Thursday, april 28, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

NLC, TUC demand N56,000 minimum wage Yekeen Nurudeen

n industrial action might be looming in Nigeria as the organised Labour is currently pushing for a new

National Minimum Wage of N56, 000. The proposal, which was made open yesterday by the President of the Ni-

gerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, if successful, would move the minimum wage from N18, 000 to the

new figure. President Muhammadu Buhari, had, at a National Executive Council Meeting of his party, the All

Diamond bank records 78% drop in 2015 profit }39

Progressives Congress recently, stated that some 27 states were finding it hard to pay salaries of their workers. Just this month, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee,

FAAC, announced that it would waive deduction from allocations to states for the month of April. The Secretary to the Government of the FedCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

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Oliseh

Fulani herdsmen:

Angry South-East govs storm Abuja }2 President directs CDS, IGP to stop perpetrators Protest in Enugu as Ugwuanyi summons emergency meeting

L-R: Senior Director, World Bank, Ms. Mamta Murthi; Country Director, Mr. Rachid Benmesaond; Vice President, Mr. Jan Walliser; Managing Director, Ms. Sri Mulyani Indrawati; Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abbah Kyari; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at a meeting of the World Bank's delegation with the president in Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Buhari seeks World Bank's support on N63bn Abacha loot }6

FG to Saraki: Stop harassing CCT chairman lSenate President tells CCT Chair to vacate trial }4

WHO warns on deadly yellow fever outbreaks

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THURSday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fulani herdsmen: Angry South-East govs storm Abuja

Steve Uzoechi and Kenneth Ofoma OWERRI

overnors of the five South East states of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra are unhappy with the spate of killings in the zone by Fulani herdsmen. They are demanding a meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari over the issue. Sources in government houses in the zone confided in New Telegraph yesterday that already, the governors have flown to Abuja to seek an audience with the president. Although, they have other businesses to conduct in Abuja, their priority now is to put a stop to the menace, which the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha described as a national embarrassment. Although there have been isolated cases of killings and brushes with farmers in the zone, the

killing of over 30 people in Ukpabi-Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Monday, has rankled the governors. It was gathered that the governors are in Abuja to lodge their displeasure and complaint to the Federal Government. They are also to make some definite demands on the presidency concerning the unchallenged impunities of Fulani herdsmen in the region. Okorocha, who returned to Imo State on Tuesday, from a medical trip, is said to have rallied his colleagues in the region to action, describing the killings by the nomads as a national calamity. While Okorocha, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) left for Abuja yesterday morning, David Umahi, the Ebonyi State governor was said to have left Tuesday evening for Abuja. It is not very clear the disposition of Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra

State on the issue. “The governors are evidently pained by the wanton killing campaigns of the Fulani nomads and are sufficiently embarrassed and insulted by the fact that in the face of such killings, the system renders them helpless and unable to protect their citizens”, said an official of the Imo State government. It was also gathered that part of the measures being adopted by the states is to push the state Houses of Assembly to pass Bills outlawing grazing on farmlands and formation of a regional taskforce against unlawful grazing. An official of the Enugu State government, who confirmed that Ugwuanyi left for Abuja yesterday, told New Telegraph that the governor was embarrassed that the attacks occurred just after a security meeting on Sunday in the state. “It wasn’t as if the Governor did not get a warning of the impending attack. He got it and summoned a

security meeting last Sunday. Mobile policemen were deployed to the area. In the morning, they just left. It was when they left that these people struck. We don’t know if anybody directed them to do that, but it is obvious that we are going to seek changes here.” It was gathered that the governors might ask for the replacement of the Commissioner of Police in the state. But yesterday, protests and condemnations trailed the Ukpabi-Nimbo killing as a group, the Concerned Citizens of Enugu State, took to the streets of Enugu to protest. The protesters marched from New Market through Okpara Avenue, Holy Ghost Park, Edinburgh Street, the State House of Assembly, ending at the Government House, Enugu. Some of the placards read: “Stop the killings. No more human blood for cows”, “Ndigbo are part of humanity, stop the herdsmen massacre at Uzo-Uwani”, “stop killing

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; his wife, Lady Nwanneka and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, at the launch of Ekweremadu's book in Abuja… yesterday.

Ndigbo, Fulani must go, Gburugburu, wake up from your sleep”, “Stop the killing, Buhari sit up, Fulani must go, Ugwuanyi speak up” and “Operation stay alive, leave Igbo alone”. Spokesman of the group, Dr. McGinger Ibeneme, decried the incessant destruction of farmlands; killings, rape and kidnapping of people of the South East geopolitical zone by suspected Fulani herdsmen. “The crux of the matter is that every day, people go to their sleep and Fulani cattle herdsmen will come and slaughter them. Just few days ago, over 200 people were massacred in their village in Uzo-Uwani. There has never been any arrest; if anything, the Awgu indigenes were arrested for chasing away the invaders. They had to bail themselves. Their women were raped, their men abducted. “We have heard about a Catholic priest being abducted; we have heard about churches being burnt; we have heard about women being raped. Every single day, day-by-day, lives are lost. The Federal Government has refused to say anything; the presidency has been quiet over the Fulani invaders. Are the lives of their cows worth more than our lives? Why are they killing us? Is it a crime to be a Nigerian? We just want answers. When will the killings stop? Why hasn’t the president sent the army? Why hasn’t the president deployed the intelligence? Meanwhile, Ugwuanyi has summoned an emergency meeting with the traditional rulers, pres-

Buhari orders CDS, IGP to stop terrorist herdsmen Chukwu David and Charles Onyekwere

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to go after the herdsmen and the groups terrorizing Nigerians all over the country. He also directed security chiefs to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen, all over the country, assuring that his government would not allow such to continue. The President further condemned, in the strong terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabi Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday. Buhari made these po-

sitions known in a speech he presented at the public presentation of the book, "Who Will Love My Country: Ideas for Building the Nigeria of Our Dream", authored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Buhari was represented by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. He said:"Let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabu Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday. I deeply sympathise with all those who lost dear ones, as well as those who lost their properties, in the attack. "I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen, and to go after

all the groups terrorizing innocent people all over the country. This government will not allow these attacks to continue.” In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari assured all Nigerians of his administration's continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country. He said the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo and other parts of the country were acts of extreme violence against communities of the Federation. Garba said: "Acting on the President's directive, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of the nation's other security agencies are already taking urgent steps to fully investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari administration's agenda for enhanced national security and the Armed Forces and Police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage. President Buhari as at the time of filling in this report was scheduled to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi later today to receive further briefing on the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo and discuss additional measures to forestall similar attacks and restore public confidence. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered a probe into the invasion. Arase also ordered the

immediate arrest and detention of a police corporal identified as Chukwu, attached to the Adani Division headquarters over his role in the ugly incident. "I have already ordered that he be put in custody till the investigations are over. It was discovered that he connived with the people that carried out the attack. I must make sure that he gets out of the Nigerian police force.” The IG stated these when he led other police senior officers to the scene of the attack yesterday. He expressed shock, promising that the Federal Government would do everything humanly possible to fish out the perpetrators of the act. "We have been able to see what happened. We will be able to find a lasting solution to this problem.

ident-general of Towns Union and leaders of the neighbourhood watch in all the communities in the state. The meeting, which is part of series of action plans of the state government to find a lasting solution to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen in the state, is scheduled to hold on Monday, May 2. The governor, according to a source, is “determined to put an end to the inhuman acts of the herdsmen which have consumed the lives and property of innocent citizens of the state, as well as threatened the peace and security of the state and the nation at large.” Ikpeazu condemned what he described as the carnage and wanton destruction of human lives meted out to the defenceless people of Nimbo by the herdsmen. The governor, in a message to Enugu State, over the killing of over 40 people in the community, also decried the excesses of herdsmen across Nigeria, warning that the situation could degenerate into a national crisis, if drastic measures were not taken by the Federal Government to checkmate the rampage. Ikpeazu noted that “the herdsmen’s audacious killings and sacking of communities and farmlands constitute another national security challenge and a huge threat to the peace and unity of the country.” He stressed that the trend was a “time-bomb waiting to explode.” Similarly, the South East Senate Caucus yesterday warned of imminent dangers including possible threats to the unity of Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to urgently address root causes of the incessant massacre of innocent Nigerians by the armed Fulani herdsmen. Rising from an emergency meeting in Abuja, the Senators the attack. In a statement endorsed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( PDP/ Abia South), the caucus disclosed that the bi- regional summit will be attended by "We can no longer sit and watch while our people are daily slaughtered like fowls without even attracting the cursory routine condemnation by the Presidency.

2.75m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Belarus in 2000. Source: Itu.int

73.7%

The percentage of the urban population of Oman in 2012. Source: Un.org

THURSday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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THURSday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG to Saraki: Stop harassing CCT chairman Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday told the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to stop harassing the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Danladi Umar. The warning, which came from the prosecuting counsel in Saraki's suit at the CCT, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was following the Senate President's insistence that Umar disqualified himself from the trial. Saraki premised his argument on the ground of an allegation of bribery, which is still hanging on the CCT chairman’s neck. The Federal Government is prosecuting Saraki before the tribunal over a 13 count charge bothering on false assets declaration. The trial had kick started, but Saraki, through one of his counsel, Rapheal Oluyede, had brought an application seeking to disqualify the tribunal chairman from further

presiding over the case. Oluyede, while arguing the application before the tribunal yesterday, premised his argument on the ground that there was a pending petition against him (Danladi) before the EFCC. He further submitted that the continual presiding of the chairman over the trial raised a likelihood of bias against the defendant. In addition, Oluyede had argued that it was clear from the evidence given so far that the EFCC was the one prosecuting Saraki and the same EFCC was investigating Danladi. He, however, submitted that based on the facts given, Danladi might be biased in handling Saraki's trial. Jacobs, while opposing the application, told Saraki to stop harassing the tribunal chairman. He submitted that the application was targeted at harassing the tribunal chairman and, as such, it should be dismissed. Jacobs further told the tribunal that the counsel, who brought the application, has never appeared in the matter until the day he

EFCC arrests bank MD over alleged $115m Diezani cash ...as Adoke denies non-prosecution agreement

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

here were strong indications last night, that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), may have arrested the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer of a New Generation bank (name withheld). A highly-placed source at the Commission, informed New Telegraph that the bank's chief executive was arrested in connection with an alleged $115 million cash connected with former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Though, facts of the latest arrest were sketchy as at the time of going to the press, New Telegraph, recalls that this is coming at a time the anti-graft agency was said to have seized wristwatch worth £600,000

2.6%

The percentage contribution of Gas Income to total collection for 2015 Q3. Source: Firs.gov.ng

$6.5m

The total amount of endorsements of Blake Griffin (Basketball) for 2014. Source: Forbes.com

allegedly from Alison-Madueke. Meanwhile, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), has denied the 2011 non-prosecution agreement between the Federal Government and Tidex Nigeria Limited. Part of the statement by Adoke reads: "I'm constrained to draw attention to the above caption...of Wednesday, 27 April 2016 to the effect that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN had directed the EFFCC to investigate the 2011 Non Prosecution Agreement executed between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Tidex Nigeria Limited. "I would ordinarily have refrained from commenting on the issue, knowing full well that the circumstances surrounding the execution of all the NonProsecution Agreements signed in 2011 are known to relevant agencies of government, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the EFCC. But, since the aforementioned publication hit the newsstands, I have been inundated with calls from genuinely concerned Nigerian’s seeking to know what is responsible for these deliberate attempts to smear my name and bring me to public odium?"

brought the application. Arguing his case further, Oluyede called the attention of the tribunal to a letter written to the Attorney General by the EFCC chairman in March 2015, which was part of his exhibits before the tribunal. The letter in part: “There are indications that the tribunal chairman might have demanded and collected money from the complainant through his said personal assistant. However, efforts made to recover the telephone handset used by Justice Umar proved abortive, as he claimed that he had lost the telephone in 2012. "This has made it impossible to subject it to independent scientific analysis with a view to corroborating the allegation. In the same vein, the complainant could also not make available his telephone set for analysis on the grounds that he had lost it. Justice Umar also admitted that he met privately with the complainant in his chamber

at the tribunal. This is a most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on his part.” "Mr. Chairman, with all these facts placed before this Tribunal, the legitimacy of this proceeding is questionable because the chairman may not be impartial. "There is something wrong with the EFCC for it to have accused your lordship of having audience with the accused in his chambers and there are circumstantial evidence that your lordship collected bribe, only for them to come out now with a letter of clearance. That is suspicious. "We do not know what prompted EFCC to recant on the indictment of the CCT chairman, when there are sufficient ground for the EFCC to request for the call logs of the conversation of Umar and one Rashidi Taiwo, who the N10 billion bribe was demanded from", Oluyede submitted. However, in his objec-

tion to the motion, Jacobs prayed the Tribunal to dismiss the motion for lacking merit. He accused the defendant of harassment. He argued that the bill before the Senate was designed to whittle down the powers of the CCT chairman. "The absurdity in this application is that the defendant here is still performing his duty as Senate President and still preside over the Senate as at today. "He has been charged to court, whereas the investigation of the CCT chairman by the EFCC remains an investigation. He has not been charged to court or convicted. "It is the defendant, rather, that has been charged to court. The issues raised in the application are matters of sentiment, which has no place in law. "Mr. Oluyede has never appeared for Saraki at this tribunal as at the time he filed the motion. He is not a counsel on record as at the day he filed his motion. "He predicated his case

on wrong assumption that EFCC is a party before the tribunal. The party before the tribunal are the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Senator Bukola Saraki", he stated. After listening to the parties, the tribunal adjourned till today for ruling. Earlier, the tribunal chairman had observed the presence of some armed security agents in the court and noted that they should be restrained. That led the lead counsel for Saraki, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, to assure the Judge that nobody would assassinate him. He also observed that some people were illegally recording the proceedings of the tribunal. He noted that he would meet with the parties in chambers, so as to agree as to whether proceedings should be aired live and that if they agreed, he would invite the electronic media to bring their cameras to cover the live proceedings.

L-R: Police Area Commander, Nsukka, Mr. Monday Kuryas; Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and Chairman, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Mr. Cornell Onwubuya, during a visit to the areas attacked by the Fulani herdsmen in Enugu…yesterday

NLC, TUC demand N56,000 minimum wage CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

eration, Babachir David Lawal had said also in Jos last month that the Federal Government was borrowing about N600 million every month to pay salaries. On Tuesday also, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, said that he was borrowing N400million monthly to pay salaries in the state. But at a news conference yesterday in Abuja, Wabba stated that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have proposed and submitted to the Federal Government the new figure. Wabba said that both the NLC and the TUC made the formal demand on the proposed national minimum wage to the Federal Government on Tuesday. “I can say now authoritatively that as of yesterday (Tuesday) we made a formal proposal to the

Federal Government of N56,000 to be the new minimum wage. “The demand has been submitted officially to government and we hope that the tripartite system to look at the review will actually be put set up to look at it. “Our argument is that, yes, it is true that the economy is not doing well, but the law states that wages for workers must be reviewed after every five years. “So, the issue must be looked into by the Federal Government and workers should not be seen as sleeping on their rights, ''he said. Wabba recalled that the last review of the national minimum wage was done in 2011 and that the setting up of a tripartite committee to review the newly proposed national minimum wage was long overdue. He said it was imperative that government sets

up the tripartite committee for the review of the new minimum wages. Wabba said this was the only way the representatives of unions and government would fashion out the negotiation process at a round table. According to him, the logic behind the new minimum wage was to ensure that no worker earned below what can sustain him or her for a period of 30 days. “You also know that when we negotiated the N18, 000 minimum wage, the value in terms of exchange rate at that time was almost at N110 to the dollar. “But as at today, the value of the naira to the dollar has been reduced; and there are the issues of inflation and purchasing power, among others to contend with. “So, it also about the law of the review of the wage, the law envisaged that within a cycle of five

years, there must be a review, ''Wabba said. Wabba called on the government to ensure that the issue of the national minimum wage was urgently taken on board as a way of fighting corruption in the country. He said that if employers failed to cater for their workers’ welfare adequately, it would be difficult for such an employer to fight corruption. The NLC president said that workers needed to be empowered financially to have the purchasing power to buy what they would need to survive. “If manufacturers are producing and nobody is buying, the economy will be at a standstill because people lack the purchasing power to buy. “So, these are some of the issues we will be pushing forward at the negotiation table and there must be a tripartite committee to look at the challenges, ''he said.

THURSday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEWS

THURSday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari seeks World Bank's support on N63bn Abacha loot

lBank commends NNPC GMD Anule Emmanuel, Johnchucks Onuanyim and Adeola Yusuf

resident Muhammadu Buhari has urged the World Bank to assist Nigeria in repatriating about $320 million (about N63.6 billion) stolen under the government of the late Gen. Sani Abacha from the national treasury. He said the money was stashed away in some Swiss banks. The President stated this during a meeting with the Managing Director of the World Bank, Ms. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. He said that the repatriation of the additional $320 million in Switzerland, which has been identified as illegally taken from Nigeria under the Abacha administration, would help to ease the current economic hardship being faced by the country. President Buhari assured Ms Indrawati that his administration was taking appropriate steps to ensure that public funds

were no longer stolen or misappropriated by government officials. He said: “We need the support of the World Bank for the repatriation of the funds. We are as concerned as the World Bank about accountability. If such repatriated funds have been misapplied in the past, I assure you that the same will not happen with us. "$320million is a lot of money and we will not allow it to be misappropriated or diverted,’’ President Buhari told Ms. Indrawati. One of the conditions given by the Swiss authorities for the repatriation of the funds was that it should be expended on the implementation of social programmes for the benefit of Nigerians in an efficient and accountable way, guaranteed by the monitoring of the World Bank. Buhari also assured the World Bank Managing Director that his administration would honour all agreements with the bank that would help to stimulate Nigeria's economy and reduce the level of poverty in the country. He said that Nigeria

would welcome greater international assistance for the rehabilitation of damaged homes, schools, health facilities and other infrastructure in the North Eastern states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Indrawati told President Buhari that the World Bank was ready to use its knowledge, expertise and resources to help Nigeria achieve faster growth and development. ‘‘We will strongly support you to create jobs and ensure prosperity in Nigeria,’’ she said. She also expressed the World Bank's full support for the war against corruption being waged by the Buhari Administration. Speaking to State House Correspondents at the end

0.02%

The capital importation percentage share of Agriculture of Nigeria in 2008. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

11.25m The total population of Cuba in 2012. Source: Un.org

of the meeting, the World Bank Managing Director pledged to support Nigeria’s policies geared towards strengthening its economic sector, amongst others. She told newsmen that the institution would support the country’s reform agenda on natural resources, fiscal policy, amongst others. “We would like to know how we can help Nigeria to make the very important decisions, whether on micro economic policies and other sectoral policies that will make this economy to move forward to become a strong, middle-income country to have a much more inclusive growth, to have a vibrant economic activity and creating job and eradicating poverty”, Indrawati said. According to her, the Nigerian economy, like many other countries in the world, is now facing weak global economy, low commodity price in goods and oil price, challenge of climate change and insecurity. Indrawati, who is responsible for the World Bank’s operations worldwide, was on a short visit

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe; Chairman, Mosun Bello-Olusoga and Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, during the 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank, in Lagos… yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI.

N500m suit: Court sends Lai Mohammed, Metuh to arbitration Akeem Nafiu

ustice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court has directed the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh to engage in the process of mediation at the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse concerning their ongoing litigation over an alleged libel. The judge gave the directive yesterday on resumption of proceedings in a N500million suit slammed on Metuh by the Minister over alleged defamation. The judge said the decision of the progress report of the Alternative Dispute

Resolution (ADR) would determine a trial date for the suit. She further advised their lawyers to comply with previous directive and return to court on June 13. In the suit, Mohammed claimed to have been defamed by a press release allegedly authored and circulated on September 20, 2015 by Metuh. He disclosed that Metuh had, in the statement, accused him of embezzling the funds meant for fencing an airport in one of the APC-controlled states in the South-West. Mohammed also claimed that the PDP spokesperson accused him of diverting money he collected to supply ambulances to one APC-controlled

state in the South-West. Metuh had, in the statement, allegedly wondered where Mohammed then got the courage to speak on corruption when indeed the APC spokesman had mastered the art of corruption having been "a personal aide to one of the most corrupt politicians to ever bestride the political space of the country." Mohammed, who said he was a one-time coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation, claimed that the statement credited to Metuh was carefully calculated to inflict damage on his reputation and to lessen him in the estimation of the public. He added that Metuh had injured his character in a grave manner and

caused him considerable reputational destruction and embarrassment. He further claimed that Metuh’s lawyer, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had, in a letter dated September 25, 2015 to his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, admitted authoring the statement, but denied that it was he that was being referred to. Consequently, Mohammed is seeking an order mandating Metuh to not only retract his statement, but to also tender published apology to him in a widely read newspaper for seven consecutive days. He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Metuh and his privies from further publishing or disseminating libellous materials against him.

to Nigeria through Cameroon. “We discussed about the agricultural sector, infrastructure, but also the need to pursue and continue doing a very difficult reform. “We also discussed more in terms of the need to diversify the economy away from oil. We also discussed on how to improve the fiscal side with the Minister of Finance under her leadership and try to improve on the revenue side, whether to improve collection tax as well as to fight against inefficiency and corruption.” Earlier, the visiting World Bank President had visited the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. She commended the Minister on the reforms

and transparency brought so far into the operations of the NNPC and the entire oil and gas industry in Nigeria. A statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mallam Garba Deen Muhammad, said that the World Bank president visited Kachikwu’s office. According to Mohammed, Indrawati said the 20 fixes introduced by Kachikwu to the NNPC business models have gone a long way to reforming the Corporation for profitability. Mohammed quoted the World Bank Managing Director as saying: "The Bank is ready and available to offer the Ministry of Petroleum Resources technical support, advice and funding, stressing that sound policy thrust is key in the areas of fiscal direction, gas flare out and gas to power".

Badeh: I’m not a certified accountant, says witness Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

Prosecution Witness in the on-going trial of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, yesterday admitted under cross-examination that he is not a certified accountant, but worked as a finance officer for 25 years. The witness, Commodore Abdullahi Yushau, who was the Director of Finance of the Nigerian Air Force, is the first witness called by the Federal Government in Badeh’s trial. The Federal Government is prosecuting the former CDS over alleged diversion of N3.9 billion meant for the Nigerian Air Force. At the resumed trial of the case yesterday, Yushua told the court that he was not part of the bargaining process concerning a property at 19, Kumasi Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, which purportedly belongs to Alex Badeh Junior. He, however, admitted that he made payment for the house on the instructions of his boss. When asked whether he confirmed if the amount that was billed for the sale of the property was initially N300 million, but bargained to N260 million, the witness said the transaction involved only Badeh Junior, Kabiru Salau (an engineer) and the landlord. He said: “The transaction was between Alex Badeh Junior and Kabiru Salau, I was not part of the bargain.” But when asked whether payment was made at once, he initially said yes,

but later denied it. He said: “When Salau told me that the document was with the bank, I told him to make partial payment to enable the landlady collect the title deed and thereafter he should pay the balance.” On the number of instalments the money was paid, Yushau said he could not remember, but agreed that he paid in instalments and not at once. “I think the money was paid twice because the document was with the bank,” the witness said while responding to the claim of Olujimi that he did not pay in two instalments. Also when asked to confirm if the payment was made in his house, he said yes. He added that no payment was made in the office. “When I received money from my boss, I took it to my house and then asked them to come and collect the money,” Yushau added. On how he got the money to pay Salau, the witness said when he took the usual monthly money he used to take to Badeh, the former CDS asked him to remove the dollar equivalent of N260 million to pay for the property. When told that most of the evidences he gave in the court were not part of his statement at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the witness maintained that he did not say in his evidence in chief that he deducted the said N260 million before taking the monthly allowance to Badeh. The trial judge later adjourned till May 9 for continuation of trial.

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RETURNS ON UTILIZATION OF FUNDS PURCHASED FROM THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON TUESDAY, 26th APRIL 2016. SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114

CUSTOMER

FORM M/A NUMBER AA1675282 ADEWUYI I DRIS ADEKUNLE AA1675688 D.D. DODO AA1675805 ADOGHE I YERE ALEX AA1792835 BODE FAPOHUNDA AA2503082 SADI Q I SA ABUBAKAR AA2503253 MORONKEJI ESTHER FOLASHADE AA2503544 MORONKEJI ESTHER FOLASHADE AA2503545 MORONKEJI ESTHER FOLASHADE AA2503546 EGBUJOR ONYEMA LAMBERT AA2503547 SUBAIR ADENIKE AA2503634 RAHEEM MOSHOOD OLAI DE AA2503704 ADESI NA BUKADE ABRAHAMS AA2503705 OLOTA PHI LI P OLAOLUWA AA2503808 NWANGWU NKECHI AA2503919 OJI AKO JOSEPHAT SUNDAY AA2503951 ADEDOYI N OGHOGHO TEMI TOPE AA2552091 SEGUN OGUNBANJO AA2552742 ADEBAYO OLABODE AA2552835 ORESOTU OLUWATOYI N AA2561893 NWOKOLO ABI MBOLA OLUFUNKE AA2561913 AYO YUSUF AYODEJI AA2571011 AYO YUSUF AYODEJI AA2571016 AYO YUSUF AYODEJI AA2571017 AWELE UWECHUE AA2571397 ORUGBO GODFREY AA2571481 ADEBOWALE SAHEED I DOWU AA2628416 SI KAIYE OMOTOKE RACHEAL AA2675526 OKE I BRAHEEM OLUGBENGA AA2675527 UDOFI A I NI UFOT AA2782984 UDOFI A I NI UFOT AA2782985 OBASA MARY OLUSOLA AA2784051 DAIRO ABDUL-GANIYU OLANREWAJU AA2784710 OKWU CHUKWUNYERE DONATUS AA2784718 PRI MERO TRANSPORT SERV LTD MF20140177693 VI NE OI L MF20150032580 FRESH SYNERGY MF20150036354 MAINLAND OI L & GAS LTD MF20150044738 RAINOIL LTD MF20150052549 BOVAS & CO LTD MF20150054676 I BAFON OI L LTD MF20150057001 SWI FT OI L LTD MF20150075920 BULK STRATEGIC RES. LTD MF20150080167 BOVAS & CO LTD MF20150083251 SWI FT OI L LTD MF2015009449 3 CONOIL PLC MF2015009598 3 SUNCHEM I NDUSTRIES LI MI TED MF20150128467 GLO MOBI LE MF20150138132 SARO AGRO LTD MF20160013874 TEMPO PAPER MF20160017421 LI FE CARE LTD MF20160022633 GODY JONAS MF20160025799 NYCI L LTD MF20160029095 LOKEL PHARMA MF20160029115 PZ OI L AND LUBRICANT MF20160030366 CREST AGRO LTD MF20160030646 SANGOKOYA AGRO MF20160033649 GLOBAL ORGANIC LTD MF20160034047 TUYI L PHARMA MF20160036795 AKRON NIG LTD MF20160038940 PANAR LTD MF20160039830 AARTI STEEL NIG LTD MF20160041046 MATECO MF20160043128 PRI MA CORP MF20160043904 ONABOLU FOLAKE FOLASHADE N/A ATI -JOHN BRIDGET OGHENEKUME N/A ATI -JOHN DOMI NIC OLASUPO N/A OLUBU MOJI SOLA N/A PERCI VAL DEI GH WALTONIO N/A FATOKI ADEGBOYEGA OLANREWAJU N/A ONABULE ADEOLA YETUNDE N/A OYEMADE OLUSESAN OMOTUNDE N/A OYEMADE UGONNA LI LY N/A ADEGOKE OLUFEYI SI PE N/A MOORE AISHA I SOMI NE N/A NWANORO NJI DEKA GLORY N/A AKWUOBI AUGUSTI NE OGOCHUKWU N/A OWOYELE OLANREWAJU AJALA N/A ELEGUSHI ANIFAT MOJI RAYO N/A ADETULA OLUWAKEMI N/A SANNI OLABI SI ADUNNI N/A ABODERIN AGBOYEGA ADETAYO N/A HAKEEM BAKARE LATEEFAT OMOTOMI LOLAN/A ATOBATELE LUKMON OLAJI DE N/A AMA VI CTOR NKEM N/A ONISHI LE EMMANUEL N/A AKI NDE OLUWAFEMI JONATHAN N/A FELI X UWAWAH N/A POPOOLA ADEBUNMI AYOBAMI N/A ATOBI LOYE OMOWUNMI MONSURAT N/A ATOBI LOYE GANIYU KOLAWOLE N/A APETE BOLANLE N/A SANUSI ELI ZABETH ADETORO N/A OLOKODANA OLUBUNMI N/A ODEBI YI BUKOLA I DAYAT N/A KABI RU AHMED RUFAI N/A ADESI JI DAVI D OLUWOLE N/A AFOLABI OLALEKAN RASHEED N/A AKANMU OLUFEMI OLATUNDE N/A MOHAMMED I DI AT MOJI RAYO N/A WADDEL EBI OWEI TORRU N/A EBENEZER CHI OMA JOY N/A EBENEZER BARIKPOAR N/A ADOMAGBO AUGUSTUS I NEKHE N/A I KPEME I TA WEI R N/A VI CTOR OGOCHUKWU OMORDI A N/A NWANA ALOYSI US CHI NEDU N/A OGARIAWO BATEI M MAX HARRISON N/A OHI AGU CHI OMA PRECI OUS N/A SHEREEFF ABDULLAHI MUSA N/A ABUBAKAR FATI MA AHMAD N/A OWOEYE OLUWATOYI N RASHEEDAT N/A KEN-I CHOKU LALI N/A ANITA MOJEKWU N/A

OLANIYAN SAMUEL BODE

LC NUMBER INV/16/EDU/940 INV/16/EDU/921 INV/16/EDU/928 INV/16/EDU/922 INV/16/EDU/927 INV/16/EDU/945 INV/16/EDU/932 INV/16/EDU/931 INV/16/EDU/933 INV/16/EDU/930 INV/16/EDU/948 INV/16/EDU/944 INV/16/EDU/920 INV/16/EDU/941 INV/16/EDU/934 INV/16/EDU/937 INV/16/EDU/919 INV/16/EDU/946 INV/16/EDU/917 INV/16/EDU/942 INV/16/EDU/935 INV/16/EDU/925 INV/16/EDU/926 INV/16/EDU/924 INV/16/EDU/923 INV/16/EDU/943 INV/16/EDU/918 INV/16/EDU/947 INV/16/EDU/938 INV/16/EDU/950 INV/16/EDU/949 INV/16/EDU/936 INV/16/EDU/929 INV/16/EDU/939 SB/ILC150073U SB/ILC150260CL SB/ILC150207CL SB/ILC150352CL SB/ILC150313CL SB/ILC150370CL SB/ILC150354CL SB/ILC150413CL SB/ILC150454CL SB/ILC150461CL SB/ILC150494CL SB/ILC150490CL SB/ILC150631U SB/ILC150623CL SB/ILC160189U SB/ILC160343C SB/ILC160353C SB/ILC160345C SB/ILC160349C SB/ILC160351C SB/ILC160348C SB/ILC160200U SB/ILC160344C SB/ILC160341C SB/ILC160347C SB/ILC160350C SB/ILC160346C SB/ILC160352C SB/ILC160342C SB/ILC160340C N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

ITEM OF IMPORT SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES TRANSPORT BUSES UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE MOGAS UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE UNLEADED GASOLI NE BASE OI L I NDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS SI M CARDS AGRICULTURAL I NSECTI DE SNIPPER MASTERBATCH FOR BOPP PRODUCTI ON HOSPI TAL EQUI PMENT AGRICULTURAL GRINDI NG MI LL POLYVI NYL ALCOHOL GOHSENOL DRUGS AND PHARMA PRODUCTS ENGINE OI L FULL CASSAVA PROCESSI NG PLANT AGRICULTURE MACHI NERY VERTI NARY MEDI CI NE MULTI VI TAMI N AND MI NERALS I NDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS PVC RESI N PRI ME HOT ROLLED STEEL FLAT ROLLED I RON RELPET RESI N PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA

DATE OF FUND PURCHASE EXCHANGE RATE AMOUNT 26-Apr-16 197.50 6,350.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 3,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 5,756.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 6,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 3,863.65 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,075.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 3,214.52 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,250.58 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 1,200.19 26-Apr-16 197.50 1,200.19 26-Apr-16 197.50 10,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 1,161.11 26-Apr-16 197.50 3,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 7,910.90 26-Apr-16 197.50 10,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,777.80 26-Apr-16 197.50 1,111.11 26-Apr-16 197.50 8,634.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 5,828.94 26-Apr-16 197.50 6,156.48 26-Apr-16 197.50 4,829.61 26-Apr-16 197.50 10,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 4,894.57 26-Apr-16 197.50 5,810.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 5,592.13 26-Apr-16 197.50 9,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 250.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 9,232.20 26-Apr-16 197.50 500.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,240.37 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,700.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 358,666.48 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 380,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 200,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 251,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 277,234.62 26-Apr-16 197.50 205,173.08 26-Apr-16 197.50 350,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 100,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 238,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 100,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 110,689.54 26-Apr-16 197.50 67,430.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 144,380.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 82,250.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 102,766.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 34,250.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 100,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 82,211.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 37,510.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 68,736.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 33,600.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 93,960.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 217,500.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 46,180.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 294,926.80 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 4,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 4,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 1,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 500.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 500.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00 26-Apr-16 197.50 2,000.00

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

I took part in killing, teenager tells police

Taiwo Jimoh

Okegbenro

Sanitation: Movement restriction still in force –Lagos Muritala Ayinla

agos State government yesterday said it had not removed restriction of movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, who disclosed this in a statement, said the exercise had not been cancelled while restriction of human and vehicular movement across the state between 7a.m. and 10a.m. remained in force. Adejare said the law enforcement agencies, such as the police, the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), had been fully mobilised to enforce the restriction order on movement. The commissioner warned that violators caught would be prosecuted according to the state Environmental Sanitation Law. Adejare urged residents to troop out and participate

actively in the sanitation exercise on Saturday by cleaning their homes, gutters, drains as well as their frontages. He said: “The period of environmental sanitation is not meant for any social and sporting engagement but for a serious cleaning exercise.” The commissioner advised residents to desist from dumping waste arbitrarily into the drainage channels and canals in order to attain a flood-free Lagos. He warned residents who still patronise cart pushers to desist from the illegal act. Adejare said government was determined and committed to attain a sustainable environment. He, therefore, urged residents to key into Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision of a cleaner Lagos by abstaining from bad environmental habits such as open defecation and urination as well as littering the highways.

