Tuesday, april 28, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

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Vol. 2 No. 433

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Ondo lawmakers sack deputy governor }5

FG overpaid NNPC N19.5bn as subsidy, says PwC

lRecommends change of corporation’s operation model Ayodele Aminu

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) over-claimed $98 million (about N19.5billion) on subsidy on petrol and kerosene between January 2012

and July 2013, the final report on the forensic audit by the PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC) into the oil corporation's

accounts has revealed. The 199-page report, which was released yesterday by the presidency, also said the NNPC’s

model of operation was unsustainable and must be urgently reviewed and restructured. The Auditor-General

for the Federation had on February 5, 2015 released highlights of the report, with the PwC auditors CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

We're not looting

lJonathan denies emptying treasury lOrders release of NNPC forensic report

L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Senate President David Mark and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki, during the induction for eighth National Assembly members in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

PDP chair, Mu'azu, in trouble lPlot to sack him, PDP NWC members thickens }2 lParty chiefs may go before May 29

Quick Read

Editorial

Role of opposition in a democracy}19

Fresh $370m Abacha loot discovered }7

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan denies looting spree Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday denied allegations by the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration that his govern-

ment has embarked on last minute looting of the treasury. The president, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, also refuted another allegation that his administration had embarked on

some activities, including fresh recruitment into the civil service to make governance difficult for the succeeding administration. APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had in a state-

ment on Sunday, accused the outgoing administration of "last-minute looting" of the treasure and recruitment into the civil service. Last week, APC Policy Director, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, told Bloomberg in an

interview in Lagos that the Buhari administration would release the full PwC report after its inauguration on May 29. However, the president, in a masterstroke, ordered the immediate release of the full report of the Price-

L-R: President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari; Managing Director, Total E and P Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Elizabeth Proust; business magnate, Prince Arthur Eze and Executive General Manager, Total, Mr. Chidi Momah, during a visit to Buhari in Abuja…yesterday.

PDP chair, Mu'azu, in trouble Ayodele Ojo and Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ggrieved stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified the plot to unseat the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and members of the National Working Committee (NWC). It was learnt that the game plan was to ensure that Mu'azu and other party leaders who were being blamed for PDP's routing in the just-concluded general elections were sacked before May 29. Mu’azu is expected to call for the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party between now and May 15 and the NWC members will be asked to resign, a source confided in New Telegraph. The source said if Mu’azu failed to call for the NEC meeting, he would be forced to do so as soon as possible. Multiple sources in the party told New Telegraph that President Goodluck Jonathan and some influential members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) had agreed on the need to sack the Mu’azuled NWC. “There is no way the current NWC members

will continue to pilot the affairs of the party, given their failure at the last general elections. We can only allow them to continue if only we want to kill the PDP. I can assure you that the Mu’azu-led executives will be dissolved in May,” a member of the PDP BoT said yesterday. It was learnt that some PDP governors and BoT members were pushing for the exit of the NWC before May 29. “Mu’azu and other NWC members have to go before May 29 when the Jonathan administration ends. If we allow Mu’azu to stay beyond May 29, it will be difficult to push him out as national chairman. So, we will definitely meet and ask them to resign. They have failed the party,” a party leader said. A former Minister of Transport and member of BoT, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, agreed that PDP needs to be rebuilt. “We have to reorganise the PDP for future elections. Now, we won’t create anarchy in the party by dissolving the NWC abruptly. But eventually, the Mu’azuled executives have to go. “We need young and experienced hands to reorganise our party,” Babatope said. The PDP had, last week, taken steps to stave off likely crisis that may fol-

low its poor performance in this year's general elections. The poor outing of the party is generating discontent among members with some defecting almost immediately to the APC while others who remained want mass purging of members of the NWC to be replaced by people with caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party till the next national convention. They accused the NWC members of not being committed to the success of the party during the elections. Some were also said to be moles that worked against PDP candidates in their states. A source at the PDP National Secretariat told New Telegraph that some top politicians in the North, including the governors, worked against the party. He said: "They were afraid to campaign for the PDP presidential candidate in their states. That is bad. How can you tell me that the party cannot get 25 per cent vote in most states in the North? "Most NWC members did not do their job and they have no business remaining in office. We need fresh ideas, people who will be committed and work to return PDP to winning ways. And it must be now before the president leaves office."

Some of those pushing for the exit of Mu’azu stated that apart from his non-committal to the party during the electioneering, he abandoned the party to travel outside the country at the critical period. Mu'azu was said to be in Dubai during the presidential election. But the Chief Press Secretary to the PDP national chairman, Tony Amadi, who spoke in a telephone interview, said his principal travelled out because he took his sick mother to Dubai, but he was back before the presidential election. "The president even said it during the rally in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. It was when the campaign train went to pay the traditional homage to the Emir of Damaturu when he asked after the chairman. President Jonathan told him that he took his mother for treatment to Dubai," Amadi stated. He said the journey was on weekend and that Mu'azu came back on Monday. Reacting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said no change could take place in the party until 2016. Metuh, however, stated that he would voluntary resign if there was any need to do so. "If at any point, my be-

ing National Publicity Secretary will be a cog in the wheel of progress in the party, I will quit. People, who feel they have better hands, maybe they can come and take over and run it. But I will plead that when those people come, they should be given free hand and given all necessary logistics for them to achieve result," he said. However, two returning members of the House of Representatives – Leo Ogor and Emeka Azubogu – said such call for the overhaul of the party leadership was not in the interest of PDP for now. Ogor, who is the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, said the party had set up various committees to look into some of the challenges that led to the failure. He blamed the call for the resignation of the NWC on fifth columnists whom he said wanted to see PDP dead at all cost. On his part, Azubogu who represents Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, blamed the problem of the party on what he called the "enemies within". Azubogu attributed the failure of PDP to win the presidency to "international blackmail," saying, "What happened has been programmed to happen."

waterhouseCoopers (PwC) forensic audit into the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) accounts on the missing $20 billion oil revenue. According to the highlights of the report released last February by the Auditor General of the Federation, PwC said there was no missing $20 billion, but recommended that NNPC should refund $1.48 billion to the Federation Account. President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of probe into the allegation of the missing oil revenue, had pledged to release the full report after his inauguration on May 29. Abati said the incoming administration was free to review all actions and policies of the Jonathan administration, including revenues and expenditure on projects. He said since the president also reviewed policies of his predecessors on assumption of office for better understanding and further actions, he saw nothing wrong if his successor did the same. According to the presidential spokesman, Jonathan is deeply concerned by the continuing suggestions that his administration still has anything to hide about the unproven allegation that about $20 billion is unaccounted for by the NNPC during his tenure. "As Alhaji Mohammed threatened in his statement, the incoming administration will be perfectly within its rights to review all actions of the present government as it may deem fit. "To lay the matter to rest, President Jonathan, in line with Section 7(2) of the NNPC Act, has directed that the full report of the PWC Forensic Audit of the NNPC accounts be released immediately to the public so that all Nigerians will be properly informed on the matter," he said. On allegations by the APC spokesman that there were currently looting of the national treasury by ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), he said: "We also consider as most unfortunate and uncharitable, the suggestion by Alhaji Mohammed that the Jonathan administration is trying to “tie the hands” of the incoming government merely by continuing to discharge its constitutional responsibilities until the end of its tenure. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Constitution Alteration: Mark faults Jonathan on court action

lFG seeks fresh order to stop National Assembly Chukwu David and Tunde Oyesina

he President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has faulted President Goodluck Jonathan for taking the National Assembly to the Supreme Court over the 2015 Constitution Alteration Bill. Mark spoke yesterday while chairing a session at the 2015 Induction Certificate Course organised by the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), for the newly elected members of the National Assembly in Abuja. He said: "The President has taken a Bill to the

court. It is a Bill at the moment, unless it is signed. I really don’t see why that is in court, but anybody can go to court; so I can’t stop you.” Speaking on the number of bills assented to by President Jonathan, Mark said: "The President will only sign the bills that he wants to sign, the ones he doesn’t want to assent to, he will return to us and we will do the needful." Also, commenting on the same issue, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said that the National Assembly had not been served any court notice, describing the stories peddled on the alleged litigation so far

as media propaganda. "The National Assembly has not been served any court notice on constitution amendment… So as far as I am concerned, there is nothing in court. We also read in the papers that Bayo Ojo wrote a letter on behalf of the government, asking us not to deliberate on the matter pending in court. I want to also say that no letter was received from Bayo Ojo or anybody whatsoever. It's just mere media propaganda. But I want to assure Nigerians that we will resist it," Ekweremadu stated. However, the Federal Government yesterday applied for an order of

interlocutory injunction restraining the lawmakers from taking any further step towards passing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Act, 2015 into law pending the final determination of the suit earlier filed before the Supreme Court. The Federal Government had, last week, dragged the National Assembly to the Supreme Court asking the apex court to declare the amendments to the constitution proposed by the lawmakers as unconstitutional. The fresh application, which was filed by the counsel to the Attorney General of Federation,

Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) was brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 14 of the Supreme Court Rules as amended. Government had premised its application on the ground that the National Assembly was determined to proceed with passing the constitution by overriding the veto of same despite the fundamental nature of the issues raised against it. Ojo submitted that it is more in the interest of Nigeria that the issues in the substantive suit be resolved one way or the other before the National Assembly can proceed further on the proposed alterations to the constitution. The Federal Govern-

L-R: Director of Commercial Law, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Nima Mann; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Chairperson, Intellectual Property Committee, Mr. Afam Nwokedi and Chairman, NBA Abuja Chapters, Mr. Agada Elachi, at a function in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Mimiko’s deputy impeached, Commissioner takes over lWe’ll challenge action in court, says APC

Babatope Okeowo and Temitope Ogunbanke

t last, the embattled deputy governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, was yesterday impeached by 22 members of the House of Assembly for alleged gross misconduct. A new deputy governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, was immediately sworn in by the State Chief Judge, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi to replace Olanusi. The House of Assembly, at the plenary session, impeached Olanusi as deputy governor of the state and approved the appointment of Oluboyo as his replacement prompting the swearing-in by the Chief Judge of the state. Oluboyo from IkareAkoko in Akoko Northeast local government was, until his new appointment as

the new Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture. Justice Kumuyi swore in the new deputy governor with a charge to him to help the governor in the discharge of his duties and in the smooth administration of the state. He was also cautioned not to divulge official secret of the government without authorisation. The Assembly had earlier, at its plenary session, adopted the recommendation of the panel set up by Justice Kumuyi to investigate the impeachable offences against the former deputy governor. The seven-man panel headed by Mr. Olatunji Stanley Adeniyan had found Olanusi guilty of the seven-count charge bordering on corruption and gross misconduct levelled against him by the State Assembly. Adeniyan, who was

flanked by other six members of the panel, stated in their report that "having found that all the seven allegations established against Alhaji Ali Olanusi, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and placing reliance on the meaning of gross misconduct as defined in section 188 (11) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), we hereby find that the allegation of gross misconduct has been proved against the holder of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State of Nigeria." After the adoption of the report, the Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, moved the motion for the impeachment and was seconded by Oyebo Aladetan representing Ilaje Constituency II in the state Assembly. The Speaker, Hon. Jumoke Akindele, put the motion into vote and 22

members of the Assembly voted for the impeachment of Olanusi as the deputy governor. In all, 23 members impeached the deputy governor while two of them who are All Progressive Congress (APC) members abstained. Consequently, she directed the former deputy governor to return all government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor. Speaking at the swearing-in, the new deputy governor promised to be loyal to the governor and help in the discharge of his duties. Oluboyo said he would not disappoint the governor unlike his predecessor who came from the same senatorial district. In his remarks, Governor Olusegun Mimiko congratulated the new deputy governor and said he should be good repre-

sentative of the Muslim community and the Akoko people. Meanwhile, the SouthWest chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the impeachment of Olanusi, noting that the process of his removal violated provisions of the impeachment clause in the 1999 Constitution. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Pius Akinyelure, the party faulted Olanusi’s impeachment, noting that the state assembly, acted as Mimiko’s rubber stamp. He said the party would challenge the ‘illegal impeachment.’ Akinyelure described the impeachment as a mockery of constitutional order, which he said, Governor Mimiko and all members of the State House of Assembly swore to uphold.

ment further submitted that the balance of convenience tilts in favour of resolution of the suit before any further step could be taken on the bill. An affidavit attached to the fresh application was deposed to by one Theophilus Okwute, a lawyer in the chambers of Bayo Ojo and Co. In the earlier suit, government's claim was that the purported Fourth Alteration Act 2015 was not passed with the mandatory requirement of fourfifths majority of members of the defendant and the mandatory due processes provided for under the relevant sections of the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. In an originating summons, the Federal Government asked the apex court to make an order nullifying and setting aside Sections 3, 4, 12, 14, 21, 23, 36, 39, 40, 43 and 44 of the Fourth Alteration Act, 2015 purportedly passed by the defendant. Meanwhile, the Senate President has lamented the high rate of turnover of lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, saying that the situation would be a serious clog in the wheel of development and stability of the legislature and democracy in the country. He said: "Obviously, when people are new to a system, it takes time for them to adjust, learn the procedure and even find their way round the National Assembly building. So, it will be a very slow start obviously. If the members returning are more, things will start a lot quicker, but it will be slow because it will be a learning process for about 70 per cent of the members are new." In the incoming 8th Assembly, out of the 109 Senators that make up the Senate, 76 are new while only 33 are ranking members. Also in the House of Representatives, 301 lawmakers were elected for the first time out of the 360 members. Ekweremadu also stressed on the need for the legislature to be allowed to elect its leaders without external interference, and cautioned the new lawmakers against the danger of allowing external body to influence the choice of principal officers in the two Chambers of the incoming Assembly. The Deputy President of the Senate also enjoined the new legislators to submit to the ranking rule in election of principal officers in the National Assembly.

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Akpabio, Useni, others back slash of lawmakers’ jumbo pay Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

head of the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly, some newly elected legislators have expressed willingness to support the clamour for a reduction in the salaries of members of the federal legislature. Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), General Jeremiah Useni (rtd) as well as former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, were among senators- elect who expressed their desires to have the jumbo pay package slashed to reduce the cost of governance. The trio expressed their opinions in separate interviews yesterday at the opening of the induction programme for the new legislators organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies (NILS) and the National Assembly. Research has shown that Nigerian legislators receive about the highest salaries and allowances in the world. The pay package is said to be higher than the emoluments of their

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counterparts in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Akpabio expressed surprise at the revelations made during the plenary session at the induction, saying that he never knew that the legislators earned so much pay all these years. He, however, pleaded that the new legislators be allowed to have a taste of the largesse before the planned cut. "I don't even know what the salaries are; I'm just coming in now. But I was listening to them saying that their salaries are

very gargantuan. I'm just a mere governor and I don't receive that kind of salary. I was surprised, it was like a confession or a revelation that they (legislators) were earning more than state governors and that they would like to see a cut. “So, I am yet to see the salary. It is after I have been sworn in as a senator that I will know the actual. I hope that they will allow us to get the first month’s salary so that I can compare what actually they were receiving before the cut," Akpabio said. Useni also spoke in the same vein. The former

minister said that there has been so much waste of scarce resources in the running of government at all levels in Nigeria. According to him, the reduction in the cost of governance must not only be in terms of pay cut for members of the National Assembly, but a drastic reduction in the number of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). On his part, Melaye said he would be leading the crusade to effect a cut in the salaries and allowances of the legislators. Melaye who is the Executive Secretary of Anti-

Corruption Network, a civil society organisation, argued that Nigeria was going through hard times and the legislators needed to make some sacrifice by reducing their bogus emoluments. According to him, the 8th Senate should work hard to improve on the legislative oversight functions on the MDAs, fight corruption by checking the executive and checking themselves too. "We must be ready to sacrifice as legislators. Nigeria is going through perilous times. The only way to demonstrate that change is for us to cut

A cross-section of the Coalition of Human Rights Group members protesting the killings in South Africa, in Lagos…yesterday.

down our own remunerations. Instead of increasing our pay we should enhance the committees to conduct proper oversight functions so that the satanic collaboration between the legislature and executive will not be there," Melaye said. Hon. Wole Oke (PDP/ Osun), who was a member of the 6th Assembly and will be returning to the House of Representatives, said he was open to pay cut for legislators if that was what the public had demanded of those they have elected into the parliament.

PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Audit firm recommends change of NNPC's operation model CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

asking the NNPC and its subsidiary - the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to refund to the Federation Account “a minimum of $1.48billion”. President Goodluck Jonathan had on February 2, 2015, publicly received the report a day after a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, accused the managers of the Nigerian economy of misappropriating over N30 trillion of public funds, including several billions in oil money. The forensic audit was commissioned following allegation in 2013 by the immediate past CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that about $20 billion oil money was missing from the NNPC. Sanusi is now the Emir of Kano. Sanusi said as much as $49 billion was diverted by NNPC. He later reviewed the amount to $20 billion, and called for investigations after writing to Jonathan.

A Senate probe into the allegation yielded no result. Jonathan later fired Sanusi after he was accused of “financial recklessness”. The government said no money was missing, but promised a forensic investigation of NNPC. In the full report released yesterday, PwC said its examination of the petrol and kerosene imports verified by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) discovered that some discharges were apparently verified and subsidy advised to NNPC more than once. It said the repeated subsidy for petrol amounted to N3.71billion ($23.9million), while that of kerosene amounted to N6.17billion ($39.83million). “Our review of the subsidy documentation revealed that the subsidy due to NNPC between January 2012 and July 2013 on PMS and DPK import was $8.99bn compared to the $9.97bn stated by the Reconciliation Committee,” the auditors said.

The experts insisted that the difference was due to the exclusion of October 2011 to December 2011 subsidy claims of $1.2billion, which does not relate to the review period of January 2012 to July 2012; $0.13billion increase in petrol subsidy claimed for the 19 months period and $0.09billion increase in kerosene subsidy claimed for the period. Besides, the report also found N5.6billion ($36.05millon) over-statement in PPPRA’s petrol subsidy payment advice to NNPC. “Our review of the subsidy payment advice sent by PPPRA to NNPC for discharges between January 2012 and July 2013 revealed that PPPRA applied the pre-2012 ex-depot price (N49.51) on some discharges in 2012 instead of the approved ex-depot price of N81.51. A total of 174,449,778 litres of PMS was affected in these PPPRA computations,” said the report. The auditors said an estimated $205million petrol subsidy was over-

charged by the NNPC. “Our review of a sample of the copies of the pro forma invoices issued to the other marketers of DPK across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria revealed that the other marketers bought DPK from NNPC/PPMC prior to arrival at NNPC depot in Nigeria at N40.90. “The marketers are thereafter required to incur the lightering expenses, NPA charges, jetty throughput charge and storage charges before bringing the product into Nigeria. Subsidy is calculated as landing cost minus ex-depot price,” the report said. It also noted the fact that $3.38billon was spent on kerosene subsidy for the review period. It added: “Subject to additional information being provided, we estimate that the NNPC and NPDC should refund to the Federation Account a minimum of $1.48bn. “For the period reviewed, we identified possible errors in the computation of crude oil prices at the NNPC

that resulted in a $3.6m shortfall in incomes to the Federation Account. The major beneficiaries were Fujairah Refinery - $805,545, NNPC (KRPC/WRPC) – $697,995 and NNPC (COMD) $2,107,275. “Subsequent to our identification of this issue, NNPC has amended the errors, and have reflected the amendments in the remittances to FAAC in October 2014, according to the report. “Our review of the DPK sales process revealed that NNPC sells DPK to bulk DPK marketers in Nigeria at N40.90 per litre at a location on the coastal waterways (off shore Lagos). The expected/official regulated retail price of DPK in Nigeria is N50 per litre. This retail price of N50 comprises the exdepot price of N34.51 and a margin of N15.49. “NNPC should be required to explain the reason for selling DPK at N40.90, rather than the regulated ex-depot price of N34.51. The corporation should also be CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Fresh $370m Abacha loot discovered Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

nother loot, amounting to $370 million, allegedly stashed away by the late dictator, General Sani Abacha, has been traced to Luxembourg. Switzerland, which informed the Presidentelect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, of the discovery yesterday, however, pledged to assist Nigeria to recover the loot. The Switzerland Ambassador, Hans Rudolf Hodel, during a courtesy call on Buhari in Abuja, said his country had strengthened its policy and law to fight graft. He said: "This is a long standing issue. Our laws are there to help all countries, which are fighting corruption. We will help this government. If you remember, many years ago, we gave back the Abacha money to Nigeria. The situation in Switzerland has changed. The policy is no longer the same. In the past, people come to deposit money in Switzerland without too much controversy. Now, it is

not possible to deposit money in Switzerland because of legal origin. Before, the bank has to prove that the money is not illegal. But now, before you deposit money in any Swiss bank, you have to prove that you have earned that money legally. If you are a wealthy businessman, you have money in billions legally, but if, for example as a journalist, you come to Switzerland with $2 million dollars and say you earned it because you did a very good job, nobody will believe you." Asked if there was any Nigerian money in Switzerland needed to be refunded, the Ambassador said: "None that I know. Recently, there was another request by Nigeria to the Swiss authority to look for Abacha money and some amount has been found in an account in Luxembourg. That is now between the Abacha family and the government. They have tried to do a deal so that this money can also come back. The recent one is $370 million." On how soon the money would be released, he said: "The Swiss government is not involved. The

Nigerian government has asked for legal assistance. When the government makes a request to my government, we will work together on it. But this case is different. That is the Abacha family directly with the Nigerian government doing a deal. So, the Swiss government is not involved and the money is in Luxembourg. They have asked for legal assistance and we have provided them with this information. It is not a classical case and we would have preferred a classical case where we can give the money back and make sure that it is used in the interest of the people. Now it is up to the Nigerian government." Besides Hodel, an oil magnet, Prince Arthur Eze, also visited Buhari during which he expressed optimism that with the coming of the

President-elect, oil companies that had left Nigeria would come back. Eze, accompanied by the Managing Director of Total Upstream and the Chairman of the Oil Producer Trade Section (OPTS), Mrs. Elizabeth Proust, told reporters that as a former oil minister, Buhari was in a position to reform the oil and gas industry. He said: "We are glad that General Buhari is one of the most disciplined leaders that we have in Africa and particularly in Nigeria. He is going to organise this country so that you will not see all these poor people again. Things will change in this country. It is God that gives power, and God has given it to Buhari. "He is coming to change our economy, especially the oil sector, as you can see, most of the oil companies who left

Nigeria are now coming back." Asked why he visited Buhari, when he was a close associate of President Goodluck Jonathan, he said: "You know General Buhari has been president (head of state) of Nigeria and also a former oil minister. He knows the oil industry very well; he is a man who has ability to take a decision. He has been in the system for a very long time that is why God brought him back. Every one of us is supporting him because God has given him power." Also, Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos E. Trejo Sosa, while congratulating Buhari, said his country would collaborate with Nigeria in many areas. "First of all, Cuba's collaboration with African countries is not new and not difficult, if you remember a large num-

ber of Cuban people who were doctors came to West Africa to fight Ebola - the first contingent of doctors. We have doctors in almost all African countries; about 6,000 Cuban doctors working in Africa. We also have about 50,000 doctors working in Latin America and in some other places. So, it means that if necessary, we can come and share our experiences about the comprehensive system of health care with Nigeria," he added. Buhari told the Cuban ambassador that he admired the unique social structure and system of the state, especially given the rapid development that has been achieved by the Island nation. He also expressed happiness at the restoration of normal ties between Cuba and its erstwhile hostile neighbour, the United States.

Boko Haram kills 21 in Yobe

uspected Boko Haram gunmen have killed 21 people who were trying to return home to recover abandoned food supplies in Yobe State. A report yesterday by AFP quoted a local official and a victim’s relative as saying that the victims were killed at Bultaram village. “The men, 21 of them, were stopped at Bultaram (village) by gunmen we believe are Boko Haram who shot them dead,” an official with the Gujba Local Government Area, Baba Nuhu, said. Nuhu and Haruna Malam, the brother of one of the victims, spoke to AFP from Damaturu, where many Gujba residents have fled to seek refuge from Boko Haram violence. Dozens of Niger troops were killed in a weekend attack by Boko Haram militants on an island base in Lake Chad, a Chadian security source also said yesterday. Niger’s army “lost 48 soldiers, and 36 others are missing”, the source said, adding that troops who managed to escape were on their way to safety. Another source, an official from Niger - which borders Boko Haram’s

main base in Nigeria - said the toll was much higher at 80 dead and some 30 missing. He added that just five or six troops were able to flee. A third source close to Niger’s army said the toll was even higher, at 100 soldiers dead, 17 missing and three who managed to escape. A humanitarian worker told AFP that “there were huge losses” at the military post in Karamga, an especially remote island on Lake Chad where 120 to 150 troops were posted. “The army is trying to find out how many it has lost,” the source added. AFP could not reach officials from Niger’s army for comment. Boko Haram jihadists attacked Karamga at dawn on Saturday. It was also attacked on February 20, when seven troops, 15 militants and one civilian were killed in fighting that broke out after Boko Haram’s raid, according to an official toll. Niger, along with Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria, have recently launched a joint offensive to end Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency, which has claimed 13,000 lives and caused about 1.5 million people to flee their homes.

L-R: Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Mr. Lin Kan; Chairman, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), Mr. Cao Bao Gang; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and others, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the light rail network project for the state in Abeokuta...yesterday.

Jonathan denies emptying treasury CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

"The Jonathan administration, which continues to do its best to ensure a smooth and peaceful handover over of power to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, deeply regrets the unfairness and combative frame of mind reflected in Alhaji Mohammed’s statement. "President Jonathan has done his best in the past five years to discharge his constitutional responsibilities for good governance and effective leadership of the nation. "Without any prejudice whatsoever to the freedom of the incoming administration to do as it pleases, within the confines of extant laws when it assumes

office, the Jonathan administration will continue to discharge its responsibility to govern until May 29, 2015." Abati assured Nigerians that Jonathan will continue to fulfil the obligations of his office and will never condone any form of unscrupulous conduct on the part of state officials. "President Jonathan will also never authorise any attempt to create any problems for the incoming administration as the APC spokesperson, who ought to know that the outcome of the March 28 presidential elections does not imply a cessation of governance, unjustly alleges," he added.

Audit firm recommends change of NNPC's operation model CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

required to explain the reason for selling DPK to bulk DPK marketers at a location on the coastal waterways (off shore Lagos) rather than at the incountry depots.” PwC also observed that the total gross revenues generated from the Federal Government crude oil liftings was $69.34 billion and not $67 billon as earlier stated by the Reconciliation Committee for the period from January 2012 to July 2013. Moreover, it said total cash remitted into the Federation Account in relation to crude oil liftings was $50.81billion and not $47 billion as earlier stated by the Recon-

ciliation Committee for the period from January 2012 to July 2013. The auditors recommended that the NNPC model of operation must be urgently reviewed and restructured, as the current model, which had been in operation since the creation of the corporation could not be sustained. “The accounting and reconciliation system for crude oil revenues used by Government agencies appear to be inaccurate and weak. We noted significant discrepancies in data from different sources. The lack of independent audit and reconciliation led to over-reliance on data produced from NNPC," it stated.

News

NATIONAL

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NJC: Retired CJ, Emir Gummi, guilty of gross misconduct Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday told the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, via a notice of appeal, that a retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court and now the Emir of Gummi in Zamfara State, Justice Lawal Gummi, is guilty of gross misconduct while in office. The council, however, asked the appellate court to reverse the judgement of a Federal High Court which set aside the guilt verdict pronounced on Gummi by the council for alleged violation of Code of Conduct for judicial officers. The council had on July 2013 found Gummi guilty of gross misconduct. The council in a statement issued in Abuja then, and signed by its spokesman, Soji Oye, said it also found that Gummi interfered with the execution of a judgement delivered by Justice Jude Okeke, also of the Abuja High Court.

However, while investigation against him was pending before the NJC, Gummi hurriedly resigned and was turbaned as the Emir of Gummi in Zamfara State. He also ran to a Federal High Court in Abuja where he challenged the power and jurisdiction of

the NJC to exercise disciplinary control over him on the ground that he had voluntarily retired from service as a judge. He further asked the court to issue an order stopping NJC’s probe because two cases were pending in courts in respect of the allegations

resident Goodluck Jonathan has relieved the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Femi Thomas of his appointment. Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, in a statement, said the sack of the NHIS was with immediate effect. He said President Jona-

than has also approved the appointment of Mr. Olufemi Akingbade as Acting Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NHIS. Akingbade, who hails from Ekiti State and holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science as well as a Masters in Business Administration was the General Manager, ICT in the NHIS until his new appointment. Meanwhile, the President has also confirmed Mr. Mounir Haliru Gwarzo

as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Gwarzo, who has been acting as Director-General of the Commission, was appointed to the Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission as Executive Commissioner in January, 2013. The President has also approved the appointment of the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Killings: PDP sues Amaechi over Commission of Inquiry Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dragged Governor Chibuike Amaechi to a federal High Court in Port Harcourt, praying the court to declare the Commission of Inquiry on politically motivated killings in the state by the governor as unconstitutional. The PDP also noted that the commission runs contrary to the principles of natural justice, and urged the court to restrain the commission or its members from carrying out any investigation on any alleged politically moti-

Not satisfied with the judgement, the council filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. In the appeal filed by the council through its counsel, Jimoh Lasisi (SAN), NJC said that the trial judge was wrong in his decision.

L-R: Representative of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi; representative of the Vice-Chairman, World Customs Organisation (WCO), Mr. Ebenezer Tafili; Regional Development Officer, Mr Bernard Zbiden and Regional Officer for Capacity Building, Mr. Suleiman Sangare, at the fourth meeting of experts of the Conference of Directors-General of Customs in Abuja …yesterday

Jonathan sacks Thomas, NHIS executive secretary Anule Emmanuel

for which he was being investigated. In his judgement delivered last month, the trial judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati agreed with Gummi and held that the NJC lacked the disciplinary control over him having voluntarily retired from service as a judge.

vated killings. The PDP declared that the governor had handed over the role of the police to persons not qualified to carry out such investigation. The respondents, in the suit included the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; nine other members of the commission, Amaechi, Attorney General of the state, Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the state. In the suit, numbered FHC/PH/FHR/256/2015, the party also called on the court to look into section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 4 of the Police Act,

which clearly states that the power to investigate allegations of crime, including inquiring into politically motivated killings in Rivers State is vested in the Police The party’s legal Adviser, Mr Benjamin Eke, alleged that Odinkalu, who is the first respondent, and chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, was unfit to chair the body based on his already involvement in the matter. He said that Odinkalu had received allegations and counter allegations over politically-motivated killings and violence in the state based on his position as the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.

SAHCOL sacks four workers as staff vow to shut firm Wole Shadare

he National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has demanded the recall of four workers of Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) who were sacked by the firm. They also demanded immediate resumption of conditions of service of staff. General Secretary of NUATE, Olayinka Abioye and General Secretary Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Capt. Tarnongu, in a statement jointly signed and made available to reporters, yesterday said they were most shocked that despite all efforts by the unions to ensure that industrial harmony, safety and peace were paramount in the aviation industry, they lamented that the management of SAHCOL was determined to create un-necessary crisis and chaos in the industry. They, however, demanded for the immediate reversal of the management’s decision to dismiss the Chairman, ATSSSAN, Aminu Kolawole and others.

FG approves 20, 000mw power transmission projects Adeola Yusuf

he Federal Government yesterday officially announced the approval of projects for the Phase two of critical transmission, which shall wheel 20,000 megawatts to the distribution chain across the country on completion. The Presidency, which announced this, also declared that it had restructured the board of a company under it, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), owners of the National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP).

General Manager, Communication and Public Relations, NDPHC, Yakubu Lawal Itopa, who made these announcements in a statement, ruled out hidden political agenda in the restructuring. “The Board of Directors of the NDPHC, owners of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) has approved the Phase two critical transmission projects which shall wheel power from the existing and new power stations having capacity of over 20,000 megawatts to the distribution chain across the country on completion. “This is to position the

company to effectively pursue its Phase II project mandate aimed at implementing more hydropower stations and transmission projects in the country to give the power sector infrastructure a more robust synergy,” Lawal said. Stating that the company now has four executive directors responsible for Generation, Networks, Finance and Accounts, as well as Corporate Services, under the new structure, he maintained that Mr James Abiodun Olotu, the Managing-Director/ CEO has been reappointed as the head of the structure.

Tambuwal charges lawmakers on welfare of Nigerians Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday charged the incoming legislators in the National Assembly to enact laws that would impact on the welfare of all Nigerians. Tambuwal gave the advice in his goodwill message at the beginning of the induction course for National Assembly members-elect organised by

the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Abuja. He tasked the new legislators to strive to exceed the performance of the 7th Assembly which passed 108 of the over 481 bills that were introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives since inauguration in June 2011. The Speaker also revealed that the House of Representatives introduced 825 motions of which 554 were referred to committees and another 162 were passed as resolu-

tions. He said there was a huge expectation on the 8th Assembly to exceed the achievements of its predecessor. He charged the lawmakers to aggressively pursue the principles of good governance and work diligently to promote growth and development. According to him, the parliament was a critical component and necessary ingredient of democracy and good governance which, according to him, requires the existence of a strong legislature.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, april 28, 2015

News

national

Kalu, Ajimobi salute Adesina on re-election as NGE president

ublisher of the New Telegraph and Sun newspapers and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, yesterday described the Managing Director and Editor-inChief of Sun newspaper, Mr Femi Adesina, as a seasoned media professional, who has contributed immensely to journalism in Nigeria. He noted that Adesina's re-election as President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, is a testimony to the goodwill he had built

among his colleagues and other stakeholders in the media industry. In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: "I wish to wholeheartedly convey my best wishes to the executives and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors over the successful election of its executive members. "I extend my special regards to my colleague, Mr. Femi Adesina, who returned as NGE President unopposed. It is a clear indication that

since he assumed office two years ago, he has been able to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor in the interest of the association. I have no doubt that Mr. Adesina will continue to steer the ship of the body without bias, so as to take the body to the Promised Land. "I appeal to other executives and members to cooperate with the leadership of the association for a better Nigeria". The former governor used the opportunity to remind editors of the no-

ble role they are expected to play in promoting good governance through objective reporting. According to Kalu , the media remains the voice of the voiceless. He urged media practitioners to maintain sanity in the industry by upholding the ethics of the profession in all endeavours. Similarly, the Group Managing Director of Slok Group, Engr Firas Abboud, has described the return of Adesina as the NGE president as a positive step in the right direction.

