Teusday, 27 january, 2015 binder1

A media partner of Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

/newtelegraph

Vol. 1 No. 342

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Troops kill 53 Boko Haram in Maiduguri –Report

Shell, Total sell $160m to bail out naira

Adeola Yusuf

T

he naira was saved yesterday from record intraday low of N194.10 to a dollar as two

International Oil Companies (IOCs), Shell and Total, sold over $160 million to banks.

Naira traded near a record intraday low yesterday as demand for the

greenback met with thin liquidity, dealers said.

The currency initially lifted from last Friday's close, then slipped into weaker territory.

Reuters reported that

the dealer traded the naira at a one-off rate of N194.10 to the dollar before the unit settled at N191.35, close to a record intraday low of N191.97 it hit last week. The naira closed

last Friday at a record low of N190.60.

The naira has been hitting record lows as dollar liquidity on the interbank forex market thins out CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

N150

}x }2

18 days to go...

Nigeria votes

2015

ria Nige

s vote

2015

}14 & 15

Plot to stop Buhari

lLawyer asks court to bar APC candidate from poll lWe're fullly ready for legal battle, says APC }2

Quick Read All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (right) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at a meeting of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja...yesterday.

90 EU observers to monitor polls

lTo shun North-East Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he European Union has deployed 90 ob-

servers to monitor next month's general elections in Nigeria.

However, the poll monitors will not be sent to the North-East,

where Boko Haram has been waging a terror war against the people since 2009, because of security challenges in the region.

Chief Observer of the

European Union Election Observer Mission in Nigeria, Ambassador Santiago Fisas, who led a team of EU delegates to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

Editorial

The economics and politics of fuel subsidy payments }19 Accommodation, food services lead in job creation -NBS data }6

2

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lawyer asks court to bar Buhari from poll Tunde Oyesina and Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

M

oves to stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, from taking part in next month's presidential election have been launched with a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to stop him from running.

The plaintiff, Chike Okafor, in an originating summons filed yesterday asked the court to restrain Buhari from participating in the presidential election pending the resolution of the controversy over his secondary school certificate.

Joined as defendants in

the suit are Buhari, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But the party, in a swift reaction to the pending suit and others that might be filed to challenge Buhari's eligibility to run, said it was ready for the legal battle.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether the information given by Buhari in the prescribed forms and submitted to INEC for the 2015 presidential election does not contain falsehood.

"If yes, whether Buhari should not be disqualified from participating", the plaintiff said.

The plaintiff premised his suit on Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, which prescribes a minimum qualification for

nomination to participate in presidential election and Section 31 of the Electoral Act that stipulates that all presidential candidates should depose to an affidavit in proof of compliance with constitutional requirements to be president.

The plaintiff is also contending that Buhari failed to prove that he has the minimum educational qualification to run for presidential election.

He averred that Buhari’s affidavit that he possesses the West African School Certificate (WASC) is false, as not only did he not attach it to his nomination form, as compulsorily required, but his claim that the certificates are in the custody of the military has been denied by the Director of Army Public Rela-

tions, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye.

The plaintiff however submitted that he had approached the court based on Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act that allows a person that has reasonable grounds to believe that false information has been given by a candidate in his affidavit or document submitted to INEC, in support of his nomination form, to approach the court for the candidate to be disqualified.

The case has not been assigned to any judge as at the time of filing this report.

Also, a group of lawyers under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Lawyers of Nigeria yesterday threatened to approach the court to challenge Buhari's certificate.

The group had earlier on Sunday called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the alleged perjury and the presentation of forged school certificate by Buhari.

The group's leader, Chief Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN), said the Cambridge University result sheet attached to the school result released by Government College, Katsina has an alteration on the Mathematics column, which suggests an attempt at concealment.

Amaechi stated that the coalition would have approached the court to challenge the certificate but for the strike embarked upon by judiciary workers, which was, however, called off on Sunday.

The coalition added that the results sheet which was attributed to the Cam-

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Senate President David Mark, during the visit of the PDP leaders to the emir in Ilorin …yesterday.

Troops kill 53 Boko Haram in Maiduguri –Report lSA experts to help Nigeria tackle Boko Haram Emmanuel Onani and Ahmed Miringa

T

here are indications that troops pursuing fleeing Boko Haram members at the fringes of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and Konduga, have killed about 53 of the insurgents.

A report by PRNigeria, a site that posts exclusive reports on the military and security agencies, said the number does not include scores that died during the Sunday attack on the two towns.

It said: "Continuing coordinated ground and air mop up activities by

military personnel in the aftermath of diversionary terrorists’ attacks on Maiduguri and Konduga have led to the destruction of dozens of more terrorists.

"Security sources confirmed that at least 53 more terrorists lost their lives as troops in pursuit of terrorists engaged those that fled and their additional reinforcements in the outskirts of Konduga and Maiduguri in a battle on Sunday night/ early Monday morning.”

The sources added that “health and emergency workers are having hectic challenges in evacuating terribly mangled corpses of the terrorists for mass burial.”

Yesterday, residents of Maiduguri were thrown into pandemonium with sporadic gun shots in the state capital.

The development forced Governor Kashim Shettima to suspend his visit to the area attacked by the Boko Haram insurgents on Sunday.

The governor had visited Moramti and was heading to Jimtilo to assess the extent of damage when the terrorists started shooting.

Shettima later stopped and told residents to remain calm. He said the alleged shooting was just a rumour.

The governor who sat under a tree discussing

with his aides and residents, ordered the security men in his convoy and drivers to give way for other motorists to pass.

Meanwhile, former South African Defence Force soldiers will reportedly form the core of a multinational team of private military experts, who are en route to Nigeria, to help the country fight against Boko Haram militants.

Netwerk24 reported yesterday that the 100-strong team have been tasked with training the Nigerian military in a massive campaign against the terrorist organisation.

According to the report, Boko Haram lead-

ers and fighters will be targeted.

The team will attempt to thwart Boko Haram's bloody raids and also try to free the remaining kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.

More than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram last year.

The leader of the team told the media platform that they are not mercenaries, but have a government contract to assist the Nigerian military with training.

The team involves South Africans who gained experience during the border wars as well as Britons, Indians and other nationalities.

bridge University examination body and released

by Buhari's former school was a super imposition of one document on another.

"The column lines on the part where names are printed do not align with the ones on the blank columns while there is an introduction of extraneous lines on some other columns. The document which was purported to have been made in the 60s contains computer prints on one section while the other section was handwritten, the coalition," stated.

According to the coalition, Section 131 of the constitution provides for qualification for election as president and Nigerians have the right to ensure that persons contesting to rule them are qualified.

"Where there is an allegation of forgery, the Nigerian Police has the powers on a complaint to investigate, interrogate and prosecute any person found to have committed forgery of a document or committed perjury.

"The Nigeria Police under Section 21 of the Constitution and the Police Act has the powers and duty to investigate and prosecute such offences.

We call on the Inspector General of Police to investigate, interrogate and prosecute any person upon a complaint found to have committed perjury or forgery of school certificate", Amaechi stated.

The coalition however stated that since Buhari had relied on the school certificate, he was bound to produce not only a statement of result, but the certificate.

However, the APC said yesterday it was not bothered by any legal challenge to the eligibility of its presidential candidate to contest the presidential election.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while reacting to Okafor's suit, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, of masterminding the legal challenge to Buhari's eligibility.

He stated that PDP and Jonathan were doing everything possible to make sure that the elections were postponed.

He said: "We have not been served and when we are served, we respond to it. The PDP and President Jonathan have been doing everything possible to make sure the elections were postponed. We are not afraid of the court and any suit. We will meet them in court."

3

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Journalism at its best l Indepth

N150 e.com

11, 2015

. 326

Vol. 1 No

37 pson } e Thom e - Tund iling m e for ja of Stat

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

on Thomps

surfaces Obasanjo n

Kaita

a at Jonath s daughter’ }7 wedding s PDP storm r Ibadan fo est South-Wign }11 campa

Jonathan warns Buhari

lCall your supporters to order, flays burning of campaign bus Onyekachi Eze and Temitope Ogunbanke

C

ondemnations yesterday trailed weekend attack on campaign buses of President

Goodluck Jonathan in Jos with the president calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presiden-

tial candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, to call his supporters to orCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEW TELEGRAPH

Money Line

MONDAY,

JANUARY

ay, Ja nuar

N150

Stock Watch

Afromedia: Incapacitated adverse regulation by

37

The Nigeria Customs (NCS) revenue Service has fallen billion or

by N223 19 one year. per cent in the last

p.22

Food price drops in index December

Vol. 1

Interview

Okonjo Iweala, a mismatch economy, says Enwegbara for Nigerian

2 /newte legraph

Dayo Ayeyemi

A

Civil rights tion, the organisaHealth CONTINUED Mother of Earth FounON PAGE 22 describeddation (HOMEF), agreement as ‘inadequate’ has the by oil giant, to pay a Shell, million penalty of about Pounds 55 Sterling N16 billion) (about ermen and to 15,600 Bodo extensive community fishfor 2008/2009. crude oil spills the of Although, p.36 the group scribed the development dea welcome news as Year, it, however, for the the compensationargued New that be compared could not with the damage level of to their The group environment. spokesperson, Cadmus comparedAtake, said that when companiesto what polluting The Business paid elsewhere oil their ecological Desk ayodele aminu amount crimes, for L-R: Manager, Deputy Editor brought the Inspections inadequate (Business)

by Shell Bank Plc, Bayo akomolafe Janet Nnabuko, and Monitoring, for the damage severity is Monitoring, done Asst. Editor of Madiebo Consumer Executive Director,National Lottery Regulatory (Maritime) He said: Protection Lagos & at the 5th sunday Ojeme Commission, South West Council, “HOMEF the compensation draw of the Ifeyinwa Afam Ojeh, Bank, Fidelity Asst. Editor sees Fidelity Save4 Nwamuo Head, Savings, amount (Insurance) Bank Plc., and Divisional Scholarship to about which will Godson Ikoro Head, Retail Ikemefuna Mbagwu, Fidelity each of savings N600,000 Asst. Editor promo in the plaintiffs Bank, Fidelity for Manager, (Money Market) Lagos. balance Bank Plc., with the going for Dele alao Richard projects Industry & – school community Agric Editor health centres blocks and Dayo ayeyemi – as inadequate for the Property Editor done.” severity of damage adeola Yusuf Atake Kunle Azeez Energy Editor ment of maintained that Wole shadare building compensation payawfully promised igeria’s missed Aviation Editor in early ics wouldof schools and and Domain New Telegraph its 2014 would increase 2014 that System Name clintarget, not by Chris Ugwu (DNS) reduce it domain uptake The missed has learnt. the demandany means fered setback space sufCapital Market names of .ng gent as the regulator the auspicious target was to 250,000 end of that for an clean-up last year, abdulwahabEditor by the on year. vironment. of the Ogoni ur- try code number domain of Isa This means of names en- (ccTLD), Top Level the coun- registered Finance Editor that the planned .ng had a target Domain Kunle azeez to be by of 190,000 country istration Nigeria Internet names planned NiRA has the end of 2014.

Senior Correspondent domain Association Reg- about reportedly by individuals, to be registered (NiRA), 60,000 domain Chuks Onuanyin sold government as at the corporate INFLATION names end of Energy agencies and RATE 2013 and November nnamdi amadi had both 2014........................7.9% Rates October 2014............................8.1% LENDING Dashbo CONTINUED Reporter RATE InterBank ard ON PAGE Johnson adebayo September Rate....................12.57% 22 2014.....................8.3% Prime Lending Asst Production EXCHANGE Editor RATE Rate...........17.93% (Parallel Maximum As at Jan. Lending Rate...26.83% USD . . . .

08) EXCHANGE .

RATE Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N182 (Official As .

Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Jan. 08) USD . . . . l Foreign N390 ......... .

Reserves . . . . . N205.50 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

– $46.5bn N168 . as at 8/01/2015 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N253.09 .........

Source: CBN . . . . . .N197.70

DNS: NiRA

...registers

only 18,870

misses 2014

domain names

12 pages of incisive Business

ng to relocati fear n and ntry, for outtting dow ly the cou ed shu ddy other parts of in any likepropright by sho ool ring ened part of the of being cau ting. Sch conside threat figh being ations on the al Electoralr break of also said to be e weeks in tion som achi ove are par Na g rs for pre yek n nt gin eto On nde han of l eshi, tting dow tions Indepe ission. Also likelihood Abdu ka Nz indica be u- shu ruary.

Onwu d Ibrahim not re are Comm tions is the threats, acc

by Feb eady, the voters may chise Eze an owing the elec Alr ations of lions of e their franup till 2015 violence, foll nter-accus lly mil the ABUJA t e and cou ates, especiaty and tha e to exercis days to in Niges becaus sations ctly 34 did abl 6 election atic Par t is exa ial electionng Valen- various can PAG E ing the ent Democr UED ON presid art from bei 14 is the the Peoples es Congress. s busi- dur CON TIN iou ria. Ap , Februaryl go to the All Progressivels and var , Kano, Day wil y, hot Abuja tine’s erians sident, who Alread ecially in , have startt en Nig Pre Jos , esp day wh elect a new y for the nex nesses , Lafia and polls to the countr Kaduna already will leadrs. ls are four yeaver, the pol Howe

Boko h states aram dilemm in Big a

TElEgRAPh invESTigATiOn

}2

lsan s of no , others w l PD rth-East far rn on exclu P, aPC o , InEC m Feb polsl ion s speak

m out of } 5 Boko Hara ops chase erations in Baga o tr , in a g A op , intensify Damaturu

sa Monalise tress, o Star acs New Yeesay:rInsptagram Court strike

GAIDAm , Yobe Gov.

NGILAr Adama I, wa Gov .

TUND ONYE E OYES INA TEMI KACHI EZ , TOPE E OGUN and BANK E

Front row: L-R: European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker; Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy; Mali's President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; French President, Francois Hollande; Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel; Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas and Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, at a solidarity march against terrorism in Paris...yesterday.

PHOTO: ReuTeRs

TRAvEl Advisory Your guide to local and international flights 4

Feb 14: APC blows hot

lDSS' story on hacking senseless, says Lai Mohammed Temitope Ogunbanke

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday faulted the re-

port of the Department of State Services (DSS) that it planned to inflate its membership data as well as hack into the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC) database through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC's

voters register across the country.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Lagos, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

ewteleg raph

geNer al ele ctioN s

target

lPPPRA evades daily price template's review for 13 days

www.n

online.c om

Page 21

FG makes N19 per litre profit from petrol N

@newte legraph 1

How N150 Brackcancer dim Yori Y et’s caree med ori } 19 r afte r

21

DEGRADATION

Director mo Bassey of HOMEF, Nnimcould not , said the fishermen fisherman hope to fishing pittance was better than return in the Bodo that Shell to fered the communities creeks because rivers initially to pay of- ters hydrocarbon of the depthand with cleaner “This can. to fish. Sadly of pollution hardly ing from a good fishing Bodo pollution , although wapurchase the oil spills. resultthe boat and ment necessary the Goi also damaged He equipamount expressed that the fishing making community waters to return being offered the the community business to tinue people that to languish know each conthey choose best – that the glect without in abject is if neto move remedy,” to other he said.

Sancti ty of Tr uth

No. 33

42-43

Bodo spill: N16 billion Group faults Shell’s compensati on

Communities in the NigerDelta have been drastically affected by activities of oil companies

The Food and Organisation Agriculture Food Price (FAO)’s monthly December Index declined in stability. after three months of

}7

15

Insurance

Claims: Policyholder’s Leadway conflict with deepens

38

What's neWs

y 17, 20

12, 2015

Naira walks knocks CBN tight rope as ICAN

35

Business

Customs miss 2014 revenue target by N223bn

partn er of

ShE TTI Borno mA, Gov.

s ed PVC ncertainty collect u ver un read panic, tials frets o sp C ’s creden E ts a a IN h l Bu ri thre s’ er n a ov s ci lPoliti C trade word AP lPDP,

I

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Kalu to pDp, apc: elections not Do-or-Die

} 32

S N O I T C E EL UNDER T THREA

ead e ex-H t blam lDon’

/newtelegraph

Vol. 1 No. 327

egra @newtel

gari hy Sha coup W : a t i i’s Ka Lawal ’t stop Buhar n d l u o c

ry , Janua Sunday

Saturd

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Monday, January 12, 2015

raphonlin

.newteleg ph1 www

raph

A media

SATUR DAY

Sanctity Of Truth

r of ia partne A med

/newteleg

l CreatIve

A media partner of

uth y of Tr Sanctit

Y SUNDA

l UnbIased

QuicK reaD

Editorial

Managing a depressing economy }19 Female suicide bombers kill five in Yobe }7

A

the Pr be inv esidential not conalid if ele poll will cross bled ducted ctions are by Indep ende Elec leg al section of comp North-E in the tro ast sta u- (IN toral Cont Natio ex pe risin have said rts Borno an g Adam tes sor EC) chair mmiss nal Attor the ion ma awa, ney-G At Their d Yobe. resul that en gard tahiru Jeg n, Profes- State an comme ts of for d Se eral of to the me a, nts wa possi with re- of Nigeria nior Ad Abia expres d by the s in- holding vo bility sce , no ele sed a of somted tha Dr. Awa Kacate few dapticism states due ction in t ex tho to lu, ys ag o ba Speaking insecurity. se dentie states fro clusion of m the ckgro al ele again pre der the cti und, st final resons will rensia for this mer ults inv alid. ria CON

28 days to go

EVELLE :N guys w o tiME for Ho did waNt N’t M just tw E wHEN i Had o sHir ts }22

oZEKHo ME’s Bo MBsHE LL

...

Niger ia Nige vote s votes

2015

2015

Read

Bird F says n lu: Lagos BuHar c o cau se foronfirms ou Milita QuaLif i Not tbrea alarm iE soldie ry to CNN k, CoNtE d to rs’ we : Your st }6 lfare s re }6 worK mack port on w it Ho Ka s of b lackm }7 aBiaLu, Mu’aZu tErji LLs ail goV aN d st TINUED

ON PAG

E5

PdP }9

atE }5

Sanctity Of Truth

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Sanctity Of Truth

Sanctity Of Truth

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspapers in politics and business

Available in all 36 states and Abuja.

Ask vendors for your copies.

4

Travel Advisory

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Lagos-London London-Lagos

VS 652 VS 651

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

12:30hrs

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

MEA 571 MEA 572

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Accra-Lagos

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

EMIRATES AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS DELTA AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

IBERIA

air maroc

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI)07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10 AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45

(SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

5

APC opposes shift of elections, interim govt Felix Nwaneri

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday reiterated its rejection of any shift in the February 14 and 28 dates of the general elections.

The party stated that any postponement will mean that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not independent and that it is being dictated to by the Federal Government.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos, further said that any postponement of the poll on the basis of the insurgency in the NorthEast will represent a victory for the Boko Haram terrorist group, and will create a constitutional logjam that will take Nigeria back to 1993 experience.

Mohammed said: “APC is ready for the elections, and under no circumstance will we accept a postponement. For us, February 14th and 28th are as sacrosanct as May 29th, the handover date.

The government has had four years to prepare, and the dates for the elections were announced over a year ago, therefore there is no going back now.

“We note that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also said it is ready for the polls. That is good news. Let them now end their clandestine push for either postponement or the formation of an interim government,

stop engaging in scare and scandal mongering and dwell on issues, ahead of the polls.

“We are satisfied with the assurances by INEC that it is ready for the polls, and we call on the Jonathan administration to give the electoral body all the support and resources it requires to organise successful elections.

“Any postponement of the election will mean that INEC is not independent and that it is being dictated to by the Federal Government, a position that will hurt the credibility of the electoral umpire.

“Finally, any postponement on the basis of the insurgency in the North-East

will represent a victory for the terrorist group Boko Haram, and will create a constitutional logjam that will take Nigeria back to 1993. Believe me, we have travelled that route before and it was not pleasant.”

Recalling that the APC has earlier rejected the call by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for the postponement of the elections to ostensibly give more time to INEC to distribute the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), Mohammed said his party notes with dismay the way the Jonathan administration has continued to pursue the plot to shift the polls.

He alleged that the plot

is one of the two-pronged approach being pursued by the administration to either shift or scuttle the elections, while the other is the campaign for an Interim Government.

Both options, he said, represent the “Devil's Alternative” and are totally, absolutely unacceptable to the APC under any circumstance, even as he described President Goodluck Jonathan words when he met with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday that “the May 29th handover date is sacrosanct” as not reassuring enough.

His words: “When President Goodluck Jonathan met with US Secretary

of State John Kerry on Sunday here in Lagos, the president said he told the visiting US top diplomat that “the May 29th handover date is sacrosanct.” We say this is not reassuring enough, and that for us, the February 14th and 28th dates for the elections are as sacrosanct as the handover date of May 29th.

“Therefore, we are more assured by the call made

by Mr. Kerry, that the elections should be held on time as scheduled. Nothing short of that will be acceptable to our party.

“We are also satisfied with the assurance by the INEC that it is ready for the elections. The electoral body has also said

Long queues for kerosene at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Filling Station, in Lagos…yesterday.

it will continue with PVC distribution until the eve of the elections. Therefore, the orchestrated campaign about INEC not being ready for the elections is sheer baloney!

“If indeed the Jonathan administration is genuinely concerned that many Nigerians have not received their PVCs, let it declare a three-day public holiday to give working Nigerians the opportunity to collect their PVCs. Let the government work with INEC to ensure that the PVCs are distributed at the polling units. If these steps are followed, within five days, the distribution would have been completed.”

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

90 EU observers to monitor polls Shell, Total sell $160m to bail out naira CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the EU Election Observer Mission had been in the country since November last year and had monitored the primaries of the political parties.

“We have been here since mid-November for observations. We followed the primaries, election propaganda, media and possible claims after the election.

“We apply international rules for the election; that means we must be neutral, we don’t interfere at all as a mission. I will give you an example: it is like a football march, we are not the referee, we are just spectators,” he said.

He expressed support for the Abuja Peace Accord signed by political parties participating in

the general elections.

PDP National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, who received the delegates on behalf of the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, assured the delegation that the party will not go back on the peace accord despite the recent attacks on its campaign train by suspected supporters of the opposition parties.

“On the Abuja Accord PDP we stand. Only yesterday there was a meeting of National Peace Committee that was set up by eminent Nigerians and the party attended the meeting and we resolved that the Abuja Accord is good for this country. It is good for our future, it is good for our economy, it is good for our image and it is good for our wellbeing.

“We have a unique responsibility as the party

in power. The stability of the country, the progress of the country, the image of the country, we have a duty to protect it and we shall continue to do that as a political party,” he said.

The EU observers also met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting, which was held in Abuja, came barely 24 hours after the American Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, held a similar one with the candidate in Lagos.

Although, details of the meeting, held in Abuja behind closed doors were not made public, it was learnt that the two parties discussed issues of mutual interests, including security and need for violence-free poll, as they affect the general elections.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

amidst a collapse in the price of oil, Nigeria's main export.

Dealers said Total offered to sell $80 million to some lenders yesterday while Shell sold an undisclosed amount of dollars, which the New Telegraph gathered was "not less than $80million" to buy naira for their local operations.

However, the market was awaiting the results from the sales.

Meanwhile, oil prices turned positive, erasing early losses after the Secretary-General, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Abdullah al-Badri, said he expected the market to bottom out around current levels.

March Brent crude was trading at $49.13 per barrel, up 34 cents, bouncing from an early low of $47.57.

"Now the prices are around $45-$55 and I think

maybe they reached the bottom and will see some rebound very soon," alBadri told Reuters.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for March delivery was at $45.94 a barrel, up 35 cents. Frontmonth WTI had touched an intraday low of $44.35, just above the $44.20 hit on Jan. 13, which was its lowest level since April 2009.

After a smooth transition in Saudi Arabia following the death last Friday of King Abdullah, both Brent and US crude price fell yesterday.

The new king, Salman, was quick to retain veteran Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi on Friday, in a message aimed at calming a jittery market.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, led OPEC in a decision to keep oil production steady at 30 million barrels per day last November. This has fuelled a global supply glut that has more than halved

prices since June.

Money managers cut their net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to January 20, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission said last Friday.

Oil services firm Baker Hughes published data on Friday that showed the number of US oil rigs fell for a seventh straight week to 1,317, the fewest since January 2013.

Germany-based Commerzbank said that output would remain high in the short term but production from US oil rigs would continue to dwindle in the coming weeks, eventually supporting prices.

"It is only a question of time before this is reflected in decreased oil production," Commerzbank analysts said in a note to clients yesterday.

"In our opinion, this indicates that prices will recover in the second half of the year."

News

6

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan: I will not run govt of intimidation Anule Emmanuel and Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reassured Nigerians that he will not run a government of intimidation if re-elected at the February 14 presidential election.

The president told party supporters at a presidential rally in Ilorin, Kwara State, that he would rather run a government that would allow Nigerians to express their minds without any fear of intimidation.

He said he would not preside over an administration under which citizens are made to think that they are in a zoo where small animals are expected to be afraid of the big ones.

"My message to you is that we will work with you to ensure that Nigerians are free. We will ensure that you are not governed by intimidation.

"You must be able to express yourself without fear of intimidation. That is why I signed the Freedom of Information Act.

"We will not allow a situation where Nigerians will think they are in a zoo where small animals are afraid of the big ones," he stated.

According to the president, his administration is forming a government of young minds because of its conviction that Nigeria belongs to the youth.

The president said since the inception of his administration, he had

shown commitment to repositioning the country.

He said his administration had done so much that he would not disappoint Nigerians.

He mentioned some of the areas his administration had made giant leaps to include railway, health care, agriculture and the economy.

Jonathan recalled that the nation's economy had grown under his watch to become the largest in

Africa.

This, he said, was not achieved by chance but by the commitment of the economic team working.

The president said world bodies such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, the Cable News Network (CNN) and others had testified to the growth in the nation's economy.

He wondered if Nigerians who criticise his government's economic

policies are more brilliant than the world bodies and warned such people to stop deceiving Nigerians.

Earlier, Vice-President Namadi Sambo had said the present administration had transformed the nation's economy to become the best in Africa.

He said the administration transformed the power sector to a stage that the nation now generates over 4,000MW

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

34oC

25oC

Halima, daughter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (right) with her friend, Maryam Shettima, during the inaugural meeting of the APC Women Presidential Campaign Initiative in Abuja.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

contrary to the about 2,000MW it inherited at inception.

He added that the Federal Government had reformed the transport sector by adding 20,000 kilometres of tarred road to the nation's road network.

In the education sector, Sambo said 12 federal universities were established by the administration, saying Jonathan deserved a second term.

PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, said some people were trying to rubbish the president's achievements for political gains.

He said the president had performed better than all his predecessors.

Jonathan, who before the campaign visited the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, also said the military would take delivery of some additional platforms this week to enable it combat Boko Haram.

He said this step was part of his administration's quest to end insurgency.

He hoped that with the delivery of the platforms, the military would move faster within the next two weeks to curtail the security challenge.

Gambari told the president that having watched his performance over the years, he was convinced that he has done very well.

Partially Cloudy

ABUJA

38oC

22oC

Partially Cloudy

PORT HARCOURT

19oC

14oC

Heavy Showers

KANO

34oC

14oC

Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

37oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

IBADAN

37oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

CALABAR

19oC

14oC

Partially Cloudy

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

36oC 15oC Sunny

37oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

Accommodation, food services lead in job creation -NBS data Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

T

otal number of persons employed in accommodation and food services sector have been on a steady rise, a new data released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has stated.

In 2010, the number of persons employed by the sector was 342,794 but the figure increased by 44,804 or 13.07 per cent to 387,598 in 2011 but reduced by 13,090 or 3.38 per cent to 374,508 in 2012.

A further breakdown based on sex category revealed that in the three years span, Nigerian male dominated with 200,061 employed in 2010, which increased by 33,693 or 16.84 per cent to 233,754 males employed in 2011. However, it declined by 26,482 or 11.33 per cent to 207,272 employed in 2012.

There was a steadier

increase in the Nigerian female category, which ranked second highest with 111,201 employed in 2010, it increased by 9,555 or 8.59 per cent to 120,756 in 2011 and increased by 7,898 or 6.54 percent to 128,654 Nigerian females employed in 2012.

Similarly, non-Nigerian male also recorded a steady growth pattern across the three years.

The document states that 27,553 non- Nigerian males were employed in 2010, which grew by 1,616 or 5.87 percent to 29,169 employed in 2011.

It further grew by 5,292 or 18.14 per cent to 34,461 non-Nigerian males employed in 2012.

Non-Nigerian female was the lowest number of persons employed in all three years; it recorded a total of 3,979 in 2010, which declined by 60 or 1.51 per cent to 3,919 employed in 2011. The number, however, increased by 202 or 5.15 per cent to 4,121 non-Nigerian females employed in 2012.

The total Nigerian male employed across the years averaged at 213,695.67, a 93,492 or 43.75 per cent increase from the 120,203.67 total average recorded for the Nigerian female, while total non-Nigerian male employed averaged at 30,394.33, a 26,388 or 86.82 percent increase from the average total of non-Nigerian female employed at 4,006.33.

“In all the three years, the males dominated the employment size in both the Nigerian and nonNigerian categories, however, the Nigerian males ranked highest in all categories,” NBS clarified in its data.

Accommodation and food services were classified as ‘Hotels and Restaurants’ sector but the sector was re-classified as a sub-sector under the service sector after postrebasing exercise.

It faced numerous challenges including instability in power supply, security, and negative global publicity and

other challenges similar to the tourism sector in Nigeria.

In terms of earnings, gross earnings for the accommodation sector in Nigeria totalled N638, 978.08 million in 2010, which increased by N44, 888.41 million or 7.03 per cent to N683, 866.49 million in 2011 and by N46, 238.21 million or 6.76 per cent to reach N730, 104.70 million in 2012.

Across the three years, the sector’s gross earnings was dominated by income from accommodation, which totalled at N343,040.23 million in 2010, grew by N7,843.63 million or 2.29 per cent to reach a gross income of N350,883.86 million in 2011. In 2012, there was a higher level of growth of N35,179.47 million or 10.03 per cent amounting to N386,063.33 million.

However, second largest earnings was generated from income from bar (beverages), which totalled at N150, 785.97 million in 2010, and increased by N68,588.37

million or 45.49 per cent to N219,374.34 million in 2011. There was a decline of N42, 782.19 million or 19.50 per cent to N176, 592.15 million in 2012.

The third largest contributor was income from restaurant services with a gross income of N64, 188.05 million in 2010. The year 2011 saw a growth of N10, 968.24 million or 17.09 per cent to reach a total of N75, 156.29 million, and further grew by N25, 407.14 million or 33.81 per cent to total at N100, 563.43 million in 2012.

The least contribution to the accommodation services was the income from camping ground, recreational vehicles and trailers totalling N914.86 million. Gross income grew by N352.56 million or 38.54 per cent to N1, 267.42 million in 2011 and further grew by N694.39 million or 54.79 per cent to N1, 961.81 million in 2012. Despite its steady increase, it remained the least contributor.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

News

NATIONAL

7

Vote Buhari, lose your freedom, Akinjide tells journalists Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

M

inister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has warned the Oyo State electorate against voting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, in the next month election. She said that he would reenact the experience of Decree 4 where he was clamping journalists into prison when he was Head of State.

Speaking yesterday in Ibadan at a rally organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Goodluck Jonathan and its governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, the Minister said that Buhari, who had threatened that Ikoyi Prison would receive many visitors if he should become president, would banish freedom of speech and journalists

would be worse for it.

She, therefore, asked the electorate to vote for Jonathan, who during his tenure, signed into law the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) which allows for freedom of speech and expression among Nigerians.

According to her, many journalists and broadcasters would be thrown into detention if Buhari should come back. "When he was Head of State, the Decree 4 he promulgated was used as an instrument to gag Nigerians, especially journalists.

There was no freedom of expression and speech.

Many journalists and freedom fighters were clamped into prison. President Goodluck Jonathan never did this. Instead, he allowed the FOI bill to be signed into law. Your vote for Jonathan will ensure your freedom of speech and expression", Akinjide said to the mammoth crowd of PDP loyalists at a packed rally held at the Bodija Oju'rin, Ibadan.

No bird flu in Abuja, says Agric Secretariat Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

A

gainst the backdrop of reports of outbreak of avian influenza flu in some states of the country last week, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat has allayed fears of any possible outbreak of the disease in the nation's capital.

Secretary for the Secretariat, Mrs. Ovaldi Madayi, told New Telegraph in Abuja yesterday that adequate sensitisation of poultry farmers in the FCT is being embarked upon to avert any outbreak, noting that no case has been recorded

in the FCT. She explained that the secretariat was on high alert and has advised poultry farmers, as well as residents, to be more observant and cautious in the handling of their birds.

Madayi said she had directed veterinary health workers in the FCT to put appropriate measures in place to ensure that poultry products were safe for the residents after she received briefs on the reported cases in some states.

Part of the emergency measures, she disclosed, was the reactivation of the agriculture and rural development influenza control and response team for the emerging challenge.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko (left), presenting World Customs Organisation certificate to the Managing Director, Westblue Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Valetina Minph, during the 2015 International Customs Day, in Abuja…yesterday

JUSUN strike: FG to comply with judgement

T

he Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has pledged government’s commitment to comply with the January 13, 2014 judgement granting financial autonomy to the judiciary.

Anyim made the pledge at a meeting with the National Executive Council of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Abuja yesterday.

Anyim said monitoring committees would be set up to ensure compliance with the judgement at both federal and state levels.

He said that members of the committees would be drawn from the SGF’s office, states, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Office of the Chief Registrars of Courts (CRs), NLC and JUSUN. He said the committees would be headed by chairmen of NBA in states while the Chief Registrars in states would

serve as secretaries.

He commended JUSUN for fighting for the future of the judiciary in the country.

President of NBA, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), commended JUSUN for taking action in the interest of the entire judiciary.

“I want to say that the strike by JUSUN is unusual; JUSUN did not go on strike to seek increase of salaries but to enforce compliance to court judgment.

“The action is commendable because it is not for personal gain but for the benefit of the whole judiciary system to be well funded and we will continue to support them,” he said.

Earlier, the President of JUSUN, Marwan Adamu, told newsmen that the NEC decided to suspend the strike in Federal High Courts following Federal Government’s commitment to comply with the judgement.

“The NEC met yesterday and today, we reviewed the situation and we have agreed that

Protesters at INEC secretariat, demand election postponement Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

C

ivil society groups, under the auspices of the Nigerian Hopes Alive Project yesterday blocked the roads leading to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding for the postponement of next month's general elections by 60 days.

Chanting slogans like “ Why Nigerians want a 60-day extension”, "INEC has not produced all the PVCs", "those produced

have not been adequately distributed", “Section 135 (3) of the 1999 constitution allows for the extension” and “Please support this call to save our nation from imminent disaster”, the group disrupted economic activities around the INEC headquarters.

The coordinator of the Nigeria Hope Alive Project, Mrs. Ifeanyinwa Nwagbo, said that the postponement of the next month's general elections would be the most necessary thing to do as it would help reduce violence on the election day.

"Imagine that INEC, in the last eight months commenced the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards and within that eight months has only succeeded in distributing 38 million cards out of the 68 million eligible voters.

“What magic would INEC do to distribute 30 million PVCs between now and the presidential election, which is plus minus less than 16 days?

What magic, when it is not sure that all the PVCs have been received from the manufacturers ?

“Our demand is clear,

extend the general elections by 60 days. It is still within the constitution.

The United States should not tell us what to do because if it is in their country, they know what to do and do it right.

“It is still within the constitution to extend it and save the nation from an imminent disaster. If eligible voters go to the polling stations and see their names, but they were not allowed to vote, do you know the level of violence it would cause?

We are saying that a stitch in time saves more than nine,” she said.

in the interest of the nation, the strike in all the federal courts is hereby suspended.

“All the workers at the federal courts are directed to resume work immediately.”

Adamu, however, said the strike would continue in the states due to lack of

commitments to comply with the judgment by the state governments.

He said that the chairmen of JUSUN in the states were willing to receive any form of commitment by their states subsequent upon which they would also suspend the strike.

FG urges striking health workers to suspend strike Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

T

he Federal Government, yesterday, urged striking health workers to call off their over twomonth old strike in various hospitals across the country.

The supervising Minister of Health, Khaliru Alhassan, and his counterpart in the Labour and Productivity ministry, Kabiru Tanimu, made the call at a press briefing held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

They said the suspension of the industrial action was imperative for the sake of thousands of patients, who had been stranded in hospitals.

Striking workers, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), which comprises nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, administrators, finance and accounts officers, had embarked on strike to protest the failure of the Federal Government to honour the agreement it reached with them since 2009.

But the ministers, who spoke yesterday through the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr Dapo Sotiloye,

said strike ought to be called off.

Sotiloye, who stated that he had the mandate of the two ministers on the issue, said the Federal Government had begun negotiation with the union leaders with a view to addressing the issues.

According to him, the major reasons adduced for the strike related to welfare of members, inter-professional rivalry and assertion of authority, among others.

He said: "In consideration of various positions proposed by the different unions in order to once and for all lay to rest the conflict in the health sector and provide an environment that can allow the suffering Nigerians be served, the President set up a very powerful presidential committee of experts on inter-professional relationship in the public sector to look into the issues raised by all unions in the health sector and proffer lasting solution.

"The issue at stake has to do with welfare of the union members, and it's being handled by the government. But, yet to be completed as this has to be factored into the 2015 budget."

8

News

Soludo is hunted by his failure, says Obienyem

T

he Media Assistant to former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, has described the article by Professor Charles Soludo entitled "Federal Government's Economic Team Weak, Selfish” which appeared in some newspapers yesterday as incisive but full of regret.

In a statement yesterday, Obienyem, said that Soludo’s statement was full of evidence of one still nursing deep hatred against those he wrongly assumed were responsible for not renewing his appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank and those that thwarted his move towards becoming the Governor of Anambra State last year.

Obienyem, who said he agreed on some vital points raised by Soludo, regretted, however, that the aim of the write-up was not to instruct or contribute to positive national discourse, but to hit back at those, from his writeup, he was nursing secret grudges against.