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

Gov. Ambode

16-year-old boy, Rilwan Okegbenro, has told the police in Lagos that he was a member of the gang which killed a man, Olawale Adebayo, at Ikorodu, recently. Okegbenro and 17 others were arrested yesterday during a raid on criminal hideouts by operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). According to the police, Okegbenro confessed to have participated in last month’s murder of Adebayo (22), behind Wema Bank on Sagamu Road, Ikorodu. The teenager mentioned

two other members of the gang, Ahmed and Taoreed, who took part in the murder but are now at large. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolapo Badmos, said a manhunt for the two suspects had commenced. The PPRO said aside the teenager’s confession, Adebayo’s brother, Ismaila Balogun, had identified the suspect as one of the killers. She said: “The raid was done in collaboration with local vigilantes on various black spots within Sabo, Odogunyan and Igbogbo community all in Ikorodu and 18 suspects were arrested after the raid. “During interrogation,

the suspect (Okegbenro) confessed to be a cult member and to have participated in the killing of Olawale Adebayo, a resident of 10, Imosun Close, Ikorodu. “The deceased was killed on February 20, behind Wema Bank, Sagamu Road, Ikorodu. He stated also that two of his gang members that participated in the killing are on the run. Hence, the command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. “Investigation is still ongoing. The Lagos State command has vowed to sustain the clampdown on all criminals in the state in order to continuously make Lagos a safe place for all.”

Masked men strangle septuagenarian during prayer Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

asked armed men yesterday murdered a 75-year-old high chief, Chief Moses Elutilo, the Akannare of Ile-Ido Ife, Osun State. The men stormed the venue of a meeting which Elutilo was presiding over at Atagilere Plank Hall on Ondo Road, Ile-Ife, and strangled him. Sources said while the deceased asked those at the meeting to close their eyes for the opening prayer, the hoodlums swooped on him. “When the deceased got to the venue of the meeting about 10a.m., he was asked to lead the opening prayer. “As soon as he stood up to pray,

the masked men attacked him with dangerous weapons and smashed his head,” a source said. The development caused furore at the venue of the meeting as those present started to run helter-skelter. At press time, the reason for Elutilo’s murder could not be ascertained. But a middle-aged man, who preferred anonymity, said the deceased was the star witness in a land dispute before Justice A. A. Onibokun of the state High Court, Ile-Ife. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Folasade Odoro, said the police would get to the root of the matter. She said: “Autopsy would be carried out on the body to determine the circumstances surrounding the murder.”

IG, Arase

METRO

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Superintendent’ arrested with 10 bags of hemp Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

en of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun State have arrested a fake Superintendent of Police, George Oliseh, with 10 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. Oliseh, a 64-year-old father of 23, was intercepted in Sagamu with a Toyota Camry car marked: Abuja RSH 101 RE and loaded with the weeds. Apart from the fake police officer, two dismissed policemen identified as Sunday Ekanem and Victor Marepokai were arrested during separate operations in the state. Briefing journalists yesterday at the state command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, disclosed that 35 other suspects were arrested for criminal offences, including armed robbery, impersonation, cultism, murder and fraud. Ali said some of the suspects were nabbed with guns, cutlasses, expended cartridges, assorted charms and laptop computers, among other exhibits. He added that the suspects, who in-

cluded three teenagers arrested for armed robbery at J4 in Ijebu East Local Government Area, would be charged to court on completion of investigation. The commissioner said Oliseh, who was dismissed from the police in 2002, was apprehended on Monday for allegedly transporting Indian hemp from neighbouring Ondo State. Ali explained that the fake policeman was arrested in company with one Isaac Isheri, who was identified as the in-law

of the suspect. He said: “A senior police officer’s uniform and 10 bags of Indian hemp were recovered from him. The suspect has made useful statement to the police.” Speaking with our correspondent, Oliseh confessed to the crime. The suspect said he was actually dismissed from the police in 2002 after he used the vehicle belonging to a Deputy Commissioner of Police to convey Indian hemp. Those arrested in Ikorodu

Task force officials, motorcyclists, miscreants clash Muritala Ayinla

I Oliseh and his accomplice

Cultists attack corps members Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

ome members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Ohukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been hospitalised following attack by suspected cult members who invaded their lodge. In the past one week, cult members have been terrorising the local government; killing and maiming innocent people. The cult members reportedly attacked the corps members with machetes and axes in the night and dispossessed them of their belongings, including money.

Corps members

About 10 of the NYSC members reportedly sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP George Okafor, con-

firmed the incident yesterday. He said the attack occurred last Friday. Okafor disclosed that over 20 cult members in the area, including a local government chairman had been arrested.

However, according to him, the chairman is currently on bail. He said: “We have arrested over 20 persons involved in cult activities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state. We also arrested a local government chairman who is currently on bail. “Some weapons, including AK47 rifles were recovered from the cult members and they have been helping the police in our investigation.” Worried by increasing cases of cult activities in Ohaukwu and Afikpo South local government areas of the state, Governor Dave Umahi has directed his Senior Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Ali Odefa, to liaise with security agencies to fish out the cult members.

t was a war-like situation yesterday at Agric bus stop, Ikorodu as motorcyclists and hoodlums clashed with officials of the Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences Unit. The clash came on the heels of attempt by the task force officials to arrest a motorcyclist for obstructing BRT lane at Agric bus stop. At the end, the task force arrested about 32 suspects and impounded 54 motorcycles. It was learnt that the motorcyclists, including union officials, attacked police and paramilitary officers attached to the agency with stones and broken bottles. During the fracas, the motorcyclists and tricycle operators allegedly mobilised hooligans from Ikorodu, Ogolonto, Irawo and Owode-Onirin and other areas to support them. This forced the task force to call for reinforcement from other security agencies including the Raid Respond Squad (RRS) to subdue the hoodlums who had turned the place to a theatre of war. It was also learnt that the activities of the motorcycles on Ikorodu-Ketu Expressway, including the BRT lane, have become worrisome and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had ordered the arrest of motorcyclists operating on the Ikorodu Road. Miscreants had reportedly attacked BRT passengers and damaged three BRT buses at Agric bus stop before security agencies curtailed the situation.

City Briefs

Car rams into building

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

woman and a passenger in her Toyota Camry car escaped death by a whisker yesterday as her car rammed into a building in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The woman, identified simply as Alhaja, who had just left her home about 500 metres from the scene, negotiated a bend to connect the main road leading to Bodija Market and the University of Ibadan, plunged her car into the building while trying not to crush a commercial motorcyclist who had hit her car. Although the car broke the wall, the driver and a young passenger were not

injured. “We just left home and as Alhaja was joining the main road, the okada (commercial motorcycle) rider hit our car. He fell in front of the car and in a bid not to run the car over him and possibly kill him, Alhaja manoeuvred the car away from the man and in the process, plunged into the house. “I was shocked because we must have slid down seven feet with broken blocks smashing the windows and the windshield. We were rescued by passers-by but before we climbed out, the okada rider had escaped. He must have realised that he was guilty before taking the decision to run away,” the passenger said.

One of the occupants of the house said the owner of the car was a neighbour and that when a policeman approached the scene, he told him that it was a matter that would be amicably settled since there no one was injured in the house.

The scene of the accident

Investigate Enugu massacre, Ngwu tells IG Juliana Francis

hairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Princess Stella Ngwu, yesterday called on the InspectorGeneral of Police, Solomon Arase, and other security agents to immediately investigate the circumstances which led to the massacre of people of Ukpabi/Nimbo in Enugu State by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Ngwu, who represents the area in the National Assembly, made the call in a statement issued by her senior legislative aide, Kingsley Awuka. The lawmaker said the senseless killing of human beings and wanton destruction of property were premeditated and unprovoked and should be totally condemned. She said: “I am pained by the sad event. I commiserate with the

victims of the attack, families and relations of those that were killed and the entire people of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. I also urge the people of the affected area to be calm and law-abiding, as every necessary step shall be taken to track the perpetrators and bring them to face the law. “I am using this opportunity to call on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agents and stakeholders to immediately embark on a holistic investigation of the situation with a view to bringing the culprits to book and forestalling future occurrence.” Ngwu, therefore, promised that a constructive engagement of the relevant stakeholders would be sustained to find ways of ameliorating the suffering of all the people, especially women and children, who had been internally displaced as a result of the tragic incident.

NEWS | national

thursday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Reps kick against FG’s planned Troops kill seven Boko Haram fighters N309bn electricity bond T Emmanuel Onani Abuja

Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday asked the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately suspend the plan to raise a N309 billion bond to finance shortfall in the Nigerian electricity market. It also called on NERC to devise a monitoring mechanism to measure and enforce full monthly remittance by electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), recoup all misappropriated funds that resulted in the accumulated market shortfalls and apply sanctions for any default, including the threat to withdraw the licenses of erring DISCOs. The House Committee on Power, Privatisation and Commercialisation and Aids, Loans and Debts Management has

consequently been mandated to investigate the matter and submit its report within six weeks. The decision to stop the bond was taken after a motion sponsored by Hon. Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau), was adopted at the plenary. In his lead debate, Pwajok noted that the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is planning to use the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) to raise a Federal Government secured bond of N309 billion to cover the market shortfall made up of N187 billion accrued in 2015 and N122 billion projected shortfall for 2016. He expressed worry that the planned ‘massive’ borrowing was coming in spite of the intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in March 2015 through the grant of a bailout to the tune of N213 billion through the Nigerian Electricity Sector Intervention (NESI). According to him, de-

spite the intervention, the shortfall, instead of being wiped out has continued to escalate at the rate of about N15 billion per month, equivalent of N500 million daily, rising to a total market shortfall of N400 billion as at December 31, 2015. The lawmaker said he was concerned that the DISCOs, which received revenue, had failed to remit in full to other market participants without any measures put in place to by the NERC to block all leakages as there were no sanctions for defaulters. Speaking further, he disclosed that the tariff computation was a factor of capital investment, which was considered during the privatisation exercise but regrettably, there was no evidence that the DISCOs and GENCOs invested in acquiring any tangible assets without any monitoring by NERC.

he Nigerian Army yesterday said that a clearance operation carried out by troops of 7 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division, resulted in the killing of seven Boko Haram suspects. A statement by the Acting Director, Army

Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the operation, which was part of efforts to clear "the remnants of Boko Haram in various hideouts and enclaves," also culminated in the recovery of weapons and vehicles. "In their continuous efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram in various hideouts and enclaves, troops of 7 Bri-

UI, students’ face-off resolved Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

arely 24 hours after the authorities of the University of Ibadan announced the closure of the institution, following the protest embarked upon by some students against the

$23m

The total pay (including salary/ winnings & endorsements) of Blake Griffin (Basketball) for 2014. Source: Forbes.com

rustication of one of their colleagues, New Telegraph gathered yesterday that the gate to the school, which was earlier put under lock and key, was opened to allow free passage of people into and out of the institution. Following the resolution of the impasse between the students’ body and the university authorities, our correspondent gathered that students living on campus, who had earlier been directed to vacate the school by 4 pm

he Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major-General Bamidele Ogunkale, has said that the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, would no doubt be an indispensable ally in the Defence Headquarters’ envisioned Military Industrial Complex for which DICON was to be the epicenter. He made the remark when the Director-General, National Metallurgical Development Centre, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu, came on a courtesy visit to his office. According to the Director-General, DICON was

currently embarking on deep research and reverse engineering aimed at meeting the needs of North East operations especially the fabrication of spare parts for the weapons used in the theatre of operation. “As soon as I took over the mantle of leadership in DICON, I convened a meeting with my management staff to identify various bodies that the corporation would collaborate with in our effort to reposition DICON to become the pride of the nation and the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, was first.”

Operators demand N1trn intervention fund from FG Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

perators in the steel sector have placed a demand of N1 trillion intervention fund to jumpstart the steel industry and solid minerals sector of the nation's economy. The demand came as Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju, announced that the bank had supported Ilorin, Kwara State-based KAM Industries Limited with credit facilities worth over N10 billion in the last 10 years and was ready to do more

as part of efforts at encouraging indigenous investment in the non-oil sector. The demand was contained in a position paper presented to the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at a foundation laying ceremony of a multi-billion naira steel integrated project being run by KAM Industries at Jimba Oja, on the outskirts of Ilorin. Deputy Managing Director of KAM Industries, Alhaja Bolanle Yusuf, had earlier explained to the Vice-President the imperative of a conscious government effort at developing the steel sector of the economy.

on Tuesday, were said to have been allowed to stay in their halls of residence. The Director of Communication in the institution, Mr. Muhammed Oladejo, had earlier on Monday, said the protest that led to the rustication of Tunji Epeti Michael of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Technology, was his involvement in a November, 2015 protested on the campus whereas he was supposed to be on Industrial Attachment in Port Harcourt then. L-R: Member, NOT IN MY COUNTRY Crew, Mr. Ganiyu Olowu; Executive Producer, Mr. Akin Fadeyi; Managing Editor, North, New Telegraph, Mr. Laurence Ani and Managing Editor, Business and Strategy, Mr. Yemi Ajayi, during the Crew’s courtesy visit to New Telegraph’s Corporate Head office in Lagos …yesterday

DICON to partner NMDC

gade, 8 Task Force Division, have also embarked on clearance operations since yesterday in which they cleared Boko Haram hideouts ahead of Gratte in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. "During the operation, the troops killed seven Boko Haram terrorists, including a notorious kingpin popularly known as the Albani of Monguno."

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

WHO alerts on deadly yellow fever outbreak Appolonia Adeyemi

gainst the background of a deadly yellow fever outbreak in Angola, Central Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned travellers to the country to get vaccination against the disease and carry a valid certificate. Oyewale Tomori, a professor of virology, confirmed that “over 100 million Nigerians are at risk of yellow fever, but that getting a million doses of yellow fever vaccines is going to be a tall order.” At least 258 people have been killed and there have been around 1, 975 suspected cases of the mosquitoborne disease since an epidemic erupted in December 2015. It has already grown to become the worst outbreak in decades. Among countries that are vulnerable are Sen-

egal, Benin, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and South Sudan. Others are Burundi, Cameroon, Togo, Central African Republic, Uganda, Chad, Congo, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo. Also vulnerable are Equatorial Guinea, Argentina, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Gabon, Brazil, Gambia, Colombia, Ghana, Ecuador, Guinea, French Guiana, among others. Yellow fever is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread the Zika and Dengue viruses, although it is a far more serious disease with death rates as high as 75 per cent in severe cases requiring admission in hospital. Angola's outbreak has already spread to other countries in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and at least 11 cases of yellow

fever have been imported into China in people traveling from Angola. "Cases of yellow fever linked to this outbreak have been detected in other countries of Africa and Asia," WHO DirectorGeneral, Margaret Chan, said in a statement. Explaining why getting vaccinated against yellow fever is necessary for those going to Angola; Tomori said a lot of people working in Angola, including Chinese, Kenyans and others, return to their own countries with yellow fever.” However, their various countries are able to diagnose it early enough and put them in isolation wards. “Imagine if any Nigeria goes to Kenya without getting the vaccination and brings back the disease, before we know what is happening, the person would have spread the

disease condition to others that are not vaccinated.” According to him, some African countries, including Ghana and Togo have done a mass yellow fever vaccination. “Nigeria is the only country in Africa that has not done a mass vaccination against yellow fever. “What has been done in Nigeria is to concentrate yellow fever vaccination in areas where the authority believes that people are more vulnerable, including areas where there has been disease outbreaks and those communities that are close to countries that have recorded yellow fever outbreaks. “So, we have mapped Nigeria out into degrees of vulnerability and then we go there with the little amount of vaccinations that we have and vaccinated people in those places.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Budget Iloh: National Assembly setting traps for Buhari

Politics Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, speaks on the state of insecurity in the country and the 2016 Budget, among other issues. TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE reports What is your take on the recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen in different parts of the country? I have repeatedly solicited that Federal Government should set up a commission of inquiry to probe into the senseless killings by marauding herdsmen including their source of arms and ammunition, but nobody seems to listen to me. The Fulani herdsmen had lived happily and peacefully with their host communities in the past without any rancor. Why have they suddenly become aggressive and murderous? This is what that probe needs to unearth and proffer solutions. Setting up armed security against the herdsmen may not solve the situation but rather aggravate it. We may be inviting another round of insurgency in Nigeria. Similarly if the destructive and murderous activities of these herdsmen are not put in check, the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria may be threatened. I urge our leaders to think right and fast to prevent the situation from escalating. We should not use a fire brigade approach to solve the situation. But some people are of the view that Fulani herdsmen may not actually be behind the attacks but insurgent groups masquerading as herdsmen? If government holds an enquiry, we will know whether they are members of Boko Haram or not. The Fulani herdsmen have a group, who looks after them. They should call them and find out those behind the attacks. If it is Boko Haram, we will know and if it is not Boko Haram, we will know. The perceived silence of President

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@yahoo.com

Interview Buhari’s foreign trips have no effect on Nigeria – Chiori

13 14

Herdsmen, threat to national security – Tsav

Tsav

Muhammadu Buhari on the attack is a concern to many people… But the government issued a statement recently directing the Inspector General of Police and the Civil Defence Corps to tackle the problem and I am saying that one is a fire brigade approach because in this country, once you are identified with a tribe and whatever the tribe is doing, you are hold responsible. Like in this case, they said Buhari is a Fulani man and they are identifying him with them. It is not so. The best they can do is to conduct an inquiry on the attacks. They should be asked to come and testify, why are these people doing what they are doing? The Fulani herdsmen are control by some people and they should call them to come and talk about the incidences. If government knows the causes, it can come up steps to solve the problems. What is your take on the controversy trailing the 2016 Budget? We understand that there was padding in the budget; people increased it for their selfish purpose. That was what brought the delay and I now understand that they have resolved the issue. The controversy is not good enough. The people in the National Assembly should be gentlemen; once they do something, everybody should ac-

cept it. The padding of the budget is not good. It does not help us; it shows that some of the people in the National Assembly are not responsible; they are not honest and cannot be trusted. Don’t you think the delay in President Buhari signing the budget is affecting the people? It is very sad but I think since it has happened this way this year, it may not happen like that next year and in subsequent years.

If... these herdsmen are not put in check, the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria may be threatened

What is your opinion on the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the call for his resignation? If we must follow what is happening in Nigeria, not to talk of what is happening outside; there are many senators who have pending cases in court. Some of them have even appeared before the court but they have not resigned their appointments because they have not been found guilty. The law says a person is presumed innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction proves him guilty. So, the charges against the Senate president are all allegations; he has not yet been proven guilty of all the charges. So, why should people ask him to resign? Assuming that he resigns now and tomorrow the Code of Conduct Tribunal funds him not guilty, would he get back his job? Of

course he will not get it because somebody would have been appointed. If you follow the proceedings at the CCT, the whole thing is painted with politics and influences from here and there. Some people are saying that the chairman of the CCT should not try Saraki because he is also accused of certain things. Some are even saying that he should treat Saraki’s case the same way he treated that of former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu. He said he made mistake in Tinubu’s case and if he made mistake, then it means that he has created a precedent and if you made a mistake in the first case, why don’t you make the same mistake this time around. I believe they are just trying to rubbish our legal system because once the Supreme Court makes a pronouncement on a case; that case remains an authority and they always refer to it to decide other cases. So, if the judge said he made a mistake, why did he make a mistake? Was he influenced to make that mistake or did somebody hold a gun behind him before he made that mistake? I see politics in the whole affairs. But some are saying Senator Saraki should resign on moral ground… Has anybody ever resigned on moral ground in Nigeria? There are people who are facing trial in Nigeria and they are still sitting very tight on the positions. Some of them must have influenced the decision on their cases. That is what is happening in this country. The same allegations have been made against some judges taking bribe from people and influencing decisions on their cases. If that is true, then it means that some of the cases that we have in courts are thinkered with based on influence. Let us set a precedent, so that people can follow it. How do you see the situation where some state governors owe civil servants backlog of salaries? This is very bad. It is morally wrong because there are civil servants who have served for 35 years and retired honourable and they have not been paid their allowances. But some people came into politics; served for four or eight years and were paid huge sums as pension. This is not good. Why they were in office, they enjoyed so many amenities, government was feeding, clothing and doing everything for them and on leaving office, government pays them huge amount as pension. That is morally wrong. It is bad.

POLITICS

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daniel joins race for PDP chairmanship Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has joined the race for the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Daniel, who served as governor on the PDP platform between 2003 and 2011, is billed to contest the number one post at the May 21 National Convention of the party. The former governor’s entry into the race is a new twist in the plot by some PDP chieftains to stop the re-emergence of current National Chairman and ex-governor of

Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, at the forthcoming convention. Sources within the PDP told New Telegraph in confidence that Daniel was drafted into the contest by some forces within the party to ensure that the South-West geopolitical zone produces its national chairman. There has been controversy over the decision of the party’s zoning committee set up by Sheriff and chaired by Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to zone the national chairmanship to the North-East, where Sheriff hails from. Concerned PDP chieftains from the SouthWest, who were miffed

about the “unfair zoning” arrangement, are insisting that Sheriff cannot elongate his stay in office as he was only brought in about two months ago to complete the tenure of former chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. The PDP leaders had argued that it is the wish of the South-West to have the national chairmanship because it is the only zone that is yet to occupy the seat since the formation of the party. Their argument is, however, in contrast with the position of another group led by the senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, who is of the view that the South West is not interested in

Ex-militant leader proffers solution to restiveness the position of members Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

eader of ex-militant groups in Edo State, General Ogidigba Ayuba Godstime, yesterday gave reasons why members of the Niger Delta Avengers are threatening to cripple the nation’s economy, particularly, the oil sector. He said there was an urgent need for the Federal Government to take seriously, unemployment and empowerment challenges, especially as it affects youths in oil-rich region as a way to addressing some of the grievances and agitations of the people in order to douse the tension in the area. Ogidigba told New Telegraph in an interview in Benin, Edo State capital that the Federal Government should not take

of the Niger Delta Avengers for granted as they were the fourth phase of agitators of the Presidential Amnesty programme and therefore should be accorded the needed attention through dialogue. He suggested that government should organise town hall meetings with stakeholders and youths in all the oil bearing states in the region for a peaceful resolution of the of problems confronting the areas and to also incorporate the youth in a joint committee made up of the military and oil producing communities for surveillance operations on oil facilities. According to him, “engaging youths in the Niger Delta region is key to protecting the nation’s oil sector and sensitive facilities from activities of saboteurs.”

NABRO Bill passes second reading in Senate Chukwu David Abuja

he Bill for an Act to establish National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), yesterday, passed second reading on the floor of the Senate. The bill, sponsored by the Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare, seeks to ensure objective, timely and non-partisan analysis needed for economic and budget decisions. In his lead debate on the bill, Omoworare, said the bill would give the office, which is already in existence a legal backing to enable it function effec-

tively. He added that the proposed Act will address controversies that characterise annual budgets in the country. “The office will help save cost and block loopholes within budgets that have become drain pipes. The office will also ensure an indelible input of trained democrats, who will help us with figures and statistics for a good budget. “The office will further provide legal backing to the already existing office for independent unbiased nonpartisan budget. It will equally help the executive and legislature to be on the same page. Also, the office will assist in budget oversight.”

the position. New Telegraph also gathered that apart from Daniel, other chieftains from the South-West, including former Transport Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, and former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, have also showed interest in the national chairmanship position. A dependable party source said the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, would have been fronted for the position but his candidature was shelved by because he is still serving as governor

and his tenure would only come to an end in 2017. The source, however, stated that Daniel was considered for the top job by some highly placed personalities from the zone, notwithstanding his pending trial for alleged corruption. When contacted, one of the political associates of the ex-governor, who is conversant with the ongoing politicking, said Daniel was actually drafted into the race. “The contest is neither here nor there. It was the idea of some chieftains in the party who believed that OGD can rebuild the party. But all I can say is that consultations are still ongoing and meetings are

being held across various levels of the party to give concrete direction for the PDP,” he said. Another aide of the former governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he would neither confirm nor deny the story. He added that though there are several issues rocking the PDP, Daniel and his close associates as well as notable party chieftains are weighing the possibility of his emergence as the next national chairman. Efforts to get the reaction of Daniel’s media assistant, Mr Ayo Giwa, proved abortive as several calls put to his mobile phone were not answered.

NABRO Bill passes second reading in Senate

L-R: Inec Commissioners, Alhaji Baba Shetima-Aifo; Prince Solomon Adedeji-Soyebi and Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a familiarisation meeting with journalists in Abuja … yesterday.

2019’ll be walkover if APC delivers on promises - Dogara Philip Nyam Abuja

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that it delivers on its promises of change to make its reelection in 2019 a walkover. Dogara said this when he received a delegation from Delta State APC under the umbrella of Delta APC Contact Committee in his office yesterday. He was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, to have said that nothing could sell the party faster than providing tools of empowerment for Nigerians to thrive in their businesses and daily lives through provision of infrastructure and other needs as promised by the party during the campaigns for the 2015 elections. He added that the hardship and challenges currently being faced by Nigerians will soon be a thing

of the past as the budget of change will be finally brought on stream next week following meetings held with the president on Tuesday and subsequent ones scheduled to put final touches to the document. His words: “For now, let me say this, even though we came at a period where things were difficult, things have been difficult really, the budget of change is still with the executive and the legislature, but I will say that even though cynical commentators believe

that we may not be able to summon the leadership to be able to produce this document, I guess the meeting we held with the President yesterday belies that and to some extent. “We came to some kind of agreements and arrangements, whereby I guess the issue of the budget will just be a matter of days, not even weeks and hopefully, we will be able to transmit the document this Friday to the President, maybe this weekend or latest, when work resumes after May Day. On

Monday, we can have the budget and when it is finally put on stream, Nigerians will now see clearly, the visions that are there, the programmes that are articulated and what we have appropriated in order to deliver on this mandate of change.” Earlier, chairman of the Delta State APC Contact Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, said they were on the visit to show that the APC in Delta State is ready to bring true, lasting and sustainable peace to the people of the state.

Votes now count despite inconclusive polls – INEC Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that despite the hues and cries over inconclusive elections, the elections are credible. Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Muhamuod Yakubu, in an interactive session with journalists on Wednesday, said although the commission

is worried when an election is inconclusive, certain compelling circumstances are responsible for the outcome of every election. “Nobody wants elections to be inconclusive, but I haven’t seen or read anywhere where INEC was accused of taking a position outside the provisions of Electoral Act,” Yakubu noted. He said elections in Nigeria have become better with the deployment of

technology. According to him, Nigerians have been clamouring for strong political parties so that elections could be competitive and not the just one political party that win by landslide. “Now we have strong political parties and there are others that have also become stronger and now win in areas that they have never won before. The elections are also becoming very, very competitive and the margin of victory is reducing.”

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rev. Moses Iloh is a social critic and founder of Soul Winning Chapel. In this interview, he speaks on the state of the nation and the anti-corruption war. WALE ELEGBEDE reports

Its almost a year of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. What is your assessment of the government? For the All Progressives Congress-led administration, so far, so difficult! They did not know what they are going into. They thought it was just to come in and discipline Nigerians, but that is not so. They found out that the Nigeria they are taking over was already a dead man, so they needed to resurrect him and put life back into him before you begin to command whatever you want to do. I think the problem was more than what the APC envisaged. Don’t forget that the APC could be described as a cocktail with a bad taste. What they need is prayers, sincerity of purpose and honesty of outlook. This will make people to start feeling sympathetic and start to ask how do we help them to achieve what they want to achieve for us because the change is for us and not for them. So, since it is for us, we are supposed to help them to achieve what they want to achieve for us. Unfortunately, almost every Nigerian is criticizing them. Everybody is complaining, they haven’t done this, they haven’t done that. What were we doing years ago? Every Nigeria today is an expert in criticism but not in proffering solution. What is your take on the criticisms against the foreign trips of the president by some Nigerians? That is why I am saying that Nigerians are expert when it comes to criticism. President Muhammadu Buhari’s tours have changed the image of Nigeria and have given us a new name. Money couldn’t have changed it, even newspapers cant change it. Today, we are respected by the United States, Britain, China and others. Countries are beginning to look at us as what we should be. So, I think we need to thank him for the tour and don’t forget he is not a young man and travelling like this with a jet-lag will affect his health. So, he is rarely making a sacrifice and we are benefitting from the dividend of the sacrifice. His trip has been a blessing and it has been an act of wisdom. Are you worried about the budget impasse between the legislature and the executive? The legislature is a cocktail of evil people. Take the senate for example; it’s a rendezvous for all corrupt people. When you have done your bad things, you run in and become a senator. That is why I feel so sick when I hear someone being described as distinguished senator; it should have rather be distinguished confusionist. What they are doing now is that they are trying to put the president on the spot. I remembered the late

Iloh: National Assembly setting traps for Buhari

Iloh

Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, he said when he was a minister, whenever he has a file with him and he is discussing with a civil servant, if he needs to go to the toilet, he takes the file with him to the toilet. Because by the time he comes out of the toilet, they will change it. So, the civil servants are very dangerous people and no matter what you do, you cant steal without them. Buhari is not as cunny as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he knows how to deal with them but Buhari does not know, so he has to be extra careful. I think what is going on now is that they would like to trap the president in and one day they will say he said he is honest, see what he put inside the budget and then they could say he put something in the budget which was not there and they will later impeach him. So, it is a big trap, the more he delays the better for us. Let him save his name, the budget can wait. Nigerians should begin to tell the National Assembly to behave well. Let us have a budget that is transparent. It is our budget and it shouldn’t be something mysterious. So, I think the budget is a trap for the president and the more he delays, he is protecting his integrity but Nigeria is suffering. Despite the bailouts from the FG to states, many states still owe their workers…. The point is this, excluding the money they get from the federal government, don’t they generate funds internally? Look at Lagos State, it can do without the allocation from Abuja and the state will still be up and doing. So, what are the other states doing? That is why they are complaining. Go and see how destructive some states have being. Go to some states and see

The budget is a trap for the president and the more he delays, he is protecting his integrity, but Nigeria is suffering

how they have been destroyed, particularly the Eastern states and nobody is saying anything. I think the states should be able to work so hard to be able to run their own business and only get money from the federal government as a support. Its unfortunate but I do hope that this budget thing will settle itself soon and we will be able to jump the queue and do something.

now say this is why we want Biafra and they will start something. Then those who are sponsoring the Fulanis will be happy that they got through what they want. But I think that something is behind it. I don’t know what the security is doing but I think they are partially comatose; otherwise they should be able to begin to know what is going on. This is not ordinary Fulani grazing.

Are you satisfied with ongoing war against corruption by this administration? So far, I am satisfied but I think it is slow. Like I said, the task is so enormous. You know, if it were to be in a military regime, by now he would have solved it but this is a democracy and we have to abide by its tenets. So, the slow pace is not deliberate. Also, the people he is dealing with are dangerous. Don’t also forget that even in his party, are corrupt captains too. So, here or there, they are everywhere.

Many Nigerians are complaining about the biting economy. What do you think the government should do? Yes, it is raging but the Bible says whatever you sow, you will reap. We sowed corruption, we must reap crisis. When we were sowing the bad seed, oil was $100 per barrel, harvest time is $38. So, we must reap it.

Are you worried about the upsurge in the activities of herdsmen in the country? The point is that this is not the first time that the Fulani herdsmen are coming out to graze their cows. Why is it different now? There must be some dangers somewhere. They have been grazing the cows for years since we were children. Why is it now that they are carrying guns and killing people? There must be some politicians behind them and that is why the security agents must be smart to find out who are those behind this. This is more than the Fulani, there must be some influence behind them. Now that the Igbo people are asking for Biafra, you went there to kill them, now you are trying to start a war. Because they will

But don’t you think its better to start thinking forward and forget the past… The government will move forward but the crisis will take a while. Do you realise that around this government are super professional corrupt people. In the party, in the government, in the National Assembly, everywhere and they are clever. One single mistake you make, they go back to their business and if you are too careful, you will be very slow. It is unfortunate. President Buhari came in at the right time with good intention and the question we can ask now is if tomorrow Buhari is not there, who will you put there? So, we need to pray to keep him alive and to help him. If you are talking of change, all of us must decide to change. But waiting for Buhari to change you is an upside down approach. Change must come from us, staring from our homes.

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

Omeaku Cole Chiori, a businessman and religious leader, in this interview with DEBORAH OCHENI, speaks on the Muhammadu Buhari administration, insecurity and anticorruption war Looking at the present state of the nation’s economy and the level of poverty in Nigeria, do you think the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) is capable of bringing about the change it promised Nigerians? The level of poverty in this country is on the rise and from what Nigerians are seeing now, it seems there is no headway because everybody is suffering. Both the young and old, the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members are all in it and I don’t think this is the change Nigerians expected of him. President Buhari should see his critics as his good friend and I will advise him to throw away shame and be bold enough to make Governor Ayo Fayose and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode his special advisers. He should not see them as enemies because whatever they say will help him run his government. Every good critique will not tell you things that are very bright, rather they tell you things that will help you. He should forget about party affiliation and use them as special advisers. He should consult them on certain areas and that will help him and help Nigerians too. Are you proposing that Governor Fayose and Fani-Kayode can proffer solution to the problem facing Nigeria now? Yes, because I believe they have something good to offer in terms of advising President Buhari on what to do and what not to do. The members of APC may see them as enemies but Buhari should not allow that because they have something to offer to the nation and Buhari’s administration. As a businessman, what is the effect of nation’s dwindling economy on businesses? It is affecting businesses negatively because as we speak, no business is doing well, especially in the monetary policy concerning importation and all that. We are back to zero. It is so bad that nothing is working; no business is moving and people are suffering. There is no money; no fuel and no electricity so, where do we go? Everything is stagnant in Nigeria. What do you think is the way out of this situation? The way out is depending on God because those who don’t believe in God may put their hands into wrong things. Like someone told me ‘Buhari has good intentions but good intentions don’t fry plantain.’ What is your view on the discordant views over President Buhari’s foreign trips? What is the effect

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari’s foreign trips have no effect on Nigeria – Chiori

what is happening now is something that has never been heard of. The Northerners are saying he has no team, he should raise an economic team that will be able to do things better. We are in April and budget is yet to be signed, so, what are we saying? Looking at the way APC government is going; do you see PDP coming back to power in 2019? Of course yes. I am not a politician; I am not a card carrying member of any political party but if you look at the reruns in the South, none won by APC and that is an indication that they don’t like this administration. All the reruns were won by PDP, so, it is safe to say if there is general election today, PDP will sweep it off.

