viewed in parts of Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion. The moon does

not move in a perfect circle around the earth - instead, its orbit is slightly elliptical. That means the distance of the moon varies between around 225,000-252,000 miles (362,000405,555 km). When the moon is farther away from the earth, it appears smaller - and does not totally cover the sun's disc during a total eclipse. The result is also known as a "ring of fire" eclipse. The next eclipse is due to take place in February 2017, and can be seen from parts of South America and Africa. Senator Dastyari insists the payment was properly declared and has since donated the amount to charity.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, has said he is not scared of being owed by the Nigeria Football Federation as he gets set for his first match in-charge of the team. The Franco-German said this during the press briefing for the Africa Nations Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Tanzania scheduled for Saturday in Uyo. Rohr said he was more interested in honouring his contract while also building a solid team for the country with his main target of getting Eagles to record good results on the 2018 World Cup qualifiers starting in October. “I am happy to be here. proud to be the coach of big players and we will give our best to succeed,” he said. “It is difficult to say if I am the right man, let other people say it. I have experience of African football and have a German mentality, but to succeed in Africa, you need the right discipline and that is why I think I am the right man. “I was owed between six to eight months in Niger. “I am used to being owed in Africa. I have

That more than £155m pounds was spent in the EPL on the deadline day of the European transfer window (Wednesday) and a record £1.165b pounds

a contract and I am focusing on honouring it. My problem for now is victory against Tanzania on Saturday and then the game against Zambia next month. This weekend game will serve as a form of rehearsal. “I signed a contract and I am not bothered about non-payment of salaries for now, all we need to do is to work hard and achieve results.” The coach noted that he would be watching the Nigeria Professional Football League and also leagues in Europe to pick top players for the Super Eagles. While describing Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, as his ideal man to captain the national team, he promised to speak with the former captain of the squard, Vincent Enyeama, who retired due to differences with former coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh. He added: “Mikel is my man for captainship because of the leadership qualities he has shown. He has what it takes to handle his teammates. “I don’t know why Enyeama decided to quit, but definitely I will be speaking with him after the game against Tanzania because we need all our best hands to build a solid national team.”

Sport News Dalung promises to implement Sports Reform report

International Barca to offer Messi, Suarez new deals

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I ‘m used to being owed salary – Rohr Mikel (left)

Taifa Stars arrive, seek first win over Eagles Ajibade Olusesan

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

anzania’s Taifa Stars arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday with a hope to claim their first victory over the Super Eagles when the two teams meet in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday. According to a press statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation Media Director Demola Olajire the delegation arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight, and immediately flew to Uyo with a Dana Air plane same day. Olajire said that the NFF’s Head of Protocol, Tunde Aderibigbe, received the contingent in Abuja and flew together with them to Uyo, while NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, received them at the airport

in Uyo, before the visiting team was driven to the Ibom Le Meridien hotel. The Taifa Stars are still searching for their first win over the Super Eagles after five previous clashes. The first encounter between the two teams was at the 2nd All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted in 1973, with Nigeria edging the tie 2-1. In 1980, at the 12th Africa Cup of Nations finals also hosted by Nigeria, the Green Eagles

Tanzania coach, Charles Mkwasa

lashed the Taifa Stars 3-1 in the tournament’s opening match. In the qualifying race for the Spain ’82 FIFA World Cup finals, both teams drew 1-1 at the National Stadium in Lagos, before Nigeria won 2-0 in Dar es Salaam thanks to goals by John Chidozie and Christian Nwokocha. The Eagles walked over the Taifa Stars in a 1986 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture. In the first half of this fixture, in Dar es Salaam in September last year, both teams drew 0-0. Meanwhile, officials for Saturday’s match also arrived in Nigeria on Thursday. They are Mr. Bokinda Inyangi (Democratic Republic of Congo), who is match commissioner, and Algerians Mehdi Abid Charef (referee), Abdelhak Etchiali (first assistant), Ahmed Tamen (second assistant) and Mustapha Ghorbal (reserve referee).

Serena continues quest for historic 23rd slam title

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Dalung: Sports in state of emergency

