Tuesday, may 10, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

Panic in banks as EFCC spreads dragnet

lCBN: We’re investigating questionable bank transactions Emmanuel Onani and Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

alpable anxiety have enveloped the banking industry over the resolve by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC) to undertake full-scale investigation of scandalous lodgements in some banks by past public officials, New

Telegraph has gathered. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said it was working in collaboration with law

enforcement agencies in investigating certain questionable financial transactions in some commercial banks in the country.

Investigation by this newspaper revealed that the panic stemmed from invasion of some lenders and interrogation of their chief executive officers

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Japan plans }4 $1bn monorail project in Lagos

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Cultists murder five policemen }9

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N150

OBJ bombs successors Ikpeazu

Ambode

Arase

Shonde

‘

He is not a hot person when it comes to economy and foreign affairs. But he will do well in the matters of military, in fighting Boko Haram

On Jonathan

The administration before this (Buhari) had no clue on how to deal with Boko Haram. The [Jonathan] administration was deep in corruption

‘

On Yar’Adua

‘

On Buhari

Yar'Adua jettisoned continuity and began discontinuity... in fact, if debt relief was possible to be reversed, Yar'Adua would have reversed it

Former Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Buhari: I'll deal with Biafra agitators ‘

‘

I'm ready to fight back to defend the country from those agitating for the creation of Biafra State, even if it drowned us

Global sleep crisis imminent, says Scientists }6

NEWS

Obasanjo bombs successors Kunle Olayeni and Mojeed Alabi

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said Nigeria would have made remarkable progress if his successors had continued with the policies and programmes of his administration. He declared that while the late former President Umaru Yar'Adua reversed some of his policies, the succeeding administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan also slipped into massive corruption, which his (Obasanjo) regime fought to a standstill. He also said though President Muhammadu Buhari may not be actively knowledgeable about economy and foreign affairs, he believed in the current leader's fight against graft and insecurity. Obasanjo spoke as the special guest of honour at an international conference organised by the Covenant University, Ota,

Ogun State. The event was attended by the university's Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo; Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Joy Ogwu and Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, among other dignitaries. According to the former president, the lack of commitment and continuity are major factors hindering sustainable development in Africa. He noted that the problems bedevilling Nigeria were not caused by the nation's constitution, but rather the operators of the constitution. Obasanjo also took a swipe at the Senate, describing its recent purchase of exotic Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) as "nonsense." He argued that the country's steady progress in tackling corruption was derailed when former chairman of the Economic

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, was removed from the leadership of the anti-graft agency. Ribadu, the ex-president maintained, was chased out because he had been too effective in fighting corruption. He, however, said despite the misgivings and criticisms against the performance of the Buhari-led administration, he believed the government was not fighting corruption at the expense of other sectors of the economy. His words: "I will tell you what I know and I will tell you what I don't know. I know General Buhari, he served under me in the military. His characteristics that I know, his behaviour that I know, he hasn't deviated from it. "He was not a perfect man and he would never be a perfect man and no leader would be a perfect human being. But if you really read my book 'My Watch,' what I said about

him is still correct. He is not a hot person when it comes to economy; he is not a very hot person when it comes to foreign affairs. But he will do well in the matters of military and he will do well in fighting Boko Haram. "I've gone to Maiduguri, I have met the Theatre Commander, I've met the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and he's got that right. That yes, the final nail on the coffin of Boko Haram is not military, it will be socio-economic development and to be able to do that, the security of the area must be taken care of. "So, for me, if we have no hope, we would have no future, we would have no life. I'm an incurable optimist as far as Nigeria is concerned. If somebody doesn't get it all right, for now, we would get somebody who would come on and get it. "Whatever the situation is, the administration before this had no clue on how to deal with Boko Haram. There is no doubt about

L-R: Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Umanah Umanah and former Chief of Staff, Abia State, Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, at the burial of late Dr. Ime Sampson Umanah at Abak, Akwa Ibom State… on Saturday.

that. This one is dealing with Boko Haram. The administration before it was deep in corruption. This one says it's fighting corruption; you may not like the way he is fighting it. "I fought corruption. We recovered $1.25 billion, £100 million and about N30 billion from Abacha and his henchmen. We didn't make noise. That's our way of doing it. And those who were helping us, the lawyers, said there was still at least $1 billion to be recovered. I put it in my handover note. I don't know how much of it was recovered. Rather than follow it scrupulously, I think we had another spate of corruption. “When I came into office in 1999, I met about $3.7 billion in reserve, $35 billion in debt. But by 2007 when I left office, we had paid our debts and only had about $3 billion debt with $45 billion in reserve and $22 billion in excess crude account, but soon enough, all that was gone. "Now I don't agree with the argument that this administration is fighting corruption at the expense of other sectors. Fighting corruption is not a one-day affair; it's not even a oneregime affair. If where we met it, they continued, then we wouldn't have it like we have it right now." Obasanjo further said: "There is no constitution that is bad. If I am given opportunity to write a new constitution for Nigeria today, there are aspects of our constitution that I would change. "But in all seriousness, it's not a matter of constitution that we are to worry about. If you remember, Yar'Adua (may his soul

Nigeria hijacked by older generation – Dogara ...proposes reduction of age limit for elective offices

Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has lamented that Nigeria has been cornered by the older generation, which is not ready to relinquish power to the youth who are leaders of tomorrow. Dogara made this declaration yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a two-day interactive session between him and representatives of students from 161 universities in the country organised by the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS). Addressing the students, the speaker said: "This country belongs to you, but it's under the stranglehold

of men and women of a generation that have overreached itself. "The truth is that nothing will be ceded or conceded to your generation without a fight. "In this endeavour, your voices mean nothing if you don't have the votes. Therefore, all students in Nigeria must not only register to vote and cast their votes during elections, they must also ensure that their votes, count," he counselled. The speaker noted that he held the strong view that the culture of peaceful protest, demonstrations and general activism was not only necessary in a democratic state, but was in fact a constitutional right. According to him, "This ensures accountability of government to the people.

Resistance to tyranny, crusade for justice and good governance require courage, patriotism and ideological purity. "It was Martin Luther King Jnr who said that ‘freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed’. Indeed, ‘the man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny’, to paraphrase Prof. Wole Soyinka. "The culture of protest that I endorse must be uncompromisingly peaceful and non-violent. It must be based on selflessness and not aided by ambition or corruption. It must be for the right reasons and procured only by the purest of motives. "It must not be based on propaganda and misin-

formation. It must be nonpartisan. Students should never allow themselves to be used by politicians to score political points or by state or non-state actors to pick sour grapes on their behalf." The Speaker said the House would consider lowering the eligibility age for Nigerians seeking election into political offices in order to allow youths to actively participate in the political process. He said: "I am acutely aware that young people often find themselves on the fringes of the political process. We need to develop a structured manner of involving our students and youths in the political process. I think it may not be out of place to lower the age qualification for certain

elective offices in the next constitutional amendment exercise." Also speaking, leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, assured that the 8th National Assembly, especially the House, would ensure the passage of Students Loan Bill to access Higher Education to give every student equal right to complete their education without financial hindrances. In his remarks, Chairman, Nigerian Young Parliamentarian Forum and African representatives on the Board of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe said the essence of the interactive forum with students was to enhance better participation of young people on democratic process for them to understand the workings of parliament.

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

rest in peace) campaigned on the slogan of continuity. That was the content of his campaign. When he got there, he jettisoned continuity and began discontinuity. "After his death, I asked one of his close associates. I said tell me what really happened. He said as soon as we left, some people got hold of him (Yar'Adua) and said 'look, you will never succeed unless you run down Obasanjo.' He believed that. So, if that is what he believed and that is what he did. "Some of the things that we put in place that would help the country – I've talked about agriculture, I talked about debt; in fact, if debt relief was possible to be reversed, Yar'Adua would have reversed it. "But it's not a matter of constitution. Our constitution is reasonably good enough. Some people will come and say our constitution is bad. No! "We are running four heads of state paraphernalia. The President, the Vice President, Senate President and the Speaker. They are all treated as if they were president. That is us. But it is not the constitution. "Is it the constitution that said every senator, when they have given them money for their cars, they have given them money for their houses, that they should then put money to buy cars that every senator or member uses? That is nonsense! Don't blame that on constitution, blame it on the people." Speaking on the conference theme, "Driving inclusive and sustainable development in Africa: Models, methods and policies," Prof. Ogwu, who was the keynote speaker, said Africans must develop homegrown solutions for their problems. The former Foreign Affairs Minister lamented the prevalence of corruption, as well as illicit arms and light weapons in Africa. According to her, there are over 10 million illicit arms in Africa with over seven million of them within the Nigerian territory. She, however, noted that foreign direct investment cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, urging Africans to address security challenges to enCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of developed countries in 2009. Source: Itu.int

€47.2m

The estimated transfer value of Christian Eriksen of Tottenham in 2016. Source: 101greatgoals.com

NEWS

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari: I'll deal with Biafra agitators Ahmed Sani KATSINA

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday vowed that his government would fight again if need be to secure the unity of Nigeria. He vowed to deal with

21.4

The annual mortality rate (per 100,000) due to Alzheimer’s Disease in New Jersey State in 2010. Source: Alz.org

the agitators for the creation of Biafra State, who he said wanted to disintegrate Nigeria. Buhari spoke while paying homage to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, at his palace. The president said that there was a serious need

£3.4bn

The total combined revenue of all Premier League clubs in 201415 season. Source: Soccernet.com

Panic in banks as EFCC spreads dragnet CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

(CEO) by the EECC. While the CEO of one of the Tier 2 lenders was arrested in connection with a lodgement of $115 million, said to have been made in the bank by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, two other CEOs were also interrogated over cases of alleged curious lodgements. The anti-graft agency believes that the $115 million said to have been lodged at the Tier 2 Bank was allegedly meant to be disbursed to some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ostensibly to compromise the 2015 elections in favour of the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was gathered that the EFCC would also storm the head offices of three Tier 1 banks where similar transactions were executed. This is coming on the heels of the discovery that a few other banks may have engaged in what a source described as "less than tidy" transactions in the past. The source, who spoke in confidence with New Telegraph, said the Commission "may soon invite Managing Directors of three old Generation Banks" to appear for interrogation over such lodgement and transactions. A top official of a second generation bank, who spoke on the condition of anonymity about the development, said: "My brother, there is uneasy calm across the banks in recent days. This will affect the image of the bank and it is capable of creating a run on banks. "I just hope bank chieftains will be able to manage the ripple effect this crisis will leave on its trail. In our own case, we are not bothered because we never got involved both in sharing and transferring of funds," he said. Another senior bank official, who also spoke

in confidence, said: "I can confirm to you that there is anxiety and fear in the banking sector at the moment. "You know there is no way we would not be worried at a time CEOs of three banks have been interrogated over financial transactions in their respective banks." Both Wali and Mohammed served in the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Meanwhile, the CBN, in a statement issued by the bank’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, yesterday stated that it was carrying out its own special examinations and investigations to ascertain the veracity of some allegations. Okorafor said: “The CBN wishes to inform all customers of Deposit Money Banks, that it is fully aware and indeed a part of the ongoing investigation of certain financial transactions in some banks by law enforcement authorities. “The CBN is also carrying out its own special examinations and investigations to ascertain the veracity of some allegations, as well as the extent and persons that maybe involved in such activities.” It, however, reiterated the soundness of the banking sector in the face of on-going investigation of a number of banks by the anti-graft agency. “The bank will like to reiterate that financial systems’ stability remains a priority and, therefore, assures customers and stakeholders that it will not allow the banking system to be used as a conduit for any illicit transaction. “Some of these investigations are routine and only relate to isolated transactions; therefore, it is important to state that the safety and soundness of the Nigerian Banking Industry remains strong,” the statement said.

for Nigerians to work hard to prevent the country from collapse. Buhari said: “That boy (Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB), who is calling for the separation of Nigeria, he was not born when we fought for the country’s unity during the civil war.” He said that it was quite unfortunate that over two million people were killed during the civil war, all in an effort to maintain the unity of the country. He said division is “a situation we cannot allow to repeat itself.” “I am ready to fight back to defend the country from those agitating for the creation of Biafra State, even if we will get drowned,” the president stated. Buhari, who said he had undergone discipline from his parents and teachers while growing up as a teenager coupled with the good training he got as a military officer, said that he would never condone indiscipline from people who did not mean well for

the country. The president also said that the ongoing war on corruption was not aimed at witch-hunting anyone or group of people in the country. He vowed that those that looted public treasury would not go scot-free since the country and the citizens had been treated woefully within the last 16 years. The president pledged his administration's readiness to ensure justice among all Nigerians. He said the public treasury was looted by a few individuals to enrich themselves, adding that the country was left with empty treasury. On the current economic hardship being experienced in the country, the president attributed such hardship to dwindling oil revenue occasioned by the unstable global oil price. He, therefore, called on Nigerians to diversify their means of livelihood by engaging in agricultural activities to alleviate

their sufferings. "People should go back to farm; those that cannot farm should source for self-reliance programmes which is better than stealing." In his remarks, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabiru Usman, called on the Federal Government to fulfill its promises of completing the dredging of River Niger, as well as the Katsina State water and dam projects to boost irrigation farming in the state. The Emir also called for the Federal Government's intervention in reviving teacher-training colleges to uplift the quality of education in the country. He enjoined Nigerians, particularly the elite, to support and show more understanding to the Buhari-led administration by offering special prayers for the success of the government. Meanwhile, Buhari also paid similar visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, where

he reassured Nigerians that his administration would continue to promote programmes and policies that would ensure unity, stability and development of the country. According to him, the 2016 Budget of Change, just signed into law, represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. He said despite the challenges, his administration has the will, resourcefulness and commitment to not only secure Nigeria and rebuild the economy, but also deliver prosperity to the people. Buhari, however, solicited the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to mobilise the citizenry toward serving the interest of the country, at all times. In his remarks, the Emir commended the president for the steps so far taken by his administration to give a new vista of hope on the future of the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari being presented with a calabash, during his visit to Katsina State …yesterday.

Badeh: I didn’t document financial transactions – Witness Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, yesterday told the Federal High Court that there was no written document as to the financial transactions he was instructed to carry out. The Federal Government is prosecuting Badeh and his company over alleged diversion of N3.9 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air Force. At the resumed trial yesterday, the witness, a former Director of Finance and Account of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Aliyu Yushau (rtd) told the court, under cross examination, that even though he was aware of the financial regulation

for public service which stipulates that all expenses should be documented, he could not request for documentary authorisation because things operate differently in the military. "When a request for expenditure is made through the Chief of Air Staff, it has to be in writing, but if the Chief of Air Staff is making a request for expenditure, he does not put it in writing. "If the Chief of Air Staff asked me to buy a N50 million car for his friend, he does not need to write and I will not question his request because he is the chief accounting officer. That is how we operate in the military. "It has been so throughout the period I worked as Director of Finance and Accounts at NAF," he added. On whether the account of the NAF was usually au-

dited by the Auditor General of the Federation annually, he told the court that the Chief of Air Staff, as the chief accounting officer, does not need to justify his request for funds. The witness had also admitted to owing properties in three states and that some of the property had been marked for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Yushua, however, told the court that he bought some of the property with housing loans. “The house at No 8b, Danube Street, Wuse 2, where I live has been marked for investigation. “I have a car park which I purchased in 2002 when I returned from America. Then, I have my house at N0 5c, Sultan Close, Kaduna. That is where my family live. It was purchased through federal housing

loan. I have two uncompleted houses in Kaduna – one is at Tafawa Balewa way, the other one is at Ibrahim Biu Road. The proceeds from the sale of my office at Wuye, Abuja, were used to buy the two plots of land that I started developing," he stated. When asked the value of the house in Wuye, Yushau stated that as at the time he bought the property, it was N45 million in early 2010 and that he sold it for N320 million in 2015. He admitted that the buyer paid him through bank transfer. At this point, the prosecution counsel prayed the court that the witness be given his statement to go through in order to refresh his memory on the new line of questioning. However, the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, adjourned till today for continuation of trial.

NEWS

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Japan plans $1bn monorail project in Lagos

...as Lagos rakes in N101.69bn in three months Muritala Ayinla

he Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is planning to invest $1 billion in the construction of a monorail project in Lagos State to enhance robust mass transportation system in the state. Also, the Agence Francaise De Development has committed $100 million for the development of slum communities in the state under the Eko Urban Project (Eko-UP). The state's Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, explained that the JICA's $1 billion monorail project is different from the ongoing rail project in the state. Ashade said that the project was conceived after JICA conducted a survey on Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in the Lagos metropolis. The monorail project will link Marina to Oniru in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, and later connect to the Lekki Rail Line project, which is also in the works. He clarified that the monorail project is an urban mass transportation project different from the

ongoing Blue Line Rail project that will connect Mile 12 to CMS, and the Red Line Rail Project. The commissioner said: “Traditionally, JICA has supported the state with interventions targeted at areas relating to health. However, over the past year, JICA signified its intention to provide interventions in areas other than health, including urban mass transportation. "Consequently, JICA conducted a survey on Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in the Lagos metropolis with a view to providing the state with a loan to finance the development of a monorail project within the Lagos metropolis. A detailed feasibility study has been commissioned on the monorail project to validate the initial survey, which will eventually lead to an investment of $1 billion in the project if the results of the feasibility study are positive." He explained that Lagos records total revenue of N101.69 billion in the first quarter of 2016 with a surplus of N4.85 billion as against an expected deficit of N29.92 billion. This performance, the commissioner added, was

N4.40 billion more in absolute term compared to 2015 despite the dwindling statutory allocations from the Federal Account. Ashade said the generated revenue was above that of 2015 which stood at N97.28 billion in the first quarter. He expressed optimism that with the implementation of multiple revenue collection channels and broadening of the revenue base, the state government would achieve tremendous progress in its revenue

drive. Giving a detailed breakdown of the budget performance, the commissioner said N76.06 billion was the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state in the first quarter, representing 72 per cent of the estimate for the quarter and 75 per cent of the total revenue. He said the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) revenue for the first quarter of 2016 stood at N67.25 billion, representing 90 per cent estimate for the quarter and 88 per cent of

the total IGR and 66.12 per cent of the total revenue, compared to N60.58 billion (87 per cent of the estimate for Q1 Y2015), representing 90 per cent of total IGR and 62 per cent of total revenue in 2015.

7.04%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Argentina in 2000. Source: Itu.int

4.9m

The total followers of MLS players in 2016. Source: Goal.com

“This performance was N6.67 billion more in absolute terms compared to corresponding period in Y2015 and due largely to more participatory structural and systemic re-engineering. “Over the course of the first quarter of Y2016, federal transfers contributed N25.64 billion (83 per cent of the estimate for the quarter) and accounted for 25.21 per cent of total revenue. Further breakdown showed that statutory allocations contributed N7.48 billion while VAT contributed N18.16 billion,” Ashade said.

800 repentant Boko Haram insurgents undergoing training – NEMA Chukwu David Abuja

ver 800 repentant Boko Haram insurgents are currently being trained, with a view to equipping them in various skills. Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, yesterday made the revelation at a two-day public hearing on the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill, 2016. He explained that the

skills acquisition exercise was being undertaken by the military and monitored by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The NEMA boss gave the information while responding to the comment of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kaka Kyari Gujbawu, who was advocating that the Federal Government should grant amnesty to returning Boko Haram insurgents. However, Sani did not disclose where the training exercise was taking place, but it was speculated that the repentant Boko Haram

insurgents were undergoing the training in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. In his comments, the NEMA DG said: “It is not true that the Federal Government has no amnesty package. There is what is called safe corridor. I do know that 800 plus Boko Haram former members have been registered. I don’t want to be specific. They have exited Boko Haram through the window. They are currently receiving various skills acquisition training. The military is handling it. It is being monitored by the

Office of the CDS.” Chairman, Joint Committee on the North East Development Commission Bill, Senator Abdul-Aziz Murtala Nyako, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, assured that the joint committee would consider the amnesty option. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, while inaugurating the public hearing, noted that what had been witnessed in the North-East needed urgent special attention from all well-meaning Nigerians and not from government alone.

Audit report: Reps to deal with infractions Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

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EFFECTIVE FROM MAY 1, 2016

peaker, House of Re presentatives, Yakubu Dogara, said the House would deal decisively with proven cases of infractions in the 2014 audit report of the Auditor General of Federation. He stated this yesterday in Abuja while declaring open the 13th Annual Governing Board Meeting of African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E). He said all over the

world, the emphasis was on transparency in government, adding that African countries could no longer afford not to be counted among those with zero tolerance for corruption. Represented at the occasion by the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the House, Hon. Chinda Ogundu, he stated that Africa should no longer be a laughing stock of the civilised world. “Government revenue must be monitored from generation through appropriation to expenditure to ensure prudent manage-

ment of resources in order to eliminate wastage,” he said. He said that the Auditor-General’s report was a major instrument of legislative oversight over activities of all organs of government and had the capacity to check corruption and abuse of office. In his remarks, the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, listed a number of challenges facing Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across the world to include independence (financial and administrative), among others.

Obasanjo bombs Jonathan, Yar'Adua CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

hance development. Ogwu said: "Financing must primarily be harnessed locally. We must develop a model of how to do so by ourselves. African leaders cannot afford not to be attentive for national and continental survival. "We must focus on domestic finance by increasing government revenue. If our institutions are not strong enough to mobilise taxes, then there is a flaw and vulnerability in our system." Earlier in his welcome address, Oyedepo urged leaders to be committed to

addressing the challenges confronting their respective nations. The chancellor said nobody would change the situation of Africa if its people failed to devise "inhouse solutions." He said: "What we are doing is to try to find inhouse solutions that will lead us into the change that we are looking forward to. "The truth is, nobody will come to change this place for us. Africa must have to survive or become extinct. It depends on our choice. We should not wait for anybody outside to

change our situation." Oyedepo explained that a demonstration of the power of commitment was exemplified by the success story of Covenant University. "Here at Covenant, we've never had power outage since 1999. We have never run out of water since 1999. We have never had potholes or craters since 1999. Our sewage system has never collapsed since 1999. Our security has never broken down since 1999. That means unlimited possibilities for us in this country if we are truly committed," he added.

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEWS | national

tuesday, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Niger Delta: FG in dilemma over Tompolo, weighs options

he Federal Gover nment is weighing its options on how to avoid collateral damage in the event that full military force is deployed to

the Niger Delta region in search for ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo? That is in the face of the deepening crisis in

1,878

The number of deaths (per 100,000) due to Alzheimer’s Disease in New Jersey State in 2010. Source: Alz.org

Global sleep crisis imminent, says scientists Appolonia Adeyemi

cientists have raised an alarm over an impending global sleep crisis which could arise from humans having inadequate sleep. According to a new study published in the journal ‘Science Advances’, social pressure is forcing people to sleep less than needed and thereby contributing to the problem. Sleep is important for people of all ages to stay in good health and how one feels and performs during the day is related to how much sleep that person got the night before. If sleepiness interferes with one’s daily activities, more sleep each night will improve the quality of the person’s waking hours. Therefore, insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression—which threaten our nation’s health. Not getting enough sleep is associated with the onset of these diseases and also may complicate their man-

agement and outcome. Adequate sleep is important for appetite and weight management — a key to preventing many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Reacting to the impending global sleep crisis, the researchers from the University of Michigan in the United States (U.S), said they have tracked sleep patterns of some 6,000 people in 100 countries and analysed connections with age, gender, daily natural light exposure as well as cultural pressures. "The effects of society on sleep remain largely unquantified." "We find that social pressures weaken and, or conceal biological drives in the evening, leading individuals to delay their bedtime and shorten their sleep,’ they said. The study found that lack of sleep is mostly affected by the time people go to bed. They said the middleaged men get the least amount of sleep, less than the recommended seven to eight hours. Researchers said age is the main factor determining the amount of sleep.

Judge, counsel's absence stall Metuh, Lamido’s suits Tunde Oyesina Abuja

ustice Ishaq Bello of an Abuja High Court yesterday adjourned the trial of the Peoples Democratic Party, National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh on grounds of ill health. When the matter was called, the trial judge complained that his vision had become “shadowy”, and that he could not continue with the trial. According to him: “I had a surgery on my eyes, and I am already seeing shadows… so for

change OF NAME

Dehinde

I formerly known as Wasiu Erinle Akewo now wish to be known and addressed as Wasiu Erinle Dehinde. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

this reason, we will have to adjourn". He later adjourned to May 26. The Federal Government is prosecuting Metuh for alleged destruction of evidence brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Also, the trial of a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, was again stalled yesterday before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja due to the absence of the defence counsel. Lamido is being prosecuted alongside his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 27-count charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

the oil rich region that has reduced production output and threatened power supply. A nascent militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) had claimed responsibility for the attacks on two principal oil pipelines in the region owned by oil giant, Chevron. The facilities are located in the Gbaramatu area of Delta State, Tompolo's enclave. But the exwarlord had dissociated himself from the activities of the group. An impeccable security source confided in our correspondent that even though President Muhammadu Buhari has given the military marching orders to fish out

perpetrators of the act, which it called 'economic terrorism ', the military high command was said to be considering various options. ''Tompolo's constant denial that he knows nothing about the heinous act of the group is acceptable. He is the brain behind it and we are working to ensure that we pin him down'', the source said. The new militant group had on Monday, given a 12 point demand to the Federal Government, insisting that the end to hostilities was predicated on the implementation of the demands. But the source, who described the demands as 'unserious and non-

sense' confided in our correspondent that the Federal Government was weighing some options. These include peaceful emissaries to Gbaramatu Kingdom to meet with Tompolo, and of course, full military force which he feared might come with some collateral damages. ''We know as a matter of fact that Tompolo is avengers and avengers are Tompolo. All his denials are just gimmicks that will not deceive anyone any longer. ''As a first step, we are concerned about the lives of innocent people in the area. So, we might send emissaries to him to just allow peace to reign in

region. ''If he has gone to court with EFCC, no one is saying no to that; certainly not this means of arm twisting government to drop charges. No responsible government will take such. ''But honestly, if he fails to see reasons with the mood of the people, this economic terrorism will be crushed at all costs because we must face it squarely. ''Even though the president has given the go ahead to fish these criminals out, we are considering the collateral damage that might follow such because so many innocent lives are at stake in this regard.” L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Gimbiya Dogara and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displayed Persons, Refugees and Initiative on the NorthEast, Hon. Sani Zoro, after the public hearing on North-East Development Commission Bill in Abuja.…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Corruption, ego responsible for abandoned projects –Kalu Our Correspondent

former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has identified corruption and personal ego as key factors responsible for the proliferation of abandoned projects across the country. Kalu, who made the assertion while contributing to a discussion programme on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), expressed concerns that most state governors do not want to be associated with projects initiated by their

predecessors, but prefer to embark on new projects to the detriment of public purse. The former governor, who was addressing the topic, "Abandoned Projects in Nigeria," alongside other discussants, said that there were over 11,000 abandoned projects across the states because often times, the state governors want to initiate projects they could call their own while abandoning the ones already started by their predecessors. "Politicians must learn to continue with the projects of their predecessors. That project isn’t for you

but for the people of Nigeria. But most of the time, it is ego that people would say that I didn’t start the project. Corruption is also a factor. The contractor pays the governor huge sums of money upfront. Most of the contracts are overpriced," he said. The business mogul noted that in many instances, government does not follow due process in the delivery of projects as professionals were often sidelined or not consulted at all in project design and execution. According to him, professionals like the quantity surveyors were usually brought into

projects as a formality and not necessarily for them to deploy their skills, offer useful advice and add value to the process. "Again, our government don’t follow due process, unlike what we do in the private sector. In Slok, where I sit as Chairman, there is a bidding process. But because our government doesn’t understand the idea of budget and availability of fund, it affects the projects. "So, there must be a process and it never lies. When you have a good process, it will achieve results. There must be a diligent process," Kalu said.