Chiori

of the trips on Nigeria and do you think the country has benefitted from them? All the trips he has been making have no positive effect on the nation, all the effects that we have been seeing is on the negative side. You don’t starve you children from eating because you are building a house or because you want to reform, people should die of hunger? Many people are dying and there is no father that will build a house and allow the children to die of hunger just because he wants to complete the building. As he is working, he should also try and better the economy so that everybody will feel his impact. Where is the money that is being refunded and what is he investing the money on? Recovered money should be channelled into people’s welfare so that people will stop crying. The trips he is making are just to enjoy himself by visiting places he has never being before. He said it that he regretted not ruling this country when he was young and now that the opportunity is here, he is using it for tourism. But some people say he has been able to redeem the image of the country with his trips… What the Americans are saying is because he is fighting to make sure that money does not go out, meanwhile those at home are suffering. But what is the need for you to be praised abroad and your people are hungry at home? It is of no use if you are better outside than your home. Is that to say he is paying more attention to corruption than human

We are back to zero. It is so bad that nothing is working; no business is moving and people are suffering

welfare? Well, corruption is not governance. Somebody said he should give corruption 20 per cent attention and give governance 80 per cent. If you have your eyes fixed on a rear mirror, you will not move forward. So, Buhari should put 20 per cent attention on rear mirror and move forward because looking back fighting corruption does not take us anywhere. You are fighting corruption and we don’t see the effect so what is the point? How many have been jailed for corruption? He better change his tactics because nobody has being jailed for corruption. How will you describe the controversy surrounding the 2016 Budget? The thing with the budget is that the APC government and Buhari don’t have solution to the problem of Nigeria. They are confused; if it were to be that they are not confused they would have prepare their blue print even before presenting it. He has a budget management team who didn’t do their work well and that has brought serious embarrassment to Nigeria because it has never been heard anywhere in the world that president retrieves budget after it has been presented. It is something that has never happened in this country, so, is it so embarrassing to Nigerians and he has even said he will not pass it until every ministry scrutinize theirs. By what Buhar is doing, he is telling Nigerians that he never expected this and that he doesn’t know how to go about it because

The fall in oil price is the major reasons for the economic downslide, which other sector do you think we can diversify into to help our economy? Before the advent of crude oil; palm oil, cocoa and other farm products were our major source of income but when they discovered oil in the 50s, they abandoned agriculture. Now that oil is no more working, I will advice we go back to agriculture and encourage the people to venture into it because we cannot feed ourselves with the local way of farming. Nigerians should be equipped with mechanized way of farming. Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were recently relocated to their homes; do you see that as a good move? I think the first thing government should do before the internally displaced persons are sent back is to get their homes rebuilt or at least get a satellite town for them so that they can have a shelter over their heads. Like the agencies, the American and British government are pumping in money, those monies should be judiciously used to establish some market for them so that they will feel at home when they go back but I don’t think that was done. Many of them are complaining and these are some of the things Buhari should look into because if these people are not well taken care of, they will go back to terrorism or any other form of criminality. It is over two years now that the Chibok girls were abducted by the Boko Haram sect. Is their hope that they will return? Are they still girls? Well, only God knows all but I don’t think they will find them intact. Many of them have escaped and some are still in the kidnapper’s custody, May God help us. How will you access President Buhari’s administration war against Boko Haram? What they are using is propaganda. They said they have fought Boko Haram to a standstill yet, they are committing more havoc. There is no amount of bullet that will kill corruption except God.

POLITICS

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria: Rising above crude realities but the reality is we squandered the oil wealth and arrived to 2015 with poor infrastructure, a poor education system, and poor level of social development. The drop in oil prices has revealed that the one dimensional model of our political economy has outlived its shelf life. We are forced by the slump to change the architecture of our political economy. That is the challenge before us. So, although Nigeria faces some tough time and tough choices with this new reality, I see the low oil prices as a tipping point for positive change. This downturn is an avenue for us, the leaders and citizens of the country, to address the sources of vulnerability in order to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development. The tone of enhance Governance with focus on transparency and accountability has been established under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Akinwunmi Ambode

frica’s biggest economies have enjoyed improved social and economic performance for more than a decade, but are now facing significant headwinds following the adverse shock in commodity prices. Growth has slowed, coming in at 3.5% in 2015, down from 4.6% in 2014 , the weakest pace since 2009. But I want to step back from the short-term difficulties and focus on Africa’s long term potential. But let me start in China. In 1983, China had not a single private sector car. Its economy was miniscule and did not register on the international landscape. It made great progress in the 1990s, but even in the early 2000s when Goldman Sachs said it would become the world’s biggest economy by 2048, the idea was ridiculed. And it was right to be criticised – Goldman Sachs was grossly mistaken. China will be the world’s largest economy by 2018 – basically now – Goldman Sachs was off by 30 years. I tell this story, because we are on the cusp of a similar transformation in Africa. And Europe and the world desperately need – as much as Africa itself – for this transformation to succeed. Why? Well, today’s mega trends give cause for this optimism. These include: • Transformational urban swell – by 2050, two in three Africans will be urban, • Large, younger and more affluent population – by 2050 Africa would account for almost 24% of the World’s population, and • Africa’s dormant resources potential – Africa’s share of the world’s total of uncultivated land is 60%. This transformation and growth in Africa will mean a more equal partner and more intense and deeper trade and commerce with the rest of the world. A prosperous Africa would end the great press of migrants trying to enter Europe. For there to be real transformation, Nations and States must design their own path, with clear plans for growth and development, directed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Chances of these being achieved are further enhanced when States/ Cities such as Lagos play their part. I would therefore seize this opportunity to spice this presentation with some of the Lagos experience. Strength in size Nigeria is of course already Africa’s most populous nation. By 2050, Nigeria’s population will be 400 million, making it the world’s 3rd most populous nation, more than the US. This is a momentous change, and I do not think it is too much to say that Africa cannot succeed unless Nigeria succeeds. Urban migration If we look at this picture which charts the population size of a selection of world cities with more than one million people, Lagos; the smallest state in Nigeria with a population of over 22 million people, has the highest number recorded of urban growth with over 85 people moving to the city per hour as compared with cities in Europe such as London with only 9 people and America with only 10 moving to

Ambode

New York. The strength of our demographics offers investors hope in this gloomy era. With Nigeria’s growing population, and a burgeoning middle class, consumer spending (already estimated at 70% of GDP) is expected to increase even further. This coupled with a boom in mobile telecommunications and a rise in broadband penetration makes the retail and ICT sectors very attractive. Seeing as the services sector is projected to be a key driver of the Nigerian economy, contributing 53% to total GDP in 2015, measures will need be undertaken in order to develop the relevant skills and encourage innovation. Efforts currently ongoing to promote Nigeria’s knowledge economy include the establishment of development hubs, technology parks, as well as a gradual increase in the budgetary allocation to education from 7% in 2015 to 20% over the next four years. The Lagos State government, in its pursuance of creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, has established an Employment Trust Fund in which an equivalent of $250 million will be contributed by the State over four years in order to empower youths to create wealth, as well as encourage companies to invest in the technical and vocational skills required to boost income. Responding to the fall in oil prices The massive fall in oil prices has sharply reduced Nigeria’s growth rate, export earnings, foreign direct investment, and government revenues. But if we are honest with ourselves, this provides us with an opportunity to now deliver real growth. The high price of oil created a distorted economic structure, where it was more valuable to capture value from the oil stream than create value. The returns to oil went to a few, with a tiny trickle down system to keep the social peace,

Although Nigeria faces some tough time... I see the low oil prices as a tipping point for positive change

IGR Gaps If properly implemented to SubSaharan African economies’ average of 18%, Nigeria could potentially raise its tax revenue to $103.3 billion, the equivalent of Morocco’s GDP in 2014. A higher tax revenue would reduce government borrowing and generate more funds to devote to areas where government spending is more productive than the marginal rate of private sector spending encourage financial institutions to offer funds at lower interest rates, thereby boosting the real economy. But of course, if we ask for tax revenue, we in the government will have to deliver something. We need to imbibe fiscal discipline in delivering the public services that our citizens so rightly deserve. This calls for a greater autonomy of state and local governments, which in turn promotes accountability. We have a superb climate and abundant water and Nigeria’s global agriculture exports should take off at a rate similar to Brazil’s, with a potential $60 billion in export revenues by 2030 . Given that agriculture is still largely at subsistence levels, we need to re-invigorate inter-state collaboration so as to establish commodity value chains. Already, Lagos state has partnered with Kebbi state in developing a commodity value chain that will see the local production of 70% of Nigeria’s rice needs. Despite the ongoing interventions, structural challenges still persist. The rapid urbanization rate puts pressure on Nigeria to provide quality infrastructure so as to improve its global competitiveness and create a thriving business environment. The value of Nigeria’s core infrastructure is currently estimated at 39% of GDP, which is significantly below the benchmark average of 68 percent . Nigeria’s road density is 14% that of India and power generation capacity is just 20% that of India. Lagos, one of the world’s fastest growing cities with a population of over 22 million expects economic growth of 7% this year, twice the pace of Nigeria as a whole. There is no other state that faces pressure on its infrastructure as Lagos does. It will require more housing, offices and retail outlets- meaning that there is still a great window of opportunity for private investment in the construction sector.

The Federal Government has strategically increased capital spending to 30% of expenditure, aimed at improving transportation networks and power delivery which would facilitate market linkages, market development, as well as encourage domestic and intra-regional trade. As a state, Lagos has increased its efforts by targeting infrastructure spending towards improving the condition of inner roads- almost 150 due to be completed within one year of my assuming office. We are now in discussions with private and institutional investors who have shown interest in game changing projects such as the Badagry deep sea port, the 4th Mainland bridge, development of new cities around the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Dangote Refinery is located and scheduled to come on stream in 2018. Also recognizing that power and security challenges enhance business success. We have invested significantly in security, funding and equipping the police with the Securities Trust Fund initiative. Our ‘Light Up Lagos’ initiative has also seen us connecting 67 communities of the state to the national grid and major roads fully lit. Whilst we are steady heading in the right direction we clearly still have huge infrastructural gap. Lagos – City of opportunities The Lagos delivery model is based on strategic imperatives built on four pillars: Infrastructure Development, Economic Development, Social Development and Sustainable Development. These pillars are underlined by enhanced Governance structures. However, despite Lagos’ challenges, let’s be clear on one thing: Lagos is now the commercial centre of Africa. Despite not being an oil producing state, we are one of the few states that are self-sustaining with our Internally Generated Revenue growing by 84% to $1.4 billion in 2014 compared to 2010 . Closing Thoughts So where will all this end up? A recent PwC report has projected that in 2050, Nigeria would be the world’s 9th largest economy, ahead of UK, France, and Germany. That is, if it makes the type of reforms we have been discussing and takes advantage of its immense human capital and natural resources. Everyone in this room has a role to play in this journey and I am counting on your support to help us make it a reality. Since May 2015 when the new APC Leadership assumed office, there has been a massive influx of foreign governments and private sector potential partners who recognize the potential of the Country and respective States. We in Lagos have had more than a fair share of these future investors. We recognize that we have to provide the right climate to make the partnership work, and improving the ease of doing business. Another exciting journey for Africa has started and as I said at the outset, whether you are in Africa or in Europe, you have a strong incentive to make Africa succeed. • Ambode, Governor of Lagos State, delivered the lecture at 3rd annual London School of Economics (lse) Africa Summit

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Azikiwe’s curse on Chuba Okadigbo Turning Point MIKE ARAYUWA WILKIE pmikky1950@yahoo.com 0802-309-7251 (sms only)

he main focus of this piece is anchored on the political rumblings between the Rt Hon Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo after the controversial 1983 presidential election. The said election was predominantly contested by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Nigeria People’s Party (NPP) in which Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe were the principal flagbearers respectively. Nnamdi Azikiwe who flew the presidential flag of the NPP was obviously disturbed about the conduct of the massively rigged election. He told the press thus: “History shall vindicate the just and punish the wicked”. His anger was a reaction to the result of the presidential election in which Shehu Shagari of the NPN was declared winner. In response to the reaction of the Owelle of Onitsha, Chuba Okadigbo, Special Adviser to his principal, President Shehu Shagari, described the statement of Azikiwe as “the ranting of an ant” Whereas the Zik of Africa was born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Niger State. Okadigbo was born on December 17, 1941 in Ogbunike, Oyi, Anambra State. It means that Azikiwe was born 37 years before Okadigbo. In terms of political achievements

and hierarchical levels, Azikiwe was the first Premier of the Eastern Region (19541959); member, House of Representatives; President of the Senate; Governor General and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and the first President of Nigeria in 1963. On his own merit, Okadigbo was Special Adviser to President Shagari in 1979 and President of the Senate after the impeachment of Evan Enwerem in the year 2000. He became Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2003 presidential election. He was impeached on account of an alleged corruption charges leveled against him by his fellow Senators. The duo are no more. May their souls rest in peace. Zik died on May 11, 1996 while Okadigbo died on September 25, 2003. It is of fundamental interest at this stage to quote vividly Azikiwe’s curse which he placed on Chuba. The curse as pronounced by the great Zik was as follows: “My boy, may you live to your full potential, ascend to a height as is possible for anyone of your political description in your era to rise. May you be acknowledged world wide as you rise as an eagle atop trees, float among the clouds, preside over the affairs of fellow men… as leaders of all countries pour into Nigeria to breathe into her ear”. Zik further added: “But then, Chuba, if it is not the tradition of our people that elders are roundly insulted by young men of the world, as you have unjustly done to me, may your reign come to an abrupt and shattering close”. He continued: “As you look ahead, Chuba, as you see the horizon, dedicating a great marble palace that is the envy of the world, toasted by the most powerful men in the land, may the great big hand snatch it away from you. Just as you look forward to

It is obvious that “the ranting of an Ant” as directed at Nnamdi Azikiwe by Chuba Okadigbo prompted this elderly curse

hosting the world’s most powerful leader and shaking his hands, as you begin to smell the recognition and leadership of Igbo people, may the crown fall-off your head and your political head fall-off your shoulders”. In conclusion, Azikiwe further cursed inter alia: “None of my words will come to pass, Chuba, until you have risen to the very height of your power and glory and health, but then you will be hounded and humiliated and disgraced out of office, your credibility and your name in tatters forever…” It is obvious that “the ranting of an Ant” as directed at Nnamdi Azikiwe by Chuba Okadigbo prompted this elderly curse. I am of the opinion, in these circumstances, that Chuba himself suffered from the poverty of intellectual arrogance and the total disrespect for elders. On the other hand, the Owelle of Onitsha was too harsh with regard to the curse which he placed on his “political son”. Consequent upon these issues at stake, it is perhaps necessary to refer to some Biblical injunctions as contained in Ephesians chapter 6 verses 1 and 2 and Exodus chapter 20 verse 12. In paraphrasing, the chapters and verses clearly emphasized that the younger ones should respect and obey their elders to enable them stay long on earth. However, this was not to be with Okadigbo as he discountenanced and dumped the relevant Biblical orders. As far as the factors which led to the death of Chuba are concerned, I have decided to put it on the floor of public opinion to enable the individual conclude on this matter. Was it possible that Chuba died through a natural process or as a result of the curse which Dr. Zik placed on him? What is essential is that younger persons should learn to obey, honour and respect their elders.

PDP, winds of change and the 2019 Opportunity Dele Awogbeoba

n business, especially the stock market, the millionaires of the future have identified the major new business opportunities or stock picks in the midst of a downturn. The most savvy investors learn to go against the prevailing wisdom and go in the opposite direction of the herd. Politically speaking and looking at the prevailing political environment in Nigeria at the current time, one can see great upside for the PDP in the next two years. Ironically, many PDP members are rushing to join the APC at a time when the most savvy political operator should be looking at getting entrenched within the PDP. Winds of Change The current government of Muhammadu Buhari has made great strides at reducing places for corrupt persons to run to after looting Nigeria dry. He has also allowed EFCC do its job of meticulously investigating Nigerians alleged to have corruptly enriched itself. No convictions have yet been obtained but in Nigeria the rule of law is a notoriously slow moving wheel. On security, the Boko Haram

threat has been greatly diminished. Security for the people of the North East has been looking up in a positive manner. For the people of the South and the middle belt, APC has transferred their relative security under Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for the insecurity and fear for life from the other major terrorist group euphemistically called the “Fulani herdsman”. The Terrorists herdsmen are allowed to move unhindered within various communities of the middle belt and south leaving in their wake murder, genocide, economic sabotage and destruction. The lack of any condemnation from the president of Nigeria let alone any effective means of preemption by the DSS has added to the general feeling of insecurity felt by the people of the South and Middle belt of Nigeria. On the economy, the current government’s game plan for turning around an economy previously mismanaged by President Jonathan’s economic team was to stimulate the economy by spending two trillion naira more than it can optimistically get in revenues. It aimed to borrow two trillion naira to be used for infrastructural spending, whilst hoping to obtain two trillion naira from FIRS, Customs and the NPA.

Ironically, the CBN’s forex policy will without fail depress revenue obtained by the Customs and the NPA as well as send many local and Nigerian based foreign firms into bankruptcy. The sum effect of that is that even revenue raised by FIRS will significantly decline. As oil prices have hovered within the $38-40 a barrel range, its projected income from oil sales may be the only thing that holds steady. When one considers the 10,000 expected hire of police officers by the FG whilst in the midst of having problems paying the wages of its existing staff, one can only say that this government is going to increase its recurrent expenditure, increase Federal Goverment debt whilst suffering a significant fall in revenue as well as a marked increase in its yearly debt service interest levels from 1.45 trillion naira a year to God knows what by the time this year is out. The notoriously inflexible Buhari is clearly unaware that monetary policy is not lawfully within his power. The CBN Act of 2007 has placed foreign exchange policy in the hands of the CBN governor. It is not for anyone to convince Buhari why the naira should be “murdered”. It is for the CBN to start

to do its job and operate monetary policy in a manner that is consistent with the growth policies of the Nigerian economy when the Nigerian economy is in a recession. At the current time, both Buhari and Emefiele are on the same page. The economy will sink as the fiscal and monetary policy of Udoma Udo Udoma and Godwin Emefiele aim to go against the economic laws of nature. The power situation has also suffered a marked decline. One is unsure at the current time whether the power situation is a temporary setback that will be solved once the budget has been passed or whether the issues are far more substantive. Political Implications What is clear is that the combination of the manifestation of the declining economy (though not caused by Buhari is being exacerbated by the CBN and the fanciful fiscal approach of the federal government), the horrors of the terrorist herdsmen and the nonchalance and ineptitude of the Buhari government has left a potential opening for the PDP over the next two years. • Awogbeoba wrote via Dele.Awogbeoba@gmail. com

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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especially since they crushed the Leopards of Zaire [now Congo Democratic Republic] 4-2. The Congolese were not only defending champions, they were Africa’s sole representatives at the 1974 Mundial in West Germany. From 1976 to 2010, the Eagles were able to win gold , silver and bronze and only missed out of the continental fiesta once, in 1986. Yes once , because it is difficult to fault them for not appearing in 1996 even as defending champions and 1998 respectively. Those were the Golden soccer years of General Sani Abacha. Nigeria was sanctioned by CAF for failing to defend the trophy at South Africa ’96. In between,

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of the next Nations Cup following their elimination in the final round of qualifiers by Egypt. The NFF led by Amaju Pinnick should take all the blame for where we have found ourselves. Against the wishes of the people and stakeholders, the board hired Sunday Oliseh, a speedy and knowledgeable commentator who also captained the team as a player. The slogan then was that they had unearthed the African Pep Guardiola.

Oliseh came bubbling with words. He began by dividing the Given the prevailing team, forcing long standing circumstances, Skipper and Siasia should keeper Vincent Enyeama to manage the team throw in the towel. At the the Eagles progressed to the World end the words could not match the deed. Indeed, Oliseh was a full flop Cup and in their debut at USA ’94, won the hearts of the soccer world and made a quick volte face. He abandoned the team unceremoni, trouncing two European teams and emerging as a an entertaining ously. side to be reckoned with. Only once That threw in Samson Siasia did Nigeria fail to qualify for the who was drafted as interim coach World Cup since that historic first on a rescue mission against the appearance. And sitting at home Pharaohs. The team was already while others sweated it out in the sinking and needed more than an field of play did the image of the emergency life jacket to stay afloat. team no good. And the Nations cup ticket was We may be confined to the sidesubmerged. Time is too short to even hire a lines for the second time if those who manage our football continue new coach. The NFF has failed to realize that . Rather there is this the deaf game they are playing zeal to go beyond our shores to with the hiring of a coach for the import a foreigner to manage the team. Already the Eagles are out

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hings are not looking up for our football which may suffer further misfortune as the race to the 2018 World Cup in Russia gathers momentum. The way those who live in the Glass House are going many more compatriots especially those whose hearts are not strong enough to bear shocks will be wheeled to the hospital. It is not part of Eagles pedigree to stay away from the Africa Nations Cup two times consecutively since they won that famous first bronze medal at Ethiopia ’76 captained by Blockbuster Aloy Atuegbu. It was not a full squad due to the inability of some Rangers players to fully place country before club. Substantive Skipper Christian Chukwu stayed away as well as first choice keeper Emma Okala . The exceptions were Ikechukwu Ezidinma and Ignatius Ilechukwu. The Eagles soared right from their group games in Dire Dawa. The duo of Baba Otu Mohammed and Kunle Awesu operating from the flanks were voted the tournament’s best wingers. Thompson Usiyen also earned a memorable medal just as he would later move on to further his education in the United states. That same team tutored by Yugoslav, Father Tiko, was good enough for a Montreal Olympic medal before Nigeria withdrew to intensify the fight against apartheid. That outing transformed the national team from the backstreets of recognition to global attention

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team. Pinnick only prays that sports minister Solomon Dalung will grant his desire of bringing in an expatriate Technical Adviser. While we agree that there is nothing criminal about employing an outsider to manage the Eagles, doing that at this time will hurt our chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. We have the will to look outwards but football administration as it stands today does not have what it takes to handle a non- Nigerian. A situation that allows the Glass House to owe salaries and allowances is alien to a right thinking coach from overseas. Our stand is that given the prevailing circumstances, Siasia should manage the team all through the World Cup qualifiers. He has got what it takes to do it. He is not new to the team and knows the system. A man who has coached the Eagles, handled the Flying Eagles and manages the Dream Team is not inexperienced. He has an Olympic medal to flaunt and nearly became a world champion coach at the U-20 level in 2005. Dalung must act like a revolutionary now. His Red Beret should guide him. The Eagles that Siasia assembled against Egypt are good enough to make progress., they only need time to get it right. That time is now and they must be allowed to stay together. We cannot have youngsters like Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Ihenacho outside Russia 2018. This decision belongs to Nigerians and the verdict is that Siasia is available.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthEastFocus South South Focus Fulani herdsmen: New war in Delta

21 News 23 new fighters for Christ

File: protesters

he university town of Nsukka, Enugu State, was recently grounded in protest. The people of Umuile IdiOpi community in Nsukka Local Government Area, were in fear of anarchy, break down of law and order following heightened tension in the community for an alleged illegal lease of over 700 hectres of land belonging to the community by some group of persons in the community. New Telegraph reports that both elders and youths of the community, in their numbers, stormed the Nsukka High court with placards, chanting sorrowful and dreadful songs after court proceedings. They were angry that their community land was illegally leased out to Living Faith Ministry (aka Winners chapel) to cite a University in the area by some indigenes of the community. They included a former secretary to Enugu State government under former Governor Chimaoke Nnamani and a former South African based man, who is now an Executive Assistant to the governor of Enugu state, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, whom they alleged were using the government influence to arrest, intimidate and oppress them.

Hunger strike over university land The good intention of a church to set up a university in Nsukka, Enugu State is a subject of discord in the community. While some leaders insist the land has been leased, others are shouting murder, while some elders have embarked on a hunger strike. Okegwo Kenechukwu reports from Onitsha While chanting sorrowful songs of solidarity, Chief Ugwu Paulinus, who addressed jour nalists, said that some group of persons in the community trampled on the rights of the entire Umuile community by leasing communal land at give away prices of N38,000 per parcel of land for the 700 hectres of the land mass in the community, explaining that in the past three years, the group that leased the land, had earlier approached the community that Winners Chapel indicated interest to cite a University in the community which would increase development and create employment opportunities. Ugwu noted that the community shouted Al-

leluya to the glory of God that something good has come, and then asked the group to invite Winners Chapel for discussion on conditions to lease the land for the University to be cited. The group in an afterthought said that they have concluded arrangements with Winners on N38,000 per plot of land. But the community insisted that Winners must discuss with the community before it could be leased to them, adding that the group insisted to take the land at all cost. That led the community to institute legal battle to eject the group from trespass on the land till Winners discussed with the community. That created a stalemate

in the community for the past two years. The group protecting their selfish interest allegedly arranged a Special anti-robbery Squad (SARS) in Enugu, having mounted signpost in the land without reaching conclusive agreement, arrested eight indigenes of the community and tagged them criminals. When the community sought to grant them bail, Rev.Apostle John Ugwu was branded leader of the community in police custody. In defiance, the community refused to have a written agreement to tell Winners what the community expects from them but insisted that the land could be offered at no cost but the group turned down the arrangement.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are appealing to the state government to intervene in the matter and save the community from an impending danger in the hands of selected few in the community. Besides the community land is not for lease either parts nor full. We reserve the right to negotiate with individuals, groups and corporate bodies, not a section of people speaking on our behalf when they do not have the mandate to do so. We sued the group in the law court together with Winners Chapel and none showed up in the court when the matter was called upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;he noted. The group clamourng for the lease of the land include Barr Onyeka Ugwuonwawo, Chukwuma Ezugwu, Kelvin Abonyi, Christain Agbo, Bartholomew Eze, Sunday Agbowo, Ikechukwu Ezugwu and Titus Eze . An octogenarian, Chief Modestus Ogbuebo, who joined the protest, told New Tellergraph that the land in question belonged to six villages that made up Umuile Idi-Opi community while part of the land belonged to Ekwegbe community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, saying that no group of people can lay claims to the land single handedly. Ugwu, the general superintendent, Christ Eternal Redemption Church, said that the group has subjected the community to untold hardship both in material and human resources. He urged the state government to assist the community for the group to desist from further trespass on the land. Meanwhile, the leader of the group and the Traditional Prime Minister of Ishiwu Village, Joseph Eze and two others were shortly after the protest arrested and detained for more than five days before they were taking Zone 4, Umuahia, where they are being incarcerated as at the time of filing this report. Investigation showed that the elders of the village between the ages of 70 and above have embarked on hunger strike over the land episode, vowing not to eat till their traditional prime minister and others are released from police detention. The elders, which included men and women, converge on Umuile Village Square every morning from 6am to 6pm daily calling on the Governor of Enugu State Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to come to their rescue before it degenerates to bloodshed.

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Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

or Pa Nmabaka Nwanchati( who claimed to be 135 years old), the oldest man in Edukwu Ohatekwe village, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the hope of living in a good house was a forgotten issue. He has been living in a thatched house with his two sons for decades until succour came his way through a Non-Governmental Organization, Chinedu Ogah foundation which erected and handed over a 3-bedroom bungalow to him as part of its programme in assisting the less privileged and elders in the area. Worried by the number of deaths of school children while crossing the Obegu Ohatekwu stream in the area and inability of successive governments to construct a bridge across the stream, the NGO also constructed and inaugurated the bridge for the use of the people. Expressing his gratitude to the NGO, Pa Nwanchati said he least expected that he would live in a befitting house. “I did not know that I can live in this type of house in my life. Look at my age and look at my economic status. So, I am surprised at this gesture. “I have no money, likewise my two sons living me in this thatched house but today, look at what has happened to me. I am very grateful to this NGO and my prayer is that God will replenish the NGO in big measure.” Also speaking, one of the sons of Pa Nwanchati, Ogbonna, said they have been living in the thatch house for long. His words: ‘’This is where we have been living with our father and mother till she died years ago. We have no money to build a better house. It is just God that has been saving us in this house because snakes or dangerous animal could enter here and bite somebody but such thing never happened to us. “It pains me that I as first son of my father and my aged father are living in thatched house where we have stayed for long but there is nothing I could do’’. While inaugurating the house and the bridge constructed by the NGO, the state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Hon Ben Nwobashi, described the projects as landmark.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Succour for an old man According to him, it is a great thing that Pa Nmabaka at the age of 135 years does not use glasses, is not bedridden and can still comfortably walk around without the support of anyone. “It is a great thing and only Pope John Paul II have I seen that got the same grace from God.” He urged other politicians, businessmen and public spirited individuals to emulate the good works of Comrade Ogah, adding that such good works would restore the confidence of the people on politicians. In his speech, the founder and Chief Executive of the foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, said that the NGO has built and handed over more than 150 houses to less privileged persons and constructed more than 250 culverts and bridges in different communities across the state.

Comrade Ogah stated that apart from the buildings, culverts and bridges, the NGO has given scholarship to more than 500 students across several institutions in the country and paid hospital bills of hundreds of less privileged persons in Ebonyi. Ogah further disclosed that in the last one year, the NGO has also trained and handed over skill empowerment equipments worth millions of naira to unemployed Ebonyi indigenes. Ogah, who is also the National Coordinator of Buhari/Osibanjo Initiative for Demonstrating Change, commended President Mohammadu Buhari for his clear cut policies and programmes aimed at empowering the youths and alleviating the suffering of the masses.

“I decided to construct this bridge because some time in 2015, during a burial ceremony, I could not cross the bridge to attend the burial. So, I made the people a firm promise that I would do the bridge and I am happy that today I am back here to witness the commissioning of the bridge”. In a remark, a former Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University(EBSU) who is also from the community, Prof Fidelis Ogah, thanked Comrade Ogah, noting that with the construction of the bridge, school children would no longer drown in the stream while going to school. He noted that before now, they used to cross the bridge using woods placed across the bridge and called for more amenities in the community.

Pa Nwachanti being led to his new house

here was panic and pandemonium in Afikpo prisons in the midnight when the inmates, in what was regarded as accumulated anger and hunger, protested against poor quality foods served them by the prisons officials. The inmates had broken through the first and second fence where they stay and came out to break the last gate, so as to escape from the prisons, when soldiers and mobile policemen stormed the area. They reportedly had forceful carnal knowledge of their female counterparts during the protest. Before the arrival of the security operatives following distress calls, everywhere in the prisons had been littered with dangerous objects which they used and sacked the officials from the prisons. Residents of the area and some policemen who were on duty around the area fled for fear of attack by the inmates. A resident of Ukpa town, where the prison is located, Okoche Eni, told New Telegraph that the people had to run out of their homes because of the seriousness of the protest and slept in the bush, especially those living very close to the prisons.

Prisoners’ rage What would have been a jail break was, on Saturday, April 9, averted at the Afikpo Federal Prisons, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by the combined efforts of the military and police. UCHENNA INYA, in Abakaliki, reports “We did not sleep in our homes that night. The protest was so serious that no one agreed to sleep in his/her house for fear of attack. “The inmates were throwing stones, sharp and dangerous objects everywhere. They were chanting war songs that we had to go to the bush and slept to save our lives. “Some of us, who discovered that security agents have arrived our town later came out of the bush but many were still afraid’’, he said. He however noted that the situation was later brought under control by the Area Commander of Afikpo Police Division, who addressed the prisoners and as-

sured them that their grievances would be looked into. Another resident of the area, Nnachi Ukpai, commended security agents for their prompt response to the distress call. He said if not for security agents, the people of the area would have started losing their money and valuable properties which the inmates would have forcefully snatched from them if they had escaped from the prison. The Deputy Comptroller of Afikpo prisons, DCP Hygenius Igwe, who expressed joy that the jail break did not occur in the area, commended the security agents for their quick intervention to the incident.