Obienyem, who recalled how Soludo just in 2013, in front of the Blessed Sacrament said that one existential truth was that Obi was the foundation upon which the new Anambra State was built, and went on to commend him about how he changed the fortunes of the state, wondered why he would just turn round so soon to declare through the mouth of a character he created that the tragedy of Obi's tenure was that he built no signature project by which his regime would be remembered; that he saved money in the midst of hunger and that he impoverished the people of the state.

Obienyem said it was surprising that a renowned economist as Soludo, who in the same write up, attributed saving of $45billion in the nation's external reserves when he was the Central Bank Governor in the same article gloriously to himself, should condemn Obi for saving money for Anambra State, questioning the wisdom of savings where there were things that needed to be done.

"When he said he saved $45b, does it mean that at that time Nigeria's problems were over, Obienyem asked.

"Now, oil prices is falling and State's allocation bound to fall, Soludo should be told that the money Obi saved will be used to cushion the effect, among other reasons for states to save at all times."

NATIONAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG approves N250bn for SMEs — Sambo PROMISES

Federal Government to provide 2 million jobs yearly

T

he Federal Gover nment has approved N250 billion for the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), Vice President Namadi

Sambo, said in Jos yesterday.

Sambo, who spoke at the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in Plateau, said that N5 billion had been allocated to Plateau.

He challenged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Federal Government’s gesture to explore abundant resources on the Plateau and open the path to greater industrialisa-

tion.

He said that the Federal Government had also approved N27 billion for dry season farming on the Plateau to encourage farmers to take advantage of the good weather to develop their potential.

He said that government had also set up a machinery to consistently create jobs with a target of two million per year.

Sambo disclosed that

the rail system was back on track and explained that rail mass transits would begin in the next few days.

According to him, commuters will be transported from Jos to Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, and many other cities.

The vice president urged the people to ensure massive votes for the Jonathan/Sambo, to continue to enjoy dividends of democracy.

L-R: Deputy Corps Marshal, Operation, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Abu Adeyi; Chief Executive Officer/Corps Marshal, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi and Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr. Chidi Nwachukwu, at the inauguration of the Corps’ Strategic Goals in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO:ELIJAHOLALUYI

AU leaders meet in Addis Crowd prevents el-Rufa'i Ababa to end polio in Africa from addressing rally Obinna Odoh ABUJA

A

frican Leaders will meet in Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia from 30 to 31 January 2015 for the 24th AU Summit to discuss modalities in delivering a polio free legacy for all children in the region.

This was contained in a press statement issued

by Federal Ministry of Health and signed by the Director Press and Public Relations of the Agency, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba.

According to the statement, the 24th African Union Summit is to provide a unique and historic opportunity for the leaders of the region, under the Chairmanship of Mauritania, to express strong commitment to delivering a polio-free continent for children in Africa who are the future generations.

It is also to use the same forum to encourage the last remaining countries and their leaders to redouble their efforts in the final stages of this long battle to consign Polio to the history books.

Highlighting the prog-

ress made in Nigeria, Adesugba opined that tremendous progress was achieved at the end of December 2014 with 87 per cent reduction of the Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) burden and 78 per cent reduction in geographic spread of the virus. Wild Polio Virus Type 3 (WPV3) has not been reported in Nigeria for 23 months.

"The genetic clusters circulating in Nigeria have also declined from eight in 2013 to one in 2014 representing an 88 per cent reduction. This feat has been achieved as a result of over two years meticulous improvement in the programme with award winning innovations.

Since the World Health Assembly at its 65th session of May 2012 declared Polio eradication as a public health emergency of global significance, Nigeria continues to respond with an equal degree of urgency to stop the transmission by the end of 2014 by churning out streams of innovations and approaches to reach persistently missed children" stated Adesugba.

A

mammoth crowd yesterday prevented the APC gubernatorial flag-bearer in Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa'i, from addressing campaign rally in Zaria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zaria Local Government rally was scheduled to be the last place of visit in Northern Kaduna Senatorial District.

NAN reports that the crowd prevented El-Rufa'í from address-

ing his supporters, saying: "I am happy you have really showed me that I am a son of the soil.

"I urge you to go and collect your permanent voter cards please as it is the only path to positive change."

NAN reports that it was the only speech presented at the venue after the opening prayer and the rally was terminated immediately without a closing prayer due to the surging the crowd

ASAP to hold symposium on poverty, campaign funding today

T

he Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP), a non-profit making organisation, said yesterday that it had rallied spokespersons for the two major political parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Olisa Metu and All Peoples Congress (APC) Alhaji Lai Mohamed for its maiden symposium on campaign funding and looming poverty in Nigeria.

Co-Chairs of ASAP West Africa, Dr Ismail Ibraheem and Dr Adepoju Tejumaiye, who said this in a press statement, added that notable speakers at the symposium include Akin Oyebode, a professor of Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Lagos; Professor Thomas Pogge of the University of Yale and Mr Innocent Chukwuma of the Ford Foundation.

Others are: Dr Hussein Abdu of the Action Aid, Mr Femi Falana, Dr Femi Aribisala, and Mr Femi Fani-Kayode.

The symposium, which, according to the lecturers at the UNILAG's Department of Mass Communication, takes place at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Nigeria today is expected to bring together academics, human right activists, development practitioners and public affairs commentators.

"The symposium will discuss among other issues, the effects of political corruption on democracy with particular emphasis on how political corruption impacts on development in Nigeria," the statement read.

"The symposium shall also examine the multiplier effects of political corruption with emphasis on political campaign funding," it added.

The ASAP, the organisers said, is a response to the unimaginable poverty plaguing Africa.

Ekweremadu, others to prepare master plan for new Enugu governor Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

D

eputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and political leaders of the West senatorial district of Enugu State are developing a master plan for the district to guide the successor to Governor Sullivan Chime in the development of the area.

Also yesterday in Oji River Local Government, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party in the state, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was given traditional blessing by the natural rulers of the area, signifying their tacit endorsement of the candidate.

Ekweremadu spoke yesterday at Oji River when Ugwuanyi addressed the people of the area in a political rally.

Governor Sullivan Chime, Ugwuanyi and Ekweremadu were at the rally to canvass votes for the party's candidates for the coming general elections after they met

traditional rulers in the Oji River local council area, who gave the their blessings after receiving assurances of coming ambitious development projects for the area if the party wins in the state.

Chime announced to the huge rally at the headquarters of the local government that the all the traditional rulers of Oji River have accepted the PDP governorship candidate and urged the people of the area to ensure massive votes for the candidates of the party.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

News

NATIONAL

9

Masari: Why PDP attacked my office in Katsina NO HOPE

Masari says thugs attacked his office because the PDP has lost hope

Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship can-

didate in Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, yesterday gave reasons why the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state attacked his campaign offices.

He said the PDP supporters allegedly attacked his campaign offices because they realised that they were fighting a lost battle and prosecuting a

lost campaign.

In a statement signed

by Abdu Labaran Malumfashi yesterday, the special adviser to Masari described the wave of attacks, which started about six days ago, as barbaric, adding that ‘we condemn this act of provocative state-sponsored thuggery.’

According to the statement, “The continuous

cowardly attacks on APC offices are emboldened, indeed encouraged, by the refusal of the security agencies to apprehend the offenders and their sponsors, even as these acts of thuggery are often times carried out in the full glare of the police.”

The governorship candidate said “having realised that it is prosecuting a lost campaign,

evident in the daily exodus of its members into the APC, the PDP has resorted to this provocative tactics in the vain hope that our peace loving and law abiding members would be provoked into acting in similar barbaric manner.

“The PDP game plan is to throw the state into confusion and chaos with a view to putting the blame on the APC so as to have the excuse to arrest its leaders and deny them freedom of movement in the run up to the general election,” the statement noted.

Masari called on the relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of these attacks

and their sponsors.

“Specifically, we urge the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Katsina State command of the force to wake up from its slumber and go after the criminals,” he added.

The APC candidate also asked “the national leadership of the PDP to call its Katsina State chapter to order before there is a total breakdown of law and order. We will not condone this abuse on our constitutional rights.”

He also called on APC members to remain calm and law abiding, and must not give in to the temptation of taking the law into their hands.

Pensioners in Nasarawa protest unpaid gratuities Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

P L-R: President, Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), Micheal Oyebola; Acting Director General, Security Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo, and Vice-President, Chapel Hill Denham, Bode Thomas, during an advocacy meeting between SEC and FMAN in Abuja…yesterday

Oshiomhole approves 27.5% allowance for Edo teachers Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

E

do State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday approved the payment of 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance and implementation of other demands of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state.

By this gesture, Oshiomhole has finally bowed to the pressure and demands of the teachers and the NUT towards the improvement of their welfare.

The governor also approved the payment of the November and December, 2013 salaries of over 322 teachers of Ovia North East Local Government.

The other approved demands of the NUT, which were presented on their behalf by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), include payment of 10 per cent salary relativity increase and the consequential 27.5 per cent TSA therefrom and payment of financial benefits of the last set of promotions approved for primary school teachers.

We won't fight Obiano, says Uba Tony Okafor AWKA

A

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Chief Chris Uba, has said that the party would not fight with Governor Willie Obiano, but will not cooperate with him in his governance of the state.

He called on PDP supporters and the people not to cooperate with Obiano to move the state to an enviable height.

He noted that though Obiano is of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), he would need the cooperation of all and sundry to give good governance.

Uba, who is the PDP

Anambra South senatorial candidate in next month's polls, however, said his party would sweep the polls in the state despite the people’s support for Obiano.

The senatorial candidate, who is currently spearheading the PDP campaign in the 21 local government areas of the state, vowed that his party would reclaim Anambra that it lost to APGA in 2003.

In his separate addresses to party faithful in the two council areas, Uba asked them to vote massively for the PDP, especially for the presidential candidate of the party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“The governor is my friend, and we have been working together, but

we are not contesting governorship election in Anambra. So, the governor is not our problem.

Our mission is to win the majority seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and the House of Assembly.

He urged party members in the state to close ranks and work as a family to achieve the desired results.

Chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Ejike Oguebego, used that opportunity to hand over the flags of the party to the candidates in the race, among whom were former Minister of State for Transport, Chief John Emeka, who is the senatorial standard bearer of the party in Anambra North.

Peterside: Wike cloned my blueprint Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

T

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February elections, Nyesom Wike, cloned his blueprint for the development of Rivers State.

Peterside, who stated this at a briefing a few hours after Wike unveiled his programme for the state, said his campaign team got wind of the alleged cloning about two weeks ago, but did not really know it would come to reality.

Peterside said whoever that wants to govern the state should clearly have an agenda in order to deliver to the people.

He said he has a vision to achieve a united, peaceful and prosperous Rivers, saying that his roadmap of security, transport, accountable, and massive infrastructure, would drive growth to the state.

“When we found out they were about cloning our blueprint... we consulted our lawyers to look at the copyright laws and we will take appropriate actions,” he said.

ensioners in Nasarawa State yesterday protested over their unpaid gratuity and harmonisation benefits, appealing to the state government to pay them their entitlements without delay.

Chairman of the state Union of Pensioners, Alhaji Umaru Adoga, who led hundreds of protesting pensioners, told newsmen at the Government House gate that pensioners in the state are aggrieved because of their unpaid gratuities and other entitlements.

He complained that some of the pensioners retired over 15 years ago, but were yet to be paid their gratuities, stating that many have died without receiving same.

The chairman added that government is yet to pay them their minimum wage harmonisation and corresponding arrears even as it is yet to implement the 33 per cent raise as approved by the Federal Government.

Adoga said local gov-

ernment pensioners in the state earn higher than state pensioners, because their 12.5 per cent pay rise has been implemented while that of the state is still pending.

“Can you believe that local government pensioners are receiving more than us because their 12.5 per cent pay rise has been implemented while we are being denied ours,” he said.

The union chairman, who thanked Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, for consistently releasing N20 million monthly for the payment of pensions, however, stressed that it is grossly inadequate and therefore needs to be reviewed upwards.

“For releasing N20 million monthly, we thank him, but it is grossly inadequate and should be raised to at least N200 million.”

CHANGE OF NAME

IJEH

Formerly Mrs. Ndu Magdaline Chiye now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Magdaline Chiye Ijeh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JOY COMETH MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20).

The Trustees are: 1. Aromolaran Olaitan — President 2. Oluyemi Agnes Aromolaran — Secretary 3. Wilson Idemudia — Treasurer 4. Olujimi Samuel Olanrewaju AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

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: SECRETARY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro 10

One killed, six injured as thugs clash VIOLENCE

Cephas Iorhemen

Political violence rears its ugly head in Lagos again as hoodlums loyal to different parties clash

Makurdi

A

Taiwo Jimoh

A

man identified as Sulaiman Jubril was killed while six others were injured on Lagos Island during a clash between suspected political thugs.

The deceased was injured on Saturday, but died on Sunday.

Witnesses said that the hoodlums clashed after a faction waylaid some supporters returning from a political campaign of a former Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun, on Saturday night.

Eshinlokun is seeking election into the state House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After the Saturday night attack, the hoodlums went to reinforce and came back the following morning to wreak more havoc. In the Sunday attack, six people were injured.

The factions destroyed goods at Pelewura Market on Adeniji Adele Road. They were also alleged to have robbed passers-by of their phones, money and other valuables.

A resident said: “Those who sustained injuries on Sunday were rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital. It was very unfortunate that policemen from Adeniji Adele Police Station, who were drafted to the scene of the incident, could not stop the thugs.”

One of the injured victims, Sunday Marcus, said: “We were returning from a political campaign rally on Saturday when some political thugs from Glover Street, who had laid ambush, attacked us.

“We are tired of these people. They usually come into our streets to attack us. We

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

17 die in fresh Fulani, Agatu crisis

Adeniji Adele road INSET: One of the injured victims

want the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, to come to our rescue.

Almost 100 people have been killed in a series of attacks on the Lagos Island.

“We do not want to take laws into our hands. We are law-abiding citizens of Lagos State. We cannot endure their

harassment anymore.”

Another resident, who identified herself simply as Iron Lady, said: “Those killed on a daily basis are innocent youths still hustling to make ends meet. These political thugs forget that they would die one day. When they meet God, they would give account

of their deeds.”

When our correspondent visited the street, the whole area was littered with broken bottles.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Kenneth Nwosu, who confirmed the incident, said that one person had been arrested in connection with the clash.

t least 17 people were reported killed yesterday while thousands of others were rendered homeless following a fresh crisis that erupted between Fulani herdsmen and Agatu farmers of Benue State.

The herdsmen who, invaded the area through Loko in Nasarawa State, allegedly attacked the Agatu people in Abugbe. The armed men were said to have killed eight people at Abugbe, two at Okoklo, four at Ogwule, one at Ocholoyan and two in other communities.

A member of the state House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, Mr Sule Audu, who confirmed the report, disclosed that the herdsmen were still planning to attack more settlements in the local government.

Audu solicited Federal Government’s assistance to end the problem.

Confirming the report, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP John Bako, said there was an influx of suspected Fulani who invaded Agatu communities from Loko in Nasarawa State.

Bako, however, said that only five persons were killed by the herdsmen who came and left the area by boat.

‘400 driving licence applicants throng FRSC office daily’ Camillus Nnaji

A

bout 400 driving licence applicants throng the Lagos State Sector Command headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ojodu, for physical capture.

The Sector Commander, Hyginus Omeje, disclosed this in Lagos in an interview with our correspondent.

Omeje, who spoke through Assistant Head, Admin and Finance, Driving Licence Centre, Mrs B. I. Babasanya, said despite the establishment of 13 capturing centres in Lagos, applicants kept thronging the Ojodu centre.

This, according to him, has continuously put pressure on the existing capturing machines at the centre.

He said: “We record about 400 applicants daily here, lowest being 250 or 200. When the pressure is put on the machines, we may record occasional system failure.

“Last week, little repairs were carried out and the machines are back in use. In Lagos, there are 13 existing

Appllicants waiting for driving licence

centres with two capture machines installed. But the centres record lower patronage than Ojodu centre.”

Omeje added that the sector had ensured that all applicants passed through compulsory public enlightenment training on traffic rules. This, he said, had achieved tremendous results on those who got the licences.

Some of the applicants, who thronged the centre, had complained of delay in the physi-

cal capturing process.

One of the applicants, Mr Alobajeun Ajayi, said he had applied for the renewal of his licence since 2013, but just collected it yesterday.

Ajayi complained of slow operation by the staff which, according to him, results occasionally from system failure.

He said: “They should also consider us because we are working somewhere. When they give you appointment, they will not attend to you

quickly. I have been here since 7am, but I am being attended to by 1pm. Their operation here is slow.”

Another applicant, who also got his driving licence yesterday, Pastor Owosho Adewuyi, said he applied in 2013, until last Friday when he was asked to come for the capturing.

He said: “I think the major problem is the crowd of applicants seeking to get the licence. The number is high and there must be delays.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY JANUARY 27, 2015

I’m guilty, forgive me, suspected vandal begs John Edu

O

ne of the four suspected oil pipeline vandals arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday said he was guilty of the crime he was accused of.

The suspect, Isila Bolaji, 47, also begged for forgiveness.

Bolaji and his accomplices were in possession of 52 gallons of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

The suspects were intercepted around Eyita Sabo area of Ikorodu, Lagos about 10:17pm on January 16.

Others in NSCDC custody are Sola Ogunlade, 32, Jamiu Shittu and Bello Semiu, 37.

They were said to be in two vehicles; one Toyota Previa Space Wagon, marked KRD63BM. The car was loaded with 50 gallons of 50 litres of stolen PMS. A second vehicle, a Nissan Bluebird car, marked AG15FKJ, also loaded with two 50 litres of PMS, were intercepted. The gallons were discovered at the compartment for extra tyre.

Bolaji, a mechanic and a bus driver, said: “I got involved in the business in December 2014.

I got involved through my colleagues in transportation business on Ishawo Road, Ikorodu.

“The transportation business was not doing well anymore. I needed money to meet up with family needs. I used to buy 50 litres for N2,500 and sell at the rate of N3,500 to business owners. I’m guilty, but please forgive me. I won’t commit the crime again.”

Ogunlade, a driver and father of three, said: “I was caught along with my cousin who introduced me to the business. It all started after my bus was impounded by the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) officials.

“My friend took pity on me and gave me another bus. I used to pay him daily but that bus was also seized by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs).

Since then, life had kept getting tougher for me. I needed to look for ways to survive.”

Bello, another mechanic, said: “I used to help Mr Shittu

Two of the suspects

fix his car whenever it was faulty, but I had never been involved in stealing of PMS with them. I never knew they were into that sort of thing.

On that fateful day, Mr Shittu called me. The time was between 7pam and 8pm. He said his car had developed fault on Ikorodu Road. I went over there to repair the car. Before

I knew it, I had been arrested.”

Shittu, a taxi driver, said: “I was frustrated when I could not pay my wife’s hospital bill in July. She delivered a baby through a Caesarean section. I was asked to pay the bills. The money I made from driving taxi was not enough to put food on the table for me and the family.

I had to look for an alternative

Save us from robbers, Kabba residents cry out Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

T

he residents of Kabba, headquarters of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have raised the alarm over the invasion of the community by armed robbers.

The people said armed robbers had laid siege to the community in the last three months.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Lokoja, the President of Kabba Development Union, Mr Molomo Olorunfemi, said that socio-economic activities had been paralysed in the community owing to incessant robbery attacks.

IG, Suleiman Abba

The attacks, he said, were almost on a daily basis, especially on major roads linking the town.

The community leader said banking activities in

Kabba, which is one of the most populous towns in the state, had been greatly affected as commercial banks had not opened to customers since November 2014 for fear of being robbed.

According to him, the people have to travel, most of the time, to the state capital to withdraw money as banks in Kabba and its environs have refused to even load their ATMs with cash.

Major roads leading to Kabba such as Okene-Kabba Road, Kabba-Omuo Ekiti Road, Obajana-Kabba Road and Kabba-Egbe Road, he added, had been under siege by armed robbers.

According to him, the robbers kill and maim innocent citizens at will without any

resistance from the police or any law enforcement agent.

He stressed that civil servants and pensioners in the town and its environs suffered most during last Christmas as they could not assess any bank to withdraw money.

Olorunfemi said the banks became jittery when they heard that the robbers had raided commercial banks in nearby Okene, Ikare, Egbe where they killed scores of people.

He said: “The management of the banks therefore felt since banks in their neighbourhood were been robbed, Kabba may be the next target. This was why they refused to open for customers since November 2014 and the whole community is now literally living in fear.”

Boy escapes lynching over alleged car theft Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

A

n 18-year-old boy, identified simply as Toochukwu, yesterday escaped being lynched by a mob attack in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Toochukwu was allegedly caught trying to steal a Toyota Camry car on the busy Airport Road.

The suspect, who said he hailed from Oguta in Imo State, was about opening the car parked in front a private residence when some people in the area saw him.

Toochukwu allegedly planned to use a master key to open the door of the car with registration number KF 426 KJA but luck ran out of him.

Some traders and passers-

The car

by descended on the boy. They gave him the beating of his life.

It took the intervention of some other people to save Toochukwu’s life from the mob.

The mob ignored all entreaties to call the police but Toochukwu continued to beat the suspect.

The residents of the area vaded the area. Those at the had initially fled into safety various commercial banks when they heard the alarm on the road abandoned their that armed robbers had in- transactions and ran away.

means to make more income.”

The NSCDC Commandant, Mr Abafi Gabriel, said the arrest showed the corps was working.

Gabriel said some of the suspects had pleaded guilty to the crime He said: “This is to inform many people who are into such shady business to desist.”

Fire guts Warri spare parts market Joe Obende Warri

A

uto spare parts worth millions of naira yesterday went up in flames at the Lower Erejuwa Spare Parts Market in Warri, Delta State.

Although no life was lost, shop owners were weeping openly over their losses as they tried to salvage what remained of their goods.

Heaps of charred merchandise surrounded the single storey block of shops.

Nobody could ascertain the cause of the fire, but witnesses said it was not as a result of electrical fault because there was power outage when the fire started.

Some of the victims said they lost goods ranging between N1 million and N3 million.

The leadership of the traders’ association said over 50 shops, belonging to about 200 traders, were razed.

The Chairman of the Lower Erejuwa Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Donatus Chiaha, told journalists that the fire started about 3am.

Chiaha said he lost goods worth N2 million.

He added: “I was informed that there was no light as at the time.

People living around here confirmed that there was no light so I cannot say it has to do with electrical fault. I don’t really know what exactly brought about the fire.

“The loss here, though I cannot say exactly how much, runs into hundreds of millions of naira because I have nothing less than 200 men trading here. Sometimes there are two or three persons in one shop and they are all doing well here.

“This is a very big loss because most of our boys obtained money from cooperative societies, from village meetings, from different sources in order to prepare for business with the intention of paying back at the end of the year.”

12

News

SOUTH - WEST

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ambode: I’ll make Mushin crime free RALLY

Candidate promises to make Mushin shine by providing jobs and security of lives and property Temitope Ogunbanke

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akin-

wunmi Ambode, yesterday promised to make Mushin, a Lagos suburb, crime-free, if elected governor in next month’s election.

Speaking yesterday at a campaign rally in Mushin, Ambode promised to provide jobs for youths in Mushin Local Government and other parts of the state to keep them off the streets and to create conducive environment for youths in the state to succeed.

He also assured Lagos residents that his government will improve on the standard of security that had been laid down by the current administration.

He said: “We have made Lagos safer in the last eight years and we will make it more secured, so that you can have a 24/7 economy. Mushin will become safer and then you can move around anytime of the day.

“Mushin is full of youths and I know that

we need more jobs. If you vote for APC, more jobs will be created. I promise to work with the youth population to ensure a better life.

“We will sit down together and engage ourselves. I will not take any decision away from you except we decide together.”

The APC governorship candidate therefore appealed to the people of Mushin and all Lagos residents to vote for him

and all the party’s candidates, assuring them that he would take the state to the next level, if elected.

He also appealed to Nigerians to vote for the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the party in the February 14 and 28 elections.

In his address, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, urged the youths to shun violence in the February elections.

Health sector: CMD wants N/Assembly to legislate on strike

Alleged N22bn refund: Adeyeye threatens APC with N10bn suit

Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

T

he Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Dr. Lawrence Ayodele, has called on the National Assembly to tinker with the existing labour laws in the country to put an end to incessant strike in the health sector.

According to Ayodele, who addressed a press briefing in Ido-Ekiti yesterday, strengthening existing labour laws might help in saving the sector from imminent collapse.

He was speaking on the three-month-old strike by members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

Ayodele said for instance, the public health sector only ran effectively for about 100 days last year.

“The situation was that if medical doctors were not on strike, JOHESU members were on strike.

How do we run a health system where unhealthy rivalry among professionals in the sector is killing the system?”he asked.

The CMD appealed to the striking workers to resume work, noting that their demands would be met by the government.

Ayodele added that to permanently put JOHESU’s agitation to rest, President Goodluck Jonathan, had set up a presidential committee of experts on inter-professional relationship led by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, to look into the issues causing acrimony in the health sector and proffer lasting solutions.

He said the fact that the salaries of the striking workers were being paid by the government as at when due, confirmed the sincerity on the side of the government that it would respond positively to their agitation.

He also advised Nigerians, particularly youths, to be peaceful and avoid all forms of provocation during the elections.

“Say no to violence and vote for your prosperity and development. Do not fight, so as to be alive to witness the prosperity.

We want to win and those who want to win don't fight,” he said.

He also urged Lagos residents to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Ambode, to consolidate on the interventionist strides of his administration.

Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

M

L-R: His Eminence, Sunday Ola Makinde; Chairman, CAN, Lagos State, Archbishop Magnus Atilade; Apostle Alexandder Bamgbola and Rev. Wilson Badejo, during a prayer session for the nation in Lagos…on Sunday

PDP flays Amosun over Ondo tasks party supporters on peace pact Camillus Nnaji workers’ strike O Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State yesterday berated the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration over the spate of strikes by workers in the state.

The party said the situation has shown that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government has failed the people.

In a statement by the PDP Chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo, the party blamed the wave of industrial actions on the ineptitude of the state government.

The PDP chairman wondered why almost all sectors of the economy were practically brought to their knees under the Amosun government.

Dayo said: “How do we explain a situation where teachers, health and judicial workers are on strike at the same time?

By tomorrow, local government workers will commence their action.

“These are indica-

tions that the Amosun government has failed the people. How can one explain the refusal of the state government to remit the money deducted from the sweat of teachers as cooperative and pension trust funds?”

The party chairman said until the money deducted from their salaries is remitted, “it means that the state government is fraudulent and untrustworthy.”

He, however, empathised with the workers and their families, noting that the ugly experience would soon be brought to an end when the PDP is voted into power.

“This phase shall soon pass in the next couple of days. Our people should remain steadfast and use their votes to bring about the much-needed change in Ogun State on 14th and 28th February, 2015,” he stated.

Dayo assured that if elected, the PDP would run a government with ‘human face and put smiles on the faces of people.’

ndo State government has asked political party supporters in the state to key into the Abuja peace accord initiative of the two presidential flag bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this yesterday in Ogun State while fielding questions from journalists on the forthcoming general election.

Akinmade and his colleague from the Women

Affairs Ministry, represented Governor Olusegun Mimiko during a church dedication service in Mowe on Sunday.

He tasked all party officials to key into the initiative of President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari on peaceful conduct of the election.

“Peace is a major ingredient of stability and cohesion, this must not be compromised. Thanks to the initiators of the Abuja peace accord and the acceptance of peaceful election by the two presidential candidates, President Jonathan and General Buhari.”

Adeleke berates PDP over ‘false victory’ claim Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

T

he former governor of Osun State, Isiaka Adeleke, yesterday hit hard on the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing its members of causing confusion in the state.

He also accused the PDP of arranging its supporters on the major streets of Osogbo last Friday in ‘wild jubilation,’ claiming false a ‘victory’ after the adoption of final

written addresses submitted by counsels to the APC and the PDP in the on-going governorship petition tribunal.

The ex-governor, who described such act as misleading and undemocratic in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by his Media Adviser, Olumide Lawal, said it will be preposterous and prejudicial of the tribunal, for anybody to determine which direction; the tribunal’s pendulum would swing at the end of the day.

inister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has threatened to file a N10 billion suit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and its spokesman, Mr. Taiwo Olatubosun, over claims that the Federal Government had paid N22 billion to the Ekiti State government as refund on the construction of federal roads in the state.

The minister said neither himself nor President Goodluck Jonathan, said at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti that N22 billion was paid to Ekiti State by the Federal Government as being claimed by the APC. In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday, Adeyeye said the claim by the APC was mischievous and misleading.

He said: “The APC and Taiwo Olatubosun must retract this malicious falsehood within the next 14 days or risk a N10bn libel suit.”

Speaking further, Adeyeye said the road was initially awarded by the administration of Chief Segun Oni for N6.3 billion and was later increased to N7.5 billion by the same government.

“The APC government of Kayode Fayemi increased the contract from N7.5 billion to N11 billion. The Federal Government had earlier paid N2 billion reimbursement on the road during the administration of Oni and also paid another N2 billion during Fayemi’s administration.

“No refund has been paid during this administration.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Controversy

Yuguda working against Jonathan’s re-election, says Minister

14

Scuffle

Campaign

Angry youths sack Imo Govt House

15

Campaign

Jonathan meets Afenifere, battles for South-West votes

Day Kaduna stood still for Buhari

15

17

13

Politics

Angst over proposed poll shift A recent proposal to postpone the February elections for a while to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) put its house in order has generated negative reactions. ONWUKA NZESHI reports that the proposal may have to be re-examined to avoid a disastrous outing for the electoral umpire

A

bout a year ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. By the schedule, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 14 while the governorship and states assembly elections will hold on February 28.

In response to this timetable, the various political parties have been criss- crossing the length and breadth of the country canvassing for votes. However, in the last few days, the political discourse has changed rather dramatically from preparations to possible postponement of the said elections.

Indications that the elections might be postponed emerged when the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) addressed a gathering at the Chatham House in London and disclosed that he had advised INEC to shift the polls due to inadequate preparations.

Dasuki told the London-based

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Jonathan

political think-tank that he wants the general elections postponed to give the electoral commission more time to distribute biometric voting cards to millions of voters who are yet to get their cards.

According to him, besides the security challenges being faced by the country, as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in some parts of the country, and millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are likely to be disenfranchised, the commission still has at least 30 million Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to distribute to eligible voters.

Sambo said that he had discussed the matter with the chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and that a slight adjustment on the timelines would still keep the polls within the time allowed by the Electoral Act and the Constitution. He however said that the decision was for INEC to make.

Denial and Rejection As soon as Sambo made the disclosure in London, INEC reacted back home in Nigeria, denying it ever received any communication from the NSA on the postponement of the election.

In an interview with New Telegraph, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said he was not aware of any such communication asking

Buhari

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

The political discourse has changed rather dramatically from preparations to possible postponement of the said elections

the commission to shift the elections. He said INEC was committed to ensuring that all eligible voters obtained their PVCs before the February 8 deadline, adding that more voters were collecting the cards on a daily basis.

Chairman of INEC, Jega, also spoke in the same vein, denying any plan to shift the polls. He defended vehemently the position of the commission that the elections would hold as scheduled because the distribution of the PVCs was an ongoing process which is expected to be completed before the elections. He assured that INEC was prepared to keep to the election timetable even if it meant distributing the PVCs up to Friday, February 13, the eve of the presidential poll.

Opposition kicks Alarmed by the suspicion that the ruling party might be flying a dangerous kite through Sambo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) rose against the plot to postpone the elections.

National publicity secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed described the statements credited to the NSA as a clandestine plot to push for a postponement of the elections and warned that for no reason must the election timetable be altered. The opposition party argued that the proposed

shift in the election date was a panic measure by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to buy time for President Goodluck Jonathan’s electioneering to gather steam.

“After realising it will be rejected by Nigerians who have borne the brunt of its misgovernance over the years; after realising that its campaign of calumny against our presidential candidate has failed, the Jonathan administration has now started to play its last card, which is the postponement of the election.

“Now that we have found the smoking gun, we are urging the international community, in particular, to urgently extract a commitment from President Goodluck Jonathan that the elections will hold as scheduled next month, and that he would respect the outcome, just as we have said.

They know for sure that if they don’t postpone the elections, there is no way they can win. They are just terrified,” Mohammed said.

The APC also called on Nigerians to reject the alleged plot by the ruling party to postpone the elections as such an action could lead to a constitutional crisis capable of undermining the nation’s democracy. According to the party’s mouthpiece, since peCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

14

Politics

Felix Nwaneri and Yekeen Nurudeen

T

he sour relationship between Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, and Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has taken a new twist after last Thursday’s attack on President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign team in Bauchi.

The minister yesterday, alleged that the governor was working against the second term bid of the president.

The president was stoned and booed by hoodlums while addressing a rally in Bauchi on January 22. Governor Yuguda in his reaction to the incident at the weekend, dismissed claims that it was planned by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing accusing fingers at the FCT minister.

But Mohammed said that his former boss has never hidden his hatred for President Jonathan.

“Yuguda has been secretly working against the president long time ago. It is a trend that has continued,” he said.

“Many Nigerians still

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Yuguda working against Jonathan’s re-election, says FCT Minister remember recent media reports that Yuguda is the real godfather and sponsor of the APC gubernatorial candidate in Bauchi State, and that he has not been campaigning for President Jonathan’s re-election in the state.

Again, history is there to expose the governor as an unabashed fifth columnist in the PDP.” The minister, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Nosike Ogbuenyi blasted Governor Yuguda over the allegation, saying it was irrational for the governor to allege that he hired thugs to stone and embarrass himself, while addressing the presidential rally in his home state.

The statement read in part: “It is simply irrational for Governor Yuguda to allege that the Hon. Minister hired thugs to stone and embarrass himself (Hon. Minister) while addressing the presidential rally in his home

state. By this claim, Yuguda has proven correct the allegation that he has been hobnobbing with the APC at night and running with the PDP in daytime.

“The question the governor must answer quickly without equivocation is: why did the thugs not stone him (Yuguda) whilst he was addressing the same rally, on the same podium and on the same day? Yugudu should also tell the world why he has suddenly turned into an APC spokesman, by exonerating the opposition party of culpability

in the attack of the PDP presidential campaign team in Bauchi.

“We wish to state categorically that based on his personal convictions and principles, Senator Bala Mohammed cannot sponsor thugs to stone himself or his boss. We, therefore, enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to completely disregard Yuguda’s outrageous allegation. In fact, anyone who believes his wild allegation would believe anything! By Yuguda’s latest embarrassing conduct, he has successfully exposed his chamele-

onic character as an APC mole in the PDP. We call on Isa Yuguda to please respect himself by leaving Bala Mohammed alone.”

The minister said the first attack he received for wholeheartedly supporting President Jonathan (then Vice President) was in 2010, saying “the same Yuguda, early in 2010, did everything humanly possible to recall and politically annihilate me from the National Assembly as the senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District.”

According to him, his

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

only sin was that he mobilised fellow lawmakers to invoke the famous ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ to confer powers on the then Vice President Jonathan to act as president while former President Umaru Yar’Adua was away in Saudi Arabia receiving medical attention.

Pharmacists back Ambode for Lagos gov F

rom an unusual quarter came a boost for the gubernatorial aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos Chapter threw its weight behind him and prayed for his success at the poll.

The PSN is the umbrella body for pharmacists operating in the country and its Lagos chapter prides itself with over 40 per cent of its entire membership, an association to which Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) belongs.

In a letter dated January 26 and signed by its Secretary, Gafar Madehin, the association conveyed their support for Ambode,

describing him as a man with lots of quality and the right person that will ensure the continuity of the delivery of dividends of democracy to the good people of Lagos.

According to him: “As a body of educated and trained healthcare professionals charged with management of the distribution of medicines to consumers and engaging in appropriate efforts to ensure their safe and efficacious use, the association expresses their desire to collaborate with Ambode’s government in ensuring the welfare of Lagosians.”

Gafar said that it is the prayer of the association that God’s perfect will be established at all levels in the coming elections.

L-R: Lagos State deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Safurat Abdul-Kareem; governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje; Chief Olabode George; Engr. Deji Doherty and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, during the PDP governorship campaign flag-off in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

APC, Tinubu reckless with Lagos resources, says George Wale Elegbede

F

ormer deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has been reckless with the resources of the state for almost 16 years.

He alleged that the state has been mortgaged by former Governor Bola Tinubu.

Speaking yesterday at the formal flag-off of the party’s campaign rally held in Ikeja, the PDP chieftain said the people

of Lagos cannot trust the APC leadership any longer, adding that, “we need dedicated, committed leaders with fresh ideas to lead us.”

“Tinubu has mortgaged Lagos. He only expanded the Lekki road built by Baba Jakande and started collecting toll on it.

There must be a change to the recklessness of governance from Tinubu and APC in Lagos State. What has he (Tinubu) done to impact on the people of Lagos and he still has the gut to say President Goodluck Jonathan is not doing anything.

“We will give them the change they are clamour-

ing for, but I want to implore you to guide your votes, and there should be no violence. The police will be there, be vigilant and I know we will defeat them,” he said.

Also speaking at the rally, erstwhile Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said the candidate of the APC, Akinwunmi Ambode, does not have the capacity to govern a state like Lagos, saying that the state deserves an independentminded person as Jimi Agbaje to lead Lagos.

“When I was the chairman of Lagos Island, Ambode was a council treasurer and I can tell you

that he (Ambode) doesn’t have what it takes to manage a state like Lagos. Ambode was forced to resign as a civil servant by the government and we must look at his record.

“We have a case of the puppet and puppeteer and Lagos people are saying that both of them must be thrown away on February 28. Agbaje is a man of the people and he has the capacity to manage our state,” he said.

In his speech, Agbaje, who is the party’s standard bearer for the election, urged residents to vote for the PDP, promising that the party will give them value for their votes.

The group stated that this was to ensure that Abia people do not support mediocrity, but a technocrat who has what it takes to save the state from the leadership quagmire it has found itself, since the return of democracy in 1999.

The group’s coordinator, Nena Kalu Ogba, who spoke to newsmen in La-

gos, said: “The state of Abia demands a unique approach to salvage it from clueless government and politicians who have no good intentions for the state. That is why even ladies are now coming out to support who they believe can rescue the state. And with our numerical strength, we are going to ensure we

convince as many youths, women and men as possible, to vote for the best candidate, Dr Otti.”