Doctor sues FG, AGF, IG, others

Bello dares NASS, signs 2016 budget

Abuja

Lokoja

Tunde Oyesina

medical doctor, Dr. Muhamad Marri Abba, who has been allegedly detained since October 2012 by Security operatives in Yobe State, yesterday slammed a N500 million suit against the Federal Government and six others. The plaintiff, who is also a consultant to the World Health Organization, WHO through his counsel, Jubrin Okutepa, SAN is challenging his arrest and detention

since 2012. The plaintiff is praying the court to declare his four year detention as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and infringement on his fundamental rights to personal liberty. Joined as co-defendants alongside the FG are the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff. Others are the Nigerian Army and the Director General State Security Service (SSS).

Muhammad Bashir

ollowing the National Assembly resolution directing that all bills pending before the Kogi State House of Assembly be submitted before it, Governor Yahaha Bello of Kogi State, has yesterday gone ahead to sign the state 2016 budget. The House of Representatives on Thursday last week issued a fresh resolution insisting that the Kogi State House of Assembly remained indefinitely closed, and subsequently

took charge of it proceedings. The National Assembly directed that the 2016 budget be forwarded for onward scrutiny and approval But the governor, however called the bluff of the National Assembly, and accented to the budget, vowing to be guided by the rule of law. Bello, during the signing ceremony, in his office, explained that Kogi State House of Assembly, working harmoniously with the state government, has passed the 2016 budget into law and today "we are signing it."

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

RETURNS ON UTILIZATION OF FUNDS PURCHASED FROM THE CENTRAL BANK NIGERIA ON THURSDAY, 5TH MAY 2016

SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

CUSTOMER D.D. DODO OJO KAYODE KASSIM AJIBOLA PRIMERO TRANSPORT SERVICES LTD PRIMERO TRANSPORT SERVICES LTD FRESH SYNERGY LIMITED RAINOIL LTD BOVAS & CO LTD IBAFON OIL LIMITED SWIFT OIL LTD BULK STRATEGIC RESERVE LTD BOVAS & CO LTD CONOIL PLC NIGERIAN SECURITY PRINTING & MINTING GLO MOBILE LIMITED SARO AGRO SCIENCES LTD SLOK NIGERIA LTD SUNCHEM INDUSTRIES LTD NIGERIAN SECURITY PRINTING & MINTING JUBAILI AGROTEC LTD PROMASIDOR NIGERIA LTD UNIGROW IND LTD UNIGROW IND LTD WANDEL INT'L NIGERIA LIMITED POLY PRODUCTS NIGERIA LTD MELVYN NICKSON NIGERIA LTD JUBAILI AGROTEC LTD JUBAILI AGROTEC LTD AFRI AGRIC PRODUCTS LTD MELVYN NICKSON NIGERIA LTD LATEEF OLUFEMI OKUNNU SHIVAKUMAR SUBRAMANI EZEDIOKPU NNAMDI CAJETHAN SULEMAN DANJUMA KAZZEM ABIOLA MUSLIMAT FATUKASI SOPHY EBUNOLUWA AIYEDATIWA IBIRONKE AMINAT SHONIBARE SIMILEOLUWA OLATUBOSUN ARIJE SIKIRU GORIOLA BICHPURIA PIYUSH KUMAR DIKE TOBENNA LIVINUS NWEKE CHIBUEZE CHRISTIAN OGBONNA UCHECHI EMMA UDEH NICHOLAS EMEKA SHIYANBADE SANDRA FELECIA OLUWASANYA YINKA OLUSESAN AGORO SHAKIRAT OLUWAKEMI ILOH AFUSAT OMOBOLADE MR. DEBS RAMZI ABDUL-SATTAR SALISU, AKIBU ADEGBUYI OMEJE ISAAC ONWAMEZE ARIJE SHERIFAT FOLA ABUBAKAR YUSUF KURFI OSENI MUSTAPHA JAYEIOLA ALUKO OLADAPO OLUYEMI SOBANDE KOLAWOLE POPOOLA IBUKUN MARY OGUNJINMI, FOLASADE OMOTOLA OMOBOLANLE GLORIA WUNUKEN IBRAHIM AUDU APATA COMFORT TITLAYO ONONYE TERRY MACDONALD IFEANYI PATRICK OKEZIE OGUONU ARINZECHUKWU CHINEDU OY EWALE TEMITOPE OLALEKAN ADEKANMBI OLUBUNMI ZAINAB KASSIM ADEKANMBI OLATUNJI AROSO OLUMUYIWA OMOLAYO ADAMSON ADEWUNMI ISMAIL HASSAN ADEOLA JONAH PRINCE EDMOND IKE ODINAKA CHRISTIANTUS NNEOMA SILVIA AMAECHI OKWUDIASHI KENNETH ODERINDE LAWRENCE ROTIMI AIGBEDE OSARO GABRIEL

FORM M/A NUMBER AA1675806 AA2503042 AA2784172 MF20140177693 MF20150018540 MF20150036354 MF20150052549 MF20150054676 MF20150057001 MF20150075920 MF20150080167 MF20150083251 MF20150095983 MF20150117080 MF20150138132 MF20160013874 MF20160019256 MF20160019596 MF20150117080 MF20160024504 MF20160035886 MF20160036852 MF20160036868 MF20160039023 MF20160040723 MF20160041829 MF20160046173 MF20160046703 MF20160046942 MF20160047625 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

LC NUMBER INV/16/EDU/982 INV/16/EDU/983 INV/16/EDU/981 SB/ILC150073U SB/ILC150135U SB/ILC150207CL SB/ILC150313CL SB/ILC150370CL SB/ILC150354CL SB/ILC150413CL SB/ILC150454CL SB/ILC150461CL SB/ILC150490CL SB/ILC150595U SB/ILC150623CL SB/ILC160189U SB/ILC160199U SB/ILC150150CL SB/ILC150595U SB/ILC160370C SB/ILC160364C SB/ILC160369C SB/ILC160368C SB/ILC160363C SB/ILC160365C SB/ILC160373C SB/ILC160371C SB/ILC160372C SB/ILC160367C SB/ILC160374C N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

ITEM OF IMPORT SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES MASS TRANSIT BUSES MASS TRANSIT BUSES UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE UNLEADED GASOLINE BASEOIL WHITE N1000 BANK NOTE PAPER SIM CARDS AGRICULTURAL INSECTICIDE HIGH BRIGHT NEWSPRINT PAPER INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS WHITE N1000 BANK NOTE PAPER AGRICULTURAL HERBICIDES 16000KGS MIXTURES OF ODORIFEROUS SUBSTANCE ONGA BEEF TOLUENE POLYESTER TEXTURED YARN MOTORIZED TRICYCLES SPARE PARTS SPARE PARTS - ROTOR BLADE SODA ASH LIGHT FISH MEAL AGRICULTURAL HERBICIDES DRIP IRRIGATION TUBES, ACCESSORIES AND SPARE PARTS INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA

DATE OF FUND PURCHASE 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16

EXCHANGE RATE 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50

5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16 5-May-16

197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50 197.50

For further enquiries, please contact, Sterling Bank Plc, Tel.: 014484481-5 or 014489470-94 | E-mail: customercare@sterlingbankng.com | www.sterlingbankng.com

AMOUNT 5,889.20 9,443.97 10,000.00 401,794.17 200,000.00 600,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 1,000,000.00 357,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 211,008.00 74,452.14 642,233.60 130,720.00 47,040.00 41,910.00 128,111.90 9,267.00 30,040.00 166,462.00 191,304.40 30,676.85 40,736.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Suspected wife killer surrenders, after 70 suicide threats

Camillus Nnaji and Taiwo Jimoh

n a dramatic twist, Mr. Lekan Shonde, who allegedly murdered his five months pregnant wife, Ronke, on Friday at their Egbeda residence in Lagos, yesterday surrendered himself to the police. Shonde, 57, decided to surrender himself after some of his friends convinced him to do so. That, however, came after he had sent about 70 suicide threat text messages to his friends. At 12:28p.m., Shonde and his friends appeared at the office of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. The RRS Commander, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olatunji Disu, ushered them to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, where the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, debriefed them. Shonde allegedly escaped to the Republic of Benin, hoping to enter Ghana and disappear, but was advised to return. He shelved his plan and went to Ondo State, from where he was persuaded to return to Lagos and surrender. Shonde had over the weekend, sent about 70 text messages to a friend, Mr. Sunday Nwobi, indicating his intention to commit suicide. Some of the test messages he

Disu (left) and Shonde in the CP’s office… yesterday

sent on May 7 read: “I want to die, please help,” “I can’t face police or cell,” “You’re the only one advising me not to kill myself, I will respect you till I die,” “I want to go to the Attorney General of La-

gos State to surrender myself.” Nwobi said he and other friends were shocked over what happened to the family. According to Nwobi, the Shonde they knew was not a violent man.

Abia: Civil servant commits suicide over unpaid salary Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

civil servant at the Abia State Ministry of Lands and Survey, identified simply as De Nwankwo, yesterday committed suicide at his home in Ihe Ndume, Umuahia North Local Government Area over four months unpaid salary. The development, the man wrote in the note he left behind, had made it difficult for him to live up to his responsibility to his family and he could not bear it anymore. The note reads: “I have no other place to go, no hope, nothing to give to my children to eat and no salary for the past four months, I am sorry I have to do this.”

Ikpeazu

The note is with the police at the Ehimiri Police Station. Nwankwo, said to be in his 50s, hanged himself after his wife and three of his four chil-

dren had gone to church on Sunday. When they returned from church about 2pm, they discovered the man’s body dangling in the sitting room while the note was on the table. According to a family source, who did not want his identity disclosed, the late civil servant used to go to extended family members and some friends to solicit financial assistance and raw foodstuffs. A community leader, who pleaded anonymity, said the body had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia. But when contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ezekiel Udeviotu, said the case had not been brought to his table.

He added: “Lekan (Shonde) has been seen on many occasions celebrating his love for his wife. One of which was the message he posted on his Facebook wall on February 15.” But Shonde, according to his friends, alleged that Ronke was dating the general manager of a firm at Ikeja. Shonde was said to have called the general manager, lamenting that he had destroyed his family by dating his wife. The man allegedly responded that he never knew that the woman was married. Another of Shonde’s friends said: “A brawl ensured between the couple last Thursday after Lekan discovered that his wife was answering and receiving calls from the man friend. The wife later accepted that she was dating the man.” Shonde was said to have left for work early that fateful Friday morning after the brawl, unaware that his wife had died. Another friend, Mr. Gbenga Soloki, Director, Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence, said: “When we got the information, we advised him to come out from hiding. Even his father also told him to come out of hiding. We urged him to state his own side of the story.

“As a friend, we knew him to be a non-violent man. We were shocked over what we read from some sections of the media; that Lekan killed his wife. Unfortunately, the wife is not here today to give her own account of what happened. We are expecting a pathological investigation. The investigation will show if actually she was strangled or brutalised before she died. Even when the suspect ran away, the deceased’s mother, called him to say they had forgiven him.” Shonde was handed over to detectives attached to the Homicide Section of State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba for further interrogation. Owoseni said the case was still an ‘allegation’ until proven otherwise by the court. He said: “As you have said, he allegedly killed his wife. He is in our custody. We are not the court of law. We will get to the root of the matter. Investigations have commenced and detectives are asking him questions.” The mother of two was allegedly strangled by her husband in the early hours of Friday. The woman was in her mid-30s. According to neighbours, Shonde was in the habit of always hitting his wife. The couple were said to have fought through Thursday night to Friday morning before her body was discovered. Immediately Shonde realised his wife was dead, he bolted, leaving their two kids with their mother’s body in their living room. Shonde was said to have locked the kids inside the apartment with the body, before taking off. The first kid is seven years old, while the second is four. Residents were alerted that something was wrong when they heard the two kids, shouting and crying through the window that their mummy refused to wake up. Neighbours heard their cries and broke the door of the apartment. They found Ronke’s body in the sitting room. According to the kids’ nanny, who was contacted and raced to the scene, Shonde called her around 5a.m., on that fateful day, telling her not to come to work. She said: “I ignored his order. I was with madam on Thursday and she did not say anything to me. He must have planned it; this was why he asked me not to come to work on Friday. I have lost a good woman, a good boss, to domestic violence.”

METRO

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Cultists murder five policemen in Rivers Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

ampaging cult members yesterday killed five policemen attached to 30 Mobile Police Force (MPF), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The cult members ambushed the policemen at Okobie on the East-West Road in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State while on their way to Yenogoa. The policemen were returning from Yobe State where they had gone on assignment. It is not yet clear whether or not the killing was carried out by either the Greenlanders or Icelanders cult groups which, apart from occasionally engaging in clashes, are also linked to kidnapping for ransom. Okobie is the community where a 33,000-capacity tanker crashed three years ago, spilled

its contents and burst into flame. Over 200 people were roasted in that incident. A man in Ahoada claimed that tension had been brewing in the community among cult groups since last Friday. According to him, one of the cult groups had in a letter threatened to deal with non-indigenes of Ekpeye kingdom if they did not vacate the area before May 16. He said: “The threat has to do with some armed youths that are loyal to a monarch in the area. These boys have vowed to do anything to attack the ‘royal boys’. “Just last Friday, they sent out a warning that the non-indigenes should leave the area before the 16th of this month. They threatened to deal seriously with the other boys who are loyal to the monarch.” The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed

IG, Arase

the killing in Port Harcourt yesterday. Muhammad said the command would stop at nothing to bring the killers of the policemen to justice. The PPRO said the command was yet to identify the criminals behind the killing.

According to him, the killing demonstrates the sacrifice policemen make in the course of service. He said: “We are deeply pained by the senseless and barbaric killing of our colleagues attached to 30 MPF, Yenagoa, who were ambushed in the ear-

ly hours of today at Okobie en route Yenagoa. “Today’s tragedy again demonstrated the enormous calamities we face and witness in the course of our job. We put our lives on line every day to confront crime and violence in our communities.” Apart from Ahoada West, where the killings took place, cult members are also terrorising Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and Ahoada East Local Government Area, where they recently struck at Ula-Upata and another community and killed almost 20 people. The cult members beheaded some people during the attack, which forced the authorities to deploy more security operatives in the area. Thousands of residents have fled some communities in the areas to Port Harcourt owing to upsurge in kidnapping for ransom and assassinations.

Chinese businessmen encourage Bandits’ commanders arrested with 160 cows street trading –Ambode’s aide Idris Salisu Gusau

Muritala Ayinla

agos State government yesterday accused some Chinese businessmen of adopting marketing strategy which encourages street trading in Lagos Central Business District. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business District (CBD), Mr. Agboola Dabiri, said this while briefing journalists. The special adviser accused the Chinese businessmen of selling directly to hawkers on the streets of Lagos Island. Dabiri alleged that the businessmen had taken their businesses from their base to the streets on Lagos Island by directly selling to traders in bulk and collecting money the following day with the aid of some Nigerians as bodyguards on the streets. Dabiri said the activities of the foreign businessmen were hampering efforts of the CBD to rid the Lagos district of street traders. He said over two million trips were made into the Lagos Island CBD annually.

Ambode

Quoting the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dabiri said over 1,000 tonnes of waste was generated from more than 93 markets on Lagos Island alone. He said: “The Chinese we have on the Lagos Island right now are over 1,000. They don’t allow Nigerians to go to China to bring in goods again; they have taken them to our doorsteps. What these Chinese businessmen do is to give the traders the goods, after the day or two days later, they will go over to the street with the aid of two Nigerian bodyguards to collect their money. They encourage street trading.”

olice said they had arrested four bandits’ commanders who admitted they were close to Muhammadu Lawali alias General, the leader of the dreaded group of gunmen terrorising Zamfara State and neighbouring states. Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Gusau at the weekend, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sanusi Amiru, said the team of Police Mobile Personnel (PMP) patrolling Keta forest in Tsafe Local Government Area engaged the bandits where four commanders were arrested while the rest escaped into the forest. He said: “In the course of exchanging fire, our men were able to arrest four leaders of the dreaded group who operate closely with the ring leader, Muhammadu Lawali aka General and each has a duty attached to the shielding of stolen cows from any recovery attempt by either the owners or security personnel.” One of the suspects, Adamu

Shehu, told journalists that he was in charge of feeding all the stolen cows in possession of the ring leader, Lawali, while his colleagues identified as Saminu Jamilu and Ibrahim Musa were the ones training militants. According to Musa, who claimed to be from Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, said he was abducted by gunmen after killing many people, including his parents, during one of the most merciless attacks in the village. He added that he had been in their custody for 15 years.

The PPRO listed items recovered from the suspects to include 160 cows and sheep, one pump action gun with 200 rounds of cartridge, one locallymade revolver rifle, one round of 7.62 mm live ammunition, three axes, five cartridges, two knives and N38,000 cash. Others were six wraps of Indian hemp, a ring, one handset, three lighters, two packets of cigarettes, two torches, clothes, foodstuffs, two caps and two mats. Amiru said the case was still under investigation.

The suspects

City Briefs Ex-LG officials jailed for N160m fraud

ustice J. J. Majebi of the Kogi State High Court sitting in Okene has sentenced three former officials of Bassa Local Government Area of the state to 12 years imprisonment for a N160 million fraud. The convicts are Joseph Agbo, Director, Local Government and Head of Service; John Ekele, Treasurer and Financial Adviser to the Executive Chairman and Abubakar Adamu, Chief Environmental Health Officer. They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 13, 2012 on a four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust to the

tune of N160 million. The offence is punishable under Section 97(1) and 315 of the Penal Code Law of Kogi State. The convicts converted to their personal use N160 million being a loan facility obtained on behalf of Bassa Local Government Area for some projects. The Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said they convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges, thereby setting the stage for their full trial. In the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, T. N. Ndifon, presented a number of witnesses and tendered various documents to prove his case against the convicts.

Bode George’s mother dies at 91 Wale Elegbede

rs. Violet Oluremilekun Phillips-George, the mother of the former Deputy National Chairman, South-West of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, is dead. Phillips-George, a devoted Christian, was 91 years old. Trained as a certified nurse in the 1930’s, she spent many years at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital where she distinguished herself as a professional with selfless focus and instinctive humanitarian

mission. After her retirement from the Lagos Maternity Hospital, she devoted the rest of her life to the service of the Lord at the Olowogbowo Methodist Church on Chapel Street. She was a leading member of Ladies Friendly Society, the Egbe Ife Group and the Helpers Union. Phillips-George was industrious and held the principle that good life must be about service to fellow man and the devotion to God. She was the head of the Phillips-Ijotun family of Abeokuta and the Aganga Williams

family of Idumota Lagos until her peaceful transition. She lived a fulfilled life. She is survived by Alhaja Enitan Majolagbe, George, Mrs. Ibironke Onojobi, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The late Phillips-George

TUESday, May 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

ADVERTORIAL

HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (TOMPOLO) The Ibe-ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation

Date: May 10, 2016 His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Dear Mr President,

once again, deem it pertinent to write Your Excellency since your assumption of office in May 2015. Mr President will recall that at my meeting with you sometimes last year, I gave my commitment and pledge to ensure sustainable peace and development in the oil rich Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general. At the meeting which I interpreted to be an ample opportunity and a template for peaceful co existence in the country, I made it known to Your Excellency that my support for your government as well as my commitment to a peaceful and secure Niger Delta region is paramount. But I remember also that I gave a humble advice on the need for Mr President to be weary of political cum crisis merchants, particularly those who are members of your own party, the APC. That advice arose out of the fear that most people who are members of your party, especially from the Niger Delta region, who are very known to me, take solace in evolving and concocting crisis to leverage upon. I left the meeting fulfilled for three reasons. It was not because I had met with a new man in charge but because I had an opportunity to air my views on the way forward. I had also successfully dispelled an unfounded perception that I do not want to see President you succeed having defeated my fellow Ijaw kinsman and close confidant. Thirdly, I did not use the opportunity of that auspicious meeting to arrogate to myself, as having the solutions to all the challenges facing the Niger Delta region. This is worth emphasizing in the sense that aside me , there are several other dissatisfied, disenchanted, oppressed and agitated younger elements who still habour misdirected sentiments that I led a handful of ex agitators to surrender arms and embrace the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, under late President Umaru Musa Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Adua, without immediately solving the myriad of problems facing our people. Little did such younger elements appreciate the fact that there can only be a process leading to the eventual succor for our people. Nonetheless, I displayed an uncommon courage to ensure the sustenance of peace and relative security within the limits of my capacity and ability. Most Nigerians, if not all, are aware of the role I played in safeguarding and protecting crude oil and gas facilities during the last administration. I am sure even Mr President is aware of this development. As a patriotic Nigerian, I have never hidden my desire to do what is just in this regard even to the extent, that I have incurred the wrath of illegal bunkers and vandals. Attempts To Demonize Me And Ethnicise Niger Delta Issues Mr President Sir, even at the risk of being repetitive, kindly permit me to recall the various efforts I have made to exonerate myself from the perfidious moves by some elements within and outside the Niger Delta region to always implicate me on any flimsy opportunity. To such persons, calling me, the man behind every bad thing has remained the only avenue and pedestal to get political patronages. Although so many instances abound, the recent spirited move to link me with the nascent Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), a group that has claimed responsibility for the various breaches on oil pipeline installations in the Niger Delta region.

To some around you, the only means of getting Your Excellency's attention is to wickedly attribute the activities of the said group to me simply because I have a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC). This is the height of desperation and hypocrisy on the part of such people. For one, I have chosen to pursue my case with the EFCC to a logical conclusion because I am yet to be convinced that the purported case instituted against me does not have ethnic colouration masterminded by my traducers. Since the case is before a competent court of jurisdiction, I will refrain from making further comments on this. However, it will be in the interest of this great nation if Mr President takes a painstaking study of certain political actors around him, most especially those from the Niger Delta region. I bear no grudge against any of such, but I am convinced beyond any doubt that they have taken solace in perpetual misdirection and mischief as far as my person is concerned. I make bold to say that there are several APC elements within and around your government who see anything Ijaw as criminal and anti-Buhari. Unpretentiously too, certain non-Ijaw ethnic merchants cum bigots have expressedly displayed open hatred for Ijaws in the Niger Delta region. Such persons have almost succeeded in warping a governmental mindset against Ijaws, whether in or outside your government. Please Mr President, this is a very dangerous dimension that is avoidable by your government. Just as your people supported you as of right, throughout the presidential campaigns, I do not think it was criminal for me to openly support one of my own, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the presidency in 2015. I did so out of conviction not because I hate you or because you are a northerner. Afterall, most of my personal friends and aquaintances are from the north. To cap it all, the memories of my robust relationship with your Katsina brother, the late President Umaru Musa Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Adua are still painfully fresh and reminiscent of brotherliness. In this regard, it is only appropriate to judge people not by what is reeled out to the corridor of powers by their traducers but by their deeds and activities. I do not think I have done anything to warrant this needless mental onslaught that has been visited on me since Your Excellency's assumption of power. Finally, I am compelled to say that these ethno-political merchants are merely laying the foundation for an unavoidable crisis. They will be happy to see a ravaged Gbaramatu Kingdom and by extension, Ijawland under the pretext of looking for me. This is a very dangerous template such persons are laying and it is only good for Mr President to deploy the inner mind to stratify this unwholesome gimmick. Once again, I thank Mr President for having the time to peruse this letter. Thanks and as usual, accept the assurances of my highest compliments. SIGNED HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (TOMPOLO) The Ibe-ebidouwei of Iiaw Nation

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ondo PDP Decimated by defections

Politics

Grazing reserves Reps, stakeholders brainstorm

13 16

Deaths: Between rumour and politics ONYEKACHI EZE reports on the recent rumoured deaths of three chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and asks if they were mere flukes or part of an alleged orchestrated plan to decimate the party

here seems to be more than meets the eye to recent rumoured death of a former Nigeria’s military president and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), General Ibrahim Babangida, and two chieftains of the party – Chief Tony Anenih and Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammmed. General Babangida, who was a presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP in the 2011 elections but later quit active politics was first rumoured to have been bedridden but it turned out to be false, and the Minna, Niger Stateborn former military leader, who is known for his sense of humour made a joke out of the speculation. In an interview with journalists at his Minna Hill Top mansion, the former military ruler said he was neither shocked nor bothered because of the inevitability of death. “For me, it doesn’t shock me neither does it bother me because I know I must go and meet God my creator. There is nothing really to worry about, my religion has told me,” he said. He also denied that he was incapacitated but attributed his rumoured death to his non-appearance at public functions in recent times. “It is true I have minimised my appearance at public functions because of my ill health, but not to the level of incapacitation as being widely circulated in some media," he explained. The former military president who is suffering from Radiculopathy disease, which is as a result of bullet wound he sustained on his right leg during the civil war, is not new to such rumours. It was

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

Babangida

rumoured in November 2011 that he has passed on because of his failing health and in October 2014 when he spent almost two months in Germany where he had gone for treatment. After Babangida, it was the turn of Mohammed – a former acting National Chairman of the PDP and one time Minister of Defence. Mohammed, who is also a former Acting Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and presently standing trial with his son, Abba over alleged N600 million he collected from the Office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), has been on wheel chair after a spinal cord surgery in United Kingdom last year. From an Abuja hospital, where he is recuperating, he was taken in an ambulance to court to answer the charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but was granted bail. He is said to have shown some improvement and has been discharge from the hospital. His media aide, Emeka Nwankpa, said he has abandoned the wheel chair but is yet to walk upright because of his huge frame. However, the rumour mill on recently said he has passed on. This shocked his family members and they hurled abuses on the promoters of the rumour, describing them as "wicked, vicious and malicious." Nwankpa in a statement said the PDP chieftain is alive, hale and hearty. The statement read in part: “He is presently in BirninKebbi, his home state of Kebbi in the company of his family. I have just spoken to him on phone (at 6.18 pm Saturday, April 30). “He is as fit as a fiddle. He

Mohammed

To wish someone dead... is a clear descent to absurdity and satanism

Anenih

equally expressed shock, but laughed it off in the belief that he owes his longevity to his maker, the almighty Allah. This rumour is wicked, vicious and malicious and can only come from the fertile imagination of those whose conscience has been seared with hot iron. “To wish someone dead in the manner of a rumour such as this is a clear descent to absurdity and satanism. At 70, this seasoned administrator, distinguished statesman, veteran politician and Dangaladima Gwandu, who has served his fatherland meritoriously for over three decades in several enviable capacities in the private and public sectors is definitely not in a hurry to leave now as generations of Nigerians yet unborn still desire to drink from his distilled wisdom. “For the avoidance of doubt, no amount of cheap blackmail as these wicked rumour vendors seek to achieve, can stop his resolve to continue to wish his country and its great people the very best always.” Akin to the rumoured deaths of Babangida and Mohammed, that of Chief Anenih also emanated from the social media last Wednesday. The former Works Minister and immediate past chairman of PDP’s BoT, was said to have died of cancer in London, but his political associates promptly denied the report. Chief Anenih, popularly called Mr. Fix It, equally spoke to newsmen from London on phone, saying he is hale and hearty. "I have not visited hospital. I am speaking personally. I don't know where those people get their information. God has extended my life span beyond their expectation and He will still extend my life span beyond

what I also expected," he said. Two of his political associates, Chief Dan Orbih, Chairman, Edo State PDP and a former youth leader of the party in the state, Vincent Akhere, described the claims as total fabrication and handiwork of mischief makers. According to Akhere, "Chief is well, alive and kicking. We even joked over the matter. It is true that Chief had a surgery not too long ago but is fine now." Chief Orbih on his part said the rumour was unfortunate, adding those behind it should ask God for forgiveness. Anenih’s media aide, Sufuya Ojiefo in a text message said: "I spoke with him at 1.37 pm. He is hale and hearty. The report was simply a concoction of mischief. Only God and the harbinger of the rumour know the intendment of it. "When I spoke with him, he said he did not know the hospital mentioned in the report neither did he know the doctor mentioned. He said he did not have brain cancer. He rounded off with me by saying God is on the throne," Ojeifo added. While several reasons have been adduced by families, associates, family and party members for the rumoured deaths, some say it may not be unconnected to politics given the fact that PDP has been at the receiving end since it lost the 2015 general elections. Some chieftains of the party have been guests of the EFCC for alleged corrupt practices. This has put the party in bad light. But the question against this backdrop is: Are all these deliberate acts and part of the prize the PDP is paying for losing election or simply a happenstance?