He revealed that none of the inmates was injured or escaped during the riot in the prisons. Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP George Okafor, said: “Yes, there was a little problem in the Afikpo prisons which would have resulted to jail break but it was aborted by the police response as we cordoned the area. “It was as a result of low quality rice served on them (inmates)’’. A source who did not want his name in print said the inmates were protesting against poor quality food served on the inmates on the daily basis by the officials. He disclosed that N970,000 was approved by the Federal Government weekly as feeding fund for the inmates but that the food the inmates were being served did not match the amount, leading to the protest. He accused some officials of the prisons of inciting the inmates against the management through the protest, adding that some of the top officials of the prisons were not happy on the way things are going in the prisons, including massive transfer of staff, who are indigenes of the area out of the prisons.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthSouthFocus It is a national menace. But while governments and some states are still thinking of what to do, civilian security men in Delta State have decided already. Their verdict? Fulani herdsmen must go, as DOMINIC ADEWOLE in ASABA reports

ike the sunflower that follows every moment of the sun, indigenes and residents of Delta State now monitor the activities of Fulani herdsmen across the oil rich state. Their stay in the state, according to the Association of Security Network (ASN), is no longer a blessing to the good people of the state but a curse, notwithstanding that they account for 95 per cent of the meat being consumed in the state. Bad as the matter may be, the Governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was accused of insensitivity over the plights of his people in the hands of Fulani herdsmen, in a letter, addressed to the Governor, dated March 24, 2016, is now in the eye of the storm. No wonder, all entreaties by a combined team of the Anti-Crime Patrol, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Special Anti-Robber Squad (SARS) to quell the protest organized by the association, comprising the Anioma Security Watch (ASW) and the Urhobo Security Network (ASN) that barricaded the ever-busy BeninAsaba-Onitsha Expressway, last week, to press home their point, demanding the immediate evacuation of Fulani herdsmen from the state, met

The deserted expressway

Protesters in Asaba

Fulani herdsmen: New war in Delta brick wall. For over five hours, the protesters caused heavy gridlock on the expressway, forcing motorists and commuters to divert, in desperate attempt to find alternative route of escape. No thanks again to an alleged silence of the governor. The Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on youth affairs, Hon. Innocent Esenweze, who intervened in the crisis, was reduced to ‘Mr. Nobody’ as the protesters demanded to see the governor. On the fateful day, the protesters, who arrived the popular Summit junction in

Asaba as early as 7 o’clock in the morning, clad in black on black and chanting hymns of war, such as “We no go gree o, we no go gree…” and carrying placards of various headlines such as “Fulanis Must Go, They Killed Our Obi”, “Enough is Enough for the Fulanis in our Land”, “Mr. Governor, We don’t want to lose more souls”, etc, maintained that they prefered to die in the hands of the Federal or state government than allow Fulani herdsmen to continue to stay. The protesters, numbering 500, led by three Coordinators, Comrades Warri Eriques

(South zone), Jacob O. Godwin (Central) and Henry Owumamalieze, claimed that over 14 persons, without counting those raped and maimed in their farms, had been killed in Ndokwa axis of the state by the Fulani herdsmen between last year and this year. But Ezenweze, who urged the protesters not to take the laws into their hands and appealed to them to vacate the expressway for innocent Nigerians to travel, said:“Let us not take the law into our hands. Nobody is against your agitation. The governor is aware. But blocking a Federal road and preventing travellers from meeting their goals would be uncalled for. I appeal for calm”. He was however proved wrong on Friday, April 22, four days after the protest was conducted, when a non-academic staff of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, one John Ogeleke, was kidnapped at Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who had been on the prowl in the locality. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident at the command’s headquarters, said John was heading towards Ogume,

another University town in Kwale axis of the state in his Nissan Pathfinder Jeep when he was abducted at gun point. According to Kalu: “Four men of Fulani extraction armed with guns and sticks had emerged from a nearby bush, forced the vehicle to a stop, seized Ogeleke, who is 54 years of age and took him into the bush.” Kalu said the police in the Kwale division, the Vigilante members and the Dragon 25 Police Patrol Team, have beefed up reinforcement from nearby divisions to search the vast bush. She said the Fulani leader in Kwale, Alhaji Mudi, had also been informed “to assist in the search as several Fulani camps are located therein.” John’s saga came barely three months after four suspected Fulani herdsmen were arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the monarch of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, HRM Edward Akaeze III, who was abducted and killed by his abductors, before his decomposing body was discovered at a boundary bush between Delta and Edo states. Before the long arms of detectives caught up with the six suspects, namely, Jamilu Ahmed, Umar Abubakar, Usman Musbau, Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubarka and a female accomplice, one Farida Abubarka, in far away Sokoto and Adamawa states, they had sold off the beads , handsets and wristwatch of the king to CONTINUED ON PAGE22

News|south-south

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Some of the newly ordained knights

23 new fighters for Christ Dominic Adewole ASABA

3 adherents of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, were inducted into the Order of the Knight of St. Christopher and Mary Magdalene, in Ughelli axis of Delta State on Sunday, March 27. That was on the Easter Day. The men all assembled at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Ughelli, alongside their wives, who were made Ladies, in their coat of many colours, to join them in their new life. The Anglican Bishop of the Ughelli Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cyril Odutemu, who with a great joy played host to the 23 new knights, including the state Correspondent of the Vanguard Newspapers, Festus Ahon; Chief Jaro Egbo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta

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

unsuspecting buyers. Parading them at the police headquarters in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, said the late monarch’s Samsung handset exposed the suspects, as according to the CP, operatives swung into investigations shortly after the monarch’s handset was recovered from Jamilu Ahmed, who was promptly arrested at the popular Abraka market in Asaba. He said: “The suspect’s (Jamilu Ahmed) useful statement to investigators led to the arrest of one Umar Abubarka. The said Umar Abubarka thereafter claimed that one

State; Hon. Talib Tebite, a former House of Assembly member in the state; Chief Christopher Obiuwevbi, Chief Amos Itihwe, Mr. Obaro Odeghe, Chief John Gbenedio, Joseph Okolo, Chief Esquire Ominimini, among others, stressed the need for the disciples of Jesus Christ to be servant leaders in a sinful world. Ahon vowed to deploy the articles of faith at his disposal to the service of mankind, propagation of undiluted gospel of the Christ, “whom I have been called to serve in a special way”, for the upliftment of His Church here on earth, and in doing charity works especially to the less priviledge persons in the society. He said he would do so with all his heart, his soul, his might and spirit, said nothing would derail him from loosing focus of the calling. The Bishop, who cited Mathew 29: 1-4 to buttress

Those who oppressed the poor in Jerusalem all perished with the inhabitants of the city

his point, maintained that those who have been invested as Knights were carefully selected among their equals in Christ Jesus to fight the battle for the Lord, describing them as “Army of Christ” and “Defenders of Christian Faith” respectively. He explained that since the resurrection of Christ was a unique aspect of Christian faith, which makes Christianity different from other religions, the Knights must in all circumstances put on the armour of faith in the face of heretical and blasphemous teachings. He took a swipe at corrupt political office holders, tasking President Muhammadu Buhari to take the anti-corruption war seriously before the scourge destroys the country. While he charged the newly invested Knights to shun nepotism in the discharge of their Christian piety and oth-

New war in Delta

Monday, who is presently at large, gave him the said Samsung phone to sell for him.” While the kingpin in the kidnap saga, Usman Musbau, who deleted all the traceable information on the Obi’s phone before auctioning it to the highest bidder, was arrested four days after, his second in command, Suleiman Musa, who confessed to the crime on parade ground and mentioned his gang members, was arrested on January 16. Farida, the only female suspect among them was arrested

on January 29, in Ngurore town, Adamawa State, with the Nokia Asha 201 handset, pink in colour, belonging to another victim, one Pastor Afamefuna Charles, who was said to be travelling in the same vehicle with the monarch on the fateful day but escaped amidst the incident. Although, the CP said Garba Abubarka, a.k.a Dogo, who he described as the leader of the kidnapping gang, was arrested by detectives seven days after the monarch’s decomposing body was found at a Fulani

settlement in Alfarma Village in Gangaza Local Government of Sokoto state, and confessed that $1,100 was collected from the late monarch’s car, he vowed that police have spread out its dragnet to round up other fleeing members. Kalu said: “Additional breakthroughs have been recorded by the command”, including the arrest of suspected armed robbers. ASN has intensified their “Fulani Must Go” protest, insisting that “Mr. Governor (Okowa) this was not the prosperity you promised us. It is better to die in your hand than for us to die in the hands of Fulani herdsmen”.

er coporal works of mercy, he stressed the need for “samescale” anti-corruption crusade, as according to him, “Since PDP and APC were not there when Nigeria was created, the fight against corruption war must be equal across board. For the North and South, East and West, it should cut across all political parties.” Odutemu, who said the Church must wake up to her responsibilities said: “We take thanksgivings from businessmen and politicians for their successes but we must tell them not to allow evil to reign in their hearts.” He prayed to God to break the shackle of darkness that blurred the vision of political leaders who come into office with good intentions but got corrupt through the antics of sycophants. “Political leaders should lead us well. They should govern the people with the fear of God and stop oppressing the poor with their position. They should remember that those who oppressed the poor in Jerusalem all perished with the inhabitants of the city. “On falsification of age in civil service, there is constitutionally required age for retirement. Those involved in the unholy practice of age falsification and indulge in certificate forgery should stop this and retire voluntarily without further delay to pave the way for younger generation to take over. “For civil servants in Delta State, who are due for retirement but keep falsifying their age and certificates, God said you should retire and give qualified unemployed youths a chance to be gainfully employed” the Bishop prophesied. While the Bishop predicted woes unless they voluntarily sign out of office, Ven. M.O Dadi, who delivered homily at the ceremony, explained what a Knight’s ceremonial objects stand for. According to him, the sword is meant to fight the battle of faith for the church while the garment stands as the bulletproof vest against attacks from heretics and schists. He lamented that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of the country and hailed the steps taken so far by Governor Okowa to bring sanity to the state’s civil service. Reacting to the protest however, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, at the Post-Executive Council briefing in Asaba, said that his boss has acted on the Fulani herdsmen’s issue in the best possible way of international best practice. “We are aware of the agitation. Even in Okpanam where I hail from, the activities of Fulani herdsmen have become a menace. The matter is a very sensitive security issue. The effort of government can’t be disclosed for security reasons. Our effort may be very slow owing to its sensitivity but I can assure you that the Governor is on top of the situation.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Insight Self-confessed hermaphrodite, James Johnson, cries out

I can do everything in bed, but can’t impregnate a woman yet ate has a way of playing a key role in one’s life. Somehow, in every situation, it is not always the best people that emerge that come out on top. The human race is so very dynamic such that the pendulum of fate could swing in favour of someone while another person experiences a reverse situation. For Iyabo Abade, now James Johnson, fate dealt ‘her’ a big blow when, in 1997, ‘she’ came out openly and confessed to be a hermaphrodite. Hermaphrodite is a person or an animal having both male and female sex organs or other sexual characteristics, either abnormally or in natural condition. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the phenomenon occurs more in animals than in humans. The organs and functions of one or both sexes usually develop imperfectly in a hermaphrodite. So far, according to the World Book Encyclopedia, few human cases have been reported. The medical community has not given a clear reason for this condition, but the most common cause is Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. After a corrective sex change at the Midway Hospital in the United States (US), the doctors told Johnson that he was a man already. Before the operation, there was a chance for the footballer to pick the sex he desired because he had the two sex organs and characteristics. It was, however, made clear that more of male hormones were in his system and so Johnson opted to become a man. It is important to note that the

footballer went in for the surgery as a female named Iyabo Abade. But by the time he was leaving the hospital in the US, he had changed his name to JAMES JOHNSON. “Picking a male name was not difficult for me. Johnson is my late father’s name and James was a name I picked from the Holy Bible. My pastor told me to open a page in the Bible and any page I open will be my name. I opened the book of James,” he revealed. Johnson had three surgeries to switch from a woman to man. The first was in May 2004, the second was in September 2004 while the third was early 2005. Over 10 years after, Johnson has cried out regarding what the future holds for him as a man. It is the dream of everybody to raise children, but for now, the reproductive organ of the selfconfessed hermaphrodite cannot procreate. Johnson revealed to New Telegraph that his male organ can work perfectly well after another surgery, which will make it possible for him to be able to have children. Sadly, a lady going out with him over the years (name withheld) tearfully left him a couple of years ago. He said: “I have really made progress, my organ has developed after the operation. I have to think about my future. I must have my own kids. My girlfriend, stood by me in my trying times, even when I was at the hospital for surgery in the US but somehow we had to part ways because she couldn’t continue to wait for me. “She left me and now she is married in the US and I really have to get married as well. Truth is I can make love and give a lady satisfaction in bed, but nothing will come out of it. I am enjoying

Johnson

James Johnson...after the sex change

Adekunle Salami

L-R: The man who performed the sex change, Dr. Gary J. Alter, James Johnson and Italian consultant, Vena, shortly after the surgery in the US

I have no problem about doing everything a man does, but... nothing will come out of it

myself as a man, but life is much more than that.” The case of James Johnson is natural. He was born a female, but also had a small male organ. He was born in Lagos but hails from Isoko in Delta State. He developed interest in football and started playing from a tender age. He joined a female football outfit, CN Okoli FC of Lagos in 1991, but after four years, he joined Vero Bim FC owned by Chief Adewale Teluwo, a Lagos businessman, who also had a male football team that played in the elite league in the 90s. As a female, she featured for two top female teams, Jegede Babes and Rivers Angels.

Midway Hospital in the United States ...where the sex change was effected

He recounts those early days in football as a female and the national team experience. Johnson said: “I play in the attack and I score goals with ease. I was highest scorer in all the teams I played for at the time. “Every season, I always faced the problem of where to play because every team wanted me. I had a good time because the game made me happy. It is in the blood. “I played with all the big teams in women football and excelled. In Jegede Babes, I played with Ann Chiejine, Kikelomo Ajayi, Yinka Kudaisi and Patience Avre. “I still look back and cherish those moments.” Continued on Page 24

INSIGHT

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R (Standing) Patience Avre, Florence Okpala, Yinka Kudaisi, Ann Chiejine, Maureen Madu, Patience Agbarasamu, Christy George, O. Chinelo (front row) Iyabo Abade now James Johnson, Gbemisola Ode, Otas Ezeomo, Kikelomo Ajayi, Ropo Ojo, O. Echendu, E. Adema and Franca Agbara…Jegede Babes players of 1997.

‘I just want to live a normal life’

Johnson (right) before the sex change with a colleague

The then Iyabo Abade Continued from Page 23

However, it was in national camp that the footballer faced problems with his hermaphrodite situation. “I will say it was simply acts of jealousy for players to be challenging my status then. It was when the pressure was too much that I came out to seek help,” he recalled. But what has been happening to Johnson in the past 11 years after the corrective surgery? The footballer has gone through a lot. He continued his pursuit of a career in football and was even close to playing for the Flying Eagles at some point. “I was in the camp in Ota, Ogun State, with Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo and a host of other players. I did well, but was unable to make the team due to age reasons. That was in 2005 shortly after I came

It is not easy for him psychologically to cope with the opposite sex given the fact that he was a female before

back from the US,” he explained. Johnson also tried his luck with club football. He was a player of NEPA Abuja, Crown FC of Osogbo and Plateau United of Jos. According to him, NEPA players and officials were very good to him and they understood his situation and showed him love. It was not the same with Plateau and Crown as the footballer was treated with disdain because of his condition. “I took part in the screening of Plateau United and I made the team, everything was going well. They did not know who I was because of the change of name. But when the management knew there was a change of attitude towards me until I was asked to leave. In Crown, a similar thing happened; the management said I would be attracting negative publicity to the team and I wondered how? It was so painful because I had the talent to make a living from football, but for the situation. “I choose to be a man because doctors said I had more of male hormones in my system and it is painful that I was unable to achieve much as a male footballer.” The final surgery is a heavy burden on Johnson. He will need about N10 million for this final phase which is expected to complete the process and enable him to raise his own children. Former FCT Ministers Muhammed Abba

Gana and Nasir El-Rufai helped with the sponsorship of his first trip for the surgery. An Abuja church also helped in 2010 to sponsor the check-up trip of Johnson. This time, Johnson is expected to stay in the US for one year. He will be in and out of the hospital for this final and most crucial aspect of the surgery. “I have made efforts over the years, but no luck. The former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, wanted to help. I learnt my proposal was approved, but it never came out till he left office. I will still try the new governor and the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung. Maybe the minister can bring my case before President Muhammadu Buhari. ”I am not getting younger and so my focus now is to put this issue behind me to live a complete normal life,” he said. A psychologist attached to the Super Eagles for many years, Robison Okosun, said Johnson had a strong heart. He narrated how he helped the footballer in the early period of his trauma. “He suffered withdrawal syndrome and felt the whole world had ended. I was talking to him and telling him that he was even lucky because the issue came out simply because he was playing football. “Many other people could be having this problem now but it is not in the open and they don’t

know how to solve it or have the means to achieve what Johnson has done so far. “He has been living a normal life. He is okay, it is only left for him to do the final operation. Good enough, the operation was successful since the organ is working well. His state of mind is also stable and he has overcome the societal challenges of acceptance.” A Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, spoke on the predicament of Johnson shortly after his second visit to US for treatment. Olurode, National Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had said the best thing for Johnson was to travel abroad and start another life to be free from the stigma. He said: “It is not easy for him psychologically to cope with the opposite sex, given the fact that he was a female before. The stigma is a societal thing, but there is a need for him to be psychologically prepared for the battle he is facing now. “I believe it was a mistake for him to have chosen to be a male. It would have been easier for him as a female. Life continues.” Johnson is the fourth born of a family of six. His father died in 1999, but his mother is still in Lagos with his other siblings. However, the family still looks up to him to take care of his mother and his younger ones. In 2008, he sold his car, a Mercedes Benz 190, for N300,000 just to pay his rent and even now he is still jobless. “This is why the final phase of the surgery has been difficult. Things are generally not easy. I do not have a job. All I know is football. This problem has made me to be stagnant for years, but I believe if I can do the surgery, life continues. I will be ready to do any job to make ends meet. “I appeal to Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to help me. The sports community led by the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, should also rise to save me from this problem. I trust God that I will overcome,” Johnson told New Telegraph.

THURSDAY, April 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Industry

Business What's news Glo, Airtel sustain subscribers’ growth momentum

Sustaining Nigeria’s growth via diversification

eWorld Leveraging USPF for wider telecoms access

27 29

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE March 2016..............................12.8% February 2016...........................11.4% January 2016............................9.6%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(BDC as at April 26)

(Interbank as at April 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N456 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N360

l Foreign Reserves – $27.864bn as at 31/3/2016

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N307 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N224

Source: CBN

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Vacant properties rise by 65% in 15 months – Report

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L-R: Director, Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Anil Dua; Company Secretary, Mr. Akinleye Olagbende; Chairman, Mr. Femi Otedola and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, during the company’s 37th Annual General meeting in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

REVENUE LOSS Telecoms operators are losing potential revenue as a result of non-usage of connected mobile numbers Kunle Azeez

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

elecoms operators in Nigeria are witnessing revenue erosion as 65.6 million or 30.5 per cent of connected telephones on their various networks are inactive, New Telegraph has learnt. The figure was arrived at after studying the new industry report by the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which indicates that inactive phone lines hit an all-time high last February. Inactive phone lines are mobile numbers connected on mobile networks but are not being used to access either voice or data services over a specified period of time, making them redundant. According to the latest NCC industry status report, inactive lines had risen from 47.3 million last January to 65.6 million at the end of February. This represents a monthly growth of 18.3 million inactive lines, equivalent of 38.6 per cent month-on-month growth. The report provides aggregate data on connected and active subscriptions on Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and

30.5% telephone lines in Nigeria inactive – Report fixed line networks in the country. According to the analysis of the data, while aggregate connected phone lines on GSM, CDMA and fixed wired/wireless networks stood at 214.49 million in February, only 151.35 million were active. The number of inactive lines, therefore, stood at 65.6 million, representing 30.5 per cent of the total connected lines of 214.49 million. Also in January, when the total connected telephone lines across networks were estimated at 214.23, the number of active numbers was 148.62 million, putting inactive lines at 63.14 million. Consequently, the 63.14 million inactive lines in January also represent 29.4 per cent of the total active lines for the month. Before the January and February data, the last time NCC released connected lines, which are used to determine inactive lines, was in April, 2015. The resumption of the ‘connected lines’ details in the monthly Subscriber Data report followed observation raised by this newspaper that the column carrying connected lines on the subscriber report has been vacant since April last year. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, who was shocked at the development,

N33.7 million

Being the number of Nigerians said to be excluded from digital inclusion being driven by telecoms revolutions

however, gave assurance of his determination to re-include the ‘connected lines’ monthly information on the subscriber data table. Commenting, Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said the increase in inactive line profile might have been partly induced by the recent regulatory activities on SIM registration. He noted that subscribers are expected to register their lines properly for continuous use. Also, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, said: “If a telecoms operator sells a SIM to a customer and gets him connected on its network, the intention is to start generating revenue from the subscriber anytime the subscriber loads airtime to access telecoms services. “However, in a situation where the subscriber, for one reason of the other, does not load the line with airtime for a long time, thereby rendering the telephone line redundant, the network is definitely losing some potential revenues.” President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, also said by phone: “No operator wants to lose its subscriber to competitors.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

BUSINESS |news

GAP Regulator says 33.7 million Nigerians are still underserved with telecoms services Kunle Azeez

lobacom and Airtel Nigeria have maintained growth momentum in subscriber base while MTN and Airtel networks’ recorded declines, according to data released by the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). According to the data obtained by New Telegraph, the total number of active mobile subscriptions on the four Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks witnessed a fall from 149 million last January to 146.2 million in February, this year. Active subscription had, last November, reached its highest, as mobile lines on all the GSM networks stood at 149.7 million but declined to 148.6 million in December.

‘30.5% telephone lines in Nigeria inactive’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

According to him, “competition in the telecoms sector makes subscribers have the tendency to abandon their current lines, especially if they find a better tariff on a new network with even better and wider coverage than their current network.” Meanwhile, teledensity, which denotes the level of phone penetration among 100 people at a given period of time, crashed from 108.11 per cent in January to 106.16 per cent in February this year. Over 33.7 million Nigerians are said to be excluded from digital inclusion being driven by telecoms revolutions, according to Danbatta. He, however, noted that the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) would help in facilitating the Eight-Point Agenda unveiled by his leadership towards deepening access to both voice and broadband services in the country. With broadband penetration currently standing at 10 per cent up from around six per cent in 2013, the country currently targets a broadband penetration of not less than 30 per cent by 2018. Activities to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment include the efforts of the NCC Industry Working Group (IWG) to work with stakeholders at all levels with a view to removing extant obstacles to infrastructure deployments, licensing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos), as well as the release of more spectrum, such as the auction of the 2.6 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum already slated for May 17, among others.

THURSDAY, April 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Glo, Airtel sustain subscribers’ growth momentum As MTN, Etisalat decline in active lines The growth got boosted in January when GSM subscriptions increased to 149 million but crashed again to 147.2 million in February. However, the decline in GSM subscribers recorded in February has been traced to the doorsteps of MTN and Etisalat, as the duo witnessed a fall in their subscriber bases in February. According to the report, MTN and Etisalat subscriptions declined from 60.63 million to 56.84 million and from 22 million to 21.84 million in January and February respectively. Meanwhile, Globacom increased subscriptions from 33.19 million in January and 34 million in February and Airtel from 33.15 million to 33.59 million during the same period. Generally, all GSM, Code Division Multiple Access (GSM) and fixed wired/wireless oper-

ators have witnessed a record loss of over 3.5 million lines in the last four months. In Nigeria, mobile subscribers control over 98 per cent of the total subscriptions in the country with CDMA and fixed networks sharing less than two per cent of the market. Meanwhile, 33.7 million people are still being underserved and unserved in the area of telecoms services, according to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta. This is despite the current investment profile of over $32 billion in the industry, suggesting more efforts still need to be made to deepen digital inclusion in the country. Danbatta spoke at the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)-organised Focused In-

dustry Stakeholders’ Forum and Hackathon Award’ with the theme: “Universal Access: Eliminating The Inclusion Barriers” over the weekend. He, however, gave assurance that efforts are ongoing at different quarters in the industry to further bridge this existing digital gap. The NCC boss said the unserved population in Nigeria has been reduced from 36.8 million (24.5 per cent) in 2013 to 33.7 million (22.5 per cent) in 2015 based on the Access Gap study and using the 150 million population benchmark. “With effective partnerships, we can achieve more in the coming years,” Danbatta stressed. According to him, the USPF will be playing significant role in achieving four of the eight points agenda of the commission earlier unveiled during the

year towards repositioning the telecommunications industry. The EVC said USPF, which is an arm of the NCC, would play significant role in facilitating pervasive broadband penetration; improving quality of service; promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovations and investment opportunities and facilitating strategic collaborations and partnerships. He stressed the fact that stakeholders must work together to iron out thorny issues bedeviling the sector’s growth. Danbatta noted that Nigeria’s parlous state of infrastructure had limited its development. Noting that the country ranked 134 out of 144 countries with readied infrastructure for growth, he therefore said, “All hands must be on deck to improve on the state of our infrastructure if we must compete favourably well.”

L-R: Board Director, Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Idris Saeed; Independent Director, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olosuga; Managing Director, Mr. Wilson Ideva and Board Chairman, Mr. Aliyu Dikko, at the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting in Abuja

Vacant properties rise by 65% in 15 months – Report VALUE 90% of Nigerians hold real estate as an asset class

Dayo Ayeyemi

n the last 15 months, vacant properties have increased by 65 per cent in Lekki, Ikoyi and Victoria Island neighborhoods of Lagos. According to the latest Real Estate Vacancy Factor Index (VFIX) released by Bismarck Rewane-led Financial Derivative Company (FDC), vacant properties increased in these enclaves despite high rents and supply glut from last January. In March 2016, the experts said the index increased only marginally to 165 from 160.7 in January, having climbed substantially in earlier months.

“What this tells you is that the number of properties that were vacant in March 2016 was 65 per cent higher than in the base month in January 2015,” he said. Vacant properties according to the expert were higher in Lekki - 64 per cent- followed by Victoria Island -35 per cent and Ikoyi, which is 24 per cent. FDC said: “Admiralty Way in Lekki has the highest vacancy ratio, which is not surprising giving the challenges that businesses face in the current macroeconomic environment; most properties on the street are offices and commercial spaces. Nevertheless, rental prices of vacant properties in these high-end locations have remained sticky downwards. “For example, an office space in Lekki phase 1 costs N30,000 per square metre (sqm) in TBC building. To rent a 1,250 sqm house in the same area will cost you about

N8 million to 10 million per annum on Admiralty Way and N5 million to N6 million per annum in other Lekki streets.” The VFIX is a useful tool of analysis for developers, agents, tenants, landlords and policy makers. The FDC’s report noted that vacant factor index for residential and commercial was 177 and 148, adding that the indices increased by 77 per cent and 48 percent respectively in March 2016 compared to January 2015. The experts attributed ability of real estate assets (which are long-lived) to adjust to inflation, as major factor for increased supply of housing, “Inflation increases the value of property, which provides incentives for new initiatives in the real estate market.” They pointed out that persistent macroeconomic headwinds in recent times have led to lower demand for prime properties in Lagos, adding that

stock broking firms, investment banks, insurance companies, airlines and oil companies that usually rent properties for office space or residential use are currently experiencing a business downturn. On impact of macroeconomic variables, the experts stated that the increasing trend of VFIX was in tandem with unemployment rate, adding that forex controls have discouraged investors, while “poor stock market returns are affecting investor sentiment thereby reducing demand for office space and housing.” FDC predicted that vacancy factor index would decline, as economy improves, adding that people should expect a decline in house prices. Commenting on the impact of money laundering on real estate in Lagos, the report stated that 90 per cent of Nigerians held real estate as an asset class

THURSDAY, april 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Key industry stakeholders recently converged on Lagos to chart a way forward for the revival of the country’s industrial sector through diversification of the economy. TAIWO HASSAN reports FG’s agenda The quest towards the revival of Nigeria’s industrial sector was again on the front burner last week during the United Nations and Organised Private Sector (OPS) parley meeting in Lagos where eggheads brainstormed on the path to Nigeria’s sustainable industrial development. The meeting, according to the organisers- the Raw Materials Research and Development Council and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), was meant to critically appraise the Federal Government’s proposed diversification programme as a catalyst to revive the declining real sector of the nation’s economy. The private sector operators at the event included the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigerian Economic Consultative Association (NECA), NASCI and NASMSE. They insisted that it was time for the Federal Government to address the issues of infrastructural gaps in the country to allow successful take-off of the diversification programme in the economy. To them, considering the slump in the prices of crude oil at the international market, the only one way out for the country is to implement the diversification programme of President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Although, the participants commended the diversification programme, they however, said that there was urgent need by the Federal government to address the infrastructural challenges facing the country’s industrial sector. The private sectors operators listed these infrastructural challenges to include: power, bad road network, multiple taxation, low revenue, high tariff, high cost of transportation, poor market access, forex and scarcity of local raw materials. They stressed that if these challenges are resolved, it would make an instant impact in the government’s diversification programme. MAN’s perspective Speaking on the country’s diversification programme, the Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Remi Ogunme-

InDUSTRY

Sustaining Nigeria’s growth via diversification

Textile factory

fun, said that government need to intensify its economic campaign programmes in its bid to achieve growth and development in the industrial sector. He said that for Nigeria to revisit her economy, diversification was critical, as it would help to develop local inputs for the industry; expand the non oil export base of the economy and extricate the country from the challenges of relying on one export product. Ogunmefun noted that Nigeria had been having economic challenges based on her sole reliance on crude oil exports earning since last quarter of 2014. The director-general said that the recent oil price shock that began in the last quarter of 2014, has enormously distorted external balance of the economy, depressing the country’s external reserves, leading to the erosion in value of the Naira and the resultant spiral challenge effects on all the sectors of the economy particularly the manufacturing sector. Besides, he noted that the recent crude oil price shock led to the increasing calls for the diversification of the economy, which is an important process that will get the country out of the current deadlock. Ogunmefun said: “Economic diversification provides the needed process for increasing the variety of products in an economy through domestic production; it also creates the avenue for variety of export products that will ensure multi-

$7 trillion will be required annually by developing countries to meet the Sustainable Developing Goals

ple streams of foreign exchange earning into the domestic economy.” “For Nigeria, diversifying the economy will help develop local inputs for the industry; expand the non-oil export base of the economy and extricate the country from the challenges of relying on one export.” CBN’s 41 items prohibition list On the 41 items prohibition list, the MAN boss said, the call for diversification and backward integration was yielding the desired result at such a short time when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the ban of the 41 items from accessing forex in order to boost local production. Specifically, he said that local sourcing of raw materials by manufacturers increased by 5.17 percentage point from 46.71 per cent of second half of 2014 to 51.88 per cent in the second half of 2015. He noted that it also increases by 6.23 percentage point when compared with 45.65 per cent of the preceding half. “It should be on record that MAN’s advocacy effort assisted greatly in the backward integration recorded in the cement, fruit juices and sugar sub sector,” Ogunmefun said. United Nations’ stance In her keynote address, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and United Nations Development Resident Representative- Ms Fatma Samoura, said

that the current monumental changes happening in Nigeria should not be viewed as only Nigeria’s affair, but across the African region and the entire globe. She said that the continent was privileged to be the first generation with a realistic chance of bringing about tangible and sustainable development incorporating its three pillars- economic, social and environment in a comprehensive and coordinated manner within one framework. Speaking on funding gaps in the developing countries, the United Nations representative said it is estimated that up to $7 trillion will be required on annual basis by developing countries to meet the Sustainable Developing Goals (SDGs). Samoura said, out of this, based on the current estimates, an annual funding gap of $2.5 trillion had been identified. She, however, said that a large share of the resources needed to fund the new agenda would come from the private sector- businesses, foundations and investors. Conclusion As deliberations towards rejuvenating the country’s non-oil sector through diversification gather momentum, it is the wish of stakeholders in the industry that Federal Government pursues the programme to guard Nigeria against future oil shocks.

business \ industry

THURSDAY, APRil 28 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG committed to real sector growth, says minister INDUSTRALISATION Over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s imports are from China Stories Taiwo Hassan

he real sector of the Nigerian economy remains a key agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enemalah, has said. The minister, who spoke in Lagos at a town hall meeting on Monday, said Nigeria had a lot to learn from the president’s China trip, noting that investment drive and industrialisation were the government’s top priorities during the visit to Beijing. He said President Buhari went to China with over 200 Nigerian businessmen, adding that the trip was to make nation-to-nation and business-to-business deals. He noted: “For those of you who were in China, the energy level was high, the engagement was high. Frankly, what we have to do now is systematic and deliberate follow-up and the results will inevitably come. “While we were there, the president met with all the key citizens, starting from the president to the premier and some of the other key people in China. As it

had been widely reported, we signed several agreements. Some of the agreements ranged from industrialisation to some of the other agreements you heard about.” The minister said that the Nigerian government also acknowledged that much can be learnt from China. He said: “For example, we view with admiration what

trip to China was to create an industrial revolution in Nigeria and make it easier to do business. His words: “It should be pointed out that both countries make a lot of economic importance, not just to the world, but also to their respective continent. “China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner. Over

40 per cent of our imports are from China, and it represents over $15 billion. “Of course, you know that the president’s trip was a state visit. Why this trip is impor tant is that the president was able to go with a number of governors, ministers and several businesses. Over 200 Nigerian businesses actually came on this trip.”

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in company of Justice Fati Lami Abubakar and the Mai Sudan Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, middle, being shown the drying process of shea butter before going into the production process within the premises of the donated facility by PZ Cussons Foundation

Chamber woos foreign investors to Abuja

he Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged foreign investors to take advantage of the enabling environment in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and invest. The move, according to the chamber in a statement, will further promote economic and industrial development within FCT and Nigeria in general. ACCI’s First Deputy President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, disclosed these during the ground breaking ceremony of Shoprite Airport road location in Abuja. He said that the chamber had been at the vanguard of commerce and trade within FCT and Nigeria in general since its establishment in 1986 as a company limited by guarantee. According to him, the chamber has remained on the part of advancement in ensuring that FCT becomes one of the most powerful trade hubs within the African continent before 2020. The first deputy president explained that the chamber had been doing all that through effective networking, innovative and proactive business strategies that have attracted invest-

China has accomplished by lifting hundreds of millions of its people out of poverty over the cause of just one generation. “It has been said that it takes only one committed generation to rebuild a country, why can’t it be this generation? China has done it; Nigeria can do it”. Enemalah also explained that Federal Gover nment’s

ments worth billions of dollars into the Nigerian economy. Kayode informed the audience that the occasion marked another history in the chamber’s quest to make Abuja a “Dubai-like” City, as plans were ongoing to build an all-in-one first International Exhibition Centre within the ACCI premises. It is expected to accommodate a seven star hotel for international and local exhibitors and a shopping mall. His words: “ACCI is pleased to be part of the ground breaking ceremony given the fact that it is her mandate to contribute to the holistic development of the Federal Capital Territory in particular and our great nation Nigeria at large.” He noted that the socio-economic benefits of the projects being executed by ACCI through her partners to host communities, local, state and central governments could not be over-emphasised, as it is going to aid in curbing the unemployment situation in Nigeria even in the face of global economic recession. He also called on investors to channel their investments to Nigeria given that

PZ pledges to invest in shea-butter production

Z Cussons Foundation has restated plans to continue to contribute to the development of shea-butter production in Nigeria. The management of the company disclosed this in a statement, while formally handing over a state-of -theart PZ NasaraShea-butter processing facility to a women co-operative group at Tungan Wawa in Kontagora Local Government Area, in Niger State. Statistically, Nigeria accounts for 57 per cent of global shea-butter production valued at $3.8 billion. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, a Trustee of the Foundation and a former First Lady Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, said the project executed by the foundation was an intervention to empower women economically through encouragement of rural enterprise. She said that the new facility was meant to upgrade the traditional method of production of shea butter locally and make it internationally competitive. According to her, it will bring together local proces-

sors under one umbrella and organise them into a more formal structure. Abubakar added that the facility consisted of raw material store, structures for drying, roasting, blending, finished goods store, borehole and other equipment and machineries. She said: “The foundation has executed over 52 projects spread in the six geo-political zone of the country since its establishment in 2007. The focal areas of the foundation’s mandate include education, health care, potable water supply and road rehabilitation. “PZ Nasara Shea-butter processing centre is the first outside our focal area of social services and infrastructure. It is also the third project to be executed by the foundation in Niger State.” It would be recalled that PZ Cussons Foundation, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, constructed 500-metre Market Road, Minna and donated a healthcare centre in Gbaiko, Bosso Local Government Area. In his speech at the oc-

casion, the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, commended the Board of Trustee of the foundation for siting the project in the state. He said it will support the effort of the government in diversifying the economy of the state by enhancing productivity in agro-allied endeavours at rural levels, help in poverty eradication and employment. While unfolding plans to distribute new improved shea seedlings to encourage more cultivation, he promised to encourage other corporate bodies to invest in the state, adding, “Niger state has a large land mass suitable for agriculture.” Members of the State Executive Council, Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, some members of Board of Trustee and other dignitaries, attended the commissioning ceremony. The project is part of the ongoing effort by the government to sensitise private sector players and other development partners to awaken rural populace especially women to tap into the potential.