According to her, Otti stands a good chance of winning the votes of many youths, men, women, professionals and artisans who will not want to throw proficiency, quality and professionalism at the altar of zoning.

Agbaje gets campaign DG, media director Women rally support for Otti

T

he campaign organisation of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has appointed Alhaji Rahman Owokoniran as the Director-General (DG).

A veteran journalist, Prince Uthman ShodipeDosunmu, is the chair-

man, Media and Publicity.

Other members of the team are the Deputy DG, Kayode Bawala; Secretary, Ola Apena and chairman, Organisation Committee, Prince Muis Dosunmu.

The state PDP chairman, Olatunji Shelle, is the chairman, Campaign Council.

Etaghene Edirin

A

head of the February 28 governorship election in Abia State, a group, Concerned Abia Ladies (CAL) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, promising to mobilise every Abia woman and young men for Otti.

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Angry youths sack Imo Govt House Steve Uzoechi Owerri

A

well-publicised students’ rally for Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State yesterday, degenerated into a violent protest against the governor, leading to a major security breach following invasion of the Government House by irate youths.

As early as 8:30a.m. yesterday, students and youths from all walks of life had gathered at the Rochas Okorocha Campaign office along Okigwe road.

They had been gathered by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Godstime Samuel, for a solidarity rally in support of the reelection of the governor under the platform of National Union of Imo State Students (NUISS).

The students, who

Women in solidarity march for Jonathan lPro-Okorocha rally turns into protest Felix Nwaneri turned out in their hundreds, were drawn 80 each from each of the 27 council areas in the state.

The students staged a massive rally and roadshow for the governor and reconvened at the Freedom Square where they were addressed by the Commissioner for Lands, Chief Uche Nwosu and later the governor himself who promised them N4 million.

At the end of the rally, the governor’s aide presented the sum of N1.5 million to be shared among youths.

The students rejected the money.

And in the confusion that followed, Samuel disappeared from the scene.

Angry and unable to locate their contact man for explanations and completion of the money, anger led to frustration and a massive

student rampage erupted.

Now chanting solidarity songs in favour of the PDP and its governorship candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the youth marched into the Government House, blocked the main gate and a near stampede ensued with Government House workers scampering for safety.

The action of the students, who were virtually unchallenged, saw workers fleeing to as far as the Governor’s Lodge for safety.

Finding no one to address their grievances, the students vandalised and destroyed anything that stood in their way.

The governor’s posters and billboards were torn to shreds, street lamp holders, APC flags along the Government House drive-in were destroyed and traffic was grounded

T

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

to a halt.

The students were only restrained when a detachment of combatready policemen were drafted to the scene. The police had to shoot several canisters of teargas to dislodge the defiant young men.

The incident forced workers at commercial banks along the Bank road area near Government House to close down and flee their offices for fear of vandalisation and teargas.

housands of women, at the weekend in Lagos, embarked on a solidarity march in expression of support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

The women, under the aegis of Transparency Action Group, marched from Mushin area of the city to the National Stadium in Surulere, waving banners and posters bearing the president’s pictures, and appealing to Nigerians to return him to office.

Some of the banners and posters had the inscriptions: “Continuity is the best for us;” “We are safe in the hands of Jonathan,” “Goodluck is good for Nigeria,” and “Jonathan has opened the doors for more women to participate in government” among others.

Speaking with New Telegraph after the march, two of the group’s coordinators, Mrs. Monica Etido and

Mrs. Amina Sodangi, said they were backing the president because his administration has done enough for women more than any previous government.

“President Jonathan has appointed more women into the federal cabinet than any other past president. President Jonathan is always quick to react to plight of women, so we want to let him know that in this time of heated arguments, we support him.

He is the first president to be bold enough to appoint 30 per cent of women to strategic positions in his cabinet, so we are solidly behind him,” Mrs. Etido said.

On her part, Sodangi described the Jonathan administration as gender friendly, saying: “Nigerian women have been given the opportunity to serve in the government.

Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda has done a lot for the women folk, so we want him to continue.”

NCC: Why we shut down APC Site Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun (middle of the crowd), speaking at Ogbere Ward 8 in Ijebu East Local Government Area, during his ward to ward re-election campaign...yesterday.

he Executive Vice Chair man, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, has offered an explanation why the All Progressives Congress (APC) fund raising website was shut down by the commission.

NCC said the party had failed to conform to NCC code.

Juwah stated this yesterday after the opening ceremony of the Third African Preparatory

Meeting (APM) for World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC 15) in Abuja.

According to him, “You know, we are NCC; we are public service agency and we are not political. You are allowed to raise money, but you must conform with the rules of NCC. “We didn’t make rules looking at elections, we made these rules for the interest of development of telecommunication in Nigeria, and we will keep those rules whether there is election or not.”

Jonathan meets Afenifere, battles for South-West votes APC applauds US on elections Donald Ojogo T Abuja

A

s the nation inches towards the February 14 presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan has commenced deft moves to neutralise the opposition’s major stronghold, the South-West as he meets with the leadership of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, today.

The meeting will hold in Akure, the Ondo State capital tonight, as a prelude to tomorrow’s presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). Afenifere may issue a communique at the end of the meeting to back President Jonathan’s second term bid The president’s planned parley with the

once powerful Afenifere leadership which is ostensibly facilitated by the Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, is coming on the heels of what a source described as the “northern support” Jonathan’s main challenger and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammad Buhari appears to be enjoying, especially in the North-West ahead of the presidential contest.

An impeccable source confided in our correspondent that top leaders of Afenifere have confirmed attendance ahead of today’s meeting he described as ‘crucial to PDP’.

Neither President Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, nor Senior Special Assistant on Public Af-

fairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, could be reached to confirm the meeting.

All the same, Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, confirmed the meeting “It is true the president will meet a few of us at my residence but I cannot be specific on the time; may be you make your findings from Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, he is our secretary,” Fasonranti told New Telegraph.

Regardless, the source said President Jonathan’s decision to sleep in Akure tonight is as a result of the planned meeting.

According to the source, “It is true that the president will pass the night in Akure tomorrow (today) because he needs to meet with the leadership of Afenifere over the forthcoming poll and

you know that Afenifere has a commanding voice in Yorubaland. These are tested men with integrity.

So, a meeting with such a group of leaders has to be taken with every seriousness it deserves.

“Again, you should also know that the South-West’s significance in the presidential election is twofold. Apart from having the second highest voting strength (about 14 million) after the North-West’s 16 million estimated voters, the region is regarded as the strongest hub of the APC with four of the six states under the party.

“And to compound the matter, the APC’s presidential running mate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo is also from the South-West. And that is why the meeting is very important to us in the Villa and the entire party,” he said.

he APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has welcomed US call for free and fair election and nonviolence in the general elections in the country next month.

In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu of the APCPCO, the campaign said it fully identifies with Secretary of State John Kerry’s appeal to political parties to ensure free and fair and non-violence polls.

According to Shehu, all responsible politicians should support the objectives of free, fair and nonviolenc polls as advocated by the US government.

The statement, however, appealed to the Jonathanled administration to show commitment to free and fair elections and non-violence.

Shehu also called on other members of the international community to show active interest in the attitude of the PDP administration to these issues of non-violence and free and fair elections.

He explained that the U.S. and other members of the international community should not leave the Jonathan administration to its devices or whims and caprices, adding that the government must be held to these commitments to avoid any hanky-panky during the elections.

On the US threat to deny Visa to politicians that engage in electoral violence and malpractices, the APC Campaign said it fully endorsed the measure to serve as deterrence and give credibility to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral system.

16 Politics

Sambo

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jega

Mohammed

Postponements of polls: In whose interest?

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

riodic elections remains the only way for the people to choose who governs them in a democracy, nothing should be done to thwart the process.

“They tried to hide under terrorist attacks in the North-East and the fact that Nigeria is at war to shift the elections, this did not fly. They used the Department of State Security (DSS) to invade our Data Centre and then concoct the allegation that we are planning to hack into INEC’s Data Base, it did not fly as INEC said its Data Base cannot be hacked.

They launched an aggressive campaign to convince Nigerians that our presidential candidate is not qualified to run because he has no secondary school leaving certificate, but that also did not fly, as the certified results of his Cambridge examination have now been published for all to see.

They went and procured a fake report showing our candidate is suffering from prostate cancer, hence he is not fit for the high office of president, but their antics were discovered when the health institution that purportedly issued the report disowned it.

“Now they have launched their last set of jokers, which include hiring willing hands to make the television rounds saying there is no way the elections could hold next month, ostensibly because INEC is not ready, even when the electoral umpire has said it is ready to conduct the polls.

“There are also alleged plans to stage-manage some high profile cases of violence and arson, for which the opposition will be blamed and then its leaders arrested in droves, all in an effort to scuttle the polls,” the APC said.

CNPP, NBA, CSOs The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) also expressed outrage over the plot to postpone the elections. The CNPP, an association of registered political parties in Nigeria described the proposal made by the NSA and the reasons he gave as a dummy, meant to deceive the

international community.

National publicity secretary of CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, dismissed the claims by Sambo that 30 million PVCs were still uncollected and argued that over 60 per cent PVCs have been collected

by Nigerians who are anxious to vote in the forthcoming elections.

Okechukwu accused the NSA of dabbling into politics and abdicating his primary responsibility of securing the country against Boko Haram. The plot to postpone the election, Okechukwu argued, was a ploy to elongate the tenure of President Jonathan and the ruling party.

On its own part, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) urged the NSA to perish the thought of having the elections postponed and concentrate on how the menace of Boko Haram will be tackled within three months.

National president of the NBA, Mr. Austin Alegeh (SAN) charged INEC to find better ways of resolving the difficulties being experienced in the distribution of PVCs including exploring the possibility of sending them to the polling units where prospective voters could access them with relative ease.

Alegeh said: “The Nigerian Bar Association is deeply concerned by the statement credited to the National Security Adviser (NSA) Colonel Sambo Dasuki, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the forthcoming general elections for a period of three (3) months.

“The Nigerian Bar Association appreciates that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) (as Amended) provides for holding of elections ‘not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office’ and this puts the cut off date for the general elections on April 29, 2015.

“However, the February 14th and 28th dates for the general elections were fixed a long time back and preparations have reached a fever pitch with political parties traversing the country seeking

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

A postponement of the elections would give INEC little room to manoeuvre and may push the nation perilously close to a constitutional crisis, if any unforeseen event occasions a further shift

for the votes and mandate of the electorate.

“Instructively, several other statutory cut off dates for the elections (registration of voters, closing of voters’ register, resignation from office of interested contestants, publication of list of candidates for the elections etc.) have been set and complied with based on the dates fixed for the elections.

“The twin issues of the difficulties associated with the collection of PVCs and the conduct of elections in the North Eastern states of the country upon which the alleged call for postponement of the elections was based are not new issues that would justify the call for a postponement of the elections so late in the day. A postponement of the elections would give INEC little room to manoeuvre and may push the nation perilously close to a constitutional crisis, if any unforeseen event occasions a further shift of the election date.

“On collection of voter’s card, there is no assurance that the situation would be different even if the elections are postponed for the three month period.

“The postponement of the elections is not the reasonable solution to resolve the difficulties associated with collection of PVCs. The NSA should offer Nigerians the assurance that the Boko Haram insurgency would end in three months and in the absence of such a critical assurance the call for postponement of the elections cannot be reasonably justified.”

Ominous silence In all these negative reactions, it is curious that the PDP kept mute on the issue. This lends some credence to the suspicion that there might be more to the utterances of Sambo than meets the eye. There ought to have been a reaction from the ruling party unless they want Nigerians to believe that the planned postponement was orchestrated by the PDP because it is afraid of the forthcoming election.

Straight facts However, when viewed dispas-

sionately, the call for the postponement of the election may have come from an objective assessment of the polity. Here is a country at war with terrorists and insurgents. It is a war that has claimed some parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and displaced hundreds of thousands of the population in those three states.

The threat of insecurity is not limited to those states alone but could be felt across the North East and beyond. It goes without saying that holding elections in these flash points will be very difficult if not impossible. Even if one dared the devil to hold the elections under heavy security, there will be credibility concerns on the outcomes.

In addition to the insecurity challenges, INEC has also not shown that it is truly prepared for the February polls. It’s still grappling with the basic logistics of distributing PVCs less than three weeks to the crucial polls. No one knows where INEC is in terms of procuring the ballot papers and other sensitive documents to be used for the election. If the commission has been unable to pull through PVC production and distribution which it started in 2013, one could only guess how prepared INEC could be in terms of this latter procurements.

INEC would be experimenting with the PVCs and card reading machines at the forthcoming polls but the commission is yet to test run the process even if with a mock election in a local government council.

As is to be expected, Jega has given assurances of the readiness of INEC but one only hopes that those assurances would not turn into excuses on election day.

Stakeholders are of the view, that there is a need for INEC to do a soul searching to ascertain its true level of preparedness instead of going into a crucial assignment unprepared.

They also conten, that political parties and other stakeholders also need to think deeply about their positions and avoid drawing conclusions that would eventually lead the polity astray.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Day Kaduna stood still for Buhari On Monday, January 19, the presidential campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in Kaduna.

The massive crowd that turned out shows that the APC presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s cult-like following has not waned since he joined politics in 2003.

IBRAHEEM MUSA reports

I

n all, the event took just 15 minutes, but the people in their multitude, waited 12 hours for the historic moment. Last Monday, Kaduna stood still for Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.

Schools, markets and business premises virtually shut down as Buhari’s campaign train inched its way from Minna, the Niger State capital.

The campaign, on that day, began from Minna and by 2p.m., the organisers had figured that Buhari would arrive Kaduna for the North-West flag off. However, the General came four hours late, but the crowd, defying the scorching sun, kept waiting for their knight in shining armour. Children, men and women kept pouring into Murtala Mohammed Square, venue of the occasion, as early as 8a.m. from all the local government areas. By noon, the square was brimming with people and the spacious ground virtually burst with the crowd, spilling spectators on the adjourning roads.

Significantly, law and order deserted Kaduna roads last Monday. Youngsters, party loyalists and street urchins pulled dangerous stunts with cars, motorcycles and rickshaws. Singing, dancing and praising Buhari, they littered roads with posters of various APC candidates, hurled invectives at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Muktar Yero and Vice-President Namadi Sambo. Similarly, some made inscriptions on tarred roads, writing “APC,” “Canji” or “Sai Buhari” on thoroughfares. In Kaduna, motorcyclists are not supposed to carry passengers as commercial motorcyclists ‘Okada’ have been banned.

However, the law was breached last Monday as motorcyclists carried two or three passengers, depending on their bikes’ capacity. Similarly, rather than disembark and push their bikes, motorcyclists zoomed past check points on that day. The police, military and traffic wardens just watched as the hooligans had a field day.

At the venue, the organisers kept the crowd entertained as Timaya, Alin Kida and sundry Hausa as well as English artistes sang songs of APC praises. In addi-

Buhari on arrival at Kaduna Airport

tion, comedians made rib-cracking jokes, denouncing PDP, praising Buhari and APC, as well as APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, to high heavens. Mr. Ben Kure, the Director General of el-Rufai Campaign Organisation, reeled out anecdotes and quoted from the Bible, deriding political opponents as he did. Similarly, Alhaji Shuaibu Lili, the Master of Ceremony, displayed his dexterity as a broadcaster as he spoke in both Hausa and English, informing both the crowd and audience at home. Interestingly, an aircraft hovered over the crowd, with “Sai Buhari” written on it.

To “kill time,” some dignitaries mounted the podium, chanted the APC slogan, spoke a few words and dismounted. Specifically, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, former National Women Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), turned the tables against President Goodluck Jonathan. The president, according to reports, had described Buhari as anti-women because the General said he will abolish the Office of First Lady if elected president.

Jonathan, in a campaign speech, had alleged that Buhari wants to return women to the kitchen. Last Monday, Hajiya Hafsat took up the president on that.

“We are not worried,” she said in Hausa. “If we are asked to cook for our husbands; doing so is a religious duty. Buhari wants us to cook for our husbands so that we can go to heaven.”

The General, by this gesture, is being pro-women, the female politician had argued. Significantly, all these side attractions was meant to keep the crowd busy as they waited for Buhari, the man of that moment. The tactic proved effective but unnecessary as the crowd, judging from its mood, was ready to wait for the General till dawn.

Similarly, the high and mighty of the North-West geo-political zone also waited patiently for their own. In particular, Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and chairman of the zonal campaign team was one of the first to arrive

Crowd at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.

the venue.

At 4p.m., news of Buhari’s arrival filtered into the venue and the crowd went wild with joy, thinking the General was already at Murtala Square. At that time, Buhari had just landed at the airport and the Master of Ceremony clarified the misconception. “In no time,” he had assured, “our next president will be with us.” Inadvertently, that statement proved to be a fallacy because the convoy took two and half hours to arrive the venue.

Normally, the trip would have taken just 45 minutes but last Monday, the motorcade virtually crawled to the campaign ground, snaking its way through supporters.

At Mando, according to reports, the crowd spilled onto the highway and some youths insisted on seeing Buhari. The General, at this point, disembarked and addressed them but getting into his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) became a security challenge for his details.

Slowly, the convoy moved to Lagos Garage area, turned right at Kawo bridge, before heading to town amidst praises from supporters. At Unguwar Sarki, the crowd was very massive, boisterous and unruly but security agents helped to clear the area. Finally, the General arrived at dusk, specifically at 6.25p.m., to spontaneous shouts of “Baba oyoyo”. el-Rufai, APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu; Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers State and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari’s running mate, arrived together with Buhari in a convoy.

From then, events proceeded swiftly as Wamakko and Tambuwal, with Buhari between them, proceeded to the podium, holding a broom each as they went. el-Rufai, on that podium, was given a flag and by that token, he had became the official gubernatorial candidate of Kaduna State. Thereafter, Osinbajo spoke to the teeming supporters. Nigeria, he told them, has been yearning for change but change has now come, with the emergence of Buhari as presidential candidate. “On February 14, go out and vote for Buhari and there will be security, employment and

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

By the grace of God, there is virtually no position that I have not held.

So, my desire is to serve and I choose democracy as the platform for this service

an end to corruption,” he said.

Afterwards, Buhari spoke for just five minutes where he unveiled a five-point agenda. “There is nothing new that I will tell you,” he told a cheering crowd. “My administration will focus on security, job creation and fight corruption as well as reform education and the health sector,” he promised.

In addition, he gave a firm commitment, promising that Nigerians will notice a difference within two years after he is elected. He aslo decried the state of unemployment and the parlous nature of the economy. “The textiles in Kaduna have all closed shop, our railways is gone, Nigerian Airways has folded up and there are no drugs and equipment in our hospitals.

“In contrast, corruption has become the order of the day. An APC government will fight corruption with the zeal that it deserves. We will also equip schools and hospitals,” he promised.

Besides, Buhari also flaunted his credentials as a selfless democrat. “My desire is to bring change and serve the people and not just to occupy public office.

By the grace of God, there is virtually no position that I have not held. So, my desire is to serve and I choose democracy as the platform for this service,” he told the crowd.

On three occasions, the General recalled, he was rigged out of victory but instead of calling for revolt, he went to the court to seek redress.

In addition, he asked supporters to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and use them to vote for change on February 14.

Like always, he advised them to vote, escort their votes and wait till they are counted and the results announced. On that note, the General ended his speech and the crowd went wild with jubilation.

Thereafter, the curtains fell as the event came to a halt. In fact, Alhaji Inuwa AbdulKadir’s vote of thanks fell on deaf ears as most of the crowd went to meet Buhari while others left the venue. Since 2003, Buhari’s cult-like following in the north has not waned.

18

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Kalu: Misrepresenting Mu’azu Ebere Wabara

W

hen the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, in company with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, addressed the party’s faithful at the Township Stadium in Umuahia recently, he mandated them to collaborate with the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, in order to ensure resounding victory for our transformative president in the February 14, 2015, election. Mu’azu pointed out that the PDP top shots in Abuja have a cordial and robust working relationship with Kalu. The directive was unambiguous and not a subject for reportorial subjectivity amplified by an unsuspecting credible medium or a fluke two-person public opinion poll.

With all sense of responsibility, over 30 years of quintessential professionalism in journalism and existential maturity, the report published on Monday, January 19, 2015, Page 12, by THISDAY and credited to its Umuahia-based reporter, Emmanuel Ugwu, must have been an unedited government press release sent to Ugwu for transmission to the newsroom en route to public space by Charles Ajunwa, his former colleague and now chief press secretary to Gov. Theodore Orji.

There was nothing newsy about the poorly-written statement as it lacked all the attributes of good reportage: balance, preciseness, fairness, dispassion as much as possible, objectivity, equity, public interest, general wholesomeness, justice and credibility. Distinguished newspapers like The Guardian and The Punch cannot allow this kind of trash to be smuggled into their frontline publications. At the opportune time, I will petition the Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers Limited, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and the Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello. This apoplectic reporter-cum-government megaphone in Umuahia will, through the instrumentality of reprehensible media corruption, bring the flagship of Nigerian journalism to industry ridicule.

It becomes curious and self-serving when Ugwu, corresponds that the efforts of Mu’azu to “reintegrate” Kalu and the grassroots PDP members in Abia State

failed as they insisted that they did not need Kalu. Let me point out from the outset that the PDP national leadership did not go to Abia State to reconcile or “reintegrate” Kalu and all the oppositional forces in Umuahia who have also successfully and inexplicably pitted the South East PDP Caucus against Kalu.

This viciously willful misrepresentation of Mu’azu is part of a systemic scheme by the local PDP champions to futilely shut out Kalu, a founding and staunch member of the PDP and more appreciated/valued by those who matter in the party than all his scurrilous critics lumped together, from the party for reasons that border on fear of Kalu’s characteristic dominance and domineering antecedents in party affairs, possibility of hijacking the party’s machinery in the South East and his nationalistic clout and popularity that keeps soaring which unsettle the peripheral and provincial players who are palpable that such a scenario will marginalize them and vitiate their straw relevance!

As a matter of fact, it is the warlords in Umuahia that need Kalu more than he does and the PDP national leadership cannot be deceived on Kalu’s critical and exponential relevance. This consciousness underscored the recent waiver granted to him by the party to contest as a senator in the forthcoming elections before those strongly and irrationally opposed to him manipulated and schemed him out the race and even went ahead to concoct stories that he had collected another nomination form to run on the platform of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA)! Can you imagine the timing of this yarn and its potential deleterious capacity?

Interestingly, the Mu’azus of the PDP know and publicly appreciate, from time to time, Kalu’s unflinching loyalty to the party and profound belief and varied commitment to the Jonathan presidency currently and as he returns for a well-deserved and inalienable second term.

If the reporter had known that Kalu, as a matter of principle, can never work with the present PDP leadership in Abia State for obvious reasons, he would not have expended his energy filing that malicious, mischievous and wicked story taken completely out of context to make the sponsors bring more beneficence.

This is not just unprofessionalism in its crudity but

understandable almajiri journalism! When a reporter is noted for vaulting partisanship and beggarliness, that is what happens. Ugwu’ benefactors are conscious of this void and have been filling the lecherous vacuum.

Ugwu should not because the Abia State government gave him a Toyota Camry car not too long ago be fabricating stories, particularly as they affect Kalu. Even if Ugwu must inevitably take sides, he should exercise some decorum, restraint, responsibility, candour and an iota of professionalism by deceptively trying to balance his journalistic mercantilism and propagandistic calling. Working manifestly as a freelance hack in a reputable and respected medium like THISDAY easily confirms his reputation as a mercenary!

The Abia State government can be buying cars and building houses for select/friendly newspaper reporters but that should not make the Ugwus to lose their heads over messy porridge that will soon come to an end as they wait the next benefactor! No work ethic, no professionalism, no self-dignity—just a life of survivalist peanuts that borders on social infrastructural challenges that must be sorted out at all costs.

Ugwu should not allow what he will eat to kill him in the long run when those using him must have moved on to greener pastures while his legendary poverty continues to ravage him. Ugwu should not be greedy and constipate himself with slush funds and fleeting Greek gifts like the Camry car and commissions from advertisement placements by a government that thrives on globally-acknowledged propaganda, falsehood, deceit and intimidation. All the elders and other citizens that should have been speaking up have all been fatalistically compromised beyond comparison nationwide!

Public funds that should have been used in developing the state are diverted to servicing the Ugwus, famished elders, amnesic patriots (a euphemism for hangers-on), all manner of vanguards and hungry stakeholders of nondescript nomenclatural classification!

This disguised Abia State mouthpiece should assist himself by internalizing the credo that facts are sacred while comments are free.

• Wabara (ewabara@yahoo.com/08055001948) is the media adviser to Dr. Orji Kalu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Okowa's bridge building moves AS the general elections draw closer, the excitement in the air is expectedly strong. The parties are geared up and by all appearances this would be the most competitive elections in Nigeria ever. Good for our democracy and the institutions managing the process.

But for me and many residents of Delta state, our excitement is because of the PDP candidate in Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. His candidacy best represents what Delta State requires at this point: competence, integrity and level-headedness. Too often our state has been controlled by a few people whose interests do not often align with that of the majority. Now through a rigorous, free and fair process, we have a PDP candidate who holds his election as party candidate not to the whims and caprices of the few, but to the wishes of the majority.

I agree not every Deltan shares this optimism. In fact, when the PDP gubernatorial primary results were announced, there were skepticisms about the winner, especially from the Delta South and Delta Central Senatorial zones. But being a unifier that

he is, Okowa has worked very hard to heal the rifts caused by the primary. In fact, he started his campaign in the heartland of the Urhobo land, at Oghara and has been visiting major Urhobo kings, seeking their blessings and even more unveiling his blueprint for our people.

He has also worked hard to carry everyone along, selecting a competent running mate and lawyer, Kingsley Otuaro, from among the Ijaw, a major ethnic group in the state that has not held a top elective position before. This act portrays Okowa as a man sensitive to need for unity and balancing, and also shows him as someone who is willing to bend back to accommodate every group.

That’s the kind of man we Deltans need at this time. A candidate who’s truly a democrat campaigning on the strength of his ideas; not uppity, thinking that his nomination by a major party is enough to guarantee him victory. I would have been surprised if Okowa had acted differently, considering his records and competences.

• Tobore Omonisa wrote in from Warri, Delta State.

Is Benue state governorship exclusive to the Tiv? DEMOCRACY as a form of government has its inherent demerits among which The Majority Wins is chief. The beauty of democracy as the most popular form of government in the world today is that hardly any leader who does not wish to be described or seen as a democrat or a regime that does not seek to be described as democratic.

Democracy exists where the principal leaders of a political system are selected by competitive elections which the bulk of population has the opportunity to participate. It is therefore clear that we can not talk about democracy without mentioning participation and representation. At the centre of the democratic ideas is the notion of participation which describes the extent to which individual members of society share, take part, or get involved in the life of that society.

It is at this point that the concept of the majority Wins becomes albatross on the neck of democracy in this part of the world. In the scheming and permutation for control of

political power that allocates scarce resources and values, primordial fault lines are exploited by unaltruistic politicians against each other. The political actors in connivance with their parties as platforms which essentially is the pursuit , capture and retention of power as long as democratically feasible of government and its offices equally work against democracy when it deepens ethnic, religious, class or racial cleavages in society.

Majority Wins can be redefined and understood in a new dimension and seen from a different perspective for us to live witness to an egalitarian democracy. For a state like Benue State since the second republic until now not to have a governor from another ethnic group except the Majority Tiv ethnic group goes a long way to show the extent of the demerits of the concept of Majority Wins and the attendant ethnic sentiment attached to it.

• Comrade Ogbu Ameh (onwaters2011@gmail.com)

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

19

EDITORIAL

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

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

A media partner of

Sanctity of Truth

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

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

The economics and politics of fuel subsidy payments

B

etween 2013 and 2014, a total amount of N1.29tn was recorded as petrol subsidy claims from oil marketers. Figures from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) show that about N832.06bn was paid as subsidy claim by the Federal Government to oil marketers in 2013 alone. For July and December 2014, the government paid N45bn and N166bn respectively.

Aside these payments, oil marketers under the aegis of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, also alleged that the Federal Government owed them another N250bn in unpaid subsidies for 2014. With the realities on the ground, the government may not be able to offset this debt in 2015 considering the fact that it only made a provision for N200bn subsidy in the 2015 budget proposal.

Before November 2011, the business of fuel importation into the country was an all-comers’ affair, resulting in manipulations and malpractices that swelled subsidy claims to about N2tn. Petrol subsidy, in this context, is a form of financial support extended to Nigerians by the Federal Government with the aim of keeping the price of petroleum products low compared to what it would have been in a perfect market situa-

tion. Government had claimed to be subsidising the pump prices of petrol, kerosene and LPG. Diesel prices, however, had been deregulated. A total of 128 companies were engaged in fuel importation in the old regime thus providing an opportunity for the abuse of the system. The PPPRA later reduced the number of participating companies to 42 in the first quarter of 2012, before it was further reduced to 39 in the third quarter of 2012, terming the development a reformatory move. The volume of imported products also dropped from 5.036 billion litres in the first quarter of 2012 to 4.20 billion litres in the third quarter of 2012.

But due to growing concerns that the inability of these accredited importers to access credits from the banks could fuel another crisis in the system, the PPPRA later expanded the list to over 40 participating companies since 2013.

For years now the Federal Government has mused over the removal of subsidy on some petroleum products, notably, premium motor spirit, PMS or petrol and household kerosene, HHK, simply called kerosene. Datelines have been pushed yearly, and now pegged at 2015. However, attempts to remove the fuel subsidy, supported through the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF, managed by the PPPRA, have been met with stiff oppositions by various groups based on varied interests.

Fuel subsidy is a system through which the government cushions the effects of high oil prices at the international market, whereby the government bears the burden of the difference between the landing cost of the refined products and the pump prices in the local market. The fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria has since 2012, been fraught with controversy, such that many believe is capable of crippling the Nigerian economy if not properly handled.

The management of fuel subsidy has been strewn with monumental graft, the modalities for calculating the fuel subsidy are vague. The mode of payment is questionable and raises a lot of dust, those that are to be paid are also not precise. Therefore, the amount paid in subsidy is not only overinflated, but the figures are arbitrarily arrived at. It is very important to note that nobody knows for sure the actual cost of fuel and the landing cost, as fuel is imported from various locations around the globe for local consumption. The four refineries are not functioning and new ones are not being built, not even under private partnership arrangement. Yet, it is surprising to note that, on a daily basis, illegal and locally built refineries are located and destroyed in the country; if local refineries are be built indiscriminately why does the Federal Government find it impossible to build new ones.

The point must be made that, many retired and serving public officials have refineries outside the country, and it is brisk business for them to keep the four refineries in the country comatose, while the privately owned ones outside the shores of the country are working at optimal capacity. Hence, the amount that should accrue to the federation account is been cornered by a few privileged individuals.

In fact, the money paid to some individuals to bring in refined crude oil into the country can be used to develop critical sectors of the economy and provide the much needed infrastructural development that the country requires, also, the funds from oil subsidy payment can equally be used to build and nurture strong institutions of government, thereby ensuring stability in governance. As a matter of fact, petroleum products in the country are overpriced and it therefore makes nonsense of whatever subsidy that is claimed to exist. The fuel subsidy payment is a scam and a very corrupt way of enriching some few individuals with the active connivance of corruptible government officials.

To get it right, Nigeria is an oil bearing country and therefore has no business with importation under any guise; the four refineries must be resuscitated and new ones built, then NNPC must be restructured and made more transparent in all its dealings.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Eric Osagie

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor n Emeka Obasi

Deputy Editor n Ayodele Ojo

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

News Editor n Geoffrey Ekenna

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

20

Politics

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Critique of Tambuwal’s agenda for Sokoto Imam Imam

T

he ongoing campaigns by various candidates seeking elective posts and their political parties have provided Nigerians with the opportunity to assess those seeking to rule over them for the next four years.

When politicians come to the people directly for a face to face interaction, citizens can evaluate their programmes and suitability for the office they are seeking.

In Sokoto State, at-

tention of voters is now fixed on the plan of action rolled out by the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship contest, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

At the flag-off of his campaign penultimate week, Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, promised to take the state on a journey of prosperity already started by the incumbent governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko.

The greatest treasure the state is currently en-

joying, according to him, is the peace and tranquility found in abundance within its borders. Located in a region bedevilled by the Boko Haram insurgency, Sokoto’s ability to steer off crisis has been a source of admiration for sociologists.

Considering its unique position as the centrepoint of Islam in Nigeria, Sokoto has in the past taken the lead in finding lasting solutions to the menace of terrorism in the country. Political and religious leaders have, at various times, given a

true interpretation of all the tenets of Islam, and have openly abhorred wanton killings and destruction of property.

The citizens of Sokoto have at various forums harped on the need to ensure continuity of government policies. Many who gave their inputs into the Tambuwal agenda emphasized that coming to start afresh will be detrimental to the prosperity of their state.

Their claim followed a close observation of the achievements of Wamakko in critical areas like educa-

tion, healthcare, social reorientation, youths and sports development and infrastructural development.

The economic potential of Sokoto is enormous. With the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria factory located in the state and various small and medium scale industries scattered all over, Sokoto has already charted a path to industrialisation. As Tambuwal noted in Shagari and Tureta Local Government Areas during his campaign stop, there are also abundant water resources

for irrigation farming and other agro-allied activities. The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority has its headquarters in the capital and so far, there are plans to enhance its capacity to meet the growing needs of the people of the area.

The people of Sokoto are known for their entrepreneurial disposition. Tambuwal said when elected, the state government will complement their efforts by creating an enabling environment to boost investment and other commercial activities.

Given its huge economical potential, it is pertinent to ask: what will the incoming administration do to further harness them to advance the socioeconomic development of the state and its people?

The initiatives of the present government are numerous. Let us look at a few. The first is the vision of the administration in developing the human resource capacity to meet its development challenges.

Since its inception in 2007, the administration has invested handsomely in education, based on a vision premised on developing skills for the future industrialisation of the state.

The state has its gaze fixed on developing the mining industry in the state in the very near future.

Today, the human resource to drive that industry is being prepared.

For example, quite a number of youths have been abroad to study various courses in Mining and Mineral Engineering.

Others went to other parts of Nigeria and Africa to study agricultural extension. All these are done with an aim to ensure that those trained contribute their quota towards the development of various sectors of the state.

As a leader, the speaker has promised to lead from the front, working in tandem with other progressive Nigerians from all walks of life to bring about needed change in the socioeconomic landscape of his dear state in particular, and Nigeria in general.

This, he said, can be done by fully implementing the policies of the APC as espoused in its manifesto.

In Sokoto today, many are confident that Tambuwal will leverage on his experience and contacts in national and international circle to the benefit of the state. In him, they see a person who will not only redesign the economy of the state, but will also redefine its politics. •Imam is the Special Adviser on Media to Tambuwal.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

21

Culture

Religion has done no harm to our culture –Ogbeh

22

Arts In Lagos Dancing Cities set to debut CULTURE

Tony Okuyeme

T

he debut edition Dancing Cities, a unique dance competition where 12 dance groups and crews compete to win the star prize of N2000,000 and scholarship for International training/mentorship, to be awarded to the dancers of the year in December 2015, will hold in March in Yaba.

Initiated by The QDance Centre, a dance hub based in Lagos, Dancing Cities will spread its activities all year round, the qualifying series moves from one community to another every trimester. It is to be a veritable confluence of various dance forms and styles, whether you are into hip hop or ballet, ballroom or krump, contemporary or traditional dance styles, the criteria for judging is in the level of creativity and innovation in delivery, Qudus Onikeku, professional dancer, founder and Creative Director of The QDance Centre, stated.

“Towards our effort to award the top three dance groups who will go home with the N2000,000 cash prize, we shall host three preliminary Dancing Cities every quarter in accessible spaces, within various communities where communal activities already take place, such as football fields, playing grounds, car parks, community centres etc.”

According to him, in June it will be time for Dancing

Cities Oshodi”, thereafter Dancing Cities Festac in September. “In each of these cities we shall select the top four dance crews/groups, each crew/group get a financial support to perfect their piece, with a possibility of using our studio space with an assigned mentor choreographer in preparation for the Grand

finale to happen on 26 December 2015, where awards and cash prizes shall be given,” Onikeku stated, adding that at the Grand Finale in December, a male and a female dancer of the year will get a cash prize and also enjoy an international scholarship for further dance training/mentorship abroad.

Audition for the dance contest holds on March 7 and 14, 2015, while Dancing CITIES Yaba will hold on 28 March 2015.

To be eligible to participate, interested dance group must present a dance performance that is no longer than 10 minutes, each group must consist of two to 10 dancers on stage.

It is to be a veritable confluence of various dance forms and styles, whether you are into hip hop or ballet, ballroom or krump, contemporary or traditional dance styles, the criteria for judging is in the level of creativity and innovation in delivery

Playwrights’ Confab holds in Ilorin Tony Okuyeme

T

he 2nd Playwrights’ Confab, which will bring together playwrights from all over the country, has been scheduled to hold from Fri 6 – Sun 8 March 2015, at Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture,

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Ilorin, Kwara State.

Chief Host of the event is the Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah. The Confab is a follow-up to the first one convened by Distinguished Professor Femi Osofisan in 2013 at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, which brought together a staggering number of 136 participants, and exposed the enormous amount of work going on in this area, but which was previously unknown.

“In line with the decision taken at that meeting to make the Confab a biennial affair,

Osofisan

we are happy to inform you that the Kwara State University in Malete, Ilorin, Kwara

State, has kindly accepted to host this second one.

“All those interested in attending should please let us know therefore as early as possible, through e-mail,” Osofisan, the convener of the Confab said in a release.

He also stated that a fiveday playwriting workshop is also being planned to precede and lead to the Confab. This is exclusively for young and aspiring playwrights, and attendance is therefore totally freeof-charge, including boarding and feeding. Participants will arrive on Sunday March 1st and depart on March 8th.

“The number of places

available unfortunately has to be limited. Therefore all intending participants at the Workshop are to submit a short excerpt, of not more than 2 pages, from a play in English that they themselves have written (but not necessarily published) to the same addresses above, that is: either abiola-fasoranti@kwasu. edu.ng or biolapearl@yahoo. com; and copied to: okinbalaunko@yahoo.com The deadline for the submission is 15th February, 2015. Those selected for the workshop will be notified latest by the 20th of February 2015.