POLITICS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC inaugurates reconciliation committee Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday, inaugurated a fivemember Fact-Finding/ Reconciliation Committee to look into the immediate and remote causes of the problems affecting the party and stakeholders in Edo State. The committee members are former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (chairman); APC National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso (vice chairman); Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (member); Hajiya Fati-

mah Mohammed (member) and Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi (member). Inaugurating the committee, Odigie-Oyegun disclosed that the Edo State APC governorship primaries will hold on June 18. He said: " It is a matter for concern at all levels of the party and government that a state we hold so dear to our heart; a state where there have been a lot of breakthroughs in terms of development that the state has not witnessed for a long time; a state under an APC governor who has done so much to uplift virtually every part of Edo State that suffered neglect over a long period of PDP administration; that just a matter of months to

Edo DECIDES

an election and weeks to primaries should be engulfed, so to speak, in the kind of unfortunate intraparty disputes at virtually all levels- party level, government level and now the state Assembly. "You have been very specially chosen because of the extremely high level of integrity and

demonstrated support of the vision of the party, to go to Edo state, to restore normalcy within the fold of the APC. It is important to emphasise the fact that for us, Edo is a critical state strategically. I hope I would not be mis-interpreted, if I say it is also a must win state. So, your job in Edo is not just to restore peace and help restore normalcy in that state, but to also come out with suggestions that would restore the party in that state, to be a dependable political fighting force and ready to win the forthcoming election. "I will also want you to go with a definite mandate and let everybody know that at the national level, we assure them that there

(L-R) Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Hajiya Fatimah Mohammed and Osita Izunaso at the APC Fact-Finding/ Reconciliation Committee for Edo State... yesterday.

Oshiomhole's aide to PDP: Be ready to meet your waterloo Stories by Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has told governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South geopolitical zone to be ready to meet their waterloo in the September 10 governorship election. The Political Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Charles Idahosa, who gave the warning yesterday in Benin, urged the governors to reflect on the possibility of bringing development in their various states with the huge resources they receive from the federation account rather than beating the drum of war. Idahosa, who spoke in reaction to the vow by the PDP governors to return Edo State to the PDP after their meeting in Asaba, Delta State at the weekend, said the governors would be chasing shadows if they think they can win the state.

He said: “They failed to win here even when PDP was in power with all their rigging machinery, so is it now they think they can win? Their boast is a huge joke because they suddenly realised that Edo is a state they must win by all means. “It is so strange that they are just waking up from their slumber to realise that they want to take over Edo State considering the fact that for eight years, all the instruments of rigging and oppression they had, they were unable to take Edo State. “Because they have

failed in the governance of their respective states with all the backlog of salaries, now want to divert attention to Edo. They must first of all rescue their states and put them back on the part of progress and development like Edo State before talking about winning. It is even more laughable because if not for the strange Supreme Court judgment, they would all have gone. “Let me tell them, Edo State is not Bayelsa of Rivers where Nyesom Wike thinks he is a superstar. The whole world knew how the governorship

election in that state was rigged. The South-South PDP should shut up. This will be another wide goose chase, but we are waiting for them in Edo State. We are aware they are planning to import ex-militants to come and rig for them in Edo State, but they will meet their waterloo.” The governor’s aide added that the PDP governor’s in the SouthSouth have no moral justification to talk about Edo State, advising them to come and learn how Oshiomhole has successfully ruled the state so far.

would be free and fair primaries, and there would a level playing field for all aspirants. And we expect that in the run-up to the primaries, which we expect to hold on June 18, that all aspirants must be given equal exposure by the party structures in Edo State. There is nothing wrong so to speak if influential individuals within the state, even the

Cowards out to scuttle my ambition – Obaseki

n All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, attributed Sunday’s attempt on his life in Sobe, Owan East Local Government Area of the state to the handiwork of cowards out to scuttle his governorship ambition. In a statement by his Campaign Oraganisation in Benin, Obaseki alleged that the plot was aimed at frustrating his campaign, insisting that his burning desire to serve the people of the state would definitely propel him to victory at last. Describing the attack as a sad commentary, the Obaseki Campaign Organisation urged all aspirants of the party to join hands with security agents in checking thuggery and attempt to create unnecessary tension in the state. The statement read in part: “Obaseki has been moving peacefully to visit delegates across

he Chris Ogiemwonyi Campaign Group has called on delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State to put the integrity of aspirants for the party’s governorship ticket to test before determining who flies its flag in the forthcoming gubernatorial poll. Coordinator of the group, Comrade Phillip Osaro, said what

the APC needs to meet the expectations of the people and to move the state to another level is a candidate with proven and untainted character in public service. He noted that the state under Governor Adams Oshiomhole has witnessed tremendous and progressive transformation in all sectors, especially, road network,

improved standard of education, capacity building and urban renewal. According to the group, the state cannot afford to slide back to the dark days and rubbles of despondency and mismanagement. The group also expressed dismay at the recent alleged attack on the deputy governor’s convoy and his campaign team

the 192 wards of the state and has successfully been canvassing for their votes without running anybody down. The attack on his campaign train at Sobe, while he was waiting to address delegates came as a huge shock to us. “While we await for police investigation into the matter, we urge all aspirants of our great party, the APC to caution their followers against violence and actions capable of bringing the party in a bad light. Prior to this attack, we had it on good authority that some hoodlums are being sent to our camp as spies and were mandated to cause chaos at any given opportunity." Meanwhile, the police in the state have said they have arrested three persons in connection with the attack on the governorship aspirant with two locally made pistols recovered from them. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Abiodun Osifo, who confirmed the arrest.

CRPP backs Odubu's ambition

he leadership and members of Edo State chapter of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), yesterday, threw their weight behind the state deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, for the September 10 governorship election. The move was in preparation for the forthcoming primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for next month. Chairman of CRPP in

Ogiemwonyi campaign group tasks delegates on integrity

governor have preference in terms of the aspirants.” In his response, the committee chairman, Oyinlola said: "We do realise that it is very necessary for peace to prevail in all the state chapters of our party. And this is more expedient in Edo State, where we have a serious gubernatorial battle to wage with the rest of the opposing parties very soon."

while attending a meeting with delegates in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. "We are concerned about the character and pedigree of who picks the APC ticket and that is why we are appealing to the delegates not to sell their votes to money bags rather a man with track record in public service and integrity," it said.

the state, Dr. Samson Isibor, said the coalition’s choice of Dr. Odubu as its preferred candidate in the forthcoming APC primaries is as a result of “injustice” done to him by his principal, Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Dr. Isibor, who spoke in an interview with journalists in Benin, also expressed worries over unfolding political developments in the state chapter of the APC. He said: "This time around, we are supporting the deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu. The CRPP is going to line up behind Odubu because of the injustice done to him. “We are backing him whether he wins or not. That is why we appealing to the conscience of our compatriots in APC that they should use their sense of judgment to give Odubu the where-withal. If not APC should be ready to say bye to the Dennis Osadebey Avenue."

POLITICS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ondo PDP: Decimated by defections There is no doubt that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State is being decimated as a result of defections of its bigwigs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but the party is optimistic of winning the forthcoming governorship poll in the state. BABATOPE OKEOWO reports

ince March 28, 2015 when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost power at the centre, several political heavy weights of the former ruling party in Ondo State have jumped ship to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Week in, week out, more members of the PDP in Ondo State keep joining the party in power at the federal level. Even before the conduct of the 2015 state Assembly election, many PDP bigwigs in the state led by the candidate of the party in the 2012 governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke, left for the now governing party. Since then, many leaders of the PDP have found themselves in the APC. Barely 24 hours after then President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, Oke led some PDP bigwigs to the state APC secretariat on a visit to the chairman, Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke. He told journalists that he was there to congratulate the APC in the state for its victory in the presidential election. Eventually, a week to the House of Assembly election, Oke led many PDP leaders to the APC. They include a three term senator, Gbenga Ogunniya; a member of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Abayomi Sheba; former member of House of Representatives, Akintoye Albert; former Head of Service, Mr. Alaba Isijola; former commissioners – Dr. Ibukun Omotehinse, Princess Oladunni Odu, Tayo Akinjomo and late Ayo Ifayefunmi. Others were PDP chairman for Ondo North senatorial district, Chief Olufemi Omosanya; former House of Representative members – Dr. Temitayo Fawehinmi and Mrs Janet Febisola Adeyemi; Mr. Dupe Ogundiminigha; Hon. Demola Ijabiyi; Femi Bello; Sunday Adejuyigbe and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Olajide Ajana. Oke, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said he left PDP, which he joined in 1998, not because the party lost election but in order to see that the Change mantra, which has taken over national politics, takes firm root in the Ondo State through the installation of an APC government in 2017. He said some

Oke

of them worked against the interest of the PDP and its candidate in the presidential election and had deliberately left some people in the PDP in order to sabotage its effort in the House of Assembly election. But the PDP through its Director of Media, Mr. Ayo Fadaka and the National Coordinator of G-18 Initiatives, a PDP group, Prince Biyi Poroye, said the PDP leaders who left for the rival APC could not afford to be in opposition as they have been fed with government resources in the past 16 years. Poroye said: “Those who left did not have any good legacy to leave behind. They praised the party when they had something to eat. These are the people who called APC leaders unprintable names when things were good and described the broom as a bad symbol. They have now gone back to their vomit.” Similarly, Fadaka in his reaction said: “We note with aghast the decampment of Chief Oke from our party to the APC. To us, it is a route that Oke should not in any circumstance embark upon but since he in company of his little band have chosen to so do, they are welcome to it. We equally feel duty bound to declare that we are disappointed that a man, who operated as a major stakeholder in our party could curiously elect to become a common joiner in a party, though currently in ascendancy, but whose future is certainly not secured as it is imbedded with land mines that will implode in the nearest future.” Perhaps, the calculation of the defectors was that the feat achieved by the APC during the presidential and National Assembly elections would be repeated in the House of Assembly election. The thinking was to have the majority in the Assembly, impeach Governor Olusegun Mimiko and replace him with his deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi. But the PDP shocked them by winning 21 out of 26 Assembly seats. In a twist, the House impeached the deputy governor and replaced him with Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo. The major defection that followed that of Oke was that of Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, the Director

Osunyikanmi

Those who left did not have any good legacy to leave behind

Akinyelure

General of Technical Aid Corps (TAC). Osunyikanmi led former senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ayo Akinyelure and others to the APC. Others defectors included former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenneth Olawale; former member of House of Assembly, Mrs. Cecilia Fayase; former member of the State Sports Commission, Adamu Monday and a community leader, Chief Redeem Badmus. Osunyikanmi said his former boss; Governor Mimiko, had betrayed many leaders in the SouthWest, including former governors of the state. Adebayo Adefarati (late) and Olusegun Agagu (late). He also added that the governor also betrayed the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he said, helped Mimiko to therefore reclaim his mandate in 2009. He called on the people of the state to support the APC in the forthcoming governorship election, declaring that the PDP is in disarray in the state following the governor’s ineptitude. Akinyelure, on his part, said he decided to join the APC in order to join the progressives train. The former senator, who was also the candidate of the party for the 2015 election but lost to Senator Tayo Alasoadura of the APC, appealed to members of the party (APC) in the state to accept them into their fold. His words: “We are here to support the APC; therefore you should not see us as outsiders. We left the PDP to join the progressives. Conservative is dead in Ondo State.” In his reaction to the gale of defections, the state chairman of the PDP, Mr. Clement Faboyede, said Osunyikanmi and other defectors got to political limelight through the auspices of the governor. He expressed optimism that all the defectors would still come back to the PDP, saying: “If they come, I will welcome them back as they have a short period to spend with the APC." The Ondo PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity, however berated the defectors. His words: “Akinyelure and Osunyikanmi have decided to decamp from our party and

join the APC simply because they believe that they must be a part of the curious ‘Change agenda’ of the party. We have viewed the action of these gentlemen and have since come to the conclusion that it was absolutely propelled by personal goals, which is dictated by their individual ambitions which cannot be operationalised in the PDP.” The gale of defection into APC is yet to subside as former commissioners led by Mrs. Kehinde Momoh and Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, recently led former political office holders and members PDP to APC. Other top PDP members that left the party were former chairmen of local governments – Prince Olu Falolu, Chief Tobi Akinlalu and Bailey Arohunmolase; former members of the state Assembly – Bamido Omogbehin and Oyebo Aladetan; Kasali Obanoyen, Chief Banji Kuroloja, Chief Ajani Oladipupo, Mr. Yele Akinya and Segun Ogodo. Speaking on behalf of the defectors who are under the platform of Ondo Renaissance Group, Arohunmolase, attributed their joining the APC to failed promises of the PDPled government in the state. The former chairman of the State Waste Management Authority, who was a member of PDP before he defected to Labour Party (LP) back to the PDP before joining the APC, said they are set to work in line with the APC to win the governorship in November. He called for collaboration among APC governorship aspirants o in order to come out victorious at the poll. But the PDP described the defectors as cancer that must be removed so that other parts of the body can live in peace. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said the defectors have no political relevance and would soon regret their actions. It must however be noted that the defectors are from the PDP to APC and nobody is leaving the APC for the PDP. This, to many signifies that the APC is in good stead to win the November 26 governorship election but the question is whether the APC would be able to sustain the tempo before its primaries.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion My dear wife, Lady Justina Nonyem Chizea Boniface Chizea

t is sad that I have to be writing this tribute to my wife’s memory at this point in time when I thought we still had many more years ahead of us with the future brimming with hope and most certainly looking rosier. But at last it was not to be for in as much as we loved Justina it is now certain that the good Lord loves her best and is in a hurry to have her return to His bosom. And considering the fact that we got Father Philip Sosu Mobee to administer the anointing of the sick, prayed and gave her the Blessed Sacrament on the Tuesday preceding the operation which commenced on Sunday evening our faith teaches us that Justina is at peace with the Lord. We did not spare any expenses in pursuit for cure of the back ailment which made her suffer agonizing pain often making it very difficult for her to enjoy any mobility. The failed operation was undertaken when we did as it became certain that it was a tall order expecting her to stabilize to be sent overseas for the treatment. And it was at considerable cost for which she showed concern re questing that we should explore the option of obtaining insurance which was practically impossible for someone in such obvious condition of ill health. We assured her that her life was worth much more and that in fact there is no way we can begin to place a prize on her life and drew her attention to the fact that we should thank

God that we are not going to borrow to meet the cost of the operation. At last after rather two long weeks of suspense she underwent the surgical procedure only for her life to be suddenly terminated. It is so painful but we are believing God to fill the void which her premature departure is bound to create in my life and that of my family.

Justina was a good friend of my Sister Claire Chizea. It was Claire that introduced us. And by 1972 whilst I was an undergraduate at the University of Lagos and Justina was an Ordinary National Diploma student at Yaba College of Technology our friendship blossomed. When I left the University of Lagos and went to King’s College, London Justina on completion of her studies convinced her late Father John Nwalie Mordi to also sponsor her to study Higher National Diploma in England and when I left London and proceeded in 1974 to Manchester Business School for my Doctorate she found reason to shift base to Bolton College of Technology which is within the Greater Manchester Area. I remember that on occasions when she tended to forget I will tease and remind her how she gave me close marking as our relationship evolved! We finally got married on September 29, 1979 just after Justina completed her Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the North Staffordshire Polytechnic, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Justina whilst in England worked with a firm of Chartered Accountants; Charles Barry and Hails Snails Ltd as Account assistant and upon our return to Nigeria in 1982 did her National Youth service primary assignment with United Bank for Africa Plc. where I also commenced my working carrier in 1982. Since then she tried to do business under the company name: Pearl-Jen Nigeria Enterprises

I will tease and remind her how she gave me close marking as our relationship evolved

Ltd. The marriage is blessed with two lovely girls; Pearl Ifeyinwa Chizea and Jennifer Chukwunomso Chizea who have done well so far in the rat race of life. Justina was good company even if lately she was hooked on African Magic, Geographical Channels, BBC Food and Crime and Investigation networks, she was still able to watch and discuss football with me whenever I was able to get her to do so. She had a way with technical issues around the house and was the one that will negotiate with the many trades’ people as they invaded our home for one repair or another. She was verse in current affairs and as a result I looked forward to her comments and assessment following my many television appearances. And I have come to rely on such views as I find them very insightful and constructive and she had the courage to tell it to me as it is. She was a damn good cook. This is a fact acknowledged by everyone who had encountered her particularly her female friends. This is an aspect of our lives together for which I have had some difficulties adjusting to particularly as her sickness did not allow her to continue to prepare the meals and I had all manner of stewards inflicted on me. She was very prayerful which became intensified as her sickness worsened. She would encourage me for us to say our night prayers together even on occasions when I seemed to be low on energy. She had class and a generous spirit. I was always sure of the quality whenever she travelled and bought things for me and I was wont to display such at the earliest opportunity. She has left a void which is going to be difficult to fill and as we undertookeher Services of Songs on Monday May 16, 2016 here in Lagos at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy at Lekki phase one and commit her remains to mother earth at Asaba on May 20, 2016 we continue to pray that the good Lord will grant her merciful judgement and thereafter peaceful repose in His bosom in heaven. May her Soul Rest in peace. Amen. • Dr. Chizea wrote in from Lagos

Soun Ajagungbade at 90 Dotun Oyelade

wrote the first book on Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, CON, CFR, Soun of Ogbomosoland in 1995, 21 years ago and in spite of the age difference of 27 years and the staggering difference in our social status, Kabiyesi treated me like an equal when it came to giving me my dues. He realised that I wanted to kill two birds with a stone. I wanted to make history as a professional journalist and at the same time make money from my trade through him. He asked me to contact his lawyer, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) who signed the contract agreement for the biography with my lawyer Kunle Adeigbe, now a Judge in Osun state. After the successful launching of the book on December 26, 1995, he invited me to the palace where the whole financial proceeding was transparently discussed and he instructed that the cost of production of the book and every other expenses I might have incurred be given to me before we move any further. This open-handed gesture ensured that I had the financial muscle to procure state-of-the-art equipment for the broadcast studio which had been my dream since I voluntarily withdrew my services as a Management staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State in March 1988 The experience also explained vividly why Kabiyesi was such a

phenomenal success as a business man at such a young age well before he came to the throne of his forebearers. He dispensed of my worries and made me feel comfortable in his presence. He was more concerned with the quality of the job and what I was going to do with the proceeds from the launch. When I was planning to write his biography I never told my father because I was aware that he was not a big fan of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111 and he did not make a secret of it. However, It was to Kabiyesi’s credit that till this day, he never raised the issue with me. Rather, I benefited from his immense wealth of experience and counselling. He insisted for instance, that I must procure my broadcast equipment from abroad and wondered why people cannot go for the best in life. He loves to surround himself with quality; from his wardrobe to the ambience of his environment and the type of friends he kept particularly when he was the out-going socialite. Safe the mellowing of age, he is an Aristocrat to boot! The manner of his ascendancy to the throne and the events that surrounded his enthronement suggested clearly that as fair minded as he tried to be, Kabiyesi never shied away from a fight for whatever he believes in. Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi who was the Military Governor in 1973 when Ajagungbade ascended the throne told me ‘’It was obvious at the time, that even if you do not love

him, you learn to respect him’’ The battle to stop him from wearing the beaded crown came from two formidable groups. The state military Administration and some eminent yoruba Obas led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi. Though the Soun was livid at the stance of the Traditional rulers, he was willing to behave like a Statesman and tried to convince them to see reason. He chose to visit two of them. Aderemi and Oba William Ayeni Ariwajoye,the Orangun of Ila. He told them the parable of the antelope that took ill and the lion and elephant wouldn’t care less if he dies. The antelope appealed to them to save his life and warned that if they do not, the hunter will use his skin to prop the arrow that will kill them both. The parable by the 47 year old Prince impacted more on the revered Oba Adesoji Aderemi because in 1930 when there was tussle for the Ife stool, Oba Afolabi Bello the father of the present Soun sent emissary to Ife in support of Oba Adesoji Aderemi who was vying for the stool with his brother Adewuyi and being a prominent member of Ogboni, the support was weighty. Dr Laogun Adeoye a childhood friend of Oba Oyewumi who was also a commissioner under Brigadier Rotimi was approached by the Ooni to pacify his boss not to take any draconian measure against the Soun. The only trouble was that Dr Adeoye himself was not favourably disposed to the candidature of Soun but he did as he was told.

Dr. Adeoye, the first medical doctor from Ogbomosoland and staunch Action Group member confessed to me in 1995 ‘’Ironically I did not support his candidature in 1973 but with hindsight I can now say that his installation is a blessing for Ogbomosoland.’’ The machinery to stop the wearing of the crown went on unabated on the side of government who deployed the state commissioner for Local Government, Rev.Canon Akinyemi and Justice Kayode Eso who was then a Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal, Chief LAD Oyewo and Chief ST Ojo, both prominent Ogbomoso citizens to visit and convince the Soun not to wear the beaded crown. Justice Eso felt uncomfortable about the prospect of the installation and was jerked back to life by a question from someone in the car about whether the Soun will dare government. He answered resignedly ‘’I know him so well, he will wear the beaded crown this morning’’ And that was what happened. Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III CON, CFR donned his ancestors beaded crown on December 14,1973 to the admiration of the largest crowd that ever gathered for a single event in the annals of the community. Soun Ajagungbade III is the longest reigning traditional ruler in Ogbomosoland having spent 43 years on the throne so far. Kabiyesi, we are proud of you. • Oyelade wrote in from Lagos

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Best hands for the Police

n August 2015, at the National Security Summit in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Police Service Commission (PSC) to recruit 10,000 men. Many people had anticipated that the commission would begin the process immediately but for about six months nothing was done in that regard. The recruitment process did not take off last year, it was learnt, because the funding was not captured in the 2015 budget. The excitement, which greeted the announcement by the President, emanated from the fact that for many years there had not been recruitment into the service. And secondly, it was seen as a means to reduce the high rate of unemployment whose impact has continued to reflect on the nation’s economy. About seven months after the presidential directive, the PSC announced that the recruitment would commence on April 1. “The process leading to the recruitment of 10,000 policemen as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Security Summit in Abuja last year, has commenced,” the PSC Chairman, Mike Okiro, said while unveiling the portal for the exercise. Okiro, a former InspectorGeneral of Police (IG), said the exercise was remarkable

because there had not been recruitment into the police for more than five years. According to him, thousands of policemen who died in the course of service, were dismissed or retired, had not been replaced in the last five years. The former IG added that the recruitment would strengthen and re-energise the service to tackle more security challenges facing the country. According to Okiro, the recruitment is in three entry points of Constable, Cadet Inspector and Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), while there is also recruitment into the Specialist cadre.

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recruitment into the police. According to a statement by the PSC, by that Tuesday, 202,427 applicants had applied for the position of Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), 169,446 for the position of Cadet Inspector and 333,479 for the position of Constable. At the close of the application, it is possible over a million applicants would have applied. The huge response of Nige-

A proper and successful recruitment exercise will do the sagging image of the police some good

Despite glitches encountered by the applicants in terms of difficulty in accessing the portal and submitting form after filling it, thousands of people had, within the first three days of the exercise, applied for the police job. By Tuesday (April 19), 705,352 applicants had submitted their applications. In a couple of days over 800,000 applications had been turned in. The number, which came about three weeks to the close of the application, is 695,352 higher than the 10,000, which President Buhari had given approval for

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rians to the recruitment has thrown up a lot of salient issues. One, it shows there is high rate of unemployment and underemployment in the country. Sec-

ondly, there seems not to be clear instruction on the modalities for the screening of the applicants. There are fears, genuine though, of possibility of reenacting the ugly episode of the infamous recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) a few years ago where many applicants died while scores of others were injured during screening. While it is important that those who want to police Nigeria in the 21 Century are physically, medically and mentally fit, picking the best among the thousands

of applicants must not lead to avoidable deaths. Proper medical tests must first be conducted to determine the fitness or otherwise of the candidates before subjecting them to rigorous physical screening. Modern-day policing depends more on scientific approach. It, therefore, thrives on mental alertness. Although Okiro said “the process of receiving the forms has been smooth and transparent,” and assured “the applicants of fairness and equal opportunity,” there are fears that politicians, of course that is natural to them, would hijack the recruitment process. But if they are allowed to use the recruitment as political patronage, it will rubbish the process and defeat the President’s noble intention to create jobs on the one hand and combat the surge in crime on the other. This also represents a litmus test for the police hierarchy and the administration of President Buhari because it is the first to be conducted by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase, and the President. If it fails, it will also be an indictment on the police whose job is it to check crime and police the nation. On the other hand, a proper and successful recruitment exercise will do the sagging image of the police some good.