Abboud made the remark in a congratulatory message to the re-elected NGE leader at the weekend. According to him, Adesina's victory is a clear indication of his continued display of exemplary leadership qualities in different capacities in the media industry. He added that having worked with Adesina in different capacities in Slok Group, he firmly believes that the re-elected NGE President will continue to bring to bear his wealth of experience and

network of contacts in taking the professional body to greater heights. Also, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the re-election of Adesina as the President of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) as a reward for robust leadership and unwavering commitment to journalism excellence in Nigeria. The governor stated this in a congratulatory message issued in Ibadan yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

We summoned, not recall envoys from South Africa — Minister Wale Elegbede

L-R: Commissioner for Market Competition and Rates, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Patrick Umeh; Deputy General Manager, Engineering, Mr. Abdul Mohammed and Nerc Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, at a meeting of Consumer Advocacy Groups in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Abuja …yesterday

Buhari bares AIT from covering his activities Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has bared the African Independent Television(AIT) from covering his engagement until issues of ethics and standards are sorted out. It was gathered that Buhari gave the direc-

tives through his security team by asking the AIT crew to leave the Defence House during the visit of the Cuban Ambassador to him. Although the station was informed politely by one of the officials, the crew refused to leave the venue. Reacting to the incident, the APC presidential campaign organi-

Sokoto: Court fixes May 26 for suit against Tambuwal Tunde Oyesina Abuja

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, fixed May 26 to decide whether the suit challenging the candidacy of the Sokoto State Governor-elect, Aminu Tambuwal will go on or not. Senate Committee Chairman on Judiciary and a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC, Senator Umaru Dahiru, had approached the court through his counsel, Awa Kalu,

(SAN), to challenge the primary election that produced Tambuwal as the candidate of the APC in Sokoto State. Counsel to Tambuwal, Jibrin Okutepa, (SAN), had asked the court to strike out the suit since events had overtaken it and it has become academic in nature. He further argued that the reliefs sought by the plaintiff were not executable and any declarations made would have no constitutional or electoral significance to the parties before the court, given that the election has already been held.

zation Spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu disclosed to the media that what gave rise to the measure was concerns over security and ethical standards which members of the family of the President- elect raised. He said, "AIT has been asked to stay aside based on security and family concerns. In ad-

dition, Buhari has decided that they will have to resolve some issues relating to standard and ethics. "We will be talking with them to try and resolve the matter but for now, the station has been asked to stay aside because like I said, there are some family and security concerns. They have been asked to step

down their coverage until we resolve the matter with them on ethics and standards". However, Shehu said it is not true that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has been bared along with the AIT. According to him, the NTA crew are free to attend the events of the President-elect and to cover it accordingly.

FCT names streets after Jonathan, Sambo, Dangote, 185 others Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

he Federal Government, through the FCT Administration has honoured eminent Nigerians and other accomplished Africans by naming major streets in Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts as well as expressways and roads after them. FCT Minister, Senator

Bala Mohammed, who disclosed this yesterday at the end of the FCT Executive Committee meeting held at his Life Camp, Gwarinpa official Residence, reeled out the names of the honourees. Among them are President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari;

former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha; business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others. The soon-to-be commissioned Inner Southern Expressway, which dissects Abuja city centre, was named after President Jonathan while the longest Wuye district boulevard express road measuring 1,730 metres was named after Dr. Atiku Abubakar. Another major road in the same district was named after Vice President Sambo.

he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, has said that the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa, Ambassador Martin Cobham and the Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke were not recalled from South Africa, but summoned for routine consultation. In a statement from the Ministry’s Public Communications Division, the summoning of the envoys, which has been widely linked to xenophobic attacks on some foreigners, including Nigerians, in South Africa, is a usual practice in the conduct of diplomacy, the ministry said. The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to reiterate that the two senior diplomats have been invited to come for consultation after which they would return to their duty posts. They have, therefore, not been recalled as erroneously portrayed in the media. “Much as the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the generality of Nigerians are deeply concerned about the xenophobic attacks, there are satisfactory indications that the South African authorities have taken firm measures to stem the tide of attacks."

change of nameS

OLAYIWOLA

I formerly known as Oluremi Afolabi now wish to be known as Janet Remi Olayiwola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEMILUA

I formerly known as Tajudeen Latifat Mojirayo now wish to be known as Ademilua Latifat Mojirayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Why I murdered my uncle –Suspect

LAND DISPUTE

A man hired assassins to kidnap, torture and kill his uncle, a pastor, over land dispute Tony Anichebe Uyo

suspect now in police custody in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Saturday Akpan, has explained why he hired assassins to murder his uncle, Pastor Okon Nnnana. The late Nnnana hailed from Ika Local Government Area of the state. Akpan told journalists that he hired assassins who demanded N250,000 but got only N100,000 and kidnapped the old man from his family compound. The suspect added that the man was taken to Ikot Udo forest where he was murdered and buried in a shallow grave. He said he ordered Nnnana’s murder because of a land dispute involving the extended family. The suspect’s accomplice, Mr Friday Akpan, noted that while he witnessed Nnnana’s torture and eventual killing, he did not partake in the act but swore an oath of secrecy. He said that his younger brother, in whose house the victim was kept and tortured,

died of a strange illness a week after the man was murdered. Addressing journalists at the police headquarters, Uyo, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Gabriel Achong, said the son of the deceased reported the case of his missing father to the police, after a quarrel concerning a family land. The police boss, who spoke through the Asstant Commissioner of Police, Mr Mike Okoli, noted Saturday Akpan, who was arrested along with Friday Akpan, owned up to the crime during interrogation which enabled the police to discover the shallow grave where they dumped their victim. He said: “Even the efforts made by the family to ensure amicable resolution of the matter by conveying a family peace meeting was snubbed by Mr Saturday Akpan, prompting suspicion that he has a hand in the disappearance of the late Pastor Okon Nnana “They led the police to Ikot Udo forest where they dug a shallow grave and dumped the body of their victim with his hands tied to his back. “The relations of the victim were invited while the body was exhumed and handed over to a pathologist for autopsy to enable police to begin prosecution of the matter.” The police chief regretted that the rate of senseless killing was on the rise in the state especially over very trivial

Abeokuta

olice in Ogun State yesterday cautioned motorists and members of the public over a new method adopted by thieves and car snatchers. The Commissioner of Po-

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

lice, Val Ntomchukwu, said car thieves had recently devised a method of using motorcycles on major highways to flag down unsuspecting motorists and rob them of their vehicles. Ntomchukwu gave the admonition in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi. The statement listed the roads that the suspects often snatched vehicles to include Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu-Abeokuta, Abeokuta-Lagos and Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin expressways. The commissioner disclosed that his men had already arrested about 10 suspected car snatchers using

Eche Nwaobasi Nnewi

The shallow grave where Nnnana was buried

Police warn motorists on new car-snatching method Kunle Olayeni

Decomposing body found in Anambra hospital

IGP, Solomon Arase

this particular method within two weeks. He said: “The hoodlums, in most cases, flag down road users or raise the alarm of punc-

tured tyre or damaged portion on their vehicles with the pretence of being caring or showing sympathy but eventually rob anyone who yields to their fake care or alarm. “The command deems it necessary to caution the good people of Ogun State and those on transit within the state to note and beware of these hoodlums with their new mode of operation.” The police boss said it became imperative to alert the public on the new trend of criminal operations “and to enlighten the public on possible way forward”. He promised that those caught in the act would be made to face the wrath of the law.

olice in Anambra State are now trying to unravel the cause of the death of a middle-aged woman whose decomposing body was found in a hospital in Onitsha. It was gathered that the health facility, St. Barth Model Hospital, located at No 806 Awka Road, Onitsha, is owned by one Dr Chukwudi Agbala. Information showed that the middle-aged woman, whose real name is yet to be known, hailed from Ndoni in Rivers State but resided at Awada, on the outskirts of Onitsha. Sources said that the deceased, who was pregnant, went to the hospital to deliver a baby but along the line everything went wrong, leading to her death. It was alleged that on discovering that the woman was dead, the doctor absconded while patients also fled for fear of being arrested. The offensive odour oozing from the decomposing body made the residents of the area to raise the alarm and invited the police. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Inland Town Police Division, Onitsha, SP Cosmas Eze, confir med the discovery of the body at the hospital. He said his men had evacuated the body to Onitsha General Hospital, adding that the police were on top of the situation. Also contacted, the Medical Doctor of the hospital, Dr Chukwudi Agbala, denied any foul play in the death of the woman. Agbala explained that the woman died on admission and that he invited her relations to come and evacuate her corpse. But, according to him, the woman’s relatives did not show up. The medical director also denied the allegation that he was running a baby factory. He attributed the allegation to the handiwork of his enemies and mischiefmakers.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Abductors dump another child in Ogun church Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

five-year-old boy suspected to have been kidnapped and dumped at a church in Mowe, on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has been rescued by the police in Ogun State. The boy, Abraham Adeyemi, was found at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Imedu-Nla, Mowe on Sunday. Pastor of the church, whose name was not made available, was said to have alerted the police. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident in Abeokuta yesterday, said the little Adeyemi was found stranded within the church premises with a piece of paper, attached to his dress, on which a phone number was scribbled. Adejobi added that several attempts by the police to call the phone number failed as the line had remained switched off. The boy simply identified his father and mother as “Daddy and Mummy Sarah,” adding that his mother

Adeyemi

“sells recharge cards”. The boy also told journalists that he attends New Way Nursery and Primary School but could not remember the location of his school. This came barely a week after kidnappers dumped a three-year-old girl kidnapped from a Lagos church in another church in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. While expressing con-

cern over the frequent incidents of child kidnap in the state, Adejobi said the police command would thoroughly investigate the latest case. The PPRO urged churches, mosques, parents and guardians to always be conscious of the security of children while services were being conducted. He said: “On Sunday 26th April, one man, who of course is the pastor of the

Foursquare Gospel Church, Imedu-Nla, Mowe brought Abraham Adeyemi, about five years old, to the police station. He said he saw him in his church premises after church service crying and when he accosted the boy, he could not give any information. “But he found a paper on which a telephone was written and attached to the boy’s clothes. He tried to call the number but it has not been available. We have not been able to locate the parents of the boy. The boy has mentioned his house as being close to one canal. So, we just have the presumption that maybe he is from Lagos because we don’t always use canal in Ogun. “We want to have the belief that the boy must have been kidnapped in Lagos and dumped in a church in Ogun State and if you can recollect, that is not the first time that the command made a statement last week on the same issue that we are bothered, we are concerned about the way young children would be kidnapped during church service and dumped in other churches.

FCTA raises security alarm over uncompleted buildings Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee yesterday expressed concern over growing number of uncompleted and abandoned buildings across the Federal Capital City (FCC), Abuja. This was part of the outcome of the weekly FCT EXCO meeting held at the Life Camp official residence of FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed. Mohammed, who presided over the meeting, said such uncompleted and

abandoned structures posed serious security threat to the well-being of the city. Noting the huge security implications of the buildings to the lives of FCT residents, the minister directed the FCT Department of Development Control to evolve measures to reduce such buildings. The EXCO, according to Mohammed, also expressed concern over the outward appearance of some dilapidated. The minister also warned that the trend must be reversed immediately. He said: “The EXCO has

directed the FCT Development Control Department to, as a matter of urgency, enumerate all uncompleted buildings as well as undeveloped plots in serviced areas.” The minister also advised property owners in the FCT, especially those completed but unoccupied, to provide the buildings with security light and personal guards. He said: “Owners of completed but unoccupied buildings should be made to mandatorily provide security lighting at the view, rear and all sides of such property all nights as well as station se-

curity personnel.” According to Mohammed, the EXCO also directed owners to rid empty buildings of weeds, stagnant water and litter. The minister also said the EXCO commended the ongoing installation of traffic light at 74 junctions across the FCC and some Satellite Towns. Mohammed disclosed that the project was in collaboration with the Chinese Government through the National Planning Commission. He added that the FCT Administration had paid all its counterpart funds.

Three killed in Plateau attacks Musa Pam Jos

enewed attacks have left three people dead while another was injured at Kwi and Rim villages of Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State. Two men were killed at Kwi about 8pm on Sunday while a woman was murdered at Rim in the early hours of yesterday. Confirming the incident at Rim, the lawmaker representing Riyom constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Dem, said

“a woman was killed this morning (yesterday) in my village. “This thing is really getting out of hand. The villagers are living in fear and most of them have fled their homes. It needs to be urgently addressed so the people can return to their houses.” However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the Kwi attack. He said: “We received information from one Bitrus Yohanna who told the DPO that about 20:00hrs, Fulani herdsmen, in large numbers, invaded Kwi through Barkin File picture of attack on a community Ladi.

City Briefs Ex-NDDC commissioner jailed for stealing transformers Juliana Francis

n Akwa Ibom State High Court yesterday sentenced a former Commissioner representing the state on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Godwin Moffat Eyo. Eyo was jailed three years for stealing 56 transformers meant for oil producing communities in the state. The convict, who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a 56-count charge that borders on stealing and conversion of 56 electricity transformers released to him by NDDC for distribution to communities in Akwa Ibom State, was found guilty on 37 of those counts by Justice Idongesit Ntem B. Isua. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the counts. Eyo was, however, discharged and acquitted on 19 counts. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Lagos records 5,483 weddings Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday gave reasons for the state growing population, saying it recorded over 5,483 couples who got married in 2014 alone. The Lagos population is currently estimated to be about 21 million. It was gathered that by the end of this year, the population would rise to 25 million people, which will make it the third largest city in the world but with less infrastructure than any other large cities of the world. But speaking at the 2015 Ministerial Press Briefing, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye, said the government recorded over 5,000 weddings last year alone. He said: “The total number of weddings recorded is about 5,483. I don’t know whether that it is high or low. We hope that more people will get married anyway. “The marriage unit of the ministry generated revenue into state coffers through the issuance of 120 number of special licences, registration of churches and renewal of churches for marriage purposes. “The control mechanism put in place has helped reduced proliferation of marriage institution and curbed the activities of con-men who aim to dupe innocent citizens.” Kuye added that boundary dispute between Agege, Ikeja and Orile local government areas was equally been attended to by the ministry. He said: “The ministry communicated the necessary information to the three local governments involved in the dispute based on the report of the office of surveyor general for Lagos State. This matter was as a result of the demarcation of borders in 2003 when additional local council development areas were created. “The ministry has also submitted all documents needed for the resolution of the boundary dispute between Ogun and Lagos State at OdeOmi area to the National Boundary Commission in support of the claims of Lagos State on ownership of the area.”

12 News

south - west

tuesday, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Osun Poly seeks end to university, poly certificates dichotomy Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

uthorities of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has appealed to the President-elect, Gen. Mohammad Buhari, to address the di-cotomy between the university and polytechnic qualifications, saying, according the university degree prominence over the polytechnic qualification was a misnomer. The institution, which made the appeal through its Rector, Dr. Jacob Olusoji Agboola, at the 22nd matriculation ceremony held yesterday at the polytechnic, argued that the skill acquisitions in the polytechnics were far better than that of the universities. He stated that no country can develop without recognizing skill acquired by students through technical education from the polytechnics, stressing, "until students acquire basic technical skills, the country's education would be incomplete". Agboola, who argued that the type of education and skills acquired from the polytechnics were superior to that of universities, said polytechnic education always makes individuals to be independent of themselves. According to him, "polytechnic education is for job creation and not job seeking. It prepares every individual for self-reliance while ensuring the practicability of every knowledge acquired." Agboola also advised them against other untowards acts that could bring disrepute to the institution or that could prolong their academic pursuits on campus. The rector, however, enjoined them to avoid cultism and examination malpractices while on campus, adding that these vices are the bane to academic success. "They are monsters which may destroy your lives and your souls," he said.

L-R: Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director, British American Tobacco (BAT), Freddy Messanvi; representative of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Anthony Adeniyi; award beneficiary, Mr. Oyedokun Mosunmola; Operations Director, BAT, Charles Kyalo and Sustainability Manager, Oluwaseyi Ashade, at the BATNF’s Farmers Productivity Awards in Iseyin, Oyo State…recently

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

ll Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday chided the former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, over his remarks on the lawmakers' move to impeach the state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose. They also advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain to face the reality of the defeat his party suffered in the last general elections. In a statement in AdoEkiti, the lawmakers advised Babatope to take his heart away from his present state of trauma to avoid a continuous psycho-

he Lagos State Government yesterday blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the tenure elongation of the 57 caretakers of the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the state.

logical torture inherent in his hate campaign against the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They also counseled him to be discrete in his utterances on the illegalities of governor Fayose, lest he would be labeled a leader lacking a sense of good judgment. Reacting to Babatope's interview in a national daily, where he called them charlatans, the lawmakers said that an elder of Babatope’s age, should be running people younger to

him down. They slammed the PDP leader for calling them charlatans, questioning his integrity as an elderstatesman to manage crisis. The lawmakers expressed regret that he could succumb to partisanship against logic that should have guarded his judgment against illegality in government. "A question mark is being put on the integrity of Babatope as a leader if he could support Ondo impeachment, but he is now calling Ekiti lawmakers

names for questioning Fayose, over a treason charge by changing the leadership of the Assembly with seven members, contrary to the prescription of the constitution. "Babatope's past role in Ekiti Government House is still fresh in our memory with special reference to the allegation that he once participated in the supervision of thugs to unleash mayhem on our members. Up till now, he has not refuted that allegation and we wonder why it is when

to support violent acts like we have under Fayose that Babatope makes headlines on Ekiti issues. "What did Babatope say when Fayose suborned seven PDP members to illegally pass the budget, approve commissioners and special advisers, revoke the Local Government Law, Ekiti State Transport Management Agency and Social Security Scheme laws without recourse to the Assembly through revocation bills?" the lawmakers queried.

Group urges Jonathan to call Mimiko to order Muritala Ayinla

group, the Southwest Progressives Youth Movement, (SPYM), yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to call the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, to order over what it described as the 'unlawful' impeachment of the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, by the state lawmakers.

Blame INEC for delay of LG elections — Commissioner Muritala Ayinla

Ekiti: APC lawmakers chide Babatope over comments

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademorin Kuye, who stated this said the caretakers would continue to stay in office as long as the INEC holds on to the remaining permanent voter cards. Kuye said: "I cannot say when the elections would be conducted. You will agree with me that

They also warned the senators elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to be wary of the Senate President, David Mark, alleging a clandestine move by the Peoples Democratic Party to retain the Senate Presidency. Briefing journalists on the state of the nation, the SPYM coordinator, Mr Taiwo Ajayi, condemned

the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Ali Olanusi by the State legislature. He described the impeachment as vindictive on the part of Mimiko. "We want to say here that we are condemning this act; if the Deputy Governor is to be impeached for his defection to another political party of choice, then each member of the Ondo

since the last registration when INEC gave us the PVCs, the entire PVCs have not been released. We still have some outstanding left with the electoral commission. "There is no way the state electoral commission; LASIEC can conduct any election without having the appropriate voters register for the state. And this register is still in the custody of INEC. "It has not been released to the state."

Ogun, Chinese firm sign $3.2bn light rail contract Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Ogun State government yesterday signed a contract agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for the construction of multi-billion light rail mass transit in the state. The project, which is

State House of Assembly must be impeached too for their defection from Labour Party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) alongside the Ondo State Governor who also defected to the PDP even without any internal crisis,’’ Ajayi said. He alleged that there were moves by the Senate President to 'buy' the Senate Presidency, in order to remain in office.

expected to link major cities, including Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Idiroko, Agbara, Ota and Sagamu, with neighbouring states, will cost $3.2billion. Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who restated his commitment to infrastructural development, said the project would boost the state's economy and also enhance its transportation

“We want to call on the entire senators elected under the progressive platform (APC) to be more alive to their responsibilities this time around. The future of Nigeria should not be put in jeopardy. Nigerians have voted for them for serious legislative business and not to sell our future to the money-bag politicians to occupy positions for their selfish interest.

system. Secretary to the State Gover nment (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, signed the contract at a ceremony held at the Governor's Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta. The CCECC Chairman, Mr. Cao Baogang, signed on behalf of the Chinese firm.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

Xenophobia

Fallout

How Nigeria should tackle S’Africa, by Tinubu

In the shadow of parents

Politics It was supposed to be an eight-year joint ticket that should run till 2017, but the tenure of Alhaji Ali Olanusi as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State came to an end yesterday as 22 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly impeached him and ratified the choice of his replacement in a drama that lasted about seven hours both in the chambers of the Assembly and the Conference Hall at the Governor’s office. Babatope OkeOwo reports

he tenure of Alhaji Ali Olanusi as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State came to an abrupt end yesterday with his impeachment by the State House of Assembly for alleged corruption and gross misconduct. His replacement, Alhaji Lasisi Olugbenga Oluboyo, was subsequently sworn in. Olanusi became the first elected deputy governor of the state to be impeached in the history of the 39-year-old Sunshine State. Sign that Olanusi was going to be impeached manifested on April 13 when he had to drive to his official residence in a hail of bullets fired by security aides attached to him. The shooting by the security aides was to scare some protest-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

An end so soon OUT

Olanusi

ers who had ambushed him on his way from Supare-Akoko, his hometown. Sensing that the protesters were out to embarrass their boss, the security aides opened fire and this scared many people who thought it was an armed robbery attack. This was followed by the arrest of some people who were alleged to have spearheaded the protest. A week after the shooting incident, specifically on April 21, the House of Assembly served impeachment notice on Olanusi as the deputy governor. The following day, which was on April 22nd, the Assembly directed the Chief Judge to set up a panel to investigate the allegations against the former deputy governor. By April 23rd, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi obeyed the directive of the Assembly and on Friday April 24th, the panel headed by Mr. Olatunji Stanley Adeniyan concluded its sitting and by Monday April 27, the tenure of Olanusi as number two citizen of the state had ended. In all, the impeachment processes took five working days to be ac-

Oluboyo

complished.

This is unacceptable. We will challenge this unconstitutional impeachment and unlawfulness appropriately in court

The case against Olanusi The panel which sat for one day found the former deputy governor guilty of all the seven charges preferred against him including “being the holder of the office of the Deputy Governor, permitted and condoned the perpetration of fraudulent activities in the office of the Deputy Governor in that Alhaji Bola Idris Olanusi, the younger brother and Special Assistant in the office of Deputy Governor procured false LPO’s with the knowledge of Alhaji Ali Olanusi and obtained EHISO Resources International Limited, two trucks of AGO with forged documents and for personal benefits, thereby putting the office of the deputy governor into disrepute.” He was also accused of disparaging the office of the governor by alleging that the governor carted away ballot boxes, instigated the killing of people of the state, disrespected the judiciary, worked against the interest of the president and a person who bribed the electorate.

Also, Olanusi was accused of engaging in absenteeism and truancy by regularly absenting himself from office, place of work and other official engagements without lawful excuse or authorisation but generally acting in a manner inconsistent with the dictates and expectations of the high office of the deputy governor of a state, thus, undermining the governance process; an act which amount to gross misconduct under the constitution just as he was accused of allowing his security aides to shoot indiscriminately peaceful protesters along Fiwasaye/Oba Adesida road in Akure. Thus creating panic, breakdown of law and order, and general sense of insecurity within the state under the pretext that the said protesters disrupted his convoy, an act unbecoming of the holder of the office of the deputy governor. Olanusi was accused of collecting various sums of money including N8 million, N8.9 million, N10.8 million and N11.3 milCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares his thoughts on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

How Nigeria should tackle S’Africa, by Tinubu improve its ability to ensure such things do not repeat themselves on such a large scale.

he destructive attacks in South Africa on Nigerians and other sub-Saharan Africans are tragic and mindlessly wrong. The assaults sorely bruise the objective of interAfrican harmony. They also put an eraser to the idyll of progress and domestic tranquillity many people saw when gazing at South Africa. The xenophobia is actually a lethal show of misdirected anger. The attacks point to deep, underlying ruptures within the South African political economy that actually have little to do with the presence of Nigerian or other Black Africans in that nation. Nigerians have become scapegoats in a fundamentally domestic struggle. The Black populace is roiling because their economic plight has worsened since the end of apartheid. If prosperity had come to them, they would not have come to this. The political and economic accommodation between the traditionally White-controlled economic superstructure and the post-Mandela Black political elite is under challenge. This model of governance has failed to make adequate provision for the bulk of the Black population. Due to his unique status, Mandela was able to give the Black population succour and hope while counselling them patience. That great man is no longer there. Gone with him is the succour he gave and apparently the patience of the people. South Africans thus lashed out in frustration. They attacked Nigerians and other Africans not so much because our people were the cause of their woes. They attacked our people because they could do so much easier than they could attack the actual sources of their ire and economic predicament. It is easier to destroy the wares of the local shopkeeper than to change the political economy. The former merely requires an eruption of anger; the latter requires sustained political organisation, vision and dedication. Thus, although they want political economic reform, all they did was to attack nonSouth Africans who provided goods and services to them at the neighbourhood level. While the government of South Africa may be questioned about its continued adherence to a political economic model that appears to have exceeded its best-use date, it is completely wrong to say the South African government had even a hand in instigating the unrest. Thus, recalling the Nigerian High Commissioner is inappropriate and counterproductive. Instead of pulling the diplomat, Nigeria should name a high-level special envoy to visit the nation and engage directly with President Zuma. Nigeria should also

Tinubu

Zuma

send an Interagency Coordinated Action Team (ICAT) to South Africa to complement enhanced efforts to provide consular services, liaison with police and security and ensure that affected Nigerians receive proper restitution. We should also talk to major South Africa businesses resident in Nigeria. It would help douse tensions and ill will here if they announced a plan to contribute to the restitution of affected Nigerians. No Recall Some observers have questioned the swiftness and efficiency of the South African government’s response to the mayhem. Such is their right to do so. However, the South African government did not cause the problem. They had no reason for it. To blame the government is to increase tension and confusion, not douse them. Recall of an envoy is usually prompted by an adverse act by the host government itself. It is not good practice to recall a High Commissioner for a tragedy the host government could not have prevented and one for which its appears to be working in good faith to end. The recent social upheaval should be likened more to a natural disaster as the government had no proximate control over its eruption. To recall our High Commissioner might satisfy our sense of outrage; it would do little else, however. The move implicitly signals to the South African government that we blame it for causing the outburst or for being negligent in the aftermath. Such a move would make it harder to encourage the South African government to act as we would like toward affected Nigerians. The more we diminish our presence is the more we diminish the daily pressure on

Our policy approach should not be determined by anger. Our policy should be founded on a wise, dispassionate assessment

the government in Pretoria. The more we diminish the pressure is the less we can positively influence that government’s action. Pulling our envoy decreases not increases our diplomatic leverage in this particular circumstance. Also, much of the world and many Nigerians in South Africa will perceive the move negatively; they will think we are abandoning our citizens during the height of their travail. This might demoralise them to a material degree. The absence of the High Commissioner for an appreciable period of time will undermine the efficacy of our diplomatic mission at the moment when that mission should be doing its utmost for that segment of our Diaspora in South Africa. Special Envoy A more constructive step would be to designate a presidential special envoy to liaise directly with President Jacob Zuma and appropriate cabinet-level officials in South Africa. The official should be a wellknown statesman preferably with a prior relationship with President Zuma. A former head of state or someone like former Commonwealth Secretary Emeka Anyaoku would be ideal for the position. This step would underscore Nigeria’s concerns for its citizens abroad. It would also signal to the South Africans that this episode cannot simply be left to fade into memory as has happened in the past. The envoy would press to ensure that adequate security is availed the Nigerian community to prevent further incidents this time of tension. The Envoy would also explore ways the Nigerian community can be better integrated and accepted in South Africa. Most importantly, he will press the South African government to

ICAT Complementing the efforts of the special envoy would be a working level Inter-Agency Coordinating Emergency Team (ICAT). The ICAT would be comprised of police and other security officers who would liaise with South African counterparts at the operational level to ensure adequate security for the Nigerian community and that the authors of violence will be apprehended. The team would also have a strong consular component. Nigeria should use this as an opportunity to reach out to the Nigerian community in South Africa to get a better idea of its numerical dimensions and the locations where that community is most concentrated. A warden or communication system should be established within the community so that people can be quickly apprised of emergency situations or major events. A small legal team with experience in comparative criminal and civil law should be part of the team. On one hand, the lawyers would check to make sure those arrested are to be prosecuted. The lawyers should also investigate the proposals for restitution the South African government will make for affected Nigerians. South African businesses in Nigeria To douse tensions here and show goodwill, major firms in the South African business community here should be encouraged to develop a fund to restitute affected Nigerians. This fund should be contributed to the Nigerian government. Conclusion In such a circumstances, our policy approach should not be determined by anger. Our policy should be founded on a wise, dispassionate assessment of how to best protect our countrymen when they are imperilled. Recalling our top envoy does nothing to protect them. We must do better and more than just express anger. The steps outlined above – Special Envoy, ICAT and South African Business Restitution Fund – are practical actions that can actually help our people and the South African government. Nigeria and South Africa are the two major sub-Saharan African economies. We should attempt to work cooperatively to the extent possible, even in tense times. This show of cooperation and assistance serves our longer-term strategic interests. We should extend our hand of cooperation because that is in the best interests of our people in South Africa. If the South Africans rebuff these or similar overtures, then we can examine the need to call home our High Commissioner. However, recall should have been the last resort not the first one.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

SPECIAL REPORT on

The 8th Senate’s Fresh Generation Godswill Akpabio

Aliyu Wamakko

Jonah David Jang

Stella Adaeze Oduah

Samuel Egwu

Theodore Orji

Mao Ohuabunwa

Uche Lilian Ekwunife

Buruji Kashamu

Jerimiah Useni

Abubakar Kyari

Ben Murrey Bruce

Peter Nwabushi

Biodun Olujimi

Dino Melaye

Monsurat Sunmonu

Bayero Usman Nafada

Bala ibn Na’Allah

Isiaka A. Adeleke

Abubakar Danladi

Adeola Olamilekan

Binta Masi Garba

Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim

Mustapha Bukar

Duro Samuel Faseyi

Fatimat O. Raji-Rasaki

Shehu Sani

Mustapha Bukar

Philip Aruwa I Gyunka

Buhari Abdulfatai

Suleiman O. Hunkuyi

Osinakachukwu Ideozu

Danjuma La’ah

Bassey Albert Akpan

Olanrewaju Tejuoso

Mohammed A. Ohiare

Nelson Asuquo Effiong

Achonu A. Nneji

Sabo Mohammed

David Umaru

Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi

Barau I Jibrin

Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Clifford A. Ordia

John Enoh Owan

Mathew A. Urhoghide

Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka

Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi

Gbolahan Dada

Abdul-Aziz M. Nyako

Francis A. Alimikhena

Olaka Johnson Nwogu

Ogba Joseph Obinna

Tijjani Yahaya Kaura

Donald Alasoadura

Rose Okoji Oko

Yele Omogunwa

Ogola Foster

Gershom H. Bassey

Suleiman M. Nazif

Malam Ali Wakili

Abdullahi A. Gumel

Marafa Bashir Abba

Yahaya Abdullahi

Abdulrahman Abubakar

Salihu Hussain Egye

Mohammed Garba

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

Ahmadu Abubakar

Mohammed Hasan

Isah Hamma Misau

Ibrahim Abdullahi

Muhammad Ubali Shitu

On June 4, 2015, the eighth Senate of the National Assembly will be inaugurated. Of the 109 Senators who will be taking their seats, 73, representing 66 per cent will be fresh in the upper chamber. Who are these fresh Senators? What are their backgrounds and antecedents? What quality of debate and contributions are we likely to see from them? These and more will be the kernel of a special report by New Telegraph on that day. The report presents a unique opportunity for family, friends and associates of these fresh Senators to felicitate with them. For enquiries and participation: Call Biodun: 0802-301-5582, Taiwo: 0803-304-2915, Onwuka: 0803-733-9843, David: 0810-759-1663

16 Politics

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Olanusi out, Oluboyo in

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

lion for the purpose of travelling for medical purposes and refused to use the fund for the purpose meant for. Nailing the coffin In what looked like a drama, the Assembly started its parliamentary sitting around 8:30a.m. when the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge came to submit its report. After the submission, the Assembly sat at the plenary at about 9:30a.m. and by 10a.m., the impeachment processes had been completed. The Majority Leader, Dayo Akinsoyinu, who set the tone for the day’s session told his colleagues that having received the report of the Impeachment Committee, the House should adopt the report. His motion was seconded by Olatunji Dairo. Having adopted the report, Akinsoyinu also stood up to move the motion that Olanusi should be impeached and removed from office. The second motion was seconded by Oyebo Aladetan. The motion was put to vote by the Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele and 22 members of the Assembly present at the plenary stood up to be counted among the people that agreed to the impeachment move. Not satisfied with the headcount, Akindele said decision should be put to voice vote and all the members in the Assembly said ‘yes’ to the motion. In her brief ruling, the Speaker said Olanusi “is hereby impeached and removed from office.” Consequently, she directed the former deputy governor to return all government properties in his possession to the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor. Alternatively, Akindele said the Permanent Secretary should use all lawful means to retrieve government properties in the custody of the former deputy governor. Screening of new Deputy Governor As reporters that covered the

Akindele

event wanted to leave the chambers, there was information that the new deputy governor would be unveiled, prompting them to wait for hours at the Assembly Complex. By 12 noon, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Rotimi Adelola, accompanied by the Chief Protocol Officer to the governor, Mr. Ife Fasoranti came to drop the letter from the governor to the lawmakers who had again reconvened. Having read the letter of the governor announcing Oluboyo as the new deputy governor, the Selection Committee of the Assembly headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dare Emiola, took a break to examine the credentials of the nominee. In its brief report, the Committee said Oluboyo had appeared on the floor of the Assembly twice for clearance; once as a Commissioner for Natural Resources and Agriculture. It described him as fit and proper person for the office of the Deputy Governor. He was however directed to appear before the House. After taking a bow, the newly approved deputy governor moved to the Cocoa Conference Hall in the Governor’s Office where he was sworn in as the new Deputy Governor to replace Olanusi. Oluboyo is from Ikare-Akoko in Akoko Northeast Local Government of the state while Olanusi is from a neighbouring Akoko Southwest Local Government area of the state. Interestingly, both of them are from the same ethnic group and of the same religion. Hundred per cent loyalty After he took the oath of office and allegiance, the new deputy governor promised to be 100 per cent loyal to his boss. He said he would not disappoint or betray Governor Olusegun Mimiko as his predecessor had done. As a true Muslim, he said, he would adhere strictly to the tenet of Islam, pray for the success of the administration and help the governor in any way he could.