THURSDAY, april 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Telecoms regulator says effective deployment of Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) would accelerate achievement of wider telecoms service in the country, writes KUNLE AZEEZ

eWORLD

Leveraging USPF for wider telecoms access

if we must compete favourably well,” he said.

n spite of the over 150 million active telephone subscribers on various mobile networks scattered across Nigeria, the country is still faced with telecoms access gap. Over the years, telecoms operators have concentrated their infrastructure deployment in the cities, which e they believe are more commercially viable while there continues to be a remarkable access gap in the rural areas. Till date, the country boasts of over 31,000 telecoms base stations servicing a growing population of over 180 million. However, experts say over 80,000 towers are needed if the country is to provide a robust coverage for its citizens. Access gap Already, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has clearly pointed out the access gap in the industry. Speaking at the recently orgainsed ‘Focused Industry Stakeholders’ Forum and Hackathon Award’ by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in Lagos with the theme: ‘Universal Access: Eliminating The Inclusion Barriers’, Danbatta said said 33.7 million people are still being either underserved or unserved in the area of telecom access in the country. This is in spite of the current investment profile of over $32 billion in the industry, suggesting that more efforts still have to be made to deepen digital inclusion in the country. He, however, gave assurance that efforts were ongoing at different quarters in the industry to further bridge the existing digital gap. According to him, the unserved population in Nigeria has been reduced from 36.8 million (24.5 per cent) in 2013 to 33.7 million (22.5 per cent) in 2015 based on the Access Gap study and using the 150 million population benchmark. “With effective partnerships, we can achieve more in the coming years,” Danbatta stressed. USPF to play key role But Danbatta was quick to note that one of the measures to address the access gap is to effectively deploy the USPF resources in supporting operators to extend services to un-

Telecom base stations

derserved and un-served areas. According to him, the USPF will be playing significant role in achieving four of the eightpoints agenda of NCC earlier unveiled during the year by the commission towards repositioning the telecommunications industry. USPF was established, as an arm of the NCC, to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural, un-served and underserved areas in Nigeria. The Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria. Meanwhile, the NCC boss said USPF would play signifi-

USPF will be playing significant role in achieving four of the eightpoints agenda of NCC

cant role in facilitating pervasive broadband penetration; improving quality of service; promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovations and investment opportunities and facilitating strategic collaborations and partnerships. Poor infrastructure While acknowledging the poor state of infrastructure in the country generally, Danbatta stressed the fact that stakeholders must work together to iron out thorny issues bedeviling the sector’s growth. According to Danbatta, who said Nigeria’s parlous state of infrastructure had limited its development, the country ranked 134 out of 144 countries with readied infrastructure for growth. “Therefore, all hands must be on deck to improve on the state of our infrastructure

Policy reviews Danbatta also appealed to the Federal Government to review its fiscal and monetary policies, especially as it relates to foreign exchange acquisition. According to him, operators are really finding it difficult to have access to foreign exchange for their operations. He said: “I think government should revisit its position as regards the fiscal and monetary policies, especially around foreign exchanges for telecoms operators”. In his presentation, USPF Secretary, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, said USPF was established to promote widespread availability of telecommunications services across the country, stressing that the Fund existed to enable operators to deploy services in areas considered not viable. Also presenting a paper titled: “Universal Access: The inevitable bridge for inclusive development”, a member of the National Broadband Council, Mr. Jinmi Sonuga, said that USPF model existed in over 60 countries globally, with the largest funds found in India, Brazil and Malaysia with huge success reported in Pakistan. Accessing USPF for wider coverage Sonuga said that the fund is highly essential for development in Nigeria, adding that this is why operators should access it to adequately serve the underserved and un-served Nigerians. A former President of the Association Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu, maintained that the objective of accessing the USPF was to bring access to the last man.

Telco seeks flexible forex regime M anaging Director, Ntel, Mr. Kamar Abass, has called on the Federal Government to prevail on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make access to foreign exchange more flexible for players in the nation’s telecoms industry. He made the call when NatCom Development and Investment Limited, trading as Ntel played host to the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, at the company’s Tier III data center in Lagos. Ntel is the company that acquired the core assets of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile arm, M-Tel in liquidation.

The minister, who was accompanied by a five-man team from the Ministry of Communications as well as the acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was received at the data center/cable landing station by the Chairman of NatCom, Dr. Tunde Ayeni and other senior members of the Ntel management team. Abass said there was a need for the minister to intervene in the process of obtaining foreign exchange for purchasing telecom equipment to fast-track telecoms development. “We are proud that we have used predominantly Ni-

gerian labour and personnel but our equipment all come from abroad and this entails spending tens of millions of dollars. “We, as a telecom company, are not on the list of those who can access forex, so, it is a real struggle to pay for these items. We need some flexibility on the part of CBN,” he said. Abass, who spoke after overseeing the Minister’s Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration on the network, thanked the minister “for spending such a significant amount of time with us hours after your arrival from a long trip”. Meanwhile, Shittu, who was also conducted round the

multi-million dollar Tier III Data Center, expressed delight at the transformation of the moribund NITEL facilities. Speaking while inspecting the Data Center, he said, “I am happy that a Nigerian company with local funds has done this. Government is appreciative of what you have done. I want to congratulate ntel on the huge investment made to revive NITEL. People need to know about the huge investment you have made and I hope that my visit will help in that regard”. Responding to the Minister, Dr. Ayeni tanked the minister for visiting and supporting ntel, promising, “We will try our best to create competition in the market and create more opportunities for Nigerians”.

business \ eWORLD

THURSDAY, APRil 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Why we acquired Visafone, by MTN TARGET The telecoms network says it plans commercial LTE service launch in Q3

Kunle Azeez

TN has said the primary motivation for its acquisition of Visafone was to obtain the 800Mhz spectrum frequency of the country’s only surviving Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, to offer Long Term Evolution (LTE) services. LTE is the 4G-technology platform that offers very highspeed Internet delivery to telecoms consumers above what 2G and 3G services currently offer in the market. Already, MTN Nigeria has disclosed ongoing plans to roll out commercial LTE services by third quarter. Disclosing this in a transcript of the 1Q Results Analyst Conference organised by MTN Group among its key management team, which was obtained by New Telegraph, MTN said the primary motivation for acquiring Visafone was to gain access to the LTE frequency. Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman, said with over 15 million

smart handsets connected on MTN network till date, the telecoms company was determined to make LTE services accessible to more Nigerians. “We have received final approval from the regulator on the Visafone transaction during the beginning of this year. The plans are to have commercial availability of LTE services towards the end of Q2, maybe early Q3, albeit very limited, obviously not substantial and

LX, an online classifieds site, has declared that over 300 million users hit its platform in Nigeria and in other 44 countries of its operations on a monthly basis. Chief Executive Officer, OLX, Middle East and Africa, Daan Sanders, revealed this at the launch of the company’s new product, Do-it-for-Me (DIFM) initiative in Lagos . Sanders said that the company, which started operations 10 years ago in Argentina, has continued growth tremendously to hit over 300 million unique users every month on its websites, saying the growth has been phenomenal in Nigeria. Sanders said: “We have a global perspective in which we operate in 45 markets of the world and we are glad to let you know that today, we have 300 million unique users every month who either use our website to buy or sell something. We believe this is a good thing for us, as well as our users. We are also looking at expanding our markets”. While speaking at the launch, OLX Country Manager, Nigeria, Lola Masha, explained that the new DIFM, which include middlemen, will help users, who either want to buy or sell something all through the process until the deal is successful. The service launched on Dia-

Phuthuma Nhleko, who also spoke in the transcript, dated April 21, 2016, the regulatory action has enabled the network to standardise its biometric registration of its subscribers and improve its customers Know Your Customer (KYC). MTN said, having a detailed and comprehensive KYC of its subscribers would enable it to leverage mobile money services on its network. “I do think that it is not all gloom, because I think the NCC regulatory action on SIM

disconnection on our network has enabled us to KYC some of those people as we put them back on and that is going to be very useful for things like mobile money and things like that,” said Nhleko. Nhleko, however, said the regulatory action has led to acute decline in the number subscribers on the network. He noted that MTN Nigeria’s subscribers have declined by seven per cent quarter on quarter crashing the market share significantly.

L-R: Chairman NatCom, Dr. Tunde Ayeni; Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu and Chief Executive Officer, Ntel, Mr. Kamar Abass, during the minister’s courtesy visit to Ntel’s office in Lagos.

OLX users in Nigeria, others hit 300m Ezekiel Adesawe

then, to start expanding this towards Q3, Q4 and Q1 of next year,” said Moolman. Meanwhile, despite the lingering crisis over Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards deactivation, the telecoms network has identified some key benefits the deactivation of its over 5.1 million unregistered subscribers has brought to the network. According to the Executive Chairman, MTN Group,

mond Bank’s Tech Turks with the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, helps users manage the posting and selling of items on the site. Through the service, users, who have no time to post, meet with potential buyers or want their privacy protected can entrust the sale of their goods to the OLX Champs, who are sales experts. Masha said, “We are introducing a new application, which is the DIFM initiative, where our verified OLX champs will help you throughout the process of buying or selling through our websites. One thing we are obsessed with at OLX is to sincerely help our users to be successful, both the buyers and sellers, that’s why we want to help our users throughout the process.” She said OLX would start with 100 verified champs, “who will help you, if you want to sell something, post pictures, meet buyers on your behalf, take calls for you, screen out unserious buyers and also connect you with serious buyers. We are very pleased to share this. “DIFM is another innovative way our platform makes life easier and safer for our users. Our number one priority here in Nigeria is trust and safety and with the help of our OLX Champs, people who are skeptical about using the platform can be rest assured that the OLX champs will manage the posting and sale of the item for them,” Masha said.

Vodacom Business wins awards

odacom Business Nigeria walked away with two industry awards at the Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Awards ceremony; a meritcentric celebration aimed at rewarding best practices and recognition of outstanding contributions to the growth of ICT in Nigeria. The BoICT Awards was instituted by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, a Nigeria’s technology publication. At the BoICT awards ceremony, which was held in Lagos, Vodacom Business Nigeria representatives, according to a statement, walked away with two outstanding awards, which were the Enterprise Solution Provider of the Year, an award the company won in

2013, 2014 and 2016 and Cloud Service Provider of the Year, another award the company has won for three years, backto-back since 2014. This year, over 1.3 million readers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek voted in the different categories with Vodacom Business Nigeria emerging as the clear winner in Enterprise Solutions Provider of the Year and Cloud Services Provider of the Year categories. Receiving the awards, the company’s Managing Director, Mr., Lanre Kolade said, “We are extremely proud and honored to receive these excellent awards that recognise our leadership in total communication solutions and cloud services.

“We were up against some of the most accomplished global players in the industry, winning the awards is a very proud moment for the Vodacom Business Nigeria team. We will continue to deliver services that raise the bar in the market.” In total, Vodacom Business Nigeria bagged over 12 local and international industry awards in recent years. The IT company provides high-speed Internet services, wireless broadband and international virtual private networks (VPNs), Pan-African data networks, enterprise voice, machine-to-machine solutions, hosting services, system integration and maintenance.

CreditSwitch offers airtime-sharing service

reditSwitch, an international mobile top up company, has introduced a dedicated shortcode that allows the over 150 million telephone users to share or sell airtime across any networks in Nigeria. Speaking at the unveiling of the service, Managing Director, Credit Switch, Mr. Tayo Adigun, said that CreditSwitch users will be able to transfer data to their loved ones as from October this year, in addition to the now available credit transfers by subscribers across networks. For now, the service can

only be initiated on Globacom and Airtel networks. MTN and Etisalat will come onboard after, Adigun said. Assuring the audience of the bright prospect of the service, he said that there is now an existing interoperability between the various platforms that allows transfer of credit. In line with the interoperability, the innovative Credit Switch creates a platform that allows phone users irrespective of their platforms (provided the network signs up with the Credit Switch platform) to transfer credit

to a beneficiary irrespective of his/her network. Adigun said, “This is the first of its kind in the world and we should be glad, it’s coming from Nigeria to the world. In a period where your mobile phone is the most trusted partner that you have, especially to stay connected in a digitally wired world, short code 931 is secured, convenient, easy, fast and proven”. Acclaimed as a next –level product, coming out of Africa, 931, a dialing short code will motivate techie start-ups and encourage investments in mobile app development.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Health News Lagos begins integration of people with Down syndrome

Health The World Health Organisation (WHO) has affirmed that immunisation averts two to three million deaths worldwide annually. But the politicisation of its implementation process, vaccinators focus on financial benefits and poor skills of implementors are among hurdles limiting its optimal benefits. ELEAZAR NWANTI reports

Interview Oyibo: Abuse of anti-malaria medicines drive resistance

32 33

Stopping avoidable diseases by immunisation

“W

e do not know what is happening. We are tired because you hear one child had died in this family and as you are going to condole with the family, another family would cry out that its child has died also. This is happening every two days interval. We are having high rate of infant mortality in the last six weeks.” “My children fell sick in the first week of February. The disease is ravaging our area, and we did not have anyone to run to. My children were killed by the disease. They were vomiting blood. I did not know what name to call the disease.” That was the voice of Anago Benedict who lost three of her children to measles in OtodoGbame community in Ikate, Lekki area of Lagos State where children died in scores because they missed immunisation. The tragic events occurred between January and February. Immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infec-

APPOLONIA ADEYEMI HEALTH EDITOR

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

A baby taking vaccination

tion or disease. However, as Nigeria joined the rest of the international community to mark the 2016 World Immunisation Week which is commemorated from April 21 to 28, facts have emerged on why some children miss out on immunisation in the country. According to a Vocal Person on Immunisation and Senior Nursing Officer at the Ikotun Primary Health Care Center, Alimosho Local Government Area ( LGA), Lagos State, Mrs. Fatima Bello acknowledged that immunisation as a major way of fighting contagious diseases and praised the potency of vaccines used for immunisation. She said: “The vaccines are potent; they help in the fight against infectious diseases. Here we also have a massive turn-out during immunisation.” However, highlighting a number of challenges on why some areas are not properly covered during immunisation excercises, she said, “One of the challenges we have is sometimes field workers and the supervisors do not go to areas assigned to them for immunisation coverage. “They prefer going to places where they are given money leaving other places not properly covered.”

Sometimes, field workers and the supervisors do not go to areas assigned to them for immunisation coverage

She said to put a stop to this, the vocal persons should be assigned a commercial cyclist who will take vaccinators round to enable them monitor the activities of the supervisors and the field workers during immunisation exercise. Mrs. Bello also complained of the way the supervisors are appointed. She said, “the supervisors are imposed on us by higher authorities so we have little or no control over them and sometimes immunisation exercise is politicised.” Mrs. Opeyemi Udulpa, a field worker on immunisation, also complained of the use of nonhealth professionals for immunisation and the short number of days given during immunisation. “Some of the immunisation officers are not health professionals, they are just trained for about three days after which they are taken to the field and they mess things up also the number of days given for these immunisation should be extended in other to properly go round. The four days mapped out for Polio vaccination and five days for measles vaccination are not enough.” A nursing mother who identified herself as Mrs Vivian Igbokwe, expressed discomfort at the high cost of immunisation in

PHOTO: theconversation.com

the private hospitals, adding that this is the cause of over-crowding in the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and public hospitals during immunisation exercises. The importance of immunisation is widely acknowledged. Worthy of note here is that if those children that died in OtodoGbame as highlighted in this report have been immunised they would not have died the way they died. Through immunisation a lot of infectious diseases have been averted, according to medical experts. According to a report issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015 with the theme, “Closing the Gap on Immunisation”, “Immunisation averts two to three million deaths worldwide every year. “However, an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if global vaccination coverage improves. Today, an estimated 18.7 million infants – nearly one in five children – worldwide are still missing routine immunisations for preventable diseases, such as diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. “More than 60 per cent of children who are unvaccinated live in 10 countries in which Nigeria is among.”

HEALTH \ FEATURES

THURSDAY, April 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Protests paralyse LUTH over patient’s death Appolonia Adeyemi

ealth care activities at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were at the weekend brought to a halt as Nigerians protested the death of late Mrs. Ngozi Udebu who allegedly died at the hospital due to negligence of health workers. The protest facilitated by Hope Alive Child Care Initiative in collaboration with Medical Police, kicked off from the National Stadium, Lagos at about 7:30a.m. and ended at the hospital’s gate which was under lock and key with armed police officers positioned at

the gates. The aggrieved protesters who were dressed in black T-Shirts with the photograph of the deceased boldly printed on the T-Shirts were also carrying placards in-scripted various messages including, “we demand change of culture towards our hospitals and patients”, “Enough of medical negligence. “Our hospitals and medical personnel are meant to save lives”, LUTH we want life not death” “Lack of adequate funding and sub – standard treatment are calling for our attention in the health sector.” among others. However, despite

hours spent by the protesters to register their protest to the management of LUTH, no senior member of the hospital authority was around to receive their letter of protest. A man who claimed to be Chief Security officer of LUTH said, “I am asked to speak to you. The management will call you. You should drop whatever information you have. As you all know, today is Saturday and the Chief Medical Director is not around today.” Responding, the Convener of the protest who is also the Executive Director Hope Alive Child Initiative and Medical Police, Mrs Adaugo

Nwalema, said the action of the management of the hospital showed the hospitals insensitivity to human life. Nwalema said the essence of today’s walk is that Nigerians are fed up of medical negligence and government’s non-challcant altitude of funding our medical institutions and slaughter house which Nigeria hospitals has turned into. “We are saying a enough, is enough. We want the government to know that they are sitting on a time bomb. If they don’t start using our local hospitals they will get a shocker of their lives. Enough

L-R: President, Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Mrs. Rose Mordi; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Uzamat Akingbile-Yusuf and Consultant to Lagos State Governor on Disability Affairs, Joyce Onafowokan, inspecting goods produced by people with Down Syndrome at the 2016 World Down Syndrome Day held in Lagos.

Lagos begins integration of people with Down syndrome Eleazar Nwanti

s the Lagos State Gover nment move to integrate Nigerians living with Down syndrome, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola has urged parents, families and guardians never to give up on people living with Down syndrome. Mr. Hakeem who stated this in Lagos on the occasion of the 2016 International Down Syndrome Day, also said those with Down syndrome are trainable, both formally and informally and therefore should be shown love and given necessary education to be useful to themselves and the society at large. “People living with Down syndrome are in-

tegral part of the family and society they find themselves in. “It therefore behooves all of us to be ready to assist them to realise their ambition and develop their full potentials to appreciable level like with every person.” Speaking at the occasion which was organised by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) to increase awareness on the inclusion of people living with Down syndrome, the permanent secretary said, “In recent time, people with Down syndrome have not only represented the country at the International Sports Competitions, they have actually written the country’s name in gold for the world to see by winning medals at the prestigious competitive sports events such

as the Special Olympic Games.” While presenting her speech, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Lagos State, Mrs. Uzamat Akingbile-Yusuf, said that many people living with Down syndrome are immune to immoral qualities, adding that an employer of labour is bound to get one hundred per cent loyalty from a Down syndrome employee as against a counterpart able bodied employee. She said, “Many of the people living with Down syndrome are immune to some of the bad/immoral qualities which some of us on this side of the divide are prone to, such as telling lies or backbiting.” When you come in close contact with them they can be very humorous and friendly, he added.

of the killing, enough of the slaughtering we have cried enough and decided to take it upon ourselves.” Describing deceased death as shocking news, Nwalema who claimed to have passed through same ordeal said she was privileged to be alive to give the testimony but Ngozi was fortunate. “We want Nigerians to understand that if they are being treated in an atmosphere or attitude of whoever that is treating them is not comfortable to them; they better leave that place because the body they are gambling with is theirs. Also speaking, hus band of the deceased, Mr. Ausbet Udebu who expressed displeasure, on how the hospital has handled the case so far, said: “Their action today showed the management of LUTH does not value life but until their wives die here before they will know what is happening. I lost my wife here and they did not show concern, the CMD’s own wife and children will die here before they will know what is happening. How can a chief Security officer came to talk to us. He does not have the right to address us. The issue we are talking about here is more serious. We need a member of the management staff to talk to us. It is a pity you do not value life.”

Rhesus negative mothers risk losing their babies Oreoluwa Aboderin

he Rh factor can cause problems in females that are Rh negative during and after pregnancies. Rhesus factor (Rh), is an antigen that is present red blood cells is used in the classification of human blood. The blood cells of most people contain an Rh factor. For a blood transfusion to be successful the blood of the donor must match that of the recipient- both must have or must be missing the Rh factor. Rhesus (Rh) factor is an inherited protein found on the surface of the red blood cells. If the blood has the protein, it is Rh positive but if the blood lacks the protein, it is Rh negative. Rh positive is the most common blood type. Having an Rh negative blood type is not an illness and usually does not affect health. A mother who is Rh-

negative may develop antibodies to an Rh-positive baby When an Rh-negative mother is exposed to her Rh-positive baby’s blood; the mother’s body is at risk for becoming “sensitised”. This causes the mother’s immune system to shift into gear and begin producing antibodies that are specifically designed to find and destroy these foreign blood cells. If a small amount of the baby’s blood mixes with the mother’s blood, which often happens in such situations, the mother’s body may respond as if it were allergic to the baby. The mother’s body may make antibodies to the Rh antigens in the baby’s blood. This means the mother has become sensitised and her antibodies may cross the placenta and attack the baby’s blood. Such an attack breaks down the fetus’s red blood cells, creating anemia (a low number of red blood cells).

When body fat becomes dangerous Body fat is not particularly hazardous to health until the level of total body fat reaches 35 per cent for men and 40 per cent for women. Contents of sperm A single human sperm contains the 37.5mb of male DNA required to create a human child. That means an average ejaculation sees the transfer of 1,500 terabytes of information. Hormones regulate body activities The human body contains 30 amazing hormones, which regulates activities like sleep, body temperature, hunger, and managing stress in times of crisis and so on. Wonders of human eyes There are 137 million light sensitive cells in the eye’s retina and the fluid that fills the eye is changed 15 times a day. Work of growth hormone A person growth like being tall or short is not determined only by the genes. Growth hormone also is responsible for it. Woman produces 450 eggs By the time a woman has reached her 60’s, she will have released around 450 baby making eggs. Sense of smell, taste linked If human sense of smell is affected, sense of taste is also affected as the brain interprets signals from the nose and tongue. How goose bumps are formed Goose bumps on our skin are caused by pull of muscles attached to hair follicles and make the hair upright. Brain generates power The brain operates on the same amount of power as 10-watt light bulb. Your brain generates as much energy as a small light bulb even when you are sleeping. Burden of diabetes Almost 90 to 95 per cent of diabetes is of type 2 or maturity onset type; that affects people in their middle age. Type 1 or juvenile diabetes affects 70,000 children under the age of 15 years every year. Importance of arterial blood Arterial blood contains a lot of oxygen and nutrients for the body whereas venous blood contains low oxygen level and nutrients.

HEALTH \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Professor Wellington Oyibo is a consultant medical parasitologist and an associate professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. He spoke on the challenges of eliminating malaria in the country and the way forward. APPOLONIA ADEYEMI reports

You said it is not everybody that has fever that has malaria. Could you explain this? In many locations like in Lagos, malaria in Lagos is frightening but what we see if as we celebrate the 2016 World Malaria Day, fever is caused by so many reasons. The the assumptions in those days, about 15 years to 30 years ago was that malaria was high at that time and that time that malaria was high, we did not even need to do a test. If you took chloroquine that time, you know that you are still treating it, even though chloroquine has other properties which the current artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) does not have. But with time things began to change and as it is changing the prevalence of malaria is also changing and then it meant that if you had fever the likelihood that is going to be malaria was going to be low. We have begun to see more low rates, depending on the places where you are looking at it from. In a place like Lagos you will see far more lower rates like twenty per cent. If you are in an urban area it will be even far lower like four per cent, in urban areas of Lagos, which means that when we are talking about malaria we should now be looking at other causes of fever along that line because fever can be caused by cancer when cancer is developing; it can be caused by virus and we see more of viruses causing fever. Most times it means that it is not just the malaria test that you want to do. It becomes the first test whether you are using urine malaria test (UMT, microscopy and blood diagnostics. It means that other tests will have to be done to see why that patient is having that fever and to confirm that the patient can be properly treated What’s the consequence of treating someone for malaria when that person does not have malaria? That is a great consequence. What

Oyibo: Abuse of anti-malaria medicines drive resistance we see now is that if you treated a patient by assuming the person has malaria when he does not; that’s bad practice. In many ways that can even affect the patient. A patient that has pneumonia is struck by fever too and pneumonia in children can kill. If you assume that pneumonia is fever, and you give anti-malaria drug, that is bad. One thing we say is: when you treat without testing you will neglect the actual cause of that fever and that cause of the fever may be dangerous, not like the uncomplicated malaria that you may want to manage. It could be that there are other causes. So, if you neglect those causes it is not good for the patient and you know for every medical condition early diagnosis is always very important. If you know on time you know what next to do. Secondly, you waste drugs. You will use artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) which you do not need. Why use the ACT when you should use something else. Hence, you waste medicine. Similarly, if everybody continues to use ant-malaria drugs here and there it will drive resistance to the drugs. Furthermore, financially you will first of all spend the money in doing the wrong thing before you now know the actual cause of that condition and you now begin to spend again. By the time you begin to spend again it may require hospitalisation; even you may spend more. Does that mean that most times people took malaria medicines and never got well they were not having malaria? If you say the patient has fever. Is the fever due to what? If you say the patient has malaria, was it properly confirmed? If it was properly confirmed the ACTs we have will deal with it, but if you took ACTs when you don’t have malaria, sorry, you will not get help. You will still continue

Oyibo

For every medical condition, early diagnosis is always very important

to be sick. At first you may feel good but the next day you will be feeling sick. One of the point I want to make as we mark this year’s World Malaria Day is that the media should work to increase demand for malaria testing before treatment? I have listed the dangerous things that are involved if you do not do test before treatment. Hence, if you have feverwhy not ask for a test? If you have fever and taking treatment, tell the doctor that you need a test. These tests are good – be it a urine malaria test (UMT) or blood diagnostics; they are good. Also, what you should tell the health workers is to do a test first; and rule out malaria then you can begin to say: “is it bacteria? Is it acute respiratory infection? Is it viruses? Or do you even need medicine? Sometimes, some people need rest because they are working up and down. Also, remember again that it is not only malaria test that we should be looking at; there are other tests. Is there malaria treatment failure? There is no treatment failure. What I can tell you right now from the evidence available on the use of ACTs which are recommended for malaria, is that the quality of ACTs is assured and they are efficacious. Now when you talk about treatment failure the question we should ask is does the patient have malaria? If the patient does not have malaria confirmed properly, you will still be talking about treatment failure. So what I say is that the ATCs the government is bringing here are efficacious. They are useful but they will only be useful to someone who has malaria. That means you have do a test, and in some cases when they say there is failure they need to

check properly because the drugs are good and government makes regular efforts to do the test all over the country every two years and they are going to do another one soon. For those asking whether these malaria medicines are good or not and whether we should rely on it, the answer is that they are efficacious and the government will continue to check their quality all the time so for now we cannot say there is treatment failure. What can cause treatment failure? What can cause treatment failure is if you continue to overuse or misuse malaria treatment. People still use chloroquine for malaria treatment and that is called monotherapy. Those using choloroquine should not use them again. If they continue to use chloroquine and other drugs like Fancida, Amala, among others, those drugs can cause resistance. The ACT is a combination therapy. Every treatment for malaria must involve combination therapy and the idea of the combination is that the Atmensin in one hour can bring about reduction of fever, clearing of malaria in 48 hours quickly while other part of the medicine will make sure that all parasite is cleared from the system. So, those are the things that should be done. Don’t just assume that a patient that has fever has malaria. Do a test and stop engaging in other things that will drive resistance like the way we take anti malaria medicine. We should not do that anymore Europe has achieved malaria free society. Do you think we can achieve that here? Yes, one statement I will make is that Nigeria is capable of attaining malaria elimination; we will get to elimination before we go to eradication. The country is making a contentious effort to get there. So both the federal and state governments are making efforts right now. As I speak to you malaria risk is coming down all over the country and on the current rate of malaria in the country, the Federal Ministry of Health will announce that to be public soon. When we see it, it tells us that we all have to be part of this. It’s not government alone. For instance, how does a patient demand for a test. That is for us to do. What role can the media play? The media should continue to encourage everyone to ask for testing.

HEALTH \ NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

UNICEF, NOA partner on child health in Ebonyi Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

Chairman of Fyodor Biotechnologies Corp Dr. Eddy Agbo and other dignititaries launch the urine malaria test kit in Lagos recently.

Stakeholders advocate malaria testing before treatment Oreoluwa Aboderin

n order to reduce the high burden of malaria in Nigeria, a stakeholder in the pharmaceuticals industry has urged Nigerians to desist from attributing every fever they experience to malaria. The Chairman of Fyodor Biotechnologies Corp., Dr. Eddy Agbo who made the call, also advised Nigerians to do malaria test in order to confirm that a specific fever is caused by malaria parasite. He spoke during the launch of the urine malaria test (UMT) kit, which held in Lagos on Tuesday. About 3.2 billion people worldwide are at risk of malaria attack globally. Malaria is endemic in Nigeria. The intensity of attack remains constant throughout the year and

from year to year. Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. P. falciparum is the most deadly malaria parasite and the most prevalent in Africa, where malaria cases and deaths are heavily concentrated. The first symptoms of malaria – fever, headache, chills and vomiting – usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. Without prompt treatment, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death. However, to tackle malaria effectively, the UMT was introduced into the market by Fyodor Biotechnologies Corp USA in collaboration with its marketing and distribution partner — Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Getting sunshine while pregnant prevents kid asthma

ufficient vitamin D during the second trimester of pregnancy could help reduce a child’s risk of developing asthma. According to a new American study, carried out by the University of Kansas, the team of researchers used data taken from hospital discharges in two United States (U.S) and a national health survey (full sample of 595,093) to look at when and where in the country asthmatics were born. By measuring the levels of sunlight in these locations when the asthmatics’ mothers would have been in their second trimester of pregnancy, the team found that a woman with a higher level of exposure to sunlight during this time, and therefore a higher level of vitamin D, lowered her baby’s chance of developing asthma. And the location wasn’t the only factor in how much sunlight you received. “We’re not looking at sunny places versus non-sunny places,” said David Slusky, one of the study’s co-authors, “We looked at the relative differences of the level of sunlight at a particular place at a particular time of year.” Meaning that women in Georgia who were in the their second trimester of pregnancy in July of 1978 were exposed to a different level of sunlight than pregnant women in Georgia a year later.

According to Agbo, most fevers are not due to malaria. The UMT is the first ever non-blood malaria test that tells in 25 minutes or less. “If a fever is due to malaria or not, using only a few drops of urine,” Agbo said, that rapid and timely diagnosis is critical for prompt effective management of fever suspected of being malaria. The policy of testing for malaria before treatment is mandated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH). The UMT empowers healthcare providers to be able to follow national and international guidelines of “test before you treat” for malaria case management in all cases of fever, and suitable for use in both public and private healthcare.

ommunity leaders in Ebonyi State have been advised to integrate child survival, protection, participation and development in their community meetings. A United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) communication specialist, Dr. Hilary Ozor gave the advice last week at a forum organised by UNICEF and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. He said the forum was aimed at bridging

the huge gap in knowledge and attitude among families in the state especially on issues of disease, death control among children and protection of women during and after pregnancy and child birth. He maintained that the programme harps on issues such as timely birth, safe motherhood and new born health, nutrition and growth, immunisation, general personal hygiene, malaria prevention and treatment, HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation abandonment among others. In his keynote address, the Director National Orientation Agency, Dr.

Bonding between mother and child is a survival strategy .

Emma Abah observed that the people of the state have little knowledge, poor attitude and poor motivation that will enable them imbibe practices that promote the wellbeing of children in the state which he said was why UNICEF partnered with NOA to tackle the problem. He urged community leaders to begin to work towards saving and improving the lives of children especially those between the ages of 0-five years and women in their various communities by ensuring that the issues pertaining to their wellbeing are discussed in their community meetings.

www.compassion.ie

Coping with stress (II) CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

ere is the second part of “Coping with stress”. The animals are stressed. The cosmos itself is stressed. Science has exploited the world’s energy field in such a way that we are being negatively affected. Everyday we are bombarded with electro-magnetic stresses. Radio-waves, microwaves, telegraph signals, telephone rays, all expose the organs of the body ,brain, eyes, liver and kidney to stress. Telephones radiate very powerful positive but harmful energies, so more powerful than X-ray, that they penetrate the brain and the organs and put pressure on them. The result is constant stress, tiredness, headaches that defy any medication. Electric shavers, television and computers produce rays that are damaging to the system when exposed to them for a long time. The most dangerous, however, is the so-called mobile telephone. Their rays are so powerful that they penetrate the brain, affect and even change the human cells. These

rays create electro-magnetic fields that are positive but very harmful to the cells. The result is that abnormal cells begin to form, leading to cancer, fibroids, and other strange illnesses. It is not surprising that the USA, which is the most technological nation in the world, also has the highest number of degenerative diseases. Note: I am not saying that computers,

telephones, mobile phones etc are bad and should be banned. I am simply saying that using these gadgets have their own side effects and we should be conscious of them. Expired drugs, deposition of toxic wastes, soaps containing mercury, air pollution; all these are contributing to the rapid decline of the health of our people, thereby increasing their need for chemical drugs.

A young woman suffering stress PHOTO princessinthetower.org

The sole beneficiaries, of course, are the vast pharmaceutical companies of Europe and America. Thus the rich continues to grow richer while the poor grows poorer. I discovered, to my amazement, when I was in the Republic of Ireland in May 2002, that there still exist some companies that manufacture medicated and skin-bleaching soaps for exportation to West Africa. These soaps contain, among others, mercury, a chemical so dangerous that it severely damages and weakens the immune system. These companies were publicly banned in England, but the same English government helped them to shift their base to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. I walked round the city of Dublin and the only shops where I could find soaps containing mercury are in African shops, patronised by young African ladies, mostly Nigerians, who want their skins to resemble the European skin as much as possible.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mom&Parenting Equinox phenomenon is the recent talk on people’s lips and social media. The Equinox Phenomenon, according to the social media analysis, is another name for the intense heat wave due to climate change that is affecting human beings. But those mostly hit are children and the elderly within the age range of 60 and 65 years old. Oluwatosin Omoniyi writes

lmost everyone is talking about the heat wave. They argued that it as a result of climate change. But, according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, an equinox is an astronomical event in which the plane of Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the Sun, which occurs twice each year, around 20 March and 23 September. If the rumour is anything to go by, and those in the South, East and West of Nigeria are complaining about the effect of the terrible heat on them and mostly their children, then those staying in the Northern part of the country like Maiduguri, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa, probably will have no mouth to tell their experience under the intense hot weather In most hospitals, the majority of the patients were children and women complaining of inexplicable ailments. But the most common complaint was headache and stomach aches with terrible big rashes on bodies. And in schools, pupils were no longer feeling comfortable in their school uniforms due to the heat. They prefer to stay naked and get fresh air amidst the hot weather. Abibat Ganiu, a mother of four brought her 10 months old son who was weighing 28kg to the hospital. The little boy according to her now weighed less than 25,

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

Parenting

Mom’s Alert

Have we lost control?