22

Arts

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Religion has done no harm to our culture –Ogbeh the country. I have gone to Italy, to America and the Netherlands to propagate the New Yam Festival. Yesterday, they called me from Spain after seeing the colourful ceremony we had in the Netherlands. We present cultural dances and showcase other aspects of our culture for the younger generation to see during the New Yam Festival.”

The elders praised Mr Mbisiogu for the well-deserved award, describing him as a man who has the interest of his people at heart.

The event which saw the presentation of awards to other deserving Igbo sons and daughters had array of dignitaries in attendance.

The event also witnessed a rich showcase of the Igbo through the cultural dances that entertained the guests.

Ebere Ameh

T

he call to reject cultural imperialism and promote our African cultures has continued to resonate as fears of extinction of cultures lingers. Due to the strong colonial influence, many African cultures are losing their way of life, especially their languages at a very fast rate. Even more worrisome is the abandonment of some good cultural practices in the name of religion.

It was against that backdrop that a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Chief Audu Ogbeh, called on ethnic groups to strive to preserve their culture, insisting that religion should not be a reason for “us to lose our sense of identity”.

“Culture is very precious.

As much as there is a violent assault against our culture, Africa has to try hard - communities and persons - to preserve their culture. Preserving our culture will include the teaching of languages to our children, getting them to belong to small groups so people could talk to them about who they are, where they are and where they come from – their history.

Unfortunately now, we don’t teach history in school anymore,” Ogbeh told Journalists.

Speaking during the presentation of the award of the “Igbo Person of the Year” to Mr. Festus Mbisiogu in Lagos recently, Ogbeh, who was the Special Guest of honour commended the Igbo people for their painstaking effort to preserve their culture.

“I am a Christian, but it doesn’t take away from me the Africanness, because we can never be white no matter how hard we try. So religion has done no harm if the essence of religion is to make human beings better people, more honest, more friendly, more charitable and more forgiving.”

Talking about the effect of colonialism on our culture, the elder statesman said: “They came in with what they had.

They have superior technology – television, newspapers,

Tony Okuyeme

T

Atilogwu dancers in performance

schools, religion and language, which are good. We have our own way of life, which is good, but we are losing many of ours for theirs. It is left for us, like the Indians and Chinese did, to wake up and recover what we lost. We can’t continue to complain because they brought us good things too.”

Corroborating Ogbeh’s stance on the importance of culture revival, the Ezeig-

bo, Lagos State, His Royal Highness, Eze Hyacinth Nwabueze Ohazulike, said that teaching the language to the upcoming generation is very crucial in retaining our culture.

“There are fears that Igbo culture is vanishing and that is why we are doing everything possible to preserve our culture. Note that it is not only the Igbo culture that is at risk, many other African cultures are

at risk too because of so many factors. I have done a lot to revive our culture.

I started the iri ji ofu (New Yam Festival) in Lagos and I have gone to other countries to promote it. Anywhere I go, I encourage them to speak the Igbo to the younger generation,” Ohazulike said.

“Igbo is a very important language in Nigeria and we must ensure that it takes its pride of place in

US embassy lifts craft potters

he Craft Potters Association of Nigeria (CPAN) received a boost from the US Embassy under the US Ambassador SelfHelp grant. The south-west chapter of the Craft Potters was funded to the tune of N1.333’000 which runs for a period of six months from August 2014 to January 2015, for the procurement of machines and equipment needed for the production of Ceramic water Filters.

The craft potters Association of Nigeria (CPAN) and Potter Water Action Group (PWAG) in the United States supported by The State of Osun established the ceramic filter factory in Atamora pot-

Culture is very precious. As much as there is a violent assault against our culture, Africa has to try hard - communities and persons - to preserve their culture

tery Atamora village IiKIre in Irewole local Government of The State of Osun.

The facility produces the Silver enhanced Ceramic Water Filter to combat water borne diseases at the point of usage. The newly acquired machines are two mixers, One Hammer mill, one motorized sieving machine, Flow-rate test shelves and wood pallets for the filter press machine.

The National Secretary of Craft Potters Association of Nigeria (CPAN) Ibukunoluwa Ayoola expressed gratitude, describing the grant as “Help From Above”.

“It will enable us produce in mass the much needed Ceramic water filters to combat water borne disease especial- Ayoola (4th left) holding a sample of the filter, Prof. Richard Wukich from Potter Water Action Group (PWAG), US (5th ly in the rural communities. right) and others.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

23

Interview

Education

Our plan is to uplift teacher education standard, says Bishop Samson

Kenyan grandmother, 90, attends school with her great-great-grandchildren

25

26

Education

How I transformed Ajasin varsity, by ex-VC BOW OUT

After five years he held sway as the ViceChancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA), Prof. Femi Mimiko bowed out of office three weeks ago.

Kayode Olanrewaju

H

is mandate when he assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State was to transform and fix the institution as a centre of excellence in academics, research and community service.

In fact, part of his mandates was to provide knowledge and skill for self-reliance in a conducive environment where teaching, learning and research can take place.

Five years after, owners of the university are happy that Prof.

Femi Mimiko, has not only transformed the institution in terms of infrastructural development, but also positioned it as a leading Ivory Tower in line with the dream and aspirations of the founding fathers.

Mimiko, who bowed out of office on January 4, this year, recalled that he inherited a university bedeviled with myriad of challenges ranging from leadership and acute infrastructural crisis to low staff morale, academic instability and dwindling integrity of the university’s academic programmes.

With the university’s strategic focus to be a foremost university that moves manpower development in the direction of self-apprenticeship; a first-class university in research, knowledge, character and service to

KAYODE OLANREWAJU EDITOR, EDUCATION

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Senate Building, one of the projects executed by Mimiko’s administration

humanity, Mimiko recalled how he set to work.

According to him, his administration’s first task on assumption of office on January 4, 2010, was how to restructure the university’s admission process, which had over the years been bogged down with high level of racketeering, by making the system merit driven.

Mimiko, who once served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said his administration’s other major challenges at fixing the university, named after the Second Republic Governor of the old Ondo State, late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, was to tackle the myriad challenges head-on, by instituting some farreaching reforms in the areas of academic, administrative and other spheres of the university life.

The reforms, according to him, were geared toward producing globally competitive graduates who will be confident problemsolvers, adequate in character and learning; emplacing a university that will be a key player in global drive towards sustainable development and establishing a wholly self-supporting university powered by a highly motivated, innovative and effective work force.

In the quest to achieve his lofty dreams, Mimiko, however, anchored his mandate on the mantra of “Building a 21st Century University, properly called!” to boost the vision and mission of

Prof. Mimiko

One of our students did a PhD that was rated the best in his university in Malaysia.

the owners of the institution.

The policies he described as “radical,” were introduced in the area of academics including merit-driven admission policy, meritdriven staff appointment policy, staff training for teaching and non-teaching at home and abroad, signing of Memoranda of Understanding with reputable universities and institutions at home and abroad, sponsorship of research, introduction of computer-based test mode for Post-UTME, predegree entrance examinations and regular examinations, among other innovations, as well as establishment of academic support centres.

Through the policies he initiated, Mimiko hinted that between 2010 and 2014, the university, endorsed no fewer than 10 Memoranda of Understanding, while about 100 members of academic staff were sponsored for postgraduate training in local and foreign universities.

The university entered into partnership with the Galilee Institutional Management Institute (GIMI); Fayetteville University of North Carolina, U.S.A in 2012; and Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, U.S.A and the University of California at Riverside, U.S.A for quality tuition, research and student exchange.

In 2012 alone, he said 29 academics obtained their PhDs, add-

ing that another 45 are currently pursuing their postgraduate progmammes within and outside the country, just as his administration introduced e-library with over two million books and journals in line with global standards.

On the accreditation status of the university’s academic programmes, he pointed out that based on the reforms, all the 52 academic programmes offered by the institution had since 2011 acquired 100 per cent accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), while its professional programmes were accredited by professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Council for Legal Education and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), among others.

According to the former ViceChancellor, the university instituted five Development Centres with each addressing specific issues relevant to the accomplishment of the overall mandate and goal of the university.

Mimiko, however, listed the centres to include Leadership Institute for Public Policy and Sustainable Development (LIPPSDev), which is a pivotal intervention centre for the training of public policy drivers; and the Women Studies and Development Centre, a women empowerment arm of CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24

Education

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NUC committee on Plateau varsity pledges good result l Endorses MoU with US varsity on security Musa Pam JOS

T

he seven-man fact finding panel raised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to investigate activities of the Plateau State University, Bokkos has reiterated its determination to ensure that the challenges facing the university are identified and addressed.

This, the committee noted would be done in order to put the university on the right footing towards achieving its objective.

The Chairman of the panel, Prof. Peter Adeniyi said this when the seven-man team visited the university to interact with principal officers and other members of staff who had submitted memoranda to the panel According to him, the Commission’s mandate is to ensure that Nigerian universities under its supervision and control were guided in the execution of their programmes.

Adeniyi said NUC was aware of the numerous challenges confronting the university located in Bokkos, which prompted the

intervention of the commission, adding that the desire of the commission is to ensure that the management and staff work in harmony with a view to creating the enabling environment for the students to learn.

He further disclosed that the National Universities Commission was out to identify and find lasting solutions to the problems besetting the university so as to move the institution forward for the benefit and future of the undergraduates.

In fact, Adeniyi hinted that the Commission’s major concern is how to ensure that the university is adequately prepared to scale through its accreditation challenges.

Responding, the Acting ViceChancellor, Prof. Stephen Mallo, thanked the Commission for the interest it has shown over the years in the activities of the state university.

Mallo, who pointed out that part of his mandates, is to work toward the successful accreditation of all the 17 academic programmes offered by the university within the shortest possible time, as well as creating an enabling and harmonious working environment for both members

Gov. Jang

Prof. Okojie

of staff and students.

In a related development, the management of the university has in collaboration with the state security outfit; Operation Rainbow signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Georgetown, United States of America, for the commencement of academic programmes on security.

The Commandant of the Operation Rainbow, Air Vice Marshall Danbaba (rtd), while signing the document at Bokkos, permanent site of the university, charged the management to expedite action on the realisation of the objectives of the

memorandum.

Danbaba, who said the document contained the intellectual and practical direction of the Operation Rainbow towards charting a curriculum designed in collaboration with the University of Georgetown for the new programmes, will go a long way to benefit not only the state, but also the country when established.

The new Department, he stressed would run programmes on intelligence gathering and cyber security which is a new trend in security worldwide, adding that the institute would run programmes in Bachelors

MDCN team appraises Ekiti varsity’s courses for accreditation l As varsity admits fresh sandwich students

and Master’s Degrees as well as short-term courses which would benefit the host communities.

“Plateau state citizens would be placed above their counterparts in others parts of the country in terms of security awareness and apart from the curriculum, lecturers for the programmes would be drawn from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, the National War College and other supporting agencies including foreign collaborators,” Danbaba said.

He further disclosed that the programme would also capture online registration, admissions and create a sound data base for all academic programmes and a website domiciled in the name of the Plateau State University.

Mallo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to Operation Rainbow for showing interest in the growth and development of the institution, even as he pledged the determination of the university to collaborate with the organisation towards the success of the programme.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, who described the ITC dimension of the proposed institute as a big blessing to the university, promised to ensure that the exercise takes off on sound footing.

Rivers inaugurates new school blocks, relocates pupils

T

he accreditation team of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) last week were at Ekiti State University (EKSU) for the accreditation of its College of Medicine.

The eight-man team drawn from various universities across the country and led by a Professor of Medicine, Prof. N. Y. Darkum of the University of Jos, was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina, who led other principal officers of the university.

Receiving the visitors at the university’s Council Chamber, the Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the college will scale the accreditation hurdles of the Council.

Aina said that the College was a project that the state government under the leadership of Governor Ayodele Fayose and the people of Ekiti State were passionate about.

He, therefore, promised that no stone would be left unturned to actualise the accreditation of the college, even as the Vice-Chancellor explained that substantial investment had been made towards the construction of a multi-million naira medical library that has been adjudged as one of the best in West Africa.

Towards this end, Aina said top flight academics had been recruited, while modern architectural structures that will house Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology Departments as well as an ultra-modern medical students’ hostel had been put in place to ensure quality delivery.

The Vice-Chancellor, however,

A cross-section of the pupils in their new classroom Prof. Aina

assured the team that the governor “is keen and ready to support the funding of the college in line with the dream of its founding fathers.”

During the visit, the team inspected facilities at college complex, interacted with members of staff and students, as well as inspected the laboratories and assessed the curriculum and other infrastructural facilities including hostels.

Meanwhile, the team and its leader, Prof. Dakum expressed satisfaction over the efforts of the university to put in place a College of Medicine that would be a model to other institutions.

In another development, the fresh students admitted into the institution’s Contact Session Sandwich for 2014/2015 academic session have been warned to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the university.

D

etermined to enhance the learning environment of pupils in its primary and secondary schools, the Rivers State Government has inaugurated a one-storey 20 classroom block for the pupils.

The construction of the 20-classroom block, according to the state Education Ministry, became imperative in order to address the challenge of out-of-school children across the state.

The ministry, in a statement, recalled that state government embarked on the project to ensure that every child of school age in the state have unfettered access to quality education.

The project, it said was in line with the Education For All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) vision of providing access to all children of school age by the year 2015.

The Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi, while relocating pupils to the new classroom block at the Model Primary School,

Elekahia, Port Harcourt, noted that the new structures will accommodate more pupils than the 14 classroom block would accommodate.

She noted that the one-storey structure have a capacity for 600 pupils more than the 390 pupils the former 14-classroom block.

According to the Commissioner, with the new classroom block, more pupils will now have access to the free education policy of the administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Since the declaration of state of emergency in the education sector by the Amaechi-led administration in 2008, Lawrence-Nemi noted that the sector has witness rapid development from decay to decorum.

He said the decorum in the education sector has necessitated a surge in admission into public schools in the state; a situation which she pointed out had prompted the construction of the 20 classroom block across the state.

Education | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

25

Our plan is to uplift teachers’ education standard, says bishop Bishop Tom Samson, the General Overseer of the Christ Royal Family International Church is a cleric, who has strong passion for quality education. In this interview with EDWIN USOBOH, the founder of Royal City College of Education, a private institution, located at Iyesi in Ota, Ogun State discusses the activities of the college and the way forward for the education system Members of the National Commission of Colleges of Education (NCCE) accreditation team were in the college. Could you tell us their mission?

Well, we have representatives of the National Commission of Colleges of Education (NCCE) accreditation team (NCCE) from Abuja for the full accreditation of all the academic programmes we offer at the Royal City College of Education (RCCE). The NCCE team was led by Mr. Vitalis Uji, a Deputy Director, Academic Planning in the Commission.

You know, after the provisional approval of the college to operate as a private college of education by the NCCE at the onset, we were given some courses to run for some times while they watch our level of compliance with their guidelines. Today, the Commission is back at the institution for the assessment of what we have done and how well we have complied with the provisional courses approved for us at the take off in order that the Commission could permit us to run full academic programmes. We are aiming to take the college to the next level as far as impacting quality teacher education in our students is concerned.

The belief is that an institution such as the Royal City College of Education should have quality and state-of-the-art facilities to impact the knowledge in the students, how prepared is the college for this?

Yes, I can tell you with full confidence that the college is fully prepared to provide quality education you can get anywhere in the world. Let me mention here also that we have all the necessary facilities and infrastructure required by the students to acquire knowledge and the management to run a smooth system. The NCCE team came all the way from Abuja to inspect our facilities and I must tell you that they are very satisfied with what they saw on ground. They know that we fol-

Samson

lowed the minimum requirements in terms of facilities required for the establishment of such college as an institution of higher learning. The team was satisfied with what they saw in our campus, and with this, we believe strongly that the college would acquire its full potential and rise to its desired position.

I understand that the college was initially accredited to run about nine courses for provisional period.

Do you think modules have been utilised to the fullest?

To answer you succinctly, I will say yes. Going by the facilities and structures we have on ground and which are being inspected by the Commission, I think the members of the team are very satisfied by the level of academic and infrastructural development because we complied with the syllabus judiciously. The team has been here for two days now, inspecting our facilities and checking our records. So far, it has been very satisfactory.

Is there any plan by the college to introduce more courses?

Of course, I don’t think we need that for now; because it is not all about having additional courses, but the major thing is doing it well. We want a situation where the nation’s education standard will be raised to higher level. We know that there are challenges in today’s education and that is why we are trying to sensitise the people to embrace the area of teachers’ education.

Just take a look at the rate of poverty and unemployment in the country. For instance, presently we have graduates who studied Chemistry and end up teaching what they didn’t study, while we have Civil Engineers who also find themselves in similar circumstances.

Many people come from other disciplines and end up in the

We know that there are challenges in today’s education and that is why we are trying to sensitise the people to embrace the area of teachers’ education

teaching profession. But these sets of people are not qualified to teach in the real sense of it.

That is why we run Diploma programmes in Education for those who are graduates in other fields, other than in Education and who have interest and passion for teaching. In case you are a graduate, we are now running a Diploma programme where one can now do some courses in the area of education. All we are pleading for is government’s support.

The government, being federal or state has to assist in this area by putting in place adequate awareness and enlightenment programmes about the importance of teachers’ education. Teachers are very essential and important to the development and growth of the society as they shape its development through the quality of education they impart on the students. There is no education that could rise above its teachers. If you observe very well, the only profession that provide easy employment for people nowadays is teaching and this is because there are so many schools out there that are bogged down with shortage of teachers. Painfully, there are so many people who want to go into teaching job, but the question is that how many of them want to go into teachers’ education.

What informed your decision to establish the college and how long has it been in operation?

Well, we have been operating for the last three years. What propelled me into investing in teachers’ education is my passion for quality education and not because of profit. If you look inwards, it is not profitable. Now, if you look at my background, I had my primary school at a Catholic school and my secondary school was Islamic school, while my university education was at the state-owned. I have

benefitted and I felt it is time to give back to the society. One of the ways I think I can give back to the society is through education so I have to invest heavily in education. I am an education graduate having studied Biology Education at the former Edo State University, now Ambrose Ali University. If you look at the rate of cultism in many of our universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, and even in some secondary schools you will find that cultism is thriving. Ironically, what do you expect from teachers who graduated from these institutions. If some people lack moral and you entrust your children’s education and development into their care, what would you expect.

For instance, a situation where the teacher is cursing the children and using foul languages, such as - ‘you are crazy’, and you know at formative age, it is what you inculcate into a child that he or she will grow up with.

We need to groom teachers that will teach pure education and moral, and that is the vision of our college.

Most of the mission schools currently operating in the country are too expensive and in most cases unaffordable by members of their congregations. What is your take on this?

I will disagree on this. Not all.

You see, when you want to generalise issues it could be misleading. For instance, I have schools in Egbeda and Ikeja where the fees are moderate. If you want to look at it, naturally speaking, schools are expensive to run.

Look at the teachers as a factor; the graduates among them want to earn as much as N100,000 and above as monthly salary. So, paying teachers is quite expensive.

Not only this let us look at the instructional materials needed to deliver quality teaching; here we need functional laboratories.

To build a laboratory for Physics, Chemistry or Biology, you will require almost about N5 million.

Like I said earlier and I want to reiterate again that it is quite expensive to run a school, but in my own case I have the passion to give back to the society. My schools can be accessed by any average home.

What do you think are the causes of cultism and other social vices on our campuses?

You see, there are so many factors responsible for this and at the same time there are people to be blamed on this issue that you are talking about. First, we have to blame the parents, teachers, government and even the students. Many parents today leave their children in the care of the school authorities without recourse to what they do at school. Hence, the care of the children depends solely on the way the school handles them with the crop of teachers without good moral standard.

26

Education

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘I executed over 70 projects in five years’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 23

the university that is focused on working out a progressive development strategy for building and strengthening women in all spheres of life.

Others, he stressed are the Ajasin Varsity Theatre, a community theatre which vision is to be a world-class repertory theatre that will attract the attention of local and international scholars, as well as provide materials for graduate and postgraduate studies; the University Advancement Office, which was established to widen and diversify the university’s access to sources of revenue, foster collaboration on academic programmes and research, as well as create linkage between the university and industry, foundations, and allies organisations; and Teaching and Learning Centre, designed primarily to facilitate the achievement of the university’s teaching and learning mission by providing resources and training through conferences, seminars, workshops and consultancies that would enhance teaching and learning effectiveness.

Despite the challenge of acute infrastructural deficiency besetting the institution, the university, he noted had in the last five years witnessed massive infrastructural development in the areas of classrooms, lecture theatres, hostels and offices, as well as road network.

To this end, his administration was said to have executed over 70 projects, with 90 per cent funding from the government and 10 per cent from other intervention agencies.

Mimiko, who noted that the projects were executed to address the acute problem of facilities, include the newly inaugurated Senate Building, which is a four-wing five-storey complex; Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge; the university guest house; ultra-modern gymnasium, a world-class sports centre, a wellequipped university health centre, and the U-Block building.

Other projects are the computer resource centre, a 10 kilometre asphalt-laid road network, e-library, solar power for classrooms and streets, electrification of new area (Phase II), purchase and installation of two 1,000 KVA generators and a few others of lesser capacities.

In the areas of classroom and lecture theatre projects, the Mimiko-led administration constructed the 500-capacity Nelson Mandela lecture theatre; a twin300-capacity Umaru Yar’Adua lecture theatre; 500-capacity Obafemi Awolowo lecture theatre and the 30-classroom quadrangle which houses about 4, 000 students.

Basking in the euphoria of academic achievements of the university, Mimiko spoke of how one of the graduates came top of his Masters class United Kingdom and another at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

“One of our students did a PhD that was rated the best in his university in Malaysia. All these are evidence that little effort that we made in that area of academics has been accompanied by some degree of success,” he stressed.

He also recalled how a graduate of Law, with First Class, the first to be produced by the

university, came first nationally at the last year Nigerian Law School Bar examination, while another female graduate, who made Second Class Upper in Law, also did the university proud at the call to Bar ceremony.

Towards addressing the inadequate hostel challenge facing the university, which relocated from Ado-Ekiti to AkungbaAkoko in 1999, Mimiko recalled how he sought the intervention of agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on the need to build halls of residence for students, saying the halls will be delivered later in the year.

Besides, the former ViceChancellor said the university had to engage two developers to build three hostels (17nos. structures of two storey each), with the capacity to accommodate about 12,000 students on the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) under a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“The developers have since moved to site and by the time they are through at the end of this year, hostel accommodation challenge shall be a thing of the

past,” he said.

Another outstanding feat of Mimiko’s administration was his leadership style which stabilised the institution’s academic calendar in the last five, a rare feat in almost other public universities.

Through this, the university was said to have successfully had four unbroken academic sessions prior to last six-month nationwide strike by the national body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

To enhance quality tuition and research profile of the university, Mimiko embarked on massive ICT infrastructure by putting in place a WI-FI scheme in 2011 that granted internet access to the university community within a five-kilometre radius as part of move to achieving its desire for a 21st Century university properly called.

To boost tuition and research profile of the university, Mimiko, who said his administration accorded academic excellence top priority, noted that funds for training of academic staff was increased from N8 million it used to be till 2009, to N44 million within four years, saying the lecturers’ pedagogical prowess was greatly improved as such manifested in high quality output of the university.

LASPOTECH Registrar, Mrs. Aderonke Ige; Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Nurudeen Sonayon; Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal and Deputy Rector (Admin.), Mr. Oluyinka Soguro during the polytechnic matriculation for 2014/2015 academic session

Some of the projects still under construction and which will be delivered this year include the 30 Quadrangle classroom building; central laboratory complex; centre for entrepreneurship and development building; student hostels under PPP arrangement; OSOPADEC and NDDC hostel projects.

To boost teaching and research, and the university aesthetics, the Mimiko-led administration, which anchored its operations on committee system for effective management, set up various committees to oversee the institution’s areas of needs.

The committees include those of the University Public Lecture Series, Review of Non-FTE Programmes, University Advancement Committee, University Journals Planning, Webometric Task Force; ICT Infrastructure and Application Review Committee, Hostel/ Staff Housing Development, Work Study Programme, while the Accreditation Implementation Committee, Committee on Effective Deployment of Interactive Boards (CEDIB), Student Disciplinary Committee, Committee on the Review of Promotion Criteria for Academic Staff and Committee on Sports Policy were re-constituted for efficiency.

The university, under Mimiko also in 2013 unveiled the regulatory and policy book, which specified the university’s conditions of service, criteria for appointment and promotion of academic staff, career structure and rules and regulations governing condition of service of senior staff, as part of efforts to institutionalizing the university operations.

The documents, he pointed out was not only aimed at building structures for sustainable development, but also went a long way to put the management and workers in a perspective for optimal performance.

Giving the scorecard of his administration, Mimiko lamented that apart from the problem of infrastructure deficiency he inherited, one other major challenge the administration faced was that staff unions, which he said had a hostile mindset.

Kenyan grandmother, 90, attends school with her great-great-grandchildren A

90-year-old Kenyan woman who goes to class with six of her great-great-grandchildren is believed to be the oldest primary school pupil in the world.

Sitting at the front of class four in her school uniform, Priscilla Sitienei listens intently while she writes the English names of animals in her notebook.

She joined Leaders Vision Preparatory School five years ago and has also served her village of Ndalat in the Rift Valley as a midwife for the last 65 years.

In fact, she has helped deliver some of her own classmates, who are aged between 10 and 14.

Affectionately known as “Gogo”, which means grandmother in the local Kalenjin language, she says at 90 she is finally learning to read and write - an opportunity she never had as a child.

More comfortable speaking in Kalenjin than English, she explains why she wanted to return to school.

“I’d like to be able to read the Bible; I also want to inspire children to get an education.

“Too many older children are not in school. They even have children themselves.”

Gogo says she confronts children who are not in school and asks them why.

“They tell me they are too old,” she says, “I tell them, ‘Well I am at school and so should you.’

“I see children who are lost, children who are without fathers, just going round and round, hopeless. I want to inspire them to go to school.”

At first the school turned her away but soon understood how committed she was to learning.

Headmaster David Kinyanjui

believes Gogo, who boards at the village school, is an example to the rest of her class.

“I’m very proud of her,” he says.

“Gogo has been a blessing to this school, she has been a motivator to all the pupils.

“She is loved by every pupil, they all want to learn and play with her.

“She is doing well… considering her age I can say I have seen a big difference in this school since she came.”

Ms Sitienei grew up in a Kenya occupied by the British and she lived through her country’s struggle for independence.

Now a prefect, she takes part in all of the classes - Maths, English, PE, dance, drama and singing.

In her blue school uniform and green jumper, she also tells stories to her classmates under

trees near the playing fields to make sure her knowledge of local customs are passed on, reports the BBC. The children sit and listen to every word she says.

An 11-year-old girl says she is Gogo’s best friend “because she tells us stories and we go to PE together”.

A 10-year-old schoolboy says the grandmother also likes to keep them in order.

“We love Gogo because when we make noise she tells us to keep quiet,” he says.

Record breaker The current record for oldest primary school pupil in the Guinness Book of Records is held by another Kenyan, the late Kimani Maruge.

He went to school at the age of 84 in 2004 and died five years later.

The primary school in Ndalat

says it will write to the record keepers to inform them about their 90-year-old student.

Gogo says she also wanted to learn how to read and write so she could help pass on her midwifery skills and write down her knowledge of herbal medicines.

Expectant mothers still come to see her - usually on Saturdays - and she has been known to assist in births in her dormitory, which she shares with one of her great-great-grandchildren.

“I want to say to the children of the world, especially girls, that education will be your wealth, don’t look back and run to your father,” she says.

“With education you can be whatever you want, a doctor, lawyer or a pilot.”

Gogo’s own lesson is that it is never too late.

• Culled from BBC News

Education | Campus

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

27

UI gets new DVC for academics

A

L-R: Corporate Communications Manager of Promasidor, Ebi Akpeti; Ayodeji and Mrs. Oladimeji during the visit.

Promasidor set to kick off 2015 NASSMAC contest Kayode Olanrewaju

A

ll arrangements have been concluded for the kick-off of this year’s edition of the annual Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) for secondary schools nationwide.

As part of the arrangements, officials of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, manufacturer of Cowbell Milk and Loya Milk, organisers of the yearly competition, last week visited the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye to acquaint her with the activities lined up for the event.

Promasidor’s Category Manager – Diary, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji, who led the company’s team to the Commissioner’s office at Alausa, the seat of Lagos State Government, spoke of the readiness of Promasidor to flag off the campaign, stressing that all necessary details had been put in place to ensure successful conduct of the competition.

One of the major objectives of the competition, instituted by the company since 1998, according to Ayodeji, is the need to awaken the consciousness and interest of students in Mathematics, one of the core school subjects considered by the students

to be difficult.

While insisting that the need to gear up the interest of the students could not be underestimated, he said this propelled the involvement of Promasidor in instituting the competition.

The Category Manager, who lauded the support the competition has enjoyed from the Lagos State Government since inception in 1998; however noted that such support had gone a long way to give credence to the contest, which students and their teachers look up to every year.

The Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Ebun Oladimeji, who received the visitors on behalf of the Commissioner, commended Promasidor for its resolute in organising the yearly competition in spite of other commitments.

According to her, the company has successfully made an indelible mark for itself in terms of its commitment and sponsorship of the NASSMAC. Towards this end, she said though the public might not attach so much important to the contribution, the youth whose lives are being directly touched through the competition will ever remember the experience.

new Deputy Vice-Chancellor has been named for the University of Ibadan (UI).

She is Prof. Gbemisola Aderemi Oke of the Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine of the university.

Prof. Oke’s appointment as the seventh Deputy ViceChancellor in charge of Academics to replace Prof. Idowu Olayinka, whose tenure ended on December 16, last year, was ratified at a special meeting of the Senate of the university on Monday January 19.

The university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, in a statement made available to New Telegraph, said Prof.

Oke, until her new appointment was the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) of the university, and the second female to occupy the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

According to the statement, the pioneer Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Emeritus Prof. Abiola Odejide of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts, served between November 8, 2004 and November 7, 2006.

Prof. Oke is a Fellow of Ashoka, Innovators for the Public, and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with a BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1981.

She obtained her Masters in Public Health (MPH)) from the University of California, Los Angeles, U.S.A in 1985, and her PhD Degree in Community Medicine/Epidemiology from the University of Ibadan in 1997.

Prof. Oke, according to

Oladejo, became a Professor on October 1, 2002.

The statement further said that she worked at the university as a lecturer, researcher and administrator serving on several committees and boards.

She served as the third Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry from August 2007 to July 2010. As part of her contributions to the development of health care delivery system, Prof. Oke was said to have founded and led the Community Oral Health Programme in Idikan, Ibadan and Igboora in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, which provides health care services to people at the grassroots.

Prof. Oke is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College (FMCDS); member, Nigerian Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN); member, Nigerian Dental Association (NDA); member, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); and member of Network of Enterprise Educators of Nigeria, among other international associations.

Prof. Oke

OGITECH cautions fresh students against bad conduct

N

o fewer than 1,000 fresh students of the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, have taken the matriculation oath of the institution to abide by the rules and regulations guiding their studentship.

It was at the ninth matriculation ceremony of the institute for the 2014/2015 academic session.

The Rector, Dr. Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere, an engineer, while administering the oath of allegiance on the students, said that the students were spread across all the departments, as well as Part-Time programmes of the institute.

While congratulating them, she explained that the students were offered admission into the institution on merit after successfully scaling through the admission selection processes.

The Rector, who stressed that the institute has zero tolerance for all forms of anti-social behaviour, said: “I urge you to make the best use of the golden opportunity presented by your

The matriculating students during the ceremony

admission into the institute.

You need to be conscious of the expectations of your parents as well as the enormous sacrifices they are making to ensure that you acquire qualitative education. You must, therefore, make a personal commitment not to let them down.”

Akinkurolere noted that less than four months of her appointment as the Rector her administration has facilitated the accreditation of four academic programmes, thus raising the numbers of accredited courses at the institute to twenty-three.

The Rector, who admonished

the students to implement to the letter all the regulations, said the institution has provided all necessary facilities and enabling environment for them to concentrate on their studies.

She further stressed that the accreditation status of the programmes and the quality of the

institute’s operating systems had been attested to by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and various professional bodies that accredited its programmes.

“I, therefore, admonish you to take the advantage of the opportunities given to you as students of the institute to work hard since your performance from the first semester will determine your grade at the end of your studies,” the Rector noted.

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Odubela, assured the people of the Gateway State of the government’s readiness to focus more on education in the year by allocating about 41 per cent of the state’s budget to the development of the sector.

Odubela, who lauded the efforts of the management of the institute for the rapid development despite all challenges facing it, however turned the sod for a twin lecture theater for the institute.

28

Education

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Bankole, 52, returns to LASPOTECH for HND Kayode Olanrewaju

D

espite her age, 52-year-old mother of three, Mrs. Juliana Kehinde Bankole has returned to school for her Higher National Diploma (HND), 37 years after she left secondary school, at least to earn promotion in her office, which she has been denied for lack of additional qualifications.

“I am better informed now than before and I can use the computer and browse the Internet very well. As a technician, I have not been promoted by my office for lack of additional qualifications. Other workers, who are younger in age are being placed over me and promoted because they have qualifications. This is why I told myself that I should go back to school to acquire a higher certificate,” she said.

Mrs. Bankole, a technician, and mother of three (two graduates and one undergraduate) was one of the fresh students, who took the matriculation oath of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos for the 2014/2015 academic session, held last week at the School of Agriculture Auditorium Complex, Ikorodu main campus of the polytechnic.

Dressed in her academic gown, Mrs Bankole, a Part-Time programme Computer Science Technology student in the School of Technology, was radiating joy as she exchanged pleasantries with her mates and other students.

Mrs. Bankole

“There is no age limit in education or learning. My children were so happy when I informed them that I was returning to school for my National Diploma (ND) programme, which I completed last year,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Bankole, a Technician with the Nigerian National Development Agency, under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos, who left secondary school in 1978, said she is enjoying the support of her husband, as she always kept his food in a food warmer whenever she is going to school.

The mother of three, and a technician who specialised in the repair of electronics and other electrical appliances, recalled that she has spent 12 years in the ministry.

On how she has been able to cope, she said: “My children are grown ups and I enjoy the support of my husband. What I do is to prepare and keep his food in the food flask. I am more relaxed with my studies now because we have trained our children. I have two graduates who are already working and the third child is an undergraduate.”

The Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, while administering the matriculation oath on the students, congratulated them, saying less than 10 per cent of the candidates that subscribed into the institution were offered admission.

“You are all lucky to be admitted into LASPOTECH, a great polytechnic of excellence and which is being rated as one of the foremost polytechnics in the country,” he said.

According to the Rector, the polytechnic’s teaching and research focus in the various areas of Engineering, Science and

Technology, Environmental Studies, Mass Communication, Finance, Management and Business Studies is geared towards the rapid socio-economic development of the country, and the world at large.

Lawal, however, hinted that LASPOTECH since its establishment has consciously and systematically worked towards the provision of skilled high-level and middle-level manpower for the nation’s economy.

Towards achieving its vision, the Rector noted that the management was committed to the improvement of the physical infrastructure and expansion of academic programmers offered by the polytechnic.

With 58 accredited academic programmes, spread across the 38 departments and seven Schools, as well as the School of Part-Time Studies on Isolo, Ikorodu and Surulere campuses, Lawal said the curricula was structured to underscore this vision.

“We have put in place Academic Assessment Team that evaluates the quality of teaching in the polytechnic,” the Rector said, warning the students to shun all forms of anti-social behaviour such as examination malpractice, cultism and indecent dressing that could truncate their education.

“The Rector said: “We will not hesitate to impose appropriate disciplinary measures against errant behaviour. Let me reiterate here that the polytechnic is guided by rules and regulations.

UNIZIK VC tasks fresh students on discipline, hard work Emeka Onwudinjo and Franklin Onwubiko UNIZIK

F

or the over 6,000 fresh students admitted into the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State for the 2014/2015 academic year to be awarded the certificates of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor said they have to be worthy in character and learning.

Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku gave this verdict during the matriculation ceremony of the university urged the students to work hard and be disciplined, just as he warned that the institution would not award its certificates to worthless students.

The Vice-Chancellor advised the fresh men and women to resist any temptation of involving in anti-social behaviour and other forms of indiscipline, stressing that the university has zero tolerance policy on cultism, indecent dressing and examination malpractice.

It was a moment of joy for the students, who dressed in their matriculation gowns and who had trooped out in their large number to the convocation arena in front of Prof. Nwako Aghagbo digital Library.

The academic procession was led by some of the students, followed by the members of the academic staff, deans of faculties, principal officers of the university and the Vice-Chancellor.

The gathering comprising the parents, guardians and friends of the matriculating students as well as the students, were thrilled by the Music Department, led by its music maestro, Dr. Alvan Nwamara, which added colour to the ceremony.

Ahaneku, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Dr. Gladys,

noted that his administration had put in place adequate measures and facilities as well as policies with a view to providing a congenial learning environment for the students.

Addressing them, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the students for their admission into the university, and urged them to toe the footsteps of great men and women who had passed through the university on their path to eminence.

The Vice-Chancellor said: “I am glad to welcome you all to the university. Today’s matriculation ceremony formally brings to a close the 2014/2015 admission cycle. You earned a place in today’s ceremony because of your impressive performance at post-UTME. You should all be proud of this achievement. You should, however, be humbled by the fact that less than 7,000 of you have been given the opportunity out of the over 40,000 candidates that competed for a place into the university.”

While condemning cultism, he warned those who were already members of any cult group before their admission into the university to denounce such memberships or risk being expelled and prosecuted.

In fact, cultism, he said is anathema in the university, stressing that “all proven cultists are expelled, while other deviant behaviour such as robbery, examination and rape are not tolerated as they are treated as crime.”

He also admonished the students to be law abiding and prioritize their academic work to enable them achieve their mission in the university, even as the Vice-Chancellor noted that his administration had made spirited efforts towards improving the welfare of students and provide a congenial environment for their learning.