POLITICS

The House of Representatives has commenced deliberations on the need to resolve the lingering clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country. PHILIP NYAM reviews the various efforts initiated by the lower chamber

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Grazing reserves: Reps, stakeholders brainstorm

challenges caused by Boko Haram and condemned the death of thousands of innocent citizens including women, children and youths as well as the displacement of millions of Nigerians who are presently refugees in neighbouring countries and other states across the country. Enugu killings While the public hearing was ongoing, the House also passed a resolution at plenary to summon the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Daura, to explain measures his organisation is putting in place to stop killings across the country. The House also mandated the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in Enugu State, with the aim of bringing those responsible to book. These resolutions were adopted following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Chukwuemeka Ujam on the gruesome attack on the Enugu community.

he House of Representatives has commenced efforts towards effective legislation that would create enabling environment for farmers and herdsmen as well as ensure peace especially in rural communities in the country. Consequently, a public hearing on 11 bills and motions referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services was held recently in Abuja. While the executive arm of government was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, various stakeholders also had their turns to contribute to the issue. The two motions discussed include the urgent need to address the incessant clashes between herdsmen, farmers and their host communities, and the call for introduction of micro irrigation (Drip Irrigation) for farmers in Gombi/Hong federal constituency in Adamawa State and in other parts of Nigeria. One of the bills deliberated upon at the public hearing and which have direct bearing on the grazing issue was: A bill for an Act to amend the National Agricultural Land Development Authority Act. CAP. No.4 Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for other matters connected therewith. Grazing routes and reserves The most contentious bills before the House were not part of the public hearing. That is: “Bill for an Act to establish The National Grazing Route & Reserve Commission to establish, manage and control grazing routes and reserves in all parts of Nigeria and for other incidental matters thereto,” sponsored by Hon. Karim Steve Sunday (APC, Kogi) and “Bill for an Act to create Cattle Ranches under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Act, Bill, 2015” sponsored by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir (APC, Benue). These bills have passed the first reading in the House and were consolidated on March 15. Hence, the consolidated version has not been slated for debate to be passed for second reading to pave way for a public hearing. But the essence of the bill is to establish a National Grazing Routes and Reserve Commission, which shall acquire lands in all the 36 states of the federation for the purpose of grazing and ranching. It further states that the aim is to curb incessant conflicts between nomadic herdsmen and livestock farmers and settlers in Nigeria. The bill basically authorises compulsory acquisition of land by the commission and requires that state governments shall facilitate such acquisition for the purpose of contributing

Dogara

Ogbeh

to grazing routes and reserves for the country. It is therefore similar to the NALDA amendment bill. FG’s position Ogbeh, who presented the position of the Federal Government at the public hearing disclosed that the government is to create grazing reserves across the country as a means of resolving the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers. He said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, is opposed to the idea of grazing routes because it is capable of creating more problems. According to him, the proposal for carving out grazing routes for herdsmen cannot work, explaining that the best solution to the perennial crisis between farmers and the herdsmen is to have grazing reserves. His words” "I hear there is a bill in the Senate seeking to create grazing routes, where are they grazing to? To another man's farm? Creating grazing routes is not the solution as it is known worldwide that cows kept in ranches produce better than grazing cows." The minister informed that 12 states out of the 36 states contacted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, have already confirmed readiness to partner on the grazing and irrigation initiatives, adding that nine states have agreed to provide 5,000 hectares of land each for the project. He also assured on plans to revitalise the existing 415 gazing locations across the country, majority of which are in Adamawa State. According to him, this would be done by providing requisite facilities. Ogbeh however cautioned that the use of force may not work and advocated for persuasion. Stakeholders oppose grazing routes Several stakeholders were invited to share their opinion on the motions and the bills in questions. One of such stakeholders was the

Failure to urgently address these provocative escapades is an invitation to anarchy and resort to selfhelp

Tiv socio-cultural group in Benue State, Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), which kicked against the creation of grazing routes and instead recommended the rearing of cattle in ranches in accordance with international best practices. The MUT explained that the creation of ranches should not be the business of government because it is a private sector driven business. President General of the group, Chief Edward Ujege, who presented MUT’s position, called for a law to prevent cattle and other animals from roaming. The group also called on law enforcement agencies to disarm the Fulani herdsmen and prosecute them when they violate the law, while appealing to the Federal Government to compensate communities affected by activities of the herdsmen, particularly the 15 local government areas of the state. The House calls for recommendations Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who declared the event open, noted that there was need for deliberate and proactive actions to end the incessant farmers and herdsmen clashes spreading across the country. He added that if not properly checked, the crisis could divide Nigeria. He therefore urged the committee and stakeholders to make appropriate recommendations that will “go a long way in guiding the House in the enactment of appropriate legislation.” In his contribution, the chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Hon. Mohammed Munguno, observed that "the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen in various communities across the country are a very topical issue that requires the intervention and input of various stakeholders." He expressed disgust over the resultant effects of the security

The motion In his motion, Ujam lamented that findings have revealed that a number of persons have been declared missing with their whereabouts unknown. "Eye witnesses account indicates that this mayhem was perpetuated by an army of masked herdsmen emerging from the bushes and attacking their victims with careless abandon. "These merchants of death were armed with guns, bows, arrows and swords, and engaged in sporadic shooting for a lengthy period of time, sending shivers into the inhabitant of this community and hacking any person within sight to death," he said. Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in her contribution warned that the incessant killings by the herdsmen were an invitation to another civil war. She described the Enugu incident as sad and worrisome, adding that the gory tales of incessant violent attacks on soft targets and sleepy communities are gradually assuming a frightening national security challenge. According to her, the Enugu incident is worrisome because security reports had warned of the impeding attack, yet nothing was done by security agents to nip the development in the bud. She charged religious and political leaders to condemn the incendiary activities of Fulani herdsmen adding that their murderous activities "is a danger in the belly of our nation”. Onyeojocha noted that "The unintended consequences and the looming catastrophe would be too dire for our national stability and cohesion. President Muhammadu Buharu should rise up to the occasion and rejig the security architecture of the nation. As the Nigerians await debate on the consolidated grazing bills, all eyes are on the lawmakers in the Green Chamber to see how they can legislate on this contentious and somewhat inflammable issue.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview Creation of Abuja, not a blessing to aborigines

Inside Abuja

GSM Village Abuja's one-stop infotech solution centre

18 19

Artworks on display

A visit to the Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja and our interaction with some of the craftsmen was an interesting retreat to the past, but exposed how Nigeria could tap into its cultural heritage to survive in the modern world. ONWUKA NZESHI and CALEB ONWE report

n these days of economic recession arising from the crash in the price of crude oil, there is a general consensus that Nigeria could get out of its present recession by looking inwards and exploring other av-

Onwuka NzeshI

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF nzeshi@newtelegraphonline.com

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Showcasing Nigeria's arts and culture

enues through which it can earn revenue. One of such potential sources of income is the arts and culture industry which had been neglected to the background in previous years. The average Nigerian has lived with the erroneous impression that the arts and culture industry has nothing substantial to offer in terms of revenue but that perception is beginning to change.

The village It is a typical African village consisting of a cluster of about 50 round huts made of red bricks and thatch roofs with an underlay of corrugated iron sheets. The village is situated directly behind the Yar Adua Centre with its main entrance facing Sheraton Hotel and Towers while its alternate gate faces the PTDF Towers and the Silverbird Cinema. This location is most strategic because it lies within the Central Business District (CBD) of Abuja where many government activities take place. It nearness to a prominent hotel and two major events centres makes it an ideal haven for tourists.

One of such potential sources of income is the arts and culture industry which had been neglected

The well paved streets and the array of art works on display is a fascinating sight to every first time visitor. It is a mini-Nigeria as one can find pieces of arts and crafts depicting the culture and tradition of the various ethno-linguistic groups in Nigeria. From Akwa Ibom to Borno, Otuoke to Ogoja and Badagry to Bida, their different artworks are on display in this village. If you desire to see the popular adire fabrics from Abeokuta, the peculiar Aso oke from Osun or the colourful Masquerades of Igboland, you will get them at the arts and crafts village. Obasanjo's vision The Arts and Crafts Village in Abuja is the vision of a former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project was conceived in 2001 when the Federal Government expressed interest in hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). As part of the preparations for the high profile meeting of the Commonwealth, Nigeria was required to provide on the sidelines some places of interest where the visiting heads of government could

visit to make the event memorable. Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village on October 5, 2003 as a prelude to the CHOGM meeting which was held between 5 and 8 of October 2003. Resident Artisans The village is occupied by artisans and craftsmen who belong to the African Arts and Cultural Heritage Association (AACHA) but individual artists work independently to create works of art which they put on display for art collectors to pick at a price. Wilson Etuk, one of the artisans in the village, specialises in leather shoes and bags made from the skin of rare animals such as python and crocodile. He is also involved in ebony wood carvings and sells bronze cast art works procured from Benin-City, Edo State. All the raw materials, Etuk said, are sourced locally but some of the items displayed in the shop were purchased from a similar arts centre in Lagos and other CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Inside ABUJA | SLUMS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Creation of Abuja, not a blessing to aborigines – LG chair

Forty years after part of Suleja was carved out to form a new territory known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the people of Suleja, the community that donated part of their land and name to create Abuja are still grieving. In this interview with Inside Abuja, Chairman, Suleja Local Government Council, Hon. Ahmed Diko Kassim, told ABULWAHAB ISA that the creation of FCT has not been a blessing to the Suleja Emirate Council Your local government is one of the satellite towns close to Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria, yet you seem to have remained without development. What is responsible for this? That’s the irony my brother. I’m happy you raised it. The truth is, the presence of Abuja is not a blessing to Suleja, and we are at a disadvantage. As you are aware, there is constant influx of people on daily basis to Suleja local government. As at today, between 60 to 70 per cent of middle and low income earners working in Abuja reside in Suleja but unfortunately, they don’t pay their taxes here; they pay their taxes to Federal Capital Development Authority. They pay their taxes where they are working but they reside here. This is where they live, this is where their family attend hospitals, this is where their children go to school, they attend our markets, their children attend same public schools with our children, yet they pay their taxes in Abuja. So, if government wants to be honest they should make it in such a way that, those residing and working in FCT domesticate their taxes here because it will be taxes that will be used to cushion their burden on us. Secondly, Suleja is part of Niger State; it is not part of satellite towns of Abuja officially despite the proximity. Every year, Federal Government votes budget to cater for the official satellite towns of FCT meanwhile Suleja is not captured in that budget but Suleja is serving as un official satellite town of FCT. Did you see the irony? Almost all the people working in Bwari, Kwali, Abaji, Kuje, name it are residents in Suleja and yet, budgetary allocation is given to cater for the satellites yet nothing for Suleja. The people of Suleja are in difficult situation. Suleja has given so much but noting is being given in return. Have you canvassed this position

before FCT administration? The creators of Abuja – Akinola Aguda Committee – recommended emphatically that there should be boarder line commission which should be created and be funded. That boarder line commission was supposed to address all the issues but ever since 1976 that commission is not in place till now. It is only that commission that could give us the relief we are seeking. Maybe because we are not militant in our agitation that is why we are ignored. The Niger Deltans are not as marginalised as Suleja people by the creation of Abuja. They made lots of noise, created a lot of scenario and they got attention through 13 per cent derivation. We have given 80 per cent of our land to Abuja yet nothing is given to us in return. More than 70 per cent of human resources are trapped in that process. The location of Madalla market poses threat to safety of lives. What is the solution to this? I have already taken a stand; the local government council has decided to relocate the market to a more suitable location. I have briefed the stakeholders – Suleja, Madalla and most of them unanimously accepted our decision. The size of new location is enough to accommodate the market and in addition, we are proposing motor park. If you notice, Madalla do not have a befitting motor park. So, we want to kill two birds with one stone by creating a motor park in front and market at the back. The location is behind uncompleted residential housing estate by the Madalla U-turn on your way from Abuja express before Zuma rock. Behind the estate is a large expanse of land that traverses the rest of the area and it has room for expansion. Why has it taken government so long a time to start the plan to relocate a market that has been a source for

Kassim

Between 60 to 70 per cent of middle and low income earners working in Abuja reside in Suleja, but unfortunately, they don’t pay their taxes here

deaths? Your observation is correct. Due to the size of the market which is too small compared to number of traders patronizing, people display their goods and wares on highway. We try as much as possible to prevent people from displaying their wares and goods on highway and again the market is located just by the road side, a scenario that makes it easy for people to just gather on the side of the road after buying their items. Most often, that road is blocked by traders who have extended their goods and wares from inside of the market to the main road. Apart from the vehicular traffic being created, there are also rampant reports of carnage, accident and report of security threat which no serious government will fold its arms and continue to watch. What prompted the final decision is a pending litigation in respect of the status of the land itself where the market is located. There is a man who took the Local government to court claiming government trespassed on his land. He was able to obtain judgement in his favour and thereafter, we appealed the judgement at the Court of Appeal. However, we lost at the Appeal Court and we are to pay him N78 million in addition to other expenses which come to N100 million if we are to continue to operate in the market on that land. But, after the meeting between our counsel and his own, the local government finally agreed to relinquish the land because we do not have the N100 million and secondly, the land itself is not suitable for the market. Like I said during our last stakeholders’ meeting where we took the decision to relocate the market, we

stated unequivocally that we are not ready to pay the N100 million they are asking us to pay to the land owner. Secondly, we are ready to relinquish the land back to the owner. If need arises for us to demolish our stores already built in the market so that we can return the land to the owner, we will. Again, the land in question is too small and the man that took us to court is not the only owner of land there, there are other land owners joined. We believe after his litigation if he succeed in getting N100 million, others will come up with claims, so we will end up paying everybody that has plot of land there. Is this council making enough from the market? We also realised that that market is a liability to us and not an asset. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) realised from that market is a paltry sum of N15,000 every Thursday, the market day. There are cabals that have been running the affairs of the market for a very long time. Any income coming from the market, the cabals are the ones sharing. What comes to the local government is only the N15,000 peanut. The market was established almost 30 years ago by a former caretaker of Suleja local government in the person of Hajiya Dejaballa. She was then a Sole Administrator. We have calculated what had come to the coffers of the local government between that time and now, and it is not up to N10 million. Now the owners of the land are claiming N100 million, a clear indication that this property is liability and not an asset. The best way is for the local government to relinquish the liability so that we can move forward.

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Customers waiting while their phones are been fixed.

GSM Village: Abuja's one-stop infotech solution centre Amadi Nnamdi

ifteen years ago when the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) was introduced in Nigeria, many citizens never envisaged that Nigerian youths will acquire the requisite skills and technical know how to handle various technical challenges associated with mobile phones within a short time. Some ingenious youths in Abuja, having acquired this technical know how, but in want of business space to ply their trade and offer their services in the city of Abuja, converged under the bridge close to the Abuja National mosque to attend to their clients who solicit their assistance for various technical issues. Within a twinkle of an eye, the location metamorphosed into a beehive of activities as news of the activities of the skilled GSM repairers and their accessories spread round and customers swarmed the place on daily basis. There is no gain saying that GSM has contributed immensely in the boosting of Nigeria's economic activities. It has also improved the quality of living of Nigerians. Nigerians now enjoy services like electronic payment services with POS, mobile TV, affordable internet services, mobile tracking services, cheaper international calls, internet banking, mobile banking and many more. Surely, all these benefit of GSM came with its attendant challenges too like repairs, change of accessories, software upgrades and many other issues associated with the use of mobile phones. The need to address these issues perhaps also necessitated the immediate emergence of the GSM village in Abuja as well as others across the country.

Front view of the GSM village.

The Abuja GSM village, previously under a bridge at the Central Business District until seven years ago when the village was relocated to its present spacious location along the busy Olusegun Obasanjo way at Wuse Zone 1, Abuja in 2009, has been living up to expectation as a one-stop shop for GSM related issues. It is the Abuja version of Computer Village in Lagos and is famous for transactions on repairs and sales of phones and computer accessories. Inside Abuja paid a visit to this self-acclaimed technology village and spoke with some of the technicians there. According to one of the technicians, the GSM was the one-stop infotech centre and for resolving challenges regarding handsets. "Once we can't fix your phone issues here, forget it, just go back to makers of the phone or you dump the phone. This is the last bus stop for GSM problems," he bragged.

Dauda

It is... famous for transactions on repairs and sales of phones and computer accessories

Chairman of the GSM Village Traders Union, Usman Dauda, said that government allocated the land to them and specified the kind of structures to be erected at the village but the traders contributed funds and erected the needed structures themselves. With its reputation of having skilled and knowledgeable technicians who render services at very cheap and affordable rate, the village has been attracting a lot of patronage from members of the public who storm the village from far and wide on daily basis. Of course, the market also harbours traders of different clothing and food vendors who serve the people in the market with what one of the traders termed "stomach infrastructure." "People really patronise us here. On daily basis, you can count more than a thousand cars coming here to transact busi-

ness, not to count the number of people who come here without cars for one business or the other. "We are very okay here, we just hope government can leave us here permanently, because here wasn't allocated to us permanently," Dauda said. The GSM Village has provided a platform for many youths to get themselves positively in economic activities rather than indulge in crimes and other societal vices. According to the chairman, the population of traders and technicians doing various kinds of business in the village run into thousands. When asked about the challenges they have in the market, Dauda said with the little contribution they have been making in the market, the management of the village under the leadership of his union has been taking care CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

INSIDE ABUJA \ NEWS

Our Correspondent

igeria's foremost engineering constr uction firm, Julius Berger, has effected a strategic change of guards in its boardroom as Mr. Mutiu Sumonu took over from AVM Nurudeen Imam as chairman of the organisation. The new headship of the firm was unveiled to the top echelon of its Board of Directors at the change-of-baton event which held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Out-going Chairman, AVM Imam, who had served on the board of the company for more than 16 years expressed appreciation to the company for the opportunity given to him to serve. He said that he felt “significantly fulfilled to have worked with one of the finest corporate teams in Nigeria and urged the

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Change of guards as Sumonu takes over at Julius Berger members of the board to extend the same cooperation to his successor.” He stated that from his experience in the military, administrative and business management career, “nothing brightens the heart of a retiring officer than the knowledge that he has a worthy, competent, capable and readyto-step-up successor.” Imam wished the in-coming chairman a healthy, prosperous and successful tenure in office. He described Sunmonu as “an energetic member of a younger generation who looks set to improve upon the achievements of generations of past leadership of the company.” "I believe that in my

successor, our company is in capable and safe hands," he said. In response, the new chairman, Sunmonu, also expressed gratitude to the out-going chairman, for his great service to the firm and pledged to deploy his wealth of experience to work and build upon the worthy foundations and entrepreneurial legacy of his predecessors and take Julius Berger Plc. in the right direction during his tenure in office

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of Julius Berger, Mr. George Marks, celebrated the accomplishments of the former chairman whom he fondly calls Nura. According to Marks, Julius Berger had always stood for strong corporate values and key corporate milestones were achieved during the era of AVM Nura Imam whom he said, was a driving force in modernising the com-

pany’s board practices. Marks said the outgoing chairman was instrumental to reforms such as, review of Articles of Association, enlargement of number of Board Members, strict compliance with the rules of the Code of Corporate Governance, increase of the company’s Board Governance through the initiation of several new Board Committees, such as the Risk and Asset Management Committee; the Remu-

neration Committee; the Statutory Audit Committee; and other necessary ad-hoc or special purpose committees. Marks also noted that at the strategic level, AVM Imam, besides leading an expansion of JBN’s clients’ portfolio into the private sector both locally and internationally, also witnessed and supported the growth and diversification of the JBN ServiceGroup portfolio to seven subsidiaries.

US, AUN, institute Peace Journalists Network Ebere Ameh

he US Embassy in Abuja, in partnership with the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has instituted the Peace Journalists Network, for the purpose of maintaining best practices on Peace Journalism in Nigeria. At a ceremony that took place at the US Embassy in Abuja, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle announced the launch of the network, which he said is a platform for journalists to share information, best practices, and examples of conflict reporting that will improve the quality of reporting on Boko Haram. “As Nigeria recovers from the Boko Haram insurgency, it is important that stories of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness and justice are well told. When stories of community peace-building and reconciliation efforts are told, it would inspire other communities to undertake similar peace reconciliation programs.” The network requires its membership joining an online community, finding and reporting peace stories across the country and submitting the stories for recognition and future awards; opens journalists’ access to a range of resources on peace journalism, training opportunities and connection to like-minded journalists committed to working for a peaceful and prosperous future for Nigeria. President of the American University of Nigeria, Dr. Margee M. En-

sign, cited cases of what happened in Yola at the heat of the Boko Haram insurgency and the peace efforts made by both the government and the AUN, and charged Nigerian journalists to report stories of peace and reconciliation, not just conflict. "There are so many kids on the street of Yola who are not in school, somebody need to be telling that story. The number of orphaned children in Yola is horrible. You have 11 million children out of school in your country and many of them are on your streets, is it worth telling the story about hungry children who want an education? There are thousands of little girls on the street of Yola, the most vulnerable, I would argue. These children are now in school. There is hope, there can be hope in the midst of these hard moments. So, I think in addition to reporting conflict and insurgency, we got to print stories of hope for people also. People need stories of hope, they need to know that peace is possible and that is part of your responsibility as journalists,” she said. Launching the network, Acting Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, AUN, Professor Jacobs U. Jacobs, said that the worst form of censorship that the press can have is not that from the government but the one it puts upon itself. According to him, there were certain scenarios where journalists refrain from telling stories that deserve to be told.

Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, with the Country Director, French Development Agency, Mr. Olivier Delefosse, after a meeting in Abuja … at the weekend...

NDLEA arrests five drug courier suspects Caleb Onwe ABUJA

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested five suspected drug couriers with 8.6 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Chairman of NDLEA, Alhaji Muhammad Abdallah, who stated this in a statement, said that 137 wraps of cocaine swallowed by two of the suspects were removed

from their bodies at an hospital. NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who signed the statement quoted Abdallah as saying that two of the passengers arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil en route Dubai were saved from premature death by the prompt intervention of narcotic officers at the airport. “The suspects were in a critical health condition on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport due to drug ingestion. They were immediately rushed to the hospi-

tal for intensive medical care. All 137 wraps of cocaine ingested by the suspects have been successfully evacuated from their system and they are now in a stable condition. “Three other suspects were arrested with dutyfree bag stocked with 3.3kg of cocaine hidden in chocolates and another 3.8 kg of cocaine hidden inside socks. Drug ingestion is a very risky act that exposes drug traffickers to early graves. People must desist from such injurious acts, protect their precious lives

as well as promote public well-being and safety," the statement read. The NDLEA boss said that all the five suspects would soon be charged to court. He warned Nigerians against dangerous and criminal acts that were inimical to their well-being, public health and safety. According to him, the agency will continue to protect lives and enhance public security by ensuring that narcotic drugs are only made available for medical and scientific purposes.

European Union makes case for women’s rights Ebere Ameh

he annual European Union (EU) Day celebration took place yesterday with diplomats declaring support for the protection and promotion of the rights of women. The EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Michael Arrion had at a press conference to herald the event explained that the EU Day was an annual celebration of peace and

unity in Europe. He said that a lot remains to be done in Nigeria in terms of gender equality and in terms of women rights, adding that education was the key to achieving the goal. “Every year we have a theme, we have a global theme for the EU, which is United in Diversity. But this year we chose to use the same theme like the African Union, which is the African Year of Human Rights, with special focus on the Rights of Women.

This is because we believe in the universality of human rights and there is a clear demand from the people to see an improvement on the way human rights are respected and observed, protected and promoted in Africa. “It is not only a legal principle, it’s also something that would very much contribute to the welfare of the country and the welfare of the people. It’s a long term effort that must also cover education. As long as gender equality

is not included in the curriculum of schools, it will not get through. And it’s not only the girls that must be thought gender equality but also the boys," Arrion said. According to him, this year's celebration was significant because it marked 40 years of EU’s presence in Nigeria. The first EU Delegation was established in Lagos in 1976, one year after the accession of Nigeria to the group of ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries).

INSIDE ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

N3.1bn fraud: Suswam's trial stalled over witness' contradictory evidence

he trial of former Benue State Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an alleged N3.1 billion before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was stalled midway last week due to contradicting evidence from the prosecution witness. The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) had stopped the trial in order to save the trial from derailing completely. At the resumed hearing, a prosecution witness, Mallam Abubakar Umar, had told the court how he allegedly received phone calls from Suswam in August 2014 for a business deal at his Maitama residence in Abuja. Led in evidence by Jacobs, the witness, a Bureau De Change operator, trading under the name Fanfash Resources Ltd., Abuja, told Justice Ahmed Mohammed how N3.1 billion was paid into his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account in tranches by an unnamed aide of the former governor. The witness further testified that he was mandated by the unnamed aide to convert the said N3.1 billion into US Dollars at the then exchange rate of N197 to a dollar. The Bureau de Change operator told the court that the sum of $15.8 million was realised at the end of the exchange. Trouble, however, started for the prosecution when the witness who had earlier in his statement to EFCC admitted that the $15.8 million was taken to the residence of the former governor in Maitama, Abuja made a dramatic U-turn by informing the court that the said sum was taking to Government House in Makurdi, Benue State. Efforts by Jacobs to rationalise the evidence of the witness were unsuccessful as Umar insisted that the money was delivered to Government House in Benue State and not the Abuja residence of the former governor. The witness also refused to yield to the claim of the prosecution that the $15.8 million cash was delivered to the person of Suswan. At this stage, Jacobs became uncomfortable with contradictions

in the evidence of the witness, who stood his ground, that he did not deliver the huge sum either to Suswam as a person or to his house in Maitama, Abuja. In the bid to save the trial from being collapsed by the witness due to the contradictions, Jacobs applied to Justice Mohammed to cut the trial short for him and

FCTCOURTS

Inside

with Tunde Oyesina

grant him adjournment to enable him to put his house in order. Arms deal scam: No show in court for Dasuki Again, the Federal Government last week

Suswam

Metuh

Dasuki

Emefiele

failed to produce former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) before an Abuja High Court where he is standing trial over alleged diversion of N6 billion meant for the pur-

chase of arms. The Department of State Services (DSS) had held Dasuki in his custody since December 2015. When the matter came up, prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the trial judge, Justice Baba Yusuf that he had made serious efforts through the EFCC to contact the DSS to produce the first defendant (Dasuki) in court and regretted that as at the time the court was sitting his efforts did not yield fruitful result. The counsel informed the court that there was no indication that the former NSA would be brought to court for the trial even though the witnesses are in court and that also Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) who was supposed to be the lead prosecution counsel was at the Court of Appeal for a different matter. FG: Metuh's appeal canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand The Federal Government last week asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division to dismiss the appeal filed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, seeking the court to dismiss the criminal charges brought against him. The government argued that the appeal filed by Metuh was not competent and not arguable because due process of law was not followed before the case was instituted. Counsel to the prosecuting agency, the EFCC, Silvanus Tahir objected Metuh's appeal on two grounds and prayed the court to dismiss it for lacking in merit. Tahir claimed that what Metuh brought to court was an interlocutory decision and since he (Metuh) failed to obtain the leave of the court before filling the appeal

case, the suit had been made incompetent and unarguable for reasons that due process of the law was not followed. Metuh had approached the Court of Appeal asking it to set aside the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which had last month held that he (Metuh) has a case to answer in the N400 million corruption charge brought against him by Federal Government. Court strikes out suit against CBN gov The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja last week struck out a suit seeking the prosecution of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over alleged unlawful disbursement of funds to the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) About 10 persons who claimed that they are lawyers had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/218/16, sought an order, directing the EFCC to arrest and prosecute the CBN governor for offences of money laundering, unlawful, illegal and fraudulent direct cash payment to the Office of the National Security Adviser via a letter dated November 26, 2014 referenced: NSA/366/S. Joined as defendants alongside the CBN governor are President Muhammadu Buhari, the EFCC and the Senate. At the resumed hearing last week, the plaintiffs, Achilike Anderson, Uchenna Nnadi, Ohazuruike Tochukwu, Fatima Musa, Olamide Buba, Hassan Haruna, Elochukwu Nweke, Amina Abubakar, Eroni Ada and Joy Moses brought a notice of discontinuance. The plaintiffs, however, did not give any reason for withdrawing the suit.