Much ado about equinox phenomenon

The burden of equinox phenomenon Cooling their body temperatures

with big and irritable rashes all over the child. Not only that, the child was sweating profusely, coughing and crying helplessly. After seeing a pediatrician doctor, Ganiu said the pediatrician aside the prescribed medications, told her to keep him cool by constantly showering him, or dabble a small towel into cold water and keep on his body, “this way, he said my child’s irritation would subside,” she said. Two days ago, at a private nursery and primary school in Ikeja, city of Lagos, three pupils (within the age range of 6 – 8) fainted during the school’s assembly period. Other pupils got drenched in their uniform with sweat. They could not even pay attention to what the school authorities were saying. The heat was terribly intense. Badmus kendi, a teacher, said it was not only children that were experiencing it, it included adults and the aged. He said his 74 year old mother started behaving funny, like a child. At night, she would cry due to the heat that made her not to sleep properly. And in the early morning, she won’t be able to sleep again. Kendi, himself said with this hot weather, he experienced some tiredness within, and lethargy towards his work. Apart from some strange feelings like his vision becoming blurred, his brain seemed not want to

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corporate with some parts of his body. “Unfortunately, it is not yet time for my annual leave, else, I would have gone to rest and go for thorough medical checkup. But when I complained to my doctor, he told me that it was nothing much to worry about but the heat wave and advised me to always take liquid and whenever possible, to keep my body wet always,” he said. Kendi like most parents suggested that probably schools should on break pending the time the intense heat would go down. Ayomide Ogunkoya, a parent said even under the air condition of her car and office, she still felt the heat on her skin. So, she could imagine the effect of it on her children who were fully clad in school uniform and had to stay under intense heat. “In as much as government cannot do anything about it, they should help us by making available the premium motor spirit, petrol and be sensitive enough to supply electricity,” she said Deborah Edo said she believed it is climate change because, instead of rain, it was intense heat, breeding all sorts of diseases and discomfort to the body system. She said her children no longer wear pajamas to sleep. “In fact, we all sleep naked these days and any day we are not going out, we stay half naked round the house just to avert heat

rash and discomfort. I beg our government to make electricity available, she said. Edo however called for temporal shutting down of schools pending the time the weather becomes friendly and government becomes sensitive. Olashile Edmond, a parent as well corroborated Ogunkoya and Edo by calling for temporal shutting of schools pending the weather calms down and government solve the issue of fuel scarcity. “Due to this hot weather, I can’t account for how much I have spent so far on fuel, just to keep my family cool and sane under this terrible hot condition. But while in school, there is nothing we can do, reason I am calling for schools to shut down temporarily,” he said. Last week, from Awolowo road, Ikeja, to Ojodu, Lagos, passengers inside a 14-seater bus all had their shirt buttons opened. The women got hold of papers, books and handkerchief to fan themselves while in the traffic orchestrated by fuel queue. The commercial bus could best be described a mobile oven. While the adult passengers were grumbling and lamenting the government’s insensitivity, two children fainted! One vomited before falling off her mother’s leg, while the other was drenched even in his singlet, suddenly, he called his aunty, “aunty Bose, it seems my eyes are turning, I

can’t see properly and my back is paining me,” he said. The next thing was that, he became still! Immediately, the driver of the bus packed his vehicle on one side and dashed across the road to go look for cold water. Unfortunately, he came back with hot bottled water. He said the sellers told him that they have not had light for past three weeks. Fortunately, the two children were revived. Among the messages making wave globally online about the equinox phenomenon- heat wave, is that due to the Equinox phenomenon that will affect most of Asia and Africa in the next couple of days, the temperature will fluctuate till 40 degrees Celsius. The message noted that this can easily cause dehydration and sun stroke. (Due to the sun directly positioned above the equator line.) “Please keep everyone inclusive of yourself hydrated. Everyone should be consuming about three litres of fluid every day. Monitor everyone’s blood pressure as frequent as possible. Many may get heat stroke. Take cold showers as frequent as possible. Reduce meat intake but increase fruits and vegetable intake. Always check lips, eye balls moisture. Similarly, some messages countered the above one that the information is misleading CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

MOM’S ALERT

i-Protect

Childhood Protection & preservation culture

with

Taiwo Akinlami principal@taiwoakinlami.com

Our precious children are far more sexually active than we are aware of or ready to admit

Have we lost control?

oday’s caregivers seem to have lost control in the face of over democratization of media platforms… They are not able to define the pressure, not to talk accepting the need to acquire the requisite and inevitable skills to deal with same in the best interest of the child. Today, the media, in connivance with the ignorant and unconscious primary and secondary caregivers does not teach our children about their SEXUALITY…As I can see today, there is no agenda in horizon on the part of today’s media, its promoters and investors and the ignorant primary and secondary caregivers to change their course of actions. The promoters and investors of the media smile to the banks, destroying the destiny of our precious children, cruising comfortably at a very high altitude on the ignorance and nonchalance of the primary and secondary caregivers. WEAK AGENDA…WEAK RESULTS The agenda of those who know better and seek to represent the protection of children from this war of indecent exposure and bastardization of their God-given and priceless gift of SEXUALITY is very high in unguarded anger and sporadic intervention. The agenda of the defenders of our children is very weak in vision, strategy, tactics, persistency, selflessness and sense of mission. We often think that a good cause succeeds simply because it is good. Unknown to us, causes, good or bad succeed because of the unalloyed commitment of their apologists to finding and adhering to superior strategy, using the inevitable instrumentalities of critical thinking and intelligence. I guess that is why Montesquieu said, ‘power does not shift except for superior power.’ SEXUALITY ABUSE: MY FURTHER DEFINITION I have long argued that exposing children to inappropriate media contents, with direct

sexual contents or innuendos constitutes nothing but sexual abuse as it perverts the children’s understanding of their sexuality. The implication of the foregoing is that it puts our precious children in a sad situation, where they participate actively in their own abuse either as perpetrated by a peer or an adult. SEXUALITY addresses the relationship between the male and female genders and how they seamlessly partner according to the dictates of their distinct natural specifications in divine order to achieve God’s eternal purpose for the creation of man (male and female). SEXUALITY speaks of the GLORY and BEAUTY in the difference between the male and female genders and the DIGNITY of EQUALITY of both genders. NO TO LIP SERVICE My charge today is that all the lip services must stop, all the attention grabbing and hypocrisy must be repented of. Our precious children are far more sexually active than we are aware of or ready to admit. SOBERING CONCLUSION It is my very SOBER and well considered conclusion today that as we read this piece, we must make a strategic commitment to reserve the present ugly tide, which prepare and serve our children as ready prey of self and consensual sexual abuse to their peers and adults. We must begin serious conversations as adults and with our children, which aim is to help our children to discover their SEXUALITY as a mental and spiritual tool to understand the essence of their genders and how to take adequate and informed steps to preserve, protect, defend and celebrate same. It is CHILDHOOD and its GLORY which come under vicious but subtle attack when our precious children are sexually abused through exposure to inappropriate materials. It is time to act very fast. Do have an INSPIRED week.

The burden of equinox phenomenon CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

and grossly exaggerated. For instance, a Kenyan weatherman disputed the message, explaining it as a mere rumor. He said the heat wave is due to the usual fluctuation of temperature but assured the citizens that it is nothing to worry about. Another weatherman from City Express- an Indian newspaper, said, the messages going rounds, where they talk about temperatures shooting up to 40°C in the next few days, are untrue. He explained that equinox will be one of the factors because of the sun’s movement; hence there will be an increase in temperature. Another regarded the messages a ‘misadventure’ from uninformed persons, saying that the equinox happens every March and the primary cause for rise in temperatures is because clear skies and radiation from the sun’s rays is more. “If we have clouds, the effect of the rays would be less,” it read. Well, contrary to the advice that people should stay away from eating, Doctor Bayo Okunade, a family with Lagos

University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, told New Telegraph that it is not true. Rather, he advised that, under this intense weather, people particularly children should eat well balanced diet food. He added that they should take plenty water as it helps maintain hydration level in the body system. Normally, Dr Okunade said anytime there is a change in weather, there will be increase in bacterial infection. He disclosed that out of the number of patients he is treating, children are more prevalent and they are all cases of upper respiratory infections. “In about every five patients that I treat, four were children and in a day, I could treat at least, 18 children!” He said. Joseph Alozie, General Manager, Climate, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) NIMET, told New Telegraph that indeed the weather is hotter than normal, “the temperature is as high as 44 degrees Celsius!” He said. Alozie explained that the present condition of the weather was predicted last year December but released this year March 8, that it would be very hot this year.

He said it is the movement of the temperature of the sea surface of the coast of America, which has influenced the weather of West Africa. The temperature he explained is in three categories, El-nino, La-lina and Neutral phases. Elnino he said is responsible for bringing about dryness, less rainfall, hotter than normal condition. Right now, he said the weather condition of the country is in transition period which started from February to end in April. It is transiting from dry harmattan to raining season. This season is the result of El-nino, the phase responsible for bringing about hotness. The health implication of this weather, he disclosed as stroke, measles, meningitis, stroke, dryness of the body among other infections occasion by the hot weather. He however assured Nigerians that from May, there will be rainfall which will automatically moderate the hot weather. He also suggested individuals to reduce high body temperature by constantly taking shower and drinking plenty of water. “Better still, let individuals consult their doctors,” he said.

with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Much ado about equinox phenomenon

ooking around the globe and Kenya and even far away India and specifically in Nigeria, every the words were similar to a large one, (or almost everyone) is extent. Info coming from some of talking about the heat wave, while those quarters say the messages some argued it’s as a result of are misleading and grossly exagthe equinox phenomenon, others gerated. The weatherman (Kenya) blamed it on climate change. I was also disputed the message dubbing one of those who said it was due to it as merely a rumor, while addclimate change until some warning that there would be the usual ings started hitting us from left, fluctuation of temperature but asright and centre via social media, sured the citizens that it is nothing about something called ‘equinox to worry about. Should the advice phenomenon’. be extended to Nigeria as well? I am Messages about equinox and yet to hear of any pronouncement how heat wave will hit some parts by ‘weathermen’ in Nigeria in this of Nigeria have been making the regard, or could it be I haven’t lisrounds on social media some even tened well enough? We all know that tried to give explanations for the un- when the right info is not available precedented heat waves witnessed rumour gains grounds. Remember by all. Many social media users how people drank concentrated salt have continued to receive and cir- water to combat Ebola? culate the message with hopes that So, what really is equinox pheit would help someone to cope with nomenon? According to Wikipedia, the heat wave. Maybe you too got An equinox is an astronomical event some of those in which the plane of messages like I Earth’s equator passdid, but just in es through the center case you didn’t, of the Sun. This ochear are two of curs twice each year, The equinox and is the reason for such in their happens every exact words: the hot spell, especial“Dear all, ly between 12 noon March and the Due to the and 3 p.m. around 20 primary cause for Equinox pheMarch and 23 Sepnomenon that rise in temperatures tember. Equinox is a Latin word for equal will affect Most is because of clear of Asia and Afnight. On an equinox, rica in the next skies and radiation day and night are of equal 5 days. Please from the sun’s rays approximately duration all over the stay indoors especially planet. They are not is more from 12pmexactly equal, how3pm daily. The ever, due to the angutemperature will fluctuate till 40 lar size of the sun and atmospheric degrees Celsius. This can easily refraction, the earth is tilted neither cause dehydration and sun stroke. toward nor away from the sun. This (Ps: this phenomena is due to the marks the changing of seasons as sun directly positioned above the Earth travels around the sun. But to equator line.) Please keep everyone avoid this ambiguity, the word equiinclusive of yourself hydrated. Ev- nox is sometimes used to mean a day eryone should be consuming about in which the durations of light and 3 litres of fluid everyday. Monitor darkness are equal. An official who spoke to City Exeveryone’s blood pressure as frequent as possible. Many may get press (an Indian newspaper), said, heat stroke. the messages doing the rounds, Cold showers as frequent as pos- where they talk about temperatures sible. Reduce meat increase fruits shooting up to 40°C in the next few & veg. Heat wave is no joke! Place days, are untrue. He stated clearly a new unused candle outside home that equinox will be one of the facarea or exposed area. If candle can tors because of the sun’s movement, melt, its in dangerous level. Always hence there will be an increase place a pail or 2 water half filled in in temperature. Another official living room & each in every room termed the messages a ‘misadvento keep moist temperature down. ture’ from uninformed persons, sayAlways check lips, eye balls mois- ing that the equinox happens every ture. Please Share.....” March and the primary cause for “Please don’t allow our children rise in temperatures is because of and aged go into this hot sun with clear skies and radiation from the the associated heat in the country. sun’s rays is more. If we have clouds, In addition to the above message, the effect of the rays would be less. we should put water in bowls and I hope this helps put our minds at put in every room or wet the rooms rest. But then a few tips to beat the 2 or 3 times a day to keep the sur- heat wouldn’t hurt: The best way to roundings cool and confortable. retain fluid in the body is to take tenPlease comply for avoidance of der coconut or butter milk with salt. stroke and menigitis. It will not be To block UV rays, use an umbrella, our portion in the might power of wear sunglasses and ensure that God.” you wear loose cotton clothes. Have Trust Nigerians, a word of a cold bath twice a day. Eat foods that prayer will always follow. Similar are rich in anti-oxidants, and take a messages were also circulated in bottle of water along on the go.

THURSDAY, April 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Money Line

CBN posts N123.07bn profit in 2015 RISING Apex bank recorded N33.6bn profit in 2014

Stores by Tony Chukwunyem

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released its 2015 FY results showing that net income increased to N123. 074billion from N33.60billion recorded in 2014. The consolidated and separate income statement for the year ended 31st December 2015, which the apex bank posted on

its website yesterday, also indicated that net interest income increased to N132.20billion in 2015 from N38.45billion in the previous year. However, the statement showed that income from fees and commission dropped from N142.67billion in 2014 to N67.64billion last year. Fees and commissions represent income from processing currency, Bureaux De Change (BDC) application and registration, commission on fund transfers and other banks and financial institutions application and licensing fees. It also includes income from buying and selling foreign currency

and other related transactions. According to the statement, the CBN last year made N565.88billion compared with the N261.20billion it made in 2014 from foreign exchange revaluation gains. Another highlight of the performance is the disclosure by the banking watchdog that expenses on its financial sector intervention activities increased from N136.97billion in 2014 to N154.31billion last year. Intervention activities are those carried out by the CBN in the construction of infrastructure in various tertiary and secondary schools as well as other interventions around

IFSB to organise regulator’s forum in May

he Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) will be organising the IFSB Regulator’s Forum, on 10 May 2016 at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The forum, which is held in conjunction with the Global Islamic Finance Forum (GIFF 5.0), will be held on 11 & 12 May 2016. According to a statement issued by the IFSB, the confab which has as its theme, “Islamic Finance in 2016 and Beyond: Challenges, Opportunities and Evolving Regulatory Focus”, is designed to encourage broad interaction among the delegates to explore the implications on the IFSI from the evolving global regulatory reform agenda.

In the light of the current global macroeconomic conditions, the forum seeks to raise awareness on the emerging challenges in the resilience and stability of the IFSI while discussing the regulators’ role in mitigating such vulnerabilities. The statement said that the first session, themed, “Panel Discussion on the Outlook and Opportunities of IFSI in 2016 and Beyond: Sustaining IFSI Growth and Resilience Amid Challenges”, will discuss the emerging risks to the global economy and knock-on effects on Islamic finance, the macro prudential framework and policy tools for the enhanced supervision of Islamic financial institutions, the appropriate stress

testing frameworks for Islamic finance, and the emerging issues in Islamic finance regulation i.e. anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection. Similarly, the second session, themed, “Global Regulatory Reforms: The Islamic Finance Response”, aims to highlight the global surveillance framework and Islamic finance, enhancing liquidity and capital buffer requirements and implications for Islamic finance, the national regulators’ experiences in developing prudential frameworks for the IFSI, the market players’ response to the evolving regulatory reforms, and progress on developing Shari’ah-compliant financial safety-nets.

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

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 12.8 12 10.77 US$43.41 US$27,175,902,246

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 Feb, 2016 28/03/2016 Mar 2015 27/4/2016 26/4/2016

Source:CBN

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

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.96 114.56 112.10 120.50 109.35 100.24 83.91 98.09

1.08 3.25 3.87 5.83 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.30

NIBOR

Rate (%) 15.0000 10.6864 12.4601 13.8466

Bid Yield 10.09 10.57 11.56 11.46 12.32 12.45 12.43 12.41

Change (%) 2.17 ▲ 0.20 ▲ 0.24 ▲ 0.22 ▲

Change (%) 0.04 ▲ 0.00 ↔ 0.25 ▲ -0.07 ▼ 0.08 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.04 ▲

Price 105.11 114.86 112.40 120.80 109.65 100.54 84.21 98.39

Tenor (Months)

NITTY

Rate (%) 5.4817 7.3699 7.8938 9.2453 9.3846 10.0913

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 9.95 10.47 11.47 11.40 12.26 12.40 12.38 12.37

Change (%) 0.04 ▲ 0.00 ↔ 0.25 ▲ -0.07 ▼ 0.08 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.04 ▲ 0.04 ▲ Change (%) 0.25 ▲ 0.06 ▲ 0.29 ▲ 0.60 ▲ 0.45 ▲ -0.44 ▼

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) Change (%) 7.90 8.06 0.26 ▲ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 12.67 0.00 ↔ 30-Jun-16 8.15 8.32 0.26 ▲ 22-Sep-16 8.71 8.46 8.82 0.46 ▲ Overnight (O/N) 13.75 0.42 ▲ 9.10 0.46 ▲ 9.06 9.92 0.00 ↔ 16-Mar-17 9.31 10.22 0.00 ↔

Spot($/N)

Bid 198.45

Offer 198.55

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

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

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

the country. The regulator also executes intervention activities by providing below market interest rate loans to financial institutions in pursuit of its objective of ensuring financial system stability. Similarly, the statement showed that the CBN’s personnel expenses increased

from N101.41billion in 2014 to N167.82 billion last year, while currency issuing expenses also increased from N5.51billion in 2014 to N30.61billion in 2015. According to the CBN, the financial statement is in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

FBN Holdings won’t raise equity, says CEO

BN Holdings has no need to tap equity markets after an unexpected N119 billion loan loss provision last year but will keep loan growth flat to boost capital, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Urum Kalu Eke, has said. He told Reuters that the bank was overhauling its credit model to avoid future loan losses and will diversify towards retail customers. The bank last Tuesday announced that its after-tax profit fell 82 per cent year-on-year to N15.1 billion in 2015 compared

with N84 billion recorded in the previous year. Gross earnings, however, rose 3.9 per cent to N492.3 billion in 2015 compared with N473.8 billion in 2014. Total assets declined 4.1 per cent to N4.2 trillion in 2015 as against N4.3 trillion recorded in the previous year. In February, FBN holdings had warned investors to expect a substantial decline in its 2015 profit due to impairment in loan portfolios within its commercial banking business.

Wema Bank reports 6% growth in Q12016 gross earnings Chris Ugwu

ema Bank Plc has posted 5.80 per cent growth in gross earnings for first quarter ended March 31, 2016. The unaudited results of the bank made available to newsmen, showed the gross earnings stood at N11.2 billion in 2016 from N10.6 billion reported in 2015. Profit before tax was down by 17.87 per cent from N615.288 million in 2015 to N505.329 million in 2016. Profit after tax equally dropped by 17.87 per cent to N429.530 million in 2016 from N522.994 reported in 2015. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, reacting to the results, said: “Considering the challenging operating environment led by weaker oil prices, a tight monetary policy and rising inflation, we have continued to grow our retail volumes in 2016; while the number of new accounts and card activations have increased by over 50 per cent and the deployment of alternative platforms have also grown by 15 per cent. “We remain focused on keeping our cost profile under check while gradually growing the asset portfolio where we see optimal opportunities. “While concerns remain, as we progress in the financial year around: rising inflation due to the impact of higher energy, transportation prices and a slower GDP growth due to a lack of stimulus, we remain focused on executing our strategies to drive economic production. Despite these headwinds, we believe that we will improve

our 8.2 per cent growth in interest income over Q1 2015, which will translate into improved net interest margins and consequently, improving profitability over the course of the year.” Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku, said: “In spite of the challenging market conditions, the bank grew its interest income by 8.2 per cent to ₦9.7 billion from ₦8.9 billion in Q1 2015. While trading income has not been immune from the larger macro headwinds, our diversification strategies are yielding results as fee and commission income grew by 17.1 per cent to ₦1.35 billion from ₦1.15 billion in the same period last year. “Our sustained commitment to optimising costs was underpinned by a 2.2 per cent decline in operating expenses to ₦5.14 billion from ₦5.25 billion in Q1 2015 despite inflationary pressures. We experienced a year on year 4 per cent decline in Net Interest Income to ₦4 billion, this was mitigated by a 17 per cent growth in our NonInterest income to ₦1.3 billion over the same period. “The loan to deposit ratio has held steady at 65 per cent from 65.1 per cent as at December 2015, in line with our selective approach to creating new risk assets. The NPL ratio increased slightly to 2.89 per cent from 2.67 per cent in December 2015. We believe that with on-going recovery efforts coupled with improvements in market conditions, the NPL ratio should improve in the coming quarters. Most importantly, we will continue to focus on maximising operational efficiency, and enhanced lending strategies to deliver stronger results as the year evolves.”

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

THURSDAY, April 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-Apr-16

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 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 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

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

13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493 12.4000

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 576.93 605.31 719.99 266.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 80.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,407.46

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

6,370.26

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

0.30 1.00 1.25 1.34 2.09 3.17 3.49 3.80 5.75 7.88 9.74 12.59 13.07 13.56 14.24 18.22 19.89

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

8.21 11.38 11.47 11.51 11.79 12.20 12.48 12.76 12.50 12.84 13.01 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.14 13.35

7.72 11.22 11.34 11.38 11.71 12.09 12.36 12.66 12.43 12.78 12.95 13.01 13.01 13.01 13.02 13.09 13.30

101.38 103.43 98.12 97.35 98.01 109.71 84.86 108.12 115.58 106.58 97.18 111.84 96.44 71.30 80.29 93.15 93.42

101.53 103.58 98.27 97.50 98.16 110.01 85.16 108.42 115.88 106.88 97.48 112.14 96.74 71.60 80.59 93.45 93.72

6362.457269

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.51

2.94

12.08

102.48

30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

0.18 0.18 0.98 0.70 1.68 1.49 1.50 1.47 1.47 1.66 2.08 3.57 2.04 4.58 4.68 2.71 2.74 3.97 3.52 3.55 4.03 6.46 3.64

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.96 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

10.89 9.91 12.28 15.71 14.03 12.57 12.57 15.38 15.12 15.45 13.81 15.48 12.77 13.95 16.40 14.56 13.04 13.87 16.51 13.52 15.09 14.32 15.60

100.45 100.88 97.95 98.71 99.91 101.83 101.85 98.87 98.57 100.00 102.86 97.34 103.38 98.48 95.49 99.83 104.18 103.95 99.89 107.79 106.27 110.41 103.54

29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 30-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 06-Nov-20 14-Nov-20 04-Dec-20 20-Nov-21 30-Dec-21 13-May-22 26-Oct-22 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24 29-Jul-30

0.42 0.49 0.61 0.98 1.19 1.43 0.88 1.20 1.37 1.37 2.43 1.48 1.56 1.68 2.28 4.55 3.05 5.56 5.67 6.04 4.21 8.43 8.43 9.56

1.00 1.34 1.00 6.96 6.41 1.88 1.88 3.15 6.35 1.00 1.17 4.42 6.11 3.28 4.47 1.00 3.55 2.51 1.00 1.00 2.77 1.00 1.00 1.00

9.75 10.42 10.62 18.24 17.86 13.42 12.71 14.61 17.87 12.52 13.09 15.98 17.70 14.92 16.33 13.66 15.72 15.04 13.53 13.54 15.47 13.89 13.89 13.99

101.28 101.80 103.09 98.49 98.51 99.44 104.99 101.43 100.04 104.10 101.82 99.68 100.32 101.48 97.69 105.25 99.45 97.06 111.25 111.84 101.53 111.67 96.85 104.50

10-Oct-20

2.57

3.37

15.34

98.80

Agency Bonds Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.23

Sub-National Bonds BBB+/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

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 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 23.44 4.22 10.98 8.14 21.68 12.55 80.00 21.65 87.50 5.00 4.03 4.04 14.37 4.39 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.68

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

446.12 445.77

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto Nil Nil Nil A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR A/GCR BBB/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR A/GCR AAA/GCR

NAHCO FSDH ***LCRM UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} *FCMB NAHCO *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB UBA FIDELITY *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC *NMRC

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030

29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 06-Nov-15 14-Nov-13 04-Dec-15 20-Nov-14 30-Dec-14 13-May-15 26-Oct-15 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14 29-Jul-15

13.00 14.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.00 15.25 15.50 14.25 16.45 16.48 16.00 16.29 13.25 14.90

15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.46 3.60 1.82 0.50 35.00 1.50 0.27 4.50 23.19 2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10 15.44 7.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

538.53

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

545.98

Sukuk BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

10-Oct-13

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

14.75

9.40

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

9.40

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

9.29

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.79

1.00

10.95

98.77

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

3.01

1.00

11.61

99.12

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 24.69 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Coupon (%)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.55

7.33

96.84

97.71

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.53

5.11

99.16

100.01

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.83

7.65

92.09

93.02

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,440.46

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

373.41

19-May-16

18.85

-0.94

99.44

100.40

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

8.64

7.15

98.38

100.10

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

20.65

19.42

78.14

79.82

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

8.00

95.50

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

9.08

92.75

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

16.85

15.85

81.21

83.27

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

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

13.70 13.90 14.53

82.25 83.00 76.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

DTM

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

3,523.41 3,091.18 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Commercial Papers Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP II 4-MAY-16

04-Nov-15

13.25

7.23

04-May-16

6.03

9.22

9.20

Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

2.77

29-Jul-16

6.18

14.17

13.67

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.00

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 8 22 29 36 43 50 57 64 78

FIXINGS Maturity 5-May-16 19-May-16 26-May-16 2-Jun-16 9-Jun-16 16-Jun-16 23-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 14-Jul-16

Bid Discount (%) 4.10 4.32 4.41 5.29 6.52 6.75 6.30 6.42 6.49

Offer Discount (%) 3.85 4.07 4.16 5.04 6.27 6.50 6.05 6.17 6.24

Bid Yield (%) 4.10 4.33 4.42 5.32 6.57 6.81 6.36 6.49 6.58

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 3.6750 8.0484 10.9076 12.4544

Rate (%)

OBB

3.25

O/N

3.83

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 3.83 5.17 6.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M 6M

197.33 199.00 200.01 202.10 202.14 210.11 222.34

197.43 199.50 200.11 202.20 202.24 210.21 222.44

^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 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 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

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

16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493 12.4000

351.30 233.90 576.93 605.31 719.99 266.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 80.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Issuer

Agency Bonds

Equities drain on sustained sell pressure

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

Stories by Chris Ugwu

ctivities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday slipped into the red zone, as shares of highly capitalised stocks closed on downswing after firming up

6362.457269

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.51

2.94

12.08

102.48

17.25

30-Jun-11 14.00 the market capitalisation of eq30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 marginally 10.00 by uities depreciated 30-Jun-10 13.75 N5 billion or31-Dec-10 0.05 per cent.14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 Meanwhile, a turnover of 04-Oct-11 14.00 14.50 285.3 million09-Dec-11 shares exchanged 12-Dec-13 14.00 in 3,083 deals. 14-Feb-12 15.50 02-Oct-12 15.50 Banking22-Nov-12 sub sector of the 14.50 12-Dec-12 14.75 financial services sector was 27-Nov-13 13.50 the most active 31-Dec-13(measured 15.00 by 31-Dec-13 14.50 turnover volume) with 149.2 06-Jan-14 15.00 09-Dec-14 15.50 by million shares exchanged 17-Feb-15 16.50 investors in27-Feb-15 829 deals. 16.50 17.50 Volume 30-Mar-15 in the sub sector 01-Apr-15 17.00 17.00 was largely 27-May-15 driven by activities

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 the previous day. 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017performance Overall market 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 indicators, the NSE All Share 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 index and market capitalisa14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 EKITI declined 09-DEC-2018 tion14.50 each marginally 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 by 0.05 per14-FEB-2019 cent. 15.50 ONDO 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 Consequently , the All-Share 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 Index shed 14.57 basis points or 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 0.05 per cent to close at 24,809.29 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 per share, as against 24,823.86 re15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 corded the previous day, while, 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

OYO 16-FEB-2022 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

Access Bank gets endorsement to raise capital to N100bn TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

NAHCO FSDH

hareholders of***LCRM Access Chairman of Access Bank, Bank Plc at their 27th Mrs. Mosul Belo-Olusoga, UBA & I LEASING said the Nigeria banking annual general *C meeting *DANA *TOWER landscape has been funda(AGM) yesterday, approved *TOWER the bank’s quest to raise ad- mentally altered, stressing UBA CASERA ditional capital of up*LA to N100 Access Bank management is *CHELLARAMS billion. at the forefront of ensuring *DANA The shareholders*FCMB as part that the business constantly NAHCO PLC of special business*TRANSCORP autho-HOTELSevolves and adapts to change *FCMB rised the bank to raise ad- in consumer behaviours, UBA FIDELITY ditional debt capital of up technology, and the competi*TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC to N100 billion through the tive landscape. STANBIC IBTC issuance of non-convertible “We are confident in our *NMRC TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE loans, notes, bonds and or any ability to achieve our commitTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION other instruments either as ted growth plan despite the aSukuk stand-alone issue or by the present economic constrains establishment of a debt and we the antecedents BBB-/Agusto *OSUN issu14.75have OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 TOTAL programme. OUTSTANDING VALUE ance to prove same”, she said. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Commenting on dividend, The additional capital acSupranational cording toBond special resolution, Belo-Olusoga, explained that 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P years, the group has should also be eitherIFC by way over the 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P *AfDB of a public offering, constantly delivered on its TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE private TOTAL MARKETbook CAPITALISATION placement, building pro- target dividend payout ratio cess, reverse call enquirer or of 33 to 35 per cent. Description Rating/Agency Issuer any other method or combiThe President, Progressive FGN Eurobonds nation of methods, in such Shareholders Association of 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P tranches, series or propor- Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie BB-/Fitch; FGN JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P and at such dates, coutions who commended the5.13bank’s fiBB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 pon or interest rates within nancial performance, advised BB-/S&P TOTAL OUTSTANDING such maturity VALUE periods and the lender to raise the addiTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION upon such terms and condi- tional capital through bonds. Corporate tions asEurobonds may be determined He noted that the current 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I by the board of directors sub- operating environment was 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC ject obtaining the requisite issues 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch;to B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC unfavorable for right 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC approvals of the relevant reg- or public offer. 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC Speaking in the 8.75 same, ulatory May 21, the 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&Pauthorities. DIAMOND BANK PLC 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC The shareholders also National Coordinator, Inde9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD unanimously approved a fipendent Shareholders Asso8.75 AUG 14, 2021 B-/S&P ECOBANK NIG. LTD nal dividend of 30 kobo per ciation of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ordinary share in addition to Sunny Nwosu, said the bank TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION interim dividend of 25 kobo has been lucky to remain reDescription Rating/Agency ordinary share paid earlier.Issuer silient in the face of harsh Speaking at the meeting, operating environment. Commercial Papers #{r}

#{r}

13.00 14.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.00 15.25 15.50 14.25 16.45 16.48 16.00 16.29 13.25 14.90

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

iamond Bank Plc has reported 78 per cent decline its financials for the year ended December 31, 2015. The group in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a profit after tax of N5.656 billion during the period under review, as against N25.485 billion in 2014. This represented a drop of 77.81 per cent. The lender’s profit before tax stood at N7.092 billion compared with N28.101 billion reported in 2014, accounting for a decline of 74.76 per cent. 10-Oct-13 14.75 However, gross earnings grew by 4.2 per cent from N208.402 billion in 2014 to 11-Feb-13 N217.091 billion in 2015.10.20 10-Jul-14 11.25 The bank had issued profit warning regarding its financial

4.46 10.89 100.45 with 5.31 per cent to close at N3.57 3.48 9.91 100.88 1.00 share,12.28 97.95 Nigeper while Unilever 5.71 15.71 98.71 ria with 4.9999.91 per cent 2.39 Plc trailed 14.03 1.00 12.57 101.83 to close at N30.71 per share. Hon1.00 12.57 101.85 3.82 15.38 Plc gained 98.87 eywell Flour 4.93 per 3.56 15.12 98.57 cent to close share. 3.82 15.45at N1.49 per 100.00 2.02 13.81 102.86 On the flip side, GSK Plc led 2.96 15.48 97.34 1.00 losers’ 12.77 103.38 the with a drop of 6.69 1.30 13.95 98.48 per close at N22.55 per 3.76 cent to 16.40 95.49 2.53 14.56 99.83 share, while UACProperty 1.00 13.04 104.18 1.52 shed 9.44 13.87 Plc per cent103.95 to close 4.01 16.51 99.89 at Oil 1.00 N4.03 per 13.52 share. Forte 107.79 2.52 15.09 106.27 Plc trailed with five110.41 per cent 1.79 14.32 3.04close at 15.60 to N237.50 per103.54 share.