…promises to implement reform report Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

he Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has declared a state of emergency in the country’s sporting industry following the poor performance Team Nigeria at the Rio Olympics in Brazil last month. Dalung made this declaration receiving the National Sports Reform Committee report presented to him by Mr. Godwin Kienka, the Chairman of the Committee. The committee was set up by Dalung in April to deliberate on how to restructure Nigerian sports and report back to him in September. Explaining the rationale behind the declaration, Dalung said that Nigeria as a nation lacked so many functional-

ity in many segment of the sporting industry and requires measures to reposition by redesigning the architecture of the Sports Ministry. He said : “Part of the measures that has to be taken is a holistic appraisal of the entire sport industry, look at so many things, the way they have been doing them, audit some of the things that need to be audited, look at our facilities and see how we can position them in accordance with position we are. Dalung said the ministry would set up a committee to review the recommendations made by the committee after the National Youth Games in Ilorin with a view of implementing them. “We shall immediately put in place the committee that will review the report, get it ready for recommendations

within the short time and kick start them immediately. “Those recommendations that needs legislation of the major challenges that need to do with football administration will be equally taken care of. “We will be doing this until we shall have a refined architecture of the sports industry in Nigeria.” When asked how long it will take the state of emergency to last, Dalung replied: “From now to a period we shall get the report from stakeholders and a time that we will get the road map ready.” A member of the committee and former African queen of the track, Mary Onyali, has asked the minister to implement the recommendations fast so that Team Nigeria can better the 1996 Atlanta Olympics feat it achieved.

Nwakali’s loan from Arsenal excites Maastricht coach Emmanuel Tobi

utch second division side MVV Maastricht Wednesday night announced the loan deal of Nigerian sensation, Kelechi Nwakali, from Arsenal with the head coach relishing the prospect of working with

Nwakali

the Flying Eagles captain. The 18-year-old midfielder who is on contract with the English Premier League club till June 2021 joined the North London side from Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria at the start of the transfer. According to the club’s head coach Ron Elsen, “Kelechi is a multifunctional attacking midfielder with scoring ability and a nose for the ‘final pass. Following his transfer he joined Arsenal U-23 team, and he is a promising player. He is a promising player for the future; after his loan spell there is every possibility for him to develop by making the Arsenal senior team. Elsen also promised to give the youngster more playing time in order to enhance his development.

Enyeama (left) in action for Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Chelsea lists five Nigerians Echiejile, Osaguona, Eseti in Premier League squad in transfer deadline move F

ormer English champions, Chelsea have named five Nigerians in their squad list for the 2016-2017 campaign to the Premier League following the close of the summer transfer window on Wednesday night. Five players of Nigerian descent, including two Super Eagles stars, were included in Antonio Conte’s roster. John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Ola Aina, Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Solanke have been registered for the Premier League by the Blues. Mikel will keep his number 12 jersey, Moses has been handed number 15, defender Aina will wear the number 34 shirt while the number 33 and 41 kits were given to Tomori and Solanke respectively. England youth internationals Aina, Tomori and Solanke were registered as U-21 players.

Eko Athletics’ Grand Prix begins

he Lagos State Athletics Association in the quest to develop and sustain the growth of Athletics in the state started a competition Tagged “Eko Athletics Grand Prix.” The competition began on Wednesday at the Main Bowl of the Teslim Balogun. The Secretary of the Lagos State Athletics Association, Ijeoma Soribe, stated that the association would at the end of the Meet appraise its developmental strides and impact on the Sports Commission policy and preparation for the 19th National Sports Festival. Soribe added that, some of the objectives of the Grand Prix include the reawakening on the dearth of Athletics competition in the state, to capitalise on the opportunity to identify and discover new talents to increase the pool of athletes in the Association and the provision of athletes data through registration, The Eko Athletics Grand Prix will be organised amongst the af-

filiated Athletics Clubs of the Association, Tertiary Institutions, and Paramilitary institutions.. The events for the Championship are: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 110hurdles, 100m

Aina

Ikenna Amadi

s the European Transfer window closed on Wednesday August 31, top Nigerian players also joined in the transfer move with the likes of Elderson Echiejile and Christian Osaguona topping the list. Echiejile moved on loan to Belgian side Standard Liege from French side AS Monaco on a one-year loan deal with an option to make it permanent after the deal expires. Also, Belgian Pro League team, KV Mechelen completed the signing of Nigerian forward Christian Osaguona in a move pending FIFA confirmation. Christian Osaguona has signed a oneyear deal with KV Mechelen. The Nigerian striker joins the Belgian side from Raja Casablanca. Similarly, Belgian club KAA Gent signed up a third Nigeria star, Anderson Esiti, on a four-year contract. Midfielder Esiti has joined from Portuguese club Estoril and he links up with compatriots Moses Simon and Rabiu Ibrahim. Nigeria U-23 international Nathan Oduwa has joined League One side Peterborough United on loan until January, Tottenham Hotspur have announced via their official website.

Man City hope to overturn Aguero FA charge he striker is facing a three-game guilty by the gover ning body, but T ban if found guilty of elbowing City hope to over tur n the charg e West Ham defender Winston Reid but alto g ether. his club are hopeful they can get him off the hook Manchester City will contest the Football Association’s charge of violent conduct against Sergio Aguero. Aguero had been cited for an alleged elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid during Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. T he striker could f ace a ban, likely to be three g ames, if found

If the club are successful then they will have the Argentine available for their next game, the Manchester derby at Old Traf ford on September 10. The outcome will be decided at a hearing on Friday. It is understood Aguero is not in danger of being banned for an extra game as a result of a “frivolous” appeal. The FA outlined their decision making process in a statement on Tuesday.