Kekemeke

The parliament displayed its commitment... by removing from office a man who not only discharge his responsibilities with levity and mostly in abeyance

PDP, APC differ But the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) differed sharply on the impeachment procedures. The APC described the impeachment as unconstitutional, unacceptable and a show of desperation by the governor and the PDP. The state chairman of the APC, Isaac Kekemeke, said the governor by this action has “consolidated his emperorship of the state where he is the head of the judiciary, executive and legislature where individuals who are heads of these departments do things at his whims and caprices.” Kekemeke queried the appointment of a retired Chief Magistrate as the head of the probe panel where there are “retired High Court judges, and Supreme Court while members of the committee are unknown entities.” He pointed out that the governor has by his action disturbed the peace in the state. His words: “This is unacceptable. We will challenge this unconstitutional impeachment and unlawfulness appropriately in court.” Similarly, the APC Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, described the impeachment as comical and temporary.” In a statement, the party described the impeachment of the deputy governor, as temporary, as the party vowed to reclaim the seat through legal means. Also, the party said the impeachment is the height of impunity by the PDP-led government in the state. His words: “It is laughable and comical that the rubber-stamp House of Assembly could hurriedly impeached the deputy governor, and accept nomination of another person in a haste.” “The impeachment of Alhaji Olanusi as the deputy governor of Ondo State is temporary. The whole process of the impeachment was a sham and charade. How on earth will a deputy governor be impeached within five

days? It shows that there were unholy alliance among the state governor, Mimiko, Chief Judge, Olasehinde Kumuyi and the governor’s stooges who called themselves state lawmakers to embark on illegal process to impeach the duly elected deputy governor. “It was clear to the people of the state that before directive of the Assembly Speaker to serve Olanusi the impeachment notice, the embattled deputy governor was not in the state. Without any court order, the Speaker directed them to paste the notice of impeachment on the quarters of the deputy governor, this is unlawful. The Chief Judge, who was Mimiko’s best man during his wedding, has been assisting the governor to execute illegality. “He set up a panel that was expected to seat for three months by giving room for fair hearing with the parties involved, the investigative panel only sat for five hours in just one day and found Olanusi guilty of gross misconduct without fair hearing and in absentia, because the panel is acting a script from the governor. This is impunity per excellence. “The newly sworn-in Deputy Governor, Alhaji Laisisi Oluboyo is occupying the seat illegally. We still have faith in the judiciary that illegality perpetrated by the State Assembly will be set aside by the court,” the statement stated. But the PDP justified the action of the lawmakers in impeaching Olanusi. The party said the ousted deputy governor had exhibited traits of a traitor and should be impeached to pave the way for peace in the state. The party through its Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, said: “The PDP takes absolute cognisance of the impeachment of Alhaji Ali Olanusi as Deputy Governor and commends the House of Assembly for its tenacity in prosecuting this action. It is important to declare that the parliament displayed its commitment to good governance that will be bereft of undue encumbrances by removing from office a man who not only discharge his responsibilities with levity and mostly in abeyance, but also view with disdain his oath of office to bear true allegiance to the government he was an integral part of. “This attitude is unbecoming of a senior citizen who should ordinarily serve as a shining example to younger generations who look up to him for inspiration. The concept of gubernatorial candidates having running mates as enshrined in the presidential system of government indicates that a governor must have loyal and trustworthy deputy that will view issues from the same perspective as his boss and work in unison with him in all ramifications. “Thus the moment Ali Olanusi decided to chart a new and independent course for himself, he should have honourably resigned from office, rather he began to nurse phantom ambitions of how he will covet the position of his boss, this to say the least is dishonourable and treacherous. “With the impeachment of Olanusi and his replacement by Oluboyo, government will continue to power on seamlessly and progress will continue in our state.”

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

In the shadow of parents Their parents are political gladiators who hold the ace when it comes to the art of politics. In this report, TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE writes on the failed ambitions of politicians’ children in the last general elections

Osobas

Ajomales

Obanikoros

Ogunlewes

he outcome of the March 28 and April 11 general elections was a mixture of joy and sorrow for political gladiators, especially those whose children took part in the elections. While some politicians’ children couldn’t even scale the hurdles of party’s primaries, others eventually kissed the dust at the elections while some others won their contests. Unlike their parents who were on top of their games, the foray of some children of politicians into an act that has dignified and positioned their parents, hit the brick wall and the plan to foster a political lineage crashed like a pack of cards as they could not muster needed votes for their ambitions . In the past, political gladiators have used their influence to help their children walk in their strides, thereby preserving their political dynasty. But the times are changing and political permutations and outcome are gradually swaying from individuals to the people. Perhaps, these politicians and their offspring failed to put this reality into perspective. Osoba’s son failed return to National Assembly He had an easy ride in 2011 to the House of Representatives through the backing of his father, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. The weight of what it takes to competitively compete in an election, however, dawn on Olumide in 2015 as the political structure he rode upon in 2011 was nowhere to be found. In 2011, his father was a chieftain of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); three years after, the unresolved difference between Osoba who is a former governor of Ogun State and the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun effectively made his father to seek political relevance in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Left with no choice, he followed his father to the SDP but his hope for a return to the lower chamber was dashed at the March 28 election. He lost the poll to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aside Olumide’s loss, Osoba’s SDP performed woefully in the election as it lost in all the 20 local government areas of the state. The former governor also lost in his polling unit and ward. Olumide’s ambition to return as the representative of Abeokuta-North/ Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency in the

Green Chamber was truncated as he lost to APC’s candidate, Mikail Kazeem who polled 46,016 votes to Olumide’s 5,497 votes. Ajomale, Adeniji-Adele lost out in Lagos Assembly race Despite his position as Lagos State APC chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale could not help his son, Ladi, to clinch a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. The young Ajomale, who contested the Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency II seat on the platform of the APC, was defeated by Mr. Emeka Jude Idimogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ajomale’s son had 25,727 votes while Idimogu won with 27,433 votes. Like Ajomale, Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele, the son of former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele ambition of returning to the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) also hit the rock on April 11. The lawmaker, currently representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I, was defeated by Mr. Dipo Olorunrinu of the PDP, who had 13,580 votes against the incumbent lawmaker’s 12,010 votes. Hon. Ramota Akinola-Hassan, a member of the Lagos Assembly, representing Amuwo-Odofin Con-

Some politicians’ children couldn’t even scale the hurdles of party’s primaries

stituency II and daughter of Chief Y. A. Akinola, a notable politician in Ojo-Awori axis of Lagos State, also lost her re-election to Mr. Hakeem Bello of the PDP. She scored 14,216 while the PDP candidate had 18,272 votes. Political analysts believe that the APC candidates lost the elections because of the domination of the non-Yoruba speaking in their councils. Oshodi/Isolo and Amuwo-Odofin local governments were among the five local governments won by the PDP during the March 28 and April 11 elections. Others are Surulere, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ojo local governments. Obanikoro, Ogunlewe couldn’t save children The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II and PDP chieftain, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, popularly known as ‘Koro’ is one of the luckiest politicians with heavy political portfolios in the current Fourth Republic. He was a former local government chairman, onetime Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Senator, PDP governorship candidate, Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana and Minister of State for Defence. But despite his rich political dossier, Obanikoro could not deliver a

state constituency seat for his son, Ibrahim. Obanikoro’s son, who contested for Eti-Osa Constituency II in the state Assembly election lost with 258 votes to the incumbent and APC candidate, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu. Ibrahim had 9,510 votes while Yishawu scored 9,782 votes. Moyosore, a 26-year-old son of a former Minister of Works and PDP chieftain, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, also failed to clinch the Kosofe Constituency I seat during the April 11 election in Lagos State. The young Ogunlewe’s hope of become the youngest lawmaker in Lagos State House of Assembly was dashed by the incumbent and APC candidate, Hon. Bayo Osinowo. Durosinmi’s failed ambition Hon. Yinka Murisiq Durosinmi, an ex-Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area ambition to be a member of the House of Representatives in June also hit the rock. He is the son of Alhaji Remilekun Durosinmi, an APC leader in Ojo/ Babagry axis. His sister, Princess Sarah Sosan was the immediate Lagos State deputy governor. With his father’s political influence CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Needless Call for Mu'azu's Head (1)

Nwachukwu Ngige

here is nothing strange or unbelievable about the current fate of the Peoples Democratic Party having lost its dominance at the last general elections. Even though one of our former National Chairmen, Vincent Ogbulafor had boasted in 2008 that the party would hold power for sixty unbroken years, hardly did he know that his sixty years would turn a metaphor for sixteen years. In spite, that verdict of March 28 is far from being a nail on the coffin of the largest party in Africa as PDP is capable of rising again. Nevertheless, the essential lesson of the APC mandate whose credibility was buoyed by the unparalleled sportsmanship and patriotism of President Jonathan, defines the monastic commitment of the PDP to the legacy of free, fair and credible elections. The banner of democracy whose soul is wrapped in credible periodic elections has been lifted very high and thanks to the PDP. Yes, the PDP is now the main Nigeria's opposition political party, a situation the on-going blame game as to who caused it and whether the head of the National Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu should be served on a platter will not reverse. What is important at this moment of decline is for all party leaders to take stock by having a critical look backwards to ascertain how, why and where we fell as well as all the lessons there of . In moments such as this, blame game often wrestles reconnaissance and resilience to the ground as focus is lost in hair splitting. In other words, apportioning blame should stop at a juncture where lessons alone and not detrac-

tion is intended for the leadership. Doing otherwise may result in consequences with unpalatable capacity for discord and further weakening of the electorally bashed party structures. I am of the view therefore that the call from some quarters on Mauzu to quit is misplaced. It is my considered opinion that those calling for his head over the result of the just concluded general elections did not realize that the heavy rains of March 28 and April 11 started gathering storm about a decade ago - the very moment the party lost its supremacy and through that the place of the people as the focus of its bargain for power. The rains only peaked under Mu'azu unfortunately . If my check is correct, it is definitely not Mu'azu that decapitated the once virile, dynamic and mutually independent party leadership which the founding fathers of PDP envisaged as fulcrum of strength as well as concourse of ideas for the good governance of the nation . In March 2000 for example when President Olusegun Obasanjo raised the pump price of petroleum products amidst outcry from Nigerians, the PDP National Working Committee under Barnabas Gemade met, took a decision and sided with Nigerians. In a popular readout by the then National Publicity Secretary of the party, Emmanuel Awan Ibeshi, the PDP said interalia, " we did not cross the Red Sea only to be drowned in the River Jordan. The state of the nation and the mood of the people whose popular mandate we have do not support such an increase at this material time. " The party took a stand against its government and it stood? A clear case of dog waging the tail, you may say. When last did the party enjoy such independence or did it just die under Muazu ?

I witnessed in one of the National Executive Committee meetings in 2013 as the current Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh made a solo effort to stall the raging demolition at Mpape, a surburb of FCT. He had argued in a motion before NEC that the exercise was fiercely eroding the popularity of the party while throwing Nigerians into destitution. His motion did not go far . Time there was when the quarterly National Executive Committee meeting was a veritable avenue for members most of whom are in touch with ordinary Nigerians to avail top leaders of true outer picture in hotly debated motions and counter motions, proving the mettle of issue based, people orientated political party with elasticity for broad based ideas. No NEC in the last six years or so has lasted more than an hour and in fora that see the tail wagging the dog. Thus, long ago, the party lost independence; lost powers to mount even feeble check on the government it formed while the government on the other hand also lost the critical outsider information which NEC members most of whom live in rural Nigeria with the masses often bring . Did Mu'azu cause this ? A few in the long list of questions will prove the case further. Did Mu'azu originate that peeving arrogance that alienated the peoples' party from the people themselves? Is Mu'azu the author of monstrous capitalism that robbed us both sympathy and popular alliance ? Why for example did it take us two weeks to the general elections to realize the negative impact of criminal tariff that the PHCN imposed on Nigerians. Nwachukwu Ngige lives in Abuja.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Let’s ride on, Owelle Imo! Indeed, antagonism, envy, enmity, and of course inconsequential bickering have bewildered mankind’s thrive towards attainment of success since the world began. If you take reference from the holy Bible or Quran as the case may be, you would concur with this perception. This singular fact has succeeded in deterring most men from embarking on their respective desired odysseys. Having witnessed enormous antagonism lately or for the past six months now, if I’m not mistaken, Imo State alongside other states in the federation that are advocates of good governance recorded another epoch making event few days ago. Of course, it was all about the just concluded gubernatorial polls that saw the re-emergence of the people’s governor, Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha – OON for a second term in office. Lest I forget; I want to let us know that this very topic “Let’s ride on, Owelle Imo” was successfully manufactured some weeks ago prior to the main election that took place on Saturday April 11, owing to my panoramic view. Yes, I foresaw the outcome of the said historic outing; and I couldn’t imagine seeing my candid vision failing my person because such scenario has never transpired in my lifetime. No doubt, it was a vision accompanied with a severe mission just as it had invariably been. Frankly speaking, Gov Okorocha’s re-election as the governor of Imo State – the Eastern Heartland

is not unlike placing a round peg in a round hole, because the man in question, who I often address as “Imo Lion”, came, saw, and finally conquered while at the helm of affairs. Chief Rochas Okorocha whose victory in 2011 became tangible or apparent after the supplementary election that took place in five of the LGAs in the state, precisely Ngor-Okpala, Owerri-North, Mbaitolu, Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, has been recognized as a people-oriented governor since he assumed duty in May 29, 2011. His accomplishments so far ranging from the education sector to health, security, agriculture, road network, infrastructure, prompt payment of workers’ salary, payment of pension arrears, youth empowerment, and what have you, are unequivocally unprecedented. If time as well as space would permit me, I would like to put up a painstaking analysis as regards the aforementioned area he has strived relentlessly. Notwithstanding, I must do justice to it for posterity sake. The moment Gov Okorocha assumed duty as the number one citizen of Imo State, he thought it wise to proclaim “free education” from nursery to tertiary level, in which that of the tertiary level was meant for only Imo indigenes; a mandate he has kept till date. Coupled with the renovation of all the primary and secondary schools in the state. Fred Nwaozor, Owerri

Could Buhari have conceded defeat? Some Nigerians think that the perceived needed change that was being yearned for in order to move Nigeria forward has come. One, because President Goodluck Jonathan conceded to the supposed victory of Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election and two, because he was an egocentric gentleman, who earnestly wanted to institute a profound democratic norms and ties in the country, without giving a hoot to the thinking of his political party. While the president’s perceptions may be good for democracy, the question is could Buhari have done what many are praising Jonathan for if Jonathan had won. The simple answer is archetypically no. Hence, Buhari may not be the change that Nigeria and her citizens have been yearning for. The highlight of this is that the north has always believed that nothing will stop them from attaining the presidency this year, and here we are. The north is into this rather “do-or-die” politics just as Buhari had been expressing, because the northerners feel that all that they have got is ‘political power’. And that they do not have the intellectual and economic power. They have always believed that this ‘political power’ was bequeathed to them by the rapacious colonial masters, who roped the

Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, to form what is called and known as Nigeria today. But the agitations in some quarters is that, that gluttonous romance of the two divides that formed Nigeria, expired in 2014; the year that marked the one hundred years of the country’s existence. Anyway, in the elections preceding 2015, it could be noted that Buhari had shown optimum desperation. And like it would be said, his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), rode on the bird-eye’s success today, due to the known weak-nature of Jonathan. It is imperative to say that should there be a forensic examination of the election results, Nigerians might be surprised to note the numerous flaws that paved way for Buhari, here and there. Before our very eyes, we saw pictures of under aged children on queue in the Northern part of the country, to vote. In some of the pictures, the ‘under aged children’ blatantly expressed their intension to vote for Buhari. And this is the change many people are deafening the ears with? The pictures of the under aged children-electorates in the north flooded the country, especially the social media. That being said, in many quarters it is not news that it was Buhari’s utterances that fuelled the post-presidential

election violence in 2011 in most parts of the North. And many lives were pummeled to the soil by chauvinistic irate Northern youths. Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and hundreds of others were killed after that year (April’s) presidential polls. Those that were killed were majority, people from the Southern part of the country. When the country was in that turmoil, it was expected of the ex-Army general to apologise. But he did not, showcasing his once Army traits of not being a coward. He did not even show any remorse, not even did he visit any families of the victims of the violence. Unlike President Jonathan, Buhari was again heard in this year’s electioneering campaigns, saying, “Baboon and the dog would be soaked in blood if what happened in 2011 repeats itself in 2015.” We had also noted that the campaign buses of President Jonathan was burnt in Jos. Not even Buhari nor the international community spoke strongly against that incident, even though that the APC distanced itself from the mayhem, claiming that it arose as a result of the PDP primaries in the city that was alleged to have been rigged. Odimegwu Onwumere, Port Harcourt

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Role of opposition in a democracy

here is a huge lesson to take away from the triumph of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent elections held all over Nigeria. The most important, is that unlike in the past, this new development shows that at all times, the opposition should look forward to taking over at the centre. That is the situation in other climes, especially in the so called advanced democracies. It is healthy for the people and also helps to keep the ruling party on its toes. Unfortunately, most African countries are condemned to suffer the maladministration of a ruling party for long because many leaders sit tight until they are shoved aside by the barrel of the gun. It is daybreak now in our country, there is hope that victory is never permanent. It also shows that, like the name implies, democracy gives a lot of room for the electorate to speak with their votes. Colonialism brought The United Kingdom and Nigeria close. Most of what we know about the country, came from the perspective of the British. From Amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914, to

Independence in 1960. Even the name Nigeria, was coined by a Briton, just like one of them, also composed our first National Anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’. In the United Kingdom, the opposition party is very powerful, and seen as the alternative government. The Leader of opposition is a member of the House of Commons and the Privy Council as well. He earns salary as Opposition leader as much as he is also paid as member of Parliament. Ed Miliband is referred to as Leader of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister David Cameron was also opposition leader before his present position. It shows that Opposition matters. We abandoned the British Parliamentary system at the end of the First Republic. In its place, we went for the American Presidential system. That began in the Second Republic and is still running. While we copy these foreign patterns of government, we should also begin to follow the parts that will sustain our democracy. In modern UK, government is shared majorly, by the Conservatives and Labour. In the United States, the Repub-

licans and Democrats, hold sway. They check and balance themselves. It is only in Nigeria, that a party official would wake up and proclaim that his party will rule for 60 years. That is history now and for once, the opposition has a big task ahead after dislodging the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). And we expect that though defeated, the PDP should be ready to play the reverse role. The opposition serves as a check, it is also the balancing wheel in a democracy. Without a formidable counter group, we would have been condemned to another four years of the same old stuff. Even if the PDP had the magic wand, waiting to be used post 2015, the mere fact that APC took the bull by the horn gives credit to the power of the people. And of course, there was the vehicle to push their resolve through. We must learn from the two main opposition leaders ever recognized in NigeriaChief Obafemi Awolowo and Senator Bola Tinubu. They made up their minds on what they wanted and fought their battles doggedly. They did not run from pillar to post even when the going got so rough and tough. Awo did not rise to the

position of Prime Minister or President, but today, he commands more respect even in death than some former Presidents. To crown it all, he was described as the ‘best president Nigeria never had’, by Dim Emeka Ojukwu. Tinubu has gone a step ahead, by being the first opposition leader to conquer a sitting government. The history of Nigerian democracy will be incomplete without enough space reserved for the Asiwaju. And quite unlike Awo, Tinubu has not gone beyond Lagos in administrative experience. Chief Awolowo was appointed Federal Commissioner for Finance, by the General Yakubu Gowon regime and he was also Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council. But the plus is, that with less exposure politically, the senator was able to rewrite our political history. What the APC has been able to prove, is that a well organized opposition can also crumble walls and effect change. And it is a clear message that opposition pays, if only the leaders are right. The PDP should also be prepared to show that the end of the largest party in Africa has not come, just because of electoral deficit.

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Politics

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Failing under parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; influence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

within Ojo, many had thought that Durosinmi will pick the slot for Ojo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly but his ambition was cut short by a PDP candidate, who defeated him during the March 28 election. Apart from the non-Yoruba speaking people that voted against him, the muscle flexing between him and the incumbent, Hon. Toyin Suarau, also affected his chances during the election.

Hamzats

Those who lost at the primaries Having served their constituents at Green

Chamber for a term or two terms, some federal lawmakers thought that they will ride on the

popularity of their parents like they did in 2011 to get re-elected but their ambitions were cut short by protest votes during primaries. Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, two-time member of the House of Representatives and son of a notable leader of the APC in Lagos State, Chief Busurat Alebiosu, failed to get third-time ticket to represent Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Since Second Republic till date, his father has

been a political godfather of sort in Somolu-Kosofe axis of Lagos. He was defeated during the APC primaries by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Rotimi Agunsoye. Hon. Deji Jakande, a member of the House of Representatives and the son of Second Republic governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, was humiliated by immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area,

Hon. Adeyemi Alli. Hon. Jakande who was elected in 2011 to represent Somolu Federal Constituency was defeated during Mushin Federal Constituency I primaries. He had eight votes while Alli scored 235 votes. Hon. Toyin Suarau, the son of Alhaji Akanbi Suarau, a prominent political leader in the Badagry axis of Lagos State also failed to get re-elected to the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Suarau, a member of House of Representatives representing Ojo Federal Constituency, lost his return ticket to Yinka Durosinmi during APC primaries. Suarau came third with 93 votes while former Lagos State Auditor-General for Local Governments, Muhammad Mubasiru Hassan was second with 117 votes while Durosinmi won with 204 votes. In Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, the incumbent, Hon. Ganiyu Olukolu defeated son of APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Pius Akinyelure Gboyega Adefarati, the son of a former Governor of Ondo State, Late Adebayo Adefarati, was also among the losers in the contest for APC tickets for the House of Representatives elections. He lost the Akoko South West/East to Babatunde Kolawole. Fouad, the son of Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiolu, also lost his bid to represent Lagos Island Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives. Checkmated at gubernatorial primaries Dr. Kadri Hamzat, Lagos State Commissioner for Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and son of APC chieftain, Oba Olatunji Hamzat aspired to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola, also failed. Many people had taught that being a son of a political godfather in Lagos politics and as Bola Tinubuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close associate, the commissioner has an edge over other aspirants in getting the APC governorship ticket, but he lost the ticket to the governorelect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Awwal Tukur, the son of former PDP National Chairman, ex-minister and governor of old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, also lost the PDP gubernatorial primaries to former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in Adamawa State.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015

Arts

CULTURE

October 1: Wake-up call for government, stakeholders on piracy Ebere Ameh

he Nigerian movie industry, also Known as Nollywood, has been declared the number three in the world, after Hollywood of the United States and Bollywood of India. According to a UNESCO report, nearly 900 movies, almost all straight-to-video, were shot in Nigeria, trailing only India and almost doubling Hollywood’s total for the year 2006. Though film is still considered a nascent industry in Nigeria, a CNN report has it that Nollywood is ahead of Hollywood in terms of the number of films produced every year, making it the biggest film market in the world behind Bollywood of India. Also, though unconfirmed reports have it that Nollywood’s worth is in the neighborhood of $550 million with an estimated 4,000 movies churned out every year, Oprah Winfrey, the American celebrated TV host said that Nollywood is worth US$2.5billion. According to an online report, many factors account for the growing fame of Nollywood. “Some of these include the family oriented nature of the films, English as the medium of communication, the sometimes exaggerated lifestyles of the actors and actresses, and chief among them, the continentwide transmission on AfricaMagic of these films to an audience that is becoming increasingly hooked to Nigerian films. In its sixth year, AfricaMagic was launched to cater to films from the African continent, but it is dominated by Nigerian films. The success of AfricaMagic led M-NET to establish AfricaMagic Plus for films from the East and South African regions.” The UNESCO Institute of Statistics survey reveals that another key element of the Nigerian success story is multilingualism. “About 56% of Nollywood films are produced in Nigeria’s local

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Kunle Afolayan and Sadiq Daba in October 1

languages, namely Yoruba (31%), Hausa (24%) and Igbo (1%). English remains a prominent language, accounting for 44%, which may contribute to Nigeria’s success in exporting its films.” However, despite the rise and great prospects of Nollywood, which has been adjudged to be the highest employer of labour after the government, its future and further growth is hampered by wide and unchecked piracy of their movies. Though piracy is a global phenomenon, it is believed that unemployment and poverty has fuelled the situation in Nigeria and if left unchecked may cripple the industry that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy. A fresh case in point is October 1, a highly anticipated movie by Kunle Afolayan, which though premiered recently, is all over the streets and sold at N500 a copy as against N100 that other films are sold for. October 1 is a 2014 dark psychological thriller film written by Tunde Babalola and produced and also directed by Kunle Afolayan. It tells the story of Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba), a police officer from Northern Nigeria who is posted to a remote town of Akote in Western Nigeria to investigate the frequent female murder cases in the community, and have the mystery solved before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1,

Nigeria’s Independence Day. Set in colonial Nigeria, it stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, David Bailie, Kehinde Bankole, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Nick Rhys, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Manuel, Ibrahim Chatta. It also features special appearance from Deola Sagoe while introducing Demola Adedoyin. When New Telegraph contacted Afolayan to intimate him of the development, he said he is aware but that his hands are tied. “This is not my fight,” Afolayan said in Alausa, Lagos, during the protest march by artistes and other stakeholders in the industry against piracy recently. “It is the industry’s fight. We realise that there is no need working in this environment and I’m not just talking of Lagos state but the whole of Nigeria. It is such a shame that when you put so much money into the production of a film, all of a sudden someone wakes up before the film is released, pick a copy from somewhere and start replicating it. It’s not just that, they come to your face and show it to you. Like saying ‘we have the right to steal your work, to make the money you are supposed to be making and you can’t do anything,” he said. “If the government is not doing anything, we just have to keep pleading and calling their attention to it. Because before they know it, the industry is going to shut down. There won’t be a film industry and some of the practitioners may have to go to Ghana or other neighbouring countries to practice if we can’t make ends meet in our own country in spite of all the struggle an average film maker has to go through. The onus is on the government to

protect the citizens and also their intellectual property. We are helpless,” Afolayan lamented. Earlier in an interview with a Magazine, Afolayan revealed that it was very stressful and expensive shooting October1. “It was more challenging, more demanding and it has a budget of over four times that of my previous films,” Afolayan said, adding that there were times when he and the crew had just three hours of sleep in four days. No wonder he was visibly infuriated when he saw the pirated copy of the films being hawked all over the streets of Lagos. “We can’t take laws into our hands. We can’t fight because we are good citizens of this country. That is why we are pleading with the authorities to please do something. If we have laws and we have law enforcement agents, I don’t think all these people selling pirated films would be on the streets; all these things would have been put to an end,” Afolayan noted. Meanwhile, filmmaker, Gabriel Okoye, popularly known as Gabosky, the original marketer of the film, took the fight against the pirates to their alleged den, the Alaba International Market, Lagos and came out with the conclusion that the Igbo are those behind piracy in the country, a pronouncement that incensed many. According to Gabosky, when he found that the movie he is given to market has been pirated and sold on the streets, he went round movie outlets across the country and to his amazement, all the suspected pirates are Igbo. Responding to the many angry reactions against his statement and that of Afolayan, Gabosky CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Arts

Tony Okuyeme

he British Council has announced Shakespeare Lives, an unprecedented global programme of events and activities celebrating Shakespeare’s life on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death in 2016. Tagged as the ‘biggest ever global celebration of Shakespeare, which will take place in 2016, Shakespeare Lives is an invitation to the world to join in the celebrations by participating in a unique online collaboration and experiencing the work of Shakespeare directly on stage, through film, exhibitions and in schools. “The programme aims to reach over half a billion people around the world. The British Council and the Great Britain campaign are working with host of British theatres, museums, educators and artists on brand new productions of Shakespeare’s plays, film adaptations, public readings and educational resources for schools and English language learners of all ages in the UK and around the world,” the Council stated in a release, adding that the event is expected to engage over half a billion people. Launching this autumn, Shakespeare Lives will run throughout 2016, exploring Shakespeare as a living writer who still speaks for all people and nations. Activities across English, education and the arts will explore the story of how a playwright from England came to be shared all over the globe. A major highlight will be All The World’s A Stage, a mass participation project that will invite people from all over the world to upload and share clips of themselves performing lines from Shakespeare plays. It will culminate in a record breaking, crowd-sourced performance and a new digital version of Shakespeare works. “Research carried out for the British Council in five overseas countries in 2014 showed Shakespeare’s enduring status as the UK’s greatest cultural icon in the eyes of the world. When young adults were asked to name a person they are interested in and associate with contemporary UK Arts and culture, William Shakespeare was by far the most popular response. Other highlights of Shakespeare Lives include: a MOOC (massive open online course) aimed at intermediate level English language learners exploring the key themes and characters in Shakespeare’s plays and his continuing resonance around the world. Other teaching resources include Shakespeare-themed lesson plans for all levels, a series of webinars for English language teachers and animated Shakespeare stories for children. The British Council is offering ten research and development grants for artists and companies to develop new collaborative project ideas, one of which will be for a project in Nigeria. Highlights of the event also include a global short filmmaking competition in partnership with straight 8 called ‘Bitesize Bard’ that invites budding filmmakers from around the world to reinterpret one of eight iconic Shakespeare scenes in a single take. The twelve best films will be selected

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Shakespeare Lives, as Candoco dance company storms Lagos

Sudies for C with Candoco Dance Company

by a renowned panel taken from the world of theatre and film with prizes awarded. Also, there will be a new education pack developed with the RSC, exploring some of the broad themes that run across his writing – themes that still have a resonance to people all over the world today; the pack will be distributed to all 25,000 schools in the UK and will be promoted around the world through the British Council’s school network; inspiring global celebrations of Shakespeare Day a downloadable toolkit will be developed in partnership with Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It will include a Shakespeare speech available in many world languages and fun resources such as a Shakespeare quiz, Elizabethan recipes and playlists. Added to these, is a touring programme of the best British Shakespeare films available to screen internationally in partnership with the BFI. This will include everything from early silent films to new productions. Chief Executive, British Council, Ciarán Devane said, “Power struggles, brutal politics, murder, love, passion, bitter feuds, human weakness and plain farce are universal themes as relevant now as they were when Shakespeare was writing. Shakespeare Lives will engage audiences overseas and in the UK with both the work of the Bard and with the best of contemporary Britain and will open up opportunities for UK institutions, businesses and organisations to work around the world, and for organisations around the world in the UK.” Meanwhile, in preparation for a collaborative showcase performance in October 2015, Artistic Co-Director of UK-based dance

troupe, the Candoco Dance Company, Pedro Machado and senior dancer/ Candoco artist, Mirjam Gurtner, alongside other cast members will meet with seasoned dance performers in Lagos. Gurtner will lead on teaching classes and support local choreographers in developing a joint movement language that fuses traditional African Dance and contemporary dance. “We are really excited to introduce disabled young people to dance and performance work that allows disabled and non-disabled young people to experience dance together in the community,” Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council stated. “We are thrilled to be working with British Council Nigeria and local artists to find creative and in-

clusive ways of bringing the dance community closer. We can’t wait to visit the country and to work with local artists to delve deeper in this culture, exchanging practices and meeting new people,” Artistic CoDirector of Candoco, Pedro Machado also stated. Candoco is the leading dance company of disabled and non-disabled performers founded in 1991. It has toured to over 50 countries worldwide performing to critical acclaim to audiences at venues from Sadler’s Wells in London to the Centre for Performing Arts, Bejing. “We are excited to bring this project to Lagos which challenges the accepted perceptions of aesthetics for dance and illustrates true diversity of movement, bodies and abilities.”

Wake up call on piracy CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 2 1

said; “I am bitter. I am frustrated. Kunle Afolayan is also bitter and frustrated. He is like somebody whose wife has been slept with by somebody else and he found out that the man who slept with her has a tribe and he is complaining about what the tribe did to him and you are now asking why he is mentioning the tribe?” Gabosky queried, noting that Afolayan had borrowed N150 million to shoot the film and has not gotten a kobo back. Ace film maker, Tunde Kelani also lent his voice on the menace of pirates and the imminent collapse of the movie industry if noth-

ing is done to checkmate them. While presenting the grievances of the artists to the Lagos State government during the protest march, Kelani said that the level of piracy in Lagos state is an insult, not only to the people of Lagos state, not only to the practitioners, but the whole Nigerians. “It is embarrassing that pirated copies of works that have not been released are openly sold on the streets of Lagos,” he said, calling for the shutting down of the electronics section of the Alaba international Market, the epicentre of piracy activities. The artists, who were in their numbers, through their spokesperson, Kelani, also said that government should

criminalize the sale of pirated films on Lagos streets and by extension, the whole country. He also called for an immediate action against piracy, else the gains the industry has recorded in the country will be lost and also to forestall an imminent ethnic conflict which they say may not be palatable to the authorities in the state. According to reports, the piracy business which started over a decade ago is thriving in the Alaba International Market situated in Lagos. While those people, who pirate both local and international movies and music, continue to smile to the banks, the real owners of the pirated works struggle to make ends meet.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Interview

Research

How grants for climate adaptation, mitigation can be accessed, by UNN director

Scholars, researchers brainstorm on quality research

Education Knocks for TASUED over Dubai training CAPITAL FLIGHT

l Unions: This is scandalous l Council chair: We can only query the figure

The management of TASUED has been accused of alleged capital flight for staff training trip to Dubai Mojeed Alabi

ixed feelings have continued to trail the five-day leadership training organised by the management of the pioneer university of education in the country, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The management had last week for five days moved 60 members of non-teaching staff and principal officers of the university as well as resource persons from Nigeria to the Middle East country for leadership training, an action which stakeholders described it “as a needless capital flight by a university still grappling for development. They, however, wondered why a university should in the midst of the financial crisis and dearth of infrastructural facilities facing the nation’s academic sector, and more importantly public higher institutions, resolved to embark on such frivolities and financial waste. The stakeholders are blaming the state government, the Governing Council Chairman/ Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) and the Prof. Oluwayemisi Obilade-led management for approving the five-day-training in Dubai for the 60 members of staff of the university. Although, the university had since claimed that the training was funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

TASUED gate

(TETFund) allocations to the institution for staff training, however, stakeholders are insisting that such training could have been held in the country without wasting such funds on foreign exchange. On the trip was the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, who delivered the keynote address, whom some key players in the nation’s education sector said should have advised the university better. In a chat with New Telegraph, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Ndufu Alikwe Ikwo, Ebonyin State, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, who frowned at the development, said rather than embarking on a trip to Dubai or any country abroad for such an ad-hoc training, there are several conducive environment in the country where such could be held. Ibidapo-Obe, who agreed that exposing university staff to foreign atmosphere was not a bad idea after all, insisted that holding trainings at a hotel outside the country adds no value to the system. According to him, it is encouraged that staff should travel abroad particularly for certifica-

Obilade

We have several conducive training facilities here in this country to undertake such training

tion trainings such as Masters, PhD programmes and exchange programmes with reputable institutions, taking a huge figure of 60 non-academic staff members on foreign ad hoc training to Dubai sparks suspicion. The Vice-Chancellor said: “I quite agree that there is need for capacity building for staff of higher institutions in the country. There are two types of trainings and these are the ad hoc and certification trainings. People can go abroad for certification programmes as demanded by the system and which I have done several times. Indeed, as a Vice-Chancellor, I encouraged and sponsored many members of staff to do so, but when it has to do with this kind of ad hoc trainings, there is no basis for overseas travelling. “We have several conducive training facilities here in this country to undertake such training and if it is about distractions, there are many serene and conducive resorts. In fact, in Ogere, Ogun State and which is very close to the university, there are training centres where we even train oil companies’ staff. So such trips are quite unnecessary.” Echoing Ibidapo-Obe’s position, the Secretary of the Joint Action Front, a coalition of workers’ unions in the country, Mr. Abiodun Aremu, who spoke in simi-

lar manner, said frittering away scarce resources in the name of staff capacity building was scandalous and must be probed by concerned authorities. Aremu, who said his association works together with the beneficiary worker’s body, told New Telegraph that JAF would conduct adequate investigation into the development and take appropriate step when properly briefed. The Chairman of Ogun State axis of the Joint Campus Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Okikiola Ogunsola, who is a student of the university, said the welfare problems facing the institution are too many to be neglected for foreign training. According to Ogunsola, apart from the non-residential status which the students are finding hard to grapple with, the university is still battling with inadequate teaching and learning tools such as conducive classroom facilities, well-equipped laboratories and poor road networks within the campus. While he lamented that all these are still in short supply, the student leader noted that to prioritise foreign training for staff could not be said to be in the interest of the students and the overall CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

24 Education

kiti State Governor and Visitor to the Ekiti State University (EKSU), AdoEkiti, Ayodele Fayose last week visited the university, the first since he assumed office as governor of the State of Fountain of Knowledge, to assess the level of infrastructural, academic and administrative development in the state university. The governor, who was received at the institution’s main gate by the university management team, led by the ViceChancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, described the visit as “a private assessment of developmental work” in the university 10 years after he performed his last official assignment at the institution as the Visitor. Fayose was said to have during the visit toured and inspected both completed and ongoing projects beginning from the College of Medicine. Aina, while conducting the governor round the projects, informed the Visitor and other top government functionaries on his entourage that his administration has completed the multi-million naira medical library, which has been described as the best in West Africa. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) have expressed satisfaction over the level of infrastructural facilities put in place at the College of Medicine including the medical students’ hostel, laboratories and departmental buildings. However, the governor also visited the newly completed School of Postgraduate Studies project; the ongoing project at the university main library; the ongoing construction of the Faculty of Management Sciences; Faculties of Science and Social

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

EKSU to issue certificates to students on graduation l Fayose commends VC for infrastructural development Sciences, where he inspected the construction works as well as interacted with the contractors on site. The Visitor lauded the architectural masterpiece of the new Faculty of Education building, as well as the Entrepreneurship Centre and the ongoing construction work on the multi-million naira students’ hostel which is being constructed under the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement. While conducting Fayose round the university facilities, the Vice-Chancellor noted that

BENIN

mbrose Alli Univeristy (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku has shed light on how the university management fought relentless to bring cultism and cult activities to their kneels on the campus. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the menace of cultism and other related crises on campus were curtailed through a combination of several campaigns initiated by the various religious groups or organisations, as well as the setting up of a committee on cultism and the deployment of the Anti-Cult Campaign Organisation of Nigeria (ACCON) to curb the menace. Agbebaku, who disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press conference to herald the 19th convocation ceremony of the university, noted that the university would produce its first Emeritus Professor during the ceremony. Part of the high points of the

stitution, adding that he was impressed with the remarkable and unprecedented growth witnessed at the university in less than four years of his administration. Fayose, however, assured the university community of the state government’s readiness to constitute a new governing council for the institution. In a related development, the Examinations and Records Department of the institution is now a beehive of activities, as graduates throng the office in their hundreds daily to collect

Gov. Fayose (middle), Aina (2nd left) and other principal officers of the university during the visit

Ambrose Alli VC on how varsity curbed cultism Cajetan Mmuta

the newly constructed Students’ Union Building (SUB) was donated by an alumnus of the university and the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku. The projects inspected by the governor were said to have been constructed in past three and a half years of the leadership of Prof. Aina as Vice-Chancellor of the university. The governor, in his remarks, commended the Aina-led management team for its prudent management of the resources and funds available to the in-

their certificates, which had already been signed by the ViceChancellor. The Vice-Chancellor had two years ago announced to the delight of the students and graduates of the university that henceforth they would collect their certificates on graduation during their convocation ceremony. Towards this end, the graduates have expressed delight over the development and specifically praised the Vice-Chancellor for the initiative, which according to them, would go a long way in dousing the trauma graduating students go through before collecting their certificates several years after graduation. To fulfill this pledge, the spokesman for the university and Deputy Registrar Information and Protocols, Mr. Olubunmi Ajibade, in a statement said the Vice-Chancellor had not only cleared the backlog of outstanding certificates, but he has also signed all the certificates up till date.

ceremony, according to the ViceChancellor, is the conferment of the university’s Honorary Degrees (Honoris Causa) on the founder of Believers Love World (aka Christ Embassy), Pastor Chris Oyakilomhe; the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri and Dr. Lea Ikpea. The Vice-Chancellor, who pointed out that efforts have been put in place to check the hydraheaded incident of cultism, added: “We must give kudos to Prof. Anthony Echekwube, the Dean of Students’ Affairs for leading the campaigns against cultism by appealing to the conscience of members of the various cult groups and urging them to be free to come out and renounce their membership in churches and Mosques on campus and within, Ekpoma town and its environs. The move has significantly kick-started the fight against cultism on the campus.” She added: “That is what I built upon when I came on board and so we have sustained the campaign by making the students realise the evils of cultism.”