Aminu (4th right) and Bello (5th right) at the insoection of one of the facilities

UNILAG explains why TETFund allocations not accessed l Accuses FG of owing it N600m Mojeed Alabi

T

he management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka has offered reasons for its inability to access the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocations for 2012 to 2014, saying the institution was busy completing the projects approved for the years 2009 to 2011.

Speaking during the visit of the members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education to the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello, explained that the institution had appealed to TETFund to merge the allocations for the outstanding years in order to cover more projects.

This is even as the Vice-Chancellor accused the Federal Government of underpaying its staff remuneration to the tune of N600 million in 2013, and that up till date, efforts to get the workers’ salaries had been faced by reluctance on the part of the government.

He also expressed the institution’s challenges in the areas of power supply, land space, accommodation for staff members and students, among several others, saying the university pays as much as N40 million monthly to foot power bills “while the Federal Government only releases a paltry

sum of between N10 and N11 million.

While conducting the committee round some of the facilities put in place with the TETFund allocations, Bello commended the funding agency for its commitment to sanity in the administration of tertiary institutions in the country.

Members of the committee were shown some of the new lecture theatres, offices and other facilities executed with TETFund allocations which include the new Engineering Faculty building, and others in the Faculty of Arts.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Aminu Suleiman, in his response, explained that the visit apart from being an oversight function of the House was also an opportunity to assess budget performance and the correlation between the actual money approved and money released by the different ministries for specific projects.

On the alleged N600 million, Aminu demanded for relevant documents from the university to back the claim, stressing that the committee would be glad to take the matter up “because the Finance Ministry has never at any point in time told us there was such a challenge as it has always claimed that approved funds were released as at when due.”

Education

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

29

Obi donates N1m to school to rebuild hostel

F

ormer Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called on wealthy and well-meaning Nigerians to shun conspicuous life and invest on rebuilding the educational institutions all over the country.

Obi, the Deputy Director of the PDP National Campaign made the call when he visited Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Adani in Enugu State.

Explaining the reason for the visit, the former governor said during the New Year worship with the Sisters of Im-

Don seeks introduction of entrepreneurial studies in schools Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

A

don at the Department of Marketing, Enugu State University of Technology, Dr. John Ikechukwu Oke has advocated the integration of entrepreneurial studies in the school curriculum, especially institutions of higher learning.

He said such initiative would go a long way to equip the graduates with skills that would make them self-employed and employers of labour, rather than job seekers after their graduation.

Oke, a Senior Lecturer made the appeal in Aba during a book launch entitled: “Construction and Management of Petroleum Retail Outlet,” which was written by Mr. Otta Okoro Ukaha, an engineer.

“Though, there have been yearnings for the inclusion of entrepreneurial studies in the school curriculum, which some institutions of higher learning have already complied, we are still looking forward to a holistic compliance,” he said.

Speaking on the book, Oke said: “We are looking forward to a situation where petrol stations will be established and managed by graduates to reduce the increase in unemployment in the country. It is on this basis that the book should be introduced to institutions of higher learning”.

The author, Ukaha said the effort was an attempt to present a relative overview of the construction and management of petrol stations, adding that it will be beneficial to those in architecture and civil engineering.

maculate Heart of Mary at Nkpor, they brought to his attention, the unfortunate fire incidence in one of their schools at Adani, where the students’ dormitory was razed by inferno.

“At that point, I made up my mind to visit the school,” Obi said.

Meanwhile, after the former governor was conducted round the school by the principal to inspect the extent of the damage, Obi presented a cheque of N1million to the school to start work on rebuilding the burnt hostel without

further delay.

Obi, who insisted that the school should continue to brief him on the progress of work on the project, however expressed satisfaction over the visit, even as he noted that the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibilities to the society.

Obi said: “Since I left office, I have been raising money from individuals and corporate organisations to donate to schools as part of my social responsibilities to the society, a way of paying

Obi with some pupils of the school.

back to the society that has been kind to me. I do

this because as a former governor, I recognise that

the government could not do it alone.”

30

Education

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

CMS Girls’ School wins Lagos debate trophy Mojeed Alabi

C

MS Girls’ Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, has lifted the sixth edition of the Lagos State Schools’ Debate Challenge trophy.

The duo of Adesuyi Adetutu and Seidu Marvelous, who represented the school, shone brightest in the contest ,which was described by the organisers as keenly contested.

To lift the trophy, the pupils, who spoke against the topic for the finals: “Why Legislating in Nigeria should be Part-Time in all Tiers of Government,” beat their counterparts from Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Ajigbotesho Elizabeth and Ojurongbe Remilekun, who spoke in favour of the topic with 71.3 points to 70.3 points.

Although, this year’s edition of the annual debate has come and gone, its impacts on the participants and the pupils have continued to resonate.

Speaking on her school’s victory, the 17-year-old Adetutu gave glory to God Almighty, saying they were duly prepared for the challenge but with the intelligence of their opponents they never believed they could get to the final stage.

“We also thank our English Language teacher who was always there for us. Our principal too, for her support and encouragement,” Adetutu said.

Explaining her position on the topic, she argured; “Why should our parliament run on part-time basis when the other two arms of government are being run on full time basis? Lawmaking gives legality to the functions and roles of both the executive and the judiciary, thus making it a part-time business will not only affect the commitment of the lawmakers, but will also affect the quality of the laws they may make.”

Full of excitement and thrills, the grand finale of the challenge, which held last week at the Blue Roof of the LTV Complex, Ikeja, was an inspiration to hundreds of the pupils who thronged the venue to cheer their representatives, and several others who watched the display

live on the television across the nation.

Beginning with 552 pupils representing 276 schools across the state’s six education districts, the test for pupils’ brilliance, bravery, smartness and oratory power revealed their innate talent and potential, and were rewarded with cash rewards amounting to about N1.5 million and other material prizes.

The journey to the peak, which started in November, 2014, with the first preliminary stage held at the 20 education zones, had produced 128 pupils from 64 schools progressing to the second stage.

Thus, for better performance at the second stage, the technical consultant firm to the education ministry- Gradient Hill Limited, headed by Governor Babatunde Fashola’s old classmate at the prestigious Igbobi College, who had also in the past represented Lagos State in various quiz and debate competitions, Mr. Ivor Ekpe, took up the challenge of grooming the 128 pupils.

According to Ekpe, after intensive two-day training exercise, the group of 64 schools were taken to the floor of the LTV Blue Roof complex between Monday, November, 17 and Monday, 24 where 32 schools progressed to the third round.

They were later pruned down to 16 and later to eight, whose skills were further honed by the consultant.

But at the end of the preliminary exercises, both Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Oshodi and CMS Girls Senior Grammar school, Bariga qualified for the final round, while Epe Senior Grammar School, Epe, and Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbokuta competed for the third place in the school category.

In the individual speakers’ category, representatives of United Senior High School, Ikorodu; Oriwu senior Model College, Ikorodu; Lagos State Senior Model College, Konkon, Badagry; Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye; Badagry Senior Grammar School, Badagry; Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Agidingbi, and Meiran Community Senior High School, Meiran, all competed for the best position.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Of peace and the pencil

W

Oladunjoye (middle) flanked by Adetutu (right) and Marvelous (left)

e owe our education to the pencil more than any other educational material. If we assume that the pen is more important, well, we may not be right because we encountered the pencil first; besides, there is pen in the PENcil!

The same logic makes the pen(cil) superior to book. This is because there can be no book without pen as any book produced must have been written first. Little wonder that we correctly write letters with the computer nowadays just as we read online newspapers though we hold no paper while reading them.

The pencil came to the front burner as part of a Keynote Address I was asked to present by the Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Students Association (PESCORSA) of the National Open University (NOUN), Ilorin Study Centre, at the first Kwara Youth Summit on September 18, 2014. In the presentation, “No Need for Conflict, Really?” I discussed the inevitability of conflict as a natural phenomenon as well as how to manage and convert it to positive ends based on the utilitarian perspective.

As Hugh Kerr tells us in his, “The Spirituality of Imperfection”, “All wisdom is plagiarism; only stupidity is original,” I also shared the story of the pencil, which is relevant to peace in this season of political intrigues in Nigeria.

The story is about a grandmother and her granddaughter.

The grandmother was fond of writing with a pencil always.

This drew the curiosity of the granddaughter who wondered why she always preferred to write with it.

“The pencil has five qualities that if you manage to hang on them, you will always be at peace with the world,” she began.

“First, you are capable of great things but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God and He always guides us according to His will.

She added, “Second, now and then, I have to stop and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little but afterwards, he is much sharper. So you too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows because they will make you a better person.

Finally, they should leave good marks because everything now soon becomes history

“Third, the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.

“Fourth, what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.

“Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality is that it always leaves a mark.

In the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in every action you take.”

The implication of the foregoing for Nigeria today is that first, our political leaders must put God first and allow themselves to be guided by Him. All this noise about certificates and hubris are contrary to God’s will. Let’s allow God’s will to be done.

For Nigerians, the pains being experienced today would make us better tomorrow. The old adage of “no pain, no gain” applies here as tomorrow promises to be better. Then, instead of living on lies, let our lying leaders apologise and move on.

Besides, they should introspect and reflect on life after power and therefore be of good character. Their overall assessment will largely derive the perception of the “graphite” in them, their character, their mettle. What is the legacy of telling lies, breaking promises, back-stabbing and biting the finger that fed one?

Finally, they should leave good marks because everything now soon becomes history. Steering the ship of state to the sharks that kill Nigerians in their thousands in Baga and elsewhere in the North-East is not a good mark.

Babcock varsity sensitises communities against election violence Mojeed Alabi

A

s part of its community services, the Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has sensitised its host community and other neighbouring towns against electoral violence before, during and after the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

The university’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration had last week embarked on the massive campaign amid singing and drumming, stressing the consequences of violence to national progress and development.

Posters and flyers with various messages such as: “Say no to violence; your vote is your

voice;” “Your vote is your power, voice and future” were distributed to the people in each of the five communities in Remo Division visited by the students.

The Head of the Department, Dr. Olajumoke YacobHaliso said the voters’ education programme was to inform the people about the right conduct during the forthcoming

general election.

She said: “Two major factors informed the voters’ education.

One, this is the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, which trains students and practitioners about matters related to politics.

Secondly, this is the period of election in the country, and as a responsible institution, we are

conscious of our duties to give community service to citizens around us about right conduct during election.”

According to her, before arriving at the decision to organise the programme, the department had held talks with stakeholders, teachers, students and university administration.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Energy

Property

31

Aviation

Outsourcing: Shell, Chevron others lose $500bn to cost overruns

Building collapse: Group seeks construction board creation

Falling oil prices: When’ll passengers benefit?

33

35

37

Business What's news

78m Nigerians online yet to get full legal succour Weeks after passing the Cybercrime Bill into law by Nigeria’s upper legislative house, the Senate, a similar legislative process is yet to be taken by the lower legislative chamber, the House of Representatives, in readiness for the president’s assent.

Marginal fields: Delay stagnates N1.7bn FG revenues MUM DPR maintains sealed lips on controversial 2013 marginal fields bid round

offshore fields are available under the 2013 Marginal Field Licensing Round.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s failure to meet the deadline, which it set to complete the marginal fields’ bid

round, has hit 10 months.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, had announced on November 28, 2013, that the bid round would be completed by March 2014.

Over one year after the announcement, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is yet to make available the lists of oil fields that are available CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Adeola Yusuf

p.32

Nigerians, others to boost UAE’s economy with $1bn Nigeria and other African tourists would contribute over $1 billion of retail sales to the emirate’s economy this year.

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

O

ver N1.7 billion ($10 million) revenues accruable to the Federal Government are stagnant, as the delay in 2013 marginal fields bid round gets worse.

Investigation by New Telegraph showed that the loss in revenue did not include about N15.5million application and processing fee on the 31 blocks for auction.

A document of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) obtained by this newspaper last weekend, showed that a total of $9.3 million accruable to the Federal Government on the 31 fields is being held due to delay in the bid round process.

“A Signature Bonus of $300,000.00 is to be paid per field. Payment of the Signature Bonus expected is to be effected within 90 days from the date of award of the field to a MF Awardee.

“Upon pre-qualification, a pre-qualified applicant can undertake data prying upon payment of the sum of $3,000.00 per field totaling $93,000 to be paid, while $465,000 being the total of the sum of $15,000.00 would also be payable per field for leasing of data by prequalified bidders.

“N15.5 million application and processing fee are also to be paid on the 31 blocks,” the document showed.

The 31 Marginal Fields consisting of 16 onshore and 15

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr Fatai Adegbenro; President, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu; Consultant, ANN Plc, Segun Olatunji and Deputy President, Mr Kayode Okunoren, at NCRIB management retreat Forum in Lagos.

Oil price slump: Airfares unlikely to fall, say experts Wole Shadare

A

irlines are unlikely to cut fares following the dramatic fall in oil prices, aviation experts have warned, despite calls to pass on the savings to passengers.

The global airline industry is expected to report a near $5 billion increase in profits this year to $25 billion, benefiting from cheaper fuel after crude oil prices slumped 60 per cent since June last year.

In Nigeria, local and international fares remain un-

changed, although the cost of aviation fuel has not gone down. Unfortunately the N10 per litre reduction on petrol announced penultimate Sunday does not include aviation fuel and diesel.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE December 2014.........................8% November 2014........................7.9% October 2014............................8.1%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel as at Jan. 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N206 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N297 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228

l Foreign Reserves – $34.49bn as at 22/01/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official as at Jan. 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.96 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N195.10

32

Business | News

DELAY

The House of Representatives is yet to carry out legislative process on Senate-passed Cybercrime Bill Kunle Azeez

W

eeks after passing the Cybercrime Bill into law by Nigeria’s upper legislative house, the Senate, a similar legislative process is yet to be taken by the lower legislative chamber, the House of Representatives, in readiness for the president’s assent.

78m Nigerians online yet to get full legal succour New Telegraph gathered that the delay by the House of Representatives to work on the bill was due to the current political atmosphere whereby priorities are given to other issues.

As such, industry experts say if the law is not harmonised in time by the lower legislative chamber, the over 78 million Nigerians online may continue to face cyber threats in all their ramifications without

Airfares unlikely to fall CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1 sells for between N95 and N105 per litre. Experts have called on the Federal Government to help cut the price of the commodity to reflect the slash in the price of oil in the international market.

Managing Director of IRS Airlines, Yemi Dada, told New Telegraph that airlines would keep prices high as long as there was sufficient demand, except when paring back fuel surcharges on long flights.

“Why should airlines cut ticket prices if demand is strong?” Ticket prices are market-driven, not cost-driven, lowering fares was not necessarily the correct response to lower oil prices.”

He noted that airlines had “very expensive systems and people are thinking about how to maximise revenue and they should do that regardless of the oil price.”

It would be recalled that experts in the sector have called on airlines to cut fares. A top official with an airline called for a reduction in JET A1.

Now that the price of crude oil has sunk to a six-year low, petrol is much cheaper, but airfares and some home energy bills still seem head-scathingly high.

The cost of jet fuel, for example, has fallen a whopping 43 per cent on average worldwide from the price a year ago.

On January 7, as North Sea oil prices hit a five-year low of $53 a barrel, British Finance Minister, George Osborne, tweeted: “Vital this is passed on to families at petrol pumps, through utility bills and air fares.”

In the past, airlines have often used cheaper oil to increase their capacity in a bid to win market share, putting pressure on prices, but for now, industry watchers say they are showing discipline.

Delay stagnates N1.7bn FG revenues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

for sale, putting prospective buyers in the dark on the oil fields allocations and eroding transparency in the process.

As at the time of filing this report, none of the foreign and local investors, who had interests in the bid round, is aware of what is going on, while some of them alleged that a list of the fields for bidding is being circulated among oil companies in which politicians in the opposition and the ruling party have larger stakes.

Among the 31 fields are Uzuaku field on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ogoni land, the Egbolom field on OML 23 that was previously operated

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

by Shell in Rivers State, three offshore fields on OML 100 (Usoro, Ikong, Ibiom) and two on OML 67 (Amaniba and Ekpat).

Spokesperson for the DPR, Paul Osu, who confirmed his agency’s failure to make the list available as promised, explained that this delay was caused by some reasons, which he declined to mention.

“The list will be uploaded on our website when it is ready,” he said, adding that it “was not made available by January as promised,” by the DPR Director “because it is yet to be ready for some reasons I do not know. But all I can tell you now is that anytime that it is ready, it would be made available on our website.”

adequate legal protection online.

Many Nigerians are often defrauded in the process of carrying out online transactions while cases of network or database hacking and e-fraud by cyber-criminals are also rampant.

Findings showed that the menace continue to cause many financial institutions and stakeholders losses in several billions of naira annually without any substantive laws to curb the trend.

For instance, New Telegraph learnt that in

2013, the banks lost N40 billion to different cases of electronic frauds on their networks while over N4.8 billion was lost to e-fraud in the first half of 2014.

According to findings, while many cybercrimerelated bills have been sent to the National Assembly in the past 10 years, most did not sail through legislative process, with only a few getting mentions.

In 2011, Senator Gbenga Kaka (APC, Ogun East) had presented a bill to stop cybercrime.

But the bill became controversial due to a section related to social media.

Also, in January 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan, in a Bill titled, “Cybercrime Bill, 2013”, which was routed through the Senate President, David Mark, had urged members of the upper legislative chamber to consider its enactment into law.

The Bill introduced on July 28, 2011, was targeted at curbing the activities of Internet scammers.

Cybercrime is a term for any illegal activity that uses a computer as its primary means. It also includes any illegal activity that uses a computer for the storage of evidence.

Cybercrimes also feature crimes that have been made possible by computers, such as network intrusions and the dissemination of computer viruses, as well as computer-based variations of existing crimes, such as identity theft, stalking, bullying and terrorism.

Chief Executive Officer, New Horizon, Mr Tim Akano, in an interview, urged the House of Representatives to fasttrack measures on the passage of the bill into law to back up the effort already taken by the Senate on the bill.

L-R: Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; Deputy President of Kenya, William Ruto; Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Daniel Duncan and President of Mali, Boubacar Keita, during the ‘Closing the Energy Gap in Africa’ panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

BIG SPENDERS

Nigerians are big spenders in the in Arab country

Bayo Akomolafe

N

igeria and other African tourists would contribute over $1 billion of retail sales to the emirate’s economy this year.

A consulting firm, Nasser Saidi & Associates, said that Nigerians are expected to spend millions of dollars at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) this year.

Last year, it noted that Nigerians spent $27 million on MasterCard credit cards in the country in January, compared to about $9 million in the same month of 2013.

In November, 2014, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mr Ibrahim Auwalu, said that Nigerians had spent over N178.20 billion ($1.10 billion) on visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last 10

Nigerians, others to boost UAE’s economy with $1bn years.

It was learnt that Nigerians spent over $110 million (N18 billion) annually on visas to Dubai, a state in the country.

Auwalu noted that UAE had become a choice destination for Nigerians that were interested in real estate business. He said that Nigerians remain the second largest property owners in Dubai’s real estate sector, after Indians.

He added: “The trade volume is big because a lot of Nigerians visit Dubai regularly for shopping, but about 99 per cent of this trade is informal.”

Also, the consulting firm noted that the country and some African countries had emerged as big spenders in the UAE. It noted: “The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), being held this year from January 1 to February 1, contributes over $1 billion of retail sales

to the emirate’s economy. Nigeria and Russian shoppers have always been among the biggest spenders.

The firm added that retail sales in Dubai would rise five per cent to about $44 billion in 2015.

But it feared that currency concerns might curtail some Nigerian spending this year, as the naira closed at a historical low.

This year, however, more Russians have stayed home for the orthodox Christmas holiday, which coincides with the opening week of the festival, thanks to a crippled trouble that has nearly halved against the US dollar since July. The UAE dirham mirrors the dollar.

Russian travel operators in Dubai reported a sharp drop in the number of tours booked to the emirate compared with the same time last year, by as much as 80 per cent.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

33

Oil traders hoard 40m barrels pending oil price rise p.34 DOWNSIZING

ENI says industry needs in-house engineering again Stories by Adeola Yusuf

G

lobal oil majors including Shell, Chevron and Total have said that they lost over $500,000,000,000 on cost overruns in the last five years.

The companies, which said this in Davos, demanded for cheaper but better services from engineering and service companies, threatening to simply take work back in-house if these demands are not met.

The group includes the listed BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, Chevron and Statoil and state giants, Sinopec from China, Pemex from Mexico and Aramco from Saudi Arabia, making it the world’s most powerful gathering of oil companies.

Cost overruns and delays were the main reason why oil majors generated less cash than shareholders expected when oil was over $100 per barrel.

With oil now half that price, the urgency of addressing costs and delays rises by the day for the producers.

While keen to avoid accusations of ganging up to force terms on suppliers, they are exploring measures that are likely to put further pressure on services companies such as Schlumberger and Halliburton, which have already cut thousands of jobs as business shrinks.

“In the 80s and 90s, we were very close to the projects and controlled costs and execution.

In 2000s, when we became rich, we became less cost-efficient,” said Claudio Descalzi, chief executive of Italy’s ENI, one of the oil majors that meet in Switzerland every year on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The boss of Aramco, Khalid Falih, said the group had held a closed-door meeting to discuss how to change the nature of relationships with oilfield services and engineering firms to deliver projects on time and on budget.

Industry research shows that over 100 large projects exceeded initial costs by a cumulative $400 billion in the past five years, according to participants.

“Last year, when oil was at $100-110 per barrel, many colleagues already spoke about cancelling projects as they were not able to justify them, even at that price,” Falih said.

Emilio Lozoya, head of the Mexican oil giant Pemex, said: “We simply need to bring costs down in line with the current lower oil prices.”

Participants in the meetings said a range of ways to col-

Energy

NAPE wants FG’s oil targets revised p.34

Outsourcing: Shell, Chevron others lose $500bn to costs overruns laborate had been suggested, including having a shared database that would list the best and worst service companies by region, and a ‘rule book’ for systems and components.

Falih said the industry could push for common stan-

dards for equipment such as pipes or valves.

Descalzi said the industry as a whole was actively moving to contracts where payments are based on timely execution.

He said lower oil prices offered a good opportunity for

the industry to renegotiate some existing contracts or move work in-house: “In the 1980s, we didn’t use EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Construction) contracts.

We did a lot of things in-house.

In the 2000s, we outsourced a

lot of things and became weaker in engineering.”

ENI recently hired 2,000 people to bring work in-house, Descalzi said. “Ultimately, you save billions of dollars if the project is delivered on time and without cost overruns.”

Oil rig

NO IMPEDIMENT

Falling oil price will not debar the government from investments

T

he oil price rout rocking the global oil industry will not force Nigeria to suspend the plan to invest N150 billion ($1 billion) on gas-to-power projects, the Federal Government has assured.

An official of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), gave this assurance to New Telegraph last weekend.

Managing Director of the NDPHC, James Olotu, who had earlier announced the investments plan, added that the amount had been earmarked to address the challenges of gas supply to its power plants to boost electricity supply nationwide.

He said: “One of such strategies is to commit some funds out of the expectations from the sale of power plants towards partnering

N155bn gas-to-power investment on course –FG with the private sector again in developing some fallow wells identified in certain parts of this country where there have been proven gas availability.

“This programme promises to unlock gas from these locations within a short time and then supplement efforts currently being done by the petroleum ministry to ensure that we close the gap between gas requirement and gas availability.

“The sum of $1 billion (N155 billion) out of the funds of NDPHC is being put on the ground to support these initiatives.

“And so we hope that gas supply challenges will become a thing of the past very soon; maybe then we can begin to have more megawatts.”

The NDPHC official, who acknowledged that the falling prices of oil and gas

have effects on all projects including the NDPHC gas project, however, said that this would not debar government from the investments.

“Gas is central to government’s aspiration to boost power generation and investments in the gas sector will not be out of place for government at any given time and at any given price of the commodity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the inability of Nigeria to meet its supply obligations to West African Gas pipeline project persisted at the weekend, worsening power supply crisis in Ghana Nigeria is expected to provide at least 120 million cubic feet of gas daily but reports say it has consistently defaulted.

Ghana’s President, John Mahama, recently said that Nigeria had to pay Ghana $10 million in penalties for

failing to deliver the quantity of gas spelt out under the West African Gas Pipeline project.

Nigeria’s failure to provide enough of gas in accordance with the contract has led to the power plants that rely on gas from the West Africa Gas Pipeline to be shut down, according to reports.

The failure of Nigeria to meet its contractual obligations to Ghana has led to a protracted power crisis in the country.

Officials of the Ghana Grid Company had last week said they have been forced to shed between 400 and 600 megawatts of power due to the inconsistent and reduced supply of power from the local power generators who also blame their inability to generate more power on the insufficient supply of gas from Nigeria through the West African Gas pipeline.

34

Business | Energy

NEW TACTICS

Trafigura , Vitol, Gunvor, Koch and Shell book oil floating storage tankers for up to 12 months Stories by Adeola Yusuf

O

il traders have booked up to 20 tankers to store an estimated 40 million barrels of crude at sea, rising from 25 million barrels last week, as they soak up a stocks glut in anticipation of future profits, Reuters reported, quoting shipping and oil market sources.

The over 50 percent fall in spot prices since June enables traders to make money by storing the crude for delivery months down the line, when prices are expected to recover.

The sources said the volume of oil earmarked for floating storage had risen in recent days.

Some of the tankers could nonetheless still be used for conventional oil transportation.

“Floating storage remains a major focus in the tanker market as charterers have been fairly active in securing VLCCs (very large crude carriers) on time charters, with options to use the vessels as floating storage,” said Omar Nokta of Clarkson Capital Markets.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Oil traders hoard 40m barrels pending oil price rise In the past two weeks, trading firms, including Trafigura , Vitol, Gunvor, Koch and energy company Shell (LSE: RDSB.L – news) have started booking oil tankers for floating storage for up to 12 months, according

to industry sources and freight bookings seen by Reuters.

This trading strategy was last used in 2009 when prices slumped and led to over 100 million barrels of oil being parked on tankers at sea

before stocks were sold off.

Industry sources say rates to hire vessels for longer periods — known as time charters — have risen by a few thousand dollars a day in the past week to over $40,000 a

Andrew Ejayierese, Company Representative, ExxonMobil; Chikwendu Edoziem, President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE); Eric Wildermuth, Research Supervisor, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, (Guest Speaker) and Managing Director, Danvic Petroleum International, Dr. Mayowa Afe at NAPE’s Monthly Technical/ Business Meeting held in Lagos recently

NAPE wants FG’s oil targets revised COUNSEL

Explorationists have tasked the Federal Government and international Oil companies to jerk up exploration amidst oil price dip

P

resident of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Mr. Chikwendu Edoziem, has called for a review of targets set by the Federal Government to achieve 40 billion barrels reserves and four million oil production targets by year 2020.

Edoziem, who said this at the monthly technical meeting of the association in Lagos, maintained that the Federal Government and the IOCs should take advantage of the falling oil prices to increase investments in oil discovery.

He said: “In this case, we are talking about ex-

day, and are quoted at more than double the level at the same time last year.

“On average, the latest one-year charters have been done around the $38,000/day to $40,000/ day level though our

ploration, which is about discovery. You can take advantage of the low cost environment to go and discover resources right now; farm into acreages and then evaluate them and discover and then position yourselves so that when the prices are coming back up then you can start your production,” he said.

On the 40 billion reserves target, the NAPE helmsman said: “Nobody has a clear knowledge of how we arrived at the 40 billion barrels reserves target. Even speaking with people who lead the ministry; the Department of Petroleum resources (DPR) and others, it is a little bit dicey how we arrived at that figure.

“What the NAPE suggests on the 40 billion barrels reserves target is to revisit how we got there and there is nothing wrong in trying to come up with a realistic figure and setting it up and putting pans in place to attain our aspirations.”

He continued: “Let me set the stage right. What is happening today, we

started seeing it in the last five years ago, so it is just coming into light? A lower oil prices are going to affect development of production projects but for the exploration aspect of it, if we have low rig rate; cost of drilling, this is the best time to explore.

“If you have the money, this is the best time for exploration because you are not producing.

What is hurting the price is that we actually at the high cost regime found these projects and we are trying to develop them.

The projects are signed at a cost higher than what we are having now.

“But in this case, we are talking about exploration, which is about discovery.

You can take advantage of the low cost environment to go and discover resources right now; farm into acreages and then evaluate them and discover and then position yourselves so that when the prices are coming back up then you can start doing your production.

“But for us to learn a lesson as a country, the

America that is trying to right now establish its supremacy in the global crude industry started somewhere. They had a purpose to be selfsufficient. They moved in that direction of selfsufficiency in oil and gas.

They built refineries and put other infrastructures in place. They even had shale discovery then but they were buying crude.

As they were doing this, they began aggressive exploration for shale and now their dream to be totally self-sufficient and even export crude in coming to reality. We too can set target, we can do that. We can employ that kind of model.”

He tasked the federal government to use the opportunity of the falling crude prices at the global market to effect a total removal of subsidy on refined product.

“Left for me, this is an opportunity for the government to remove the subsidy by having very good negotiation with all stakeholders like the labour union.

Clarksons team now assesses one-year charters at a rather hefty $52,500/ day. This adds roughly $0.20 per barrel to the monthly break-even requirement, which could impact interest for more floating storage,” Nokta said.

Taking into account vessel hire and other expenses including bunker fuel and insurance, overall monthly floating storage costs are estimated anywhere in the region of $1.5 million to $1.8 million per tanker.

Oil traders still stand to make a profit, however, as spot prices for crude are trading below future contracts, in a market structure known as contango. The December 2015 Brent contract was trading around $57.40 last Wednesday, $8 a barrel above the spot price.

“Floating storage is the cherry on the cake for the tanker market right now, which was already strengthening before this trend started,” said Georgi Slavov, a resource analyst at Marex Spectron in London.

“But the amount of oil now being stored at sea is adding some froth to tanker rates.”

Seabird bags LOI for $1.3m 2D Seismic Survey in W’Africa

N

orweigian seismic survey company SeaBird Exploration Plc (SeaBird) has reported that Northern Explorer has signed a letter of intent (LOI) for a $1.3 million 2D seismic survey in West Africa.

The survey size is approximately 1,056 miles (1,700 kilometers) with an estimated value of $1.3 million. The project is expected to start in February and will have an estimated duration of two weeks.

This came as Italian oil major Eni announced Monday that it has obtained a three-year extension to the exploration period for its Block 15/06, offshore Angola.

The original exploration period ended in November 2014, so Eni requested an extension in order to complete exploration activities that it had already identified. The three-year plan envisages the drilling of three wells and the acquisition of approximately 375 square miles of 3D seismic data over the block, which is located around 215 miles northwest of Luanda, the Angolan capital.

Eni believes that should the exploration activities prove successful, any new discoveries can be developed quickly using existing production facilities. The extension also includes an area adjacent to Block 15/06, which covers the Reco-Reco discovery that is estimated to contain around 100 million barrels of oil in place.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

‘Nigeria’s property prices crash to 65%’ p.36 SUSTAINABLE DEVT Efforts to draw politicians’ attention to housing issues gather momentum

35

Property&Environment

Building collapse: Group seeks construction board creation

locally.”

Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Ladipo Lewis, lamented that expatriates were getting the biggest construction jobs in the country at the detriment of the locals. He said: “ After 50 years of independence as a nation, we have not yet conquered this fear unlike Singapore which got her independence at the same time with Nigeria.”

While tasking built environment professionals and artisans on the need to protect themselves by improving themselves through training and re-training, he advocated the adoption of modern building technologies to produce mass and affordable houses to bridge the nation’s 17 million housing deficit.

Dayo Ayeyemi

W

orried by the mirage of problems confronting the building industry, the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), has renewed call for the establishment of Construction Industry Board (CIB), among other demands.

Apart from this, the group is also canvassing the passage of the National Building Code, which its review has just been concluded, adding that the edict must compel the implementation of its regulations.

It also made case for the provision of affordable standard houses.

Demands The group, which comprises of engineers, architects, builders, estate surveyors, land surveyors, town planners, quantity surveyors and trained artisans - bricklayers, block manufacturers, plumbers, carpenter and iron benders - called on all aspirants seeking position in public office in the forthcoming elections to overcome the challenges of building collapse in the next political dispensation.

They argued that the establishment of Construction Industry Board, which would serve as a general platform and regulatory agency for all professionals in the built environment, would help to coordinate all activities in the sector. Besides, the group stated that its creation would ensure that people do the right things to safeguard the environment and curb unnecessary waste of human and financial resources associated with structural failures.

BCPG is an independent body of professionals in the built environment and other stakeholders united by a common goal.

Other demands of the group from the incoming public office holders centered on the need to resolve the bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with the building plan approval process, while encumbrances and difficulties in getting Certificate of Occupancy as at when due should be eradicated.

Encumbrances associated with building plan approval and Certificate of Occupancy processes have been adduced among factors hampering investors and affordable housing production in the country.

BCPG wants the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to outsource relevant professionals to help vet building plans and monitor construction in order to cope with the rapid and vast development of the urban centres.

The group also sought the effec-

Group to monitor N9bn cookstoves fund p.36

One of the housing estates sponsored by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), in Abuja.

President Jonathan

Gen. Muhammodu Buhari

tive monitoring of government land acquisition to prevent squatters from building on such land without building plan approval, pointing out that building without approval might result in building collapse.

They said: “However, land under government acquisition should be released on time to people for proper development if government plan for the land is no longer feasible.

“This will prevent slum growth, which otherwise is the usually result due to human desire for shelter.”

The group flayed the prevalence of sub-standard building materials in the market, calling the attention of the incoming public office holders to the need for political will to curb this.

Speaking, BCPG President, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, called for total eradication of quackery in the industry, saying that most of the recorded cases of building collapses were due to shoddy jobs by quacks.

He maintained that substandard construction work could be gradually phased out if government handles the menace with an unalloyed commitment.

Awobodu also frowned at the incessant disturbance on construction sites by land agents popularly known as omo oniles, calling the attention of would-be governors and president on the need to curtail their activities.

Jimi Agbaje

As the nation is commencing a political transition process through electioneering, stakeholders in the built environment, especially professionals and artisans in the building industry have lamented that issues affecting the industry have not been salient in the manifestoes of the contestants

Akinwunmi Ambode

Coordinator of Kosofe Cell of BCPG, Mrs Jane Ogbu, blamed the nefarious activities of omo oniles as among factors causing building collapse due to defect in concrete mixing.

She explained that when concrete has been mixed, it has a limited time for its pouring during construction, and that by the time omo onile intruded this process by making unnecessary demands, the concrete production process has been compromised and would have effect on the structure later on.

She wants the incoming public office holders to find a way out in order to eradicate the menace by engaging some of them in direct labour as it was done during the regime of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa as military governor in Lagos State.

Concerns BCPG also warned against the influx of foreigners in the construction industry, tasking all stakeholders on the need to undergo further training in order to meet up and be able to compete better.

It also drew the attention of government to the exorbitant prices of cement in the country, saying: “Nigerian cement remains one of the most expensive in the world. Yet the raw materials are mostly sourced

Justification Awobodu pointed out that in other climes, construction sector is the barometer for gauging the nation’s economy, adding that in Nigeria, real estate sector has contributed 8.01 percent ($40.9 billion) to the economy of the total rebased GDP estimate of $510 billion.

“This is very considerable despite the nation’s shortcomings in the construction sector. And we could achieve more if the aspirants do the required homework,” he said.

He stated that as the nation is commencing a political transition process through electioneering, stakeholders in the built environment, especially professionals and artisans in the building industry have expressed worried that issues affecting the industry have not been salient in the manifestoes of the contestants.

The BCPG boss pointed out that shelter is one of the three basic needs of human beings, adding that every normal human being aspires to own a house, hence, “shelter is a human right.”

He said: “In Nigeria, the construction sector is in crisis due to mundane factors, which the politicians have failed to pay serious attention to. Yet buildings are the determinants of development gradation, helping to differentiate villages from towns and cities.

“At this critical time of the nation’s political transition, should major stakeholders in the construction industry fold their arms and watch as events unfold with little or no consideration for their inputs in manifestoes that could become the bedrock of government policies?”

To make these demands a reality, Awobodu hinted that after the nation’s general election, BCPG is embarking on road shows and rallies in Lagos to take to the grassroots the awareness on building collapse prevention.

36

Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Nigeria’s property prices crash to 65%’ Adeniyi Tinubu is the Managing Director of Hudders Field Property.

In this interview with Stanley Ihedigo, he blames property owners for fraud associated with rent Despite the huge housing deficit in the country, there are lots of unoccupied houses in most of the cities. What can you say about this?

In a place like Lagos State where houses are abandoned for years, there are two reasons for it. It may be that the owners have not got the right people to pay for the property at the asking price, or do not want to sell the property.

Sometime, determination of price causes delay in the

process of selling property because the seller would want to consider the amount invested in the property.

There is this insinuation that the price of housing will crash in some major cities in Nigeria. Do you concur with this?

If you look at what is happening in some of the major cities like Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, prices of propertyhave already crashed in these cities. If you are travelling to a place like Ibadan from Lagos, you will see series of housing estates all over . Assuming you are working in a place like Alausa, Lagos, and you are living in one of these estates on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, believe me, if there is no traffic jam, the person will get to his or her office in Lagos within 15 minutes; while the person from within Lagos will spend over two hours to get to Alausa.

Because of this, people have stopped spending million of

at 65 per cent.

Tinubu

naira when there is an alternative to acquire property outside the state; and because of this, prices of property have crashed

What can you say about the latest development in the mortgage system and Federal Government’s affordable housing scheme?

It is a good move if you look at what has been happening in the country in area of owning a house. If government comes up with a good scheme as obtainable from developed countries, people who have the necessary requirements for the scheme should embrace the opportunity.

Again, if you look at some of the federal housing estates in the country, at the time they were built, people don’t have interest in them. But a few years later, the housing estates became costly and unaffordable.

So, what the Federal Government has introduced now is a way of showing concern for the issue of housing development.

It seems that government is targeting civil servants alone?

Mind you, those civil servants are not paying the money at once. Also, private persons will as well benefit from the scheme because they are not paying at once too. Assume that the property costs N8 million and the mortgage lender looks at your income and find out that your annual salary or earning can cope with the loan, you will get mortgage.

If someone is earning like N50,000 every month and there is government property for N8 million, mortgage lender will look at the person spendings at the end of the month. If the person is not able to spend up to N20,000 per month, the person is in a situation to apply for the scheme. The mortgage company will look at number of years one can pay the N8 million. There are many finance institutions that are involved in such schemes in partnership with government.