446.12 445.77

15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.46 3.60 1.82 0.50 35.00 1.50 0.27 4.50 23.19 2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10 15.44 7.90

0.42 0.49 0.61 0.98 1.19 1.43 0.88 1.20 1.37 1.37 2.43 1.48 1.56 1.68 2.28 4.55 3.05 5.56 5.67 6.04 4.21 8.43 8.43 9.56

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

1.00 1.34 1.00 6.96 6.41 1.88 1.88 3.15 6.35 1.00 1.17 4.42 6.11 3.28 4.47 1.00 3.55 2.51 1.00 1.00 2.77 1.00 1.00 1.00

year ended 31 December 2015. The lender had said in a statement to the Exchange that the continuing deterioration in Nigeria’s macro-economic conditions had resulted in recognising higher than expected impairment charges on loans made to the energy and commercial business sectors. The bank in a statement signed by the Head, Investor Relations, Ifeatu Onwuasoan538.53 ya, said that in light of the 545.98 deteriorating conditions, and subsequent review of the bank ’s 9.40 management 10-Oct-20accounts 2.57 for 9.40financial year ended Dethe 9.29 cember 31, 2015, preliminary indications were that earnings 12.00 1.79 will be lower11-Feb-18 than in 2014. 12.95 01-Feb-21 3.01 The lender in another state24.95 24.69 yesterday said despite ment

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP II 4-MAY-16

04-Nov-15

13.25

Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

9.75 10.42 10.62 18.24 17.86 13.42 12.71 14.61 17.87 12.52 13.09 15.98 17.70 14.92 16.33 13.66 15.72 15.04 13.53 13.54 15.47 13.89 13.89 13.99

101.28 101.80 103.09 98.49 98.51 99.44 104.99 101.43 100.04 104.10 101.82 99.68 100.32 101.48 97.69 105.25 99.45 97.06 111.25 111.84 101.53 111.67 96.85 104.50

Bid Price

Offer Price

the harsh regulatory headwinds that impacted business operations in 2015, “it maintained turgid resilience against the tide focusing on the implementation of strategic set goals with strong growth in customer base and equity.” The bank, which has never paid dividends nor rewarded its shareholders by a way of bonus, noted that it “grew its customer base by over 300 per cent, acquiring a total of 5,920,190 new retail customers in 2015 and through the successful implementation 3.37 15.34of technology-led 98.80 retail strategy for enhanced service delivery, grew its Diamond Mobile App customers 1.00 10.95 98.77 to over a million, making it the 1.00 11.61 99.12 first in the financial services sub-sector.” Offer Yield (%)

CSCS gets ISO certification Prices & Yields

he Central Securities 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 7.55 Clearing System, (CSCS), 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 5.53 has been awarded ISO which began last September. 12-Jul-13 6.38 the 500.00 12-Jul-23 2007:2013 certification by The certificate was7.83pre1,500.00 to Managing Director/ British Standard Institute, BSI, sented 1,440.46 an organisation in audit man- Chief Executive Officer, CSCS, agement systems and processes. Mr Kyari Bukar, by Director, 19-May-11 7.50 373.41 19-May-16 18.85 A statement from the firm UK Trade and Investment, Mr 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 8.64 said the certification is the Ahmed Bashir, who represent09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 20.65 08-Nov-13 6.00 08-Nov-18 world’s highest accreditation ed400.00 the British Deputy 8.00 High 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 9.08 for Information Man- Commissioner to Nigeria, 21-May-14 Security 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 16.85 Mr 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 13.70 Ray Kyles. 07-Aug-20 agement System, ISMS.9.25 24-Jun-14 400.00 24-Jun-21 13.90 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 14.53BuAt the presentation ceremoCommenting on award, 250.00 14-Aug-21 ny, which 14-Aug-14 took place in 8.75 Lagos, kar said he was delighted12.23 to re3,523.41 the company said it was award- ceive 3,091.18the award having worked ed the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 cer- so tirelessly for it. Outstanding Value DTM Dateundergoing Yield @ Issuese(%) Maturity tification Issue after He said: “I amDate delighted that (₦’bn) ries of intense audit processes, we are now ISO certified. As

Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.30 in the shares30-Jun-16 of Access 0.18 Bank 2.05 30-Jun-16 0.18 0.98 Plc57.00 and UBA 19-Apr-17 Plc. 16.45 30-Jun-17 0.70 Also, the premium sub-sector 25.00 31-Dec-17 1.68 23.44 30-Sep-18 1.49 of the financial services sector, 4.22 04-Oct-18 1.50 10.98 09-Dec-18 in the shares 1.47 boosted by activities 8.14 12-Dec-18 1.47 of FBNH Plc and Zenith Bank 21.68 14-Feb-19 1.66 Plc 12.55 02-Oct-19 2.08 followed with 22-Nov-19 a turnover of 89.7 80.00 3.57 21.65 million shares12-Dec-19 in 641 deals.2.04 87.50 27-Nov-20 4.58 At of trading 5.00 the close 31-Dec-20 4.68ses4.03 31-Dec-20 2.71 sion, 19 stocks recorded gain 4.04 06-Jan-21 2.74 14.37 22 others 09-Dec-21 3.97 while shed weight. 4.39 16-Feb-22 3.52 Further analysis day’s 4.53 27-Feb-22 of the3.55 27.10 30-Mar-22 4.03 trading showed that FBNH Plc 3.00 31-Mar-22 6.46 7.68 27-May-22 topped the day’s gainers’3.64 table

Diamond Bank records 78% drop in FY2015 PAT

Corporate Bonds

110.01 85.16 108.42 115.88 106.88 97.48 112.14 96.74 71.60 80.59 93.45 93.72

1.23

Sub-National Bonds

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto Nil Nil Nil A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR A/GCR BBB/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR A/GCR AAA/GCR

109.71 84.86 108.12 115.58 106.58 97.18 111.84 96.44 71.30 80.29 93.15 93.42

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

12.09 12.36 12.66 12.43 12.78 12.95 13.01 13.01 13.01 13.02 13.09 13.30

Stock market records marginal loss Description

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

BBB+/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

12.20 12.48 12.76 12.50 12.84 13.01 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.14 13.35

6,370.26

Rating/Agency

NEGATIVE

3.17 3.49 3.80 5.75 7.88 9.74 12.59 13.07 13.56 14.24 18.22 19.89

6,407.46

TOTAL MARKETApril CAPITALISATION THURSDAY, 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nil

29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

7.33

96.84

97.71

you are aware, information is 7.65 92.09 93.02 make a valuable asset that can or break your business. We in CSCS, are mindful of this fact hence we embarked on this -0.94 99.44 100.40 arduous but rewarding task 7.15 98.38 100.10 about a year ago. When 19.42 78.14 79.82 infor8.00 95.50 mation is95.50 properly managed, 9.08 92.75 92.75 it allows81.21 you to operate with 15.85 83.27 13.70 82.25 82.25 confidence. Information secu13.90 83.00 83.00 14.53 76.00 76.00 rity management gives you the 11.76 84.88 86.63 freedom to grow, innovate and broaden your customer-base in the knowledge that all your Risk Valuation Yield Discount Rate (%) Premium confidential information will (%) (%) remain safe and secure. 5.11

99.16

100.01

7.23

04-May-16

6.03

9.22

9.20

2.77

29-Jul-16

6.18

14.17

13.67

27-Apr-16

10.00

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 Money “Information”). not constitute professional, financial or **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS Market The Information does Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) investment advice. Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” (%) and on an Bid “ASYield AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance DTM We attempt to ensure the Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) TenorWe do not guarantee Rate (%) NIBOR 8 5-May-16 4.10 3.85 4.10 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. OBB 3.25 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 22 29 36 FGN Bonds 43 50 57 64 Rating/Agency 78 85 92 99 106 113 127 134 148 162 169 176 183 NA 190 204 218 232 253 267 281 295 309 323 330 344 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 358

VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

19-May-16 26-May-16 2-Jun-16 9-Jun-16 16-Jun-16 23-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 Issuer 14-Jul-16 21-Jul-16 28-Jul-16 4-Aug-16 11-Aug-16 18-Aug-16 1-Sep-16 8-Sep-16 22-Sep-16 6-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 NA 3-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 1-Dec-16 15-Dec-16 5-Jan-17 19-Jan-17 2-Feb-17 16-Feb-17 2-Mar-17 16-Mar-17 23-Mar-17 6-Apr-17 20-Apr-17

4.32 4.41 5.29 6.52 6.75 6.30 6.42 Description 6.49 7.57 13.05 16-AUG-2016 7.79 ^15.10 27-APR-20177.79 8.49 9.85 27-JUL-2017 7.85 9.35 31-AUG-2017 9.01 10.70 30-MAY-2018 8.82 8.65 ^16.00 29-JUN-20199.05 7.00 23-OCT-2019 8.94 ^15.54 13-FEB-20208.63 8.71 ^16.39 27-JAN-20229.49 ^14.20 14-MAR-20249.67 ^12.50 22-JAN-20269.16 9.08 15.00 28-NOV-2028 9.04 12.49 22-MAY-2029 9.51 9.95 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-20309.55 10.12 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 9.87 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036 10.08 10.39 10.14

4.07 4.16 5.04 6.27 6.50 6.05 6.17 Issue Date 6.24 7.32 7.54 16-Aug-13 7.54 27-Apr-12 8.24 27-Jul-07 7.60 8.76 31-Aug-07 8.57 30-May-08 8.40 29-Jun-12 8.80 23-Oct-09 8.69 8.38 13-Feb-15 8.46 27-Jan-12 9.24 14-Mar-14 9.42 8.91 22-Jan-16 8.83 28-Nov-08 8.79 22-May-09 9.26 9.70 20-Nov-09 9.30 23-Jul-10 9.87 18-Jul-14 9.62 18-Mar-16 9.83 10.14 9.89

4.33 4.42 5.32 6.57 6.81 6.36 6.49 Coupon (%) 6.58 7.70 7.95 13.05 7.96 15.10 8.70 9.85 8.04 9.30 9.35 9.12 10.70 8.96 16.00 9.43 7.00 9.33 9.00 15.54 9.10 16.39 9.98 14.20 10.23 9.68 12.50 9.63 15.00 9.64 12.49 10.22 10.77 8.50 10.35 10.00 11.07 12.1493 10.81 12.4000 11.08 11.52 11.25

Bonds

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the TTM # Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Agency Bonds Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds BBB+/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO

<3 3<5 >5 Market

03-Apr-12

Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn)

Rate (%) 3.6750 8.0484 10.9076 12.4544

987.55 1,467.02 1,477.21 3,931.78

Total Outstanding Volume (₦’bn)

Weighting by Outstanding Volume

908.23 1,325.30 1,667.49 3,901.02

23.28 33.97 42.74 30-Jun-11 100.00

30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12

O/N Tenor Call

Outstanding Value Maturity Date (₦’bn) NITTY Tenor 581.39 1M 480.13 2M 20.00 3M 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 4.4782 27-Apr-17 6.3387 27-Jul-17 7.9079 9.1508 31-Aug-17 9.9385 30-May-18 11.5305

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 576.93 NIFEX 13-Feb-20 605.31 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 719.99 199.0000 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 266.02 22-Jan-26 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 1075.92 18-Jul-34 80.00 18-Mar-36

3.83

REPO

1M TTM (Yrs) 3M 6M

Rate (%) 3.83

Bid5.17 Yield (%) 6.00 6.83

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M Offer 3M Yield 6M(%) 1Y

0.30 8.21 7.72 1.00 11.38 11.22 1.25 11.47 11.34 :Benchmarks * :Amortising 1.34Bond 11.51 11.38 µ :Convertible 2.09Bond 11.79 11.71 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 3.17 12.20 12.09 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 3.49Mortgage Bank 12.48 12.36 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria IFC: International 3.80 Finance Corporation 12.76 12.66 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 5.75 12.50 12.43 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 7.88 12.84 12.78 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC9.74 Property Development Company 13.01 12.95 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 12.59 13.05 13.01 13.07 13.06 13.01 13.56 13.07 13.01 14.24 13.08 13.02 18.22 13.14 13.09 19.89 13.35 13.30 NOTE:

6,407.46

197.33 199.00 200.01 202.10 202.14 210.11 Bid Price 222.34 227.10

101.38 103.43

197.43 199.50

200.11 Price202.20

202.24 210.21 Offer Price 222.44 227.20

101.53 103.58

98.12 98.27 NA :Not Applicable ^ : Market97.35 Prices 97.50 # : Floating Rate Bond 98.01 98.16 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 109.71 110.01 DTM: Days-To-Maturity 84.86 85.16 TTM: Term-To-Maturity ‡ : Bond 108.12 rating under review 108.42 †: Bond rating expired 115.58 115.88 N/A :Not Available 106.58 106.88 {r} :Issuer in receivership NGC: Nigeria-German Company 97.48 97.18 UBA: United Bank for Africa 111.84 96.44 71.30 80.29 93.15 93.42

112.14 96.74 71.60 80.59 93.45 93.72

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

6362.457269

6,370.26 Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

17.25

Weighting by Mkt Value

25.12 37.31 37.57 14.00 100.00

15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50

Maturity Date

1.20

03-Apr-17

1.20

% Exposure_ Mod_Duration

Bucket Weighting

1.23

0.23 0.34 0.43 1.30 1.00

2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 23.44 4.22 10.98 8.14 21.68

12.49 29.37 58.13 30-Jun-16 100.00

30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

0.51 Implied Yield

12.56 12.70 13.12 0.18 12.93

0.18 0.98 0.70 1.68 1.49 1.50 1.47 1.47 1.66

Risk Premium (%) 2.94 Implied Portfolio Price

135.8197 150.5066 113.8322 4.46 131.4108

3.48 1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82

12.08 INDEX

1,235.64 1,304.80 1,372.36 10.89 1,251.37

9.91 12.28 15.71 14.03 12.57 12.57 15.38 15.12 15.45

102.48 YTD Return (%)

11.5354 28.8602 36.2803 100.45 18.5929

100.88 97.95 98.71 99.91 101.83 101.85 98.87 98.57 100.00

NEWS | national

thursday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Police recruitment: 806,646 apply for 10, 000 jobs –PSC

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday, said a to-

tal of 806, 646 applicants have submitted applications for only 10,000 jobs for which recruitment was being conducted by the commission. It would be recalled that

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

Nkpadobi

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Maryjane Anorue now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Ezindu Nkpadobi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Odinaka

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mbaeru Ugochinyere Rejoice now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odinaka Rejoice Ugochi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Emenike

I formally known as Abaji Lilian Okoko now wish to be known and addressed as Emenike Lilian Okoko. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Satemu

I formally known as Riku Kelvin now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Satemu. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Ayibaebomotei

I formally known as Ebi Kelly now wish to be known and addressed as Theophilus Ayibaebomotei. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Bello

I formerly known and addressed as Umar Mohammed now wish to be known and addressed as Bello Mohammed. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Okechukwu

I formally known as Mr. Walter Nwafor now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Walter Okechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Wilson

We formerly known and addressed as, Mr. Wilson Uwaegbulam and Victoria Uwaegbulam, now wish to be known and addressed as Wilson Nnorom and Victoria Nnorom. All document bearing our former names remain valid. General public note.

Akhabue

I formerly known as Kate Omoligho Ozabor now wish to be known and addressed as Kate Omoligho Akhabue. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Ezeobi

I formally known as Miss Ezeobi Ebere Charity now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeazor Ebere Charity. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and other banks, general public please take note.

Ejika

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngumoha Nwadinma now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ejika Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Ajani

I formally known as Ismail Mansur Badamasi now wish to be known and addressed as Ajani Mohammed Badamasi. And I wish to state that that my date of birth is February 22nd 1988. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Ebibai

I formally known as Diepreye Nelson now wish to be known and addressed as Diepreye Ebibai. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Eke

I formally known as Miss Chioma Joy Odum now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eke Philip Chioma. All former documents remain valid. Rivers State Government, UBA Plc and the general public should take note.

Ekpenyong

This is to confirm that Emem Pius Inyang, Emem Michael Ekpenyong and Ememobong Michael Ekpenyong refer to one and the same person. That henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as Ememobong Michael Ekpenyong. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Osadebe

I formally known as Onyekachi Christopher now wish to be known and addressed as Onyemeziem Christopher Osadebe All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Adeyemo

I formally known as Maria Olawanile Oluwanbe Adetunji now wish to be known and addressed as Maria Olawanile Adeyemo All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Aliyu

I formerly known as Ibrahim Wahab now wish to be known and addressed as Aliyu Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KINGDOM BELIEVERS WORLD MISSION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters Act of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Ezenwa Cyril Chimunwa 2. Bro. Ezenwa Ikechukwu Worship. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the undiluted word of God to the whole world 2. To win all lost souls for Christ through material and spiritual salvation. 3. To provide assistance to the poor, widows, widowers, orphans, prisoners, oppressed, refugees and any charity project. 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

the PSC had on Tuesday, April 19, announced that it had received 705,352 applications from interested persons. It means that within a space of eight days, the commission received an addition of 100, 294 applications from job seekers across the country, when only 10, 000 officers and men would employed. The PSC, which made the disclosure in a statement by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr.

Ikechukwu Ani, said: "As at 9:35am today (yesterday), April 27, 2016, a total of 806,646 applicants have submitted applications." It said: "A break down shows that 232,857 are seeking employment as ASPs, 190,415 as Inspectors and 383,374 as Constables. The submission of forms ends on the 13th of May, 2016, providing the applicants the required 6 weeks period." Meanwhile, the Commission had alerted the

NIS dismisses assault allegation against passport applicant Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has dismissed the allegation of assault and fraud against its officers and men in the Abeokuta Command by an applicant for International Passport. The service spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Kings Ekpedeme, yesterday stated that there was no cohesion in her story. According to Ekpedeme, who gave his reaction on the telephone,

the inability of the lady to identify or recognise who she gave money to, showed that she probably dealt with a tout. Ekpedeme stated that the report he got from the passport office was that the lady was rude to all the officers at the passport office. According to him, the report also enlisted the intervention of a Commissioner in Ogun State, who was at the passport office. The passport applicant had narrated her story on an online portal of how she was assaulted by men and officer of the NIS, Abeokuta Passport Office.

Over 11 million children suffer malnutrition –Minister Obinna Odoh Abuja

inister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that Nigeria had for over a decade experienced poor health and nutrition indices as 11 million children were affected with chronic malnutrition The minister said this yesterday in Abuja at the three-day National Conference on Complementary Feeding Practices of Children 6-23 months in Nigeria. According to him, this alarming figure makes

Nigeria a contributor of seven per cent to global burden of stunting and over 20 per cent in Africa. Adewole, who declared the conference open, said that poor infant and young child feeding practices were among the main causes for this high level of chronic malnutrition. According to the minister, it is the evidence in 2013 Nigeria Health & Demographic Surveys (NDHS) which records that early initiation of breastfeeding is 33 per cent and the trends in Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) rates 17 per cent.

public of the activities of fraudsters, who it noted, were taking advantage of the recruitment exercise, to defraud unsuspecting applicants. It, however, said arrests have been made, while investigations to establish the level of culpability of suspects, were ongoing. While stating that the recruitment forms were free, the Chairman of the Commission, Sir. Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector General of Police, said

the Commission "will deal decisively with anybody who decides to extort money from applicants in the name of helping them to get the forms or secure employment." This is as he warned staff of the commission to resist the temptation of receiving money from applicants or their sponsors, even as he said that anyone caught, would be dealt with in accordance with the public service rules.

Bende emerges ‘best commodity trading company of the year’ B ende Export - lmport Limited has emerged as the nominated best commodity trading company of the year’s for the Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology for the African Product Awards 2016 edition. In a press statement made available to New Telegraph, yesterday, by the organisers of the awards- Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, the company was nomination based on its exemplary performance in the commodity trading category where it outperformed other commodity trading companies in the industry. The organisers said the

awards ceremony would take place at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers on Saturday May 28. Speaking on the awards, the Secretary, Technical/ Event Organising Committee of the awards, Mr. Mahmud Ibrahim, said Bende Export - lmport Limited, had demonstrated high ethical industry standards and best practices in its business operations. According to him, the parameters used to nominate the company include: Product high quality, value creation, track record and honesty; -Product acceptability, affordability, availability and originality; -Product conforms with global quality for a commodity goods.

Immigration job scam: Judge hands off Moro’s trial Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

ustice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday handed off the trial of former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who is standing trial over corruption-related offenses. The Federal Government is prosecuting Moro and three others on an 11-count charge bothering on their roles in the 2014

Nigerian Immigration Service job exercise, which turned tragic. At the resumed trial yesterday, the trial judge told parties that she was returning the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for re-assignment to another judge. Chikere, however, did not give any reason for her action. When the charge was read to Moro, he had pleaded not guilty and was consequently admitted to bail.

Abuja hosts PDP NEC meeting on zoning Zaria killings: Factional Shiites Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will today hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to consider and adopt the report of the zoning committee for national offices. The zoning committee, which met on Wednesday in Abuja was expected to submit its report to the National Working Committee (NWC), which would in turn present it to various organs of the

party before the final presentation and adoption by NEC. The committee, met two weeks ago in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and reportedly retained the National Chairmanship position to the North East. The uproar generated by the development had forced it to rescheduled another meeting this week. The meeting, according the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, was supposed to take place in Uyo but for inexplicable reasons was shifted to Abuja.

group backs military Muhammad Kabir Kano

factional Shiite ideologist, ‘RasululA’azam Foundation’, who claimed to be the original followers of the doctrine of Shiism, has declared its support for the Nigeria Military over its action against the Sheik El-zakzaki led Shiites group, saying, ‘nobody has the right to block road against the nation’s Chief of Army Staff.

Speaking during a one day interactive session between the Shi’ah and security agencies in Kano, yesterday, the Secretary General of the foundation, Sheik Saleh Zaria, noted that had the Army Chief turned back on the day the Islamic movement followers blocked his ways, the nation military specifically those fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the Sambisa Forest would have also dropped their weapons and abundant their duty posts.

News|SOUTH-WEST

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Peace group rescues 710 children from traffickers

yo State Justice, D eve l o p m e n t and Peace Commission (JDPC), has said it has rescued no fewer than 710 children from child traffickers in Ibadan metropolis in the last one year. Head of Programme, Women Development and Child’s Rights Programme, an arm of JDPC, Mrs. Omotayo Mala-Adebayo, said this yesterday at a oneday stakeholders’ meeting tagged, ‘Awareness Creation and Campaign Against Child Trafficking and Labour.’ The meeting was attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, representatives of security and enforcement agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service (NAPTIP) and media organisations. Mala-Adebayo, who said that most of the school-age minors were rescued in areas like Dugbe, Gbagi, Bodija and Ojoo markets, Dandaru Cultural centre, Ayeye, Ogunpa and Agbaje, maintained that child trafficking and

child labour was still rampant in Ibadan as a result of low level of awareness about the dangers of the menace. She said in the last 12 months of aggressive campaign and enlightenment by the commission, it had also re-united about 378 children with their families, adding that they were doing well in their various homes. While calling on all stakeholders in the soci-

ety to support the activities of the organisation, she said no fewer than 252 children were on its scholarship for a better future. WDP’s Programme Officer, Mr. Ayo Olanipekun, also revealed that 11 families had been reunited as the organisation had concluded plans to give educational support to 400 indigent children in the city. Director of JDPC, Rev. Father Ezekiel

N25.54bn

The total revenue of 2015 Government Quarterly Actually Collection from Gas Income for the 2015 Q3. Source: Firs.gov.ng

N3,054.1bn The annual target collection of taxes of Nigeria in 2006. Source: Firs.gov.ng

L-R: Director, Lagos International Jazz Festival 2016, Mr. Ayoola Sadare; Director of Music, Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), Mr. Bright Gain; Brand Strategist, Runway Jazz, Mr. Ajani Sandridge and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Lagos …yesterday.

One-third of Adeleke varsity students on scholarships, says VC

he management of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State has disclosed that one-third of its students are on scholarships. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwole Amusan, who stated this in a chat with journalists, said the institution had been made easier for students with the option of four installment payment, maintaining that “it was a rare feat in the history of any private university in Nigeria.” He added that the average of N590, 000 fee being paid in the institution includes the cost of lodging and feeding for

Owoeye, said all hands must be on deck to fight the menace of child trafficking. He urged those perpetuating the act to desist or face the full wrath of the law. In a communiqué issued after the event, the JDPC among others declared child exploitation as inhuman behaviour while urging all stakeholders to prevail on government at all levels to make primary education free for all.

“at least two meals per day. Our new hostels are acclaimed the best so far with en-suite rooms, each room with its own toilet and bathroom. “The founder of the university has been funding indigent students and awarding scholarships to many students of diverse background since 1996. The idea of this scholarship culminated into founding Adeleke University. “Up till date, the scholarships being offered through Springtime Development Foundation continues and fees of all students in the university are subsidised by various

percentages, partially and some enjoyed as much as 100 per cent sponsorship.” He said the five-year-old university had graduated top national leaders with serious efforts on research that would benefit the country. “Anti-oxidant and Hepatoprotective potential of lemon juice and sorghum ogi (lemon ogi) mixture against paracetamol induced liver damage in rat was carried out in the Faculty of Science among many other ongoing researches in diverse fields.” He stated that the university enjoyed a good relationship with the indigenes.

Fuel scarcity worsens as OFSA closes shops in Ondo Babatope Okeowo Akure

wners of Filling Stations Association (OFSA) in Ondo State yesterday closed their shops to customers, worsening the fuel situation in the state. The petroleum dealers under the auspices of Owners of Filling Stations Association (OFSA) ordered their members to close their outlets in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The association alleged harassment and intimidation of members by government agencies include the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Nigeria Security and Civil

Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police and the state’s Task Force on petroleum. The Chairman and Secretary of the Association, Prince Adefolajimi Adedapo and Michael Ale, respectively said members of the association were being forced to sell Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) at N86.50 by government agencies while many of their stations had been sealed. Adedapo who briefed reporters, said: “since we have not gotten the products at the approved price and that we buy at depot between N135 and N145 per litre in Lagos and Warri, there is no way we could sell the product at approved price.”

Osun sets up peace committee to avert herdsmen’s attack Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

o avert Fulani herdsmen’s attacks in Osun state, the Rauf Aregbesolaled administration has set up Committee on Peaceful Co-Existence between the local farmers and the herdsmen under the chairmanship of Mudasiru Oguntola Toogun. Director, Bureau Of communications to the

governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, made this known in Osogbo yesterday. Okanlawon said: “through the efforts of the committee, a lot of conflicts which could have degenerated to major clashes between the two parties were brought under control and what you have is cordial relationship among them all. “Currently, a French organization has also indicated readiness to partner

with our dear State to help in providing training to young Fulani men on grazing reserve, dairy processing and preservation. “The conflict between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers is recognized as a national issue, but our dear state is already taking leading role to bring the crisis under control.” However, following reports of indiscriminate grazing of farmland by Fu-

lani herdsmen in the state, the House of Assembly has directed that a Task Force be set up to monitor and control the entry and exit of the herdsmen and their cattle. The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Oyintiloye Olatunbosun, dropped the hint in a statement in Osogbo. Oyintiloye said Speaker Najeem Salaam had endorsed the directive at a meeting with the State

Committee on Peaceful Coexistence between Fulani/ Bororo and Crop Farmers as well as officials of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. According to him, “the insensitivity of the herdsmen and continual grazing of farmland were capable of truncating food security programme of the government and weaken the resolve of the farmers to do more.”

Retired Ondo judges sue Mimiko, others over unpaid pension Babatope Okeowo Akure

etired judges in Ondo State have dragged the state government to the National Industrial Court (NIC) over non-payment of their pensions and gratuities since 2007. Sued are Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the state’s Pension Board and Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Eyitayo Jegede SAN. The retired judges in the suit filed by their counsel, Prince Adetoye Ojopagogo, prayed that court to direct the defendants to pay them upward review by ninety six per cent of their monthly pension from February 2007 in line with circulars issued in 2010 and 2015 by the National Judicial Council (NJC). They listed some of the retirement benefits as accommodation, four official domestic staff, medical care and serviceable vehicles among others. Ojopagogo, in the suit sought an order of the Industrial Court compelling the state government and its officials to review and harmonize their pension benefits every five years from 2000 till date in conformity with Section 210 sub-section 2 and 3 of the 1999 Constitution.

Forgery: Lagos princes deny police statement

wo Lagos princes facing criminal prosecution at an Ogba Chief Magistrate’s Court over alleged forgery of court’s official stamp, Muse Adegboyega Oluwa (56) and Abayomi Shamsideen Oluwa (62), have denied an alleged confessional statement made to the police. Specifically, they denied an alleged authorship of a controversial public notice with the smuggled stamp of the Lagos High Court and signature of the court’s principal registrar. It was during the trial of four princes from Oluwa chieftaincy family who are being accused of conspiracy and forging of the official stamp of High Court of Lagos and signature of Principal Registrar of High of Lagos which they allegedly smuggled into a public notice and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 363(2)(b) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. They are also accused of threatening the life of the incumbent Oluwa of Lagos and Apapa, Chief Mukaila Lawal Oluwa.

News|south-EAST

Uchenna Inya and Wale Elegbede

gainst the rumour making the rounds that Fulani herdsmen in the south-East geopolitical zone are now taking refuge in police and military barracks in the zone, the Ebonyi State police command said it will not condone such. Speaking to our correspondent in his office yesterday at the state police headquarters, Abakaliki, the command’s image maker, ASP George Okafor, said the police will not hesitate to arrest any herdsman who committed criminal offence

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

We won’t habour herdsmen in barracks –Police

and ran to the police for refuge. He said: “Fulani herdsmen are not taking refuge in the police barracks in Ebonyi State. You can go round and check by yourself. The rumour is unfounded and if there is any place they can hide, it cannot be in the police barracks.” Meanwhile, Enugu State police command yesterday dismissed rumours that northerners, especially of Fulani origin, were taking refuge in police

stations and military barracks around the state for fear of reprisal attacks by indigenes of the state. Suspected Fulani herdsmen had on Monday invaded Ukpabi-Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and killed more than 40 people with several buildings, including churches destroyed. Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu while speaking on the floor of the senate

on Tuesday in reaction to the carnage, alluded to the fact that some Hausa/ Fulani indigenes in the state were already taking refuge in police stations and barracks for fear of reprisal attacks. But when our correspondent contacted Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), he denied knowledge of such development.

Youths protesting the killings by Fulani herdsmen along Okpara Avenue, Enugu…yesterday

South East traditional rulers condemn herdsmen’s invasion of Enugu Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze Eberechi Dick, has condemned the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo community in Uzo Uwani council area of Enugu State by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Monday, calling on the Federal Government to immediately intervene and halt the rampage by the herdsmen across the

country. Addressing journalists on the development yesterday, the monarch said the incident was taking a frightening dimension and required immediate intervention by the Federal Government. The traditional ruler noted that there was an urgent need by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the dangerous incident. He re-emphasised that Nigerians as a people respect the sanctity of life, and decried the manner in which the

herdsmen destroy human lives and property with careless abandon, stressing that the situation is capable of throwing the country into crisis. “I want to re-emphasise that Nigerians as a people respect the sanctity of life and therefore I condemn the manner in which the herdsmen destroy human lives

$16.5m

The total amount of salary/ winnings of Blake Griffin (Basketball) for 2014. Source: Forbes.com

with careless abandon,” the traditional ruler said. While noting that Nigeria as a country is currently grappling with many security issues, the monarch warned that the Federal Government should not allow the current rampage by the herdsmen to compound an already bad situation.

17.6m

The total number of followers on social media of Stephen Curry in 2015. Source: Goal.com

MASSOB to FG: We’ll defend our land Victor Mba

ABA

eadership for the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has warned that they will not fold their hands and watch Fulani herdsmen invade Biafra land and killed innocent citizens, citing the recent massacre and sacking of a community in Uzo Uwani in Enugu State. The Abia State coordinator of MASSOB, Comrade Anayochukwu Okpara, speaking to New Telegraph, said the unprovoked attack by these cattle rearers armed with sophisticated weapons has to stop or else the people will devise ways and means of defending themselves from further attack. He said: “We will no

longer tolerate the desecration of Igbo land by these herdsmen. “In the recent past, our people have been raped, killed and kidnapped by these herdsmen in various parts of the South East geopolitical zone. “We now live in fear in our own land; our farmers no longer go to their farmers for fear of attack.” He said MASSOB will not hesitate to mobilize the people to defend defendless farmers, stressing that the movement “views this attack as a calculated attempt to finish the Igbo race. In the past it was the habit of killing our people in the North; now they have carried these assault to our home land masquerading as herdsmen. “What baffles us by these herdsmen and the military dispatch involved in all the attacks.”

Ojukwu’s property: Bianca to open evidence afresh Lagos State High court, to allow her amend Court yesterday her writs of summon, A granted the request of the statement of claims and widow of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu, to re-open her evidence-in-chief in the suit she filed against her husband’s family. Mrs. Ojukwu had on behalf of her two under-aged children, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu (claimants), dragged Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, and seven others before the court over an alleged move by the family to eject her sons from the company’s properties located in Lagos. OTL and its properties belong to the father of the late Ikemba of Nnewi. Other defendants in the suit are Prof. Joseph Ojukwu, Engr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu, Dr. Patrick Ojukwu, Arch. Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs. Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe & Company). Bianca, who had earlier testified before the court on the suit, made a u-turn, filing two separate applications, seeking leave of the

also reopen her evidencein-chief. All the respondents in the suit did not oppose the applications. At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, Justice Abdulfattah Lawal granted all the prayers of the applicants and ordered her to reopen her evidencein-chief on June 3. In an earlier evidence before the court, the widow told the court that she is the only wife that was legally married among Ojukwu’s wives, as she was engaged in court, church and traditional marriage. She informed the court that some of the OTL properties in question had been in the possession of her late husband before his demise, adding that the rent of those properties were being collected by her husband. In the suit, Bianca and her two children, had in their statement of claim, prayed the court to declare that the threat of forceful ejection from 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street by the defendants is illegal.

PDP congress: Umahi warns stakeholders against wranglings NULGE gives condition for proposed alternate salary Uchenna Inya

ABAKALIKI

bonyi state Governor, Chief Dave Umahi yesterday cautioned stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against internal rivalry as the party prepares for its congress across the country. Addressing stakeholders of the party in the state at the party secretariat

along the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway during an enlarged SEC meeting, Umahi said internal wrangling among stakeholders will not be helpful as a party in opposition. “We are in opposition, we should not quarrel. What we are doing is what we thought God led us to do and is such that even if you are a Governor, Senator, House of Representatives member or any person that wants

to vie for political position you can’t sit in your house alone; you must seek the consent of other stakeholders. “So if you did not produce the party chairman, don’t be angry because you need more than a party chairman to get where you are going,” he said. Earlier, the acting state party Chairman, Chief Onwe Joseph Onwe, commended stakeholders for their loyalty to the party.

Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Abia State chapter, Comrade Onyenaucheya Ijioma, has said that the condition for accepting the proposed alternate salary payment between council workers and teachers in the state is for the government to

disclose its monthly allocation to the unions. Ijioma said yesterday in a telephone chat that the disclosure of the true allocation to the state would enable the unions ascertain the true financial position of the state. According to him, that would enable them know whether to accept the offer or not. Ijioma was reacting to the comment credited to

the Abia state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya, that the government had worked out an agreement with the local council staff and teachers for alternate salary payments in order to avoid crisis in the local government system. The commissioner said the decision was as a result of the shortfall in the earnings of the councils.

south-south | news

thursday, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Amnesty: Parents send SOS to Biafra agitation: Court FG on students’ plight abroad lowers bail conditions for Chris Ejim Yenagoa

arents of Nigerian students studying in the United States under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have made a special appeal to the Federal Government to save the education of their children. The parents in a joint release issued yesterday in Yenagoa, said their children were enrolled in the universities through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta for crisisimpacted communities in the region, but have been abandoned without care. "Reports indicate that

the authorities in the Amnesty Office and Kaplan (consultants) are playing politics with the education and lives of our children. The programme is no longer moving on smoothly for these children because of the disagreement between both parties in this matter. "We are constrained to raise this alarm because our children have been abandoned in the United States and are being treated as prisoners of war. These children are between the ages of 16 and 17 years old, we read in the papers that Amnesty Office is considering revoking the contract with Kaplan," the statement noted. The statement, which was issued by Mrs. Victo-

ria Feboke, on behalf of the parents, added that the 43 Niger Delta students were beneficiaries under the third phase for communities impacted by violence and armed conflicts. She added that the students thereafter proceeded to the Northeastern University in Massachusetts for a three months summer bridge programme after which they proceeded to their chosen universities to start the second year of their bachelor’s degree.