VC tasks student leaders to sustain academic calendar

dekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA) ViceChancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has tasked the newly-elected students’ union leaders of the institution to sustain the fiveyear unbroken and stable academic calendar of the university. The Vice-Chancellor counseled them during the opening ceremony of a three-day yearly leadership retreat, organised by the management

Ajibefun

for the student leaders, which took place at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo. Entitled: “Leadership and Good Governance,” Ajibefun, while declaring open the retreat, noted that “creating and sustaining an unbroken academic calendar was one of the unique selling points that students of the university have bequeathed to their alma mater.” The Vice-Chancellor added: “As Adekunle Ajasin University student leaders, you have a responsibility to continue to guard this initiative jealously and hand it over to your successors. “The deliberate initiative explains the reason we are making waves as a public institution that not only has unbroken and stable calendar in the last five years, but which has also been graduating its students at record time. While we are happy that you all benefit from this as students, we are happy that we

are producing responsible leaders as our contribution to national development.” Ajibefun, who was represented by his Deputy in charge of Academics, Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale, however, urged the students to dialogue with the management in all areas of their needs, respect superior arguments and constituted authorities, as well as embrace financial prudence and fairness. The Vice-Chancellor stressed: “As leaders, you must recognise that you hold your offices in trust. The over 14, 000 students of this university have surrendered their rights to you to take decisions and act on their behalf. Therefore, there is the need for you to inject the kernels of responsibility, selflessness, responsiveness, transparency, honesty, equity and fairness. “You need to compose and comport yourselves in a manner that will improve on the character traits that qualified you for the election.”

Education 25

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

Don flays discrimination against poly education Kayode Olanrewaju

don at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State and Professor of Marketing and Strategic Management, Olalekan Asikhia, has spoken of the urgent need for the government to properly develop and equip polytechnic institutions in order to produce skillful manpower and technologists in all areas of science and technology. This was as he said such move had become imperative in order to accelerate the economic development and technological development of the country. In fact, he said no nation could develop without polytechnic education, stressing that “it is deceitful to think that polytechnic education is inferior to university education, even as he noted that there was no basis for such comparison. Askhia, who pointed out that the dichotomy which the government created over the years about polytechnic certificates in the labour market has been responsible for the stagnation in the development of technology in the country, however insisted that it was high time the country placed high premium on polytechnic education, with a view to giving the students attractive incentives to encourage them. “For the country to break its development barrier, polytechnic graduates deserve equal treatment as their counterparts in the university system,” he said, adding that this would go a long way to boost national growth and economic emancipation. The don disclosed this while delivering the 23rd convocation lecture of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos, which was entitled: “Wriggling Out of Nigeria Economic Quagmire: The Polytech-

L-R: Rector, Dr. Abdul Azeez Lawal; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga and Education Commissioner, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye during the 23rd graduation ceremony of the polytechnic.

nic Option.” On the comparison between polytechnic and university system, he said application of theories and principles of science and technology make polytechnic education differ from university education. Meanwhile, Ashikhia recalled how in response to the yearning of the people for degree education, the United Kingdom converted all its polytechnics to universities for the award of Bachelor in Technology certificates. “However, the nature of the polytechnics still forms the nucleus of the universities, as polytechnic education is still imbedded in the way those universities are being run, with emphasis on skill development, com-

ICAN to facilitate economic transformation Musa Pam Jos

he Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has pledged it readiness to ensure prudent management of accounts of firms and organisations towards economic transformation of the country. Its Chairman for Jos District, Mr. Yakubu Gyang made the pledged shortly after his election during the institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Jos. According to him, accountants are duty bound to ensure that all financial statements of firms and organisations are prudently managed for the growth and transformation of the nation’s economy. He said accountants as professionals should be seen to checkmate corruption and as whis-

tle blowers against corrupt practices no matter what it takes. Gyang pledged to ensure that members of ICAN are regularly trained especially in the area of ICT in order to effectively handle the financial statements of firms and organizations. He challenged ICAN members to be good ambassadors of the institute wherever they find themselves and should work for the growth and development of the country. The President, who took over from Mr. Egegwu Emmanuel, described the nation’s economy as one that is on course in spite of the global recession and activities of Boko Haram that have badly affected it. The ICAN Chairman called on Nigerians to have faith in the economy and work hard towards building it for the desired transformation and growth.

petence and application of theories,” the don explained. Ashikhia, while noting that as a developing country, Nigeria requires technical skills and competence which polytechnic education could offer for its development, urged the Federal Government to convert its first generation polytechnics to universities, while they should still maintain the polytechnic standard of producing skilled and competent graduates for the system. He said: “A redirection of the nation’s capacity building method is needful as there is sense in encouraging polytechnic education through establishment of more polytechnics and conversion of the first generation polytechnics to universities but

Etisalat’s scholarship beneficiaries resume internship

NGO trains visually-impaired pupils on financial literacy Mojeed Alabi

Mojeed Alabi

he second batch of 18 students to benefit from one of Africa’s leading telecommunication companies, Etisalat’s Masters Telecommunications Engineering programme, are set to resume for the four-week mandatory internship in the company. Speaking on the initiative, the company’s VicePresident, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Dikko, said the goal was to further broaden the students’ practical understanding of telecommunications engineering as well as creating a critical mass of highly skilled telecommunications specialists in Nigeria as part of the long term plan. During the internship, he noted, the students will have full access and insights into the success story of the communication firm. “At Etisalat, we believe that the right education has the potential to impact every aspect of life, so education remains central to our Corporate Social Re-

maintaining the nucleus of technology-driven system. This has the ability of enhancing entrepreneurial development that is firmly based on technological education which is lasting, rewarding and competitive.” Worried about the political development in the country, the lecturer berated Nigerians for what he described as celebrating change of government without major positive impact of policies from one government to another; even as he said the issue of corruption has remained the bane of the nation’s economy growth. While insisting that the problem of governance is not about partisan politics, but attitude of the people, he noted that the placement of individual interest and parochial considerations well above national interest, and lack of strength of character to fulfill promises made, among other factors, are the major deficiencies in the people’s attitude and governance system. Asikhia, who lamented the country’s over-dependence on oil economy, which he said has made the government unable to provide an enabling environment for investors, regretted that this has rendered the Nigerian economy uncompetitive. The don, while calling for the need for the people to reengineer their attitude towards changing the environment, he said it was high time Nigerians rose up to build a nation which we could all be proud of. Asikhia, who in fact wondered that the failure of the government to put into consideration and focus technical needs of the economy when establishing higher institutions, said that was part of the reasons why the country now has such huge number of graduates that are not required for its economic emancipation, and which has resulted to concomitant high rates of graduate unemployment.

Willsher Etisalat CEO/MD

sponsibility interventions. With this four-week internship, we want to build local manpower with regards to telecommunications technology skills,” Dikko said. He revealed that the first set of intakes into the programme at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria concluded their programme in 2014, in which the three best graduating students of the postgraduate programme were sponsored to Etisalat Academy in Dubai for further training.

non-gover nmental organisation, Financial Literacy for All (FLA), has offered free financial literacy and investment training to the pupils of Wesley School for the Deaf and Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Lagos. The financial empowerment seminar, according to the group’s Project Director, Laja Shoniran, was organised to equip the pupils with knowledge on how to save and spend wisely. Speaking shortly after the empowerment talk and presentation of books to the pupils, Shoniran said the pupils’ inability to see or hear does not reduce their capability and effectiveness, but it

could be reduced by lack of appropriate knowledge. He said: “As part and parcel of the society, being blind should not separate the children from what is happening around them because they also need to make some decisions about money and being blind does not separate them from what is going on in the market. So, in order not to be cheated, the more they know, the better their chances of protecting what they have would work for them. The pupils, while commending the NGO also lamented the frequent change of currency in the country, which they claimed makes it difficult for them to master the texture and form of the various denominations.

26 Education | Interview

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

How grants for climate adaptation, mitigation can be accessed, by UNN director The issue of climate change has been in existence for a quite a long time, but why is it suddenly generating attention in recent times? Well, it is a fact that the issue of climate change has been in existence for quite a long time. And, it is also a fact that in developed nations, climate change has continued to garner all the attention it could due to the fact that these nations already have the technologies to detect early enough the effects of climate change on their environment. But, this is contrary in African countries where they recently got awakened by the alarming effects observed within and around their environments. Various alterations observed in terms of disruption in the weather patterns, flooding in the south, desert encroachment in the north and so on. What I want to emphasise here also is the fact that the issue of climate change and its adverse impact on developing countries has been at the front burner of international discuss for some time now, with developed countries committing billions of Dollars yearly to support developing countries to build up their adaptation and mitigation strategies. To what extent would you say that Nigeria and other African countries are vulnerable to the impact of climate change? Of course, countries in SubSaharan Africa are relatively the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change despite contributing only four per cent of annual global green-house gas emissions. Part of the effects is that it affects plants growth and food production. For example, irregular rainfalls or increasing heat may influence the usual timing of farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; planting season and cause poor harvests and food insecurity. Due to the effects of climate change, many useful crops are presently going into extinction, with some of them budding but fail to produce seeds, while strange diseases are affecting and killing animals, desertification is threatening many communities, especially in Northern Nigeria, even while dangerous gully erosions caused by unusual heavy rain falls, are swallowing many residential buildings in the South-Eastern part of the country. We are all witnesses to how flood ravaged many communities in the country in 2012. The devastating effect of climate change on food production, food prices, extreme weather conditions, deforestation and desertification makes it critical for governments of Sub-Saharan Africa countries to source climate finance for adaptation and mitigation to enable the countries shift focus to a low-carbon economy What do you mean by climate finance? Without mincing words, climate finance refers to financing channeled by national, regional and international entities for climate change projects and programmes. These include climate specific support mechanisms and financial aid for activities to spur and enable the

Prof Antonia Achike is the Director of Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (ACCAI-UNN). In this interview with KAYODE OLANREWAJU, she speaks on climate change and its negative impacts on developing countries and how students and researchers could access grants on climate adaption and mitigation set aside for Sub-Saharan Africa.

have been small and initiated by the public sector in conjunction with international development agencies. Thus, a holistic policy initiated by the Federal Government needed to be implemented, whereby a body with a cross-sector policy mandate tasked to define policies for low-carbon, climate-resilient development working with various ministries, department and agencies is urgently required. Could researchers who are interested in climate change research have access to the climate finance? Of course this is possible in various ways. For instance, the fund could be accessed through participation in international research grants competitions, submission of well-packaged proposals to the national governments and multinational organizations, among others. Besides, it may be pertinent to note that recently our benefactors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Open Society Foundation (OSF) of the United States of America funded a peer learning training in Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Climate Finance Centre, which was hosted by the African Development Bank in Abidjan. The aim is to gain insight into the various issues of availability, source, access, relevant training and management of climate finance among other things. Of course, the knowledge shared from such trips will definitely enhance access to climate finance. This is one among many packages that are shared in our seminar series and in-house workshops and seminars that will be organised in our Climate Change Economics, Policy and Innovation (CCEPI) programme.

Achike

transition towards low-carbon, climate-resilient growth and development through capacity building, research and development (R&D), as well as economic development. Climate finance has been used in a narrow sense to refer to transfers of public resources from developed to developing countries, in line with Article 4.3 of the UN Framework for Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Through the financing profile, it will amuse you that developed countries have committed or transferred US$30 billion in fast start finance to developing countries over three years from 2010 to 2012. The amount is expected to scale up to US$100 billion annually by 2020. The overall estimates for climate finance vary with preliminary estimates of financing needs for mitigation and adaptation activities in developing countries ranging from US$ 400 to $700 billion per year over the next 20 years. Where does this climate finance come from? However, climate finance is sourced from public, private and public-private sector, and can be channeled through various intermediaries, notably Bilateral Financial Institutions, Multilateral Financial Institutions, development cooperation agencies, the

The World Bank estimates that at least US$18 billion is required for adaptation projects yearly until 2050

UNFCCC (various funds including those managed by the Global Environment Facility), non-governmental organisations and the private sector. The financial flows can flow from developed to developing countries. That is, North to South and from developing to developing countries; South to South, as well as from developed to developed countries (North to North) and domestic climate finance flows in developed and developing countries. To this end, Global Landscape of Climate Finance in 2013 predicted that investments that have climate change related benefits might have reached US$359 billion per year, far exceeding existing dedicated resources and those proposed. The World Bank estimates that at least US$18 billion is required for adaptation projects yearly until 2050. Currently over 15 multilateral funds are active in the region, however, analysis has revealed that 40 per cent of the projects are focused on mitigation activities and which are further concentrated in a few countries. Be that as it may, over 25 per cent of climate finance for the SubSaharan Africa has been directed to South Africa since 2003, while Nigeria is not even in the list of top 10 countries to benefit from the amount approved. Majority of the projects undertaken in Nigeria

What is your centre doing to encourage students to develop interest in climate change research? Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative of the University of Nigeria has various capacities at the Postgraduate level in order to train interested students in its Climate Change Economics, Policy and Innovation Programme. This programme ranges from Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Masters (M.Sc) to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels respectively. We also offer various short-term trainings for government workers and individuals on topical issues in climate change. What research areas in the economy do you think has the prospects for attracting climate finance? You can easily attract climate finance when your research work is designed to recommend strategies that would lead to low-carbon mitigation options or interventions designed to reduce carbon emissions. Some of the potential research areas include: conservation, agriculture, agro-forestry, and sustainable rice intensification; reduction of flaring of natural gas and using more efficient pumps for oil extraction; promoting energyefficient lighting and generating power from renewable such as photovoltaic; hydro and wind; expanding bus rapid transit and tightening standards of fuel efficiency for road vehicles, among other areas.

Education

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

Workers root for internal candidate as LASPOTECH rector Kayode Olanrewaju

head of the appointment of the 10th Rector for the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, the workers, unions have insisted that on no condition should they accept in whatever form any external candidate to be named as the rector of the institution. The unions, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have vowed that they will not tolerate a situation in

which external candidates are appointed as principal officers, either as Rector or other principal officers, to lead the management of the polytechnic. The 10th rector of the polytechnic, whose process of appointment has since commenced is expected to resume on June 1, to replace Dr. Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, whose five-year tenure would expire same day. In a joint statement by the unions, with a copy made available to New Telegraph, the union said: “The staff unions will, on no ground accept in whatever form any external individual to lead its management as rector

or any principal officer for that matter.” According to the union, experience over the years has shown that externally sourced principal officers imposed on the polytechnic have exhibited a lack of understanding of the polytechnic system and have only shown parasitic tendencies, having been on leave of absence from their institutions. LASPOTECH, they said has continued to enjoy a good working relationship with the current administration in the state and would implore the Lagos State Government, the proprietor of the polytechnic not to

take this position as an act of weakness or cowardice. The unions, however, recalled that at a joint meeting of the unions and Lagos State Government in January 2011, the then Head of Service, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, who stood in for government signed an agreement to implement the Federal Government/ASUP in all its totality, where appointment of an internally produced rector is contained. In the statement signed by the trio of the ASUP Chairman, Comrade Akinkugbe Abiola Idowu; NASU Chairman, Fasasi Semiu Akinlawon and Awoyemi Abiodun Thomas, SSANIP

L-R: Registrar, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. Ekundayo Fadugba; Former Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aize Obayan; the university’s newly appointed Professor of International Economics, Jonathan Aremu; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayo Charles; Deputy VC, Prof. Taiwo Abioye and another university official shortly after the announcement of Aremu’s professorship by the management.

Knocks for TASUED over Dubai training C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

growth of the university. Similarly, the National Coordinator of Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Comrade Taiwo Hassan Soweto, said the development calls for enquiry by appropriate authorities, wondering why the state government, the proprietor of the university could give its nod to such trip. He explained: “While in principle we support staff training and capacity building, we think spending enormous resources on a trip to Dubai ostensibly for purpose of training is wasteful. This is especially so given the fact that the institution, like many universities across the country, lacks critical teaching facilities required for 21st Century education. “What criteria informed the choice of such a high-expense destination as Dubai? Who is paying for the trip? What is the nature of the training? Are there possibly nowhere in the country where the training could be conducted at a cheaper cost? These and many more are questions the university administration must offer answers in the interest of transparency and probity. Otherwise, the public will be left with no choice than to believe that this so-called training is a wasteful exercise done not for the interest of the university but a frivolous venture steeped in political undertones and capital flight.” Though, investigations by New Telegraph has revealed that the uni-

Prof. Bamiro

versity did not sponsor the training, and that the funds were provided by TETFund, as capacity building grants for its staff, the spokesman for the university, Mr. Gbenga Omilola said: “The training was funded through TETFund grants to the university to develop the human capacity of members of staff. It is purely a grant towards staff development and travelling is part of exposure.” Meanwhile, the state Education Commissioner, Mr. Segun Odubela said he was not aware of the development and so directed New Telegraph to contact the Council Chairman/ Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bamiro for further comments and clarifications. Responding, Bamiro said he was aware of the trip and that it was part

of the university’s efforts at building the staff capacity to perform optimally. The Council chair, who said the figure of the participants might be queried and insisted that as a university which is less than 10 years old, argued that there was need to massively invest in staff training and make them to operate as university workers of the 21st Century. He said: “We need to realise the fact that these workers were with the old college of education before its conversion to university, so there was the urgent need to offer the staff training on the university operations and expose them to the reality outside the country. And they were just lucky to benefit from the TETFund grant. “The choice of Dubai might not be unconnected with the desire to arrest the workers’ attention and avoid distractions. But while I agree that the figure of those on the trip could be queried, I need to emphasise that both academic and non-academic staff of Nigerian universities are short of adequate trainings. So the need for this was to close the vacuum.” Bamiro further explained that another set of workers would be leaving for Ghana in the next one week for similar trainings, but said the forthcoming one would enhance collaborations with foreign institutions, and that it would be more beneficial. Meanwhile, in his reaction to the development, the Chairman of the Lagos zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and

Chairman, the union noted that based on the foregoing, “we strongly oppose the imposition of any candidate outside the polytechnic system on the institution as rector.” Expressing dismay over the state government attitude towards LASPOTECH, the unions wondered about what they described as “total neglect or contempt and selective favouritism practice against the institution in the last 16 years of democratic rule as no Governor of the state and Moderator of the polytechnic has visited the institution even during its convocation ceremonies.”

lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Sola Nasir said the whole scenario sparks up some sense of suspicion, but promised that the zone would look into it and make appropriate decision. Nasir, who said he was in Jos, Plateau State for ASUU meeting, confirmed that it had already sparked up debate among the members as TASUED chapter of ASUU was also at the meeting. While recalling the efforts behind the success story of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, had accused public institutions of engaging in frivolities and wasteful spending. He said his university, despite being ranked the best in West Africa, has never taken his staff abroad for training, but rather, “the university at the end of every session invites best brains across the world including Nobel prize winners and host them for two-week in intensive training on the campus.” He noted: “During these trainings we make sure that we open the doors for other interested participants from other Nigerian universities and those who could participate from outside Nigeria through our teleconferencing centres and the result has always been great. That is why I continue to say if the Federal Government should allow us to benefit from TETFund we will teach the public institutions how to run universities effectively and prudently.” The state Information Commissioner, Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu, who also claimed that the training was not funded by either the state government or university, said it was funded by TETFund, which made the grant available for staff capacity building. “Since that was what the fund or grant was meant for, we don’t need to make any fuss over it,” he said. The theme of the training was: “Enhancing Global Excellence in Nigerian Universities: Building the Capacity of Non-Teaching Staff for Quality Service Delivery.” Among resource persons at the training were the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, Prof. Adewale Solarin and the ViceChancellor of the university, among others. The Secretary to State Government (Adeoluwa) in his keynote address assured the staff of the government’s commitment to the continued existence of the university, describing the rumoured plan to scrap the university as a “conception of fifth columnists and political jobbers.”

28 Education

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NAUS, NiMSA hail president-elect, INEC Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

Members of the Man’O War cadet during the exercise

UNIBEN Man ‘O War Club recruits, trains members Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

o fewer than 25 fresh members recruited into the Man ‘O War Club of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been formally inducted into the club. The two-day recruitment exercise, which took place at a hill behind the Senior Staff Club, popularly called Mount Kilimanjaro, was coordinated and supervised by the Man ‘O War Commandant, Emeka Nwaede, a 400-Level Medical Physiology student. The activities for the exercise that lasted over six hours include push-ups, rolling, high jumps, frog jump, endurance trek, sprint race and mountain climbing. New Telegraph gathered that the recruitment exercise, which was in two phases - physical and oral,

began with the oral interview where the applicants were assessed based on their intelligence quotient and academic records. While conducting the exercise, the commandant said: “The oral interview was basically to test the new entrants on their Intelligent Quotient, academic performance and thinking capacity with a view to admitting those who are doing well academically since we would not recruit students with poor academic records or questionable character.” Nwaede, who ascertained that no casualty was suffered during the exercise, however pointed out that some of the new recruits developed ‘mountain sickness’ for fear to climb the mountain, but who immediately acclimatised and adapted to the exercise. As part of the recruitment exercise, the new recruits were asked to jogged

from Mount Kilimanjaro, the venue of the recruitment exercise, to the Hall Car Park, where the dos and don’ts of the club were read out and explained to them. Nwaede said: “Having gone through this rigorous screening exercise, I officially welcome you to the club. You must be disciplined. Do not see the club as a means of intimidating your fellow students. Be good ambassadors of the club and the university within and outside the campus. Anyone of you that default will be penalised.” One of the new recruits, Chinedu Ejechi, 200-Level Philosophy and Religion undergraduate expressed delight for successfully going through the exercise, saying the experience he would acquire as a member of the club would go a long way in helping to develop hims and to be a worthy ambassador of the club.

igher institution students, under the aegis of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have congratulated the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the Presidential election conducted on March 28. The National President of the association, Comrade Jonathan Adekunle, while addressing journalists at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), AdoEkiti last week, said the way and manner in which the election was conducted under free and fair atmosphere without violence would go down forever in the memories of Nigerians, as there are lots of lessons to learn from it. Meanwhile, Adekunle praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding to defeat in the election and for congratulating Buhari, his rival before the official announcement of the election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). NAUS lauded Nigerian university students and the teeming Nigerian youths for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections, saying they have shown the world that we can conduct a violent-free election. While insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be applauded for its painstaking efforts in conducting and ensuring free and fair election, as well as carrying out its national assignment with diligence, Adekunle called on the president-elect to deliver on his election promises to the people.

In a related development, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA), Seriki Muritala, on behalf of the association also congratulated Buhari, in a statement made available to journalist at the main auditorium of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja. He noted that Buhari’s resilience and determination despite several defeats in past elections, is a demonstration of his doggedness and unrelenting principle. His words: “We are rejoicing not for Buhari’s victory, but for the powerful wind of change that has blown across the country and which Nigerians have collectively clamoured for. This is only a head start as Nigeria will shake the world. As for our expectations, we are hopeful that the incoming government would make huge investment in the health care sector, adequate funding of the Nigerian Medical schools, as well as enhancement of better welfare for medical students and universal health coverage for all Nigerians, a priority of the government.”

Buhari

UNILAG engineering society celebrates female members Kawthar Babatunde UNILAG

t was all fun last week when the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka community was set aglow as engineering students, under the aegis of University of Lagos Engineering Society (ULES) held the second edition of the Engineering Ladies Day to celebrate its female members. The event, which was tagged: “The 3600 Engineers,” was sponsored by the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), was held at the university’s Staff School hall. According to the President of the association, Tobi Bamigbelu, the yearly event, was organised to honour female engineering students of the faculty and also to encourage more female students to apply into engineering courses, since engineering has always been dubbed a male

Lagos State chapter APWEN Vice-Chairman, Angelique Ikwuka (1st right) presenting an award to the winner of the public speaking contest, Muijidat Adebayo (2nd right) and other members of the society at the event.

dominated discipline. The APWEN Brand Manager, Mrs. Funlola Ojelade, an engineer, while welcoming

guests to the event, encouraged students to remain focused and serious with their studies, however noted that to be a success-

ful engineer it demands a high level of seriousness and commitment. Similarly, the Chairman of

Lagos chapter of APWEN, Mrs. Nimot Muili, enlightened the students on the operations of APWEN and its benefits to student members. Meanwhile, a student from the Department of Systems Engineering of the university, Miss Oge spoke about life as a student and a female engineer, and admonished her colleagues not to feel inferior among their male counterparts. According to her, female students also have all what it takes to be successful engineers. Another speaker, Mrs. Adeola Paul of the university’s Anti-AIDS Club offered talks on health living and free HIV test as part of activities to mark the event. Other high points of the event was a public speaking contest, which was won by Mujidah Adebayo, a 300-Level Civil Engineering student. She beat eight other students to emerge the winner.

Education 29

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

Scholars, researchers brainstorm on quality research Oladele Oge UNN

cholars and researchers last week converged at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) at an international workshop to compare notes on how to raise the bar of quality research in the country. The workshop, which attracted more than 2,000 scholars, researchers, members of the academic community and other research agencies, took place at the Princess Alexandra Hall of the university. The theme of the conference which was: “Research Management Life Cycle.” It was anchored by Ms. Joy Owango, a representative of Customer Education Specialist in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to her, the main objective of the workshop is to guide researchers on the suitable journals to publish their research work and to eradicate the ills among researchers particularly in universities system in African countries. Setting the tone of the workshop, Owango, in her paper, examined the strength of UNN academic research profile, as it has published over 2,000 publications in three years in Arts and Sciences. While, commending the large turnout of participants at the workshop and for efforts at enhancing their research activities, she urged the university management to upload more of their research work on the institution’s website for accessibility of their colleagues across the world who may like to establish linkages with the university in the area of quality research. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, who was represented by Prof. John Ubachukwu declared open the workshop. He noted that his administration was committed to the adequate staff welfare and quality research that would reposition the institution for excellence, and sustained the cordial relationship between the university and its workers. In the first segment of the workshop, one of the participants, Prof. Michael Uguru, from the Department of Crop Science during the plenary session, expressed worries that the majority of excellence papers written in the university for publication in reputable journals in overseas have

been rejected. He cited a case of a paper written at the Faculty of Agriculture, which was rejected on the basis that such crop does not exist in their countries and therefore should be published in the researchers’ local journals. This, he said is one of the major factors restricting many of Nigerian scholars from investing their resources on foreign journals that would not be fruitful in the end. Responding, the guest speaker (Owango), said

that new measurement had been put in place to ensure such cases become a thing of the past. However, Prof. O. Akwayan, a lecturer at the Department of English and Literary Studies at the university, said that part of the criteria for promotion of academics in higher institution, is the number of papers published. In his paper, the Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof. Patrick Okpoko, described the workshop as a great development in the life of university, saying particularly when

Ms. Owango addressing participants at the event

it guarded against the unholy drama and war of words that greeted

the introduction of IF ranking, albeit Thomson Reuters Impact Factor, as

an assessment criterion for senior academics in the past few years.

30 Education

TUESDAY, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

12-year-old pupil wins Lagos spelling bee challenge Mojeed Alabi

12-year-old pupil of Araromi Primary School, Orile-Agege, a Lagos suburb, Tijani Boluwatife, was last week the cynosure of all eyes, as she emerged the winners of the 2015 edition of the Spelling Bee contest in the primary school category. The event, which took place at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government, was introduced few years ago by the wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under her pet project, the New Era Foundation. Tijani beat over 60 contestants to emerge the overall winner in that category. Tijani, a daughter of a roadside mechanic who had never been so honoured with such accolades and standing ovation, was overwhelmed by emotions and could not hold herself as tears of joy rolled down her chins. The journey to Tijani’s success was not an easy one, as she beat over 60 pupils, who one after the other, were disqualified for failure to spell correctly the words given to them. However, almost all the 10 finalists struggled very hard to be crowned the winner as they displayed commendable skills in mastery of spellings of difficult words such as “hullabaloo, quarantine, bazooka,” among others. At the end of the challenge, the trio of Tijani; Iretiola Olaniyi of Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe in Igbogbo/Boyeku

Local Council Development Area, and Awobodu Jonathan of Abesan Primary School in Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area came first, second and third respectively. While Tijani received a cheque of N150,000 and a trophy for her brilliant performance at the yearly competition, Olaniyi and Awobodu went home with N100,000 and N75,000 and trophies respectively. According to Tijani’s English teacher, Mrs. Olubunmi Olufunmilola, the school had identified the pupil’s potential since she came from Ondo State to join them about two years ago, and had further honed her skills believing strongly that she would excel in her education and do the school proud. Mrs. Olubunmi explained: “Right from the time Tijani joined our school we recognised her academic strength and we built on it by continuing to develop her. The coach in charge of spelling contests in Orile Agege Local Government, Mr. Popoola did excellently well in training them and like he informed us that he had expected that Tijani would win. So, we are glad for recording this feat.” Tijani, whose plan is to become a medical doctor, explained that dictionary has been her companion through which she had mastered the spellings and meanings of many words. She said her father, a motor mechanic and mother, a trader, had encouraged her to be work hard and also provided her education needs.