GSM Village: Abuja's one-stop infotech solution centre C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 9

of the basic needs of the village. "We have a standard generator set to serve as back-up power supply for the entire village. We have toilet facilities here which are accessible upon payment of a little token. "As for security, I can assure you that the place is safe, both for humans, cars and properties, but we will like the government to come in and assist us

with the laying of interlocking tiles in the market, provision of access roads and loan facilities, as it will go a long way in boosting economic activities in the village," he said. Upon enquiries on what it will take to start up a GSM business in the village, Inside Abuja investigation revealed that about N300,000 is needed to start the business in a bit comfortable way. Recalling how he started his

own business, the chairman of the GSM Village narrated that his was a humble beginning as he started his now flourishing GSM business as a hawker in the streets of Abuja before his hard work paid off. "After my secondary education, my parents hadn't enough money to sponsor my education further to the next level, so I went into business in Kaduna. "After the crises in Kaduna in 2000, I moved to Abuja and

started hawking in traffics. So from hawking I joined the GSM business in 2004 with just about N10,000, today, I thank God, I am married, I have about three houses in Kaduna and about 10 people working for me in my business," he said. However, some of the traders who spoke to our correspondent, lamented that they were in serious need of financial aid that will enable them to expand their business beyond its present state.

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria's arts, culture on display

the African, Inside Abuja learnt, was largely responsible for the low patronage of African arts by young Africans. The average African youth who has become exposed to either Christianity or Islam perceives the culture of indigenous African people as primitive and archaic while their traditional arts are associated with demons and idol worship. However, Kennedy who studied history, archaeology and anthropology said nothing could be further from the truth. He explained that the work of arts on display across the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village were contemporary arts and have no bearing with idolatry or any so-called fetish pagan religion. "Our artworks never depict idol worship. Most of the artwork we do today are contemporary because art has grown over time. As at 1897 when the British soldiers invaded the ancient kingdom of Benin, most of the artworks they found at the palace of the Oba of Benin were looted and taken away to Britain. The original bronze mask depicting the face of the Queen Mother is still in the British Museum. We only keep replicating that piece of artwork because Nigeria adopted it as the logo of the Festival of African Arts and Culture (FESTAC) which held in Lagos in 1977. It is the face of the Queen Mother (Idia n, Iye Esigie) who went to war to defend the kingdom when her son was not around. So if today, somebody tells you that the FESTAC mask has become an idol, that will be untrue," he stated.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 7

parts of Nigeria. He learnt the crafts from a Senegalese in Lagos and remains grateful that he could deploy his natural talents to produce beautiful items. According to him, patronage has been relatively low because of the downturn of the Nigerian economy. He is however grateful to God that once in a while "the whites" used to come and purchase the items produced in the village. "We thank God. Arts is a job that requires patience. We need government to intervene by helping us to make here bigger and more conducive for us to teach others the arts and crafts. I make high quality leather shoes and bags but the space is not enough for us to do our best. We need government to help us in expanding this place and improving the facilities. We also need them to assist us with credit facilities to procure bigger, better and more modern machines to do our jobs," Etuk said. Kennedy Eguakum, a native of Benin-City, is the Public Relations Officer, AACHA and one of the resident craftsmen in the village. According to Kennedy, there are no restrictions on the kind of art works any of them could embark upon because the purpose of establishing the arts village was to promote traditional arts of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. "We cannot restrict people from practising the creation of African arts and crafts. In fact, we encourage people to do what we are doing even outside here. This is an arts and crafts village. There is no other one like it in the whole of Africa except for the one in Harare, Zimbabwe. So, we will not prevent anyone from engaging in the making of arts and crafts. “Oil is drying up and we need to begin to think outside the box. If there is an arts and craft village in different locations where those who couldn't go to school but have talents for the arts can learn the crafts, it will go a long way in reducing the rate of unemployment in the country. Let government replicate this village in the 36 states of the federation," he said. Kennedy, who was part of a group of craftsmen invited to exhibit their art works at the centre as part of the CHOGM programme, said the village was abandoned for a while after the conference. "There was a lull in activities at the centre. It was only the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Social Development Secretariat that made use of it whenever they organised their arts and crafts fair. They do come to this place, open it for the period. There used to be a traditional wrestling match at the open square. "It was like that until 2006, when the then Minister of FCT, Mallam Nasir El- Rufai personally came here and directed that the village be allocated to artisans and craftsmen to put it to use on a daily basis. Hitherto, craftsmen were scattered in several places such as the Airport Road junction

Some foreign diplomats shopping at the Arts Vilage

Artworks on display

and Transcorp Hilton Hotel. "Under our association we were writing letters to the FCTA to give us a piece of land to build an arts village but when we found that this place was lying fallow, we then started making a case that it should be put into use. Since it was approved, we have been here displaying Nigeria," he said. Patronage During the government of Obasanjo and shortly after, patronage was high for the arts works produced here. This was probably due to the policy of the then administration that Nigerians should go Nigeria. It would be recalled that Obasanjo was always wearing adire, locally made fabrics from the South-West. The then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala was also wearing made in Nigeria fabrics wherever she went and throughout her tenure. Patronage was also good in the first two years of President Umar Yar’Adua of blessed memory. However, by 2010 when the first bomb blast occurred near the Eagle Square and subsequently the bomb attack on the United

Tourists are regaining confidence and are gradually coming back to visit here and pick up Nigerian works of arts

Nations Building, patronage declined drastically because tourists became scared of coming to Abuja. As the security situation deteriorated, so did the patronage decline to its lowest ebb. The good news now is that the number of tourists visiting the Arts and Crafts Village and the demand for artworks appears to be on the rise again. This, Kennedy said, could be attributed to the relative peace in Abuja since the coming of Buhari into power. "Although, we know that the economy is bad, tourists are regaining confidence and are gradually coming back to visit here and pick up Nigerian works of arts. So, you can see that the patronage has been up and down. Hopefully by the time the 2016 budget comes on stream, things will improve further," he said. African Arts and Idolatry He acknowledged that some persons, particularly Nigerians have a negative attitudes towards African arts and crafts because of their belief that everything African was fetish and evil. This wrong notion, which stemmed from the colonial experience of

Demands Meanwhile, there are threats to the continued existence of the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village in recent times. According to Kennedy, there have been speculations that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was contemplating the demolition of the village. "The government should not dream of demolishing this arts and crafts village. We are hearing that they want to demolish it and we are appealing to our government not to think of it at all. Instead, they should improve on it because it is already a tourist attraction known to many foreigners who have visited Nigeria. "If you go on the internet and search for Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja it is there online. This means that the tourist coming from America or Europe can see it and trace it easily when he arrives in Abuja. “A piece of artwork here can sell for as high as a $100,000 while others could fetch up to $700. When we are talking about scarcity of foreign exchange, that dollar that is paid for the artworks has come into the Nigerian economy.. "They should not think of demolishing this place. Rather they should think of how to enhance it or building more structures here because we have a lot of artists who have no pace to do their trade and are littering the streets of Abuja. Let here be a one- stop shop for arts and crafts," he said.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy Price rout: Local oil firms still in pains

Business What's new Harsh economy: Domestic air travel declines in 3 months

Property Architects battle foreign incursion, quacks

25 27

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

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(BDC as at May 6)

(Interbank as at May 6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N321 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N464 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N364

l Foreign Reserves – $26.919bn as at 5/5/2016

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

Source: CBN

p.24

Nigeria imports €1.22bn food, beverages from EU countries p.24

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (left), being presented a copy of the Mining Roadmap by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the minister’s working visit to Akure.

NNPC’s N1trn JV debt shrinks FG’s revenue

Country loses multi-million dollars in taxes, forex WANING The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Over 200,000 barrels of crude production per day from indigenous firms are at risk of decline

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Adeola Yusuf

Houston, Texas

he failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to, over the years, fund its N1 trillion ($5 billion) share in the Joint Ventures (JVs) with international oil companies (IOCs) has slashed the Federal Government’s royalty and taxes from oil. Managing Director of Oilserv, Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, disclosed this to New Telegraph in Houston, Texas, United States of America. He said that the loss of taxes and royalty running into hundreds of millions of dollars by government was due to the continuous fall in

the reserves and productions from JV operations. Government’s inability to play its own role in the JV funding, he said, is already eating deep into what government takes as tax from joint ventures. He said: Until we change our ways on JV funding obligations, the tax and royalty returns will continue to dwindle. This is even outside the continuous fall in the reserves and productions from JV operations. “This is because government’s inability to play its own role in the JV funding is eating deep into what government takes as tax.” The development had drastically reduced Nigeria’s crude production from JV from 2.1 million barrels to 1.2 million barrels per day. Okwuosa said that the over 200,000 barrels of crude production per day from indigenous firms are also at the risk of decline. “The fund has not been made available to us,” he said, adding: “When I say us, I mean the service providers and other indigenous firms.” The purpose of that fund, Okwuosa said, is “very clear-for capac-

N120 billion Being Local Content Development Funds accessible for the indigenous firms

ity building. How the fund is being disbursed today is not clear to any of us.” He said: “Until we come together to know how this fund is being deployed to build capacity for the nation. We have to make sure that the funds rob off on the economy of this nation, part of which is to provide jobs through the Nigerian participation in the production of oil and gas and that is a major ingredient. For me, I don’t see how the fund is being deployed to meet this set aim.” On the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Act, the Oil Serv boss said: “It is still at the early stage-four to five years, in terms of practice. If it is not yielding the desired result, take it off. The NCDMB should manage the situation in a way that it meets the motive for which it was set up.” Prodded about the board’s statement that it once said that some local firms had accessed the funds, Okwuosa said: “It is like saying a million dollar of funds and somebody accessed a cent of it. No or very few firms we heard have accessed it and this has little or no effect.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |news

HARD TIMES It is a reflection of decline in purchasing power

Wole Shadare

ver the last three months, the domestic air travel market has shrunk, indicating that the harsh economic reality may have forced people to reduce or boycott air travel and take to land voyage. The general decline in traffic is a reflection of the slowdown in consumers’ purchasing power and the broader economy. An airline operator, who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, said the traffic figure for the month of March, April and first week of May 2016 show a worrying sign for operators. The source, who did not readily make statistics available, said even the slashing of fares by carriers to some times as low as N12,000, many people still find it difficult to travel by air. The situation, he reiterated, has put the airlines in panic mode, adding that the signing and implementation of the 2016 budget could change the narrative. He noted that the low load factor is coming at a time airline operational costs have skyrocketed, especially aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1 that is near all-time highs, coupled with the pricing power of airlines, which

Harsh economy: Domestic air travel declines in 3 months is expected to remain limited. His words: “Every airline has what is called a break-even load factor. That is the percentage of the seats the airline has in service that it must sell at a given yield, or price level, to cover its costs. Since revenue and costs vary from one airline to another, so does the breakeven load factor. “Escalating costs push up the break-even load factor, while increasing prices for airline services have just the

opposite effect, pushing it lower. Overall, the break-even load factor for the industry in recent years has been approximately 66 per cent. “Airlines typically operate very close to their break-even load factor. The sale of just one or two more seats on each flight can mean the difference between profit and loss for an airline.” It would be recalled that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 2.1 per cent

Cost of exporting agricultural products to Europe has been inflated by 30 per cent Bayo Akomoalafe

igeria imported food and beverages from European Union (EU) valued at 1.22 billion euro in the last one year, New Telegraph has learnt. Also, some agricultural products worth N96.05 billion (419 million euro) were exported to some countries in Europe from Nigeria in 2015, leading to a trade deficit of 801 million euro. The agricultural products imported from EU include: Food products, wine, vinegar, cider, spirit, liqueurs, fruit juice and cigarettes. Others are vermouth, wheat, infant food and other cereals, such as flour, starch or milk preparation, milk powder and whey.

Port Harcourt, Owerri and Kano represented 11 per cent, four per cent and two per cent of the total respectively. Lagos is the business hub of the country; as such, there are no surprises in its contribution to total air traffic in Q4. Owerri serves as a landing point for most cities in the Eastern region; this explains the traffic of 108,000 passengers it recorded in the same quarter.

L-R: Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State branch, Gbenga Olubowale; Sales & Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye; Overall best graduating student of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, 2014/2015, Smith Ayoola Babalola; Senior Vice President, World Wide Commercial Ventures Limited, Sanjay Upadhyaya and Chairperson, 2016 Annual Luncheon Planning Committee, Momodu Rametu, during 2016 Annual luncheon & award ceremony of PSN in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nigeria imports €1.22bn food, beverages from EU countries EXPENSIVE

year-in-year-in fourth quarter 2015. This was most marked for international flights as many foreign airlines are suffering from a remittance backlog and therefore hiked their ticket prices. As for domestic airport activities, Lagos remained the busiest accounting for 36 per cent of total air traffic, while Abuja landed the second spot in terms of contribution accounting for 34 per cent. Other domestic airports such as

It was learnt that Nigeria lacks capacity to supply palm oil, rubber and cocoa, which are on high demand in Europe. Data by Comext-Eurostat showed that in 2015, the country imported agricultural food products valued at 350 million euro or 34 per cent; malt, 51 million euro or five per cent; wine, vinegar and cider, 52 million euro or five per cent; spirit, liqueurs, and vermouth, 64 million euro or six per cent. Also, wheat, 93 million euro or nine per cent; infant food and other cereals - flour, starch or milk preparation 233 million euro or 23 per cent and milk powder and whey, 178 million euro or 17 per cent. Nigeria’s dairy processors shipped dairy imports valued at $300 million last year. Also, some agricultural products exported to EU by Nigeria are oil seed, soya beans, cocoa paste and powder, tropical fruits, cashew nuts, spices, hop cones, wood, charcoal, cocoa beans and miscellaneous seeds.

It was learnt that oil seed and soya bean export was 36 million euro or nine per cent; cocoa paste and powder, 62 million euro or 15 per cent; non-attributed products amounted to 119 million euro or 28 per cent; tropical fruits, fresh or dried, nuts and spices nine million euro or 2 per cent; miscellaneous seeds and hop cones nine million euro or two per cent. Others are agricultural food products such as hardwood charcoal, cashew nuts, dried split ginger, koso wood; kernel was 14 million euro or three per cent and cocoa beans 170 million euro or 41 per cent. However, it was learnt that the cost of exporting the products to Europe has been increased by 30 per cent because of the country’s stalemate on new trade terms with the European Union. According to Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria, Nigerian cocoa butter and cake exports were raised from 4.2 per cent to 6.1 per cent.

Architecture: CJN approves tribunal for unethical practice Dayo Ayeyemi

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has approved the establishment of a tribunal to deal with unethical issues within the practice of architecture in Nigeria, President of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Alhaji Umaru Aliyu, has disclosed. This, he said, was part of the Act establishing ARCON, though has not been able to see the light of the day for over a decade. ARCON is the regulatory body of the profession and practice of architecture in Nigeria. The establishment of the tribunal, Aliyu said, was one of the steps being taken to protect the profession from quackery and to nib incidents of building collapse in the bud. Speaking during the Lagos Architects Forum (LAF), the ARCON boss said that the setting up of the tribunal would definitely reduce activities of unlicensed professionals in the country. He warned quacks masquerading as professionals to desist from the act, pointing out that the tribunal is out to deal with them.

Aliyu also revealed that the body is doing everything possible to increase the number of practicing architects in the country in order to meet the need of the people. He noted that the country, with 17million housing deficit, has about 3,820 registered architects. This figure, according to Aliyu, fell short of the demand for architects by government and people in need of quality service. He promised that ARCON would do everything possible to double the figure in the drive to enhance professionalism in the industry. Besides, he hinted that the Federal Government was in the process of training about 370,000 artisans to boost skills development and employment generation in the country. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, recently reiterated the Federal Government’s promise to act promptly to address shortage of skilled Nigerian artisans. He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently decried the influx of foreign building trade workers in the country. According to Fashola, the training would be of benefit to the ministry.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy

Oil rig.

Price rout: Local oil firms still in pains While banks and other lenders stopped funding for oil projects, indigenous oil firms in Nigeria are faced with inability to access a N120 billion ($600 million) local content development funds, reports ADEOLA YUSUF

t initially started with the issuance of lending warning by banks and other lenders for oil and gas projects, but by the time the indigenous service firms could realise that the oil price rout had been stunting their businesses, the international oil companies (IOCs) had begun to demand a cut of over 40 per cent on their service charge costs. Bleak future The indigenous oil firms chose the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America, to officially and collectively cry out over the downtime facing their businesses. The future of multi-billion dollars investments by the indigenous oil firms in Nigeria, they said, is under threat. The highest body of indigenous oil service firms in Nigeria, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), echoed the voices of other local firms to declare at the conference that the oil price rout, which had led to the deferment of investment plans or outright cancellation of capital projects, is a major hurdle to their investments and also a big threat to the future of the local content policy of the Federal Government. They declared that their in-

ability to access the $600 million Local Content Funds has put their multi-billion dollars investments in jeopardy. Hurdles for local content Speaking at the Nigerian content workshop with the theme: “Local Content Implementation in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: A Cost Reduction Strategy,” they expressed the fear that the local content capabilities, which had been built over the years, may be eroded if the indigenous oil companies do not survive the downtown. PETAN Chairman, BankAnthony Okoroafor, stressed the need to leverage on existing in-country capacity. He said that the country should actively pursue reserves and production growth, which has been on the decline. He said the country can leverage proven Nigerian companies and in-country capacity building, adding that proper implementation of the Nigerian oil and gas industry content development will significantly drive down the cost of doing business in the oil industry and cushion the effects of the low prices. “The industry has operated under the local content Act regime for six years now, there is the need to take a closer look at the implementation strategy to ensure it is delivering the desired value to various industry stakeholders in particular and the Nigerian populace in general, proper implementation of local content will lead to massive economic transformation of our great nation,” he said. Service charge cut Okoroafor noted that the problem facing indigenous companies over the finances and borrowing for projects are not showing signs of relief soon. For instance, he said that the IOCs are already asking indigenous service firms to slash their service charges before they could secure a contract. “Service companies are being

There should also be a periodic industrywide capacity audit of local companies

asked to bring down their production cost to between 30-40 per cent. People are being laid off. Ultimately, very experienced people are losing their jobs,” he said. Okoroafor said: “It is important that the service business is seen as strategically important to the industry, as the operators are where they are brought together on the table to have a common solution. It is a win-win situation. If we partner with you, we give you work in exchange for concessions. “We are doing that engagement successfully. PETAN is engaging the operators on how to bring the cost down in exchange for work rather than treating service companies as outcasts. The industry is going to suffer in the next upturn. “There are companies, which we make investments in equipment and processes that take many years to mature. When you subject them to a simple price mechanism, what will happen is that Nigeria is going to lose a lot of value because the larger multinationals can afford to dump on the country because they want to get business. But we have to be sensitive to the fact that there are Nigerian companies that are proven and have been there overtime. We have to be sure they remain in business, otherwise, there will be tragedy if by the time the dust settles, many of these companies that are truly tested and trusted are no longer there to service the country. That will be disastrous.” Heap of challenges In his reaction, another indigenous firm operator who doubles as a former chairman of PETAN, Emeka Ene, said that for the Federal Government to help save the indigenous companies from the pangs of crude oil prices, there is need to develop the steel sector for local production of steel billets, coils and plate. Ene added that government should accelerate gas infrastructure along gas corridors to ease

availability of gas in oil and gas parks, oil and gas free zones and other manufacturing locations supporting oil and gas activities. He stated: “There is need to engage relevant agencies to foster cordial and seamless working relationship with respect to expatriate quota and issuance of work permit. There should also be a periodic industry-wide capacity audit of local companies to establish current capacities and embark on gap closure interventions. Research and development clusters should be encouraged to promote the development of home grown technology.” Government’s perspective Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Daziba Obah, said that notwithstanding the arrays of challenges facing the local firms, government still has hope in their ability to facilitate the triumph of the country in her encounter with oil price pangs. With the right support and environment, Obah told this newspaper, indigenous companies are best positioned to provide services and process at most lower cost without compromising standards. He maintained that there is opportunity to leverage the low value of the naira to source services, technology and solutions locally at much cheaper cost. Obah noted that there would be much more cost savings if operators develop increased project management capabilities to manage projects. Operators will save costs by optimising existing facilities and improving maintenance efficiencies. Solution The panelists and other participants, therefore, advocated that there should be low maintenance and operational costs of existing assets, elongating lives of assets through proactive local supports, cost effective implementation of CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Energy

HARANGUE Don carpets Senate, saying PIB debate’s suspension is a disservice to Nigeria Stories by Adeola Yusuf Houston, Texas

igeria will not regain Africa’s biggest crude producer’s status it lost to Angola any moment soon with the suspension of debate on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the Senate. Director, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan, Professor Adeola Adenikinju said this on the sideline of the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston Texas. He berated the Senate over the suspension of debate on the PIB. The action of the Senate, Adenikinju said, is a disservice to Nigeria, which is still struggling with investments’ draught. He said: “Angola has on occasions overtaken Nigeria in terms of daily oil production and this is due to our un-seriousness to provide legislation and the uncertainty that follows this. The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that is expected to guarantee certainty to investors has not been passed and this has led investors to be moving investments to Angola and other countries on the Gulf of Guinea.” Nigeria, Adenikinju insisted, has hope if the PIB is passed “but the action of the National

Crude oil status: PIB deferral worsens Nigeria’s position Assembly on the legislation showed that it will be tough to get the investments back.” The don said: “There is hope - our crude is distinct while our reserves potential far outweighed that of Angola. What we need now a level playing field, which the PIB will guarantee if passed.” Adenikinju, a former President, Nigeria Association for Energy Economists, called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to

projects and utilising local resources to reduce the overall cost. They also emphasised the need to reduce cost of operations and projects through local capacity development, indigenous working assets acquisitions, developing local expertise, low maintenance and operational costs of existing assets and elongating lives of assets through proactive local expertise. They also said that the policy needed to be directed to focus on sustainability of Nigerian local capacity and survive the declining crude oil prices. Chairman, PETAN Conference Committee, Ranti Omole, stated that based on the belief of indigenous companies, the association is partnering to reduce cost of operations and projects in Nigeria through increased local patronage. He stated: “The industry has been undergoing challenging and turbulent period for the past two years due to low prices of crude oil and low demand. This has resulted in severe adverse consequences in the industry as well as on the economy of many oil producing nations including our

circulated. The bill, which would have passed a second reading, however, faced stiff opposition by senators predominantly from the southern part of the country, who insisted that copies must be available for members to study, in order to make meaningful contributions to the debate. Midway into the lead debate by sponsor of the bill, Tayo Alasoadura (APC, Ondo Central), senators started murmuring, a situation that forced the Sen-

ate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, to raise a Point of Order for personal explanation. Akpabio insisted that copies of the bill be circulated to all senators to study ahead of formal debate so that they could make useful contributions. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the session, ruled that the debate be stood down, asking Alasoadura to ensure that the financial compendium was attached to the bill.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Downstream sector, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, Managing Director, Nipco plc, Mr Venkataraman Venkatapathy and Chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Nipco, Alhaji Ambali Oladejo, during a courtesy visit to the company’s MD at the Apapa terminal in Lagos.

Local oil firms still in pains CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

also assist to lessen the undue bottleneck in contracts tenders’ advertisement. The corporation, he said, should put contracts tenders online as done by other countries. The NNPC has improved in terms of transparency for contracts award, but it needs to do more. The new PIB, on Tuesday April 26, suffered a setback, as the Senate suspended debate on it midway on the excuse that copies of the bill were not

country. “This has led major players in the industry to rationalise their operations, seek efficiencies and cost saving measures to ensure profitability and survival of their businesses.” Dwelling on the role of the Federal Government to help save the indigenous companies from the pangs of crude oil prices, former Chairman of PETAN, Emeka Ene, said that there is need to develop the steel sector for local production of steel billets, coils and plate. Besides, he said that government should accelerate gas infrastructure along gas corridors to ease availability of gas in oil and gas parks, oil and gas free zones and other manufacturing locations supporting oil and gas activities. He stated: “There is need to engage relevant agencies to foster cordial and seamless working relationship with respect to expatriate quota and issuance of work permit. There should also be a periodic industry-wide capacity audit of local companies to establish current capacities and embark on gap closure interventions. Research and development clusters should be encouraged to promote the development of home grown technology.”