402.5m

The estimated total population of South America in 2012. Source: Un.org

Rivers’detainees Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has reduced the bail condition for the release of detained suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), who are imprisoned in the Port Harcourt prison. They were arrested by security operatives late last year for unlawful agitation for the creation of the state of Biafra and are currently facing treason charges. While some of the detainees have regained their freedom after meeting the

Team Leader, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (Nipps), Prof. Celestine Oyombassey (left), receiving a souvenir from the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, during their courtesy visit to the governor in Port Harcourt.

bail condition of N500, 000 and sureties of a Level 14 civil servant and a businessman, several others have been struggling to meet the condition. But during yesterday's court appearance of the Group of 20, comprising 20 males from the SouthEast, who were arrested in Port Harcourt, the presiding judge, Justice U. I. Agomoh, accepted the appeals of counsel to the detainees for the bail conditions to be lowered. Hence, she reduced the bail condition from N500, 000 to N200, 000, and the level of surety civil servant from Grade Level 14 to 9. "The bail is reduced from N500, 000 to N200, 000. You can also get a civil servant from grade Level 9 and above to stand surety..." Before then, she asked one of the counsel, who had pleaded that he was handling the case for his client's release without being paid, to either get a Level 14 officer in the civil service, or volunteer himself as surety. It was based on subsequent appeals by other counsel, seated behind the 20 suspects, who were brought to court by armed riot policemen and wardens that Justice Agomoh listened to their pleas.

SON impounds 500 expired tyres, others

Clement James Calabar

o fewer than 500 tyres said to have expired and several electrical equipment have been impounded by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at the popular Bedwell Street in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. State SON Coordinator, Mr. Udeme Udom, who briefed journalists on the

development yesterday, said the seizure was a nationwide enforcement embarked upon by the organisation to rid the country of sub-standard products. According to him, one of cardinal objectives of SON was ensuring that substandard products, whether they are automobile, food or electrical, were removed from all markets in the country. “Today’s exercise is a national clampdown to

ensure that the country is free from sub-standard products such as automobile, consumable products, electrical appliances and others,” he said. He added; “We are out today to say no to substandard products in Nigeria. As you can see, we have seized over 500 expired tyres from dealers at Bedwell. We have also seized expired food products and substandard electrical appliances in supermarkets and shops,”

Ogboru resigns from Labour Party as supporters move to APC Dominic Adewole ASABA

he 2015 governorship candidate of the Delta State chapter of the Labour Party, Chief Great Ogboru, has formerly handed over the party to its original owners in the state. Ogboru, who holds the highest record of election contention in the country since the

advent of democracy in 1999, resigned in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the party, Emeka Nkwoala, dated April 26, 2016, to join forces with the All Progressives Congress (APC). After the 2011 election, Ogboru merged his defunct Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) with the Labour Party to prevent former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan from being re-

elected, but failed. Accepting Ogboru’s resignation letter, Nkwoala, who briefed journalists on the next line of action for the Labour Party in the state, wished him well in his new found love. “We have accepted the resignation of Great Ovedje Ogboru, from the party and wish him well in his future quest to better the lots of the Delta people."

he said. He explained that expired tyres were responsible for some auto crashes, while incidents of fire outbreaks in homes, offices and markets were equally traced to the use of sub-standard electrical cables. “Lives have been lost due to the consumption of expired products. As an organisation, we will continue to enforce our standard in making sure that the best products

are sold to consumers. We have a lot to do in making sure that substandard products are not displayed for sale in Nigeria,” the coordinator said. He said many of those who sell such seized products were claiming ignorance of the expired dates, maintaining that whether they were ignorant or not, the organisation was ready to rid the country of such products.

Bayelsa seeks extension of moratorium on loans deductions Chris Ejim Yenagoa

ayelsa State Government yesterday appealed to the Federal Government for an extension of the moratorium on the deduction of loans and other financial obligations owed by the various state governments. The state Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, who made the ap-

peal at the Government House, Yenagoa, said the extension would enable state governments to stabilise and tackle the issue of payment of workers’ salaries. Lamenting the steady decline in the revenues from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), he said contrary to expectation, the state government received only N2.4 billion for the month of March.

Ayade, AMCON boss take maiden ride on Calabar monorail

ross River State has again recorded another first in the transport sector, following the maiden ride of its ultramodern monorail which took off yesterday from Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) at the Summit Hills and back to Tinapa. This feat is one in a series of pioneering achievements which Cross River State is known for. It will be recalled that the state was the first to introduce a cable car in Nigeria and the longest in Africa, just as it was the first to launch a canopy walkway in the country. On board the maiden ride was the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, Managing Director, Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Kuru and its top management staff, among others.

Massive fraud discovered in 8 Bayelsa councils Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he probe panel set up by the Bayelsa State government to verify its staff strength and wage bill in the eight local government councils of the state submitted its report yesterday, discovering a massive fraud in the local government system. The report, which was submitted to the Deputy Governor, John Jonah, during the monthly transparency briefing, highlighted an alleged systematic salary payment to dead workers, employment of minors and unqualified workers and truancy in the local government system. The report presented by the Chairmen of the Staff Verification Committee, Chief T. K. O. Okorotie (Ekeremor), Senator Nimi BariaghaAmage (Nembe), Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff (Brass) and Chief Patrick Isulu, exposed a poor administration and corruption-infested local government system in the state. While Okorotie submitted that out of the 1,777 staff of Ekeremor Local Government screened, 352 employees were discovered to be underage, not qualified and have failed to attend work with a savings of N11 million in the council.

News|NORTH

Ahmed Miringa MAIDUGURI

espite the security challenges facing Borno State and other states in the North Eastern part of the country, following the Boko Haram insurgency, the state government has embarked on construction projects valued at over N16 billion. The projects, which are at various levels of completion, are on roads, bridges and the Government Lodge, it was learnt. While conducting members of the House

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Borno defies insecurity, awards N16bn road projects Committee on Works on inspection of the projects, the Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Adamu Lawan, said the projects have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state. At the road projects at Bulunkutu area, the Project Engineer of Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), the contractor handling the project, Mr. Coa Khun, said the project worth N4.3 billion and that it had reached 98 per cent

completion. The project manager, who assured the government that the project would soon be handed over to the state government, said: “The road project consists of 11.6 kilometres of road and 25 km drainage and has reached 92 per cent completion.” According to him, what remains to complete the project is road marking and painting, which he noted would within the next couple of

weeks will be completed and handed over to the government. At the Bulunkutu Abuja area, the Project Engineer of Hajaig Construction Company, Mr. Rilwan Abduljala, said due to the insecurity in the area, the company stopped to bring laterite from Damboa and gravel from Gwoza, but that it has resorted to bringing the materials from Damaturu and Kano respectively, which has doubled the cost of production.

Minister of State, Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (left), with Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, during a courtesy call on the minister in Abuja

Tambuwal approves upgrading of six hospitals

overnor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has approved the upgrading of one hospital in each of the three Senatorial Districts of Sokoto State to premier health institutions. Similarly, two General Hospitals are to be completely renovated, while the state Amanawa Leprosarium is to be converted to an infectious diseases hospital. A statement by the Media Aide to the Governor, Imam Imam, said the gover-

€6.5m

The annual salary of coach SvenGoran Eriksson of Shangai SIPG in 2015 season. Source: France Football

nor disclosed this in Sokoto yesterday while addressing health stakeholders at the ongoing 56th annual conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). According to the statement, the projects will come on stream while the government will continue with its earlier plan to establish cardiac and renal centres in the state to ease the economic hardship of taking patients to other countries for treatment. The governor said in or-

840

The number of fatalities in terrorists’ violence involving civilians in 1997. Source: Satp.org

der to adequately preserve drugs and other items, the state government, in collaboration with USAID and other development agencies, recently renovated, equipped and commissioned two blocks of storage facilities at the State Central Medical Stores. Tambuwal added: “Let me announce here that plans were at an advanced stage to launch emergency centres for treatment of road accident cases on our major highways in the state. “As I have often said, healthcare delivery is one of the priorities of this administration. As you may be aware, we have established the state primary healthcare development agency and

PDP rally claims one, injures five in Jigawa Dahiru Suleiman DUTSE

t least one person has been confirmed dead while five others are now receiving treatment at the Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse, capital of Jigawa State, as a result of injuries sustained during a political clash between members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s

Democratic Party (PDP). New Telegraph learnt that the clash occurred when some members of the APC said to have assembled at Zai Quarters, chanting the slogan “Bamayi” meaning we despise PDP and the party had been buried alive. Consequently, the development was said to have irked the PDP supporters, resulted to clashes which led to the loss of one life, while five people were in-

jured. Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdul Jinjiri, said, shortly after PDP political meeting, the police received a report of attack of one Samaila Isyaku at Zai Quarters. He said as they arrived at the scene and the victims were rushed to hospital, where one of them was confirmed dead as a result of injuries he sustained.

brought all health facilities, staff and funding under one management unit. “The state has also approved the procurement of cold chain equipment, generators, walk-in cold rooms and construction of satellite stores in the 23 Local Government Areas and zonal offices in the state.” He said due to the importance government attaches to role of doctors in healthcare delivery, his administration had supported the activities of the NMA and would continue to assist the association to achieve its desired objectives.

Miner sues IG, EFCC, demands N1bn damages Musa Pam Jos

Miner based in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has dragged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase and the EFCC, as well as a Chinese national before a Federal High Court sitting in Jos for alleged unlawful arrest, detention and violation of his fundamental human rights. The miner, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, otherwise called “Dan China” through his counsel, Mr. Gyang Zi, is demanding N1billion as damages. Part of his prayers is an order for his immediate release by the police and EFCC, whom he allegedly accused for arresting and detaining his client for 10 days running for “no just cause” other than serving the interest of the Chinese national. Adamu alleged that the police and the EFCC had been threatening him to either withdraw the case he

instituted against the Chinese national at the Federal High Court, Jos in 2013, or rot in detention. In an originating motion made available to New Telegraph in Jos yesterday, Adam through his counsel was asking the court to issue an order declaring his arrest and 10 days detention instead of a maximum of two days without taken him to court by the respondents as illegal, unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights. He also sought an order restraining the respondents or their agents or representatives from threatening, intimidating, arresting, detaining and or interfering with his private and family life by subjecting him to psychological trauma. “Part of our prayers is an order directing the respondents to pay the sum of N1 billion as damages against the respondents for subjecting the appellant to psychological trauma,” the order read.

NSCDC arrests four tankers over fuel diversion Dan Atori MINNA

he Niger State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday in Minna, the state capital, apprehended four tankers laden with fuel for diverting petroleum products to other areas. Speaking exclusively to New Telegraph, the State Commandant of the corps, Mr. Philip Ayuba, said his men apprehend the drivers, who were driving out of Minna apparently to divert petroleum products meant for some petrol stations in the town. Ayuba said: “After we got directives from the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu, that our Commandant should ensure that at least one of our men should follow every tanker until the products are

offloaded, we swung into action and we arrested the tankers and their drivers at about 1:30 am. “We ensured they returned the product to the filling stations that the product was meant. The enforcement of the law is being carried out along with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as well as enforcing the reversal of the price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to government’s regulated prices.” One of the tanker drivers, Maikori Iliya, while regretting his actions told our Correspondent that the reason why he did not offload and decided to leave Minna was because he did not have the Way Bill. The tankers with one of them branded NNPC truck, were compelled to offload their product at the Southgate, Garima; Conoil at Chanchaga and the NNPC mega filling stations.

Benue killings: Assembly summons police, council chiefs Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

iffed by the rampant killings in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, the country home of former Senate President, Senator David Mark, the Benue State House of Assembly yesterday summoned the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Yakadi and the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government. They are to appear before and brief the House

on security situation in the senatorial district particularly in Otupko. This followed a motion moved by Mr. Johnson Ahubi (PDP-Otukpo/ Akpa), who lamented that cultists were terrorising the people of the area on daily basis, stressing that living in Otukpo could be comparable to living in hell. Ahubi stated that from 2009 to October 2015 there was relative peace in the area, but lamented the sudden upsurge of the activities of cultists and

other criminal activities in the area. He recalled that in 2009, over 400 secret cult members with the assistance of the vigilante group openly renounced their membership of the cults, adding that since November last year, cultists had resurfaced in the area in full swing who are unleashing mayhem on the people of the area on daily basis. ‘’They maim and kill innocent people and not only their rival groups virtually on daily basis,” he said.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

International Sport Rio Olympic Games: Venues ready, challenges remain

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Klitschko (left) and Tyson

Dalung not sure of medals at Rio Olympics

That Leicester have scored the first goal in 25 of their 35 English Premier League games this season, more than any other side.

Klitschko: Losing to Tyson Fury feels good

ladimir Klitschko says he is glad he lost his world heavyweight titles to Tyson Fury last December. The Ukrainian, who was champion for nine years, will meet Briton Fury in a rematch in Manchester on July 9. “Losing feels good,” Klitschko, 40, told BBC. “I’m glad that my hand was not raised that night. Failure is not an option unless it is the only way to get better - and I had to get better. I needed a push to get better and I got it. I feel it.” Klitschko, then the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, lost on a unanimous points decision in Dusseldorf, with Fury’s victory considered a huge upset. “I didn’t show my full potential in the fight,” Klitschko said. “Physically, I was in one of my best shapes, but mentally I wasn’t there, not present in the ring. “After a while, you get used to defending and not conquering the man in front of you. It will be different on July 9. It’s not a rematch, it’s revenge.”

Sport News

Obiekwu tells NFF, agents, managers

Siasia

Charles Ogundiya

tlanta ’96 Olympic Games football event gold medalist, Kingsley Obiekwu, has called for a free hand for the national U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, in choosing players that would be representing the country at the Rio Olympic Games. Obiekwu said the coach must not be subjected to internal pressure from agents, managers and officials from the Nigeria Football Federation. “We have a lot of problems in Nigerian football, and Siasia must not allow these to affect the team ahead of the Games,” he told New Telegraph. “In our days, we don’t have cases of godfathers, agents, managers disturb-

ing the coaches to pick their wards or the federation imposing players on the coaches. “The coach should be allowed to take decisions solely on players to use after watching them play for their clubs or after graduating from one age grade to another. “Siasia should be allowed to get the best players from the country whether home or foreign-based. With that, I am sure we can achieve something.” The player popularly called Shagari in his playing days as a defender, said the team should imbibe the spirit of the team that won gold medal 20 years ago in Atlanta. He however poured encomium on the technical crew of the current team as he called for total support from Nigerians especially the NFF. The Delta Force coach added: “I know Siasia to be a very good coach. He also enjoys the assistance of quality back room staff

and this gives me hope that the U-23 national team will do well in Brazil. “He should not be sentimental by relying on a particular player, he should go for the best and definitely we will achieve success.” The Nigerian U-23 team has been drawn in Group B alongside Japan, Colombia and Sweden. Japan was one of the teams Nigeria defeated on its way to clinch the gold medal in 1996.

Nadal is Spain’s flagbearer in Rio

he Spanish Olympic Committee says Rafael Nadal will be Spain’s flag-bearer at the Rio de Janeiro Games. The announcement came on Wednesday to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony at Rio’s Maracana Stadium. It’s the second time Nadal, winner of 14 Grand Slam titles, has been selected as a flag-bearer. The former top-ranked player was given the honour for the 2012 London Olympics but missed the games because of an injury and was replaced by NBA star Pau Gasol. Wednesday’s announcement comes two days after Nadal filed a lawsuit against a former French minister

who accused him of doping. He also asked the International Tennis Federation to reveal all of his drug-test results to show that he is clean.

Nadal

SPORT NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Salisu invites 26 for Mali, Luxembourg friendlies

…as Ideye, Omeruo, Balogun return

Charles Ogundiya

O Thabo Nthethe of South Africa (L) and Brown Ideye of Nigeria contest the ball during the 2013 Nelson Mandela Challenge

NPFL Results Sunshine 3-0 Nasarawa Utd Enyimba 1-1 Heartland

West Ham to replace Emenike with Martinez Emmanuel Tobi

he coaching crew of West Ham United confirmed the club’s decision not to extend Emmanuel Eme-

nike’s loan deal at the end of the season with the signing of Toni Martinez. According to Turkish newspaper, Milliyet, Martinez who was signed on a three-year deal for €3

Nigerian long jumper, Ese Brume

Dalung not sure of medals at Rio Olympics

million from Valencia, was bought as a replacement for the retired Super Eagles striker who failed to impress after joining the Hammers on loan from Fenerbahce in January. Emenike has a total of two-goals in all competitions for West Ham since joining on a temporary move from Fenerbahce. The Nigerian striker is yet to score a goal in the Premier League and has lost his place in West Ham’s starting line-up following the return of Andy Carroll. The Hammers have a buy-out option to sign Emenike at the end of the season but Slaven Bilic has remained coy on whether he will push the board to active the clause in his contract.

lympiakos striker, Brown Ideye, has returned to the Super Eagles’ fold after he was named by coach Salisu Yusuf as one of the 26 players invited for the forthcoming friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner last featured for the Super Eagles at the 2014 Confederation Cup in Brazil and recently won the Greek Premier League with Olympiakos. Regular players like captain of the team, Mikel Obi, forwards Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, were all invited for the two games to be played in Europe. The three –time African champions take on Les Aiglons of Mali in France on May 27, before flying to Luxembourg to take on that country’s national team on the first

ABUJA

outh and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, on Wednesday, made a startling revelation about Nigeria’s chances at the 2016 Rio Olympics, saying he is not sure of the numbers of medals the country would win at the competition. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Dalung said that he cannot assure whether the athletes will win any medal at the Olympics saying he does not know their form. “It is only the athletes that can state categorically whether they will win medals or not, I am not an athlete and I cannot tell you how many medals Nigeria will win at the Olympics,” he pointed out when asked. He said the country’s preparation for the Rio

Olympics will kick-start this weekend with a visit to the camp of the foreign-based athletes in Philadelphia. Dalung said despite the fact that the budget has not been approved, the Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with the preparation. “Although we have not been able to raise money for the Games, we will be in Philadelphia to see the preparations of our foreignbased athletes in camp. The visit is in lined with the programmes line up by the concerned federations to boost the morale of their athletes ahead of the Olympics,” he said. Meanwhile, New Telegraph scooped that the foreign-based athletes are clamouring for the grants and allowances, they normally enjoy during the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

mer U-20 defender, Gbenga Arokoyo, former U-23 midfielder, Raheem Lawal, one –cap left –back, Kingsley Madu and unknown Portugal –based defender, Chidozie Awaziem.

TEAM LIST

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars) Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Leon Balogun (Mainz 05, Germany); Gbenga Arokoyo (Gaziantepspor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal) Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Raheem Lawal (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Etebo Oghenekaro (SC Farense, Portugal) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Olympiakos FC, Greece)

Coaching: Search and Groom partners Lagos FA

earch and Groom, a nongovernmental organisation has secured the franchise to bring “Coerver Coaching Basic Training for Trainers” to Nigeria to offer modern basic training the trainers’ techniques. The project, which is supported by Lagos State Football Association, will hold in Lagos from May 9 to 11. Executive Director, Search and Groom, Mr. Yomi Kuku, disclosed that the project is specifically created to incorporate coaches in

clubs, communities and schools into a coaching development programme for the purpose of developing football players within professional, semi - professional, grassroots clubs, communities and schools system. Lagos FA chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi, said: “I can confirm the efficacy of the programme, if our young footballers can imbibe the result of practice under that system, then we will have players with better technique.”

120 players for ITTF Premier Lotto Nigerian Open

Visits athletes in Philadelphia

Adeolu Johnson

day of June. Yusuf, installed as interim Head Coach by the NFF last week, has picked a relatively young squad that also includes former U-20 skipper, Musa Muhammed, for-

Azeez Ibrahim

A Nigerian Open defending champion, Omar Assar

bout 120 players have been confirmed for the 2016 edition of the ITTF Premier Lotto Nigerian Open (Lagos 2016) scheduled for May 18 to 22 at the Molade OkoyaThomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Amao gets Okpekpe anti-doping officer job

ne of Nigeria’s foremost sports medicine practitioners, Dr. Akinwunmi Amao, has been named the chief anti-doping officer for next month’s fourth Okpekpe international 10km road race in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State. Amao, formerly head of the Medical Unit of the Ministry of Sports, will be in-charge of doping control at the race that will be conducted in ac-

cordance with the IAAF Anti-Doping Regulations. “The organisers of the Okpekpe international 10km road race is delighted to announce that veteran sports medicine practitioner, Dr Akin Amao who is also the head/chairman of the Medical and Scientific Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee will be the head of the anti-doping unit for the race,” said Dare Esan, spokesman for the

event, who explained the reason for the choice. “Doping issues are taken very seriously by the IAAF following recent damaging revelations and as a recognised stakeholder in the athletics family, it is our responsibility to align with the IAAF in the fight for a dope-free sport,” explained Esan, who further stated that Amao’s name has already been sent to the IAAF.

Since its inception in 2013, the tournament competitors have not exceeded 100, registered participants for the 2016 edition as at Wednesday April 27 have surpassed previous records. Tournament Director, Ranti Olajide, said the quality of players, coupled with the number of entries, is a reflection of the organisation and the standard of play. “I must tell you that this year we are having more players coming from Europe, unlike in the past. Also, players across the world are now beginning to realise that Nigeria is a mecca of table tennis in Africa, considering the achievement of our local players taking a cue from Aruna Quadri’s global resurgence, which has now become a rallying point for all the players across the world,” he said.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Sport

WORLD \ NEWS

Venezuela imposes two-day working-week

Rio Olympic Games: Venues ready, V challenges remain

rooms with airconditioning. The International Olympic Committee visited the city this month and expressed satisfaction with progress so far, albeit with the caveat that “thousands” of small details had to be finalised.

It’s 100 days to go

razil has long been known as a country that can throw a great party as long as the guests do not mind a location that still has the builders in it. With 100 days to go before the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, the nation famous for doing things at the last minute faces a novel situation: The venues are ready, but the host does not appear to be. With the country’s president fighting impeachment and the economy on track for its worst recession in more than a century, Brazilians are both angry and distracted. “People are paying no attention” to the Olympics, said longtime Rio resident Julia Michaels, who chronicles the city through her Rio Real blog. “No one is talking about it at all because there are so many other things to talk about.” When Rio de Janeiro won the right to host the Games in 2009, Brazil w a s the darling of the developing world. Its economy had grown briskly for most of the decade, 30 million people had been lifted from poverty and the nation was assuming a prominent role Usain Bolt in world affairs. Since then, a collapse in commodities prices has dragged down the economy, and President Dilma Rousseff faces the prospect of being suspended from office next month on charges of budgetary fraud. The twin meltdowns in politics and the economy have consumed Brazil, and the Olympics have all but disappeared from the front pages and TV news. In a nation where football has long been the sport that matters, politics is the only game in town. “Brazil is going through a political crisis, and the situation has still to sort itself out,” said Agatha Bednarczuk, one of the beach volleyball players who will represent her homeland. “I think we just need to resolve the politics, and then people’s attention will turn to sport.”

ALMOST READY The venues are complete except for the Velodrome, which will not be ready in time for an official test event, and the athletics stadium, where the running track is being laid. Officials say both will be finished well before the Games begin on August 5. Some 36 test events have taken place at arenas and stadiums as well as on the area’s beaches and mountains. But the deep recession has prompted last-minute cutbacks. Organizers withdrew plans for temporary seating at some venues, reduced the number of volunteers and briefly considered scrapping plans to provide athletes’

CHALLENGES The other big issues concern Rio itself. A planned cleanup of the bay where the sailing and open water swimming events will take place did not happen. Although officials say the race lanes will be pristine, the Olympics will not produce the promised legacy of clear waters. An outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects in hundreds of children in northern Brazil, has caused widespread panic and prompted some fans and even some athletes to consider skipping the Games. Questions remain about whether the new metro line leading from the populous South Side of Rio to the Olympic Park area will be ready in time. The line has yet to be completed and will start operations without prolonged tests, if any at all. Crime remains a major conc e r n . Drug traffickers have again taken over slums that community police had pacified ahead of the 2014 World Cup, and shootings have become more common, blogger Michaels said. In the first three months of this year, 432 people were murdered in the city, according to government statistics. The deaths of two people on a new seafront cycle lane that was touted as part of the Olympics legacy have shaken residents. The lane collapsed when a strong wave swept up the sea wall on Thursday. Such stories may be partly responsible for slow demand for tickets, with only 62 percent sold so far, according to Phil Wilkinson, spokesman for Rio 2016 organizing committee. Visa Inc said on Tuesday that it expected 400,000 to 500,000 international travelers to visit Rio for the games, less than the 590,000 tourists who attended the last summer Olympics in London in 2012. In true Brazilian style, though, officials say they expect the Games to turn out fine. “When the athletes arrive and sport begins, the country will get behind it, and we will see an excitable and passionate audience engage with the Games,” Wilkinson said. “We are confident that, 100 days out, we are in a good position.” Source: Reuters

enezuela’s government has imposed a two day working week for public sector workers as a temporary measure to help it overcome a serious energy crisis. Vice-President Aristobulo Isturiz announced that civil servants should turn up for work only on Mondays and Tuesdays until the crisis was over. Venezuela is facing a major drought, which has dramatically reduced water levels at its main hydroelectric dam. But the opposition has accused the government of mismanaging the crisis. The measures an-

nounced on national television by Mr Isturiz affect two million public sector workers. “There will be no work in the public sector on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, except for fundamental and necessary tasks,” he said. President Nicolas Maduro had already given most of Venezuela’s 2.8 million state employees Fridays off during April and May, to cut down on electricity consumption. He said Venezuela had been badly hit by the El Nino weather phenomenon and would return to normal when it started raining again. “We are requesting

international help, technical and financial aid to help revert the situation,” he said. “We are managing the situation in the best possible way while we wait for the rains to return.” “Several countries in the region have been affected by the drought, caused by El Nino. But Venezuela has the highest domestic consumption of energy.” The government has already adopted a number of other measures to try to deal with the crisis. In February, shopping centres were told to reduce their opening hours and generate their own energy.

A tornadostriken family in Oklahoma, US

Tornadoes hit central US states

powerful spring storm brought strong winds and baseball sized hail to several central states yesterday, with tornadoes spotted in Kansas and Oklahoma as the severe weather marched east, forecasters said. The storm knocked down tree limbs and left about 20,000 people in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area without power, utility provider OG&E and local officials said. Hail and falling branches caused damage

to cars and roofs across portions of the Great Plains, and tornadoes were reported in Kansas and Oklahoma, but the region was spared the destructive twisters that forecasters said could have been spawned by the storm system. There have so far been no reports of serious injuries. A tornado watch was still in effect for portions of Texas and Oklahoma but the alert had expired late on Tuesday in eastern Kansas and southern Nebraska, according to the National Weather Service.

Thunderstorms that could lead to flooding were possible on Wednesday in Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, eastern Oklahoma and eastern Texas, the service said. Large hail hit several areas in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma yesterday, and schools in Oklahoma City and some of its suburbs closed early ahead of the severe weather. In Missouri, high winds snapped power lines while winds in Illinois caused empty grain railcars to flip over, the service said based on local reports.

Crowds chant for fall of Jacob Zuma during Freedom Day protest

ozens of people participated in an anti-government #ZumaMustFall march across Cape Town yesterday, coinciding with President Jacob Zuma leading celebrations for South Africa’s Freedom Day. Protests calling for Zuma to resign from office have grown in recent months, due to his handling of the country’s faltering economy and

corruption allegations. Freedom Day in South Africa is held to mark the anniversary of the first post-apartheid elections on April 27, 1994, in which Nelson Mandela was elected as president. A commission of inquiry setup by Zuma recently cleared of any wrongdoing people implicated in a controversial arms deal marred by allegations of bribery. Zuma stated the team did not find

any evidence of corruption or fraud. “There was no evidence of undue or improper influence in the selection of the preferred bidders,” The report released by the commission stated. The ruling party African National Congress (ANC) welcomed the findings and said it was confident the report will put a halt to allegations of bribery and corruption surrounding the arms deal.

On Marble You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.

– Mahatma Gandhi

Sanctity of Truth

Mike A. Wilkie Azikiwe’s curse on Chuba Okadigbo

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

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}16

Fulani herdsmen: Terrorists with a mission?   “There are many things worth living for, a few things worth dying for, and nothing worth killing for.” –Tom Robbins.

rowing up as a child in Enugu state, Fulani herdsmen were rarely seen, when they were seen at all they were usually with their cow matching your area once in a very long while.

There are usually many things admirable about them, the Fulani fashion that is very unique, their stick that was always in their shoulder and the myth around the stick and their long torchlight. As children we were made to understand that the stick usually hung on their shoulder is magical, with the help of the stick, the herdsmen could turn into cow especially in the night when they needed to sleep. The power of communicating with the cow is also said to be domiciled in the stick.   Parents scare their stubborn kids with the story that if you get too close to their cow and they hit you with the stick you could mysteriously turn into a cow. It was always fun watching the lanky Fulani teenagers communicate and give direction and instruction to the herd, which they obeyed willingly.  But all that was then, when terrorism had no place in the country’s lexicon. Today, since the emergence of penetrating criminal tendencies like daylight armed robbery, drug peddling and kidnapping; to extremisms like insurgency, militancy and terrorism, criminal inclinations appear to be getting updated in the country.   In Nigeria of this generation, parents let their kids and loved ones know that the fear of Fulani herdsmen is the beginning of wisdom. This is so because their supposed mystical stick has been transformed into AK 47, their long torchlight, now Russian made pistols while the hitherto lanky amiable Fulani teenager may have become a terror, a death agent.   The questions are, when did this transformation take place and why? What is it that has happened that was not there in the past to warrant this ugly development?  The much my memory can recall is that sometime during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, an influential Fulani man, Prof Jibril Aminu, as Minister of Education embarked on aggressive campaign for the carving out of a special department in the Federal Ministry of Education with a special budget to attend to education needs of the nomadic Fulanis who he claimed their call of duty of attending to their cows in the bush would not allow them get the much needed formal education. What many now wonder is what could have happened along the line that instead of being imbued with educational values beneficial to the society in critical sectors as health, science and technology, agricultural advancement, communication among others, a good number of products of the system are rather well versed in handling of arms and acts of terrorism.   Nigeria security intelligence agencies especially the Department of the State Security Service, the Police and the Civil Defence perhaps owe Nigerians some explanations on how the hitherto harmless Fulani herdsmen suddenly became terrorist elements with sophisticated arms without their knowledge.   The worrisome thing about crime in Nigeria is that once it comes, it proves difficult to go. When drug addiction and armed robbery came into the society, it sounded very strange but they have continued to endure. Also, when kidnapping came through Niger Delta militancy, it also endured and has become part of us today.   When the king of all crimes, terrorism

Political Musings IKE ABONYI igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 0802-402-4029 (sms only)

Different shades of Fulani herdsmen

arrived via an self proclaimed Islamic sect, notoriously known as Boko Haram, the group was not immediately understood as a terror group because of the religious tag it came with, as a result, by the time its true colour came out, it had penetrated and inflicted grave damage to the people and the nation.   Just as the country is trying to get over the impact of this, another dangerous dimension is emerging; the well armed Fulani herdsmen is entering the hinterland in the Middle Belt of the Northern region and some states in the Southern Nigeria, butchering people like cows.   The gory story of their latest mayhem

The apparent poor commitment of security agencies to the issue of Fulani herdsmen raises a lot of questions

came from Ukpai Nimbo Community in UzoUwani Local Government Area of Enugu state, where they killed no fewer than 35 people, left many injured and torched over 1000 residential houses.   Reports said that over 60 others who survived sustained injuries from gunshots and matchet cuts and were taken to different hospitals in Nsukka Town while the bodies were deposited in various Hospitals including, Catholic Hospital, the Bishop Shanahan Hospital. A reliable intelligence source told me that the suspected Fulani militias who were over 200 in number stormed the community at the early hours of Monday with grenades and AK-47 rifles.   The state police command confirmed the attack, said that the command cannot give the figure of people killed but curiously described the assailants as hoodlums. This is just one of the many battles of Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Enugu state for which the state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been working assiduously to prevent.  The apparent poor commitment of security agencies to the issue of Fulani herdsmen raises a lot of questions. When the entire village of Agatu in Benue state was razed and hundreds killed, the first statement from the Inspector General of Police was that the death figure was exaggerated.  Whereas all the attacks by the Fulani herds-

men against local farmers in the South East have always been waved off by the authorities as perpetrated by hoodlums, the only attack a government agency like the DSS found worthy of a press conference was to allege that some people killed in a town in Abia were herdsmen and that they were killed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), a claim that has since been debunked by two state Governors, Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo state and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state.  The claim by the DSS has unfortunately elicited reactions from some elements in the South-East who are now expressing suspicions regarding the intensions of the secret police in making statements that have been widely seen as inciting and dmaging to national security. They now fear that the government’s secret police could be on a mission and the fact that the sheriffs at the DSS and the Presidency are of Fulani extraction is not helping matters There is already apprehension by global watchers that the DSS is being desperate to give IPOD all the bad names in order to nail it. Be it as it may, should that be done at the expense of millions of others from the region who are not members of IPOB and who are making genuine living and developing the areas?   It is public knowledge that somebody once said that Biafra is dead and buried but certain actions and inactions seems like processes trying to resurrect it. Whether we like it or not, issues like Fulani herdsmen attack in the East, if not nipped in the bud may end up as a lubricant for the Biafra struggle, and the earlier relevant authorities realize this reality the better for all of us. Ideas cannot be destroyed by killing people, what a superior head should do is to replace it. If killing Ndigbo in the north in the 60s brought about the idea of Biafra, killing them in their own farmland this time is capable of resurrecting the “dead” Biafra.  The continued silence of relevant authority on this very serious matter only gives room for all forms of insinuations a lot of which are already out there and helps in drawing conclusion on their own understanding of the “body language”. Who says violence is domiciled in one ethnic group or town? Take it or leave, it Nigeria is under siege as we speak; unless and until something very drastic is done, anything is possible.  God bless Nigeria.

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