L-R: Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Education & Technology, Hon. Wahab Alawiye King; DG, Quality Assurance Office, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo; Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Boluwatife(1st); Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu; New Era Foundation, Mr. Akinlaja; Awobodu (3rd); Iretiola (2nd) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo,

Olashore School restates commitment to history, culture Kayode Olanrewaju

he management of Olashore International School, Iloko, Ilesa, has restated commitment to enhance the nation’s culture and value system in the school’s core structure, as well as strived to ensure that the students are adequately prepared for the competitive global market. It specifically pledged to position the school and keep Nigeria’s history on the radar, in view of the fact that most young Nigerians are no longer conversant with the country’s history. The Chairman, Board of Governors of the school, Prince Bimbo Olashore, disclosed this during an international excursion programme by the students of the school to France and other countries. Speaking on the excursion, he noted:

“The world has indeed become a global village and that the school and students should be active players in the world stage and not mere spectators. But, even as we help our students to become global citizens, we must also help them understand our history so that they can better appreciate where they are coming from and where they are going.” As part of efforts to amplify personal development and experience, the Olashore School Europe Biennial Trip, according to him, was structured to connect the students to global culture, history and lingual-franca in the unique Olashore style. No fewer than 68 students and five members of staff took part in the sevenday trip to France, which did not only focused on history, geography, culture, art, music and language, but also shed more light on the essence and benefits.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Nuclear energy or energised education?

hen I learnt that Nigeria signed a nuclear deal about two weeks ago with Russia to build power plants to the tune of $80 billion, my heart dropped from the top to the bottom of my stomach with a thud. Four nuclear plants are projected to be designed and constructed to the tune of $20 billion each by the Russian state-run nuclear group, Rosatam Corp. What saddened me was why the authorities could be so disconnected from the aspirations of the people. Nuclear energy is far from our list of priorities as a country. The same nuclear energy that has been giving Iran a lot of trouble and hostility for years from the global nuclear cabal is what we just want to embark on. If Nigeria should be bothered about anything nuclear for now, it should not be more than the nuclear family. Nuclear energy in a situation where many lack Nigerians lack education is a waiting disaster and looming genocide. There are at least 64 million Nigerian adults that are illiterate, according to the National Mass Education Commission. The Chairman of the Commission, Esther Udehi, said so in September last year. She added that “we all know that an illiterate is a danger, not only to himself, but to the society at large.” As if that is not bad enough, the UNESCO Education for All Global Monitoring Report (EAGMR) says Nigeria has the record for having the highest number of out-of-school children. We have the largest chunk of the 12 countries (followed by Pakistan, Ethiopia, India, Philippines, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Kenya, Yemen, Mali and South Africa) that account for 47% of the entire world’s out-of-school children. For the sake of our collective peace, let nuclear energy be out of the equation now. There are many sources of energy that we are yet to fully explore like hydro, solar, thermal, coal and so on. Why then expend such a prohibitive amount of money on such a venture when half of it can overhaul our education completely? Let’s leave nuclear energy alone. What is urgently needed is to energise our education so that the good old days of the past will be restored. There was a time when primary school leavers from the nation’s primary schools could write letters in English and indigenous languages. There was a time when public secondary schools offered standard education. What goes for education in many of our public schools is nothing more than elementary literacy. Education in its essence is lacking whereas the quality of

There are at least 64 million Nigerian adults that are illiterate

a nation is directly proportional to the quality of education possessed by its citizens. There are three urgent things to be done to revamp the ailing education sector especially at the basic level. The first is the infrastructural overhaul because most of the structures that house our primary and secondary schools are dilapidated. Some pupils receive lessons from underneath the trees while others are vulnerable to danger or death if the walls around, or the roofs above, them collapse. Through investment in the infrastructure, the beauty of the learning environment would be good and this would positively impact on the learners. Environment attracts and repels. If the school environment is made how it should be, it would boost the productivity of the teachers and the learners. The same way political party secretariats were built in the various local governments of Nigeria at a point during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, let every local Government witness a revolutionary overhaul of all its public schools. Then, teaching should be made more attractive than it is now through incentives and good salary to teachers. As pointed out by Adededi and Olaniyan in their 2011 report, “Teachers in many African countries are working in challenging conditions that are aggravated by poor remuneration; delay in payment of salaries, allowances and promotions; scarce teaching and learning resources; and disrespect from government, parents and the community at large”. When teaching at the primary and secondary school levels is left to those who are not good at any other thing, the society cannot have anything better than the quality of those teachers. This is why one way of making brilliant people to voluntarily take teaching as a profession is according teachers respect and paying them good salaries. A doctor cures the body; the teacher cures the soul. Lastly, education should be made free and compulsory. With infrastructural facilities in place and quality and well-remunerated teachers in the classrooms, learners would learn better. This is the way to go, not the way to some nuclear phantom.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Energy

2015 budget: Implications for oil industry

Property

Aviation

Home sales: Experts mull mandatory valuation certificate

Fly Nigeria Act: Between protectionism and competition

Business What's news

Airlines may close shop over high interest rate Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, has decried the harsh operating environment for Nigerian airlines, stressing that the double-digit interest rate from banks could force airlines to close shop.

p.32

Nigeria, four others to benefit from Norwegian’s SWF World’s biggest Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) plans to inject more cash into Nigeria and four other emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

L-R: Chairman, Gastrain Nigeria Ltd, Charles Osezua; ED, Corporate Banking, Union Bank, Emeka Okonkwo; Chairman, PNG Gas Ltd, Emmanuel Konyebagu, and MD, PNG Gas Ltd, Gabriel Ilenreh, at an agreement signing ceremony in Lagos... recently.

ON HOLD

Renewal of contracts shaky over transition Adeola Yusuf

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

he 38 contracts for 1,179,000 barrels per day crude lifting awarded by the Federal Government last year are in jeopardy as the deals expire on May 31, New Telegraph has learnt. The current contracts, which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) awarded to 21 indigenous companies, eight international oil traders, two foreign refineries, two subsidiaries of the corporation and three countries, represented by their state-owned national oil companies (NOCs), will expire on May 31, two days after the expiration of the outgoing government of President Goodluck Jonathan. Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Dilemma over 38 crude contracts Deals expire May 31

contracts, which should have been renewed, are facing serious challenges buoyed by the on-going transition. “The truth is that the process, which may lead to renewal or award of the contracts to new firms had commenced before the general elections, but now that a new government is coming on board, it would amount to effort in futility for us to go ahead with the process,” a source at the NNPC told this newspaper. This had stirred up confusion in the camp of the contractors who have now began

moves to possibly “reach out” to those close to the in-coming government. These contracts had been awarded since June 1, 2014. These contractors include A-Z Petroleum Products Limited, Hyde Energy Nigeria Limited, DK Global Energy

1,179,000 bpd Total barrels of crude lifting per day awarded by the Federal Government for 38 contracts

Resources Limited, Aiteo Energy Resources, Avidor Oil and Gas Company Limited, Azenith Energy Resource Limited, Barbados Oil and Gas Services Limited, Century Energy Services Limited and Crudex International Limited. Other beneficiaries are Eterna Plc, Bono Energy, Taleveras Limited, Mezcor SA, Sahara Energy Resources Limited, Tridax Energy SA and Tempo Energy SA. Also involved are Ontario Trading SA, Voyage Oil & Gas Limited, Elektron Petroleum Energy and Mining Limited, Ibeto Petrochemical Industries Limited and Emo Oil and PetroCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE March 2015.............................8.5% February 2015.........................8.4% January 2015...........................8.2%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Apr. 24)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N219 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N238

l Foreign Reserves – $29.505bn as at 23/04/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Apr. 24)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

DIRE STRAITS

Domestic airlines cannot source longterm loans with single digit interest rates Wole Shadare

hairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, has decried the harsh operating environment for Nigerian airlines, stressing that the doubledigit interest rate from banks could force airlines to close shop. Onyema’s complaint came just as Arik Air insisted that it does not owe the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Specifically, the Air Peace chief, who spoke with New Telegraph in Lagos, said that low interest credit window is better than mere government intervention packages to domestic carriers, which may not entirely address the gamut of their operational challenges. Onyema said that aviation agencies are frustrating efforts by domestic carriers to access land through lease option at airports nationwide, adding that the agencies not only delay in considering approval, they also charge arbitrary fees. He cited the N150 million charge awarded him by FAAN for a parcel of land approved for the setting up of an aircraft maintenance hangar at the Lagos Airport. Ony-

High interest rate: Airlines may close shop Arik shows proof of N4b paid to FAAN Carriers yet to pay outstanding bills

ema said that the amount was not only too high, but a huge disincentive to efforts by a domestic carrier to improve capacity in aircraft maintenance and create jobs for teeming aviation. Furthermore, Onyema canvassed the harmoni-

chemical Company. There are also eight international oil traders, which got an allocation of 30,000 barrels per day of crude oil each. They are Addax Energy SA, Elan Oil Limited, Mercuria Energy Trading SA, Springfield Ashburton Limited, Petro/Ietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil), Sullum Voe, Vitol SA and Delaney. Two foreign refineries - Fujairah Refinery Limited and PTT Public Company Limited - received an allocation of 30,000bpd each, while two subsidiaries of the NNPC - Duke Oil and Calson - were awarded 30,000bpd each. A document seen by this paper showed that 21 indigenous companies risk losing contracts to lift a total of 630,000 barrels per day of crude oil. This volume represents 57 per cent of the 1,179,000 barrels per day awarded to the 38 beneficiaries. The list also showed

sation of charges by both the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), FAAN and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA). He called on the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to take urgent steps on assumption

of duty to address those policies that make the operating environment difficult for domestic carriers. He decried five per cent ticket sales charge collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), describing it as outrageous for airlines to

make profit on their operations. The airline chief said that the problems of the aviation sector was beyond the mere proposal of airline merger, but appealed for intervention that would help address issues bordering on the huge costs of airline operations, access to foreign exchange and multiple taxation. Meanwhile, a top official of Arik told this pa-

per under strict condition of anonymity, that the airline, late in 2014, paid N4 billion to FAAN. In a copy of receipt made available by the airline, the amount covered parking and landing fees, rent, fuel surcharge and Passenger Service Charge (PSC); being the five per cent remission to FAAN, NAMA and the NCAA, derived from sale of travel tickets. FAAN had threatened on February 19, 2015 to publish the names of all debtors, including airlines, concessionaires and other service providers as a prelude to other measures designed to help the authority recover all its outstanding debts.

L-R: Brand Manager Mortein, RB West Africa, Ejiro Iku; Administrative Officer, Mushin General Hospital, Chief Matron Ajayi Taiwo; Mother of Mortein World Malaria Day babies, Mrs. Sanuth Rukayat; Marketing Director, West Africa, RB, Mr. Silivrili Oghuzan and Medical Officer, Health, Mushin Local Government, Dr. Hameed Obani, during a gift presentation to set of twins born on April 25 at Mushin General Hospital in commemoration of 2015 World Malaria Day. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

38 crude contracts in jeopardy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

that eight international oil traders, which got an allocation of 240,000 barrels per day, representing 20.5 per cent of the whole allocations, are also scheming to retain the contracts, while two foreign refineries, which got 60,000 barrels per day, or 5.1per cent of the allocations, are also following suit. Three countries represented by their national oil companies, which also got 90,000barrels per day, are “caught in the web of trying to reach out,” the NNPC source said. The case is, however, slightly different for two subsidiaries of the NNPC, which were awarded contracts to lift 90,000 barrels per day that translates to 7.7per cent. They are confident that their contracts would be renewed. The source said: “A breakdown of the allocations showed that each of the 21 indigenous traders got an allocation of 30,000 barrels per day.

Nigeria, four others to benefit from Norwegian’s SWF PROSPECTS

Africa remains attractive Dayo Ayeyemi

orld’s biggest Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) plans to inject more cash into Nigeria and four other emerging markets in subSaharan Africa. The other countries are Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana and Mauritius. Norwegian SWF had, last year, added five African states to the number of countries it approved as marketplaces for trading in equities. The Fund had last February announced plan to reduce its exposure to Europe to below 40 per cent of its value, to balance risks and take advantage of growing markets elsewhere. Norwegian SWF’s invest-

ments in Nigeria, as at the end of 2014, was N497 million kroner ($63 million), which included stocks in companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). According to reports, the fund’s investment was highest in Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank, at 23.5 per cent, followed by another lender, Guaranty Trust Bank at 21 per cent. Access Bank has so far received the least investment from the wealth fund (3.2 per cent). The fund also invested N630 million kroner ($80 million) in Kenya’s equity market as at December 2014. These investments were spread across 11 companies. In total, it had investments in 169 African companies and 22 bonds from four issuers. Although only 0.7 per cent of the $814 billion fund’s investment was in the continent by December 2014, the fund is poised to increase its equity outlays in Africa. In a strategy report for 2014 – 2016 released last year, Norges Bank Investment Management

(NBIM), manager of the wealth fund, said that it would add external mandates as it enters into new markets and segments. It said that it expects to have 100 external mandates by 2016, with the share of funds managed by external bodies expected to have risen by five per cent. Although the slump in global oil prices has hurt Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) still projects impressive growth rates for the region. It was noted that the number of middle-class households in the region has grown exponentially in the last decade. In the latest report of the fund, it explained that the new markets it entered always depend on the markets that are available for investment and the inherent opportunities coupled with the market standards. The report said . “We will continue to add new markets to the portfolio as soon as they meet our requirements for market standards.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

N200bn bad loan: Banks shun oil importers p.34 The 2015 budget has been passed without provision for fuel subsidy. ENERGY EDITOR, Adeola Yusuf, looks at the financial appropriations and its implications for the importdependent downstream sector

Energy

2015 budget: Implications for oil industry By comparison, Nigeria’s total allocation for education is about $2.2 billion and it is not much higher for health care. It was estimated that only 15 percent of the country’s roads were paved. The $8 billion from the fuel subsidy could help to address some of these issues. In addition, keeping the domestic price of oil artificially low with the fuel subsidy has discouraged additional investment in Nigeria’s oil sector. This is especially problematic given that the oil sector is the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy. Since 2000, Nigeria has issued at least 20 refinery licenses to private companies. However, not one refinery has been built because investors could not recoup their investment under the artificially low price structure.

he House of Representatives, on Thursday, April 23, 2015, passed the 2015 Budget of N4.493 trillion without provision for fuel subsidy. Expectedly, this act has swiftly stirred the agitations of the fuel importers who are owed about N256.2 billion debts covering subsidy, taxes and foreign exchange differentials. Although other major happenings in the oil sector such as crude oil hitting the 2015 high, also made the cover of newspapers in the country, the controversy created by the no-subsidy budget passed by the House of Reps budget, has continued to generate ripples effects. Marketers’ threat Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter, depends largely on importation of refined products to meet over 45 million litres of fuel consumption on daily basis due to the inefficiency of the four refineries in the country. Meanwhile, immediately after the passage of the “subsidy-less” budget, the bickering between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and fuel importers over markers’ plan to halt importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has degenerated. While the marketers have reiterated their threat to freeze importation over “commercial hardship”, which they are allegedly “experiencing as a result of cash flow constraints caused by the delayed subsidy payment,” the NNPC, maintained that it was committed to scuttling any plan to cause fuel shortage and distort the smooth handover of power from the incumbent government of President Goodluck Jonathan to the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. Executive Secretary of the Major Oil marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Thomas Obafemi Olawore, said in a document that the marketers would embark on a significant scale down in petroleum products’ supply. He added that MOMAN members were being left with no other option but to streamline overhead costs and workforce in the very immediate future. The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, however, said that his corporation would not be distracted by the threat of major petroleum products’ marketers to stop importing fuel if the subsidy arrears of about N164 billion owed them by the Federal Government are not paid. The NNPC, Alegbe said, had enough products to service the entire country and was not moved by the marketers’ threat. Judging by the stock of product currently controlled by the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, the corporaton’s spokesperson said, there was enough PMS to last beyond May 29. He added that the corporation would not allow product supply issues to mar the handover as it remained committed

Jonathan

Buhari

to importing adequate quantity of PMS to ease movement and economic activities nationwide. Alegbe said the corporation was importing more products, and has been allocating products to independent petroleum products’ marketers in a bid to penetrate into all the nooks and crannies of the country. “NNPC has put machineries in place, including personnel and facilities, to monitor the movement and distribution of petroleum products to nib hoarding and/or product diversion by some marketers in the bud. Meanwhile, Olawore said that the marketers are currently experiencing “commercial hardship” as a result of cash flow constraints caused by the delayed payment. This hardship, he argued, is compounded by the devaluation of the naira, higher inflation and increase in lending rates. With the Federal Government’s delay in payment of subsidy, he added, MOMAN members were being left with no other option but to streamline overhead costs and workforce in the very immediate future.

in the quality of life for the majority of Nigeria’s citizens, 54 percent of who live below the national poverty line. In 2010, Nigeria earned $59 billion from oil exports. Therefore, Nigeria does not lack the resources to reach its development goals, rather its resources have been utilised inefficiently.

Fuel subsidy The decision to abolish fuel subsidy is the right if adequate attention is given to the way the scheme has been turned into a cesspool. In 2011 alone, fuel subsidy cost the country an estimated $8 billion and the price tag for 2012 was even greater. This does not even take into account the country’s losses due to market distortions as a result of the subsidy. If the government can implement transparent and well-structured reforms, the funds from the fuel subsidy programme could be put to far greater use. With an estimated 37.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, Nigeria is one of the world’s largest oil producers. However, the country’s mineral riches have not resulted in a significant improvement

The costs The cost of the fuel subsidy has continued to grow at geometric ratio. This is partly due to the rising cost of fuel— which meant that the government had to spend even more to keep domestic prices low— and also due to Nigeria’s increasing population— which resulted in increased fuel consumption. All these pressures have made the cost of the fuel subsidy unsustainable. The price of crude oil increased from $30.4 per barrel in 2000 to $94.9 in 2010, over the same period Nigeria’s population increased from about 123 million to 158 million. An account of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) showed that by 2011, the fuel subsidy accounted for 30 percent of the Nigerian government’s expenditure and it was about 4 percent of GDP and 118 percent of the capital budget. Nigeria’s fuel subsidy continues to crowd out other development spending.

Nigeria does not lack the resources to reach its development goals

The beneficiary In debating the merits of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy, it is important to understand who benefits the most from the initiative. Contrary to popular belief, it is the rich not the poor who disproportionally benefit from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy. With the government subsidising the market to keep domestic fuel prices artificially low, it is those who consume the most that have a greater benefit from the subsidy. Nigeria’s poor rely primarily on public transportation as such their per capita fuel consumption is significantly less than the country’s rich, who generally use private vehicles. Neighboring countries also benefit significantly from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy through smuggling. The budget Nonetheless, the House of representative jacked up the 2015 financial appropriation with an increase of N135.4 billion from the N4, 357,960,000,000 proposed by the executive in November 2014. Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation, John Eno, while presenting report of the committee, said the N4, 493,363,957,158 considered by the committee that passed through third reading was N67, 433,759,158 higher than the N425, 425,930,000 envisaged. The major difference in the amount (N425, 425,930,000), stated the report, and the final amount of N4, 493,363,957,158 passed affected only the statutory transfers that was raised from N366.280 billion to N375.616 billion. According to the two documents, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC’s allocation was raised from N45.780 billion to N46.720 billion; Universal Basic Education’s allocation was increased from N67.3 billion to N68.380 billion, while National Assembly’s allocation was jacked up from N115 billion to N120 billion. Also, Public Complaint Commission’s allocation was raised from N2 billion to N4 billion, while National Human Rights Commission, NHRC; allocation was increased from N1.2 billion to N1.516 billion. Meanwhile, the House retained the sums of N73 billion for the National CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Business | Energy

GUARANTEE

NNPC has reiterated that there is no cause for alarm over marketers’ halt of product importation Adeola Yusuf

igeria banks have frozen credit facilities for importers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) over bad loan, which has accumulated to N200 billion. Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Thomas Obafemi Olawore, who disclosed this to New Telegraph at the weekend, said that this debt is a part of the N256.2 billion subsidies, which the government owes the marketers. “The banks have shut the window for many of the marketers,” he said by phone, explaining that Nigerians should not see the looming fuel scarcity, which stemmed from a halt in importation of product as a vindictive action. “Truth is that our operations are in serious threat over the backlog of debt we owe, covering the actual subsidy and the foreign exchange differentials. Banks are not helping matters because larger chunk of the debts the government owes us belong to them and they have expectedly been uncooperative in honouring our loan requests” he said. Nonetheless, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) took its opposition to “any ac-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Judicial Council, NJC, and N62 billion for Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Breakdown of the final amount passed showed that N375.616 billion is for statutory transfer; N953.620 is for debt service; N2.607 billion is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the sum of N642, 848,999,699 inclusive of N144.420 billion is for capital expenditure in statutory transfers. Under the N1, 993,891,830,842 recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, Education got the highest allocation of N392, 242,784,654 followed by Defence/MOD/ Army/Air Force/Navy with N326, 697,219,431 and Police formation and Commands with N303, 822,224,611, while the sum of N236, 975,742,847 is for Health sector. The breakdown shows that the sum of N69, 423,427,479 is for Youth Development; N62, 226,771,999 is for office of the National Security Adviser; N58, 293,428,177 is for Petroleum

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

N200bn bad loan: Banks shun oil importers

DPR begins clampdown on marketers tion that can cause artificial fuel scarcity” further at the weekend with the threat to deploy the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on marketers who are found wanting in product hoarding and profiteering. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, who said this, insisted that

the stoppage of product importation by marketers could not lead to product scarcity. “NNPC has put machineries in place, including personnel and facilities, to monitor the movement and distribution of petroleum products to nib hoarding and/or product diversion by some marketers in the bud,” he said.

Meanwhile, the regulator of the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the DPR, at the weekend, said that it would begin a clampdown on marketers who aid fuel scarcity in parts of Nigeria by indulging in hoarding of petroleum products. A source at the DPR maintained in a telephone chat with New Telegraph that the agency’s offices

nationwide have stepped up surveillance and monitoring of all products retail outlets to ensure and enforce compliance. “All defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” she said. All products marketers should, according to her, not only desist from hoarding of products but also must not sell the available products beyond the regulated prices. Consequently, she said

all petroleum product marketers must sell at government-approved prices and desist from hoarding, which causes artificial scarcity and hardship to consumers. “Meanwhile, all DPR offices nationwide have stepped up surveillance and monitoring of all products retail outlets to ensure and enforce compliance. All defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” she said.

L-R: Business Leader, Sahara Power, Rotimi Onanuga; Energy Project Manager, French Agency Development, Maitane Concellon; MD/CEO Ikeja Electric, Abiodun Ajifowobaje, and Deputy Country Director, French Agency Development, Mr. Hugo Pierrel, during a business visit to the Headquarters of Ikeja Electric Distribution Plc.

Implications for oil industry Resources; N48, 299,630,506 is for Secretary to the Government of the Federation; N41, 688,372,171 is for Foreign Affairs, while N31, 871,341,597 is for Agriculture and Rural Development. The sums of N26, 593,880,816 is for Science and Technology; N25, 177,777,661 is for Works; N23, 695,474,427 is for Information; N20, 085,865,120 is for Presidency; N18, 118,392,153 is for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation; N15, 602,574,341 is for Environment; N10, 978,094,393 is for Trade and Investment, while N10, 597,851,549 is for Communication Technology. Buhari, oil cabal and minister In her first major public reaction to media scrutiny about her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke said that she has been persecuted ‘cabals in the oil indus-

try’ who were not happy about the reforms she had introduced into the sector, which is “in the overall interest of majority of Nigerians.” And for those peddling rumours that she was seeking asylum for yet-tobe identified offences, the minister said they would be disappointed. Blaming such reports on agents of international oil cabals who, she said have been disallowed from milking the country dry using their local agents. She also said the refund of the missing $1.48 billion from the account of the NNPC had already commenced. The minster equally denied reports that she was consulting with former head of state, Abdusalami Abubakar, for a “soft landing” after she leaves office. Meanwhile, the fear of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari and the call for probe of the pe-

troleum sector may have gripped the operators. Indeed, industry sources allege that some government agencies such as NNPC, DPR and PPPRA are now strategically tidying up activities particularly the financial aspect of the business. Kayode Fayemi, the APC’s policy director said in an interview, that NNPC will be made to refund more than the $1.5 billion stated in the highlights of a PWC LLP report released by the auditor-general last February. In the same vein, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has disclosed that billions of naira worth of crude products were stolen by oil thieves in 2012. NEITI made the disclosure in its latest audit report entitled ‘Financial, Physical and Process Audit: An independent report assessing and reconciling financial, physical and

Diezani Alison-Madueke

process flows within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry-2012. The report found that Nigeria lost 2,842,116 barrels per day valued at N1, 960,607,108 to export crude theft and sabotage. Within the same period, Nigeria also lost around N31, 771,108,795 to the activities of pipeline thieves and vandals. Power and gas Besides, NERC said during the week under review that for electricity supply to stabilise considerably across the country, the supply of gas to power generation plants must be reviewed and separated from the NNPC by the

in-coming government of Maj Gen Muhammad Buhari. It said gas supply to the plants had been the Achilles heels of the power sector, stressing that the fundamental problem was that the regulatory regime for gas transport was different from that of electricity. However, in a clear declaration of government’s plan for full deregulation of the gas industry, Dr. David Ige, NNPC’s Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, said manufacturers using natural gas in the country should get ready for a ‘deregulated gas price’ regime. Last line It is becoming clearer that the budget-withoutsubsidy passed last week is a booby trap for the in-coming government. Therefore, the way the Buhari-led government is able to get over it, will determine, to a great extent, the ability of the government to paddle the canoe of the country’s business to the promised land.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Lagos resuscitates moribund schemes p.36 BEST PRACTICES Game up for quacks and fraudsters masquerading as estate agents

Property&Environment Home sales: Experts mull mandatory valuation certificate

Dayo Ayeyemi

fforts to sanitise estate agency business in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, are getting better as government and estate surveying practitioners are coming up with a caveat to rid the market of nefarious activities of quacks and fraudsters parading as estate agents. Apart from compulsory registration of all estate agents with the Lagos State Government, anyone who wants to put up for sale any property in the metropolis must ensure that the house comes with valuation certificate before selling. Speaking at the 1st Annual conference of the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria and the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuer (NIESV), Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Housing, Mr. Jimoh Ajao, said that this would form part of the measures to regulate the services offered by estate agents and ensure standards for sale of any building in the state. He said: “We received 20 petitions per day because of the unwholesome practices of criminal masquerading as estate agents. We have been arresting fake estate agents and prosecuting them, but we want to go further by ensuring that anyone that wants to practice estate agency must register with Lagos State government.” The theme of the conference was “Branding and the Public Perception of Estate Agency Practice in Nigeria.” Lagos State had two years ago established the Real Estate Transaction Department towards protecting the rights of residents and stakeholders. The special adviser was represented by the General Manager of Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department, Mr. Kayode Ogunubi. Developers and house sale The special adviser also enjoined all estate developers to register with the state government, adding that it was improper for developers to produce houses and also act as estate agents. Instead, he warned that they should leave the aspect of house selling to registered estate agents, pointing out that development of houses was different from marketing/sales. He said that efforts have been on top gear to recruit and retrain estate agents in the state, urging them to be truthful when transacting business. Mandatory valuation certificate Lending support to the mandatory valuation certificate for building before sale, Chairman of NIESV, Lagos chapter, Pastor Stephen Ja-

Housing units in Orchid court,Ikeja G.R.A, Lagos

gun, urged for transparency and professionalism when transacting business of estate agency. He said that the valuation certificate became imperative in order to secure transactions in estate agency and to allow clients have value for their money while giving the industry a level of confidence. He explained that estate surveyors and valuers were the only professionals backed by law to carry out valuation in the country. Before now, the practice of estate agency was an all comers’ affairs while many home seekers have gotten their fingers burnt in the process having fallen to the hands of fraudsters pretending as estate agents. Also, there have been complaints in the sector that money was collected from unsuspected accommodation seekers by fake estate agents without making any house available for them to rent, lease or sell. Regulations Talking tough, Chairman of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Elder Williams Odudu, said that the wide vista of services rendered by estate agents fell within the large spectrum of the profession of estate surveying and valuation as captured by Estate Surveyors and Valuers Act (Cap E13 LFN 2007). He noted that the practice of estate agency by agents, estate brokers, property company and home finders had been haphazard, tasteless and fraught with all shades of unethical conducts and unhealthy rivalries.

Fashola

We received 20 petitions per day

Ubosi

Odudu said the urgent need to restore estate agency practice on the path of integrity, accountability and professionalism spurred the board to build upon the collaborative efforts of NIESV and umbrella body of estate agents. He informed the group that his board had drawn up Code of Conduct for estate agents for them to adhere to, adding that regulations have been made to guide any person, firm or company carrying on the business of estate agency in the country. He warned that failure to comply with the regulations and code of conduct would be deemed as misconduct with penal consequences, according to law. He disclosed that his board had been working in close liaison with NIESV and AEAN to ensure the registered estate agents attend mandatory continuing professional development workshops, training, seminars and conferences to develop and maintain capabilities to perform competently within a professional environment. Perception President of NIEVS, who was

Odudu

represented by his vice, Dr. Joshua Patunola-Ajayi,said there was need to change the bad perception of people concerning estate agents, stressing the sector must be packaged in a way that everybody would be proud of. Chairman of AEAN, Mr. Chudi Ubosi, said the conference would afford estate agents the important step towards creating a good public image for themselves and the profession. Managing Director of Verdant ZEAL Marketing and Communication Limited, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi, told estate agents that they must think about their services and how to render them better and differently, adding that they must change the bad perception the public has about them. Besides, he urged them to imbibe new technology to improve their services. Chairman, Planning Committee of AEAN, Mr. Boye Ajayi, noted that the conference’s theme had summarised the trend in estate agency practice in Nigeria and the need to chart a new course towards achieving global best practices.

Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lagos resuscitates moribund schemes REVENUE Land transactions raked in N27 billion in 2014 Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

n its desire to make land available to meet people’s demand for development purposes, the Lagos State Government has embarked on the resuscitation of moribund schemes in the state. These schemes, according to the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, were conceived by previous administrations and carved out from the Lagos

State Global Acquisition, but were not allocated or committed. Muri-okunoladisclosed these during the Annual Ministerial briefing to showcase the achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola in the last one year. He noted that because government failed to allocate the land for the purpose it was created, land grabbers encroached, thereby hindering the ease of accessibility for developmental purposes thus rendering the schemes moribund. The moribund nature of these schemes, he noted, has greatly affected the purpose of creating them to make land available to citizens.

He added that due to the haphazard development, some of the buildings were not in conformity with the planning regulations to maintain the mega city status. To walk the talk, the permanent secretary hinted that government had commenced the resuscitation of Ketu Alapere Residential Scheme, Oto-Atori Jobiti Government Residential Scheme Ijanikin Badagry, Ologe-Agbara Residential Scheme, Town Ville Scheme, Isheri-Osun and Ajah Resettlement Scheme. Some of the moribund schemes identified include Kiri-Kiri Mixed Development Scheme Akowonjo, Akowonjo Mixed Development Apapa

Development, Ketu Alapere Residential Scheme, Lagos North-West Residential Scheme Egan/Igando/Akesan, Ologe-Agbara Industrial, Oto-Atori Jobiti Government Residential Scheme Ijanikin Badagry, Oworoshoki Residential Scheme, and Morogbo Government Mixed Scheme Agbara Badagry. Others are Town Ville Residential Scheme Isheri Osun, Ajah Resettlement Scheme, and Teachers Village Scheme, Oto Awori. Justifying the benefits of resuscitation of the schemes, Muri-Okunola said that apart from making land available for people to develop, it would ensure optimum utilisation of land resources to achieve development in the state. Besides, he said it would boost the state’s revenue generation, create jobs and ensure security of land assets. Meanwhile, the Lagos land boss said that the bureau generated N27 billion for the state government in 2014, which is an improvement on 2013 performance.

He said the huge income generated was due to the transactions on the sale of land for industrial development in the Free Trade Zone, adding that the revenue performance had exceeded the bureau’s budget for the period by 165 per cent. For the year under review, Muri-Okunola said the bureau has processed 2,230 electronic Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O), while 1,000 copies have been issued. In addition, he stated that a total of 80 villages were excised, which cuts across the state during the period. He said: “Applications that are approved for village excision are forwarded to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for approval of their lay out. This is to prevent the creation of slum settlements and inorganic development.” On compensation, he stated that a total of N2.8 billion was paid to persons affected by overriding public interest after the presentation of necessary documents to facilitate their payments.

1,000 homeowners get C-of-O A

L-R: Past General Secretary, Olaitan Unigwe; guest speaker, Yinka Ogunsulire; and Chariman, Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Stephen Jagun, during the Business Luncheon organised by NIEVS in Lagos.

Facility firm, Global PFI rewarded for excellence

n recognition of its contribution to the industry, Lagos-based Global Property and Facilities International Limited has bagged the European CEO Magazine’s award for Best Facilities Management Company in 2015. The award came as a result of the company’s drive to create and develop facilities management industry in Africa and by ensuring quality of service delivery by the company. Announcing the award in a statement, the magazine stated: “What was clearly outstanding and really impressed the panel, was the work and research you have conducted in energy management which the panel felt was a very important factor in any FM busi-

ness for the region going forward, in addition to all the good news associated with Global PFI its ability to work across the different industry sectors with real integrated services.” The award signifies the rising profile of the company in the industry and cements its leadership as a top integrated facilities management provider in Africa and one of the global players. This is the second year of this category of award as part of the Annual European CEO Awards, with awards in other categories such as Tax Consulting Company, Outsourcing Company, Technology Support Company, among others. Reacting to the an-

nouncement, the Managing Director of the company, Dr. MKO Balogun, expressed his company’s appreciation to the award panel for recognising his teams’ commitment to the best in class service delivery. He said: “As a company, we are excited to be recognised again for the second time in three years for our work in the industry and contribution to putting the FM industry at the highest level of business management, helping businesses achieve their objectives while we focus on value driven services. We are also happy that our pioneering efforts in the industry and especially in the area for integrated facilities management service is recognised.”

nother set of 1,000 homeowners in Ogun State, at the weekend, received Certificates of Occupancy for their property. This was in line with the bid of Ogun State Government to ensure that homeowners in the state regularise their landed property at discounted rates. These landlords also got their approved building plans. Distributing the C-of-Os in Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in a statement, expressed his satisfaction with the programme, adding that the Homeowners’ Charter programme has come to stay in the state. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, represented Amosun. She said that the programme has made the issuance of C-of-Os and approved building plans very easy, putting into consideration the previous cumbersome and bottlenecks of the processes being experienced before the inception of the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun. The commissioner called on other states of the federation to emulate Ogun State by embarking on programmes that will add value to the lives of the citizenry. She said that the 1,000 C-of-Os and approved building plans distributed was in fulfillment of Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s promises during his re-election campaign bid. Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Adewale Oshinowo, said the 6th edition of the

presentation of C-of-Os was in appreciation of the governor to the people for re-electing him to serve them for a second term in office. He said that the distribution of 500 C-of-Os per week would continue. The DG enumerated the benefits to homeowners, saying it paves the way to accessing mortgage loans, transferrable to children and great grandchildren. Besides, he said it can be used as a collateral to access loan in the banks, and does not need to be registered in IRS as it contains stamp duty. According to Oshinowo: “The programme, which was flagged-off in December 2013 has issued about 8,000 C-of-Os, which amounts to 25 per cent of registered applicants in the state and the Bureau would continue to roll out 500 units of C-of-Os on a weekly basis to home owners in the state.” Ayodele Oshokoya, a beneficiary from Ijebu-Ode, expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative and urged the governor to give the people of the state another chance to introduce the second phase of the homeowner’s charter programme, as he has been given the second chance to rule the state. Oshokoya said that most of the homeowners in the state doubted the programme when it was first introduced, adding that he has never dreamt of having C-of-O in his entire life talk less of getting it directly from the state government. He predicted that many more people would key into the programme and benefit from it.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Ethiopian links Africa with Tokyo p.38 Many of the airlines in the world are demanding a return to protectionism. Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE, writes that in Nigeria, experts and airlines are clamouring for ‘Fly Nigeria Act’, even when they lack the capacity to offer world class service, good global airlines’ network among others, that could engender competition Airline industry recovery The airline industry is undergoing a recovery marked by increased revenues and profitability, but the results widely vary between regions, and cost pressures remain a challenge across all markets. With growth in expenses and increased competition threatening future profit growths, many airlines find themselves at a crossroads. They can continue to make small incremental improvements, or take bolder steps to become the ‘connected airline’ of the future, applying technology and analytics to achieve more significant advancements. Middle East carriers have a competitive advantage on international routes because they are well funded and have lower fuel costs. They’ve placed a record number of orders for wide-body aircraft for the next decade, signaling their intent to expand even more. It is true that the global airline industry will face much more aggressive competition in the coming year, due partly to the expansion of low-cost carriers and the growth of airlines in the Middle East. The question is, how has Nigerian airlines braced themselves up to remain competitive in a highly tough environment? Exposure of local carriers Do local carriers really enjoy protection from government aside financial intervention extended to them some seven years ago when they were graciously ‘dashed’ over N200 billion to ‘rescue’ their operations? That money obviously went down the drain, as some of the carriers have become extinct. Rather than inject funds into their operations, it was alleged that some of the operators diverted the funds to other businesses or ventures other than what it was meant for. The problems of Nigerian airlines have defied solution. Aside from policies that are selfdestruct, the environment is not conducive for most businesses to thrive and aviation is not an exception.