USA: Low OTC turnout dampens Nigeria’s FDI target ●Audience hits lowest ebb in 10 years

ttendance and exhibition at The 2016 Oil Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA), hit its lowest ebb in 10 years, dampening the Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) drive of the federal government at the forum. As the crude oil prices took a turn for the worst, investigation by New Telegraph showed that the OTC, which recorded a low turnout last year worsened in 2016. The conference last year recorded more than 94,700 attendees from 130 countries, the sixth largest attendance in the 48-year history of OTC. At the OTC, ideas and opinions are exchanged to advance scientific and technical knowledge for safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable development at offshore oil and gas resources. Checks by New Telegraph revealed that this year, only 2,500 companies exhibited compared to the 2,682 that exhibited in 2015. This development, it was learnt, signaled a setback for

the oil industry; especially Nigerian companies who had set up exhibition stands in order to use the opportunity of the OTC to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. Statistics obtained from the organisers indicated a 20 per cent drop in attendance and participation of exhibiting firms, a confirmation that the downturn in the oil and gas sector had further affected the event. Chairman of OTC, Mr. Joe Fowler, regretted that in its second year of crippling low commodity prices, the oil and gas industry is in hunker-down-and-survive mode, assuring that even the darkest times occasionally set a ray of sunshine. For Nigeria, the situation is not any different as many of the exhibiting companies that made the conference an annual ‘ritual’ failed to show up, while majority of the state oil corporation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials, were not present. Officials of corporate and

individual organisations who had visited the exhibition stands in anticipation of getting valuable information on investment opportunities in the country’s oil and gas industry, met an empty NNPC stand. “This is a disappointment; a gigantic stand with nothing to show for it,” a visitor from France, Francois Nicholack, told this newspaper. He added that he, like others, was at the stand to further the discussions he opened last year, but was disappointed with the turnout of events. Some of the would-be investors were seen discussing in hushed tones while others simply picked up the few available literatures on investment opportunities inherent in the country’s oil and gas sector and left immediately. For the exhibiting companies on the Nigeria stand, the number had shrunken drastically compared to what obtained last year, while those that exhibited this year only managed to do so with just one or two representatives on ground to respond to inquiries.

TUESDAY, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Homes&Property

Nigerian architects are apprehensive over their dwindling fortunes following the incursion of foreigners and quacks into their profession. DAYO AYEYEMI reports

esign experts under the auspices of the Nigeria Institute of Architects have registered their displeasure over unregistered firms or persons taking over their jobs, saying it is no longer going to be business as usual. Their grouse was hinged on the rising number of new high-rise developments in the country, whose designs were not executed by indigenous licensed architects. Some of these projects are in major Nigerian cities of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Concerns Worried by this development, the professionals, who spoke with one voice at the just-concluded Lagos Architects Forum (LAF) organised by the Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), noted that some of the estate developers were not on the same page with them as the former engage quacks in their house designs to cut cost. These sharp practices, the architects said, were inimical to their profession, as they came up with different measures to address the situation. At the forum themed: “Evolving Architecture,” the President, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCO), Alhaji Umaru Aliyu, while expressing worry over the situation, called on government, especially authorities in Lagos State, to help curb the menace. He urged the authorities to enforce the Architectural Practicing Registration Number (APRN) on every building drawing submitted to it for approval. Governments, at all levels, he said, need to cooperate with architects in order to block quackery and sharp practices in the systems to grow revenue. “ARCON has been biting hard on owners of project without engagement of Nigerian architects,” he said. According to him, if bid for projects were opened and the regulatory body found out that the firm that won the bid was not licensed, ARCO would act immediately. “When we have information, we will bite hard, but where we don’t have information, we are handicapped,” he said. Aliyu narrated his experience in Abuja Development Control Department, stating that 50 building plans were submitted for approval every day, but that immediately ARCO moved in to see if these plans were signed by registered architects, the figure reduced, as only two firms

Newly completed Nestoil Tower, Victoria Island, Lagos

Architects battle foreign incursion, quacks summited plans that day and 16 plans were gotten in a month. On what could be responsible, the ARCON boss said: “We discovered that there were insider conspirators in some of the departments. We are seeking collaboration of all architects to salvage the situation.” Experts’ view Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr.Olisa Agbakoba, who doubles as a guest speaker at the forum, enjoined architects to see themselves as providers of building solutions rather than mere building drawings. He scolded architects for keeping silence over the issue for so long, saying they were the architect of their own misfortune if jobs meant for them were being given to foreigners. Agbakoba challenged them to have international perspectives in their practice and to rethink their profession, noting that many of the buildings and office developments in Lagos have not been carrying signatures of indigenous architects. He said: “Lagos has laid a vision. On the need to actualise the dream, Lagos should appoint a public architect to oversee these new developments. “Architects need to tell the world that they have a role to play in government vision. Architects should involve themselves in the design of new roads and bridges in order to make impact.” On his part, a former ARCON President, Alhaji Jimoh Faworaja, told members of the

Lagos should appoint a public architect to oversee new developments

public that the only people licensed could practise architecture in Nigeria, adding that the relationship between NIA and ARCON has been cordial in order to win the battle against quackery and sharp practices. Representative of Lagos State governor at the forum, Mr Bayo Dipe, called for global partnership with government in the area of policy formulation, implementation and practice to meet world standards. Dipe, who is the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, hinted that relevant professionals would be involved in the development of the proposed 4th mainland bridge. Lagos NIA Chairman, Mr. Ladipo Lewis, said the forum has presented opportunities to evaluate best practices, concepts, procedures and methodology required to evolve an architecture that would transform Lagos into the greatest city in the world. “We need to create parameters for high density vertical buildings and establish safety factors for their development. The economic activities Lagos generates can be best harnessed to create better buildings and reverse the losses created by the development of substandard structures by quacks,” he said. Wake-up call NIA President, Tonye Oliver Braide, called on members to re-engineer their approach to the practice of architecture in line with the new wave sweeping across the world. Consequently, he urged architects to institute change and

catch up with the world before the world leaves them far behind. He explained that there have been changes everywhere from the conception of urban space to the treatment of interior details, adding that there were also new technologies that improve environmental comfort and conserve energy. Braide said: “There are materials, which greatly improve the cost in use with very low maintenance indices. The living experience has moved from the milestones of our grandfathers to the cyber age of our toddlers. “We have to act and act fast. Standing still is totally unacceptable. We cannot be acclaimed leaders of the building industry and remain totally out of tune with the modern conception of design,” he said. The present regression, according to the NIA boss, was evident with the fresh graduates who entered the market not ready for industry, noting that accreditation systems of most of the tertiary institutions have not put forward appropriate curriculum critique where the national development requirements are benchmarked against labour needs and human capital resources. “We have remained determined not to develop a building value chain controlled by architects by ignoring new directions in architectural education. This must not continue to 2020. A year we had set targets of achievements, but now seem to wish CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

TUESDAY, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Business | Homes & Property

FAKE PRODUCTS

Standards organization of Nigeria (SON) would need to up its game Dayo Ayeyemi

nvestigations by the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Services (LSMTLS) have shown that more 46.6 per cent of steel/reinforcement used for building production failed integrity test in one year. If results of these tests are anything to go by, homes built with the material by developers/ contractors bear the risk of collapse unless something urgent is done. According to disclosure by LSMTLS in its yearly data, out of 3,682 tests carried out on steel/reinforcement in 2015, 1,719 of these assessments were not up to standard (failed standard test), while 1,963 were satisfactory. By calculation, 46.6 percent of steel tests carried out by the agency in one year failed integrity test. Substandard building materials have been identified among others as factors responsible for building collapse in the country. In order to address the situation, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure in Lagos state, Mr. Ganiyu Johnson, said that LSMTLS is currently working with necessary agencies of government so that developers/ contractors send their structural drawings and soil report to it for assessments. This, according to the commissioner, would be the immediate step after homebuilders have secured their approved plans from the Ministry of Physical Planning within 48 hours. He disclosed further that 3,952 concrete tests were carried out by LSMTLs in the same year

Tests reveal 46% failure in steel/ reinforcement materials from which 793 fell short of standard while 3,159 met the requirement. According to him, it took 28 days to get the results of these tests, adding that water/chemical analysis tests carried out on 854 projects in the metropolis, 656 of such tests failed. Johnson said: “686 tests were carried out on non-destructive materials with 49 certified table and 637 unstable . 80 sub-soil investigation were carried out by the agency with 52 on CPT, Bh-25 and Trial Pit 03, while the agency carried out a total of 105 tests on geotechnics.” Meanwhile, the authority has attributed lack of fund as setback to the ongoing construc-

tion works of Lagos- Badagry Expressway. Others inhibiting factors include payment of compensation to owners of properties affected by the road construction and relocation of electrical cables and pipelines from the road’s Right of Ways (RoW). While painting the picture of how paucity of funds delayed the project, Johnson told New Telegraph in Lagos that Messrs Julius Berger Plc, who is the contractor handling the Lot I of the road construction between Eric Moore to Mile 2, would finish the median lanes soon. According to him, the contractor was expected to hand over the facility by August this

away,” he said. Outlook According to Braide, demand for architects in coming years would be enormous, adding that there would be demand for specialisations “which will provide a quality assurance programme, better buildings and better cities. “We must therefore build up our numbers to meet the projected demand,” he said. The NIA president described architecture as “the candle that shows the community the way to a better built environment,” urging his colleagues to become candles to light the way. “We must stop extinguishing candles but light more candles for the betterment of our country,” he said. Shortage of architects Braide pointed out that a country is judged by the quality of its buildings, saying that each architect would pledge to light one other candle every year, “a total

date 384 cars on six numbers of suspended floors with offices for ticketing and rest rooms on each floors. He also disclosed that the state government has initiated a study to upgrade the network of roads in Ikeja to improve and boost the economic standing of the city to word-class standard commensurate with other capital cities. The upgrade, he said would involve the expansion of Awolowo Way with an elevated highway from the Airport Hotel to Alausa to decongest the traffic gridlock along Allen Roundabout, Kudirat Abiola Roundabout and Agidingbi Roundabout.

some of the steel/ reinforcement rods in the market.

Architects battle foreign incursion, quacks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

year. He disclosed further that Messrs CCECC , who has been awarded the Lot II of the road project would continue construction in phases towards Agbara. In order to address parking and traffic problem in the metropolis, he said has initiated some initiatives which include the development of multi- storey car parking facility, construction of flyovers in strategic location, construction of roads and pedestrian bridges across the state. According to him, government has commenced the development of multi-storey packing facility at Onikan to accommo-

of 13,800 candles would have been shining today. Unfortunately, we are less than 4,000 architects 56 years after formation.” He bemoaned deficit in the number of registered architects in Nigeria, saying that the gap was unacceptable. Decrying the situation, Braide noted that NIA does not have a response mechanism to meet the development needs of government should the latter legislate that only architects should handle all building designs and construction administration in all the 774 local governments across the country. He called on his colleagues to rise to the mantra of change and make architecture an instrument of national development. Conclusion Architects must assert themselves, become innovative within the available resources and adapt to technologies that will improve their living conditions. This also calls for total development of architectural value chain, which will bring all hands on board.

FG tasked to support building materials manufacturers to create added value Dayo Ayeyemi

n a drive to revamp the economy, Federal Government has been tasked to encourage local building materials manufacturers in order to create added values and jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. Many built environment stakeholders that attended the Lagos Architects Forum (LAF) at the weekend in Lagos, were thrilled by array of building materials ranging from roof to wall,floor, paint, electrical and pipes that were showcased at the event New innovations were brought to bear as experts, property developers, policy makers and investors pledged their support and enjoined government to create enabling environment for manufacturers to thrive in the country. Driving the local content issues was the Application Architect of Nigerite Limited, Mr. Jesse Onovre, who made short presentation on different kinds building materials solutions the firm offers. He pointed out that the company’s ambition is to contribute to reduce the deficit housing in the country and to serve as a proof to the Federal Government that if local manufacturers are encouraged, they could be successful and create

added-value and jobs for our nation. According to him, the first area of importance in respect to local content was for the firm to secure its supplies of raw materials locally in order to avoid challenges created by foreign exchange (FOREX) scarcity and devaluation of the dollars. He mentioned that company has trained many Nigerians and provided direct and indirect job opportunities for hundreds of people. Besides, he said it has introduced many building, ceiling and roofing innovations such as dry construction, allure shingles for roof, ultralite gauge roof trust system, cretetile and crowntile roofing sheets, among others. He said the company has just introduced Kalsi, a cement building board solutions into the Nigerian market, which is a major component in the dry construction system. Chairman, Lagos Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Architects, Architect Ladipo Lewis, said that Kalsi building board was a welcome development and offers a fresh new possibility for the building and construction industry in Nigeria. He noted that it is high time Nigerians embraced the new building system because of the numerous advantages therein.

TUESDAY, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Performance of the African aviation industry is still lagging behind. A twin problem of costs and safety make air travel impossible to navigate. WOLE SHADARE writes

AVIATION

t was predicted that over the period 2010-2015, Africa will be the third fastest-growing region in the world in terms of international traffic with an average growth rate of 6.1 per cent compared to the global average of 5.8 per cent and 7.9 per cent and 6.9 per cent for the Middle East and Asia Pacific, respectively. Those of Europe, Latin America and North America are projected to record lower international passenger growth of 5.0 per cent, 5.8 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years due to a number of factors, notably robust economic growth, demographic boom, increasing urbanisation and emergence of the middle class. Air transportation plays a vital role in a country’s growth process by accelerating convergence of goods and persons. The contribution of air transport far exceeds that of road transportation sevenfold. Growth in air transportation has directly been mapped into economic growth due to spillover effects through creation of direct and indirect jobs in the industry and other auxiliary sectors such as tourism and other service sectors. Expansion in air transportation creates market opportunities for local entrepreneurs by creating regional and global economic centers. Africa In 2010, the aviation industry in Africa supported about 7 million jobs (including 257,000 direct jobs) through the impact on travel and tourism, which translated into $67.8 billion of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Forecasts indicate that the aviation industry’s impact on African economies is set to grow. Over the next 20 years, implied job creation by the industry is projected at 879,000. Africa can maintain the growth of its aviation industry if more and more people can afford to pay for the cost of air travel. Currently, only 10 per cent of Africans travel by air, but given the current rate of economic growth and emergence of the middle class, there can be high demand for services linked to air transportation. In recent years, growing alliances with counterparts in other regions of the world have played an important role in the development of the African aviation industry. These alliances have permitted African companies to gain access to new long haul routes resulting in higher

African airlines

Why African airlines are costly economies of scale and skills exchange. But Africa is massive, encompassing about 11.6 million square miles, or 30 million square kilometres. That’s three times larger than the United States. The vast distances between countries become quite real for those who travel regularly from one region to another, and they are only compounded by poor infrastructure. Many roads are either unpaved or crumbling outside of urban areas and rail service is scant. To navigate the country, flight is the only realistic option. In Africa, aviation is a deeply troubled industry. According to a report from the World Bank, the continent “has less than 1 per cent of the global air service market despite having more than 12 per cent of the world’s population.” Challenges to African aviation The rapid expansion in Africa’s aviation industry is hampered by many factors. Poor record of safety and security, lack of adequate resources and infrastructure, distance and limited connectivity, lack of regulation and government actions, are among the main constraints the industry is facing. These constraints add to competition and high operating costs resulting from surging oil prices. Addressing these challenges could significantly unlock the industry’s potential for future growth. Safety, security challenges Aviation security expert and former Commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), said safety is the most pressing

The contribution of air transport far exceeds that of road transportation sevenfold

challenge facing the aviation industry in Africa. He disclosed that in 2011, the average number of air traffic accidents was nine times higher than the global average. The frequency of accidents stems largely from inconsistency in the implementation and enforcement of internationally accepted safety standards and practices. Increasing the level of safety should be a key priority for the development of the African aviation industry. Meanwhile, the African authorities have endorsed an African Union-backed plan aimed at addressing deficiencies related to aviation safety and security and strengthening the regulatory framework. Accordingly, the International Air Transport Association, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other organisations have committed to supporting the Africa Strategic Improvement Action Plan of the African Union. The plan encourages African governments to foster regulatory oversight through the adoption of globally accepted safety and security standards. Inadequate infrastructure The air transport industry faces various challenges, including poor airport infrastructures, lack of physical and human resources, limited connectivity and lack of transit facilities. Although substantial progress had been made during the past decade, Africa still lags behind other regions in terms of “soft” and “hard” infrastructure. It is therefore critical that African countries invest in the soft, as well as hard infrastruc-

ture, to support the industry. Lack of regulation, govt’s actions Despite the growing awareness of the role that the aviation industry could play in the development of the continent, the industry is still not the top priority of African governments. Despite increased liberalisation of the African aviation industry and the growing presence of foreign companies, some African governments are still reluctant to open their skies fearing foreign competition could undercut national airlines, some of which are short of commercial viability besides being just symbols of sovereignty. These challenges require governments to enhance regulation of aerospace management, consumer protection and safety of airlines. Lack of aviation experts and skills, high airport taxes and fees, the weak connectivity and restrictions on transit visas and facilities add to the menu of impediments affecting Africa’s aviation. Sky-high fares Once African countries open up their policies to ease air traffic, ramping up consumer demand will become paramount. As it stands, passengers have reason to avoid African carriers; the continent is home to some of the most expensive airfares on earth. Aviation officials including International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEO, Tony Tyler and African Airlines Association (AFRAA) SecretaryGeneral, Elijah Chingosho, noted recently that these problems CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

TUESDAY, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | AVIATION

We won’t stop Nigerian route, says Virgin Atlantic STEADFAST Nigeria is an important market for airlines Wole Shadare

ne of the two airlines coming from United Kingdom, Virgin Atlantic Airways has disclosed that it has no plans to suspend its operations into Nigeria despite the recent announcement of Iberia Airlines to stop operations into the country from next month. Marketing and Communications Manager, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Mrs. Kudirat Scott-Igbene, said that Nigeria remained a very important market to the airline, having operated flights in the country for close to 15 years. Scott-Igbene gave assurance that the airline would remain in Nigeria and would continue to provide excellent services to its passengers. She said: “We have no plans to withdraw from Nigeria, which remains an important market for Virgin Atlantic.

We are proud to have flown between Lagos and London for almost 15 years and will continue to provide our unique service to our Nigerian customers.” It would be recalled that before Iberia announced its pulling out of the country, international airlines operating into Nigeria had been complaining about the forex

policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which according to the airlines was affecting their operations. As a result of the development, the foreign airlines in the country met with officials of the House Committee on Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), last week, to find

are rooted in psychology; state officials simply don’t see aviation as a high-priority industry, perceiving it instead as a luxury. In that context, air traffic becomes little more than an opportunity to pinch some extra revenue. African airfares are subject to excessive levies in the form of airport fees, jet fuel taxes, excise duties and more. Fuel prices are particularly hardhit. An AFRAA report last year noted: “Globally, fuel accounts for about 36 per cent of an airline’s operational cost whilst in Africa this ranges from 45 to 55 per cent. Fuel prices at some stations in Africa are over twice the world average.” Then there are passenger taxes. An international traveller landing at Ambouli, Djibouti, should expect to pay up to $85.89 in extra fees, the highest on the continent. In Accra, Ghana, it’s $75. In Nairobi, Kenya, it’s $40. Other countries airports’ fees around the world are far less. At Charles de Gaulle in Paris, taxes and charges don’t reach $14. In Singapore, they amount to about $11. Mumbai boasts charges of less than $6. A frequent traveller, Michael Adeosun, said: “It’s very expensive and unnecessarily so. A two-hour flight from Accra to Sierra Leone can be between $800 and $1,500. It’s ridiculous. Many Africans only fly when there’s a conference and the conference is paying.” Bleak safety record The last frontier for African aviation is safety, which is perhaps the biggest roadblock the continent faces when it comes to attracting new passengers. Africa’s record is bleak compared to the rest of the world. It

airlines from repatriating monies made from tickets sales to their home country. It was gathered that the introduction of the policy by the CBN has made it impossible for the international carriers to repatriate over $500 million trapped in several commercial banks in the country.

London Heathrow terminal 5

Why African airlines are costly CONTINUED FRO M PAG E 29

a way of addressing the issue to prevent strangulation. Virgin Atlantic operates seven frequencies into Nigeria weekly. Iberia was said to have pulled out following the refusal of the banking watchdog to exempt foreign carriers from its forex policy, which has prevented foreign

was home to only three per cent of worldwide departures last year, but suffered 22 per cent of fatal airline accidents, according to data from the Aviation Safety Network. Some said that certain African corporations play it safe by restricting employee travel to just a few trusted airlines. When these airlines do not have flights to certain destinations or are fully booked, the traveller is left with no choice, but to either risk using an airline with safety perception problems or disrupt business plans,” he said. In many cases, the latter is what happens. Last year, accidents affected one out of every five million flights on Westernbuilt jet aircraft globally, according to IATA spokesperson Perry Flint. In Africa, they hit one out of every 270,000 such flights. “The African aviation industry is not up to global standards,” Flint said. “But they’re working on that.” Progress came in the form of the 2012 Abuja Declaration, which set ambitious goals for improved air safety over the next few years. The agreement calls for more international cooperation and adherence to common protocol, like the IATA Operational Safety Audit, which all IATA members must undergo. The benefits of such collaboration are clear. Of the 25 sub-Saharan countries registered with the organisation, not one experienced a Western-built jet hull loss last year. Conclusion Better-connected African countries and regions through a viable air transport industry could be the catalyst that can boost intraAfrican business, trade, tourism as well as cultural exchange. Developing the aviation industry may also represent an opportunity to mitigate chronic transport problems faced by the 16 landlocked African countries.

African airlines, others witness drop in demand Wole Shadare

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released demand growth data for global air freight markets for March 2016, showing a 2.0 per cent drop in volumes measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) compared to the same period last year. In contrast, freight capacity (measured in available freight tonne kilometres or AFTKs) rose by 6.9 per cent, putting increased pressure on already struggling yields. The weak results reflect subdued growth in world trade, exaggerated by the comparison to a particularly strong start to 2015 when air freight volumes were boosted by the effects of the US West Coast seaports strike. Carriers in Asia-Pacific and North America reported the most significant fall in demand. Combined, they account for around 60 per cent of global freight traffic and reported declines of 5.2 per cent, and 1.8 per cent, respectively. Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of IATA, Tony Tyler, said it is shaping up to be another tough year for air cargo, adding that February 2016 world trade volumes were only 0.4 per cent higher than at the end of 2014. The IATA chief added that the expectations of purchasing managers gives little optimism for an early uptick, stressing that the combination of fierce competition, capacity increases and stagnant demand, makes this a very difficult environment

in which to generate profits. On region-to-region analysis, African airlines witnessed a 3.1 per cent drop in demand in March 2016 compared to the same period last year. A more modest decline of 1.6 per cent was seen in year-on-year Q1 performance. Notably, on the back of longhaul expansion, the AFTKs for African airlines surged by 22.6 per cent year-on-year over the first quarter of 2016. This is more than double the pace of any other region in recent months. European airlines saw demand for air cargo grow by a modest 1.3 per cent in March 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, while capacity increased by 7.9 per cent . Weak cargo demand is a continuing story for European carriers for whom cargo volumes stand at just 1 per cent above early 2008 levels. Middle Eastern carriers reported a 2.4 per cent increase in demand over March last years, the slowest since July 2009. This reflects both a slowdown in network expansion by the region’s main carriers over the past six months and weak trading conditions. North American airlines saw demand fall by 1.8 per cent in March 2016 versus March 2015, partially due to the rollover effect of the US port strike in 2015, which gave air freight in the region a boost. Additionally, the drop in global trade negatively impacts the region’s carriers while the strong US dollar is keeping exports under pressure.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview Why private varsities should benefit from TETFund – Council chair

Education

SEARCHLIGHT

For three days, world eggheads, experts and policy makers beamed searchlights on African universities with a view to internalizing collaborations towards evolving practical solutions to the challenges facing the continent

Campus Students advocate SDGs’ implementation

33 35

Global eggheads, policy makers unite to lift Africa

Kayode Olanrewaju

ow African universities could surmount, develop and successfully tackle the various challenges facing the continent by harnessing the potential of quality education, last week, formed the kernel of deliberations for three days in Cape Town, South Africa. It was at this year’s edition of the world’s largest education conference, tagged: “Going Global 2016 Summit,” where eggheads, renowned scholars and policy makers from African universities and other countries of the world, gathered to chart a new direction for university education as fulcrum of development, as well as evolve practical solutions to the challenges facing the continent. The talk-shop, facilitated by the British Council, drew more than 800 leaders from around the world, including Presidents, education ministers, heads of allied higher institutions, where they compared notes and deliberated extensively on how Africa could become producer of globally respected knowledge, as well as called for greater equality in higher education. Participants at the conference are the South African Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande; Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, United Kingdom (UK), Mr. Matt Hancock; Editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Phil Baty; Chief Executive, British Council, Sir Ciarán Devane; the Vice-President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Prof. Janet Beer. Other scholars and experts in the roll call are the Chairperson, Universities South Africa, and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

L-R: Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Mrs. Connie Price; Prof. Okojie; High Commissioner Cobham and Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Muhammad Bello at the conference.

Professor Adam Habib; Policy Advisor, Higher Education Authority and Director, Higher Education Policy Research Unit, Ireland, Prof. Ellen Hazelkorn; the Director, Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), University of Pretoria, South Africa, Dr. Gerald Ouma; the Director, Education and Society, British Council, Prof. Jo Beall; the President of Association of African Vice-Chancellors and the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewole; Director of English Language Enhancement Network at Aga Khan University in Pakistan, Roger Smith; Professor of African Language Studies at Rhodes University in South Africa, Professor Russell Kaschula. Nigerian scholars at the conference are the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie; as well as the Chairman of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba (UNN), Prof. Rahman Bello (UNILAG), Prof. Mafuyai (UNIJOS) and their counterpart from Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Muhammad Bello, among others. Others are Secretary of Committee of Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria, Prof. Michael Faborode; Chairman, Senate Committee on Higher Education, Mrs. Masi Binta; Nigeria’s

We will push the boundaries of education, enhancing its reach and quality across the globe...

Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Martins Cobham; and the Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Mrs. Connie Price and a host of others. Some of the major themes of the conference included “Social Enterprise in a Global Context: The Role of Higher Education Institutions; Brain Drain: Can We Stem the Flow?; Investment in Higher Education Institutions; Multilingualism Versus English as a Medium of Instruction in Higher Education; and National Goals and Tertiary Education Approaches: ‘Made in Africa’ Solutions. Papers were delivered on: University Rankings not to Distract from National Priorities; Africa’s Greatest Resource is Its People; University leaders must engage student activists; We must support universities in response to the refugee crisis; Language plays a crucial role in the development of national and international higher education. With the responsibility of the universities as the anchors, shapers and innovators of the communities that help foster cultural, social and economic vitality, there is the call today as never before on the sector to contribute to positive social and economic change both nationally and internationally. Setting the tone for the conference, Nzimande told the participants that the universities have critical roles to play in Africa’s quest to develop and to deal successfully with the challenges facing her, stressing that one of the

main things that needed is for the academics to undertake research and produce quality outputs that in the end will inform policy and influence positive outcomes for the greater good of the society. On his part, Hancock said the UK has a world class reputation for higher education and believes that high quality education is a fundamental right for everyone. “We will push the boundaries of education, enhancing its reach and quality across the globe, by looking for opportunities to collaborate and innovate in international education,” he added. According to him, by investing together, the world, particularly Africa, will deliver smarter young people to generate the very best future leaders, teachers, engineers and employers for all countries. Meanwhile, Prof. Adam Habib, whose paper dwelt on issues of access and equality in higher education, said: “We need to be able to do two distinct things.” The first, he pointed out is the need to provide sufficient numbers of students from poor and disadvantaged communities, to access the best universities and institutions around the world. “Secondly, we need to produce sufficient numbers of high quality graduates in the professions required by society and economies,” Habib noted, saying the conference’s internationalisation efforts should be facilitative of both these CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

education

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Engage in bad conduct and face dismissal, VC tells students

Kayode Olanrewaju

warning has gone to fresh men and women admitted into the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA) to key into the university’s culture of hard work, innovation and discipline, as well as eschew of forms of social vices. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who gave the warning, said the institution has robust legal and administrative apparatus for apprehending lawbreakers and showing them the way out of the system. Ajibefun gave the warning while addressing them during their matriculation ceremony for the 2015/2016 academic session, where no fewer than 4,196 students undertook the oath of allegiance of the institution. While congratulating the students for their admission into the university out of the 17,000 candidates that applied to the institution, the vice-chancellor said this is a message that they belong to a privileged few who survived the rigorous admission exercise. He pledged that the university would continue to provide a “platform for robust environment for aca-

demic, culture and content for the students to fulfill their aspirations, and to compete favourably with their peers globally as well as make invaluable contributions to the society.” The vice-chancellor said: “On your part as students, you are expected to be law abiding, disciplined, hardworking and outstanding. I am persuaded that you choose AAUA over and above other universities because of its outstanding academic performance and its global appeal. I, therefore, urge you to be partakers of

the workforce that achieved this appeal and to be torchbearers of these ideals. “It is the deliberate policy of Adekunle Ajasin University to produce globally competitive graduates. The university provides all round education and offers immeasurable windows of opportunities for its students. Academic success and personal enrichment mixed with character bring the best out of people and help them to add value to the society.” The Acting Registrar, Mr. Sunday Ayeerun, who administered the matricu-

lation oath on the students, counseled them to be law abiding and focus on their studies, which is their primary responsibility in the institution. Principal officers of the university at the ceremony, which was attended by parents and other well-wishers of the matriculating students, include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale, the Acting Bursar, Mrs. Olubunmi Ologun, and the University Librarian, Dr. Rotimi Egunjobi, among others.

L-R: Trustees, Federal Government Girls College, Sagamu, Class of 86, Dr. Kunbi Wuraola; Mrs. Kunbi Agboola; Princess Debo Odutola; Mrs. Biodun Akede; Mrs. Bisi Olopade and Mrs. Chinwe Audifferen, at the commencement of their 30th Anniversary of their graduation in Lagos.

EKSU bids dead doctor farewell

or almost two hours last week the management and staff of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti organised a solemn prayer session to bid their dead colleagues farewell. The solemn session, which was organised to offer special prayer to God Almighty to stop untimely deaths in the university and the state in general, was in honour of some of the six doctors that died on their way to Sokoto few weeks to attend the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) conference. Leading the prayer session, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele, noted that the university and state were in mourning mood as a result of the death of six medical doctors and a driver in a motor accident while on a trip to Kaduna. One of the medical doctors, who died in the ill-fated journey, Dr. Olufemi Joshua Taiwo, was until his death, a lecturer at the Ekiti State University College of Medicine. During the session that lasted over an hour, Bandele, who is also a Senior Pastor of the Deeper Life Bible Church, called several prayer points, among which were prayers against untimely deaths through agents of darkness. The congregation was united in their faith by asking God to drive away all demonic spirits or blood sucking spirits that rejoice in untimely deaths. The vice-chancellor, however, described the late Dr. Taiwo as a rising star in his profession like the other five doctors before he met his untimely death. This special prayer, attended by all principal officers of the university, members of staff and students, took place at the Main Auditorium of the university, where the vice-chancellor further led prayers for the outgoing Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Ogunyemi and his successor, Mr. Akin Arogundade, a lawyer.

Africa seeks greater equality in higher education C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

outcomes. However, Prof. Beer in her view, said: “Universities are at the heart of local, regional, national and international knowledge networks - providing a conduit for knowledge to flow between communities, regardless of geographical separation.” Although, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, who was supposed to deliver a paper at the conference, was absent, Nigerian scholars, however, pledged their readiness to make good ‎use of the knowledge gained at the conference to improve on their responsibilities that will consequently translate to appreciable development of the nation’s higher education. They believe that almost all the issues raised and solutions proffered by participants were workable direction to take Nigerian higher education to the next level. Okojie, for instance, said it was high time Nigerian universities doubled their efforts and effectively meet their tripartite ‎mandates of teaching, research and community services. ‎On persistent low ranking of all Nigerian universities globally, the NUC scribe said it was not as if Nigerian universities were doing badly, but that the

parameters which formed the basis of such rankings are just unfriendly, not only to Nigeria, but also to all the universities in Africa. Despite that, he noted: “Our universities will continue to strive to get better by the day so as to attract foreign lecturers and students.” Still on the value of ranking, which helps the nations develop their higher education systems, Nzimande declared that rankings were a reality, and impossible to ignore. But, he expressed concerns that there was a danger to view and use rankings in isolation of the context in which individual universities operate. “We must achieve excellence by seeking solutions to the challenges that face a developing country,” he said, even as Phil Baty said that rankings provided the tools to help universities act and compete on the world stage, and this in turn enabled the long-term development of a continental-wide infrastructure for learning and research. “Africa has many pressing priorities that current global, research-focused university rankings do not address, but acting on these challenges while also nurturing a necessarily select group of world-class, globally focused universities need not be mutually exclusive,” he stressed.

Anwuka

On investment in higher education institutions, as a factor to stem brain drain, Prof. Jo Beall, noted that in a global, interconnected world, we cannot confine people, but there should be a policy issue in terms of governments need to invest hugely in people. “We face a world where there is this absolutely ruthless competition for the brightest and best,” he said But, in his submission, Xie Tao, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean, School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, recalled that China has witnessed some of the worst brain drain in modern countries around the world. “There are many problems and obstacles to China’s efforts to retain and attract talent. There are issues of food safety and envi-

ronmental pollution and health issues, and all these things can discourage people from coming back to China to stay permanently,” he said. Although, the conference agreed that the policy of “ties of belonging” are what could bring people back, Jo Beall insisted that “emotional attachment to a new future that could provoke those returns, saying it would be difficult to control individuals, but that incentive and a whole range of emotional factors as well as financial considerations could forestall brain drain on the continent.” On his part, Prof. Oyewole said efforts to improve higher education institutions would go a long way in helping to stem brain drain. Jo Beall agreed, saying: “If you do not have adequate investment in your higher education system or in the workplace to attract people to come home, then that country is more likely to be affected in the brain drain syndrome.” On the “Social Enterprise in a Global Context: The Role of Higher Education Institutions,” which examined how and why so many universities and other higher education institutions around the world are collaborating and engaging with social enterprises, it was agreed that about 75 per cent of higher edu-

cation institutes involved at least in one social enterprise, while over half are also engaged in an international social enterprise partnership. The President of Mauritus, Ameenah Gurib-Fakin, in her keynote on “National Goals and Tertiary Education Approaches: ‘Made in Africa’ Solutions,” with sub-theme: “Africa’s Greatest Resource is Her People,” said before discussing the challenges of “sustaining the Africa rising narrative” she expressed concern that we should look at it from a point of view of a region where “only three per cent of the population have constant access to electricity and six percent of roads are paved.” “Closing this infrastructure gap, inter-country collaboration and improving the flow of the movement of ideas between countries are the keys to sustainable development and growth both in higher education and the continent more widely,” the President added. While insisting that the challenge is to implement policies that are effective and inclusive, President Gurib-Fakin stressed: “Africa’s youth bulge” must be harnessed through greater public investments in basic education, tertiary education, particularly, in science technology engineering mathematics, vocational skills and innovation.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Why private varsities should benefit from TETFund, by Owoeye

Interview | education

Prof. Jide Owoeye is the Proprietor, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan. In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, he speaks on discrimination against private universities in TETFund allocation, UTME and the development of university education, among others As an academic and former lecturer at a public university, what informed your decision to establish a private university? Like you rightly said, I have always been in academics. I attended the University of Ibadan (UI) for my First degree in Sociology and the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), for my Masters and PhD programmes in International Relations. I also taught in the university for some years. After identifying some of the challenges facing university education in the country, I was compelled to do something on my own as my contribution towards national development. In a university, if there is a problem in a department and to solve it the head of the department will have to be involved. Likewise, if the problem is a general one that affects the entire institution, you have to target the Vice-Chancellor to provide the answer. What I am saying in essence is that having identified that there was admission problem into Nigerian universities; I thought that if I established a university, I would have solved part of the challenges. The other motivation is to help in lifting the standard of education in the country. In view of the dwindling economy in the nation, how have you been coping, given the massive project infrastructure in the institution? With the good intention and the quality of people behind the university project, we were lucky to have found some Nigerian banks which embraced the whole idea. These banks are ready to support the project financially. In our secondary school Economics, we were taught about land, capital and entrepreneurship. In this case, we have the entrepreneurship, the land and the banks as the providers of the capital. Private universities are known for their high tuition fees compared to public universities, how affordable is Lead City University? I need to tell you that at Lead City University, the highest tuition fee is about N500,000, while there are fees as low as N100,000, especially in the Faculty of Arts for courses such as Performing Arts, and English and Literary Studies. That is why I want to say that university education in the country is not expensive. However, in the public universities, the tuition fees are not high,

but the balance is being paid by the government through the people’s tax. Indirectly, we are still paying for public education which we think is cheap. Let me add here that each time we upgrade our facilities, students’ enrolment increases and what this means is that we are adding quality, and more income is being generated from students’ fees instead of increasing the school fees. Recently, there was outcry over JAMB’s action to send some successful candidates to universities not their choice, particularly private universities. What is your reaction to this? We must commend the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, for his efforts at addressing admission problem into the universities. The board, under him has made it possible for candidates to know what is obtainable in private universities. But, do not forget that there are state universities that charge higher school fees than some private universities in the country. By and large, candidates, who are aspiring to secure admission into universities, must also understand that there are enough spaces for everybody that wants to study who are academically qualified to do so. In the country, we have adequate admission spaces for every aspiring student and for those who want to come from outside the country to study. The UTME should not be seen by the candidates as a do-or-die affair. There are other ways of securing admission into the universities without UTME examination. JAMB has provision for direct entry programme, in which students who qualified for direct entry could enter the university as 200-Level students. However, it is not only Cambridge GCE or London GCE offered such provisions, we have the IJMB programme conducted by some universities, including the Ahmadu Bello University or the JUPEB programme, which is being conducted by the University of Lagos. All these qualifications are recognised by universities for candidates’ admission for courses of their choice into the direct entry. At that level, the rush for admission is less than those seeking admission through the UTME. Of course, candidates need to avail themselves of this opportunity and again, there is no university in

the country that does not run predegree programmes. With the predegree programmes, candidates can always secure admission through direct entry conducted by the same JAMB, without writing the UTME.

The UTME should not be seen by the candidates as a do-ordie

How will you describe the university’s research profile and staff promotion? Well, it is now a common phenomenon to see lecturers leaving public universities in droves to private universities. This, however, indicates that there are intelligential in the private and public universities and they should be promoted. In the meantime, our lecturers should have access to research grant and scholarship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). We are not asking the government to give us money to build classrooms or infrastructure in our universities. As promoters of the private universities, we have a strategic plan of meeting the requirements of institutional buildings. What we require is for the government to stop this discrimination against our students and members of staff. What we want is that they can also have access to the educational development fund. With good enrolment, we will be able to have better access to funding and expand our infrastructure, staffing as well as contribute meaningfully to solving employment crisis in the country. The university will become a focus of employment and we will be able to assist the government in generating employment if enrolment is increased through students’ scholarship from TETFund. Have you made any representation to the Federal Government in respect of TETFund intervention grants to private universities? I know that individually, some private university proprietors have tried to do that. But, I think the problem is a wrong packaging. When you have a noble request, it still has to be packaged properly.

You don’t give the impression that you want government money for private institutions. But, do not forget that some of these private universities are faith-based and you cannot use the government money to pursue evangelism. That is not what we are trying to do. The idea is to package the demand very well. All we are saying is that Nigerian students and universities teachers should have access to financial support through TETFund intervention. At the last meeting of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Private Universities at the National Universities Commission, this issue was discussed. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, was of the opinion that the request is noble so long it is properly channeled. I think people are beginning to see the need to remove what I call discrimination against private universities in the use of tax payers’ money. How do you think the menace of unapproved private tertiary institutions be curbed in the country? For every regulatory authority in Nigeria, there is limitation to what they can achieve. Some people will say it is their fundamental rights to do certain things; however, we need to balance that with the need for quality. In many countries of the world, the same problem occurs. But as long as the urge for quality is promoted from the side of the demand, it will be easier for regulatory body to succeed. If people do not go against substandard education and still patronize them, there is little we can do about it. But, as many people are beginning to understand that they had been attracted to substandard schools by their urge to obtain certificate, and the moment they could not be proud of that certificates, they will still have to re-apply to credible schools for quality certificate.

education | public discourse

Call for White Papers on 10 higher institutions

Awopetu: We’ve done our best

Prof. Idowu Awopetu of the Obafemi Awolowo University is the chairman of the probe panel set up to investigate the allegations of wrongdoings at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)

e must first realise that the purpose of setting up the panel was to address contradictions and conflicts within the system, and we could definitely not arrive at logical conclusions that would address all the problems without being fair and just. So, our primary responsibility was to listen to all parties concerned and we did that without being biased. Stakeholders responded and we worked within the mandate given us by the Federal Government. We have since submitted our findings and recommendations to the

government earlier this year. So, it is left for the government to either adopt or reject our recommendations. Ours could only be advisory and we have done just that and nothing more. On the allegation that the delay in the release of the White Paper may cause the recommendations to be doctored, I wouldn’t want to comment on that because I do not expect the panel to be engaging in speculations. Such an allegation is speculative and could be preemptive of the outcome of the reports, which will not do the country any good.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Don tasks Buhari to assemble non-partisan economic team Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

A With the report submitted by the panel that I chaired, we are hopeful that if adopted and followed to the letter, all the issues that led to the setting up of the panel would have been resolved. But, as I said earlier, whatever positions we may have taken could only be advisory to the Moderator to the institution. However, there is the strong belief that the government is interested in resolving the contradictions once and for all. So, I do not believe we should be speculative at this stage. Concerned stakeholders only need to be patient and await the government verdict.

university lecturer at the Department of Economics, Kaduna State University (KSU), Dr. Aminu Yusuf Usman, has called on the Federal Government to put in place a non-partisan Economic Management Team (EMT). According to the don, President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that those to be selected as members of the economic team are professionals and highly patriotic Nigerians, who are non-partisan, but committed and dedicated to the Nigerian project. Such team of economic experts, he said is what is needed now to assist in designing appropriate economic policies for the country. Usman made the call in Abuja during the re-union of 1988 Set of Department of Economics of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The don, who was the guest speaker

at the re-union, said his call was coming on the heels of series of such calls on the President to constitute an economic think tank to fashion out policies that will help in addressing the numerous economic challenges currently confronting the country. In his paper, entitled: “Winning Back the Strength of the Naira: Prospects and Challenges,” Usman described the country’s foreign exchange policy as not only insensitive and controversial, but also open to political manipulation. In fact, he implored key stakeholders in the financial sector to place decisions on forex above personal gain and interest, adding: “The government and all major stakeholders should realise the urgent need to keep the nation’s currency strong and save it from continuing depreciation and bastardisation.” While noting that Nigeria had experimented with the fixed and floating exchange rate regimes, the lecturer, however, noted that both regimes had their plus and flaws.

Ibirogba: The earlier the reports are released, the better Mr. Olu Ibirogba was the Bursar of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). He appeared before the panel set up for the college

t is unfortunate that up till now the Federal Government has not released the report of the panels. This seems very dangerous, especially with the fact that some of us have been denied access to justice for years while our persecutors have continued to enjoy their stay in office. Everyone is aware of the challenges we face at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), and part of the results was the recent protest by the stu-

Dr. Uzochukwu Onyebinama is the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)

e appreciated the response of the Federal Government to our cries against series of infractions and illegalities being perpetrated by the managements of various universities and particularly in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), where lawlessness has become the order of the day. This appreciation was reflected in the response

dents over the poor state of health facilities on the campus. The college management, rather than reinstating me after winning at the Industrial Court, announced my sack. But, it was a major relief to us when the Federal Ministry of Education set up the panel of enquiry and we were invited to present our cases. But, looking at the situation, we are afraid that this panel may end up the

way of other panels set up for the college in the past. It will interest you to know that almost all the anti-graft agencies have investigated the college including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) and even the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA) but their reports are still not released till date.

Onyebinama: Reports could be doctored if delayed by every stakeholder, who submitted memoranda hoping fervently that the panels will be fair and just in their undertakings. However, it is quite surprising that some months after the panels had submitted their reports, the same Federal Government has refused to release the White Paper spelling out the verdicts. Sources have revealed that many of the individuals concerned who are afraid of being indicted are now running from pillar to post to ensure that the documents are doctored and justice misplaced. We will, therefore, rely on the media and pressure

groups including civil societies to ensure that the government realises that the fate of many people depends on the reports. So, there is need for it to be released without further delay. Perhaps, if the government should allow the reports to be doctored, then the purpose of setting up the panels would have been defeated. However, we have strong belief that the President will ensure that justice is done and that it is done on time because the survival of these academic institutions depends entirely on what becomes the outcome of these panels.

Pupils of Progress School, Agege, Lagos during their inter-house sports.

NOUN offers free education to prison inmates Mojeed Alabi

owards achieving its mandate of building a mass-based university education across the country, the management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has granted a 100 per cent waiver to prison inmates serving various terms of imprisonment. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, disclosed this in Abuja while hosting his counterpart from the Nigerian-Turkish Nile University, Prof. Huseyin Sert. He said the waiver, which before now was pegged at 50 per cent, would enable the inmates have unfettered access to quality education and also encourage others to take advantage of this initiative to acquire education. Adamu, who cited lack of meaningful social support system for inmates to acquire education in the country, said: “Having suffered abandonment by relatives, emotional and physical confinement, prison inmates would see such gesture from NOUN as a measure designed to reduce the burden on them and to provide the platform to improve and make themselves better citizens.” In a release signed by the Director, Media and Publicity for the institution, Mallam Ibrahim Sheme, the vice-chancellor further explained that NOUN, being a single mode institution

charged with the responsibility of adding lifelong value to those yearning for quality education, would also explore the option of taking education to young girls, who for cultural reasons cannot access higher education. Meanwhile, the visit by Prof. Sert offered his host, Prof. Adamu, the platform to enumerate areas of collaboration between the two institutions. Adamu, however, expressed desire for the two universities to explore the areas of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, in view of global threat to peace, cultural performance, exchange programmes for staff and students of the universities, as well as a Public Private Partnership approach to solving problems of mutual interest. As part of efforts to strengthen international collaborations, Adamu hinted that a concept of ‘Diaspora NOUN’ would soon come on stream, which is to enable Nigerians living and working in Anglophone countries to have access to education at their convenience and affordable rates. He cited Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone as some of the countries to be considered for this unique initiative. Earlier, Sert described Nigeria and Turkey as countries with mutually beneficial potentials, saying part of the corporate social responsibilities of the university is to collaborate with state governments in Nigeria to improve access to tertiary education.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

campus

Students advocate SDGs’ implementation Jelilat Olajumoke and Sheriffdeen Opeyemi UNILORIN

n its bid to ensure accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country, students in various institutions, who were part of advocacy programme to the mark 100 days of the adoption of the SDGs by the United Nations, have called for its accelerated implementation. The programme, which was organised by non-governmental organisation, Brain Builders International, was held at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). The SDGs is the successor goals to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and which was launched and ratified by the heads of governments and states at the UN High level post-2015 summit in September 2015 in New York. In his address, the group’s National Coordinator, Abideen Olasupo declared that the sum-

mit was organised in order to raise the consciousness of the leaders, youths and stakeholders towards accelerated conceptualisation, domestication, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SDGs, a 17-point agenda. Olasupo asserted that the organisation strongly welcomes the final draft of the post-2015 outcome document as it “brings a robust level of ambition and a clear commitment towards universality and integration, as well as positive steps towards

inclusion and participation.” He reiterated that ignorance coupled with negligence on the part of the government and people had accounted for the failure in achieving the MDGs. Other recommendations made by Olasupo include the creation of SDGs multi-party parliamentary committees, translation of SDGs into national development plans, explicit provisions for social protection and service provision by the nationalised successor SDGs, among others.

The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Hon. Abdulrazaq Atunwa and one of the facilitators at the summit, Mr. Olawale Rotimi dwelt extensively on Goal 1(no poverty), Goal 2 (zero hunger) and Goal 8 (decent work and economic), affirming that more than half of the nation’s population lives below N120 per day. According to him, Goals 2 and 8 are the major contributing factors to poverty among the people. Thus, in order to actual-

ise SDGs and end poverty, the youth have been challenged on the need to aim towards becoming young entrepreneurs as well as shun corruption and other sharp practices. The Head of Mass communication Department, University of Ilorin, Dr. Saudat AbdulBaqi, who spoke on Goals 5 and 10, which bordered on gender equality and reduced inequality, called for the need to see everyone as human being, who is suitable in any capacity despite his or her gender.

The students with placards during the event

Students condemn shift of union election Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN

he indefinite postponement of the Students’ Union election by the management of University of Benin (UNIBEN) has been decried by the students, who described the action as “uncalled for.” The students, who faulted the postponement and likened it to infringement on their rights to freedom of association, protested the management’s action. The students’ union election, according to the aggrieved students, had been postponed three times in a row, a development that has since stirred controversies in the university as they kicked against the postponement. Now, the students are planning to embark on a protest for the university management to reverse its directive to postpone the election. But, the Public Relations Officer for the institution, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, who explained the reason for the postponement, however, called on the students to remain calm as the action was in the interest and safety of the students. His words: “The election was postponed for the sake of the students. UNIBEN has always been a peaceful institution and we want to maintain that standard. We cannot afford to allow the peace of the university to be breached by the students’ union election, hence steps were being taken to ensure peace during the election and once that is done, a new date would be communicated to the students.”

Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK

igher institution students, under their umbrella group, the Students’ Union of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State have elected new officers to steer the ship of the union for the next academic session. The election, held at the Convocation Arena of the college produced Augustine Okoye, a

College elects students’leaders 300-Level student, as the new President of the union, with 269 votes to defeat his opponent Okeke Chibunna, who polled 188 votes. Other elected officers in the results announced shortly after the election by Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mrs. C. Okafor are Okeke Grace (Vice-President), Okoli Chinonso (Secretary General), Ezeokafor Tinatamar (Assistant Secretary

General), Ibe Innocent (Director of Transport), Nnadi Goodluck (Director of Information), Okafor Kelechukwu (Director of Socials) and Ebubeoha Obianuju, who is to serve as Financial Secretary. Some students, while reacting over the election results, expressed excitement about the conduct of the election, which they described as free and fair. However, while inaugurating

UNIMAID holds convocation amid fanfare Taiwo Isola UNIMAID

espite the security challenges confronting Maiduguri, the Borno State capital and other towns and villages in the state, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) was a beehive of activities, last week, as it marked four decades of academic excellence.

Some of the graduating students

It was the 40th anniversary and 22nd combined convocation ceremony of the institution, where the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, was officially inaugurated as the Chancellor of the university, while some eminent Nigerians were conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees of the university. Those honoured at the ceremony, which took place at

the institution’s Convocation Square were the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was conferred with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa); the former Head of State, late Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who also was conferred with Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) posthumously and Prof. Russell Galen Schuh, a renowned Linguist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who was awarded the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa); and the Alaafin of Oyo, who was bestowed with Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa). In his address, the Chancellor of the university congratulated the graduating students on the successful completion of their studies, even as he urged them not to rely on their certificates, but rather to be productive and make use of the skills they had acquired the school. The Emir of Kano, in his ac-

the executive members, the Provost of the college, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, advised the student leaders to uphold the oath of allegiance sworn to even as he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, which he said was peaceful. The provost warned the students to stay away from all forms of vices, saying that any official of the union found to have embezzled the union’s money will be expelled from the institution. ceptance remarks saluted the courage of the members of staff, students and the graduating students for defying security threats to pursue their goals. He further encouraged them not to give up on their dreams. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi said that 37, 259 students comprising five sets of students from 2009 to 2015, found worthy in learning and character would receive their scrolls at the graduation ceremony. He said: “It is gratifying that the university has graduated five sets of students from 2009/2010 to 2014/2015 academic sessions from 12 colleges, faculties, distance learning centre and 23 affiliated colleges.” The vice-chancellor noted that a total of 37,259 regular students, 841 students from affiliated colleges graduating and 3,549 students in the Distant Learning Programme graduated at the event, while of the 37,259 graduating students, 172 obtained First Class.

education

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

VC tasks students to shun EDUPEACE vices, bad conduct T Your worst enemy W with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

 Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre

for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

he fresh men and women admitted into degree programmes at the the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, an affiliation of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, have been warned to shun vices and all other forms of bad conduct that could negatively affect their education. The warning was given by the Vice-Chancellor of the state university, Prof. Samuel Bandele, who admonished them to stay away from antisocial activities such as cultism, drug abuse and examination misconduct. Bandele, who spoke in Lagos, while addressing the students during the matricu-

lation for the 2015/2016 academic session at the college, noted that the university would not hesitate to sanction any student or group of students, whose behaviour failed to conform to acceptable norms of the ivory tower. “You should not engage in any activity that can bring your names and that of the university into disrepute. Let me also emphasize that under no circumstance should any student be involved in social vices such as examination misconduct, cultism, drug abuse and other unwholesome activities that may hinder your career in the university,” the vice-chancellor said. He, therefore, urged the fresh students to resist nega-

tive peer influences and enjoined them to work towards contributing meaningfully towards the developmental needs of the country. The Provost of the college, Dr. Omolola Ladele, who also urged the students to live a good life devoid of social misfit, noted that the two institutions would continue to provide quality teachers for the Nigerian school system. She said,: “As the university provides purposeful leadership, the college provides the needed administrative support and academic instructions. Our administration shall aspire to strengthen the human capacity in the college with a view to ensuring improved teacher education delivery in the country.”

L-R: Principal Assistant Registrar, Lagos State University, Mr. Peter Kosoko; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Oluwafemi Obayori and the Chairman, Students’ Disciplinary Committee, Prof. Leke Fakoya at the briefing.