‘Land charges reduction means more liquidity in property market’ Dayo Ayeyemi

T

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Mr. Stephen Jagun and other members, Mr. Rogba Orimalade and Mr. Hakeem Soetan, during a briefing on reduction of land charges in Lagos last Friday.

Group to monitor N9bn cookstoves fund Dayo Ayeyemi

F

ollowing the approval of a whopping N9,087,250 for the procurement of cookstoves and wonderbags last November by the Federal Executive Council through the Ministry of Environment, a concern group, Connected Development (CODE), has kicked off an initiative to ensure that the government money achieve the purposes it was meant for.

Tagged: “Follow The Money” initiative, it is to promote monitoring activities to ensure that the money meant to procure and distribute some 750,000 clean cookstoves and 18,000 wonderbags does not go down the drain.

Chief Executive of CODE, Hamzat Lawal, said in Abuja that the initiative was part of strategies to ensure the government’s

incentive gets to and impacts thousands of rural women that it is meant for within the stipulated time frame.

On how the monitoring initiative would achieve its objective, she explained that the group has sent out a request for information, according to the Freedom of Information Act, to the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Special Duties and the Integra Renewable Energy Limited (the procurement contractor), seeking for the work plan and beneficiaries of this incentive.

She said: “We hope they will respond within seven days as stipulated by law in the 2011 Freedom of Information Act.” Lawal said the group would build a large evidence base for the campaign on its website to update every stakeholder and citizens of Nigeria and the world

at large on how these funds translate in concrete terms and benefit rural women in the country.

Meanwhile, as part of moves to strengthen the supply chain for clean cooking energy solutions in the country, the Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, would hold a Clean Cooking Energy Expo and Conference in Abuja next week.

Approximately 127 million people and over 24 million households in Nigeria cook the traditional way: depending solely on wood as a source of fuel, a method widely described as a silent killer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cooking smoke causes 95,300 deaths in the country annually. In fact, Nigeria is said to experience the highest number of smoke-related deaths in Africa; the third after Malaria and HIV/AIDS.

he Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State branch, has commended the state government for reducing land charges from 13 per cent to three per cent, saying the action would provide more liquidity in the property market.

Besides, it said that the initiative would generate more revenue for the state government, noting that it was common practice for people to refuse or abandon their documentation due to heavy burden that has just been addressed.

This, it said, has over the years resulted to a significant loss of revenue to the state government.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos at the weekend, Lagos’ NIEVS Chairman, Mr. Stephen Jagun, said it has become imperative

for his group as a professional body saddled with the responsibility of determining property value by Decree 24 of 1975, Cap 111 of 1990 , to react to the recent Lagos State government moves to bring down the cost of land transaction in the state.

He commended Governor Babatunde Fashola and his cabinet for the assiduous work they have done in yielding to the advice by the institution. “He has been able to reduce the cost of transaction from 13 per cent to three per cent.

“It is an achievement that the government needs to be applauded for, although it can be improved upon,” he said.

Jagun recalled that in October 2012, a position was presented by NIEVS president, which was followed by several meetings with the commissioner and other senior government officials on the need for appropriate land charges in the state.

Multifamily housing to remain strong in 2015, says IBS panel

T

he multifamily market has had strong demand in recent years and is set to remain that way in 2015, despite certain headwinds that could affect the industry, industry panelists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas last week, has commented.

According to report from the World Property Channel, the number of multifamily apartments forecast to be built is likely to reach a sustainable level that is higher than the levels of production in the past.

As the industry reaches that new plateau, the pace of construction is likely to level off in 2015 and into 2016.

The multifamily industry is strong and producing more units than in previous cycles,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

“The industry has shown dramatic increases in construction since the recession, but the level of increase will moderate as we approach equilibrium.

We are forecasting that 358,000 units will be developed in 2015 and 361,000 units in 2016. One of the indicators for our forecast is NAHB’s Multifamily Production Index, which is a survey of our members’ attitudes toward the market. They have been telling us that the market is very strong and is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

37

Aviation

MRO: Long way for Nigerian airlines p.38

A Boeing 787 otherwise known as Dreamliner

Falling oil prices: When’ll passengers benefit?

Oil prices have fallen by over 60 per cent in the last six months, culminating into a boon for airlines, which have saved billions of dollars in monthly fuel bills in a highly competitive industry that eked out an average profit of just $6 a passenger last year, writes Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE The beginning Before the fall in the price of oil, the dizzying price of fuel was a curse on airline profits, compelling carriers to look for ways to save every drop, from towing planes to the runway and tweaking wing designs to curbing passengers’ over-sized baggage.

Fuel had been the biggest single cost for most airlines one price largely out of their control, and a factor that drove them to extinction. After around three decades of relatively stable and benign prices, the spike and plunge in the price of oil in 2008 – when Brent jumped to an alltime high of $145 a barrel in July before plunging to $40 by Christmas – has been followed by years when $100-plus prices have been the norm.

During that period, airlines slapped a hefty fuel surcharge on the price of their tickets. These surcharges kept on rising. Many described it as a ploy to fleece travellers. In Nigeria, it became a big issue, but government was helpless in forcing airlines to explain how exorbitant fuel sur-

be: there is pressure on airlines to return money to investors.”

From a shareholder point of view, analysts also see more clouds than silver linings, saying:“On a mid to long-term basis the impact is less benign. A sustained lower oil price will likely weaken capacity discipline and delay industry restructuring.”

What’s bad for airline stocks may prove good for passengers though. Even if some major airlines are in no mood, or position, to cut surcharges, the smaller and weaker players, which are less likely to have hedged, will survive and lay on more flights that would have been marginal before. That means more seats available, which should drive down prices.

charges were arrived at.

But with the oil price dropping almost on a daily basis, are passengers going to see cheaper fares to match?

Cheery news The good news for the flying public is that fares are likely to fall. The bad news is by nowhere near as much as the oil drops might imply – and not very soon.

In Nigeria where airfares are ridiculously cheap, they are not likely to drop, but in the global aviation industry, there might be a fall. The pricing is described as appropriate now only if the oil marketers are ready to bring down the cost of aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1.

An airline operator told New Telegraph that because of the poor traffic, airlines operating in the country are forced to charge most times less than N20, 000 for an hour trip. The number of airlines in operation has made it impossible for the airlines to thrive.

JET A1 still high in Nigeria Aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1, sells for between N95 and N105 per litre.

Experts have called on the Federal Government to help cut the price of the commodity to reflect the drop in the price of oil in the international market.

Fuel bills reached a third of average airline costs, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). To avoid the price extremes, the bigger airlines are all hedged forward buying most of the fuel they expect to consume in 2015 and beyond, at prices well above the current market rate. In the short term, that looks a costly insurance given the dramatic fall in fuel prices, but a few airlines would change the practice.

Foreign airlines cut fares Virgin Atlantic has slightly

Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka

The good news for the flying public is that fares are likely to fall. The bad news is by nowhere near as much as the oil drops might imply – and not very soon

cut its fuel surcharge in recent weeks; easyJet and Ryanair do not impose fuel surcharges. Ryanair will pay approximately $93 per barrel for 90 per cent of its fuel in 2015-16 and estimates that it will cut just four per cent of its fuel costs. Around 20 per cent of the first half of the next year’s requirements is now locked in, at a slightly better price.

For some global flyers, an imminent decrease in fares is likely: Japanese and Chinese airlines have cut surcharges, and the IATA predicts a 5.1 per cent average fall across the industry during 2015.

Certainly, IATA predicts stronger airline profits – a cumulative $25billion – on the back of cheaper oil. But it added: “The industry is not yet delivering a sustainable return to its investors of seven per cent. We’re not yet at the level where we need to

The sad news Managing Director of IRS Airlines, Yemi Dada, told New Telegraph that carriers would keep prices high as long as there was sufficient demand, except when paring back fuel surcharges on long flights.

“Why should airlines cut ticket prices if demand is strong?

Ticket prices are market-driven not cost-driven, lowering fares was not necessarily the correct response to lower oil prices”.

He noted that airlines had “very expensive systems and people are thinking about how to maximise revenue, and they should do that regardless of the oil price.”

It would be recalled that experts in the sector have called on airlines to cut fares. A top official with an airline called for a reduction in JET A1.

Now that the price of crude oil has sunk to a six-year low, petrol is much cheaper, but airfares seem head-scathingly high.

The cost of jet fuel, for example, has fallen a whopping 43 percent on average worldwide from the price a year ago.

Business | Aviation

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Delta Air announces 70% profit growth ADDED VALUE Delta will, in 2015, have lower fuel prices of $2 billion compare to 2014 Stories by Wole Shadare

D

elta Airlines has reported a 70 per cent profit increase in its financial results for the December 2014 quarter.

“Our 2014 performance – an industry-leading operation, superior customer service, and a 70 percent increase in profits – shows that Delta is focused on delivering growing value for its employees, customers and investors,” Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.

“As we begin 2015, we have a significant opportunity from lower fuel prices, which will drive over $2 billion in fuel savings over 2014. Through our capacity discipline, pricing our product to demand, and the fuel savings, we expect to drive double-digit earnings growth, along with increased free cash flow and a higher return on invested

capital in the upcoming year.”

Delta’s operating revenue improved six per cent, or $571 million, in the December 2014 quarter compared with the December 2013 quarter. Traffic increased 4.0 percent on a 3.7 per cent increase in capacity.

Passenger revenue, according to the statement, increased 4.6 per cent, or $361 million, compared to the prior year period. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 0.8 per cent year over year with a 0.6 per cent improvement in yield.

Cargo revenue increased 2.1 percent, or $5 million, driven by increases in both freight volumes and yields. Other revenue increased 21.3 percent, or $205 million, driven by SkyMiles revenues, third-party refinery sales, and joint venture settlements.

“Delta delivered solid revenue performance in the December quarter, growing our top line by 6 percent against a backdrop of nearly 15 percent lower fuel prices,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president.

“While we face headwinds from the stronger dollar and lower fuel prices going forward, we have confidence we can con-

tinue to generate top-line growth as we realize additional benefits from our Virgin Atlantic joint venture, restructure our Pacific network, gain additional corporate share, and ramp up our merchandising efforts with branded fares and enhanced customer segmentation.”

Fuel Excluding mark-to-market adjustments, fuel expense declined $342 million driven by lower market prices and higher refinery profits. Delta’s average fuel price was $2.62 per gallon for the December quarter, which includes $180 million in settled hedge losses. As at December 31, Delta had $925 million in hedge margin posted with counter-parties. Operations at the refinery produced a $105 million profit for the December quarter, a $151 million improvement year-overyear.

“We expect a net year-overyear fuel price benefit of $500 million in the March quarter and will work throughout 2015 to maximize the benefit of fuel savings to our bottom line,” said Paul Jacobson, Delta’s chief financial officer. “Our margin postings are manageable in light of our strong cash generation and balance sheet.”

Delta Business Class lounge at JFK Airport, New York.

Discovery Air moves to comply with NCAA regulations

I

n a bid to scale the conditions given to it by the aviation regulatory body, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which grounded its operations over safety related issues, Discovery Air has commenced series of meetings with passengers and their legal representatives.

The NCAA had given guidelines that must be met, insisting that the carrier must compensate the airline passengers it failed to airlift before Christmas.

NCAA had penultimate week, announced the suspension of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for its failure to meet certain lapses pointed out in its operations.

Chairman of Discovery Air, Babatunde Babalola, told New Telegraph in Lagos that his airline had commenced the resolution of issues raised by the NCAA in the last audit it carried out on the carrier.

Babalola said the NCAA wrote a letter to the airline to inform it of lapses in its operations, which, he said bordered on cancelled and delayed flights during the Christmas holidays.

He said the airline had started meeting with the affected passengers who are over 100 in number.

Babalola said refunds of tickets had been made to some passengers, hinting that the airline management was meeting with

some passengers who sent legal representations. He added that plans were on to offer 25 per cent rebate on return air fares to passengers who bought tickets and travelled with other airlines after the disruption of its flights.

He assured stakeholders that the airline would comply with all requirements spelt out by the NCAA to enable it regain its license to resume operations.

Babalola explained that NCAA did not suspend the airline’s AOC due to any compromise on its safety standards but failure to airlift its passengers on Christmas Day. He said that the penalty bordered on cancelled and delayed flights and not safety related challenges.

AIR RAGE

WITH

38

Wole Shadare

MRO: Long way for Nigerian airlines

A

viation growth in Africa depends on several factors, key among them, but which is often overlooked, is the necessary infrastructure and development of African Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MROs).

For Nigerian carriers, these are not the best of times for them. The lack of aircraft maintenance facilities has added to the precarious situation they have found themselves.

Faced with a dearth of infrastructure and rising operational costs, some of the domestic carriers are scaling down their operations.

The worsening plight of most of the airlines is due to their huge expenditure on maintenance and repair of their aircraft abroad.

Aviation consultant, Nick Fadugba recently told New Telegraph, in far away Johannesburg, South Africa, that current African aircraft maintenance and repair sector is valued at approximately $1.2 billion.

This figure is expected to increase by 40 per cent in the next decade based on global tendencies.

Fadugba stated that if the national hangar project had been executed, Nigeria would have saved the country’s airlines from expending huge revenue on aircraft maintenance overseas.

He said half of the amount was used in ferrying the airplanes abroad, crew accommodation, allowances, over flier charges, landing and parking in the country of repair and other sundry charges.

Aircraft maintenance facilities in the country are limited, both in number and scope of services. The national hangar project is yet to be realised, while the few hangar facilities available belong to private airlines and offer only rudimentary services.

The question is how much of this comes to Nigeria? The answer is none.

Efforts by the Federal Government to set up aircraft maintenance hangar over two decades ago did not materialise and was thwarted by high level politics on where it should be located.

Aircraft maintenance hangar

At the last count, Nigeria reportedly lost N23.2 trillion ($150 billion) in capital flight through offshore aircraft repairs due to the non-availability of a functional national hangar.

Some aircraft maintenance engineers claimed that lack of MRO facilities had cost the operators and government over $150 billion since the essence of a hangar project was highlighted over two decades ago.

It was learnt that a Comprehensive (C) Check on B737 classic and maintenance in Europe, the United States or in Cairo, Egypt; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, costs $1 million. For Next Gen aircraft such as the B737-700/800, the airlines pay $2 million for maintenance.

Aircraft maintenance that should have been done in the country but done abroad has eroded the profit of the carriers.

With international carriers airlifting 98 per cent of passengers to overseas destinations, indigenous airlines have to survive on local and West Coast operations. But their revenues are eroded by high cost of overseas maintenance and fuel.

Most mega European carriers that generate huge resources from their Nigerian routes today started as national carriers with huge support from their governments. For years, they thrived on public funding and support and, in those years, they established training and maintenance facilities, which buoy their operations today.

Nigeria is seen as a nonstarter by international aviation despite the fact that Lufthansa and British Airways admitted at the 23rd Annual MRO Africa conference held recently in Johannesburg, that Nigeria is their most profitable route, Emirates also admitted that Nigeria is their second most profitable route.

Without MRO facility, Nigeria is denied of skilled technical manpower in the aviation sector as there are no opportunities to get trained in a local facility.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

L-R: Newly sworn-in Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Bayelsa State, Mr. Boma Spero-Jack; Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd; Governor Seriake Dickson and Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Felix Bonny-Ayah, after the swearing-in of the new Special Advisers in Yenagoa.

L-R: Media Analyst, Election Observation Mission 2015 (EUEON), Mr Marek Mracka; Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ima Niboro and Eueom Press and Public Outreach Officer, Mr Eberhard Laue, during the visit of EUEON core team to NAN in Abuja .

PHOTO-NAN

L-R: President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Dr. Peter Deshi; Captain, Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman and All Progressives Congress (APC) Plateau State gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Simon Lalong, at the peace golf tournament in Jos.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Kamal Adewale Sanusi; Chairman of the Board, Dr. Abdul-Kabir Olawale Paramole and member, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Opeloyeru, during a press briefing to commence the sale of Hajj forms for year 2015 by the board in Lagos.

Photo | News

39

L-R: Director, Department of State Security (DSS), Plateau State, Mr. Adekunle Ajanaku; Rev. Fr. Blaise Agwom and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jos, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, at a security meeting with community chiefs, religious leaders and youth leaders in Jos.

L-R: Business Development Manager, Africa, Clariant Oil Services, Mr. Justin Gray; Marketing Communications Manager, Eunisell Limited, Mr. Kunmi Balogun and Country Manager, Nigeria, Clariant Oil Services, Mr. Solomon Otakoro, at the 19th Offshore West Africa conference and exhibition in Lagos.

Wife of the chairman, Kwali Area Council, Mrs. Abigail Daniel Ibrahim (middle), participating in a training workshop on skill acquisition, at Kwali Town Hall in Abuja.

L-R: Winner, Nigerian Idol Season 4, Zibili Evelyn; Director, Brand and Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye and Nigerian Idol Season 5 Judge, Yinka Davies, at the Nigerian Idol Season 5 media launch, in Lagos.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

40

Leisure Arcade NUTS

By Kaycee

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

MOYIN & FRIENDS

SUDOKU - No 41

8

2

1

3

4

7

6

9

6

1

9

7

2

5

6

3

4

8

5

2

4

4

6

1

6

5

7

5 3

By Ayo Oyerinde

SUDOKU - Answer to No 40

8

6

7

3

7

6

9

1

4

8

9

5

3

7

9

1

2

4

8

1

5

2

2

3

5

9

9

5

3

8

8

2

4

9

1

7

6

5

3

9

3

5

8

6

2

4

7

1

9

6

9

7

1

5

9

4

2

5

3

4

2

2

7

3

7

1

3

2

6

8

4

MISCOMMUNICATION WITH SIGNALS

6 2

1

3

6

4 7

3

NTJokes

7

6

3

2

How to play

SUDOKU

ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

NTPuzzle

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9.

A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row , column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells. A region has thicker lines surrounding it. This simply makes it easier to play the game.

A man is doing yard work and his wife is about to take a shower. The man realizes that he can’t find the rake. He yells up to his wife, “Where is the rake?”

She can’t hear him and shouts back, “What?”

The man first points to his eye, then points to his knee and finally makes a raking motion.

The wife is not sure and says, “What?’ and the man repeats his gestures. “EYE KNEE - THE RAKE” The wife replies that she understands and signals back. She first points to her eye, next she points to her left breast, then she points to her butt, and finally to her crotch.

Well, there is no way in hell the man can even come close on that one. Exasperated, he goes upstairs and asks her “What in the hell was that?”

She replies, “EYE - LEFT TIT - BEHIND - THE BUSH”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Unsettled claims: NAICOM to deal with underwriters

DISCIPLINE

Regulator reaffirms zeal to sanitise insurance sector Sunday Ojeme

P

ained by unending complaints from policyholders over failure by some insurance companies to redeem agreements on claims payments, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has come hard on the operators with an express directive to forward records of outstanding claims to the regulator within four weeks.

In a circular issued to the operators, the regulator said it was determined to bring to an end the issue of unpaid claims settlement, which has negatively impacted its quest to deepen insurance penetration and trust in the country.

The circular, marked NAICOM/CB/ASA/ RIC/-049, dated January 20, 2015 and signed by Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Technical, Mohammed Kari, said the development was part of statutory function to protect policyholders and bring to an end the persistent bad publicity the Nigerian insurance industry

was getting on the matter of unsettled claims. It said that the commission was more determined to bring to an end the unfortunate scenario negatively impacting the commission’s quest to deepen insurance penetration and trust.

The industry had been riddled with cases of unpaid claims in the past, a situation that compelled the regulator to create a Complaint Bureau that has so far enabled it recover over N2 billion genuine claims from some underwriters and paid out to emotionally tortured and traumatised policyholders.

The circular said, “Consequently, you are required; within four weeks from the date of this circular; to furnish the commission with all outstanding claims in the registrar of your company, inclusive of the following information: Name of insured/ claimant; Policy number; Claim number; date of loss/accident; date of report; Quantum/estimate and reasons why the claim is still outstanding.

“The information should be entered to www.naicom.gov.ng/outstandings; and a signed

hard copy sent to the office of the Commissioner for Insurance.”

The circular further

S

terling Bank Plc will continue to focus on providing instant support for customers on its online platforms, the lender’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yemi Adeola, has assured.

He gave this assurance at the 2015 Social Media Awards Africa (SMAA), which was sponsored by the bank last weekend.

He said: “We will continue to focus on providing instant solutions to support our online customers, while optimising the potential of our social media platforms.”

Adeola described the awards as a premier continental initiative designed to recognise and celebrate excellence, creativity and enterprise in the use of social media – through its tools and platforms - by individuals and organisations across Africa.

He said Sterling Bank was

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Offer 163.38

Onuk pointed out that the social media awards seeks to celebrate, deepen and broaden the continent’s developments.

“Social media has reconfigured the way in which all businesses and public entities now communicate.

Open-sourced and inherently radical, it has created a space adverse to the tight image controls that brands once successfully exercised.

“Before now, it was almost impossible to reach certain brands, persons and products but with social media, marginalised dissenters can now make mince meat of the mightiest multinational brands thanks to an explosion of public platforms that have created unlimited venues for sharing facts, spreading rumours and propagating aggressive calls to action,” she said.

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

A

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

tandard Chartered, the British bank that has operated in Africa for more than 150 years, said the continent remained part of its consumer banking plans even as the lender reviews its global branch network.

While the lender is considering closing branches as more customers migrate to online and mobile transactions, it is still Standard Chartered’s “ambition to be the leading international retail bank within our footprint in Africa, Asia and the Middle East,” Diana Layfield, Africa chief executive officer for the London-based lender, said in an e-mailed response to questions from

Bloomberg on January 23.

“With digital access comes a reduction in branch traffic, so it is only natural for us to review our current branches and optimise our digital platforms,” she said.

Standard Chartered said last year it may close 80 to 100 out of more than 1,200 branches globally, adding that in January it will cut about 4,000 jobs at its consumer operations to restore the bank’s profit growth. It hasn’t said where the shutdowns or job reductions will be. The lender rebuffed at least one potential buyer of its African operations, according to two people with knowledge of the talks.

Angola to cut 2015 budget oil price to $40/bbl

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

happy to associate with the initiative because of its focus and commitment to advancing human and social development across Africa.

“We are also interested in growing relevance of social media around the world with Africa in particular.

“Sterling Bank at this stage of development cannot overlook the importance of social media in today’s society and the increasing role it plays in the lives of people on a daily basis, hence the need to identify with the award,” he said.

Besides providing a platform for the bank to further consolidate its position in the social media space, Adeola said Sterling Bank had taken social media as one of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

Also, in her welcome address, a Member, Advisory Board of the Awards, Ini

S

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

ance found will not be condoled and would attract full regulatory sanctions as provided by law.

StanChart sees Africa future amid branch network review

As at N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

said that the commission reserved the right to verify all information supplied and any vari-

Sterling Bank’ll support customers’ online platforms, says MD

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

41

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

ngola’s cabinet has asked parliament to revise down the oil price assumption in the 2015 budget to $40 per barrel from its earlier projection of $81 per barrel, due to tumbling crude prices, the finance ministry said.

The oil price assumption cut would slash $14 billion from the budget, said a statement by the finance ministry

seen by Reuters yesterday. The national assembly has until the end of next month to approve the changes, the ministry said.

Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos said in a public address to the nation on Dec. 29 that 2015 would be “difficult economically” and some public spending would have to be cut, including on fuel subsidies and infrastructure projects.

Business | Financial Market News

42

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

26-Jan-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

NA

NA

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 434.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 206.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,855.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,410.44

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.24 1.55 2.25 2.50 2.59 3.34 4.42 4.74 7.00 9.13 13.84 14.32 14.82 15.49 19.47

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.30 14.93 15.31 15.31 15.31 15.29 15.27 15.27 15.26 15.35 15.26 15.24 15.22 15.27 15.33

12.65 14.81 15.22 15.23 15.23 15.17 15.18 15.16 15.19 15.29 15.21 15.18 15.15 15.21 15.27

97.81 97.45 99.55 88.98 87.60 88.27 102.25 72.78 104.75 94.40 98.45 84.09 60.82 69.00 80.40

97.96 97.60 99.70 89.13 87.75 88.57 102.55 73.08 105.05 94.70 98.75 84.39 61.12 69.30 80.70

#

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.32 1.19 1.87 2.23 2.44

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.56 17.73 17.11 16.23 16.30

94.88 99.61 98.35 96.89 93.58

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

311.66

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.59

4.44

19.72

96.10

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.43

3.23

17.92

98.61

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.95

4.46

20.15

95.16

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.95

3.48

19.18

97.23

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.23

1.00

16.23

88.68

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.49

1.00

15.98

97.33

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.93

1.79

17.09

93.06

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.10

1.80

16.99

95.04

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.69

1.00

16.29

93.78

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.30

1.00

16.25

96.98 89.73

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.30

4.78

20.03

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.48

1.00

16.31

96.57

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.74 4.82 2.80

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.31 16.27 18.05

98.48 94.18 93.18

‡ /Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.35

1.00

16.29

96.28

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.84

1.00

16.26

89.78

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.93

1.94

17.20

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.59

1.44

16.73

94.49

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.62

1.95

17.24

94.48

96.43

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

91.97

460.61 429.33

Corporate Bonds *UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.32

4.88

18.72

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.34

09-Dec-15

0.63

1.00

16.31

98.06

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.70

2.63

18.03

97.76

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

A-/Agusto

‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto BB/GCR

29-Sep-16

1.67

1.00

16.04

95.64

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.75

1.34

16.40

96.77

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

29-Sep-11

13.00

13.00

20.00

15.00

30-Sep-17

2.68

1.00

16.31

92.99

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.70

1.88

16.92

102.64

Nil

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.70

3.48

18.52

96.71

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.87

5.20

20.31

96.73

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.87

5.06

20.17

101.73

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.66

1.35

16.64

92.93

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.98

2.29

17.44

97.57

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.06

6.11

21.29

94.74

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.93

2.16

17.46

96.88

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.80

2.76

18.02

90.19

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.68

1.00

16.40

78.59

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.68

1.00

16.40

84.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

124.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

116.37

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.04

1.00

16.30

85.79

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.27

1.00

16.27

85.23

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.33

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.33

7.05

97.20

98.55

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.25

5.82

96.56

97.84

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.61

7.40

92.37

93.61

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,430.66

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

95.20

95.20

52.25

52.25

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.98

6.98

100.63

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

11.26

11.26

91.50

91.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

12.90

11.35

84.27

88.01

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.49

9.02

86.27

90.50

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

40.61

40.61

41.00

41.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

10.75

10.75

85.00

85.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

14.80

13.54

81.17

84.68

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

9.99

9.99

92.00

92.00

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

6.63 DEC 09, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

09-Dec-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

27.38 12.76 11.38

27.38 12.47 11.38

41.00 84.88 84.00

41.00 86.00 84.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.72

10.26

90.03

92.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,732.91

**Treasury Bills DTM 10 17 24 31 38 45 52 59

FIXINGS Maturity 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15

Bid Discount (%) 10.97 11.15 11.75 11.70 11.20 11.25 10.31 12.10

Offer Discount (%) 10.72 10.90 11.50 11.45 10.95 11.00 10.06 11.85

Bid Yield (%) 11.00 11.21 11.84 11.82 11.33 11.41 10.46 12.34

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 13.7917 13.9336 14.9632 16.1277

Rate (%)

OBB

14.58

O/N

14.83

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 14.17 15.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

191.20 191.55 191.84 192.55 193.85 195.14

191.30 191.65 191.99 193.02 194.87 196.67

0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

06-Jul-12

0.00/16.50

66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

311.66

06-Jul-17

2.44

1.00

16.30

93.58

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.59

4.44

19.72

96.10

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.43

3.23

17.92

98.61

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.95

4.46

20.15

95.16

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.95

3.48

19.18

97.23

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.23

1.00

16.23

88.68

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY,LAGOS JANUARY 27, 2015

Business | Financial Market News

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.49

1.00

15.98

97.33

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.93

1.79

17.09

93.06

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.10

1.80

16.99

95.04

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.69

1.00

16.29

93.78

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.30

1.00

16.25

96.98

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.30

4.78

20.03

89.73

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.48

1.00

16.31

96.57

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.74 4.82 2.80

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.31 16.27 18.05

98.48 94.18 93.18

SEC okays Access Bank’s N52.6bn Rights Issue ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

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

‡ /Agusto Chris Ugwu

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

A

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

DEPRESSION

09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13

Investors’ fortune 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 *GOMBE 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 dips by N11billion22-Nov-12 as LAGOS 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 12-Dec-12 *OSUN services, upgrade 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 the market sentiment 10-Oct-13 *OSUN 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 bank’s branch networks 27-Nov-13 LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020turns red and further improve the KOGI

31-Dec-13

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

43

Stock market opens week on negative track 14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.35

1.00

16.29

96.28

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.84

1.00

16.26

89.78

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.93

1.94

17.20

91.97

31-Dec-13 14.50valued at4.55N1.8 31-Dec-20 that at 3.59 16.73 a gain94.49 working environment. ccess Bank Plc has shares showed the close1.44 Plc, with of N4.99 *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 06-Jan-14 15.00 4.56 fol3.62 17.24to close 94.48 *NASARAWA “The 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 at N25.68 secured approval billion in 1,166 deals of06-Jan-21 trading session, the1.95 percent funds raised TOTAL VALUE 460.61 lowed by other financial NSE All-Share Index and N31.11 per share rewould provide Access Chris Ugwu and ofOUTSTANDING the Securities MARKET CAPITALISATION 429.33 services sub sector with was down by 32.88 basis spectively, while Eterna andTOTAL Exchange Commis- Bank with additional Deborah Olayode sion (SEC) to proceed capacity to further con46.9 million units valued points or 0.11 per cent Oil Petroleum followed Corporate Bonds close at 29,779.17 as4.88 with a gain of 96.43 4.83 per with plans to raise N52.6 rading activities at N210.7 in 629 to17-Aug-15 corpo10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 10.00 million 3.61 0.32 18.72 ‡ /Agusto *UPDC solidate its leading FLOURMILLS BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 9.34 09-Dec-15 29,812.05 0.63 record1.00 cent to 16.31 98.06 billion in a share sale, *FLOURMILLS as rate banking12.00 on the floor of the deals.12.00 against close at N2.82 per business as9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 14.00 0.42 97.76 *CHELLARAMS well as additional capital it pursues expansion and Nigerian Stock Precisely, transaced06-Jan-16 the previous0.70 day, while2.63 share.18.03 Access Bank Plc 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 13.00 15.00 29-Sep-16 1.67 1.00 16.04 95.64 headroom to support our stronger cash reserves.NAHCO Exchange (NSE) added 4.81 per cent to tions in the shares of GTthe market capitalisation 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.75 1.34 16.40 96.77 FSDH The lender, with operareturned to downward Bank and Access Bank depreciated by N11 bilclose at N5.23 per share. increasing market share 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 2.68 1.00 16.31 92.99 UBA tions in eight other countrends yesterday as the Plc enhanced activities lion or 0.11 per On16.92 the other in the SME and seg-30-NOV-2017 18.00retail C&I LEASING BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.64 30-Nov-17 1.70 cent to 1.88 102.64hand, *C & I LEASING MPR+7.00 6.30 09-Apr-18 1.70 trillion 3.48 Red Star 18.52 Nil will be selling shares *DANA ment,” Wigwe bears regained 09-Apr-11 their in the16.00 close at N9.918 Plc 96.71 led the tries, banking subsector, said.DANA 9-APR-2018 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-18 1.87 5.20 price 20.31 96.73 dropA-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER stronghold, following to existing shareholders while18.00 Custodian 2.90 Insur- from N9.929 trillion. losers’ table, He noted MPR+7.00 that despite MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 0.80 09-Sep-18 1.87 20.17 101.73 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER

by A/Agusto; way of Rights Issue When the closing bell5.06 the challenging condi- price losses suffered by ance 16.00 Plc boosted 35.00 activiping by 4.74 per cent to 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/GCR 22-Sep-11 14.00 22-Sep-18 3.66 1.35 16.64 92.93 UBA of Bbb+/Agusto; 7,627,639,636 shares major blue chip compaties on other financial rang, the stock market close at N3.62 per tions in the nation’s bank15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 15.75 2.40 18-Oct-18 1.98 2.29 17.44 97.57share, *LA CASERA recorded 22 gainers as6.11 while21.29 Dangote Flour Plc of 50 kobo each services ing sector with regulatoMPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS IInies.

17-FEB-2019 17-Feb-12 18.00 sector.

0.41 17-Feb-19 2.06 94.74 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCRat N6.90. *CHELLARAMS 16.00increased DANA II 1-APR-2019 01-Apr-19 2.93 17.46 with a 96.88 Nil *DANA ry changes and 17 others that2.16 followed Shareholders of the bank Specifically, at01-Apr-14 the On16.00 the whole, 4.50 inves- against loss of 15.25 NAHCOBank II 14-NOV-2020 14-Nov-20 5.80 2.76 4.70 per 18.02 cent to90.19 A-/GCR the Board 14-Nov-13 15.25 NAHCO competition, Access close of transactions, hadA+/Agusto; approved tors exchanged a2.05total depleted in price. close at 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 30-Sep-14 11.93 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.68 1.00 16.40 78.59 STANBIC IBTC the banking subsector of 263.8 million shares of A/GCR Directors’ proposal to Top on the gainers’ N3.04 per share.

Ashaka has continued to sharpen 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 9.68 1.00 16.40 84.90 STANBIC IBTC remained the most acchart were two leading Cement Plc fell 4.65 per raise additional equity at valued at N3.8 billion in its execution skills, thereTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 124.44 an Extra Ordinary Meet- by ensuring a solid plat- tive stock in volume 3,568 transactions. palm oil companies, Oko- cent to close at N20.29 per TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 116.37 ing (EGM) held in Lagos. terms with 127.4 million Further analysis mu Oil Plc and Presco Oil share. form to build on.

Supranational The capitalBond raising ac10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P to a statement IFC 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.04 1.00 16.30 85.79 cording 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P falls AfDB 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.27 1.00 16.27 85.23 from the lender, in VALUE 24.95 lineTOTAL withOUTSTANDING it’s five-year corTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 21.33 porate strategy plan to be one of the top three banks bark on huge public enagement was working to have a lot of understanding Chris Ugwu and Outstanding Value Description Rating/Agency and the Issuer Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) what Bid Price Offerfunds Price in the country lightenment programme about mutual is ($mm)empower SROs and trade Abdulwahab Isa “world’s most respected with other stakeholders organisations to enable all about, adding that the FGN Eurobonds Prices & Yields African bank.” This will he Securities and Ex- to educate the investing them handle some com- enlightenment would as6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 7.33 7.05 97.20 the industry.

98.55 be anchored on four critichange Commission public. plaints and deal with them sist to boost calBB-/Fitch; pillars – capital, hu(SEC) has reiterated “Fund management is with dispatch, adding that “We have 52 funds in FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 6.25 5.82 96.56 97.84 BB-/S&P man capital, governance the need for investors’ edu- close to our heart as it is di- the strategy of the man- 10 different sectors with BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JULfor 12, 2023 12-Jul-13under our 6.38 purview.500.00 92.37 being93.61 the largest the eqandBB-/S&P risk management. It cation both retail and rectly agement12-Jul-23 was not to 7.61 create 7.40 willTOTAL alsoOUTSTANDING enable the VALUE bank institutional to develop In dealing with others, we committees but to focus on uity based ones, which 1,500.00 the market and improve partner with other selfto be more competitive prescriptions and execute presently stands at 45. BeTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 1,430.66 the level of investment regulatory organisations. and meet the funding them within reasonable tween 2008 and 2009, all we Corporate needs of Eurobonds its blue chip from the domestic side of “We will collaborate time frames. had invested in funds was 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&Pthat meet AFREN 01-Feb-11 11.50 we want450.00 01-Feb-16 finished 95.20 the 95.20 52.25 customers its PLC I the country. with you anytime “We have about N19 billion, 52.25 but as at 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P 7.50 enlight-500.00rules on19-May-16 100.63 credit risk criteria. GTBANK PLC I Acting Director Gen- to19-May-11 commence the complaints6.98man- 6.98 last week, we had100.63 N152bil7.25 JUL 25, 2017Mournir B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 25-Jul-12 through 7.25 11.26 and 11.26 91.50 lion,” he91.50 said.

Group Managing Dieral of SEC, Mr. enment the use of 350.00agement25-Jul-17 framework MAY this 09, 2018in Abuja B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 6.88 02-May-18 84.27 88.01 it will 12.90 be ex- 11.35 He promised rector/Chief Executive Gwarzo,6.88 said town hall meetings, radio300.00very soon, that the 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 08-Nov-18 86.27 90.50 association would work Officer, Access Bank Plc, while receiving members jingles among 6.00 others. We400.00posed. One of the10.49 high- 9.02 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 40.61 40.61 41.00 41.00 with the85.00 SEC on 85.00 enlightHerbert Wigwe, said the of the 6.25 Fund Managers are ready to put in money500.00lights is to allow10.75 com- 10.75 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 6.25 22-Apr-19 Association of Nigeria proceeds from the offer for market development plaints to be managed at enment of the investing 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 14.80 13.54 81.17 84.68 would beB/S&P used to upgrade (FMAN)8.25 yesterday. and that is one of the lower level,” he 9.99 said. public, which he 92.00 believes AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 8.25the cardi-300.00 07-Aug-20 9.99 92.00 of FMAN, theB-/Fitch; bank’s He disclosed that one of nal objectives of6.63this man-360.00 President will translate into 41.00 a bigger 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B/S&P information AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 09-Dec-20 27.38 Mr. 27.38 41.00 USD LIBOR+7.677 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P platformsACCESS 24-Jun-14 9.25 said.