Aviation Fly Nigeria Act: Between protectionism and competition have a qualifying “bilateral or multilateral agreement” with the United States; however, travelers must complete a declaration that such an agreement exists. Although the United States has entered into more than 100 Open Skies agreements, only a few of them are considered qualifying “bilateral or multilateral agreement[s]. They have agreements with the European Union (including non EU members

Top: Arik Airline’s aircraft. Bottom: First Nation Airline’s aircraft

Govt’s planned intervention Just last month, pained by the precarious situation of the airlines and the entire aviation industry, Aviation Minister, Mr. Osita Chidoka proposed a stimulus plan that could help to bring the airlines out of the woods in a way that would make them competitive. He noted that the idea would help to grow the budding, but fast-paced sector, adding that the government had considered the idea to save the nation’s floundering airlines. The minister stated that there was the need to introduce some initiatives to rescue the industry. Taking a comparative approach to justify the need for his plan, Chidoka said several thriving airlines around the world had enjoyed or continue to enjoy government’s financial and material support. He listed such airlines to include three United States airlines– Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines – which received over $40 billion in US government subsidies in the past decade. Chidoka explained that the country’s aviation industry was underperforming in terms of its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To him, at a current GDP of N80.3 trillion or $509.9 billion, Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes a paltry $0.7 billion, which in percentage terms, is less than one per cent of the GDP. “Comparatively, the aviation industry contributes 27 per cent to Dubai (UAE)’s GDP and 2.1 per cent to the South African economy,” he added. The minister attributed this dismal performance to current “gaps” in the system, which, he said, had hampered growth in the sector. These gaps, he said, included “underfinanced

domestic airlines, underutilised Bilateral Air Services Agreements, poor incentives for private sector participation and weak corporate governance in the industry. Aside Chidoka charting a roadmap on how to help the airlines to remain competitive, Partner, Corporate/Commercial Sector Group for Olisa Agbakoba Legal, Mrs. Olabisi Akodu has renewed her call for ‘Fly Nigerian Act”.

The problems of Nigerian airlines have defied solution

The proposed Act The Fly Nigeria Act according to experts is a noble one but it is coming at a period no Nigerian airline is ready to compete with some of the best airlines in the world that operate to Nigeria. With constant flights disruption, cancellation, and lack of capacity to operate successfully, it becomes a punishment to begin to ‘force’ travellers to patronise badly run Nigerian airlines with services that are said to be sub-standard. This is notwithstanding the fact that Nigeria’s air travel market has been adjudged one of the juiciest, not only in Africa but also in the world. The over 25 foreign airlines flying into Nigeria may lose an estimated N500billon in ticket revenue over the next five years when the bill is passed into law later this year. The proposed legislation, “Fly Nigeria Act,” is similar to the “Fly America Act,” which requires federal employees, dependents, consultants, contractors, grantees and other United States government officials to travel on US flag air carriers. The American model The Fly America Act does not prohibit travel funded by civilian government agencies on carriers associated with nations that

Experts’ position Akodu however, says foreign airlines would lose about N500billion in ticket sales revenue to indigenous carriers flying international routes after the National Assembly passes the bill into law. “We are looking at half a trillion naira being trapped in the economy within the next five years,” she said. Since the death of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways, indigenous operators have been playing the second fiddle role in the global airline industry. The proposed law has generated reactions from industry stakeholders, with more people expressing support for the new legislation. Those opposing the proposed law say Nigerian airlines are currently not big enough for the planned Fly Nigerian Act. Those in support, however, believe the proposed law will help the Nigerian carriers to increase in revenue and consequently, develop the capacity over time. Industry watchers have also raised several issues that must be addressed urgently for the proposed legislation to achieve the desired result. The issues borders on the current ownership of indigenous airlines, their capacity, standard and operational efficiency. An industry expert and Chief Executive Officer, Sabre Network West Africa, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, said, “Absolutely, Nigeria is ripe for the proposed Fly Nigeria Act. The Act is not new in practice. In the days of Nigerian Airway, from mid 1970s to early 1980s, all air travels on government funds must be on the defunct Nigerian Airways. “The law is highly welcome. It does not mean that Nigerian airlines will have the capacity immediately. What the law will do is that it will wrestle the market for them. So that as they grow, the market is already waiting for them. When there is excess market for them, they will develop it.” Olowo added: “The routes where Nigerian carriers are not flying, passengers can still patronise foreign carriers flying those routes. However, the proposed bill should not be coded on any three carriers. It should be for all Nigerian flag carriers.”

Business | Aviation

HISTORIC Ethiopian flights to Tokyo will strengthen investment Stories by Wole Shadare

thiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has expanded its operations to Tokyo, Japan. The service is the first service by any airline in Africa to Japan. The carrier started new services to Tokyo Narita International Airport last week Tuesday, in code-share partnership with fellow Star Alliance member, All Nippon Airways, Japan’s leading airline. In a statement made available to New Telegraph, the airline stated that the thrice weekly flight, the only direct connection between Africa and Japan, will be operated through

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ethiopian links AIR RAGE Africa with Tokyo Between FAAN and Arik: WITH

Hong Kong with the ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which offers customers the best on-board comfort with the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling, less noise than any aircraft with less carbon footprint, and higher cabin humidity ideal for long haul travel. Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “As the only direct service between Africa and Japan, our flights to Narita will give our customers the best possible connectivity options and will be critical role in enabling greater people-topeople, investment, trade and tourism ties between a rising Af-

rica, the second fastest growing region in the world, and a highly industrialised Japan, the third largest economy in the world.” The airline boss disclosed that Tokyo is one of the world’s most populous metropolis and serves as Japan’s political, economic and cultural hub. “Japan is the world’s third largest economy and one of the main financial and economic centres with growing investment, trade and tourism ties with Africa. Ethiopian flights to Tokyo will enable the strengthening of investment, trade, tourism and people-topeople ties between Africa and Japan,” he added.

L-R: Director of Training and Administration, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Dr. Hassan idris; Chief Executive Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Christophe Penninck; Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Ambassador Moses Essien and Chairman of Council of the institute, Dame Priscilla Kuye, at the conferment of the Fellowship of the institute on Penninck, in Abuja... last Friday.

FAAN advocates alliance for African airports T he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it would continue to play a leading role in advocating collaboration among aviation partners to address major challenges in the development of the air transport sector in Africa. Managing Director of FAAN, Sale Dunoma, stated this at the 53rd Airports Council International (ACI) Africa board meeting and Regional conference and exhibition held at Casablanca, Morocco between 18 - 25 April 2015. He said: “The conference will certainly offer us an excellent opportunity to share our experiences and best practices in sustainable development as well as in airport safety and security”. Speaking further, Dunoma, in a statement, stated that the introduction of the aviation portal, toll free call centres and the liberalisation of the aviation sector has stimulated awareness and growth. “Nigerian airports are playing important international roles in linking the most populous country in the African continent to the rest of the world, and the containment of the Ebola virus remains a shining example of a

successful collaboration” added. The theme of the conference, which was, “Collaboration for Safe, Secure and Sustainable Aviation in Africa” he said, will address improvements in aviation safety and security in the light of new threats affecting the industry. Angela Gittens, the DirectorGeneral of ACI worldwide, according to the statement, dwelled on the benefits of collaboration within the industry from the perspective of the airports. Earlier, while welcoming delegates, Pascal Komla, President

of ACI Africa, said with the event provided a unique opportunity for aviation executives, experts and exhibitors from across the globe to network, share information and forge a common vision for the future businesses of African Airports. He added: “The 53rd ACI Africa Board meeting and regional conference and exhibition presented a platform for industry experts to come together and explore the challenges faced by the continent and find solutions that would boost the economic growth of Africa.

NAMA MD to deliver Transport Awards Lecture

anaging Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam, is to deliver the 3rd Nigeria Transport Awards Lecture scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2015. According to a statement by Transport Day newspaper, organisers of the awards and lecture, the NAMA’s MD is to centre his

paper on safety and related concerns in the aviation sector, especially as it relates to Nigeria. The statement signed by the Editor of Transport Day newspaper, Mr. Frank Kintum, stated that the MD of NAMA was chosen to deliver this year’s lecture because of his pedigree in the aviation sector spanning so many years.

Wole Shadare

Who is saying the truth?

or how long will airlines continue to witness disruptions in their operation? To some, their operations should not be disrupted as long as they do the right things. To others, there is need to solve this matter once and for all. It is becoming a regular occurrence for aviation agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NCAA) to regularly ground debtor airlines over humungous debts they owe. FAAN had, penultimate week, disrupted operations of Arik Air at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and denied the airline’s staff access to their duty post, making it impossible to process passengers for departure out of Abuja. Arik Air insisted that it does not owe FAAN any money since the agency’s charges are paid in advance (pay-as-you-go basis), adding that this has been the practice for over two years when all the aviation agencies introduced pay-as-you-go for their services, while FAAN claimed that Arik is owing it over N1.6 billion. The carrier, however, dismissed the agency’s claims, saying it is not owing. A top official of Arik told New Telegraph under strict condition of anonymity that the airline, late 2014, paid N4 billion to FAAN. In a copy of receipt made

available by the airline, the amount covered parking and landing fees, rent, fuel surcharge and Passenger Service Charge (PSC); being the five per cent remission to the agency, NAMA and the NCAA, derived from sale of travel tickets. According to the Arik Air source, “In January 2014, we paid N335,562,212.50. In April of same year, we paid another N370,417,622.50. In Setember of the same year, we paid N344,486,305; in December 2014, we paid another N447,232,602.50. This is contrary to the claim that Arik has not been paying its bill.” “In the same year, precisely in February, we paid N318,575,002; in March, we paid N349,471,655 and for June and July of last year, we paid N315,530,737.50,” he added. But, spokesman for FAAN, Yakubu Dati, noted that there are many other outstanding bills that the airline and many others are yet to pay, adding that many of the debts were accumulated over a period of time. It now boils down to who is saying the truth. While FAAN is yet to show concrete evidence of debts owed, Arik has come forward to prove its case. But we must not forget that the agencies need funds to survive. It behoves on the carriers to be responsible to service their debts despite the multiple charges they are compelled to pay, which is regarded as criminal.

Arik Air launches N15,000 fare on domestic routes

rik Air has announced the introduction of substantially reduced promotional fares for travel on all its domestic routes. According to the airline, passengers can now book a one-way Arik Air economy class ticket to any destination in Nigeria for as low as N15,000. The airline, in a statement, said that the promo fare is available for sale from April 21, 2015, till May 15, 2015, while travel must be made before June 15, 2015. The lower fares are available only on-line. Passengers booking the promo fare will enjoy super savings over regular published fares on the applicable routes. Commenting on the promotional fare, Arik Air

Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue, said: “We have always been a value based airline offering not only good value for money without compromising our safety and quality standards, but also ensuring a warm and exciting travel experience on board our Next Generation aircraft. “Our size, extensive network in Nigeria, combined with our superior product gives us considerable leverage to offer such dynamic pricing. We believe this offer will give more of our guests greater flexibility of flights at very attractive prices across our domestic network. Our website has been designed to emphasise user friendliness so that our guests can now search for and book the promotional fare with ease.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESday, APRIL 28, 2015

Photo | News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

A cross section of mothers after their conferment with Mothers of Faith (Ezinne Okwukwe) by the Catholic Women Organisation, at the St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Asaba, Delta State.

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; bride’s father, Alhaji Musiku Oreagba; his wife, Falilat; groom, Jamiu Babatunde Okewole; bride, Omotoke; groom’s father and Chairman, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Tunde Okewole and his wife, Serifat, at Jamiu and Omotoke’s wedding in Ikorodu, Lagos.

L-R: President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi; Managing Director/CEO, VDT Communications, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi and founder, Zinox Group, Sir Leo-Stan Ekeh, at the Beacon of Information and Communication Technology (BoICT) lecture/awards in Lagos.

L-R: Director of Training and Administration, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Dr. Hassan Idris; Chief Executive, Ambassador Moses Essien and Chairman, Dame Priscilla Kuye, at the induction of patriotic citizens by the institute, in Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISANM

A Military Policewoman screening candidates for the Nigerian Defence Academy 67th regular course’s entrance examination in Abuja. PHOTO-NAN

L-R: Oyo State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo; Managing Director/CEO Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Special Adviser, Bureau for Investment Promotion, Mrs. Folakemi Akinyele; Financial Secretary, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Oyo State chapter, Mrs. Motunde Ayankoya and Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, at the presentation ceremony of cheques for BOI SME FUNDS to beneficiaries in Oyo State.

L-R: Metro Physician, Lagos Metropolitan Council of the Knights of Saint Mulumba, Dr. Jude Mbama; Grand Knight, Charles Mbelede; Secretary, Don Ezeh and Chancellor, James Famure, at the investiture of members into the 3rd degree cadre in the order of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Lagos.

L-R: Commercial Manager, The Bridge Clinic (TBC), Dr. Ekundayo Omogbeehin; Client Services Manager, Mrs. Promise Abaribe; Consultant Gynecologist, Dr. Tayo Abiara and Head, Nursing Services, Mrs. Ebele Onwuagbaizu, at the company’s 16th anniversary children’s celebration in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Naira hits N220 per dollar at BDCs, parallel market

Depreciation

Naira loses ground against dollar after post election rally Tony Chukwunyem

fter appearing to regain lost ground against the United States dollar in the aftermath of the March 28 polls, naira is once again plunging against the greenback at the Bureaux De Change (BDC) and parallel markets. As at yesterday, naira was trading at N220 to the dollar in Lagos, according to findings by New Telegraph. BDC and parallel market operators attributed the local currency’s decline to a scarcity of dollars in circulation. They noted that the scarcity had worsened in the last fortnight resulting in a sharp drop in the value of naira. The naira has, however, remained stable against the dollar in the interbank foreign exchange market where it has exchanged at around N199/$ since February 18 when the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) scrapped the Retail Dutch Auction System(RDAS) window. In the days leading up to the elections, naira

had fallen to as low as N224 to the dollar, as the uncertainty and tension that surrounded the elections was reported to have made politicians and frequent users of foreign exchange to stockpile the US currency. But following the peaceful outcome of the elections, they flooded the market with the dol-

Ayodele Aminu

he International Monetary Fund (IMF), yesterday, forecast 41/2 per cent growth for sub-Saharan Africa in 2015, some .5 per cent higher than World Bank’s projected growth of four per cent. The Fund, in its April 2015 Regional Economic Outlook for the region released yesterday, but officially made public today, also said that the number of people reaching working age in the region will exceed that in the rest of the world combined by 2030. The World Bank had, in its Africa’s Pulse, a twice-yearly World Bank Group analysis of the issues shaping Africa’s eco-

lars leading to naira surging in value against the greenback. Indeed, a few days after the elections, there was a convergence between the rates at the BDC/parallel markets and the interbank market. According to a BDC operator, who asked not to be named, “the cause of the current scarcity of forex is that politicians

and other heavy users of foreign currencies have again started stockpiling dollars because they are not certain about the kind of policies that the incoming administration would introduce. It is true that immediately after the elections they flooded the markets with dollars and the rates came down. But it ap-

IMF raises sub-Saharan Africa’s growth to 4.5%

Bullish about region’s working age nomic prospects released at the start of the Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., said that the region’s growth will slow in 2015 to 4.0 per cent from 4.5 per cent in 2014 on the back of fall in the prices of oil and other commodities. The Bank’s 2015 forecast was below the 4.4 per cent average annual growth rate of the past two decades and well short of Africa’s peak growth rates of 6.4 per cent in 2002-08.

But, Director of the IMF’s African Department, Ms. Antoinette Sayeh, in a statement, said: “Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is set to register another year of solid economic performance with growth expected to expand 41/2 per cent in 2015. The region will continue being one of the fastest-growing in the world - second only to emerging and developing Asia.” She, however, said that

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

N16,833,244.57 N16,509,472.5m 8.2 0.0000 13 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$61.39 US$29,505,863,448

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2014 Dec, 2013 Feb, 2015 2/5/2014 24/2/2015 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 24/2/2015 23/4/2015 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

the economic expansion will be at the lower end of the range experienced in recent years, mainly reflecting the impact of the sharp decline of oil and commodity prices over the last six months. Acknowledging that the impact of the oil shock will be highly differentiated across the region, Saeh noted that sub-Saharan Africa’s eight oil exporters have been hard hit by the price decline and their average growth in 2015 is expected to be about 11⁄4 percentage points lower than in 2014 in response to this shock. However, for most of the rest of the region, growth prospects remain favourable, she explained. “These countries are enjoying the benefits of lower oil import bills, although some are also feeling the impact of lower prices for their non-oil commodity exports. Growth is projected to be particularly strong in most low-income and more fragile countries and this will help to re-

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

not remove the risks to the country’s sovereign credit profile. According to the firm, “a change of government introduces economic policy uncertainty following smooth elections and the authorities’ proactive response to lower oil prices this year. The advent of a new government creates uncertainty about its economic policy. Reform of the currency regime and an effective 18 per cent devaluation in February eased pressure on the naira, which has firmed in the unofficial market since the elections. duce poverty levels.” In Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Ebola outbreak, she noted, is beginning to be controlled, with a sharp decline in the incidence of new infections. “However, 2015 will be another difficult year, with economic activity expected to be significantly depressed,” the Director emphasised. The IMF, she said, has provided $390 million of assistance to help these countries, including $100 million of grants for debt relief - the first instance of such assistance by a development partner. Consequently, Sayeh said that while the baseline scenario is for solid growth, policy makers need to remain mindful of risks that could still cloud the outlook. In particular, global financial conditions, she noted, are tightening, just as the region’s frontier markets are increasingly relying on Eurobonds to finance their large investment needs. Besides, she said that the deteriorating security situation in some areas could also strain budgets and have an adverse impact on the near-term growth outlook, especially in the agricultural sector, while weakening prospects for foreign direct investment.

Atlas Mara to invest $22m in Rwandan bank

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

pears that they are again getting worried about the kind of government that President-elect, Buhari, would head.” Fitch Ratings, in a note issued a few weeks ago, had observed that although the peaceful outcome of the elections offers the prospect of a smooth transfer of power in Nigeria, it does

tlas Mara, the African bank co-founded by former Barclays boss, Bob Diamond, is in talks to invest $22.5 million in Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) and merge it with its existing Rwandan bank. Atlas Mara said yesterday that if successfully concluded, it will own 45 per cent of BPR and plans to buy shares from other local shareholders to lift its stake to over 70 per cent. It plans to merge it with BRD Commercial Bank, which it bought last year. The merger would create Rwanda’s largest bank

by branch locations and second largest bank by assets with combined assets of approximately $305 million, Atlas Mara said. BPR’s existing shareholders include Dutch lender, Rabobank, which Atlas Mara said it intends to work with. Founded in 2013, Atlas Mara said last month that it was considering more acquisitions as part of its plan to become sub-Saharan Africa’s leading bank. After a series of deals it has operations or interests across seven countries, including Botswana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe

Business | Financial Market News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-Apr-15

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,582.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,254.47

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

1.31 2.00 2.25 2.35 3.09 4.17 4.49 4.80 6.75 8.88 13.59 14.07 14.57 15.24 19.23

13.57 13.62 13.66 13.67 13.76 13.84 13.90 13.90 13.91 13.96 16.84 17.26 17.75 15.47 13.94

13.44 13.54 13.57 13.59 13.63 13.75 13.79 13.82 13.84 13.90 16.77 17.19 17.65 15.40 13.89

99.35 102.51 92.79 91.55 92.48 106.61 77.52 105.53 110.59 101.16 90.27 75.02 52.24 68.25 88.08

99.50 102.66 92.94 91.70 92.78 106.91 77.82 105.83 110.89 101.46 90.57 75.32 52.54 68.55 88.38

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 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.07 1.06 1.62 1.98 2.19

2.63 2.27 2.00 2.69 2.85

14.48 15.95 15.60 16.32 16.50

98.88 101.28 100.50 100.65 96.98

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

321.44

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.35

4.44

16.82

98.50

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.43

3.23

16.05

98.74

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.70

4.46

17.86

97.54

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.70

3.48

16.88

99.06

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.98

1.31

14.94

91.80

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.24

1.00

14.64

98.99

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.68

1.79

15.50

96.76

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.06

1.80

15.44

97.59

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

2.07

1.00

14.64

98.88

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.05

1.00

14.64

99.73

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.05

4.78

18.42

93.01

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.25

1.00

14.66

101.44

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 25.70

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

2.68 4.57 2.64

1.00 1.00 1.00

14.71 14.90 14.70

101.59 98.68 100.08

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.19

1.00

14.77

99.95

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.59

1.00

14.92

94.70

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.68

1.00

14.93

100.22

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.34

1.44

15.23

98.19

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.37

1.00

14.79

100.45

99.02

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 440.12

Corporate Bonds ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.31

1.00

13.19

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.37

1.00

13.51

99.45

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.45

2.63

15.58

99.34

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.43

1.00

14.60

97.98

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.50

1.34

14.93

99.12

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.43

1.00

14.68

96.65

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.45

1.88

15.48

103.84

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.70

1.00

14.60

101.98

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.87

1.00

14.62

105.13

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.87

1.00

14.62

102.07

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.41

3.00

16.79

92.93

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.98

2.29

15.92

99.70

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.06

6.11

19.75

97.27

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.68

2.16

15.87

100.24

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.55

2.76

16.68

94.92

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.68

1.13

15.09

105.55

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.43

1.00

15.28

83.48

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.43

1.00

15.28

89.98

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

161.53

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

158.20

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.80

1.00

14.72

89.90

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.90

86.05

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.93

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

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

5.43

5.23

106.42

107.43

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.45

4.17

102.00

102.84

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.72

5.57

104.23

105.24

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,563.29

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.49

4.16

101.00

103.41

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.34

99.80

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

11.02

10.11

89.57

91.74

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.45

6.78

95.57

97.58

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.83

98.02

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.87

10.25

93.17

95.10

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

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

8.58 11.15 8.81

8.58 10.71 8.81

97.79 91.59 95.25

97.79 93.44 95.25

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.66

10.34

90.54

91.87

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,496.40

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 10 17 24 38 45 59 66 73 80

FIXINGS Maturity 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15

Bid Discount (%) 7.08 11.32 11.47 11.15 11.15 11.36 11.42 10.25 11.50

Offer Discount (%) 6.83 11.07 11.22 10.90 10.90 11.11 11.17 10.00 11.25

Bid Yield (%) 7.09 11.38 11.55 11.29 11.30 11.58 11.66 10.46 11.79

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 9.1250 13.5102 14.8155 16.0000

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

8.50

O/N Tenor Call 1M 3M

9.00

REPO

Rate (%) 23.50 23.75 24.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

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

198.30 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60 206.28

198.40 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21 213.47

^14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

524.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 279.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,582.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,254.47

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

13.96 16.84 17.26 17.75 15.47 13.94

13.90 16.77 17.19 17.65 15.40 13.89

101.16 90.27 75.02 52.24 68.25 88.08

101.46 90.57 75.32 52.54 68.55 88.38

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.07 1.06 1.62 1.98 2.19

2.63 2.27 2.00 2.69 2.85

14.48 15.95 15.60 16.32 16.50

98.88 101.28 100.50 100.65 96.98

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

8.88 13.59 14.07 14.57 15.24 19.23

Issue Date

Agency Bonds

FMBN

14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

Stock market opens on negative path ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

321.44

Sub-National Bonds

BEARISH

A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

Investors’ wealth *IMO LAGOS drops by N88bn *BAYELSA ‡ /Agusto BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

‡ /Agusto

EDO

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

*NIGER Stories by Chris Ugwu *ONDO

‡ /Agusto

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

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

*GOMBE

A-/GCR

*NASARAWA

he Nigerian LAGOS BBB-/Agusto;bourse BBB+/GCR saw*OSUN deBBB-/Agusto *OSUN cline in value of Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS equities as profit A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI ‡ /Agusto *EKITI taking continued, partic-

31-Aug-10 12.50 KADUNA ularly on shares of 31-AUG-2015 blue as against 34,485.72 re30-Sep-10 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 chip companies. corded the previous day 30-Jun-11 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 The stock market had while the market30-Jun-09 capi15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 19-Apr-10 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 talisation of equities since last week continued de30-Jun-10 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 to witness 14.00 sellEDO offs as inpreciated by N88 billion 30-Dec-10 31-DEC-2017 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 vestors took14.00 advantage of or 0.75 per cent. 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 the bullish 14.50 rally that perMeanwhile, a turnover 09-Dec-11 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 vaded the local bourse afof 200.9 million shares 12-Dec-13 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 14-Feb-12 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 in ter peaceful15.50 general elec- worth N2.2 billion 02-Oct-12 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 tions to cull profits. 4,148 deals was recorded 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 Consequently , the All- in the day’s trading. 10-Oct-13 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 Share Index dipped 168 The banking 27-Nov-13 sub13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 basis points 0.49 per sector of the financial 31-Dec-13 15.00or KOGI 31-DEC-2020 31-Dec-13 14.50at EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 services sector was the cent to close 34,317.72 06-Jan-14 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

452.88 440.12

FCMB reports 9% growth in pre-tax profit

businesses in the lender’s portfolio of investments. Corporate Bonds Meanwhile,17-Aug-10 Courteville 10.00 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 ‡ /Agusto *UPDC 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 Business Solution Plc has 12.00 *FLOURMILLS 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS recorded 6.8 per cent drop 14.00 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 13.00 NAHCO in pre-tax profit for the 14.25 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 FSDH 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 13.00 first quarter ended March UBA 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 18.00 *C & I LEASING 31, 2015. MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 16.00 Nil *DANA The statement of fiMPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 18.00 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11of AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER CMB Group Plc has achievedMPR+5.25 a strong and sus- nancial position the 16.00 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR 22-Sep-11 14.00 UBA company in a filing with posted 9 per cent intained growth over the past 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 15.75 *LA CASERA crease in net*CHELLARAMS earn- three years.” the Exchange 17-Feb-12 showed that 18.00 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR 16.00 that DANA IIduring 1-APR-2019the 01-Apr-14 Nil *DANA the profit before tax (PBT) 16.00 ings for the first quarter He added II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO ended March 31, 2015. past year,15.25 theNAHCO group contin- decreased 6.8 14-Nov-13 per cent to 15.25 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 30-Dec-14 16.45 UBA N105.511 million In a filing with the Niued the profitable develop182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 from 11.93 STANBIC IBTC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC ment of 13.25 gerian Stock Exchange its STANBIC core banking, N112.739 million in the first 13.25 TOTAL OUTSTANDING (NSE), the groupVALUE reported capital markets and stock- quarter of 2014. TOTAL MARKET profit after CAPITALISATION tax of N5.277 broking businesses. However, the company billion up Bond 9 per cent from Long gave the assur- posted revenue of N358.346 Supranational IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC first 11-Feb-13 N4.827billion for the ance that10.20 with the imple- million in its first quarter 10.20 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB 10-Jul-14 with 11.25 quarter. mentation of the Group’s 2015 period compared TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE FCMB had posted a supervisory structure, the N112,739 million recorded TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 32 per cent increase in a lender was confident that in the same period of 2014; profitRating/Agency before tax (PBT) for Issuer the initiative will help to indicating a growth Description Issue Date of 12.6 Coupon (%) the full-year ended 31 De- consolidate the gains made per cent. FGN Eurobonds cember 2014. over the past years. The business solution JAN 28, 2021 company had recorded BB-/Fitch; 07-Oct-11 TheB+/S&P group reported preThe Managing 6.75 Direc11.8 6.75 BB-/Fitch; tax profit of N23.9 billion FGNtor of FCMB Group, Mr. per cent growth in pre-tax 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 BB-/S&P up 32 per cent from N18.2 Peter Obaseki, noted, “the profit for the financial year BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 BB-/S&P billion for the full-year group is on track to deliver ended December 31, 2014. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ended 31 December 2013. on its promise to its variThe profit before tax TOTAL CAPITALISATION TheMARKET Chairman of FCMB ous shareholders’’. He ex- (PBT) increased 11.8 per Group, Jonathan Long, plained that the Financial cent to N457.031 million Corporate Dr. Eurobonds million in 7.50 had while at the strucMAY 19, 2016from N403.029 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P speakingGTBANK PLC I Holding Company7.50 19-May-11 bank’s AGM said that the ture adopted by FCMB while profit 7.25 7.25 JUL in 25, 2017 the Q4 of 2013, 25-Jul-12 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 6.88 MAY 09, 2018after tax (PAT) B/Fitch; B/S&Pwhich comprises FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 group, 2013 has given opportunity firmed up 6.88 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 3.10 per cent to N317.657 6.00 First City Monument Bank for the bank to diversify her 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 6.25 Limited, FCMB Capital revenue sources and minimillion from N307.804 mil- 8.75 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 mise exposure to the risks Markets Limited and CSL lion recorded in the corB-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 8.25 USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 9.25 Stockbrokers Limited, “has inherent in 9.25/6M some of the responding period of 2013. 8.00 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14

Custodian and Allied Q1 profit rises by 40%

#{r}

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

14-Aug-14

8.75

1.00

13.19

0.37

1.00

13.51

99.45

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.45

2.63

15.58

99.34

99.02

29-Sep-16

1.43

1.00

14.60

97.98

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.50

1.34

14.93

99.12

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.43

1.00

14.68

96.65

0.64

1.88

15.48

103.84

5.40

1.00

14.60

101.98

1.00

14.62

105.13

1.00

14.62

102.07

250.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.31

09-Dec-15

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17-Aug-15

30-Nov-17 ustodian and Allied 1.45 Plc, 09-Apr-18 1.70 a wholly owned Nigerian 2.54 09-Sep-18 1.87 0.70 09-Sep-18 1.87 investment holding com35.00 22-Sep-18 3.41 pany quoted on the Nigerian 2.10 18-Oct-18 1.98 Stock Exchange (NSE), has2.06 an0.36 17-Feb-19 4.50 01-Apr-19 2.68of nounced a Profit Before Tax 2.05 14-Nov-20 5.55 N1.87 billion for the first quarter 30.50 30-Dec-21 6.68 ended 31 March 2015. 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.43 15.44 30-Sep-24 This indicates some 40 9.43 per161.53increase over the last three cent 158.20 months of last year corresponding period of 2014. 12.00 2.80 In a filling11-Feb-18 to the Exchange 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.75 yesterday , the company with 24.95 significant investments in gen21.93 eral and life insurance, pension Outstanding Value fund administration, Maturity Date trusteeship Bid Yield (%) ($mm) and property holding businesses, also grew its Group’s asset base 500.00 5.43 to N50.6 billion28-Jan-21 from N48.9 billion as at 31st December, 2014. 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.45 Custodian and Allied in a 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.72 statement, said the results “fur1,500.00 ther demonstrate the diversity 1,563.29 of it’s revenue base and its resilience in a challenging operating environment. 500.00 19-May-16 6.49 “Barring unforeseen circum350.00 25-Jul-17 7.34 300.00 02-May-18 11.02 stances, the Board of Directors 400.00 7.45 believes that08-Nov-18 the trend would 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.83 be maintained for the remain200.00 21-May-19 10.87 ing the financial 300.00 period of 07-Aug-20 8.58 400.00 24-Jun-21 11.15 year.” 450.00 23-Jul-21 8.81

#{r}

B-/S&P

2.50

18.75

15.00

Courteville’s revenue falls 7%

31-Aug-15 by activities 0.35 16.82 boosted in 4.44 Flour Mills Plc 98.50 added 30-Sep-15 0.43 98.74 the shares of FBNH Plc, 3.23 4.74 per16.05 cent to close at 30-Jun-16 0.70 4.46 17.86 97.54 followed turnover 3.48 N5.08 per 30-Jun-16 with a0.70 16.88share. 99.06 1.98 14.94 of 19-Apr-17 26.04 million shares 1.31 On the flip side,91.80 shares 30-Jun-17 1.24 1.00 14.64 98.99 valued 31-Dec-17at N185.6 2.68million 1.79 of Seplat 15.50Petroleum 96.76 Plc 1.80 led the 15.44 in30-Sep-18 1,458 deals. 2.06 losers with97.59 a loss 04-Oct-18 2.07 1.00 14.64 98.88 Beverage manufacturof five per cent to close at 09-Dec-18 2.05 1.00 14.64 99.73 er,12-Dec-18 Cadbury Nigeria Plc 4.78 N378.1018.42 per share. Live2.05 93.01 14-Feb-19 five per 2.25cent to 1.00 stocks Feeds 14.66 gained Plc101.44 fell by 02-Oct-19 2.68 1.00 14.71 101.59 4.76 per cent to close at close at N42.00 per share. 22-Nov-19 4.57 1.00 14.90 98.68 12-Dec-19 2.64 100.08 while Guinness Custody Insurance Plc 1.00 N2.20, 14.70 10-Oct-20 99.95 followed with a3.19 gain of 1.00 Nigeria14.77 Plc dropped 4.74 27-Nov-20 5.59 1.00 14.92 94.70 4.81 per cent to5.68close at 1.00 per cent14.93 to close at100.22 N160.04 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 3.34 1.44 15.23 98.19 N4.14, while 3.37 Dangote 1.00 per share. 06-Jan-21 14.79 100.45

8.50 most12.50 active (measured 13.00 2.16 by turnover volume); 14.00 4.86 with 15.50 94.7 million shares 5.73 57.00 worth10.00 N887.9 million ex13.75 25.73 changed 14.00 by investors 25.00 in 30.81 1,458 14.00 deals. 14.00 9.00 Volume in the sub-sec14.50 13.73 tor was largely driven 14.00 10.20 by 15.50 in the shares 27.00 of activities 15.50 15.09 UBA Plc and Zenith Bank 14.50 80.00 25.70 Plc. 14.75 14.75 10.78 Also, other financial 13.50 87.50 services of the 15.00 sub-sector5.00 14.50 4.55 financial services sector, 15.00 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14-Aug-21

10.66

3.00

16.79

92.93

2.29

15.92

99.70

6.11

19.75

97.27

2.16

15.87

100.24

2.76

16.68

94.92

1.13

15.09

105.55

1.00

15.28

83.48

1.00

15.28

89.98

1.00

14.72

89.90

1.00

14.90

86.05

MD, Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc, Offer Price Oluwole OshinBid Price

Offer Yield (%)

Prices & Yields Custodian according to the 5.23 106.42 its manage107.43 statement from ment, continues to maintain 4.17 102.00 102.84 its leadership position in the 5.57 104.23 105.24 Other Financial Services sector while its subsidiaries lead in their respective subsectors. The Custodian Group consists and103.41 Allied 4.16 of Custodian 101.00 Plc7.34(the holding company), 99.80 99.80 10.11 89.57 Allied 91.74 Custodian and Insur6.78 95.57 97.58 ance Limited, Custodian Life 6.83 98.02 98.02 Assurance Limited, Custodian 10.25 93.17 95.10 Trustees Limited and Crusad8.58 97.79 97.79 10.71 91.59 93.44 erSterling Pensions Limited. 8.81 95.25 95.25 10.34

3,650.00

90.54

91.87

27-Apr-15

3,496.40

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^ FIXINGS Money Market 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 & notForwards) guarantee Foreign Exchange (Spot DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor (%) NIBOR 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 theRate basis of the Information. 10 7-May-15 7.08 6.83 7.09 17 24 38 FGN Bonds 45 59 66 Rating/Agency 73 80 87 94 101 108 122 129 136 150 157 NA 171 220 234 255 269 283 297 311 325 332 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 346

VALUE

14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 Issuer 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 NA 15-Oct-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16 7-Apr-16