Echiejile

News 47 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Barca to offer Messi, Suarez new deals

arcelona will offer further long-term contracts for their established stars, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, according to sporting director Albert Soler. Soler was speaking alongside technical secretary Robert Fernandez at a news conference to mark the conclusion of a transfer

window where the Spanish champions were busy both in terms of new arrivals and securing key performers. Neymar, Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano all penned extended deals at Camp Nou and Soler is keen to build on this work. Along with designs on fresh terms for midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Barca are eager to tie the remaining parts of their stellar attacking trium-

virate down. “We have closed 22 transactions, with three renewals of Mascherano, Busquets and Neymar, which are all very important. “The duty we have now is to renew Rakitic, Suarez and then Messi. The club does not stop. “Messi and [Andres] Iniesta will stay here until they want to. They are our emblem. We want them to finish their careers here.”

Messi (right)

Neuer emerges new Germany’s captain B

ayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named captain of Germany following the retirement of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Joachim Loew announced the decision to the rest of his squad on Thursday, the day after Schweinsteiger emotionally brought the curtain down on his international career

Neuer

US OPEN

Serena continues quest for historic 23rd slam title S

erena Williams will try to take another step towards a recordsetting 23rd grand slam title at the US Open on Friday. World number one Williams faces fellow American Vania King in second round action and a victory would put her five match wins away from breaking the professional era record for grand slam titles that she currently shares with Steffi Graf. (Serena Williams’

183-week stay at the top under threat) “I can improve a lot,” said Williams, who needed just 63 minutes to get by Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova in the first round. “I can get a lot better. I feel like there’s much, much more I can do. That’s the only thing I can do is do that.” Williams came two wins away from a rare calendar-year grand slam last year only to lose in the

Luiz relishes Chelsea return D

avid luiz admits he envisioned returning to Chelsea before last night’s stunning move. Luiz’s return to Chelsea was the headline act of a dramatic deadline day. Chelsea agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain to bring the Brazil defender back to west London having sold him for £50million in 2014. And the 29-year-old admits he always thought a return could be on the cards - despite being shipped out by Jose Mourinho two years ago. Luiz said: “Did I think I’d ever play here again? In football anything can Luiz happen. Everybody knows I have a feeling for this club. “Everybody knows that. Of course sometimes I could imagine that (I David Luiz [Paris St-Germain - Chelsea] £34m would come back to Chelsea). “I am very happy to be here again. It Moussa Sissoko [Newcastle United - Tottenham] is fantastic to have a second opportunity £30m to play for this club, I love this club, that’s why I’m here. Let’s try to continue the Islam Slimani [Sporting Lisbon - Leicester] nice history with a lot of joy and try to Reported £29m

Major deals on transfer deadline day

Nadal glides into third round

afael Nadal glided into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday as smoothly as the new roof over Arthur Ashe stadium slid shut for the first time during a match. Two-time champion Nadal, seeded fourth, defeated Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-0, 7-5, 6-1 to book a meeting

with his 121st and final cap in the 2-0 win over Finland. Neuer who made his Germany debut in June 2009, has won 71 caps, playing a key role in the side that captured the World Cup in 2014, earning him the Golden Glove award and a place in the World Cup Dreamteam.

with Russian Andrey Kuznetsov for a place in the round of 16. The new $150 million roof was called into action for the first time when light rain began falling in the second set. The giant structure took only a few moments to close before Nadal and Seppi resumed their match beneath it.

Alvaro Arbeloa [Real Madrid - West Ham] Free Mario Balotelli [Liverpool - Nice] Free Georges-Kevin Nkoudou [Marseille - Tottenham] £9m Eliaquim Mangala [Manchester City Valencia] Loan Marcos Alonso [Fiorentina - Chelsea] Reported £23m Jeff Hendrick [Derby - Burnley] £10.5m Didier Ndong [Lorient - Sunderland] £13.6m Samir Nasri [Manchester City - Sevilla] Loan Wilfried Bony [Manchester City - Stoke] Loan Joe Hart [Manchester City - Torino] Loan Hal Robson-Kanu [Reading - West Brom] Free Enner Valencia [West Ham - Everton] Loan

Serena

Nadal

Rickie Lambert [West Brom - Cardiff Undisclosed

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

Where love rules, there is no will to power; and where power predominates, there love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other. —Carl Jung

Emeka Obasi Reaping from readers' reaction (2)