400.00 84.88 86.00counGwarzo technology to BANK PLC II the9.25/6M strategies ofJUNthe new agement,” Michael24-Jun-21 Adebola, 12.76 noted 12.47 fund market in the 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14 8.00 23-Jul-21 11.38 84.00 84.00 needed to 11.38 enable it provide better management was to emHe noted that the man-450.00that Nigerians try. ‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

T

#{r}

#

#

#

#{r}

Investor education key for market devt –SEC

T

B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14-Aug-21

10.72

10.26

90.03

4,760.00

92.05

26-Jan-15

3,732.91

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills FIXINGS Money Market Foreign & Forwards) professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or upExchange to date. (Spot We do not guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBORfor the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability 10 5-Feb-15 10.97 10.72 11.00 17 24 FGN Bonds 31 38 45 Rating/Agency 52 59 66 73 80 87 94 101 108 115 NA 129 136 150 157 171 178 192 220 311 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 325

VALUE

346 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 Issuer 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 NA 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15

11.15 11.75 11.70 11.20 11.25 Description 10.31 12.10 4.00 23-APR-2015 12.90 12.80 13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.90 15.10 27-APR-2017 12.95 9.85 27-JUL-2017 12.80 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.30 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.20 16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.30 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.70 16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.90 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 14.40 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.32 14.10 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.55 10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.55 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.90 13.80

7-Jan-16

10.90 11.50 11.45 10.95 11.00 Issue Date 10.06 11.85 23-Apr-10 12.65 12.55 16-Aug-13 12.65 27-Apr-12 12.70 27-Jul-07 12.55 31-Aug-07 12.05 30-May-08 12.95 29-Jun-12 13.05 23-Oct-09 13.45 27-Jan-12 13.65 14-Mar-14 14.15 28-Nov-08 14.15 22-May-09 13.07 13.85 20-Nov-09 13.30 23-Jul-10 13.30 18-Jul-14 13.65 13.55

Bonds

11.21 11.84 11.82 11.33 11.41 Coupon 10.46 (%) 12.34 4.00 13.21 13.14 13.05 13.28 15.10 13.36 9.85 13.24 9.35 12.73 10.70 13.74 16.00 13.88 7.00 14.40 16.39 14.66 14.20 15.31 15.00 15.35 12.49 14.21 15.14 8.50 14.59 10.00 14.76 12.1493 15.77 15.73

13.95

13.70

16.08

360 21-Jan-16 14.10 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

13.85

16.38

#

Risk Rating/Agency Premium is a combination of credit riskIssuer and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Description

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

(N'bn)

Value

Rate (%) 13.7917 13.9336 14.9632 16.1277

OBB

14.58

O/N

14.83

REPO

Tenor TTM Call (Yrs) 1M 3M0.24 6M1.55

Maturity Date

535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 581.39 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 476.80 27-Apr-17 1M 11.5933 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 12.5807 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 13.2475 300.00 30-May-18 6M 14.1994 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 15.0561 233.90 23-Oct-19 12M 16.1055 600.00 27-Jan-22 434.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 NIFEX 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N)20-Nov-29 200.00 BID($/N) 591.57 191.0125 23-Jul-30 OFFER ($/N) 191.1125 206.00 18-Jul-34

4,855.63

Rate (%) Bid Yield 14.17 15.50 13.30 15.99 17.09 14.93

Tenor

(%)

Bid ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M Yield Offer 2M (%) 3M 6M12.65 1Y14.81

2.25 15.31 15.22 2.50 15.31 15.23 2.59 15.31 15.23 :Benchmarks 3.34 15.29 15.17 * :Amortising Bond 4.42 15.27 15.18 µ :Convertible Bond 4.74Management Corporation 15.27 15.16 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 7.00 15.26 15.19 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 9.13Mortgage Bank of 15.35 15.29 FMBN: Federal Nigeria 13.84 Finance Corporation 15.26 15.21 IFC: International 14.32 15.24 Management 15.18 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables NAHCO: Nigerian 14.82 Aviation Handling 15.22Company 15.15 O/N: Overnight 15.49 15.27 15.21 UPDC: UAC19.47 Property Development Company 15.33 15.27 NOTE:

WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Offer ($/N)

191.20 191.30 191.55 191.65 Price 191.84 191.99 192.55 193.02 Bid Price Offer Price 193.85 194.87 195.14 196.67 97.81 97.96 199.59 202.62 209.08 214.76 97.45 97.60

99.55 99.70 88.98 89.13 87.60 87.75 NA :Not Applicable 88.27 88.57 # :Floating Rate Bond 102.25 102.55 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 72.78 73.08 104.75under review105.05 ‡ : Bond rating 94.40expired 94.70 †: Bond rating 98.45 98.75 N/A :Not Available {r} :Issuer 84.09 in receivership 84.39 60.82 61.12 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 69.00 69.30 UBA: United Bank for Africa 80.70 80.40

4,410.44

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

‡ /Agusto

EDO

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Volume(Bn)

24-May-12 0.00 03-Apr-12 17.25 FMDQ FGN BOND 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 Weighting by Weighting

by Mkt

Outstanding Vol

Value

<3

1,017.32

1,034.18

32.63

34.51

1,379.16

1,365.98

43.09

46.79

769.57

24.28 31-Aug-10 100.00 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11

18.70 12.50 100.00 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50

Market

551.29 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 2,947.78 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

3,169.73

24.56 2.70 INDEX 112.22 116.70 66.49

Bucket Weighting

322.67

3<5 >5

A/Agusto

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017Total Outstanding

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 % Exposure_

Mod_Duration

0.32 1.19 1.87 2.23 2.44

Implied Yield

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00 Implied

Portfolio Price

16.56 17.73 17.11 16.23 16.30

INDEX

94.88 99.61 98.35 96.89 93.58 YTD Return (%)

311.660.33

13.30

15.13

118.0086

1,120.84

1.1728

0.43

45.24

15.29

120.6238

1,021.40

0.8716

0.24

41.46 31-Aug-15 100.00 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18

15.29 0.59 15.27 0.43 0.95 0.95 2.23 1.49 2.93 2.10 3.69 2.30

85.2367 4.44 111.1790 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00

996.57 19.72 1,061.66 17.92 20.15 19.18 16.23 15.98 17.09 16.99 16.29 16.25

1.0375 96.10 0.6140 98.61 95.16 97.23 88.68 97.33 93.06 95.04 93.78 96.98

8.50 1.00 4.18 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 34.14 9.00 13.73

Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015

Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Bonds)

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

44No Debt Trading Business | Capital Market Activity Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

TUESDAY, 2015Traded NEW TELEGRAPH No. of DealsJANUARY Current Price27,Quantity Value Traded 6 10 1 3 1 21

3.30 40.00 1.58 0.72 6.32

107,000 944,491 100 21,000 1,000 1,073,591

353,100.60 37,760,740.55 151.00 15,737.04 6,010.00 38,135,739.19

1,073,591

38,135,739.19

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at January 26, 2014

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

HEALTHCARE Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 31 25.68 265,212 37 31.11 888,322 68 1,153,534

Value Traded 6,727,291.65 26,677,359.27 33,404,650.92

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 5 2.25 227,100 5 227,100

Value Traded 496,575.00 496,575.00

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES

Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 Diversified Industries Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

73

1,380,634

33,901,225.92

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded AGLEVENT 4 1.20 5,719 TRANSCORP 125 2.98 7,303,896 UACN 41 36.59 370,817 Daily Summary (Equities) 170 7,680,432

Value Traded 6,865.86 21,680,136.24 13,540,427.89 35,227,429.99

170

7,680,432

35,227,429.99

No. of Deals Current Price 7 0.65 7

Quantity Traded 292,286 292,286

Value Traded 189,925.90 189,925.90

CONGLOMERATES Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

1

of

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals Current Price 16 44.89 1 6.29 17

Quantity Traded 60,005 500 60,505

Value Traded 2,697,137.25 3,300.00 2,700,437.25

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals Current Price 28 8.70 28

Quantity Traded 182,738 182,738

Value Traded 1,583,493.40 1,583,493.40

535,529

4,473,856.55

Quantity Traded 41,700 65,868 534,868 446,718 1,089,154

Value Traded 253,584.00 8,472,969.86 11,131,090.52 64,122,362.91 83,980,007.29

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 82,373,202.25 82,373,202.25

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 GUINNESS NIG PLC Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

52 Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

7UP

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Activity Summary onREINSURANCE Board EQTY PLC CONTINENTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 FCMB GROUP PLC. Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals Current Price 12 39.90 69 830.15 81

Quantity Traded 40,820 75,733 116,553

Value Traded 1,548,741.70 61,568,074.28 63,116,815.98

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals Current Price 23 3.75 23

Quantity Traded 359,420 359,420

Value Traded 1,309,839.26 1,309,839.26

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price PZ 26 25.00 Daily Summary (Equities) UNILEVER 30 34.00 56

Quantity Traded 87,916 116,244 204,160

Value Traded 2,197,568.33 3,953,036.89 6,150,605.22

34,171,294

1,014,906,556.83

694

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

GOODS PublishedINDUSTRIAL

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

11

2

of 11 Value Traded 15,400,599.46 55,137,723.62 702,299,435.16 550,166.00 4,583,062.59 5,100.00 777,976,086.83

Quantity Traded Value Traded 26,083,942 135,951,055.22 Page 3 of 11 5,920,165 23,688,109.50 1,746,472 26,710,453.69 878,291 1,171,476.78 69,705,154 1,468,207,170.08 1,131,294 2,412,239.52 468,703 1,146,367.04 7,501,606 26,556,032.86 122,341 1,107,372.17 35,000 17,500.00 1,666,375 1,589,832.23 12,158,191 207,370,154.25 127,417,534 1,895,927,763.34 Value Traded 3,237,344.32 519,595.00

No. of Deals 1 1 6 1 12 1 38 95

Current Price 0.50 0.50 3.10 0.50 0.57 0.50 0.54

Quantity Traded 11,111 1,000 104,000 100 143,626 1,000 3,083,745 8,047,116 Page

Value Traded 5,555.50 500.00 322,275.00 50.00 79,755.02 500.00 1,626,306.12 5,791,880.96 4 of 11

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.83

Quantity Traded 105,100 105,100

Value Traded 86,754.00 86,754.00

No. of Deals 26 21 426 91 7 15 43 Daily Summary (Equities) 629

Current Price 2.80 3.91 7.50 2.10 0.50 26.00 1.49

Quantity Traded 500,042 20,622,779 13,540,816 9,010,381 537,738 163,782 2,598,805 46,974,343

Value Traded 1,398,800.44 80,649,526.19 101,518,607.67 18,687,207.05 268,869.00 4,283,889.19 3,936,132.58 210,743,032.12

182,544,093

2,112,549,430.42

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

1,896

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

No. of Deals 6 10 1 3 1 21

Current Price 3.30 40.00 1.58 0.72 6.32

21

Quantity Traded Page 107,000 944,491 100 21,000 1,000 1,073,591

5Value Traded of 11 353,100.60 37,760,740.55 151.00 15,737.04 6,010.00 38,135,739.19

1,073,591

38,135,739.19

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 30,555 30,555

Value Traded 15,277.50 15,277.50

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,200 1,200

Value Traded 600.00 600.00

31,755

15,877.50

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

3 Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

21 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.50 2

Quantity Traded 30,555 30,555

Value Traded 15,277.50 15,277.50

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded 1,200 1,200

Value Traded 600.00 600.00

31,755

15,877.50

Quantity Traded 296,881 8,000 99,601

Value Traded 6,151,665.67 68,400.00 3,579,991.00

ICT Totalsas of 26/01/2015 Daily Summary Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

Symbol CORNERST GNI MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM UNITYKAP WAPIC

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials

No. of Deals Current Price 160 5.23 63 4.01 48 15.30 39 1.33 265 21.00 55 2.15 15 2.47 201 3.54 29 9.05 2 0.50 21 0.96 268 17.10 1,166

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded AIICO 30 0.79 4,152,434 CONTINSURE 5 0.94 550,100

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

508,661 508,661

Page Quantity Traded 5,001,750 9,315,356 16,665,635 184,330 716,075 10,200 31,893,346

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

162.00

No. of Deals Current Price 58 3.04 92 5.61 131 38.72 11 3.00 26 6.35 3 0.50 321

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

21 21

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 WEMA BANK PLC. Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009 ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 8 6.08 43 129.99 27 20.80 114 143.99 192

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

3 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ASHAKACEM 12 20.29 Daily Summary (Equities) BERGER 2 9.00 CAP 12 36.00

Page

6

of

11

Building Materials CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Symbol CCNN DANGCEM WAPCO

No. of Deals 6 116 35 183

Current Price 9.07 155.00 81.69

Quantity Traded 9,612 1,483,938 149,025 2,047,057

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.47

Quantity Traded 133,800 133,800

Value Traded 195,720.00 195,720.00

2,180,857

250,673,674.60

Quantity Traded 400 400

Value Traded 2,084.00 2,084.00

400

2,084.00

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Totals Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 OIL AND GAS Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009 Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY OIL AND GAS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Integrated Oil and Gas Services

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 Exploration and Production Totals

189 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1 1

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 26,100 26,100

Value Traded 13,050.00 13,050.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 234

Current Price 16.50

Quantity Traded 14,828,118

Value Traded 241,616,991.31

Symbol

No. of Deals 234

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 14,828,118

7 of 11 Value Traded 241,616,991.31

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 17 31 59 19 1 10 137

Current Price 38.11 2.82 227.00 150.00 53.20 144.00

Quantity Traded 73,528 748,170 251,717 26,323 100 10,761 1,110,599

Value Traded 2,532,983.20 1,950,063.40 56,526,959.58 3,942,125.66 5,054.00 1,555,127.10 66,512,312.94

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 300.90

Quantity Traded 95,585 95,585

Value Traded 28,788,121.90 28,788,121.90

16,060,402

336,930,476.15

Daily Summary (Equities)

Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009 OIL AND GAS Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Current Price 5.48

Value Traded 88,834.84 228,412,034.97 12,177,028.12 250,477,954.60

394 Symbol

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.67

Quantity Traded 70,000 70,000

Value Traded 46,900.00 46,900.00

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals Current Price 9 3.62 2 1.02 11

Quantity Traded Page 229,835 1,624 231,459

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals Current Price 3 0.50 3

Quantity Traded 23,500 23,500

Value Traded 11,750.00 11,750.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals Current Price 16 2.60 16

Quantity Traded 17,338,000 17,338,000

Value Traded 44,997,429.00 44,997,429.00

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals Current Price 4 0.50 4

Quantity Traded 80,000 80,000

Value Traded 40,000.00 40,000.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals Current Price 4 1.18 1 1.27 2 4.10 7

Quantity Traded 26,249 10,000 26,680 62,929

Value Traded 29,661.37 13,300.00 106,518.40 149,479.77

Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.53 5

Quantity Traded 34,695 34,695

Value Traded 18,640.20 18,640.20

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 10 15 25

Current Price 1.67 5.00

Quantity Traded 163,744 183,832 347,576

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.00

Quantity Traded 11,000 11,000

Value Traded 33,000.00 33,000.00

75

18,199,159

47,319,340.87

EQTY Board Totals

3,568

263,858,146

3,874,135,692.02

Equity Activity Totals

3,568

263,858,146

3,874,135,692.02

Courier/Freight/Delivery Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Published by The Stock Exchange REDNigerian STAR EXPRESS PLC © TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009Totals Printing/Publishing Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

RTBRISCOE Daily Summary (Equities)

ABCTRANS Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

SERVICES Totals

Page

Value Traded of 11 832,854.90 1,737.68 834,592.58

8

9

of

Value Traded 277,014.68 910,534.64 1,187,549.32

11

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Daily Summary as of 26/01/2015 Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Printed 26/01/2015 14:55:09.009

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No. of Deals 1 5 1 7

Current Price 9.16 2,340.00 13.47

Quantity Traded 5 310 10 325

Page

Daily Summary (ETP)

Value Traded 45.80 725,400.00 134.70 725,580.50

10

of

ETF Board Totals

7

325

725,580.50

ETP Activity Totals

7

325

725,580.50

11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

45

Features

Stealthy death from behind the wheel

H

e had everything going for him. He had age on his side.

At 30 he was full of hopes.

But within 30 very critical minutes everything was gone.

The young man was on the ground for 30 minutes, clinging to life, hoping, probably, help would come. It never did.

Although, he was a few metres away to the comfort of his parents’ home; his mother, who had earlier received a phone call about his arrival in Lagos, was anxiously waiting at home, maybe preparing his favourite meal. He never arrived home, at least, not alive.

He was killed by a hit-and-run driver on November 17, 2014.

That was the fate of Mr Emokiniovo

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Many Nigerians, with promising future are, almost on a daily basis, being sent to their early graves. But their loved ones are left to grief, alone, write ABIODUN BELLO and JULIANA FRANCIS Anthony Ogbodo, the first son of the Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, Mr Abraham Ogbodo.

Emokiniovo’s case was not the first, about two months earlier, precisely on September 6, 2014, the Vice-Chairman of The Sun Publishing Limited, Dimgba Igwe, was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Igwe, Nigeria’s media icon, was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver while jogging in his Okota, Lagos neighbourhood.

He died a few hours later at the emergency surgery ward of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

About 1pm on October 2 last year, a man, about 50 years old, was killed by a vehicle under the Apo Bridge in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to the police, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene.

Also on December 29, 2014, a young lady, Miss Osayi Omogui, was sent to her early grave by yet another hit-andrun driver.

Sadly, Omogui’s wedding was billed for January 10, 2015.

The graduate of the University of Port Harcourt was said to have died instantly at the scene of the accident.

The late Omogui had earlier had her engagement ceremony on August 19, 2014.

Her friends had already bought the uniform, popularly called Aso-Ebi, for her wedding and were anxiously waiting for the D-Day. But the devil at the wheel did not allow that to happen. Those she left would eternally remember the supposed wedding day with sadness.

On the New Year’s Day, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Frank Eyong, was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

The deceased had attended the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church at Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State for the crossover night.

After the shout of Happy New Year, Frank left the church in company with his friend, Ena Nsad, and headed for his residence at Customs Barracks at

Ijokodo area of the ancient city.

But a few minutes later, a Nissan Micra, reportedly driven by one Ademola Abdulateef, rammed into him and his friend as they stood on the road median.

While Eyong died on the spot, Nsad sustained serious injuries.

But Abdulateef later showed up at Sango Police Division.

The list of the victims of hit-andrun accidents is endless.

The severity of Igwe’s accident probably caused his death as his fellow joggers rushed him to St. Raphael Hospital, Ago Palace Way where first aid was administered to him before he was moved to LASUTH for surgical emergency.

But others like Emokiniovo, Omogui and others were not that lucky. Apart from the drivers who abandoned the victims, passers-by and witnesses were also afraid to help. Probably if help had come early, some of them might still be alive.

On why people, including the culprits, abandon victims, Editor, The Guardian on Sunday, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, humanity was the same across board.

He said: “You know the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man, who was attacked by robbers, was by the C O N T I N U E D on PA G E 4 6

46

FEATURES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Like Dimgba Igwe, like Omokiniovo Ogbodo

The late Igwe

road, waiting to die. The first two persons, including a priest, came and left. They could not help. But someone later came and helped.

“Martin Luther King Jr., when he was making some of his speeches, used to refer to that parable. He put it in a perspective that underscores the humanity in that parable. King said that others got there and asked: ‘If I help this man, what would happen to me?’ The man that helped reversed the question. He said: ‘If I do not stop to help this injured person, what will happen to him?’ That is what brings out the humanity in us.”

According to him, when someone is knocked down, people should not think of what would happen to them if they help the person.

“The question should be what will happen to the person if we do not stop to help the person? When people are more concerned with what will happen to them than the injured person, it reduces our humanity,” he added.

Ogbodo said instead of citing social laws as barriers not to help, the urge to save lives should be overriding.

He said: “People should realise that the universal law is on the part of justice.

“If the issue turns against you because you stopped to help and nobody is there to exonerate you, know very well that there’s no way you would be punished because you are on the part of justice. Somehow, somewhere, somebody would be able to say you did well and you will be set free.

“I have had occasions where I stopped with my car and rendered help. Whether there is a police law or an existing law that mandates people to state if they injured the victim or their involvement; that should not be a consideration, especially when people are in a very difficult situation.”

Asked whether he actually stopped to help accident victims, he responded in the affirmative.

“Yes, it happened in Delta State.

My car tyres were stained with blood. I did stop and help and it was not a big deal. It was, however, a different situation because people followed us to the hospital. It did not

The late Emokiniovo

The late Omogui

look like I was alone, trying to explain what happened.”

According to Ogbodo, despite the fear, there are still good people in the country.

He said: “Even in the case of my son, the reaction time was the point.

It was not as if he was left to die.

Some people came around and took him to a private hospital, which could not handle the case and he was referred to a general hospital.

He died on the way.

“I was not there, but the account given to me was that, if people had not hesitated, even if the person that knocked him down had stopped, perhaps he would have been saved.

Igando General Hospital was just a stone’s throw to the scene of the accident.”

When one expects Ogbodo to be mad at the killer of his son, he seemed to be sympathetic to the driver. According to him, the driver might have fled because of the fear he might be lynched by a mob.

However, he said that, in itself, was selfish.

“The idea that I may be mobbed is what drives people into greater crime. For you to abandon the person to die is a crime. You can never wash yourself clean of it. You are going to live with the weight of that burden,” he added.

Ogbodo also spoke on why hitand-run cases are becoming prevalent and the culprits are mostly undetected in the country.

According to him, in every society, the tendency is like the human nature. It is because there are rules and laws that people’s tendencies are curbed.

“The instinct to be wicked is curbed by the institution and society. These other climes are more monitored. A motorist can hardly hit someone and run and nothing will happen.

“One, CCTV will capture it. Two, some people around will take the snapshot of the driver. So many things will happen about the same time. The possibility of the person being discovered is higher than not being discovered.

“That alone will place a responsibility on individual drivers. The driver knows that if he runs away, it would be a greater crime. He would

Ogbodo

have to stop and give help,” he said.

But Ogbodo also condemned the mob psychology of Nigerians.

He said: “An accident is an accident. It is not as if there is a human being that will set out to go and kill somebody using his vehicle. Even if there is a case of recklessness on the part of the motorist, it still remains an accident. It is not as if the person is a murderer.

“But in this part of the globe, we do not even look at it like that. If people kill a driver for recklessness and killing, will the driver’s death bring back the person that had been killed? Let the law takes it course.

“Once there is an accident, instead of murder, it can be manslaughter. If the driver who kills, however, is not licensed to drive, it becomes a complicated issue. This is the reason why someone has to be licensed to drive. If you are not licensed to drive and you kill someone, it becomes a murder instead of an accident.

On the part of the society, we should stop mob action - killing on the spot the driver that kills someone in an accident. This is what drives fear into the heart of motorists.”

According to him, most times, people who have the final say in telling the driver to go will not be at the scene of the accident. It is usually people at

the scene of accident that take the first action.

“Once an accident occurs, I do not know the sort of spirit that used to enter into Nigerians. Many of them do not have anything to do with the person that is knocked down, but they would take action immediately.

“That is what the motorist tries to avoid. Sometimes the motorist might run away to go to the police to report himself. But those at the scene are the ones that think of police after an accident, not the motorist. Will he even survive the beating before being able to get to police to report the incident?” he asked.

This probably explains why Abdulateef did not wait to help Eyong and Nsad but reported at the police station later.

However, Ogbodo urged drivers, in case of an accident, not to flee but wait to save the life of the victim.

He said: “If you have a human heart, depending on how you react to the accident, people at the scene will know that you are a good man.

“That is the observation I raised earlier. We are gradually losing our humanity. It is selfishness. You want your life, but you do not care about the life of another person. It is that selfishness that will make you to hit someone but you won’t wait to help or save the person.”

Despite the pains of losing his first son, Ogbodo said the family was taking it in its stride.

“It is a difficult time for us all.

Death is final. It is not something you repair. It has happened, it has happened; it is so final,” he said philosophically.

His desire, according to him, is to see a safer Nigeria where the citizens behave more responsibly.

He said: “My son has died. So that another person is not killed, let people be more responsive in similar situations. People, who are at accident scenes or bystanders, should be more responsive to situations like that.

“Definitely, in life, there must be accidents. It could be due to human or mechanical factors.

“As for us as parents, we have accepted and moved on, that is the only way we can be useful to ourselves and the living. If you begin to lament over something that cannot be repaired, that is not the way to go.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

TOUGH

Gov. Martin Elechi's last months may be rougher than his past eight years

T

he crisis between the executive and the legislature in Ebonyi State, took another dimension as the State House of Assembly instructed banks operating in the state to halt all transactions regarding loans and overdrafts, to the 13 local government and development areas, except transactions relat-

$158m

Ebonyi Assembly halts bank loans to LGAs ing to workers salaries.

The development followed the resolution by the House, to halt all banking transactions with the third tier body of government in the state, along others including boards and commissions, until it decides to lift the directive. The directive was issued to banks with which the LGAs, Boards, commissions and Development centres accounts

The estimated transfer cost of Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid in 2015.

Source: Finance.yahoo.com

News 47

SOUTH - EAST

are domiciled to stop all transactions in such accounts till further notice.

The copies of the letters, dated 6th January, 2OI5 and signed by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, directing the discontinuation of all bank transactions with the affected entities was obtained by New Telegraph in Abakaliki.

All the 13 local govern-

1.86m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Singapore in 2007.

Source: Itu.int

ment areas, including the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission and Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission are affected by the directive.

The letter further advised that the bank managers treat with utmost urgency while the House communicate back to them in writing as soon as the legislature deems it fit to review its decision.

1.9%

The annual population growth rate of Western Asia in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org.org

Swiss group decries poverty level in Nigeria Tony Okafor AWKA

A

nambra indigenes in Switzerland under the umbrella, Anambra Peoples Association (APA), has decried the level of poverty in Nigeria, calling for greater effort by government to ease the effect of poverty on people in the country.

The body stressed that authorities in the country, must find ways to ensure the reduction of the level of poverty.

It stated this yesterday when it visited the Model community motherless babies home in Awka,

FG restates commitment to malaria eradication in Abia Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

T

L-R: Chairman, Networks Limited, Mr. Ernest Ebi; Idowu Iluyomade and Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, at the Nigerian Business Outlook in Lagos.

Obiano wants IGP to arrest 'lawless' politicians Tony Okafor AWKA

A

head of next month's polls, Anambra State Governor ,Willie Obiano, yesterday called on the Inspector General of Police, Suileman Aba, to enforce the state's new law prohibiting persons not acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) as eligible candidates for election from arrogating such right to themselves in the state.

The State House of Assembly had last week passed a law prohibiting any politician to parade as a candidate when INEC does not recognize such person as a party’s candidate, as the state threatened to prosecute anyone found breaching the law, saying it would longer allow political

parties to field multiple candidates.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the Director General of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Senator Alphonsus Igbeke, said the era of political parties fielding multiple candidates in the state was over.

He said the state government and APGA were saddened by what he described as flagrant abuse of electioneering campaigns procedures in the state as being exhibited by some unauthorised persons within the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

He said, “we also frown at the comments credited to the PDP National Secretary, Prof. Olawale Oladipo, directing all its "illegal"candidates to go on with their campaigns in Anambra State, describing such directive to be in conflict with the

law recently enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly which prohibits such act and other extant laws.

Igbeke, stated that INEC is being guided by a subsisting court order which as of today, has neither been set aside nor vacated in the publication of the list of PDP candidates submitted by the party.

“Available list of candidates of political parties submitted to INEC indicates that presently even after the conclusion of the primary election, PDP is still presenting three candidates each for the senatorial and House of Representatives elections whereas, other law abiding political parties are complying with the stipulated electoral laws regarding the fielding of only one candidate each for the legislative positions,” he said.

where it donated various items to the children of the orphanage.

Speaking on the deplorable situation of people in the country, the Chairman of the association, Martin Anikpeh, called on the tiers of government and philanthropists in the country to assist in raising the living standard of people of the community and the children's home.

He also called on Nigerians to complement the efforts of the various tiers of government by doing the what they could to uplift the wellbeing of the less privileged through donations.

he Federal Government has said that it is committed to the eradication of malaria scourge in the country, with the commencement of the distribution of 1.9million long lasting insecticidal nets in Abia, stating that that exercise would be completed in five days and would ensure that each household in the 17 local government areas gets at least four nets.

Leader of the team and desk officer of the National Malaria Elimination programme in charge of the exercise, Mr. Ogbonna Nwokocha revealed this at a press briefing in

Umuahia, yesterday. He said adequate mechanism had been put in place to ensure every household was covered.

Nwokocha, also said that each political ward in the state would have a minimum of three and a maximum of four distribution points for effective coverage. He added that only women and boys below 10 years are permitted to collect the nets at the distribution points.

The team leader further advised beneficiaries to make sure they spread the nets under shade for at least 24 hours before they start using them even as he disclosed that the efficacy of each treated net could last for at last three years.

‘Defend your votes’, Otti tells electorate Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

T

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has urged the party supporters to ensure that they cast votes on election day, calling on them to be prepared to also defend the votes as part of their civic right towards securing victory for the party and its can-

didates in the state.

While expressing confidence that he would emerge as the next governor of the state, the APGA candidate said that against the backdrop of the generally held notion that election in the state was associated with manipulations and rigging, it would not happen this time. He enjoined the youths to ensure that their votes are well protected.

Otti, who gave the as-

surance at his country home Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South local government area during the one million man march in his support, said APGA would do all that was necessary to clinch the governorship of the state and urged the people not to worry or be intimidated by the antics of the ruling PDP and the state government.

He said the people have had enough of the deception of the state government.

Ebonyi varsity grants extension on tuition fee payment Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State Government has granted extension of the 31st January deadline for students of the state University, to pay their tuition fees to a new date. There has been anxiety among the students on the deadline for the payment of the school

fees leading to tension in the University.

The students, it was gathered were mobilizing for action against the January 31st ultimatum, given by the management of the school for them to pay the fee.

The extension of deadline was announced by the State Commissioner for Education, Prince Chibueze Agbo,

yesterday in Abakaliki, who said that the government has decided to extend the deadline in the interest of the students.

Agbo, revealed that politicians in their campaigns have been using the deadline for the payment of school fees to incite the students against the government describing it as unfortunate.

48

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

Wike vows to recover illegally-sold assets

T

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, yesterday vowed to recover any asset of the state that may have been sold unlawfully by the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration, if elected in next month’s governorship election.

Wike, who stated this while unfolding his blueprint in Port Harcourt

2.04m

with his running mate, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said there have been reports over the unlawful sale of assets of the state, including the sale of a gas turbine, saying if indeed such assets had been sold and if the process that led to their sale was not transparent, that they will be recovered.

According to the PDP governorship candidate, his 19-point agenda, which include security

of lives and property, education, agricultural; development, healthcare delivery, housing development, energy, environmental protection, among others, can only be actualised if the people use their votes wisely during the polls.

He also said that the mono-rail by the current administration was a failed project, which funds should have been used to construct quality roads that will connect

$22.6m

towns and communities.

“We heard that some state’s assets have been sold. When elected, we would like to find out where they advertised the sold assets; who bought them and find out whether the process was transparent. If there was no due process, we will do everything legally possible to retrieve our assets,” Wike said.

He said never in the history of the state has it been dysfunctional

2.01

due to bad governance by the Amaechi administration, which he blamed for fighting the government at the centre to the detriment of the state.

“Governance in Rivers has been reduced to one-man dictatorship…

The APC government has been disconnected from the people… and that is why we seek your mandate to drive growth through good governance,” he said.

12.7m

The total number of active mobile The total salary and extra winnings made by Mark The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions The total population of Aus(CDMA) lines of Nigeria in March 2014. Teixeira of New York Yankees (Baseball) in 2013-2014. per 100 inhabitants of Lesotho in 2009. tralia and New Zealand in 1960.

Source: Ncc.gov.ng Source: Financenews24.com Source: Itu.int Source: Un.org

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (fourth right) and others, at the Corporate Interactive Forum with President Goodluck Jonathan in Lagos…on Sunday

Akpabio rallies support for Jonathan

A

kwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians, particular actors in the corporate sector of the country, to massively support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in the February polls.

He said the Jonathan administration’s achievements in the electricity, transport and agricultural sectors were massive and should convince Nigerians that he meant well for the country.

Akpabio, who stated these while speaking at the fund-raising dinner organised by Corporate Forum in Lagos said: “Though the opposition has been making frantic efforts to discredit the Federal Government under Jonathan for self-serving purposes, it is time for Nigerians to rise and speak up on the transformation programmes of the administration, which have positively impacted their lives.”

According to Akpabio, the newly-constructed and rehabilitated roads across the country; the resuscitated railway and agricultural sectors and the improvement in the power sector, among others, were achievements that remained visible to Nigerians despite the opposition’s attempts to demonise the president.

Postponing elections’ll create vacuum, says security expert

UBTH workers slam Federal Government

security expert, Jackson Ojo, has stressed the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the forthcoming general election as scheduled, noting that any postponement would create a vacuum and inspire lack of confidence by Nigerians in INEC. Ojo, who stated this at a forum in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the constitution does not make provision for any vacuum such postponement would create, adding that the recent comments credited to the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki that the 2015 general election should be postponed for three months, was unnecessary.

While stressing the need for a peaceful, free and fair election, he noted that Dasuki’s comments contradicted INEC, which had announced the

BENIN

A

timetable for the election.

He said: “The 2015 elections cannot be postponed or shifted for that matter.

If we go along with the statement credited to the national security adviser that the forthcoming general election be postponed by three months, then, the election would be conducted in May, or most likely, in June. But there is no law that allows a sitting president to be in government after 12.00 noon on May 29. So, there will be a vacuum.

“The security implications of that unfortunate statement is that it will create some elements of doubt in the minds of Nigerians on the preparedness if INEC to effectively conduct a credible election. The statement has discredited INEC, which is the umpire of the electoral process. Preparation for election is essentially the duty and responsibility of INEC,” Ojo said.

Cajetan Mmuta

A

ggrieved health workers under the auspices of Edo State chapter of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) yesterday took to the streets, protesting what they called Federal Government’s insensitivity to their plight.

The protesters flayed the Federal Government for not implementing a

Gabriel Choba Ughelli

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday said his administration, if elected, would partner credible youth organisations to advance the cause of Delta youths.

Okowa spoke at the pre-Conference Prayer Day programme organ-

memorandum of understanding it reached with members of the union in the past.

The workers, all dressed in black and drawn from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, all in Benin, decried the deplorable state of the health sector in the country.

Chairman of the Senior Staff Association

of University Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Mr. Frank Igbinovia, said the Federal Government had entered into an agreement with the union on August 26 and 27, 2014 to implement the ruling of the National Industrial Court in favour of JOHESU. He said the agreement hinged on the nonskipping of salary CONHESS 10, call/shift duty

and other professional allowances.

“But we, who are in the system, want to say that as far as health issues are concerned, the Federal Government has scored zero per cent.”

According to him, “If you have scored zero per cent in health, what it means in all is (that) you have scored zero per cent. That is why we have come out to tell you to answer us. We are not asking for too much.”

Okowa: We’ll partner organisations for wealth, employment creation ised by Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) with the theme; “Turn to God,” held at Oleh Township Stadium.

Addressing the audience, Okowa expressed delight that the youths’ leadership was charting a new course.

He, however, pleaded with the leadership of

the youth organisation to export the programme to other parts of the state and ensure that it is sustained, adding that they all needed to be in close relationship with God. While lamenting the scourge of youth unemployment that is ravaging the country, Okowa said his administration,

if elected, would focus on programmes that would create wealth and generate employment for the teeming youths.

Specifically, he said to empower them, there must be attitudinal change on their part, adding that his government, if elected, would partner youth associations.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY JANUARY 27, 2015

News 49

NORTH

Ethnic nationalities reject Buhari’s endorsement Musa Pam JOS

T

he conference of Ethnic Nationalities Development Associations across the 19 northern states in Nigeria, have kick against the endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhamadu Buhari, for presidency by the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Council.

The group made known its position in press statement signed by the Coordinator, Mr. Zuwaqu Bonat and the Secretary General, Suleiman Sukukum, made available to New Telegraph yesterday in Jos According the statement, the association said it viewed the endorsement of the APC candidate as a joke that was designed to make mockery of all the ethnic nationalities of the north both majority and the minority.

“We learned of the open endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress General Muhammadu Buhari, by the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Council on the pages of newspapers and we view their endorsement as a joke that is designed to make mockery of our people, the minority ethnic nationalities of the north as well as and the majority population”.

The statement further stressed that Buhari, does

not in any way represent the collective aspirations of their people.

“We believe our people will vote according to their individual convictions. We know that his opponent has indicated his intention to implement the policies that are in line with our aspirations, but we give him (GMB) the opportunity to state his position so as to enable our people to make informed decision.”

The conference, which has majority population in 14 states and Abuja

out of the 19 states of the north, said the ACF and the NEC, were respectable institutions but their stand on issues affecting the northern minorities, which by their endorsement of Buhari, means a proclamation that they are in league does not and will not help his cause.

“It is obvious that ACF and NEC are speaking for themselves, their adoption of GMB is an adoption of a candidate who is against the minorities; if he is not, we call on

him to clearly state his position on the outcome of the national conference, our people will not give up the gains of the national conference because of cheap political propaganda. We are yet to decide on any candidate but we have our terms of engagement. We are still listening and believe all Nigerians will work together to elect a Nigerian President and not a Northern President, Let our people decide and not, “We in the North have resolved thus.”

APC an empty barrel –PDP Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

T

L-R: House of Assembly candidate, Mallam Shuibu Liman Iya; Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and National Assembly member, Hon. Muktar Ahmed, during a campaign rally in Suleja…yesterday

Adamawa police commissioner warns against violence Ibrahim Abdul Yola

A

head of next month’s general election in the country, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Adaji, yesterday threatened to unleash the full weight of the law on any politician that foments trouble before, during and after the election, saying that government would be ready to deal with anyone who

causes trouble regardless of their status.

There has been uncertainty on whether elections could be held in the northern parts of the state, following attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, with the state Governor Bala James Ngillari calling for the suspension of elections in the state.

The Commissioner of police, who read the riot act at a stakeholders meeting with lead-

ership of the various political parties in the state warned politicians to prevail on their followers to desist from fomenting trouble as he would not only deal with the supporters but will also get at their Godfathers.

He said although Adamawa politicians have not given him any doubt about their compliance with the existing electoral laws, his command would not take it kindly

2,000 dump APC for PDP in Niger Dan Atori MINNA

A

n estimated 2,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Suleja have decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on behalf of the decampees yesterday, Alhaji Abdullahi L. Suleiman, who was a three-time Suleja Council Chairman, said they had to leave the APC because the party had no

direction.