11.32 11.47 11.15 11.15 11.36 11.42 Description 10.25 11.50 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 10.06 11.37 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 11.27 9.85 27-JUL-2017 11.87 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.46 10.70 30-MAY-2018 11.61 12.06 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.56 7.00 23-OCT-2019 11.61 15.54 13-FEB-2020 12.38 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 12.31 12.20 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.63 12.49 22-MAY-2029 12.40 8.50 20-NOV-2029 12.50 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.32 12.65 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 12.65 12.46

11.07 11.22 10.90 10.90 11.11 11.17 Issue Date 10.00 11.25 16-Aug-13 9.81 11.12 27-Apr-12 11.02 27-Jul-07 11.62 31-Aug-07 12.21 30-May-08 11.36 11.81 29-Jun-12 12.31 23-Oct-09 11.36 13-Feb-15 12.13 27-Jan-12 12.06 11.95 14-Mar-14 12.15 28-Nov-08 12.38 22-May-09 12.15 20-Nov-09 12.25 23-Jul-10 12.07 12.40 18-Jul-14 12.40 12.21

11.38 11.55 11.29 11.30 11.58 11.66 Coupon (%) 10.46 11.79 13.05 10.31 11.71 15.10 11.64 9.85 12.30 9.35 13.00 10.70 12.10 12.62 16.00 13.24 7.00 12.21 15.54 13.15 16.39 13.30 13.23 14.20 13.58 15.00 13.92 12.49 13.72 8.50 13.91 10.00 13.76 14.25 12.1493 14.29 14.13

Bonds

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 9.1250 13.5102 14.8155 16.0000

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 581.39

8.50

O/N

9.00

REPO

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 476.80 1M 20.00 2M 100.00 3M 300.00 6M 9M 351.30 12M 233.90

OBB

16-Aug-16

Rate (%) 27-Apr-17 11.7033 27-Jul-17 11.8829 31-Aug-17 11.8959 30-May-18 12.3307 13.5543 29-Jun-19 13.9240 23-Oct-19

98.31 13-Feb-20 600.00 27-Jan-22 NIFEX 524.68 14-Mar-24 Current Price ($/N) 75.00 28-Nov-28 BID($/N) 199.0000 150.00 22-May-29 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 279.50 18-Jul-34

Tenor Call TTM (Yrs) 1M 3M 1.31 6M

Rate (%)

Bid23.50 Yield (%) 23.75 24.00

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer 2M Yield 3M (%) 6M 13.44 1Y

13.57 24.25 2.00 13.62 13.54 2.25 13.66 13.57 NOTE: 2.35 13.67 13.59 :Benchmarks 3.09Bond 13.76 13.63 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 4.17Bond 13.84 13.75 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 4.49 13.90 13.79 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 4.80 13.90 13.82 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 6.75 Finance Corporation 13.91 13.84 IFC: International LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 8.88 13.96 Management 13.90 NAHCO: Nigerian 13.59 Aviation Handling 16.84 Company 16.77 O/N: Overnight 14.07 17.26 17.19 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 14.57Africa Portland Cement 17.75 Company17.65 WAPCO:West 15.24 15.47 15.40 19.23 13.94 13.89

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

198.30 198.40 201.81 201.93 Price 202.28 202.13 202.87 203.37 204.24 205.31 Bid Price Offer Price 205.60 207.21 206.28 213.47 99.35 99.50 220.29 226.27

102.51 102.66 92.79 92.94 91.55 91.70 NA :Not Applicable 92.48 92.78 ^ : Market Prices # : Floating Rate Bond 106.61 106.91 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 77.52 77.82 105.53 105.83 ‡ : Bond rating under review 110.89 †: Bond110.59 rating expired N/A :Not101.16 Available 101.46 {r} :Issuer in receivership 90.27 90.57 75.02 75.32 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 52.24Bank for Africa 52.54 UBA: United 68.25 68.55 88.08 88.38

4,582.44 4,254.47

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

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN Modified Duration ***LCRM Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

24-May-12 FMDQ FGN0.00 BOND 03-Apr-12 17.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Outstanding Vol Value 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50

1,440.88

1,409.48

42.01

44.50

3<5

1,169.04

1,099.68

32.78

36.11

627.91

846.07

25.22

3,237.83

3,355.23

100.00

>5 Market

Sub-National Bonds

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Total Outstanding Porfolio Market Value(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

INDEX 24.56

2.40 112.22 Bucket 116.70 Weighting 66.49

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

0.07 1.06 1.62 Implied Yield 1.98 2.19

2.63 2.27 2.00 Implied 2.69 Portfolio Price 2.85

14.48 15.95 15.60 INDEX 16.32 16.50

98.88 101.28 100.50 YTD Return 100.65 (%) 96.98

322.380.42

19.62

13.70

106.9409

1,198.16

8.1519

13.93

109.3868

1,091.47

7.7921

19.39

321.440.25

38.59 41.79

14.89

76.9506

1,081.55

7.4011

100.00

1.00

100.00

14.29

100.1801

1,132.03

7.2824

0.33

A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.35

4.44

16.82

98.50

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.43

3.23

16.05

98.74

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.70

4.46

17.86

97.54

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.70

3.48

16.88

99.06

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.98

1.31

14.94

91.80

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.24

1.00

14.64

98.99

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.68

1.79

15.50

96.76

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.06

1.80

15.44

97.59

44 Travel Advisory

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

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

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

AEROCONTRACTORS

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

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

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

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

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 28, 2015

Features

A cross-section of past winners and other officials at the 2014 award

Shaping the future through Maths O n Thursday, May 15, 2008, the atmosphere was tense at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, especially for the 20 finalists of the Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), who had crossed many hurdles to take part in the prize-giving ceremony. Their teachers and parents too, who had accompanied them on the journey, were also uncomfortable for many hours into the programme until the winners were finally announced. For the senior secondary school category, almost all of the 10 finalists who made the trip had participated in the 2006 edition of the competition when they were in junior secondary school. Only the duo of William Ezeani of Loyola Jesuit College and his counterpart from the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), Temitope Adisa, could not make it to the celebration venue then. They ranked 14th and 16th respectively and so lost out at the zonal stages. One after the other, the pupils answered their names as they were called to the rostrum – first to wear their customised Cowbell blazer and then to receive their medals, N10,000 consolation prize and gift packs which included branded cowbell bags, mathematical sets, T-shirts, notebooks, pens,

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

In an age when many corporate organisations focus their talent hunts programmes on social lives of participants, Mojeed Alabi writes on the influence of the Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition introduced about two decades ago by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, on some of its past winners and Nigerian pupils in general

stickers, among other items. Towards the tail end of the ceremony, there were only three participants left - Oluwatosin Ajaja of College of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State; Temitope Adisa and William Ezeani. And in that respective order, the first three winners were announced with Oluwatosin storming the podium as the overall winner. She went home with the star prize of N130,000 for the senior category. In addition to her prize, Tosin’s school got 200 classroom tables and chairs, and Mathematics textbooks. William and Temitayo got N75,000 and N100,00, respectively. That was almost seven years ago. But today, the then 15-year-old William Ezeani who had finished third has now graduated from the University of Windsor, in Canada. At 22, he is today busy writing a Mathematics textbook for secondary school entrance examination candidates. According to him, it is a book that has to do with some easy ways of solving mathematical problems. He said; “Those were some of the methods I deployed which made me to be quick in solving Mathematics questions. I believe very strongly that it would help a lot of students to understand how to answer Mathematics questions.” His mother, Mrs Uzoamaka Ezeani, said since her son won the coveted prize he had always looked up to bigger achievements. She said: “What motivated him

Since then, I began to hold the belief that I could achieve the best in life

to write the book is none other than the Cowbell competition because he still wants to keep the flag flying.” Williams’s father, Dr Uche Ezeani, said the young man now had a responsibility that being a Cowbell competition winner at some stage in his life had shown that he belonged to a particular level that must be maintained. “It has branded him and has made him not to think of going lower,” he added. In a similar development, the 2008 first runner-up, Temitayo Adisa, has graduated from the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan. Temitayo noted that she had been guided to her career choice by the Mathematics competition and that the choice of Medicine was to prove a point. She said: “It is to contribute my quota to the development of Nigeria. Winning the award then had made me to meet a lot of influential people who have in turn inspired me to always think of wanting to work harder to be at the top.” Temitayo’s mother, Deaconess Bisi Adisa, said apart from the pride and glory brought to the family, winning the cash prize of N100,000 really reshaped the family life. “It was a huge sum of money. And having achieved that, Temitayo had helped her younger ones to develop interest in Mathematics not only by teaching them but through other means of encour-

agement.” Apart from the 2008 winners, other winners of Cowbell, who are today doing very well in their chosen fields, have expressed their appreciation to Promasidor Nigeria Limited. The challenge, according to them, has helped them in no small measure in shaping their future plans. Japheth Gado was a winner in the 2006 edition but has today graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, where he studied Chemical Engineering. According to Japheth, that he could be a winner of a Mathematics prize was something difficult for those who knew him then to comprehend. To him too, it was an eye-opener that with God, coupled with passion and determination, nothing is impossible. He explained that prior to the time the competition was introduced to him he was not good in Mathematics. “I could remember I was very poor in Mathematics, but when I saw the advertorial announcing the competition in the newspaper I really wanted to make it and for the first time in my life, I worked very hard. “It brought out the genius in me. I remember there was a day I solved Mathematics for 11 hours nonstop. Before then, I had never done that in my life,” he added. Having read Chemical Engineering, Japheth said he now unCONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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Return to sound academic performance C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

derstood the importance of Mathematics to every facet of human life. Thus, he craved for more individuals and organisations who would add value to the country’s education sector by introducing such competitions especially in other science-oriented subjects. He said; “Nigeria’s economy will be greatly improved if we can have other people facilitating the growth of the engineering sector and I want to be one of such people. Before the cowbell competition, I was not good in Mathematics but today the challenge has only brought out the real me.” Japheth’s mother, Mrs Hanatu Gado, an agriculturist whose business is in the area of preservation of agricultural products, said she was impressed that her son, who might have ended up studying other courses, could now be useful for her profession with his certificate in Chemical Engineering. She said she was extremely happy when Japheth won because she saw his determination, zeal and desire. “He disciplined himself and made me proud as a mother. As an agriculturist, I am sure he would be able to help in producing agrochemicals, which will be used to preserve agricultural products and also in the production of pesticides. This will not only add value to my business but to the nation’s economy,” she enthused. Another winner, Mobolaji James who also participated in the 2006 edition had moved on to study Electrical Electronics Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He said before his recognition in 2006, he had never won in any competition, and had doubted his capacity to be at the top in life. “But since then, I began to hold the belief that I could achieve the best in life. Immediately we ended the award, I began to dream that one day I could be world champion. So I fell in love with Mathematics. “Even while in 100 level at the university and I had the opportunity of choosing three Mathematics courses of Geometry, Measuration and Calculus, I saw them as the simplest and today I have imbibed the winning spirit. I also feel that by studying Electrical Electronics Engineering, I could be part of the changing face of technology in Nigeria,” he added. Also, Chidinma Onyeaba, another past winner, is dreaming of becoming a plastic surgeon having read Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). According to her, she had discovered that in Nigeria those who suffer from scars or burns as a result of accident are only treated and they go home because there are no facilities to bring back their old shape. She said: “Yet these people don’t want to live with the scars. So I will like to bring relief to these people. The award brought a change in me and I was the only girl among the winners then. I then saw that I could reach anywhere if only I could dream of it.” Encouraged by the successes of those who had taken part in the competition, the owner of the initiative has raised the stake by increasing the total prize money by 62 per cent. At a briefing in February to announce the activities scheduled to mark the 2015 edition, the company’s Managing Director, Mr Olivier Thiry, said Promasidor was adding a new twist to the conduct of the competition. He said: “We will now have a ‘Stage

Adisa

Ezeani

Chidinma

2 Reloaded,’ which includes a quiz segment and wonderful new prizes for the winning pupils and their teachers. Also, I am happy to announce that this 15th edition will see substantial increase in the prize package.” The firm’s commitment to the competition over the years, he said, had seen the initiative grow from a small school competition in Lagos in 1998 to a national competition with great reputation in the industry. Tracing the increasing figure of participants, Thiry said 20,048 pupils took part across the federation in 2010 and it grew to 34,600 in 2011; 34,668 in 2012 but declined to 28,739 in 2013 and 29,119 in 2014. The managing director said more participants were expected this year, just as he announced the latest prizes to include a total cash of N750,000, trophy, a medal and an all-expenses-paid trip to an African country for the first prize winner; N500,000 cash, trophy and a medal for first runner-up and N250,000, trophy and medal for the second runner-up for both the junior and senior categories. Apart from the individual winners, the winning schools will also benefit from the donations of five desktop computers and printer, a plaque and Mathematics textbooks for the school that produces the overall winner; three desktop computers, printer, plaque and Mathematics textbooks for first runnerup’s school and two desktop computers, printer, plaque and Mathematics textbooks for the school that produces the second runner-up. For the teachers responsible for the coaching of each of the overall winners, there are rewards of N250,000, N200,000 and N150,000 in the order of their pupils’ performances. Because Cowbell realises the fact that not all the participants could make it to the top, the top three winners at the state level will also be recognised and reward-

ed with N25,000, N20,000 and N15,000 for the first, second and third positions, respectively, just as they will also receive brand souvenirs. The teachers too will not be left out, as coaches of the first prize winners at the state level will also receive N15,000 cash award. According to Thiry, the competition, over the years, has achieved the purposes of awakening the consciousness and interest in Mathematics among secondary school students in the country; improving pupils’ performance in Mathematics; nourishing the pupils’ dreams and more importantly creating a credible platform for identifying outstanding pupils and encouraging excellence in Mathematics. Confirming these achievements, the Principal of the renown King’s College in Lagos, Otunba Dele Olapeju, whose pupils won in the state about two years ago and later came 7th nationally, the challenge has helped the schools and the pupils to develop interest in Mathematics. According to him, considering the number of schools involved across the federation, it has brought out the fighting spirits out of the schools and their pupils. He said: “The teachers of the finalists are also rewarded, so the competition is not only among the pupils but including the teachers too, and this has also helped the teachers to be more committed and dedicated in classrooms.” Corroborating Olapeju’s views, a Mathematics teacher at the Federal Government College, Ikirun, Osun State, Mr Rafiu Agboola, said though his school had won in the state category in the past, he was hoping to win the national trophy. He said: “If for nothing else, we will like the Cowbell big billboard announcing us as the winner to be mounted in front of our school. That will be a big achievement for us,” the Maths teachers said.”

The former Director General of the National Mathematics Centre, Prof Sam Ale, during one of the award presentation ceremonies, had publicly recommended the organiser for national honours. According to him, the challenge had really re-awakened the nation’s consciousness and interest in Mathematics. The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwole Familoni, though a chemist, described the strategy deployed by the competition managers as the best approach to bring out the best in participants. Familoni, who condemned other competitions focusing on what he described as passing fads such as music or dance, said for beginning at the grassroots level, and with the huge prizes involved, the nation had always been at advantage. He said: “I am usually baffled at the way we reason in this country and the misplacement of our priorities. I keep wondering how somebody will be asked to participate in a singing competition and he or she will be rewarded with a whopping N10 million with SUV which is worth another N10 million. And after one record or two, the winner is off the radar because he is not truly talented. “This is one of the reasons the students are no longer taking their studies seriously because the encouragement in other less important fields is more attractive than what is obtained in the academic circle. “That is quite unfortunate but with innovations like this, I think the country will soon be on its way to reclaim its already lost glory.” Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Secretary of Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiatives, an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation that is focused on youth development, Mr Olalekan Oladapo, said the distraction caused the pupils by the promotional programmes and activities of some corporate organisations directed at social lives of the pupils could be monumental. He said: “All these talent hunts announcing huge sums as rewards for participants have done more harm than good to our society and when you look at most of those who participate in them, they are either dropouts or unwilling students. “And that is why even if the money is thrown at them they are unable to manage their fame and successes because the necessary foundation of sound education is not there. “So we need to go back to the drawing board to make sure that whatever programmes and activities that will not encourage sound academic performance among the pupils should be discouraged.”

Thiry (right); Director-General, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Prof. Adewale Solarin and another official at the media briefing to announce the 2015 edition of the competition.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

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Ebonyi Assembly, Elechi row over market project Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he crisis between the Ebonyi State government and the House of Assembly is far from over, as the two parties are locked in a fresh battle over the allocation of stalls at the International market project being constructed by the government. Investigations revealed that the crisis has reached new heights as the House Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry yesterday directed the ministry to stop the sale of forms for the allocation of shops at the market. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Valentine Okike, gave the directive after inspecting the over 7,000 lock-up stalls at the project site. He ordered the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to refund any money

already collected from all interested subscribers to the project in the state. He noted that the project has not been completed and kicked against the allocation of shops at the stage the project is, describing the sale of forms as fraudulent. Okike warned members of the public against the idea of parting with their money to any person or group of persons adding that the ministry was doing it to the people’s detriment, saying that any allocation of uncompleted market will be revoked after the present administration. The chairman noted that government was a continuous process, stating that any project not completed by the present government would be completed by the incoming administration, wondering why the outgoing government was bent on allocating the market still under construction.

According to him, the assessment of the legislature revealed that only 25 percent of the project have been completed while 75 percent work needed to be done cannot be completed within the time left in the administration’s tenure. ‘’The shops and warehouses the government is collecting N20, 000 and N500, 000 respectively claiming that they have completed were yet to be completed,” he said. “We are the members of the Committee on Com-

merce and Industry and the project is under our oversight function and the commissioner has not informed the committee that the shops are ready for allocation. We directed the Ministry of Commerce to stop the sale of the form for the allocation and refund any money already collected from unsuspected individuals”. Meanwhile, the state government has said that the House of Assembly lacks the power to stop the allocation of shops at the

International Market. However, a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Elechi, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, said ‘’It is noteworthy that the Martin Elechi administration initiated the construction of the market in 2009 and has, so far, invested the sum of N18.3 billion in the project. According to him, It is noteworthy that the bond facility which the state government sought from the financial market was to enable the govern-

ment complete the market project, including internal roads and other ancillary facilities. ‘’The House of Assembly, apart from stalling that loan, is now seeking to stop the state government from generating funds from the completed stalls in the market to invest in the uncompleted ones. We wonder whether the House of Assembly is for the progress of the state or its retrogression. Ebonyi people and all persons of good will should judge for themselves.’’

Obiano moves to enhance relationship with Anglican communion

he governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, is leaving no stone unturned in his commitment to establish cordial relationship with various religious denominations in the state, believing such bond will avail his administration the much-needed peace and spiritual backing to realize its lofty dreams for the state. Governor Obiano, who spoke at a dinner he organized for all Archbishops and Bishops of the Anglican Communion at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, described the Church and government as partners in progress in the task of changing lives and building a virile society. He said a clear understanding of the roles of the church will guide religious leaders in pursuing peace and unity with one another as a pre-requisite for the development of the society.

The Governor observed that the state is presently reaping dividends of its partnership with the church in key sectors of the economy and assured that such engagements will be sustained. While assuring the church of his administration’s continued support towards their evangelistic strides, Governor Obiano called for fervent prayers for the nation and its leaders in the task of administering the affairs of the nation. In his remarks, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Oko, described governor Obiano, as a visionary leader and great crusader whose dogged efforts are already yielding results towards breaking barriers created by the acrimony that hitherto existed among the various religious denominations in the State.

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University (ABSU), Prof. Chibuzo Ogbuagu; Anglican Bishop of Umuahia, Bishop Ikechi Nwosu and Chairman, Synod Planning Committee, Sir Joshua Ogbonna, at the closing ceremony of the 2015 synod in Igbere L.G.A. Abia State…at the weekend.

Crisis rocks Ebonyi NLC as two factional chairmen emerged Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he crisis presently rocking the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has played out in Ebonyi State chapter of the union, as two parallel Chairmen have emerged at separate congresses held in the state. The factional chair-

men; Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor and Sampson Uneke emerged at separate congresses held in Abakaliki the state capital at the weekend. The parallel congresses also produced other officials of the union in the state NLC. The two congresses were held simultaneously. While the congress which produced Nwafor, was held at the Abaka-

liki Township Stadium with officials from the National Secretariat of the NLC in attendance, the one that produced the Uneke faction, took place at St. John Catholic Church, Okpaugwu also in Abakaliki and supervised by the National Industrial Relations Officer of the congress, Comrade Henry Bassey, under tight security. Speaking, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor, dis-

missed the claim of factions in the congress, adding that no other congress took place in Ebonyi State, apart from the one that produced him and other officials. He called on the members to close ranks and move the congress forward. He also regretted the failure of the state government to pay the 50 per cent new salary structure it agreed to pay the workers.

APC BOT member congratulates Ikpeazu

Abia NLC produces two factional chairmen

Igbeaku Orji

member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, has congratulated the people of Abia State, for electing an Ukwa-Ngwa indigene as governor of the state for the first time. Nkire advised the APC’s governorship candidate candidate, Dr. Nyerere Anyim, not to lose hope in actualizing his ambition of becoming the governor of the state, urging him not to contest the outcome of the election, but to commence preparation

for the next election. He further said that APC, as a party, did not believe in frivolous election petitions and urged the governor-elect, to govern with fairness and justice. He advised Ikpeazu to see himself as governor of Abia State and not an Ukwa-Ngwa governor, adding that he must move quickly to reconcile with his opponents in order to have all hands on deck. He also said the Governor-elect must realise he has the burden of leaving Abia State, better than he met it.

Umuahia

he Abia State Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has also been engulfed in crisis, following the emergence of two parallel chairmen from two different congresses of the union held in Umuahia. A factional leadership emerged with Comrade Christopher Ezeikel, under the Joe Ajero- led leadership as the new state NLC Chairman, while another faction led by Comrade Uchen-

na Obigwe, produced the leadership of Ayuba Waba as chairman. In her remarks, the returning Officer for the Christopher Ezekiel faction, Mrs. Doris Nwaji, stated that as a result of the crisis that has rocked the national leadership of the NLC, the delegates’ congress being held was under the leadership of Comrade Joe Ajero- led NLC. At the end of the exercise, all the newly elected factional state officers of the union were returned unopposed, following their adoption by the delegates

from affiliate unions to the NLC in the state and were subsequently sworn in by the former state TUC Chairman, Comrade Ndukwe. In his acceptance speech, the factional state NLC chairman, Comrade Christopher Uchenna Ezekiel said his acceptance of the mandate by the delegates was a manifestation of the confidence reposed in him by the workers. “I hereby declare that I have accepted, the call to duty to defend and protect their rights. Transparency will be the watchword of the

new executive members of the State NLC”. Speaking after the election, the returning officer, Mrs. Doris Nwaji, who is also the Women leader of the NLC under the Ajeroled leadership, described the election as peaceful. In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) Comrade Ndukwe, described the election as an integral part of the NLC constitution, “We are here to satisfy the constitutional issue of the NLC.”

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tuesday, april 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Varsity lecturer dies after swimming Dominic Adewole ASABA

lecturer at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka,

Mr. Joseph Edah, is dead. He slumped and died after swimming in the pool of a hotel where he went to relax in Warri, Delta State. Prior to his death, Edah served at the in-

stitution’s Department of English and Literary Studies. The lecturer, a 38-yearold man, the New Telegraph gathered, is not only the youngest in his department, but in the

entire institution. He was described by one of his students as “calm, down to earth and loved by all” during his life-time in the campus. One of his colleagues in the institution yester-

day said he decided to swim on the fateful day as the weather was getting too hot. “After swimming, he dressed up, then slumped suddenly and fell on the floor. He was rushed to a

nearby hospital for treatment, where he died moments after,” the source disclosed. The source added that his death has, since, thrown students, especially those in his department and the entire staff of the institution into grief, adding that “it was a bitter pill for us to swallow.”

Ex-Delta electoral boss, Jaho, dies at 75 Dominic Adewole ASABA

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Joe Achuzia; Secretary-General, Lower Niger Congress, Mr. Tony Nnadi and President, Mr. Fred Agbeyegbe, at the presentation of a referendum on self-determination by the Lower Niger Congress in Port Harcourt...yesterday.

Monarch: Missing police rifle not found in my bedroom Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he traditional ruler of Sasaro community in Akoko-Edo Local Government area of Edo State, Oba Azutorome Unuaikhazor, yesterday denied reports in the media that a missing police rifle seized last week by angry protesting youths in the area was recovered in his bedroom. The community’s youths had protested over the death of one of their own in a river in the area. Youths from sleepy agrarian community

had protested against the death of an employee of a quarry company owned by a Lebanese national during which policemen were deployed to quell the situation and in the process, were overpowered by the protesters, who disarmed an officer of his rifle. The monarch, who spoke with newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin, the state capital, described the reports in the media as untrue and a clear misrepresentation of what happened. He disclosed that he “took the rifle for safety

Risk I took paid off, says Navy commander Joe Obende Warri

he outgoing Commander of the NNS Delta, Navy Commodore Musa Gemu, yesterday took a retrospective look at his tenure in Warri and his operations in its creeks and environs and submitted that the ‘military risks’ he took by plunging into the unfamiliar creeks, paid off. Gemu said when he took command of NNS Delta, he took military risks by ‘plunging into the creeks’ of Warri and its

environs to have firsthand knowledge of what went on there, particularly as it related to illegal bunkering and refining. That ‘plunge,’ he told New Telegraph, paid off as during his tenure, 4, 000 illegal refineries, 200 wooden wide-bodied canoes, 30, 000 metric tonnes of crude oil, 10, 000 metric tonnes of refined Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and 10, 000 automotive gas oil were destroyed. He, however, did not see these destructions as achievements to the nation, but ‘enormous loss.’

so that it will not fall into the wrong hands” Narrating his ordeal yesterday, Oba Unuaikhazor said: “There is a quarry company we allowed to be doing business in the community, but last week, one of their employees fell into a pit and died and members of the community, who saw him, rushed him to the hospital in Igarra, where he later died. “They brought the corpse to the family, where plans were made for the burial but later, news came that it was the Lebanese people that caused his death. Some members related

to the deceased and some youths demonstrated to the company’s premises. “When I heard of it, I tried to intervene, but I couldn’t control the angry youths; I was not happy about it. Even the car of the company that was parked in my palace was destroyed. Policemen came to rescue the situation at the site and in the process, one Moses Afegbai, was shot and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Igarra.” Continuing, the monarch said: “I was the one who invited the Divisional Police officer (DPO) to my palace and I apologised to him over

Council elections: RSIEC acted within the law — Amaechi

ivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said the recent announcement by the State Independent Electoral Commission (RESIEC) to conduct local council elections in the state is in conformity with the law. Speaking to newsmen Monday in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi stressed that RSIEC is mandated by law to organize local elections and has acted in accordance with the prescribed laws. “If they are complying with the law then they are in order, if they are not complying with the law then they (PDP) should go to the State High Court and stop it. If they go to

the Federal High Court, they should know that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction and I hope that everybody will be careful this time because the Federal Government will be serious with anybody who decides to manipulate the system”. He maintained that the elections will allow the electorates to choose who will govern them. “You know in the last (general) elections the people did not choose who will govern them. But this time it will allow the people to choose who will govern them as chairmen of

what happened and I told him the gun was recovered for safety so that it will not fall into wrong hands. “I took the gun and gave it to him. As he was about leaving, he said the Commissioner of Police asked him to come along with me. The commissioner of police saw me and I narrated what happened. I was surprised about the misinformation that there was a search and that the gun was found in my bedroom. “No police searched my house and no search warrant was issued on whatsoever,” he stated.

he former Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Hon. Justice Samuel Gégé Jaho, yesterday died at the age of 75 after a brief illness. Prior to his demise, he was the pioneer Registrar of the Ughelli Diocèse of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He was appointed by former Governor James Onenefe Ibori, as chairman of DSIEC in 2006, where he served till the end of his tenure in 2011. Upon his graduation from the University of Lagos in 1972 and subsequent call to Bar in 1973, Justice Jaho joined the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and was the Head of the Legal Department in Warri Port between 1975 to 1982. His kinsmen at Owhrode in Udu Local Government area of the state in a statement signed by Mr. Adams Jaho, said the late justice is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Kegbru, 16 children, many grandchildren and a great grandson. According to the statement, the late Jaho later transferred his services from the NPA to the Judicial Service Commission in the defunct Bendel State in 1982 as a chief magistrate.

council and councillors. I don’t see how they can stop the local government council elections from going on”. Amaechi equally cleared the air over media report that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was having internal wrangling over ministerial appointments, saying the party was yet to conclude on the matter. “There have not been any crisis whatsoever since the elections. There has been only one meeting that was held that has to do with zoning of

offices and they said the elders should go and zone the offices and the elders are yet to return to the party. So all you are hearing are speculations”. The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) backed the President-elect, Gen. Buhari’s announcement that all in-coming ministerial appointees must declare their assets. “They don’t have any choice. If you want to serve in the new administration you will have to abide by the rule to publicly declare your assets”, Amaechi added.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Aliyu to PDP members: Be ready to provide virile opposition Dan Atori MINNA

he outgoing governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who lost out in the last general elections not to run away from the party, but be ready to be virile opposition till 2019. Aliyu while making this call yesterday at the inauguration of some Education Trust Fund (ETF) projects at the College of Education (COE), Minna, tasked Nigerians to pray for the success of the APC as it takes over the mantle of leadership on May 29. He said: “Nigeria must not be a one party country; there must be a virile opposition in the country that can give its own views and opinions. Politicians should not allow a situation where we will all go back to one party system. “A virile alternative will give views and give the party in power the need to be on their toes. “There is the need to pray for the success of the APC government at all levels, because, if the APC fails, Nigerians will suffer for the failure. Nigerians have succeeded in entrenching democracy in the country.”

Adamawa Assembly remains shut over impeachment threat Ibrahim Abdul Yola

or the second week running, the Adamawa State House of Assembly yesterday remained under lock and key over threats by some members to impeach the Speaker, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The House, scheduled to seat last week, shifted its sitting to

Maiduguri

he Bor no State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the state gover nment to implement the N18, 000 minimum wage to local gover nment workers across the state. Chair man of the NLC, Mr. Titus Ali Abana, in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, said though the state gover nment is trying to look into the security challenges facing the state, much still needs to be done in the area of workers’ welfare, more especially the implementation of the minimum wage. Abana, who has just been re-elected, said: “We also want to appeal to the state gover nment to pay the outstanding N18, 000 minimum wage arrears for primary

Monday, April 27, following threats by 11 of the 25 lawmakers to pass a vote-of-no-confidence on the speaker. However, some lawmakers and staff, who showed up for work yesterday, were denied access by policemen on duty, who said there was a directive not to allow anybody in. A statement from the 11 lawmakers, signed by their spokesman, Hon.

Umar Abdulkareem, representing Nassarawo/ Binyeri, called for the opening of the House for normal legislative business. “We members of the Adamawa House of Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Jerry Kumdisi, wish to categorically state that Adamawa State House of Assembly Complex, which has been under seal, should be unsealed

to enable the House resume its legislative functions. “By tradition, the chamber is the designated place for legislative business even though the House can sit in any part of Adamawa State to legislate for good governance, peace and stability of state. “The stalemate in the House is as a result of high-handedness and maladministration by

Ahmadu Umar Fintiri. “We, therefore, urge the good people of Adamawa State to be calm and remain law abiding as this stalemate will soon be resolved,” the statement said. But, when contacted on the development, the Speaker, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, did not give any reason for the closure, but insisted that there was no stalemate in the House. He said: “The House of Assembly does not wish to join issues with anyone. It also wish to notify the public not to be misled by rumours of any stalemate.”

Workers poised for showdown over unpaid arrears Musa Pam Jos

T L-R: Niger State Head of Service, Hamidu Kadi Kuta; Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; Provost, Prof. Faruk Rashid Haruna; Speaker, House of Assembly, Adamu Usman and others at the inauguration of the Multifunctional Hall at the state College of Education in Minna…yesterday

Borno asked to pay N18, 000 minimum wage Ahmed Miringa

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school teachers and local government staff.” The NLC chairman appealed to Governor Kashim Shettima to pay attention to workers’ welfare, stressing that the gover nment must take steps toward improving the lot of civil servants in the state. He also urged the governor to look into the case of the workers that are disengaged from the Maiduguri Inter national Hotels, the Borno Investment Company and others.

APC chair: We have uncovered Aliyu’s booby trap Dan Atori MINNA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State yesterday said it has uncovered plans by the outgoing administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to set a booby trap for the incoming APC government in the state. In a statement signed by the APC Chairman, Mohammed Imam, the party said: “The first move is a plan to embark on mass recruitment of workers to the extent that the next admin-

istration of the APC will be weighed down.” According to Imam, “The government’s main aim of embarking on the mass recruitment of workers is to leave behind a large workforce that will force the next administration to rationalise the workforce and by that paint the next government in bad light before her supporters.” But in a swift reaction yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aliyu, Mr. Israel A. Ebije, said “the allegation by the APC is spurious, shameful and

a gross misplacement of agenda.” He said it is “regrettable that they have decided to embark on cheap blackmail to veil their sinister agenda against the people.” According to Ebije, “The comments against plans by Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to recruit workers for the newly established Niger State University of Education is shallow, unfortunate and counter-productive; it is the incoming APC administration that intends to reduce the workforce in the state civil service.”

Ortom, Ogbeh, others on investment trip to China Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he Benue State Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, yesterday led a high powered delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Republic of China, for a seven-day visit at the invitation and sponsorship of two firms

from that country. Hongye International Limited and CGC invited the Governor-elect to tour their facilities in China. The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, is accompanied on the visit by a delegation from the state, including a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the APC, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

The purpose of the visit, according to a statement by the Media Adviser to the Governor-elect, Mr. Tahav Agerzua in Makurdi yesterday, is to commence discussion with Chinese businessmen and women towards establishing a partnership in the development of the state. He is expected to visit four provinces and Beijing, where he will pay a

courtesy call on Nigeria’s envoy to that country. Ortom’s schedule during the one-week trip includes visits to agro and coal power plants, as well as water treatment, airport, roads construction, dredging and irrigation facilities in the four regions. The Governor-elect, who left Nigeria last night, is expected back home on May 6, 2015.

he Academic Staff Union of College of Education (COEASU), Pankshin, Plateau State, is poised for a showdown with the management of the college over unpaid promotion arrears for its members. New Telegraph gathered that the academic staff members of the college are being owed about six years promotion arrears and have been agitating for the payment without success. The COEASU Chairman in the college, Mr. Emmanuel Hemba, said the union had scheduled Friday this week to address the issue. According to him, the meeting is due to the failure of the college authorities to settle the issue in spite of the three-day warning strike, which ended last week. He said COEASU had issued a 21-day ultimatum within which the college is to pay the accumulated arrears or face an outright strike. Hemba said the meeting was for the union to take a more drastic action. “We cannot allow this injustice to continue, we are meeting to rectify the situation and take drastic stand on the non-payment of our promotion arrears. “Other colleges of education have paid their lecturers, but here in this college, it has been one excuse or the other.”