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

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If there's less liquid, count me out T Adam’s imes have changed. The marriage institution has become an endangered one. Yes, even in Nigeria. More women are going into it with their eyes on the exit, unlike in the past when wives clung on to their marriages even with guns pointed to their heads. Today’s wives don’t pay a lot of premium on their vows. Of course, with all our mothers did to make their marriages work, their men still did their best to discourage them. When emotionally-battered women refuse to pack up their marriages but decide to stay with her ‘property’, the men insist the ‘property’ is ‘something else’. Mischievous old crooks. But I make bold to say most marriages are still intact today because the wives are using all the 'super glues' and 'araldite' they can find to hold the homes together. So many men are too fun-loving to even notice when their wives are hurting. What’s worse, they don’t think their wives should or can leave them. The cheek of it all. But we stick it, so they dish out more rubbish. I remember my friend, Yetunde, telling me her auntie’s story while we were still in the university. It was, still is, for me, the story of the ultimate sacrifice of a woman who’d do anything to keep her marriage together. It made a huge impression on me, which is why I can still remember it 30 years later. According to Yetunde, her auntie’s husband was a mean but rich son-of-a-bitch. He kept more girlfriends than INEC’s many political parties. He flaunted them and had little or no respect for his wife. He was a wife-beater in addition to all his many sins. Everybody in Yetunde’s family wanted her auntie to leave her bully of a husband. They were sure one day he’d beat her to death or one of his many girlfriends would poison her. Not our long-suffering auntie. She was not abandoning her ‘property’. In fact, all those advising her to leave her husband were witches from the pit of hell. So, everybody let her be but didn’t stop praying for her. Sometime in the early 80s, Yetunde’s auntie got pregnant and the doctor confirmed that she was expecting a set of twins. She was so happy, so so happy. Then one evening, her husband came home late. He had had more beer than his brain could handle.They started arguing and before you could say ‘hey’, the argument became a big row. He slapped her and when she tried to stop him from going back to where he was coming from, he forced the door of the living room open, hitting his heavily pregnant wife with the heavy wooden door. She screamed and slumped to the floor. He continued on to his car, drove off. Yetunde’s auntie woke up in a pool of her own blood. There were no mobile phones, remember. Kind neighbours rushed her to the hospital. A timely surgery saved her life, but not those of the twins she was expecting eight weeks from then. She was heartbroken. Her parents threatened to have her husband arrested and charged with assault and attempted murder. The whole family was sure auntie would finally leave her husband. How wrong they were. They got to the hospital one morning and found that auntie had been discharged and she had followed her husband back

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

Baby boy: Family is when that your tap is flowing

home. Her mother wept. Her father ‘disowned’ her. Her siblings wept. But auntie was back with her husband. She simply put the loss of her twins behind her and went back to watch over her property. Do you see a 25-year-old bride doing what auntie did? I didn’t know how much ‘things have changed’ until two weeks ago when I had a heart-to-heart talk with

PHOTO:www.encomium.ng

this young friend of mine. We do this heart-to-heart meeting once in a while and the restriction of movement during the monthly sanitation exercise gave us the opportunity to talk. We watched a movie where a wife found out her husband had irreversible low sperm count. She didn’t abandon him and the marriage seemed happy

until the husband brought up this weird idea that his wife should sleep with his elder brother who had a terminal disease so that their lineage will not go into oblivion. The wife flipped. What did her husband think she was, a whore to be passed around? Husband begged on bended knees. "No one would know. My brother would die in the next six months, according to his doctors. Do it so my family name would not be blotted out. If you really love me, you’ll do this to protect my pride and shield me from shame." She shielded him from shame, got impregnated by the dying brother. Then husband dear started behaving funny. He couldn’t bear to touch his wife who’d been tainted by his brother. He became cold to the wife who rescued his pride. He threw out the one who saved his family name and lineage from certain death. It’s shocking, isn’t it, what a woman will do to protect her ‘certificate of occupancy’? I turned to my friend, Toyin, and asked her if she would do what the wife in the movie did. For almost five minutes, Toyin was laughing. "Auntie Funke, how could you even ask me that kind of question? Am I his mother? Why should his low sperm count become my misfortune? Oh please, if he’s not ok, it’s simply not ok. If his sperm count is low, the marriage is over. How will I explain it to my mother? I want children, man and anyway would he stay married to me if I don’t have a womb?" Tough cookie, this friend of mine. She went on to tell me she would not marry a man who is not ok. Well, you see why I said things have changed? I asked a few other young women the same question and only the born again ones said they’d stay with the man but even then only if he’d confided in them before marriage. Somehow I think even those ‘born again’ ones will call off their engagements if they find out that their husbands-to-be can’t impregnate them. I won’t sermonise or tell you what I’d do if I find myself married to a man with a low sperm count. I don’t want to influence your response to this poser. What will you do if your husband has a low sperm count? Send your responses to the e-mail address in the logo above.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: AYODELE OJO.