Suleiman, revealed they were also made to swear by the Quran to abide by rules and directives of the party, which to him, depicts the party as group extremists and fanatics.

“APC is the only party that will make you swear with the Quran to abide by rules and directives of the party which we did but when we discovered that it is all deceit, we had to leave the party back to the PDP where

we left from.

“We had to return to the Party that we can see its structures and development on ground because there is no ward in the 25 Local Government Councils in the state that has not received dividend of democracy through the Ward Development Project.”

He also stated that the over 2,000 decampees are from ten wards in the state adding that more will join them soon.

with any politician that wants to go in the way of criminal as the cell is ready for them.

He stressed, that from records available to them , Adamawa politicians have no record of political thuggery, and efforts should be made by them to sustain the good record of no-violence during the election, hence the need for politicians to warn their supporters against the

breach of the peace. “ You should therefore warn your supporters against mayhem. Appeal to them to conduct the electioneering campaigns with this sterling warning in mind,or else the wrath of the law will catch up with them”, he warned.

Every politician must hearken to the rules and regulations governing the activities before, during and the conduct of the elections.

he women wing of the Kaduna State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an empty barrel which is only good at making noise.

Former PDP women leader of the North-West and a member of newly constituted 35-member Goodluck/Sambo, campaign committee, Mrs. Laitu Danladi, who made the statement yesterday in Kaduna, noted that PDP was still the only party to beat.

Danladi, further said the opposition is just making noise in order ‘’ to threaten us and we cannot be threatened because we know they are empty and are threatening to take what we have, which is not possible.”

According to her, PDP has achieved a lot since it came to power both at the federal and state levels, adding that it remains the only political party that has put women in key positions.

The zonal woman Leader pointed out that that to whom much is given, much is expected as she called on women to support the PDP at all levels.

Suswam chides politicisation for non-payment of salaries Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

G

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, has condemned the politicization of the issue of non-payment of teachers salaries in the state by the All Progressives Congress in the state, with a promise to do everything possible to offset the backlog of salaries owed workers before leaving office.The governor, who stated this yesterday

while commissioning a renovated Local Government Education Authority office in Kwande Local Government Area of the state said, the issue of non-payment of teachers’ salaries was not peculiar to the state as 24 other states were affected.

He linked the inability of the state to pay salaries to the deepening global economic downturn, explaining that the state require at least N3.7 billion to offset salaries

of both teachers and local government staff, adding that the January allocation of N3.5 billion which accrued to the state was grossly inadequate and government will have to borrow N200 million from financial institutions to add to this month’s allocation to address the issue of salaries in the state.

Suswam advised workers in the state to be prepared to face tougher times.

50 WORLD | News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Church of England consecrates first woman bishop

T

he Church of England consecrated its first woman bishop yesterday, the culmination of years of efforts by Church modernizers to overcome opposition from traditionalists - one of whom briefly shouted a protest during the service.

More than two decades after the Church allowed women to become priests, 48-year-old mother-of-two the Reverend Libby Lane became Bishop of Stockport in a ceremony at York Minster, a Gothic cathedral in northern England.

The protest came as John

Sentamu, Archbishop of York, asked the congregation whether Lane should be consecrated as Bishop. As the congregation chorused its approval, a lone man's voice shouted above them: "No, not in the Bible." When Sentamu asked the question again, there was no dissent and the ceremony went ahead.

During the service, which ended in applause, Sentamu and other bishops ceremonially laid their hands on Lane and prayed for her. Earlier, Lane had spoken of what she hoped her consecration would

achieve for women. "If my appointment encourages a single young woman to lift her eyes up a bit and to realize that she has capacity and potential and that her environment or those around her don't need to dictate what is possible for her, then I'd be really honored" she said in an interview published by the Church.

Her appointment, announced in December, has been hailed as a step forward for gender equality by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual head of the Church, and by many others

including Prime Minister David Cameron. However, a conservative minority say the Bible demands male leadership. The worldwide Anglican community has been deeply split over the issue of women clergy. Women already serve as bishops in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but Anglican churches in many developing countries, particularly in Africa, do not ordain women as priests.

After years of debate, an attempt by the Church of England to bring in women

bishops failed in 2012 when it was narrowly defeated by traditionalist lay members in a vote in the General Synod, the Church's governing body.

After that setback, the Church came up with new proposals which gained wider acceptance and were approved by the Synod last year. Women have served as priests in the Church of England since 1994.

Lane was ordained in 1994. She has been vicar of a church in the outskirts of Manchester since 2007, as well as Dean of Women in Ministry in the diocese of Chester.

Russia cuts nuclear co-operation with US

R

ussia and the United States have reportedly called off their nuclear cooperation after Russia conveyed to the US that it no longer needs the latter’s assistance in safeguarding its nuclear sites.

Russia-US cooperation in the nuclear sector had been active in protecting weapons-grade uranium and plutonium from being stolen or sold unlawfully.

The US reportedly invested some $2 billion in the joint program and planned many joint initiatives through 2018.

However, a report in Boston Globe said the final decision to part ways was taken in December 2014 after a meeting between the two sides. An agreement was signed on December 16, in the presence of officials from the US Department of Energy, Department of State, Pentagon and other high-ranking Russian officials. The partnership in Cooperative Threat Reduction had been the most effective US-Russian cooperation after the end of Cold War. Russia had received substantial help from the U.S. in destroying huge quantities of weapons-grade nuclear materials capable of making hundreds of bombs. The US also extended assistance in equipping Russian

nuclear storage facilities with more security systems. But the cooperation ran into rough weather in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the crisis in Ukraine erupted.

Meanwhile, Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, in a statement claimed no termination of cooperation has happened. Yet it sought to indirectly blame the US saying that that in March 2014, the US State Department told Russia that it was ending its participation in the nuclear cooperation programme, citing tensions in Ukraine. Later in November 2014, Rosatom head Sergey Kirienko told the US officials that Russia is planning to cut back on its joint nuclear security efforts and it has no new projects in 2015, reported RT News.

Meanwhile, members of the US House National Security Committee expressed concern at reports that Russia may station its nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Reporting this, the Inquisitor also quoted a former Russian General’s statement, which warned the world about the power of Russia’s nuclear weapons and the threat of a third World War.

Mubarak's sons out of jail

O

usted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's two sons have been released from prison pending a retrial, the interior minister said yesterday, four years after their arrest following an uprising that toppled their father. Alaa and Gamal Mubarak -- symbols of corruption during their father's three-decade rule -- were ordered free by a court ahead of the January 25 anniversary of the 2011 revolt that overthrew the longtime leader.

State media reported on Friday they had left prison but Egyptian security officials on Sunday said their release had been delayed. "They were released and they are currently free," Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim told reporters at a press conference yesterday, a day after Egypt marked the fourth anniversary of the anti-Mubarak revolt. When asked when the two brothers were

actually released, Ibrahim said: "How does it concern you when they were released?" The court's ruling to release them pending a retrial in a graft case sparked furious reactions from many in Egypt who viewed the Mubarak sons as symbols of corruption.

Prison officials said on Sunday that the brother's release had been delayed at the last minute to avoid further angering opponents of the new government. Alaa and Gamal were ordered free because they had served the maximum pretrial detention pending a retrial. Charges against them included embezzling at least $16 million (14 million euros) earmarked for the maintenance of presidential palaces.

The release of the Mubaraks so close to the anniversary of the 2011 revolt presents a dilemma for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former army chief whom opponents accuse of reviving Mubarak-era practices.

The Reverend Libby Lane being consecrated as the first female Bishop in the church of England during a service at York Minister in York. northern England.

Zambia's new leader drops vice-president

Z

ambia’s newly-elected President Edgar Lungu dropped vice-president Guy Scott -- who was briefly Africa's only white leader -- from his administration when he announced his cabinet yesterday. As interim president since the death in office of Michael Sata in October, Scott had been the first white leader on the continent since the end of apartheid 20 years ago. He was replaced as vice president by Inonge Wina, a former gender minister and chairwoman of the ruling Patriotic Front.

Scott had sacked Lungu from his position as party general secretary during a power struggle after Sata's death, but

later reinstated him after rioting by supporters. Scott, who is of Scottish descent, was prevented by the constitution from standing for the presidency himself as his parents were not born in Zambia. He had told local media that he saw his role as interim president as largely ceremonial and was looking forward to handing over power so that he could enjoy his "gin and tonic".

Lungu made several other new appointments to the cabinet after winning last week's election, but retained Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda and Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba. Ngosa Simbyakula becomes Justice Minister and is replaced as Home Affairs Min-

ister by Davies Mwila. The new president reiterated his pledge to serve the people of Zambia equally regardless of tribal affiliation. "I love every part of Zambia and we won't look at tribe when it comes to development," he said.

Lungu, the former defence minister, takes over the helm for the remainder of Sata's term until a general election scheduled for September 2016. He has promised to focus on building the economy of the continent's second biggest copper producer, which has been hit by declining prices. The new president inherits a slowing economy and high poverty levels, with the key mining, tourism and agriculture sectors all struggling.

Greek leftist Tsipras sworn in as PM

G

reek left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn in yesterday as the prime minister of a new hardline, anti-bailout government determined to face down international lenders and end nearly five years of tough economic measures. The decisive victory by Tsipras' Syriza in Sunday's snap election reignites fears of new financial troubles in the country that set off the regional crisis in 2009.

It is also the first time a member of the 19-nation euro zone will be led by parties rejecting

German-backed austerity.

Tsipras' success is likely to empower Europe's fringe parties, including other anti-austerity movements across the region's economically-depressed south. The trouncing of the conservatives represents a defeat of Europe’s middle-ground political guard, which has dallied on a growth-versus-budget discipline debate for five years while voters suffered. Sporting his trademark no-tie look, the 40-year old former student Communist Tsipras became the first prime minister in

Greek history to be sworn in without the traditional oath on a Bible and blessing of basil and water from the Greek Archbishop.

At a brief secular ceremony where he pledged to uphold the constitution, Tsipras told President Karolos Papoulias: "We have an uphill road ahead."

In a symbolic move, his first action as prime minister was to commemorate Greek resistance fighters with red roses at a memorial in Athens to those executed by Nazis.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

International Sport

Sports News

Debut goal for Liverpool exciting –Oshoala

AFCON 2015

Stopping Nigeria not a fluke -Le Roy

Rodgers wary of wounded Blues after FA Cup exit

52

51

54

53

Sport

Did you know?

That the first ever EPL goal of the season award went to Dalian Atkinson for Villa against Wimbledon

Fully-fit Anichebe tough to handle – Foster IfeanyiIbeh

W

est Brom and England goalkeeper, Ben Foster, believes no defender can singlehandedly stop a fully-fit Victor Anichebe from doing what he knows how to do best on the field of play – scoring goals.

Anichebe, who has not played for Nigeria since picking up an injury in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Madagascar in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Antannarivo on September 4, 2011, scored both goals for West Brom as the Baggies ran out with a 2-1 win over Birmingham City on Saturday to progress to the fifth round of the English FA Cup. The 26-year-old Nigerian, who in May 2013 announced that he has temporarily retired from international football to concentrate on his club career, displayed precise shooting ability to put West Brom ahead at St. Andrew’s before using his immense power and upper-body strength to muscle past Birmingham City defender, Paul Robinson, and fire home a second for the visiting Baggies.

Anichebe received a standing ovation from West Brom fans after leaving the field to be replaced by countryman Brown Ideye in the 81st minute.

And Foster, who has been capped eight times for England, believes the big Nigerian can be extremely difficult to contend with when on top Anichebe (left) taking on a defender form.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Foster told West Brom’s official website: “He was unplayable at times on Saturday. If you get the ball into his feet with one defender marking him, then that is trouble.

“I don’t care who you are, you will not be able to stop him bulldozing his way through. Vic has shown that if you can get the ball into his feet he will turn defenders, he is fantastic at doing that.

“It is what he does regularly in training and the gaffer has noticed that, it is an incredible strength to have.We need to play to our strengths, it is as simple as that.”

Anichebe, who has been plagued by injuries for the better part of the season, has appeared four times for the Baggies since the start of 2015, scoring three goals.

It will be recalled that West Brom manager, Tony Pulis, on Saturday, at the post-match interview, said that Anichebe could be “unplayable” if he can remain fit.

“I don’t think anyone has ever questioned Victor’s ability, the big thing is keeping him fit and getting him fit,” Pulis said at the time.

“He is still nowhere near and if you get him to that level I’m sure he’d be unplayable at times. We are coming in halfway through a season so most of the work has been done, you’d love to have him for pre-season and get him fit.

“He is a good lad and is one of those if you sit down and talk to him he’s responsive. We have to get him a bit fitter.”

Williams sisters,Wawrinka through to quarters D efending men’s champion Stan Wawrinka and women’s top seed Serena Williams wiped away their French Open nightmares to advance to the quarter-finals at the Australian Open. Serena’s sister, Venus, joined them in the last eight after overcoming gritty Polish sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the night match 6-3 2-6 6-1 Wawrinka and Serena were both defeated on the Parisian clay court at last year’s tournament, but ensured there were no such repeats on Melbourne’s

blue hard courts against the same Spanish opponents.

Wawrinka was forced to fight to beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in four sets, while Serena overcame the hard-hitting Garbine Muguruza, who beat her in the second round at the French Open, 2-6 6-3 6-2.

“I had to play the best match of the tournament or else I was going to be out,” Serena said. “When I have to go up a level, I have to. I can’t afford to stay at the same level or I will be where I was at the French Open.”

Back in May, Garcia-Lopez dumped out Wawrinka,

ensuring the Swiss became the first Australian Open champion to lose in the first round at Roland Garros since Petr Korda in 1998.

Wawrinka said: “It was a real battle today (Monday). I was two sets up with a break and in the end I’m happy to get through.

There was a good level of tennis in general and it’s good to make one more win.”

Victory for Serena’s sister, Venus, helped the evergreen 34-year-old into the second week of a major for the first time since Wimbledon 2011.

Wawrinka

52

SPORT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Debut goal for Liverpool exciting –Oshoala Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, in this exclusive interview with Emmanuel Tobi on Monday speaks on, among other issues, her delight after scoring for Liverpool Ladies in their 4-1 victory over Aston Villa Ladies in a pre-season match played on Sunday.

Congratulations for scoring on your debut, how do you feel?

I feel very great and excited to have scored on my debut for Liverpool Ladies.

It’s an experience I can’t describe because I barely trained with the team in order to know the team’s chemistry. But I thank Allah for his mercies.

ing in an English-speaking country because of communication. But I would have still played elsewhere if the offers were better in terms of my welfare and opportunity to develop my game.

Also, being my first move abroad, I needed to choose wisely.

How would you describe the reception you got at Liverpool?

I had a great reception and the atmosphere at the club was quite splendid. Everything was cool and the entire squad and coaching crew helped me to quickly settle down because they made me feel quite at home with their love.

Liverpool Ladies manager, Matt Beard, said the club beat a number of top American and European clubs to secure your deal. Can you let us know about the other offers and why did you choose Liverpool?

I’m not in position to disclose that but I chose Liverpool because my heart has always been with the team.

But I never knew it would happen so soon.

Was language a major factor in your decision to move to England?

Not really but it was a factor because it’s easier play-

Nwakwo Kanu was a legend at Arsenal which led to a huge followership of the club in Nigeria; do you hope to follow in his footsteps?

Ailing Agbonavbare receives help from Rayo Vallecano

l Former club to fly his kids to Spain

F

ormer Super Eagles goalkeeper, Wilfred Agbonavbare, who is down with cancer has received some help from his former Spanish club, Rayo Vallecano.

As reported on Spanish football publication Marca, Rayo Vallecano, through a dedicated campaign tagged #FuerzaWilfred (Wilfred Force) has been able to raise 21,106.90 euro (over N4.5m) and have decided to hand the bulk of the money to Agbonavbare who is currently receiving treatment at the Alcala de Henares Cancer Hospital, having been moved from Florida, United States of America, where he was initially receiving treatment.

With his life apparently hanging in the balance, officials of Rayo Vallecano thought it wise to also use part of the funds raised to fly in Agbonavbare’s three children from Nigeria to see their father alive for perhaps the last time as reports indicate that the ex-Nigeria International is currently in a bad situation.

According to the report Rayo Vallecano has been in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Consulate in Lagos in an effort to ensure that the children of the former goalkeeper are able to get visas to the European country.

A member of Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning team in Tunisia, Ag-

bonavbare spent six seasons at Rayo Vallecano.

But, having fallen on hard times, he had to send his three children back to Nigeria due to his ailing health.

Since quitting the football scene, it has been a tough road for the former New Nigeria Bank of Benin keeper whose wife died of breast cancer three years ago. There have been reports that the ex-footballer spent all his savings in ensuring that his late wife’s treatment went uninterrupted.

Well, I can only say I will try my best and give it my all here in England to make a name for myself. I know Liverpool’s male team has a huge followership in Nigeria and I hope we (Liverpool Ladies) can have a similar effect on Nigerians.

What does your move mean to the Super Falcons? Do you think Liverpool will help prepare you for the competition ahead?

I think Liverpool would help

pre-season matches.

Finally, what aspect of your game do you think you need to work on as a player?

I’m a young player and I can’t say I’m perfect already. I still need to learn a lot in order to improve on my game and become a better player. That is why I signed for a great club that can help mould me into a great player.

Oshoala (middle) after scoring

Super 4 run delights Manu Ifeanyi Ibeh

C

oach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, Manu Garba, is delighted to have gotten wins over Glo Nigeria Premier League champions, Kano Pillars, and Federation Cup holders, Enyimba, at the ongoing Super 4 tournament in Abuja.

The Flying Eagles defeated Enyimba 2-0 on Saturday before handing out a 2-1 defeat to Kano Pillars on Monday to maintain their perfect start to the six-team tournament.

The Flying Eagles are using the Super 4 as a preparatory ground

Taiwo on trial at Polish club Ajibade Olusesan

L

build my game a lot because it’s a competition year. We have a lot of the England national team players here at Liverpool Ladies who will also feature at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. I think competition for places in the team is going to be very tough also because the club also made some good signings to fortify the squad.

I’m looking forward to having a great season here starting with the

atest reports emanating from Poland reveal that former Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo, is on trials at Polish side, Legia Warsaw, from Turkish club Bursaspor.

New Telegraph gathered that Legia posted a statement on their official website confirming the trial which is scheduled until the end of the club’s ongoing Taiwo (right) training camp in Turkey. of the Polish league with The former Olympique 38 points from 19 games and Marseille, AC Milan and take on Jagiellonia BialysQueens Park Rangers detok in their next game. fender, who has been capped Bursaspor, meanwhile, 54 times and has scored five find themselves in fourth goals for the Super Eagles, place in the Turkish Super was left out of the BursaLeague following three back spor squad by manager to back victories. The Green Senol Gunes at the start of Crocodiles take on Galathe season. tasaray next Monday.

Legia are currently top

ahead of March’s CAF African Youth Championship taking place in Senegal and Manu, speaking at the end of Monday’s match expressed delight at having secured wins over the best teams in the country.

“It was not an easy victory today (Monday, against Kano Pillars). The win has been made even sweeter considering that we have now beaten the league champions days after beating the Federation Cup winners,” said Manu.

Suleiman Abdullahi’s 22nd minute opener, and Taiwo Awoniyi’s 34th minute strike, which restored

the Flying Eagles’ lead minutes after Musa Muhammed had scored an own goal to cancel out his side’s lead, gave the Flying Eagles a deserved win over the league champions who, along with Enyimba, will be representing the country in this year’s CAF Champions League.

Both clubs are using the tournament in Abuja to prepare for the preliminary rounds of the continental championship. And Manu, regardless of his side’s domineering displays over the Premier League giants, believes both clubs can go all the way in this year’s Champions League.

Ekofootball Premier Skills programme empowers women Charles Ogundiya

W

omen in Lagos state schools were on Saturday rewarded for their doggedness in the past nine weeks as the Ekofootball Premier Skills programme organised by the British Council, English Premier League, MultiChoice and the Lagos State Football Association, came to an end.

The programme was designed to use football as a tool to engage and develop the skills of 26 women teachers from the Lagos State Secondary Public School System.

Speaking with New Telegraph at the closing ceremony in Lagos, the 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwumi, who is also the chairman of the Lagos FA, said

the target of the FA is to create an avenue for individuals and organisations to invest in football.

Reacting to the display of some of the girls in the matches played during the closing ceremony, Akinwumi said: “The display by some of the girls has shown that the future is bright for our football. I noticed the skills of some of the girls, and I am going to monitor them personally.”

Also at the event was Lucy Pearson, the British Council’s Director of Business Services Nigeria, who represented the Country Director of the council, Connie Price. And according to her, highly skilled coaches and trainers from the English Premier League were invited to engage the girls in face-to-face training in community coaching and child protection.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 53

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Rodgers wary of wounded Blues after FA Cup exit Capital One Cup Time:

L

8.45pm

iverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said today that there would be “trepidation” for Chelsea in tomorrow night’s League Cup semi-final because of the side’s weekend exit from the FA Cup. Rodgers – who said he would not take any risks with a return for Daniel Sturridge who had been “tentative” in training – declared that Bradford City’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit on Saturday would create an element of doubt in Jose Mourinho’s players. “Certainly (their) result at the weekend doesn’t help,” he said. “It will be a great motivation for them to go out in a different competition to make a statement. They will want to go out and put it right, but in the back of the their mind even if

they are 2-0 up, they will have a bit of trepidation, wondering what can happen.”

Rodgers, who dismissed suggestions that he may move for Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan after his weekend performance in the goalless Anfield FA Cup 4th Round tie, said that he did not expect any business in the last week of the January transfer window. “Nothing [in it] at all,” he said of the Bogdan suggestions. “I don’t think [we’ll do anything] so it’ll be very quiet and unless something dramatic happens we will be as we are.”

He dismissed any suggestion that Chelsea – favourites for tomorrow night after last week’s1-1 first leg draw - had lost the air of invincibility they had in the autumn, when they were being tipped An action between to go all season undefeated.

Liverpool and Chelsea

Pires tips Henry, Ancelotti to replace Wenger

R

obert Pires has tipped Thierry Henry or Carlo Ancelotti to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in the future.

The 41-year-old spent six years at the Gunners between 2000 and 2006, winning the Premier League twice and FA Cup three times, only to see the club go nine years without a trophy until the FA Cup last season.

Pires does not think Wenger needs to call time on his spell in north London yet, but feels either the legendary striker or Real Madrid manager would be perfect candidates to replace him.

When asked by Goal if Wenger could leave Arsenal soon, Pires said: “Not this time.

Beside that, Wenger still has a contract with Arsenal.

“Who is the perfect replacement? Thierry Henry? He understands football and Arsenal.

I don’t know, but I like Carlo Ancelotti. But that’s my opinion, it doesn’t mean that Arsenal need Ancelotti at this time.”

Pires

Cambridge to spend Man United replay money on toilets

A

fter earning a draw against Manchester United in the FA Cup, club chairman Dave Doggett says the money made will be spent on facilities.

The League Two side are set to invest the money into the Abbey Stadium, including things such as toilets and tea bars.

“Hopefully we can get the stadium done and start putting in some proper toilets,” Doggett explained to Mir ror. “Some toilets and tea bars and more

Dogget

hospitality… that’s what we will do.”

It is thought the mid-table League Two club will net around £1.5million from a mixture of TV money and gate receipts, thanks to their FA Cup exploits, Doggett is hoping the money can be used to help the club in the long-ter m, rather than short-ter m ambitions.

“There’s a lot of speculation about how much money the club will be getting but it certainly looks like it’s going to be in excess of £1.5 million,” Doggett said.

“We obviously need to take stock of where we are but our ambition for some time now has been to improve the stadium.

“It needs moder nising and the facilities need to be fit-forpurpose, and I think it’s fair to say Friday’s perfor mance has been a game changer for the club.

“It’s certainly a far cry from the situation we found ourselves in a few years ago where we were reporting losses of around £400,000.”

Transfer News Azarenka thanks fans for West Ham push for Fletcher deal est Ham boss Sam Allardyce is atsupport W tempting to push through a deal to sign Manchester United midfielder

V

ictoria Azarenka has thanked her fans for their support following her exit from this year’s Australian Open.

The Belarusian struggled with injury in 2014, leaving her unseeded for this year’s first Grand Slam, which saw her exit in a defeat to last year’s runner up, Dominika Cibulkova.

The two-time champion posted on Twitter: “Thank you everybody for your support today and always.

Congratulations to Dominika for an amazing match today. Good luck to everyone. Hope the tournament will continue to be as exciting and entertaining.

“I’m happy I’m progressing step by step. But I’m looking forward to keep working hard and improve. I appreciate every single person who make this wonderful tournament happen and all you fans who keep us motivates to fight an inspire to bring the best out of each other.

Darren Fletcher ahead of the January transfer deadline.

Allardyce has prioritised a move for the 30-year-old, despite the club’s policy of signing players aged 27 and under, and the Hammers manager is keen to acquire Fletcher on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The player’s injury record is understood to worry insiders at the club, though, due to the furore surrounding Andy Carroll’s time on the sidelines following his permanent move from Liverpool.

Gilardino return to Fiorentina on loan

Gilardino has ended a five-month Aloanlberto stint in China to return to Fiorentina on until the end of the season.

Fiorentina have brought striker Alberto Gilardino back to the club on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old only spent five months in China having left Genoa in July, but he was able to score five goals to help Evergrande win

still the league title.

However, the lure of Serie A proved too much for the Italy international and he returns to the Artemio Franchi three years after leaving.

Utd to revive Bale bid Ronaldo knows Man ouis Van Gaal could revive his interest in Real Madrid star Gareth Bale after reports sugfate Wednesday L gested the Dutchman has set aside £120m

R

eal Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will learn his fate on Wednesday following his red card for violent conduct against Cordoba’s Edimar.

La Liga’s Competition Committee meets on Wednesday and will decide the sanction, which is expected to be a ban of between one and four games, according to AS. If it decides to apply the minimum punishment then Ronaldo, 29, will only miss next Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad, while if it is two then he will also be out for the Sevilla game on Feb. 4. If the committee raises the ban to three games then the Portugal captain would miss the derby against Atletico Madrid on Feb. 7, while a fourth game would rule him out of the Deportivo La Coruna clash.

The ban imposed will depend entirely on the interpretation of the referee’s report, decided upon by three independent judges who make up the committee.

to bring the winger back to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham forward has been linked with a move to Old Trafford on numerous occasions this season, and Madrid are said to be willing to allow Bale to leave the Bernabeu should they receive David de Gea in exchange.

The keeper is Carlo Ancelotti’s main transfer target this month, but United are not willing to let the 24-year-old leave and are preparing a massive £200,000-a-week contract offer to keep the Spaniard at the club.

Chelsea consider shock move for Sterling

iverpool’sstutteringcontractnegotiations L with Raheem Sterling’s representatives have reportedly put Chelsea on alert.

Sterling has established himself as a key player for the Reds this season after playinginanunfamiliarstrikerrolefollowing injuries to star man Daniel Sturridge.

ManagerBrendanRodgersclaimedlast weekthatanewcontractforSterlingwas‘imminent’, buttheyoungsterhasreportedlystalled on inking the fresh terms at Anfield.

The protracted saga has drawn the attention of Chelsea,who are nowmonitoringthesituationalongsideRealMadrid,accordingtothe DailyExpress,andtheBluesmaytestthewaterwithaneye-watering offer in the summer.

54 SPORT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Equatorial Guinea 2015 AFCON

Stopping Nigeria not a fluke -Le Roy

lCelebrates Burkina Faso’s exit Charles Ogundiya

C

ongo coach Claude Le Roy has maintained that stopping defending champion Nigeria from participating at the ongoing AFCON in Equatorial Guinea was not a fluke.

Le Roy made this statement on Sunday after Congo beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in Ebebiyin to qualify for the AFCON quarterfinal as Group A winners.

The Red Devils were

only re-instated in this competition after Rwanda, who had eliminated them in the qualifiers, were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

They went on to qualify for the tournament after a 15-year absence at the expense of champions Nigeria, who they defeated in Calabar 3-2 in September.

“We kicked Africa champions Nigeria out, now we have kicked out vice-champions Burkina

Faso. It’s going to add pressure on us but at the moment it’s only a bonus,” said Le Roy. “A year ago, this team was in the 100th something in the FIFA rankings, but we managed to build a squad.”

The highly-experienced coach said his players deserved all the praise.

He however admitted that his team would now be under pressure after they defied all odds to reach the last-eight of the competition.

Grant wary of Bafana threat

G

hana coach Avram Grant has paid tribute to South Africa but has tipped the Black Stars to win their final Group C clash on Tuesday.

The Israeli must ensure his side beat Bafana Bafana to advance from the Group stage.

Ghana beat Algeria 1-0 last Friday thanks to a stoppage time strike from Asamoah Gyan to revive their campaign after losing 2-1 to Senegal in their opener.

Grant believes his charges must play over and above themselves if they are to book a quarter-final berth.

“Nothing has been decided yet in this group,” said the former Chelsea manager after Ghana stole all three points vs. Algeria.

“Yes, we may have beaten the number one team in Africa, but we now face South Africa, who qualified for this tournament ahead of a big team like Nigeria “They played very well in their first game even though they eventually lost to Algeria.

They are a fantastic team.

“We are a young team who have shown we do not give up and so we will come into any game to win it.”

Burkina Faso’s Aristide Bancé being tackled Congo players

Equatorial Guinea expect tough quarterfinal

E

quatorial Guinea veteran Juvenal Edjogo-Owono has said he expects the AFCON hosts to come up with a difficult quarterfinal

Result/Fixtures Monday January 26 Cape Verde 0-0 Zambia DR Congo 1-1 Tunisia Tuesday January 27 South Africa vs Ghana 7pm Senegal vs Algeria 7pm

after they finished second in Group A. On Saturday, Nzalang Nacional will battle the winners of Group B, who are likely to be Tunisia or Cape Verde, in Ebebiyin for a place in the last-four.

“We are going to enjoy this qualification with our fans and our people and start to prepare for the quarter-finals.

We don’t know our opponents yet, but it will be very tough,” said Juvenal, who also featured when Equatorial Guinea reached the knockout stage in 2012, when they co-hosted the competition with neigh-

bours Gabon.

The Andorra-based midfielder said his team deserved their 2-0 win over Gabon.

“The Gabon players are well known and play for great European teams. It was important for us to reach half-time on a tie, to keep our chances until the end,” he said.

“Gabon have a lot of qualities, but so do Equatorial Guinea. We played our match and deserved the victory.

“We approached all three games in the same way, against more fancied opponents, with conviction and humility.”

Tunisia, Congo DR qualify for q/final

T

unisia and Congo DR are through to the quarter finals from Group B of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a 1-1 draw in their final group game on Monday.

In Group B’s other game, Zambia and Cape Verde played out a goalless draw.

Tunisia finished as the group leaders after amassing five points from three matches, having recorded a win against Zambia and another draw against Cape Verde.

Despite finishing level with Cape Verde on three points, Congo DR made it to the quarter finals by virtue of having scored

more goals than the West African island nation. 2012 AFCON champions, Zambia, finished bottom of Group B with two points.

Tunisia will next play host nation, Equatorial Guinea, in the quarter finals while Congo DR will square up against neighbours Congo on Saturday for a place in the semi finals.

B’Faso coach blames ouster on ill -luck fter failing to get a chances we have created win in their three in all the games and even A Group A matches, Burki- on Sunday. We had three

Action between Congo against Gabon

na Faso coach, Paul Put, believes that luck deserted the Stallions.

The coach reckons that they did everything right and it was just unfortunate that luck was not on their side when they lost 2-1 to Congo on Sunday.

Burkina Faso finished without a win after losing 2-0 to Gabon in their opening match, followed by a 0-0 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

“It is difficult to explain. Luck was not on our side in all the three games. If you see the

good chances but luck was not on our side,” Put said after the Congo loss.

Meanwhile, Head coach of Gabon, Jorge Costa, has blamed their exit from the competition to a poor decision by the centre referee after losing 2-0 to Equatorial Guinea in a Group A match played at the Bata Stadium on Sunday.

“As hosts they only needed a soft penalty to be able to win. That penalty was the turn of the game,” a bitter Costa told AfricanFootball. com after the game.

An Algerian striker trying to score a goal against Ghana

Nervous final group games for Algeria,Ghana

T

op-ranked African team Algeria and four-time champion Ghana still have work to do to make the quarterfinals at the African Cup of Nations and avoid the severe embarrassment of an early elimination.

Both have lost once in Equatorial Guinea, ensuring their final games in Group C on Tuesday are loaded with pressure.

Algeria meets surprise group leader Senegal in Malabo and Ghana plays South Africa in Mongomo. For each, a win would guarantee a place in the last eight, but a draw could become complicated and bring in the tiebreaker rules to decide who progresses. Defeat

means an early flight home.

Algeria Coach Christian Gourcuff has had a tough time over the past week. His mother died ahead of the Ghana loss and he has faced criticism back home for his tactics.

For Ghana, that glorious run to the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is a distant memory.

A terrible World Cup in Brazil last year has been followed by early struggles at the African Cup under former Chelsea coach Avram Grant.

He had a hard introduction when Ghana threw away a 1-0 lead and lost 2-1 to Senegal with a goal in the dying seconds of its opener.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

55

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

The age of a woman doesn't mean a thing. The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.

World Record Jack Kilby, Jerry Merryman and James von Tassel: Invented the portable calculator (1967)

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leisure & Puzzle }40

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

N150

How Boko Haram recruits insurgents GUEST COLUMNIST

Farouk Chothia

N

igeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram is waging the most brutal insurgency in Africa. It has seized vast amounts of territory, threatening Nigeria's territorial integrity and opening a new frontier by targeting neighbouring Cameroon.

Officials estimate that some three million people are affected by the humanitarian crisis caused by the five-year insurgency in the north-east.

Why are the militants so lethal?

The group is said to be split into numerous factions, which operate largely autonomously across northern and central Nigeria.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank estimates there are six of them - the most organised and ruthless one is in Borno state, where Boko Haram has captured large swathes of territory.

It first sends hundreds of footsoldiers into a town or village. Often overwhelmed due to inadequate supplies, the Nigerian army flees, paving the way for elite militant fighters to enter and conquer the territory.

This is a remarkable change in its fortunes. Soon after Boko Haram launched its insurrection in 2009, Nigeria's security forces declared victory over the group after killing thousands of its members - including its founder - during an operation in the city of Maiduguri.

Some survivors fled to Algeria, Sudan - and possibly Afghanistan - for military training. Today the group is increasingly brutal in its modus operandi, losing the support, some analysts say, of many local Muslims who once saw it as offering an alternative to the corrupt ruling elite.

How does it recruit fighters?

Increasingly through conscription - villagers are forced to join en masse or risk being slaughtered. It is also relying on criminals and thugs, "paying them for attacks, sometimes with a share of the spoils", according to the ICG. With ethnic loyalties strong in Nigeria, most Boko Haram fighters are Kanuri - the ethnic group to which the group's leader Abubakar Shekau belongs - suggesting that he has influence over some traditional rulers in north-eastern Nigeria.

While it is unclear how many fighters Boko Haram has, UK-based finance and security analyst Tom Keatinge puts the number at more than 9,000.

Where does it get its money from?

When Boko Haram raids towns, it

Boko Haram members

often loots banks. In 2012, the Nigerian military accused Boko Haram of extorting money from businessmen, politicians and government officials, and threatening them with abduction if they fail to pay up.

Some US officials estimate that the group is paid as much as $1m (£660,000) for the release of a wealthy Nigerian, Mr Keatinge says.

With foreigners, the amount is much higher - Boko Haram was paid $3m ransom for the release of a French family of seven seized in northern Cameroon in February 2013, according to a Nigerian government document seen by Reuters news agency at the time.

With these sources of funding, Mr Keatinge estimates that Boko

Most Boko Haram fighters are Kanuri the ethnic group to which the group's leader Abubakar Shekau belongs suggesting that he has influence over some traditional rulers in northeastern Nigeria

Haram's annual net income is $10m.

Nigerian researcher Kyari Mohammed believes the group is running a low-cost insurgency, as it is made up mostly of young people from rural areas.

How does it arm itself?

Boko Haram has overrun many police stations and military bases in Nigeria, giving it a huge arsenal - including armoured personnel carriers, pickup trucks, rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.

And, according to the ICG, it has forged ties with arms smugglers in the lawless parts of the vast Sahel region.

Some of its weapons are suspected to have come from Libya, where arms depots were looted when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime was overthrown in 2011.

However, most of Boko Haram's bombs are relatively crude, made from local materials that are easy and cheap to obtain, the ICG says.

Some of its bomb-makers, according to Nigeria-based security analyst Bawa Abdullahi Wase, are local university graduates who joined the group in desperation, after failing to find jobs.

And it has recently raided cement factories, including one owned by the French company Lafarge, in search of dynamite for its explosive devices.

Can it be defeated?

The government declared a state of emergency in 2013 in the three north-eastern states worst-affected by the insurgency. The military also armed vigilante groups, vital in remote areas where the military presence is minimal.

Boko Haram was driven from

Maiduguri and neighbouring villages and into the vast Sambisa forest along the border with Cameroon.

But the sect responded with a new offensive in which - according to the Associated Press news agency it has taken control of an area about the size of Belgium.

Three states are under a state of emergency If Boko Haram succeeds in its territorial ambitions - seizing towns in Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as its leader has threatened - the conflict could take on a new international dimension. France is likely to become more directly involved in the conflict to protect its former colonies.

So far Cameroon has been relatively successful in repelling Boko attacks, despite having a far smaller army than Nigeria, which has been criticised for not pulling its weight.

Is Boko Haram linked to IS? Mr. Shekau praised Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a video released last year, referring to him as "Oh caliph". He has also praised al-Qaeda's Ayman alZawahiri, the IS leader's rival for the loyalty of worldwide jihadists.

However, Shekau has not pledged allegiance to either group.

While he often speaks in a mix of Hausa, Arabic and Kanuri, his most recent video - where he praised the Paris attacks - was entirely in Arabic, leading analysts to suggest the Nigerian sect is seeking international appeal.

Solid ties with global jihadi groups would give further momentum to Boko Haram's violent campaign.

•Chothia reports for BBC.

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 Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.