World |News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NGE to launch endowment Loretta Lynch sworn in as fund for distressed editors new US attorney-general Temitope Ogunbanke

he Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has promised to launch an endowment fund to cater for the needs of editors, who are financially distressed and those who became incapacitated in the course of doing their job. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on the plans of the newly elected officials for the guild, NGE President, Femi Adesina, said with the support of his colleagues, the guild will ensure that all pending projects that

were embarked upon in the last dispensation are completed. These projects, according to him, include training and re-training of editors, completion of the eight-storey secretariat building in Abuja, which will be known as the ‘Editor’s plaza’ and the Identity Card project for editors. His words: “We will complete everything we have started and do some new things. Those things we have started will include training and re-training of editors. We will continue with that and give it a special attention.

Also, it will mean that the secretariat project we have started, we will complete it by the grace of God. The ID card project for editors will also be completed. “One major thing that we want to do in this fresh term is that we want to launch an endowment fund for editors; editors who have left the profession, editors who are incapacitated in the course of doing their job or those who are in distress one way or the other. “From that pool of fund, the needs of editors will be met. Some editors have retired and they have other ideas that they have.”

I won’t quit politics - Tukur Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bamanga Tukur, said he has no intention of quitting politics despite the failure of the party to win the presidency. Tukur, who was reacting to a publication in one of the national dailies that some PDP leaders might retire from politics with the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the election, said, “poli-

tics is a game in which individuals choose on their own to participate and be involved and so the issue of retirement does not arise”. Tukur was removed as PDP National Chairman in January 2014. He was subsequently suspended for one month for taking the party to court. Since then, the former National Chairman has been out of circulation, leading to rumours that he might have bade goodbye to politics. But in a statement yesterday by his Special

Assistant (Media), Oliver Okpala, the former National Chairman noted that he is in politics to serve the nation and give his best. He added that he does not see any reason of quitting politics when Nigeria is in dire need of the experienced politicians like him. Tukur said he will remain in politics in order to continue to advise young politicians on the need to institutionalize party discipline, supremacy and internal democracy in the polity.

PSC wants recruitment of more policemen Onyekachi Eze and Emmanuel Onani

he Police Service Commission (PSC) Election Monitors that monitored the just concluded general elections has recommended the recruitment of more policemen to address the inadequacy of policemen in the country. The team was led by the Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector General of Police, who served as the National Coordinator. In its report released

yesterday in Abuja, the team noted that the police were overwhelmed by the large turnout of voters in some polling units “especially as they were not armed.” The PSC had deployed over 400 policemen to monitor police conduct in over 4,841 polling units across the country. But the team said it “observed that there was an average of one police man per polling unit, with some units manned by two police men. There were also few polling units without the pres-

ence of police. “An average of 6,000 police men were deployed per state, while Lagos State deployed 36,204 men and Enugu, 3,000. “There is also the need to introduce armed undercover policemen at polling units to protect their unarmed uniformed colleagues and also prevent hoodlums and political thugs that usually storm these polling units with pomp action guns and other dangerous weapons to intimidate, kill and snatch ballot boxes”.

Xenophobic attack: Group protests at South African embassy Camillus Nnaji

coalition of Human right groups under the aegis of Human Right Defenders and Advocacy Initiative have marched in protest to South African Embassy in Lagos and another South African interest in the country, ‘Shoprite’ demanding the South African government to prosecute all perpetrators of xenophobic attack

against foreign nationals in their country. The coalition comprises Civil Liberty Organization(CLO), Path of Peace Initiative and Human Right defenders . The group said it is giving the government of South Africa two weeks to prosecute all its nationals involved in the attack, prosecute the Zulu King Godswill Zwelithi because of his incisive statements and to compensate all victims of

the attack. The protesters marched to the South African Embassy and Shoprite investment in Lekki , Lagos. In a statement read out during the protest yesterday, Chairman of the group, said if the South African Government refuses to heed to this request in two weeks, all South African interest in the country, like the Embassy, Shoprite and MTN would stop to function.

oretta Lynch was sworn in yesterday as the 83rd US attorney general, the first African-American woman to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Speaking before family members, Justice Department lawyers and supporters, Lynch said her confirmation as attorney general showed that “we can do anything” and pledged that the agency would “use justice as our compass” in confronting terrorism, cyberattacks and other threats facing the country. “We can imbue our criminal justice system with both strength and fairness, for the protection of both the needs of victims and the rights of all. We can restore trust and faith both in our laws and

in those of us who enforce them,” Lynch said, an apparent reference to ongoing efforts to repair relations between police departments and minority communities that they serve. Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath of office to Lynch at a Justice Department ceremony, calling Lynch an “incredibly qualified” selection. He said Lynch had shown grace during the months-long confirmation process, in which her nomination became caught up in Congress a dispute over human trafficking legislation. The 55-year-old Lynch was confirmed by the Senate Thursday. She replaces Eric Holder, who left the position Friday after serving as attorney general for six years.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s about time this woman is being sworn in,” Biden said to applause. She was previously the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, which encompasses much of New York City, and is expected to serve as the top federal law enforcement official for the remainder of the Obama administration. Lynch isn’t expected to make radical departures from Holder’s agenda, but has said she hopes to have a productive relationship with Congress. Holder frequently clashed with Republicans on Capitol Hill and was held in contempt during a document dispute stemming from the Fast and Furious federal investigation into gun trafficking.

Death toll climbs to 4,000 in Nepalese quake

Nepalese troops, seen unloading supplies from an Indian helicopter, are heavily involved in the relief effort

epalese officials scrambled yesterday to get aid from the main airport to people left homeless and hungry by a devastating earthquake two days earlier, while thousands tired of waiting fled the capital Kathmandu for the surrounding plains. By afternoon, the death toll from Saturday’s 7.9 magnitude earthquake had climbed to more

than 3,700, and reports trickling in from remote areas suggested it would rise significantly. A senior interior ministry official said it could reach as much as 5,000, in the worse such disaster in Nepal since 1934, when 8,500 people were killed. Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport was hobbled by many employees not showing up for work, peo-

ple trying to get out, and a series of aftershocks which forced it to close several times since the quake. Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam was supervising aid delivery and arranging for passengers to leave the country. Government officials said they needed more supplies of food, medicines, specialized rescue services and body bags. “The morgues are getting totally full,” said Shankar Koirala, an official in the Prime Minister’s Office who is dealing with the disposal of bodies. Families lit funeral pyres for the dead in towns and across the countryside. Many of Kathmandu’s one million residents have slept in the open since Saturday, either because their homes were flattened or they were terrified that aftershocks would bring them crashing down.

Sudan’s Bashir re-elected with 94% votes

udan’s President Omar al-Bashir was elected to another five years in office, results showed yesterday, despite international war crimes charges and a vote marred by low turnout and an opposition boycott. Bashir, 71, took more than 94 percent of the vote in the election held earlier this month, the electoral commission said, prompting the opposition to reject the result as a “joke”. National Electoral Commission chief Mokhtar al-Asam announced Bashir’s victory to a Khartoum news

conference to cries of “Allahu akbar!” (God is greatest) from the long-serving president’s supporters. Only little known candidates had run against Bashir and his closest competitor Fadl el-Sayed Shuiab of the small Federal Truth Party took just 1.43 percent of the vote. Bashir’s ruling National Congress Party also dominated results in simultaneous parliamentary elections, taking 323 of 426 seats. The elections took place over four days from April 13, with voting extended by a day

after turnout appeared minimal. Asam said the official participation rate was more than 46 percent. Western governments criticised the elections, which were held amid deepening economic woes and conflicts in the Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions. Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur, where the UN says more than 300,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million displaced.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015

Sport News

International Sport

Keshi to wait for assistant coaches

Mourinho to Arsenal fans: Boring is 10 years without the title

Basketball

Aminu rescues Mavericks, records historic double-double

Interview

Sport

We missed the chance to shock the world in 1994 – Okocha

Did you know? That NBA superstar Pau Gasol was a medical student at the University of Barcelona but left when his basketball career became too demanding.

Blame NFF, not Keshi, for Eagles decline – Ezeugo Ifeanyi Ibeh

ormer Nigeria international, Emeka Ezeugo, has come to the defence of Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, as he is of the opinion that his former teammate, is not the reason for Nigeria’s dwindling fortune in the game. Under Keshi, the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and made it to the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. But the team failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea. As a result, a large percentage of Nigerians have blamed the former national team captain as the main culprit for the Super Eagles’ decline. But according to Ezeugo, Nigerians

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

should look no further than the Nigeria Football Federation for the root cause of the senior national team’s recent decline. Ezeugo said the fortunes of the national team would not experience an upsurge unless the NFF sets its house in order. “Keshi has been there and has done it all. He has got all the experience and what he needs is support from all Nigerians to do well,” said Ezeugo, on Monday, in a Brila sports Radio programme monitored in Lagos. “Keshi has coached in Mali and Togo and he did exceptionally well in these countries. He has also done extremely well in Nigeria. “I don’t know why people can’t see that Keshi has done great things in Nigeria. I really don’t know because people keep saying that Keshi has nothing to give to Nigeria. Just because he wasn’t able to qualify the team for the last Africa Cup of Nations doesn’t make him a bad coach. “[Spain’s coach] Vicente Del Bosque won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 but at the last one in Brazil in 2014 he couldn’t even take the team to the knockout round and he is still the national team coach; nobody is crucifying him in Spain.” He added: “We need to cry out about what is wrong with our football. We all know what is wrong and it is traceable to the crisis in the NFF. We don’t want to admit that there is crisis and we are not serious about sorting it out. “We need to sort that out first. We need to resolve the problem at the NFF before things can be normal because the river is contaminated at its source and that contamination trickles down to all its tributaries. “That is what is happening. We need to deal with that situation first before our national team can make progress.”

Nigeria’s Kenneth Omeruo contesting for the ball with South Africa’s Bongani Ndulula

BBC nomination thrills Oshoala

Oshoala

uper Falcons and Liverpool Ladies FC forward, Asisat Oshoala, has expressed joy at being one of the five players nominated for the BBC Woman Footballer of the Year award. Oshoala was named along with Brazil’s Marta, Spain’s Veronica Boquete, Nadine Kessler of Germany and Kim Little of Scotland in the inaugural BBC Woman Footballer of the Year award billed to be announced on May 26, after a poll from listeners from across the globe. The reigning African Wom-

an Footballer of the Year told Super Falcons Media Officer Gracious Akujobi that it was Allah’s doing to be nominated among the five best player in the world. “I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated. I feel very appreciated and I give God the glory,” said the best youth player in the world Asisat told the BBC: “This award is a very good thing for women football. It can really help us by encouraging other countries to support their ladies more and treat them the same way they treat the men.”

Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Keshi to wait for assistant coaches Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles coach, Stephen keshi, will have to wait for some time before knowing his assistants after the Nigeria Football Federation declined to name them during his unveiling last week. According to the first Vice President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwumi, Keshi’s assistants would be announced later. Daniel Amokachi had been Keshi’s first assistant since he took over in November, 2011 and had taken charge of the team in the absence of the Big Boss. But there were strong indications from the Glass House suggesting that the

former Everton of England striker would not be retained following a reported falling out with Keshi. Salisu Yusuf had been reportedly penciled down as Amokachi’s replacement. But the NFF is yet to confirm or deny the report; the federation said it would be announcing the coach’s backroom staff soon. “We are not presenting any assistant coaches now, we have only presented the chief coach and that is how it is,”Akinwunmi said “We’re not naming any backroom staff at the moment but I assure you we will do that in due time, but it’s just about the chief coach for now. “When the time comes you will know.”

Keshi taking Super Eagles training session

Youth tourney: Team Nigeria finish third Charles Ogundiya

eam Nigeria on Sunday failed to defend the African Youth Athletics Championship won two years ago in Warri, Delta State, after finishing third in Mauritius, the venue of the competition. Despite travelling with a depleted team and missing all day one events, the athletes were able to secure six medals, two gold and four silver with two championship records. Abolaji Omotayo, Alphonsus Aniekeme, Adiakerenwa Blessing and Idamadudu Praise combined to win gold in the 4x100 medley relay girls with a championship record of 2.08mins. Olude Fadakemi also won gold in the girls 5000m walk in

a time of 25.20.28mins to create another championship record. Participating in a long jump event for the first time in her career after been drafted from 100m, Alphonsus Aniekeme, against all odds, won silver in the girls’ long jump with a leap of 5.50m. Idamadudu Praise won silver in the girls 200m while Emmanuel Tobechukwu won two silver medals in the boys Triple Jump and Long Jump events. South Africa won the competition with 17 gold, six silver and six bronze medals, followed by Kenya which won eight gold, nine silver and two bronze medals. The team was scheduled to arrive Nigeria late on Monday (yesterday).

Nike to boost national teams Charles Ogundiya

he latest kit sponsorship deal signed by the Nigeria Football Federation with world’s leading brand, Nike, will see the company supplying kits to the value of $750,000 to the various national teams of Nigeria in the first year of the contract. According to a release by the NFF, the details of the contract, signed in London on Thursday, showed that the products value would increase in the second year, with Nike supplying kits to the value of $1million to the national teams.

Nike will also supply kits worth the sum of $1million to the national teams in 2017 and 2018. The three-and-halfyear contract was signed by NFF President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, with Tina Salminen, Nike’s African Football Sports Marketing Director representing the American outfit. There are also various bonuses specified for any of the national teams that qualify for major inter national championships, with the Super Eagles to earn up to the sum of $500,000 at

the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. “We are comfortable with the contract, because Nike came across during the negotiations as being ready to listen to our demands. That is always the key aspect; you always need a partner with a listening ear,” part of the release read. “Nigerian football is better associating with a global leader and I am convinced this is just the beginning. As we go along, Nike may also be willing to partner with some of our domestic clubs and even the League Management Company.”

NFF congratulates Jude Ighalo

Team Nigeria after winning the 4x100 medley relay for girls in Mauritius

he Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo over the promotion on his team, Watford FC, to the English Premier League. The Hornets gained promotion to the top flight on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 away win at Brighton’s Amex Stadium with other results in their favour. Victory over Brighton was Watford’s fifth successive win and took

their tally to 88 points with only Bournemouth, who have 84 points and a match in hand, the only team that can catch up with them. “We are very happy for Ighalo, who was part of the last couple of friendly matches played by the Super Eagles (against Uganda and South Africa). The EPL is a great platform to be and he can only become a better player,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said at the weekend.

Ighalo

Ighalo, who also represented Nigeria at U-20 and U-23 levels, contributed 20 goals to the Hornets’ success and played 65 minutes in Saturday’s win. His replacement, Matej Vydra, scored the second goal for Watford.

World Championship: Oshonaike makes main draw, Toriola marches on Ajibade Olusesan

igeria’s Funke Oshonaike made it to the main draw of the women’s singles of the ongoing International Table Tennis Federation World Championship taking place in China after beating Algeria’s Safa Saidani 4-3 (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 10-12, 12-10) yesterday to top her qualification group.

But the Nigerian faces the biggest test in her first match in the main draw as she confronts top seed, Ding Ning, today which incidentally his birthday. Similarly, Segun Toriola who emerged top of his qualifying group, defeated Weber Lionel of Switzerland 5-2 (11-9,11-4,4-11,911,11-8,4-11,11-3) in the round of 64 of the Men’s singles preround on Monday and he will face Madrid Marcos of Mexico

in the round of 32. Kazeem Makanjuola was not so lucky; he came second in his group and could not make it to the pre-round after losing his second group game to Tabachnik Pablo 4-3. Oshonaike said her qualification into the main draw was fulfilling after sponsoring herself to the competition. ‘I am pleased to be China, now I have reached the main draw, it

has been worthwhile,” she said. Toriola is still struggling with the time difference between China and and his base in Europe and stated that it was affecting his game. “My problem in this tournament has been timing because I have hardly slept owing to the time difference between my base in France and China; I hope to get used to things within a few days,” he said.

Oshonaike

International Sport

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015

Mourinho to Arsenal fans

Boring is 10 years without the title

helsea manager Jose Mourinho hit out after his side was booed off by Arsenal supporters following Sunday’s 0-0 stalemate at the Emirates Stadium. The Blues saw out their game plan perfectly in securing the draw that they needed to maintain a 10-point gap from their London rivals and take what captain John Terry

described as a “big step” towards the title. But Arsenal supporters let their feelings be known towards the end of the match, chanting “boring, boring Chelsea” as the game petered out. Mourinho, however, responded in typically defiant fashion after the game by referring to the Gunners’ failure to win the league title

since 2004. “I think boring is 10 years without the title,” he said. “I think waiting, waiting, waiting for the title for 10 years is very boring. “Maybe they were not singing to us. When you are playing at home and take your No.9 off ... maybe they wanted to see [Olivier] Giroud and [Danny] Welbeck together.

Henry: Gunners need more players to win EPL

hierry Henry believes Arsenal need to sign four players if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Henry believes the Gunners should replicate the recruitment strategy employed by Chelsea, with the club’ record goalscorer claiming that they need a new “spine” as they look to win their first league title since 2004.

“Arsenal need to buy four players, they need that spine,” he told Sky Sports. “They need a goalkeeper, they still need a centre-back, they still need a holding midfielder and, I’m afraid, they need a top, top-quality striker in order to win this league again. “The best example for me today was Chelsea. They struggled last year

and they were still competing to win the league. They now have [Thibaut] Courtois, [Nemanja] Matic, Cesc [Fabregas] and Diego Costa.” “If you take the goalkeepers, for example, at Bayern Munch, Chelsea, Manchester United and a lot of other teams. You need that type of player, you need that competitiveness within the group and you need great players.”

We’ll fight Barcelona till the end – Ancelotti Sturridge out for the season

arlo Ancelotti has warned title rivals Barcelona that Real Madrid will fight until the very last minute of the Liga season after beating Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday night. Javier Hernandez scored twice, while Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez also got on the scoresheet as Madrid came from behind to record a vital three points in the race for title. Two points separate second-placed Madrid and leaders Barca, with Ancelotti determined to apply as much

pressure as possible on Luis Enrique’s side. The Blancos coach said: “We played a very good game because winning here means we played well. Celta played at a high standard. We are satisfied and happy and the team is still alive. We have a good attitude and we have shown that on the field. “Our aim is clear. If we win every game, we force them to win every game. At this time we’re not thinking about other teams, we’re concentrating on ourselves and we are doing well.”

Ancelotti

ATP rankings

Djokovic retains top spot

Djokovic

ith 13,845 points, Serbian star Novak Djokovic held on for the 144th week the top spot in the Association of Tennis Professionals singles rankings issued on Monday. Swiss Roger Federer placed a distant second with 8,385 points,

followed by Scotsman Andy Murray and Spaniard Rafael Nadal, reports Efe. Meanwhile, Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka jumped to the ninth place with 3,495 points, upsetting Croat Marin Cilic. The current ATP ranking and point scores are as follows:

rendan Rodgers admits that Daniel Sturridge may not return to competitive football until next season. Sturridge has missed Liverpool’s last three games with a hip injury, with Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert deputising in his absence. “It has been difficult for Daniel, of course,” Rodgers told reporters. “Daniel is a good lad who obviously wants to play, wants to be working and helping the team. “But it has just been one of those seasons for him where he has been very unfortunate and has just missed out. We’re just going to have to monitor that day by day and see where he’s at. “When he’s been fit he’s been brilliant for the team, the key now is to see if we can get him back fit and consistently playing. We’ll see if that’s going to be this season or the pre-season.”

Sturridge

‘Klopp may replace Guardiola at Bayern’

ranz Beckenbauer believes Jurgen Klopp could succeed Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. The Borussia Dortmund coach has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after seven years in charge in 1. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 13,845 points which he has led 2. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 8,385 them to two Bundesliga titles and a 3. Andy Murray (Scotland) 6,060 Champions League 4. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 5,390 final. Guardiola insists 5. Kei Nishikori (Japan) 5,280 he will still be Bay6. Milos Raonic (Canada) 5,070 ern Munich coach until the summer 7. Tomas Berdych (Czech) 4,960 of 2016 but is yet 8. David Ferrer (Spain) 4,490 to open talks with the newly-crowned 9. Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) 3,495 champions over a 10. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 3,405. new contract.

Bayern legend Beckenbauer says he could see Klopp in charge at the Allianz Arena, should the Spanish coach leave any time soon. “Of course I could imagine Klopp as Guardiola’s successor,” he told Sky. “When I was president, we often talked about Klopp and believe he would fit very well at Bayern. “Klopp is definitely an option at Bayern. The question is, how long Guardiola will be in Munich. I hope for a long time, but Klopp would be considered. “I can’t imagine that Guardiola would leave in 2016. He likes Munich. He has had success with the team and he knows that he can succeed in the future. He has everything he wants.”

Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

AFN lauds Lagos Athletics Classic Charles Ogundiya

he Athletic Federation of Nigeria has applauded the organisers of the recently concluded Lagos Easter Open Relay Championships. The Technical Director of the AFN, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, said from his base in the that it was a good initiative. he said the competition was good for the development of track and field in Nigeria. “I give kudos to the Lagos State Government and organisers of the maiden edition of the Lagos Easter Open Relay Championships,” Nesiama said. “It is a very good initiative com-

ing from Lagos especially as we pride ourselves as a relay nation.” He added: “I look forward to seeing Nigeria establish a relay circuit on the continent very soon.” He promised to use his position as a member of the CAA Technical and Competition Commission to press for international label for the competition, while also pleading with corporate bodies and philanthropists to invest in athletics. He said: “I wish to use this medium to call on state governments and wellmeaning organisations to encourage track and field through modest sponsorship of AFN endorsed events.”

Charles Ogundiya

Athletes representing Nigeria Customs celebrating after winning the men’s 4x400m relay at the classic

YEDI, SONigeria organise anti-malaria tourney Emmanuel Tobi

n commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative, in partnership with Special Olympics Nigeria, will organise a grassroots competition tagged “Kick Against Malaria Football Tournament.” Targeted at combating the scourge of malaria, using the power of football as a tool, the tournament will take place alongside other activities in-

cluding free malaria testing and treatment, free distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated nets, family health forum, music and refreshment, among other activities. Now in its third year, the tournament, which will be used as a platform for mobilising and empowering young Nigerians with relevant information about HIV/ AIDS and malaria prevention and treatment, as well as basic life-saving skills, will hold at St. Finbarr’s College, Lagos, on Fri-

day, May 1. The event is powered by ExxonMobil and supported by CocaCola Nigeria. Exxon Mobil has consistently supported the tournament from inception. This sustained support, among several other global efforts in fighting the scourge of malaria, has yielded results. According to the World Health Organisation, 3.2 billion people are at risk of the disease, resulting in over 198 million cases of malaria and about 755,000 deaths annually.

Basketball Flakes

Aminu rescues Mavericks, records historic double-double

igerian basketball star, Al-Farouq Aminu, on Sunday night in Dallas (Monday morning Nigerian time) recorded his first career postseason double-double as the Dallas Mavericks avoided elimination in the NBA Western Conference playoffs with a 121-109 victory over the Houston Rockets. The game was also the first time that Aminu would be on the floor for the opening tip in an NBA playoff game, and he helped give the Mavericks at least one more game in the playoffs as he finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. His teammate, J.J. Barea had 17 points and 13 assists, while Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 14 rebounds as Dallas outrebounded Houston 52-38 after offensive rebounding was a key for the Rockets in a Game 3 win that put them on the verge of their first playoff series victory since 2009. James Harden scored 24 points, and Dwight Howard had 13 for Houston. But the Rockets, the most-prolific three-point shooting team in NBA history in the regular season, were 7 of 31 from

MOC begins final countdown for Okpekpe Race

he Main Organising Committee for the third edition of the Okpekpe 10km Road Race led by former president of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Dan Ngerem, has begun the final countdown for the race scheduled to hold in Okpekpe, Edo state, on May 16. Disclosing this to the media on Monday was the coordinator of the race, Yusuf Alli ,who said the committee would meet in Benin on Friday before leaving for Okpekpe to physically inspect the race course as well as the security, accommodation and other arrangements regarding the technical organisation of the race. “The race this year will be different from the first two editions because it is now an IAAF bronze label race,” the two-time IAAF World championships long jump finalist said. “The race is one of the less than 100 the IAAF has designated as one of the leading road races around the world in 2015. “This is a great honour to Nigeria and the MOC is determined to ensure it is organised in strict adherence to IAAF rules. “We have successfully completed the first hurdle which bothers on the invitation of athletes classified under the international elite field. The guideline for this requires at least four nations to be represented by runners with times faster than the IAAF’s guidelines. Alli is who confident of a successful organisation of this year’s race said that the support received from the Edo State government as well as the various sponsors have been the driving force behind the successes recorded so far.

with Ifeanyi Ibeh 08054175662

Zenith Bank League: Ruthless Zakari burns Coal City Queens

he Inspector General of Police Queens, powered by Sadiat Zakari’s career high 36 points, took out the Coal City Queens 87-26 at the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League at the National Stadium Abuja. The Police girls dominated from the tipoff and were 25-11 ahead by the end of the first quarter. And it got worse for the Enugu side as they were limited to just three points in the second quarter as the first half ended 40-14. And it was to get much worse for the Coal City Queens in the fi-

nal two quarters as they managed just 12 points as the Abuja-based IGP Queens bagged their second win in three games, 24 hours after narrowly losing to Customs. “We knew we could not afford to lose again today (Monday),” said Head Coach of IGP Queens, Abraham Ogaba, after the win. “We had to make sure we got the win and that is what we did.” IGP Queens face GT200 of Kaduna in their next game, while Coal City Queens seek their first win of the season as they lock horns with Delta Force on Tuesday.

Benue Princess beat AHIP, target Final-8

B Aminu dribbling past an opponent

three-point territory. Despite the win, Aminu and the Mavericks still have it all to do if they plan on progressing to the Western Conference semifinals as they have to win the next three games in their quarterfinal series against the Rockets.

But no team has, in the history of the NBA, been able to come from 3-0 down to win a seven-game playoff series and Rick Carlisle’s side will need to be at their very best in order to do so against one of the favourites for the Western Conference title.

enue Princess have set their sights on a spot in the Final-8 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League after Monday’s victory over AHIP Queens The Kano-based AHIP Queens came into the game keen on recording their first win of the season. But an inspirational performance from Patience Idoko, who finished the game with 16 points and 11 rebounds to grab her first double-double of the championship, ensured a second win of the campaign for the Princess.

Idoko, who is the captain of the Benue side, believes her team can get better as the championship progresses and has her eyes firmly on a place in the post-season Final-8. “If we can play together I believe we can make the Final-8,” she said. “We are playing First Deepwater tomorrow (on Tuesday) and it’s going to be five against five so we have nothing to fear.” Meanwhile, coach of the beaten AHIP Queens, William Morrison, speaking after the match, said his side would get better as the season progresses.

Sport 55

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015

We missed the chance to shock the world in 1994 – Okocha A legend of Nigerian football Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha was back in France last week for the 12th Match Against Poverty. Answering the call of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, the men behind this unique initiative, the 41-year-old lit up the starstudded event and showed he had lost none of his magical skills. Okocha spoke with FIFA.com afterwards. What does it mean to you to take part in a charity match like this? This event means a lot to me. It’s an opportunity for us footballers, who’ve enjoyed all the advantages life has to offer, to give something back to people in need. It’s a great and beautiful initiative. How much pleasure do you get from being able to play again in front of a large crowd? A lot. It’s a special feeling and it’s something you miss. It’s wonderful to have the chance to relive it all again, to run and play, to express yourself on the pitch, and all without any pressure on you either. I was very excited about it.

Yes, the one I got for Frankfurt against Karlsruhe in 1993 stands out a little for me. I was very young and I hadn’t made a name for myself yet. Klaus Toppmoller was my coach at the time and he started me on the bench for that game, which I wasn’t especially pleased about. We were 2-1 up when he finally decided to put me on. We were under pressure and my job was to keep the ball, but we put a break together and I suddenly found myself in the opposition penalty box with four or five defenders facing me. I just dribbled with the ball, going one way and then the next before putting the ball past the goalkeeper, who was none other than Oliver Kahn.

What’s the happiest memory of your career as a player? I’ve got quite a few and it’s impossible for me to pick out one in particular. Every second I’ve spent on the pitch is a good memory for me, every moment when I’ve been able to express myself with the ball. I enjoyed every single moment of my footballing career, for every club I played with. I’ve got nothing but good memories.

That goal said a lot about how skillful you were, but do you feel you missed out on achieving something big in your career? Yes, I feel like that about Nigeria, especially the 1994 World Cup. I really think we could have sprung a surprise, but at the time we didn’t know just how good we were. It was our first world finals and we settled for that. Looking back, though, I’m convinced we had the potential to shock the whole world.

You played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City during your career. Is there one club that’s especially close to your heart? Yes, there is one that is particularly important to me… just don’t expect me to tell you which it is (laughs)! I don’t want to disappoint the other clubs, which also mean a lot to me. I’m keeping my secret.

What does football mean in Nigeria? It’s a religion in my country. It unites the whole country as one. If the football goes well, then everything goes well. It’s more than a game, more than a sport. It’s part of our culture.

And do you have a favourite goal out of all the ones you scored?

What’s your view on the state of the game in Nigeria? You can’t be completely satisfied with the situation at the moment. We’re lacking a bit of consistency, but there’s plenty of work being done at the top. We’ve been through some tough times, but the

If the football goes well, then everything goes well... It’s part of our culture.

Okocha

good thing is that we’re a big country with a lot of talented players. We just need to get the right structures in place so that the light can shine for good. And what about African football? Do you think African teams are closing the gap on the big European and South American sides? I think so, but the problem is that we still settle for very little. We celebrate a World Cup quarterfinal place when it’s not enough. You have to go further. The gap has closed a lot, though. African teams are getting harder and harder to beat, and that’s a fact. Who’s the best African player in the game right now? I’d say Yaya Toure. He’s the most consistent performer. And then there’s Jay-Jay of course (laughs)! Nigeria won the last FIFA U-17 World Cup and their U-20 side is the reigning African champions in the age group. Are we seeing the emergence of another golden generation? I think so, but we have to make sure that these youngsters can kick on. If we’re going to do that, we must give them support and encouragement. If we don’t give them the right backing, then it’s just going to be the

same old story. We have youth teams that have shone in the past but which haven’t been able to push on at senior level. Let’s try and protect this emerging generation of players and help them mature. I think it’s important that we set up structures that allow us to achieve the kind of continuity we’ve always needed. Can you see a new Jay-Jay Okocha coming along in that new generation? One thing’s for sure: there’s an awful lot of talent among those youngsters. No two players are the same, though. Every player has their own attributes, characteristics and flaws, and their own story too. Are you thinking of going into coaching one day? No. Not for the moment. I’m more interested in the executive positions. I prefer to be the one who appoints them and tells them what to do (laughs)! You see yourself as the presidential type, then? Why not? Yes. In fact, I’ve just been named the chairman of the Delta State Football Association, which I’m delighted about. Who knows what the future has in store, though?

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On Marble There is always something new out of Africa. – P liny

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Momoh: Mastermind of change @ 76 Mack Ogbamosa

single M like Tom Tom to which we all agreed. Momoh then asked us to check the spelling of tomorrow on the front page of the paper. When he was appointed Minister of Information, he was away in the United Kingdom (UK) on an official assignment for the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN). On his return, this reporter was congratulating him in the Daily Times newsroom. Instead of celebrating his appointment, he told this reporter that what the government wanted to do was to ‘‘Rope me in’’. Subsequent events seemed to have proved him right. What many Nigerians did not understand, however, was that as minister, Momoh was now a Public Relations Manager for the government. Again, recently when this writer asked him for celebrations over Buhari’s victory at the presidential polls, he queried him for doing so, saying that this was the time to face challenges and tackle them instead of celebrating. To him, if the challenges are not properly tackled, the leaders would find themselves being stoned in the next four years.

he story of the Presidentelect Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd)’s rough road to Aso Rock cannot be told without the contributions of Prince Tony Momoh. He was not only one of the masterminds of the merger of the three main opposition political partiesAction Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) as well as a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) but has been on the project with Buhari for about 12 years, since when he headed the Media and Publicity Campaign Council of the president-elect under the then All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP). He later became Chairman of the defunct CPC. When Buhari lost in 2003 and 2007, he was one of those who helped pursue the case all through the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court. At a time the president-elect had given up, having publicly declared he was not going to contest elections again, Momoh was one of those who convinced him to rescind that decision. In fact, he went ahead asking Nigerians to beg Buhari to contest. Having convinced Buhari to contest the primaries after the merger into All Progressives Congress (APC), he formed “Those Who Care Group” (TWCG) promoting Buhari as “The Face of Change” The result is there for all to see. With the level of his participation in politics, he appears to have surpassed the achievements of the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, one of those he admired in his younger days and decided to name himself ANTHONY. But does Momoh see himself as a professional politician? Not really. Rather, he believes he is a professional in politics. Like Buhari, Momoh is also very honest, disciplined, hardworking and incorruptible. Also like Buhari, Momoh is a simple man- who insists on following the rules. But do Nigerians believe in following the rules? Momoh once said that Nigeria is a country of laws while the United States (US) is a country with laws, meaning that Nigerians have laws but do not obey them while the Americans obey their laws MOMOH AS A JOURNALIST. Beyond politics, Momoh is seen by many Nigerians, especially those in the media, as their mentor.

MOMOH

It can be seen that elections in Nigeria are organized around a pyramid and at the base of that pyramid is the Presiding Officer He has distinguished himself in journalism. In the annals of the profession, Momoh was the first to have degrees in Mass Communication and Law- having attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He was also the first to become the Training Manager of the Times Newspaper Training Centre (TNTC) later Times Journalism Institute at Iganmu, Lagos. Among all the Editors of the Daily Times, he was the first and only to be made Editor of the daily paper through examinations. He was also the first and only to take the Senate of the Federal Republic to court over press freedom. He was also the first Minister of

Information to write letters to his countrymen-explaining government policies and programmes and preaching patriotism. There is hardly any journalist in the country that has written as many books and journals as Momoh has done. These include: Reflections on Letters to My Countrymen; Each man His Time, the Biography of an Era; and Democracy Watch, A Monitor’s Diary. MOMOH AS A HUMOURIST. Unknown to many, Momoh is a man of humour, He applies this from time to time. As General Manager of Times Publications Division (TPD) in the eighties, he had responsibility for also supervising all editorial matters in the Group. On one occasion, the Daily Times Newspaper was published with wrong spelling of the word ‘‘tomorrow’’ on the front page. Instead of shouting at the Production Editor who cast the headline, he came to the production desk to tell the story of his son who could not spell the word ‘’Tom Tom’’. He asked that he should be assisted to do so. When a volunteer did so, he then asked if tomorrow had a

BIOGRAPHY Momoh was born into the royal family of Auchi, Edo State on April 27, 1939 as the 165th child of Momoh the First. After obtaining his Teachers Grade Three and two certificates as well Ordinary and Advanced Level General Certificates in Education and acquiring teaching experience for several years, he was employed in the Daily Times as a Sub Editor trainee in 1962. From here, he left to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Mass Communication which he later completed at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) because of the Civil War in the country at that time. He also studied law at UNILAG and was called to the Bar in 1975. He occupied various editorial and administrative positions in the Daily Times before he was appointed a minister in 1986. He was Secretary and later President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Chairman, National Registration Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and has also served on the Boards of Nigeria Airways, the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), the Nigerian Press Council and African Refugees Foundation. He is a fellow of the Commonwealth Journalists Association and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. He is married to Janet and they are blessed with four children. Ogbamosa, like Momoh, is a Lawyer/Journalist

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