A new LASU has evolved, VC insists Mojeed Alabi

agos State University (LASU), Ojo Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, has insisted that the new breeze of change sweeping through the institution has come to stay, advising the students and members of staff to either key into it or get sanctioned. This was even as the helmsman commended the Visitor to the university and Governor of the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for what he described as his unflinching support for the university, as evidenced by the new look the entire campus is now wearing through the tarring of the campus roads network and the construction of new facilities. The vice-chancellor, who disclosed this while announcing the dissociation of the university from all commercial vehicles branded in its name who ply other routes other than the campus, called on all security operatives to legally deal with the offenders. Fagbohun, who was represented by the Chairman of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, Prof. Leke Fakoya, noted that the state security operatives have been communicated to penalise, according to the law,

any bus branded with the LASU logo, name or LASU Students’ Union (LASUSU) symbol, that are found operating anywhere apart from the university campus. He said the new development is also in response to the frequent clashes between some students and the bus operators and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), adding that any student found henceforth involving in such activities as touting and extortion will be summarily dismissed from the institution. His words: “In our last meeting with members of staff and students, where we did quality assurance training, we all agreed that these buses are constituting nuisance and crime. So, they will be made to face the penalties for their crimes both by the law agents and in accordance with provision of the LASU Students’ Handbook. We do not want our students to begin their lives as criminals. “Our students are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills, but being a tout or a driver is not part of it. Whatever acts we notice will weaken your skills, we try to eliminate them. If you want to be a bus driver, you have no business being in LASU in the first place. Those buses are robbing the Federal

Government, state and local governments of funds. If they want to continue in light of this, they will see the reward. “Most of the buses are not roadworthy; they disobey traffic rules willfully and break all codes of decency with impunity. Lagos State University Students’ Union branded buses presently operating outside LASU campus have no official or unofficial connection with LASU. For the avoidance of doubt, we want to make it abundantly clear that forthwith, disciplinary action will be taken in respect of students engaged in transport racketeering or touting, as such acts constitute gross misconduct and breach of Lagos State University code for conducts for students as contained in the students’ handbook.” The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Oluwafemi Obayori, who pointed out that the operators of the buses, hide under the image of the university to commit crimes and evade taxes, said: “It is not going to be business as usual where instead of facing their studies; students will be fighting with NURTW and other transport officers. We want to see our students behave in a proper manner befitting of world standard institutions such as Yale University, and others.

e live in a world in which we are obsessed with the illusion or reality of an enemy lurking somewhere intent on destroying us. From big nations, organisations to individuals at the workplace and students in school, many people are impelled, or so it appears, by the desire to be prepared so that the vicious enemy would not barbecue them. From rival spouses to unfriendly in-laws, from co-competitors to ordinary classmates, the quest to crush enemies is so prevalent in our society. It is towards confronting enemies that nations and groups amass weapons and establish armies. It is towards defeating enemies that people engage in fetishism and seek super-natural powers. It is towards attacking enemies that certain religious groups must always “shame the devil” or unleash Holy Ghost fire. While attention is often focused on the enemy outside, the worst enemy of man is often ignored. This is because one’s worst enemy is oneself. It is only when one has conquered self that one can be in position to confront the little enemies. The biggest enemy, my friend, is the one residing within you. Your enemy is that self-righteous and destructive self that gives you the impression everyone is bad except you; that everyone wants to kill you and you must act fast; that anything that happens to you is the work of the enemy. The self is responsible for one’s thoughts, attitudes and actions. It is your thinking essentially that determines your personality. Rene Descartes famously said, “I think, therefore, I am.” Without the capacity to think clearly, logically and scientifically, one’s judgement would be wrong and wrong actions would be taken. More importantly, one will not be at peace with oneself and the world. The way people consciously choose what they eat because “you are what you eat” to some extent, students especially should consciously mind what they think. Your thoughts define who you are, a point made stridently by Frank Outlaw in his well-known quote: “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” Developing good thought process is a function of what you feed your mind with. If you don’t want fat, don’t eat junk; if you don’t want negative thoughts, you stop reading or watching all trash. This is because if you read atheist literature much, soon you may begin to doubt the existence of God. If you consume pornogra-

Your worst enemy is the enemy within; deal with it

phy and sex literature, everyone you see soon becomes a sex object. If you associate with bad friends, their values become yours soon and you think what they do is right. This is why the English say, “Show me your friend and I tell you the person you are.” However, if you fortify yourself with edifying people and literature, there is every tendency you will think and act right. Much of what we refer to as problems is just our perception. A problem is a problem only when it is considered so. And rather than blame everyone else for your misfortune, including the devil, why don’t you just make it a duty to blame yourself ? To a large extent, you are responsible for your action and inaction; you are the cause of your fortune and misfortune. The story is told of how the employees of a factory got to work one windy morning to find a notice on the board: “Yesterday, the person who had been hindering your promotion in this company passed away. You are invited to join in the funeral.” While they were all concerned about the demise of their colleague, they were all curious about who the late enemy of progress could be. So one-by-one, they soon gathered at the grave side mainly to know who exactly the person was. “Well, at least the man who had been hindering my progress is dead now and I will be able to forge ahead, thank God.” This was the thought of many of them. One-by-one, the excited employees got to the coffin but when they looked inside it, they were speechless. There was only a large mirror inside the coffin and everyone who looked into it could see himself/ herself reflected in it. There was a sign to the mirror: “There is only one person who is capable of setting limits to your progress. It is YOU, yourSELF. You are the only force who could influence your happiness, success and realisations.” As stated in the story, which I read a long time ago, “Your life does not change when your boss, friend or company changes… Your life changes when YOU change…You go beyond your limiting beliefs as you realise that you are the major determining factor of your life. It is the way you face life that makes the difference.” Your worst enemy is the enemy within; deal with it.

BUSINESS |Money Line

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Moody’s downgrade hinders Nigeria’s ability to access loans’

CAUTION FG plans to borrow $5bn

Stories by Tony Chukwunyem

he downgrade of Nigeria’s credit rating by global rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, will make it more difficult for the country to access loans from international organisations, analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC) have predicted. The global credit rating agency recently downgraded Nigeria’s credit rating to B1 from Ba3, a month after placing the country on its watch list. Although the agency assigned Nigeria a stable outlook, the

FDC analysts pointed out that, “the downgrade would make it more difficult for Nigeria to access international funds.” The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said last anuary that the Federal Government will borrow about $5 billion in external debt from multilateral agencies and the Eurobond market to plug a record budget gap of N3 trillion. According to her, the Federal Government is eying $2.5 billion and $1 billion from the World Bank and the African Development Bank ( AfDB) respectively. She said the government plans

to tie the loans to specific capital projects proposed in its record N6.6 trillion budget for 2016. Commenting on the Minister’s statement at the time, an Africa economist at Capital Economics Ltd, John Ashbourne, said, “A loan from multilateral lenders would be much cheaper than borrowing on the open market. Where a World Bank loan would really help Nigeria is by plugging part of its current-account shortfall. The country has traditionally run a current-account surplus, but low oil prices have slashed export earnings and pushed

FirstBank partners Katsina to boost sustainable devt

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering with the Katsina State Government to host the Katsina Economic Investment Summit, the lender said in a statement. The summit, with the theme: “Unlocking Investment Potentials for Sustainable Development” commenced yesterday and will be rounded off tomorrow. The event, which will focus on five priority areas namely: Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Power (Solar Energy), Property Development and Hospitality is aimed at revitalizing

the private sector to enhance the much needed job creation that will employ the teaming youth and is organised to drive consciousness and build a consensus on what is urgently required to rebuild, revamp and reinforce public-private collaboration for an all-inclusive economic growth. Commenting on the Summit, the MD/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said, “FirstBank supports initiatives that create opportunities for the advancement of inclusive and sustain-

able growth. “We will continue to drive the discourse on how best to achieve competitiveness and inclusive growth through measurable outcomes which are crucial in defining the agenda that will help make Nigeria’s socio-economic environment a globally competitive one”. The event will have technical and breakout sessions to be chaired by notable personnel like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Ahmed Tinubu, and the President of ECOWAS Investment Bank among others.

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

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 12.8 12 10.77 US$44.13 US$26,898,915,483

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 Mar, 2016 23/03/2016 Mar 2015 9/5/2016 6/5/2016

Source:CBN

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

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.54 114.58 111.91 120.62 109.79 100.32 83.54 97.16

1.06 3.23 3.86 5.81 7.94 9.80 14.30 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.2500 8.2420 10.1127 11.7162

Bid Yield 10.45 10.54 11.61 11.43 12.23 12.43 12.49 12.54

Change (%) -0.21 ▼ -0.87 ▼ -0.90 ▼ -0.66 ▼

Change (%) 0.07 ▲ -0.01 ▼ 0.01 ▲ -0.01 ▼ -0.04 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.06 ▲

Price 104.69 114.88 112.21 120.92 110.09 100.62 83.84 97.46

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) 0.07 ▲ -0.01 ▼ 0.01 ▲ -0.01 ▼ -0.04 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.06 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 5.1731 6.4137 7.3300 8.8857 9.6247 10.5416

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.30 10.44 11.52 11.36 12.18 12.38 12.44 12.50

Change (%) -1.82 ▼ -0.82 ▼ -0.75 ▼ -0.32 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.04 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 7.34 7.47 -0.35 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.75 30-Jun-16 7.59 7.73 -0.35 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.37 8.12 8.47 -0.24 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.25 8.74 -0.24 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.40 10.32 0.04 ▲ 9.15 10.02 0.04 ▲

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

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

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -0.08 ▼ -0.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

the country into deficit.” He further stated, Government’s fiscal outlook is indeed bleak. A $3.5 billion loan is nowhere near enough to address the imbalances in Nigeria’s troubled economy,” with the country needing about $20 billion to cover its external funding needs. It will be recalled that

Moody’s had explained that the key drivers of its rating action are: Nigeria’s increased external vulnerability brought about by the prospect of lowerfor-longer oil prices; the execution risk in the transition to a less oil-dependent federal budget; and the implications for the government’s balance sheet should it not achieve its aims.

Investec Asset Mgt to run $670m EAIF

nvestec Asset Management announced yesterday that it has been appointed to manage the approximately $670 million Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (“EAIF” or “the Fund”), a public-private partnership anchored by the governments of the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. The firm said in a statement that the appointment followed a competitive tender process that brought interest from over 30 companies globally. According to the statement, the announcement further deepens Investec Asset Management’s pan-African investment expertise and follows the recent launch of the Growthpoint Investec African Properties platform to invest in pan-Africa real estate, and the recent closure of its second Africa private equity fund. EAIF is an initiative of the donor-financed Private Infrastructure Development Group and was developed to mobilise capital into private sector infrastructure projects across sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2002, the Fund has committed over US$1.2 billion to 63 projects in 19 countries. In addition to the equity provided by the UK, The Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland, lenders includes a combination of private sector financial in-

stitutions and development finance institutions. CEO, Investec Asset Management, Hendrik du Toit, explains: “The private sector has a crucial role to play in unlocking the conditions for the sustainable, longterm development of Africa’s infrastructure. A major initiative of its kind globally, this fund aims to provide growth capital, expertise and support to these projects with the aim of stimulating economic development, encouraging growth and employment, and fuelling Africa’s long-term development.” Chair of EAIF, David White, says the Fund has established itself as a market leader in infrastructure finance in Africa and is now ready to be a bigger and more potent force in the economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. Commenting on IAM’s appointment, Mr. White said: “We were impressed with Investec Asset Management’s determination and agility, its commitment to our core mission and its belief in a successful future for Africa. Their appointment as the Fund’s manager means that we now have the final element in place to power our growth strategy. Africa is Investec Asset Management’s home territory. From African roots, it has built a worldwide business and a demonstrable track record as a good corporate citizen.”

Africa has bright prospects, says lender

espite the exit of international banks from the continent, Africa’s medium to long term prospects are bright, the former CEO of Barclays Bank, Bob Diamond, has said. He spoke against the back drop of moves by Barclays to sell down its business in Africa. “There are headwinds from commodities and international banks pulling out,” Mr. Diamond told CNBC Africa at the weekend at the London Business School’s Africa Business Summit. He, however said he was optimistic about the medium to long-term prospects for Africa If you look at Mozambique’s President Filipe Nuysi or Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda they aim to diversifying their economies away from what has been a reliance on the extractive industries, he said. “That can be pretty positive.

When you look at the potential of the agricultural sector for example in Nigeria, it’s the largest sector of their economy today - it’s already larger than the oil industry. In the short term there are real challenges in terms of slower dynamic growth, in terms of currency valuations.” Diamond reckons the time for investing on the continent is now. “This is a great time to be investing because the prices of businesses, in our case of banks are lower. In the currency levels vs the dollar and other major currencies are also at a good level. So we see this as a time to invest.” Since quitting Barclays in 2012 following the bank’s interest-rate manipulation scandal, Diamond has focused his attention on Africa. In 2013, he co-founded Atlas Mara, which purchases African banks with the aim of establishing a sub-Saharan Africa-wide banking chain.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Financial Market News FMDQ Daily Quotations List

9-May-16

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

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

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

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

0.27 0.97 1.21 1.31 2.06 3.14 3.46 3.76 5.72 7.84 9.71 12.55 13.03 13.53 14.20 18.19 19.86

7.65 11.59 11.85 11.89 12.21 12.66 12.85 13.03 13.24 13.34 13.25 13.45 13.49 13.52 13.57 13.86 13.73

7.11 11.43 11.72 11.76 12.12 12.55 12.73 12.93 13.17 13.28 13.19 13.41 13.44 13.46 13.51 13.81 13.69

101.38 103.11 97.75 96.96 97.31 108.38 84.06 107.22 112.30 104.07 95.94 109.23 93.93 69.17 77.71 88.68 90.95

101.53 103.26 97.90 97.11 97.46 108.68 84.36 107.52 112.60 104.37 96.24 109.53 94.23 69.47 78.01 88.98 91.25

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,407.46

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

6,237.88

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

6362.457269

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.48

2.94

11.94

102.39

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

0.14 0.14 0.95 0.67 1.64 1.46 1.47 1.44 1.44 1.62 2.05 3.54 2.01 4.55 4.64 2.68 2.71 3.97 3.49 3.52 4.03 6.46 3.61

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

9.64 8.66 12.47 15.73 14.42 12.96 12.96 15.77 15.51 15.85 14.22 14.90 13.19 14.41 16.88 15.00 13.48 14.27 16.88 13.88 15.44 15.03 15.96

100.55 100.90 97.84 98.76 99.35 101.28 101.29 98.44 98.14 99.46 102.09 98.92 102.62 97.00 94.04 98.92 103.16 102.93 98.99 106.72 105.25 107.46 102.60

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

0.39 0.46 0.58 0.95 1.16 1.39 0.85 1.17 1.34 1.34 2.39 1.44 1.52 1.65 2.50 4.52 3.02 5.53 5.64 6.01 4.18 8.39 8.39 9.52

1.00 1.34 1.00 5.49 5.25 1.88 1.88 3.15 6.35 1.00 1.17 4.42 6.11 3.28 4.47 1.00 3.55 2.51 1.00 1.00 2.77 1.00 1.00 1.00

9.43 10.24 10.58 16.96 17.08 13.81 12.84 14.98 18.26 12.91 13.52 16.37 18.09 15.32 16.86 14.11 16.16 15.73 14.23 14.25 15.84 14.31 14.31 14.26

101.29 101.74 102.96 99.58 99.34 98.97 104.75 100.99 99.60 103.53 100.92 99.20 99.82 100.89 96.48 103.70 98.47 94.65 108.38 108.79 100.42 109.44 94.87 103.15

10-Oct-20

2.54

3.37

15.78

97.95

Agency Bonds Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.23

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

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

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

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

446.12 444.12

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

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

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

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

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

15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.46 3.60 1.82 0.50 35.00 1.50 0.27 4.50 20.87 2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10 15.44 7.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

536.21

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

541.60

Sukuk BBB-/Agusto

10-Oct-13

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

*OSUN

14.75

9.40

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

9.40

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

9.21

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.76

1.00

11.29

98.26

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

2.98

1.00

12.34

97.38

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 24.40 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Coupon (%)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.43

7.19

97.31

98.24

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.59

5.20

99.05

99.84

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.70

7.51

92.81

93.78

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,445.82

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

373.41

19-May-16

32.62

-11.58

99.49

100.38

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

8.79

7.02

98.25

100.25

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

21.17

19.95

77.70

79.33

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

8.03

95.50

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.61

93.97

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

17.64

16.47

79.81

82.14

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

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

13.69 13.86 14.53

82.25 83.00 76.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

DTM

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

2.77

29-Jul-16

6.18

13.08

12.71

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

3,523.41 3,092.89 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

04-Nov-15

13.75

Commercial Papers Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

2.77

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 10 17 24 31 38 45 52 66 73

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 19-May-16 26-May-16 2-Jun-16 9-Jun-16 16-Jun-16 23-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 14-Jul-16 21-Jul-16

Bid Discount (%) 0.28 1.73 4.02 3.84 4.74 4.11 4.33 5.60 6.10

Offer Discount (%) 0.03 1.48 3.77 3.59 4.49 3.86 4.08 5.35 5.85

Bid Yield (%) 0.28 1.73 4.03 3.85 4.76 4.13 4.35 5.65 6.18

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 3.9583 8.3788 10.6592 12.0757

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

3.17

O/N

3.75

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 4.03 4.70 5.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

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

197.33 199.07 199.66 201.00 201.51 206.27 214.72

197.43 199.58 199.98 201.32 201.85 206.95 215.77

13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

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

0.27 0.97 1.21 1.31 2.06 3.14 3.46 3.76 5.72 7.84 9.71 12.55 13.03 13.53 14.20 18.19 19.86

7.65 11.59 11.85 11.89 12.21 12.66 12.85 13.03 13.24 13.34 13.25 13.45 13.49 13.52 13.57 13.86 13.73

7.11 11.43 11.72 11.76 12.12 12.55 12.73 12.93 13.17 13.28 13.19 13.41 13.44 13.46 13.51 13.81 13.69

101.38 103.11 97.75 96.96 97.31 108.38 84.06 107.22 112.30 104.07 95.94 109.23 93.93 69.17 77.71 88.68 90.95

101.53 103.26 97.90 97.11 97.46 108.68 84.36 107.52 112.60 104.37 96.24 109.53 94.23 69.47 78.01 88.98 91.25

BUSINESS |Financial Market News 6,407.46

6362.457269

Stock market opens week positive TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

6,237.88

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.48

2.94

11.94

102.39

Agency Bonds

Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

BULLISH

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds

Market closes northwards with N44bn gain

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

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

Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian stock market yesterday sustained its bargain hunting activities, particularly on banking and consumer goods stocks, which closed positive. VALUE TOTAL OUTSTANDING TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION The local bourse trudged Corporate Bonds along, driven by sustained A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO bargain hunting activities A-/Agusto FSDH Nil Nil Nil A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR A/GCR BBB/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR A/GCR AAA/GCR

which lifted the NSE ASI and market capitalisation by 0.49 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 per cent. 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 Specifically, the All-Share 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 Index gained basis 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 126.7 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 points 0.49 per cent to close 14.00 or NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 at 25.828.30 index points as 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019recorded the against 25,701.60 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 previous day while the market 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 capitalisation of equities ap13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGIby 31-DEC-2020 preciated N44 billion or 0.49 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 per cent to close at N8.884 trilBAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 lion 15.50 from N8.840 trillion.. 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 Meanwhile, a turnover 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI IImillion 31-MAR-2022 shares exof 559.95 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022 changed in 3,655 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. The banking services sub13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 sector was the most active 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

***LCRM

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

during the day (measured by turnover volume); with 457.6 30-Jun-11 14.00 million shares exchanged by 30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 10.00 investors in30-Jun-10 1,107 deals. 13.75 14.00 Volume 31-Dec-10 in the sub-sector 14.00 was largely30-Sep-11 driven by activi04-Oct-11 14.00 14.50 ties in the 09-Dec-11 shares of ETI Plc 12-Dec-13 14.00 and Access 14-Feb-12 Bank Plc. 15.50 02-Oct-12 15.50 The premium sub-sector, 22-Nov-12 14.50 12-Dec-12 14.75 boosted by27-Nov-13 activities in 13.50the 31-Dec-13 15.00 shares of FBNH Plc and Zenith 31-Dec-13 14.50 06-Jan-14 Bank Plc, followed with a15.00 turn09-Dec-14 15.50 over of 24.5617-Feb-15 million shares 16.50ex27-Feb-15 16.50 changed in 30-Mar-15 594 deals. 17.50 01-Apr-15of gainers 17.00 at The number 27-May-15 17.00 the close of trading session was 29 while decliners closed at 18. 13.00 Unilever 29-Sep-11 Nigeria Plc led the 25-Oct-13 14.25 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 06-Nov-15 14-Nov-13 04-Dec-15 20-Nov-14 30-Dec-14 13-May-15 26-Oct-15 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14 29-Jul-15

Non-capitalised CMOs remain suspended –SEC T UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER#

UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r}

*FCMB NAHCO *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB UBA FIDELITY *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC *NMRC

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that Capital Market Operators (CMOs) that unable to recapitalise TOTALare OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION should remain suspended. In a notice obtained from Sukuk the SEC’s website, the*OSUN CommisBBB-/Agusto TOTALsaid: OUTSTANDING sion “ThisVALUE is to clear the TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION misconception in the media Supranational Bond of the pronouncement made AAA/S&P IFC by the DG of SEC regarding Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P *AfDB TOTAL OUTSTANDING the grace periodVALUE of December TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 31, 2016 given to the affected CMOs.Rating/Agency Issuer The director general inFGN Eurobonds formed the members of the BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P public that the deadline had BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P not been extended, stressing, BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P however, that the Commission TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE would commence the process TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION of cancellation of registration Corporate Eurobonds of non-capitalised CMOs after B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I December 31, 2016. ACCESS BANK PLC B+/S&P B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC He added: “During this B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC grace period, any CMO that B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC provides evidence ofFIRST compliB-/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II ance would be admitted. The B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD current position isECOBANK that NIG. the B-/S&P LTD TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE non-capitalised CMOs remain TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION suspended.” SECRating/Agency had disqualified 24 CapIssuer ital Market Operators (CMOs) Commercial Papers

Nil

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

for non-compliance or inabil- responses received from the afity to substantiate claims of fected CMOs. compliance by the audit firms. In all, 24 CMOs were disThe list uploaded to the qualified for non-compliance SEC website after capital veri- and/or inability to substantification had been conducted ate claim of compliance based showed that 429 CMOs adhered on queries raised by the audit to the minimum requirements firms. 10-Oct-13 14.75 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 while 24 others were disqualiIn addition, 16 new CMOs fied. were added on the list, 10 of Efforts by New Telegraph which were newly registered 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 to obtained the names of the companies 11-Feb-13 and six filed10.20 evi11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 10-Jul-14 11.25 CMOs disqualified were not dence of compliance after the successful as a source at SEC release of provisional list verified and said the regulator Description would not which were Issue Date Coupon ac(%) release the list as such might cepted.” To facilitate the smooth imfurther erode investor confi6.75 JAN 28, 2021 07-Oct-11 6.75 dence and trigger more sell plementation of the new mini5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 off of shares. mum capital requirements for 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 The apex regulator said: “In the CMOs, the Capital Market exercise of the powers con- Committee (CMC) had set up a ferred on it by the Investment market-wide Implementation and Securities Act7.50(ISA) 2007, Committee 19-May-11 on new Minimum MAY 19, 2016 7.50 the Securities and Capital Requirement for CMOs 7.25Exchange JUL 25, 2017 25-Jul-12 7.25 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 6.88 Commission hereby releases comprising09-May-13 the Securities and 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 08-Nov-13 6.00 APR 22, 2019 (SEC), the list of Capital6.25 Market Op- Exchange Commission 22-Apr-14 6.25 8.75 May 21, 2019 21-May-14 8.75 erators that complied with new the Nigerian Stock Exchange 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 07-Aug-13 8.25 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 (NSE), the Central 24-Jun-14 9.25 minimum capital requirement Securities 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 23-Jul-14 8.00 after capital verification exer- Clearing System (CSCS), 8.75 AUG 14, 2021 14-Aug-14 8.75the cise. Association of Stockbroking This list was based on the Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) capital market consideration of the reports and all other Description Issue Date Yield @ Issue (%) on capital verification and the trade groups.

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

1.23 gainers’ table with a gain of 10.24 per cent to close at N35.54 1.30 30-Jun-16 0.14 per2.05 share while Eterna Oil Plc 30-Jun-16 0.14 57.00 19-Apr-17 0.95 followed with a gain of 7.41 per 16.45 30-Jun-17 0.67 25.00 1.64 cent to close at31-Dec-17 N2.90 per share. 23.44 30-Sep-18 1.46 UCAP Plc added 6.67 per1.47 cent 4.22 04-Oct-18 10.98 09-Dec-18 1.44 to close at N1.76 per share. 8.14 12-Dec-18 1.44 21.68 the other 14-Feb-19 1.62Plc On hand, GSK 12.55 80.00 21.65 87.50 5.00 4.03 4.04 14.37 4.39 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.68

02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

2.05 3.54 2.01 4.55 4.64 2.68 2.71 3.97 3.49 3.52 4.03 6.46 3.61

led the price losers’ table, dropping 4.99 per cent to close at 4.46 100.55 N20.36 per9.64 share. Cadbury Plc 3.48 8.66 100.90 1.00 12.47 97.84 followed with 4.98 per cent to 5.71 15.73 98.76 2.39 14.42 99.35 while close at N15.64 per share 1.00 12.96 101.28 Berger Paints Plc trailed 1.00 12.96 101.29 with 15.77 98.44 a3.82 loss of 4.92 per cent to close 3.56 15.51 98.14 15.85share. 99.46 at3.82N8.11 per 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

14.22 14.90 13.19 14.41 16.88 15.00 13.48 14.27 16.88 13.88 15.44 15.03 15.96

6.18

13.08

102.09 98.92 102.62 97.00 94.04 98.92 103.16 102.93 98.99 106.72 105.25 107.46 102.60

Listed firms: NSE set to implement compliance indicator codes

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has con446.12 444.12 cluded arrangement to commence the use of enhanced 15.00 29-Sep-16 0.39 Compliance Status Indicator 5.53 25-Oct-16 0.46 112.22 08-Dec-16 0.58 (CSI) codes on the ticker tape 116.70 19-Apr-17 0.95 06-Jul-17 1.16 for 66.49 listed companies. 20.00 30-Sep-17 1.39 The which started 0.46 initiative, 30-Nov-17 0.85 3.60 09-Apr-18 1.17 yesterday , is part of efforts to 1.82 09-Sep-18 1.34 0.50 09-Sep-18 1.34 further improve market trans35.00 30-Sep-18 2.39 parency and integrity , provide 1.50 18-Oct-18 1.44 0.27 17-Feb-19 1.52 timely information for invest4.50 01-Apr-19 1.65 20.87 decisions 06-Nov-20 2.50enment as well as 2.05 14-Nov-20 4.52 hance of inves9.76 the protection 04-Dec-20 3.02 20-Nov-21 tors26.00 in the capital market.5.53 30.50 30-Dec-21 5.64 30.00 management 13-May-22 6.01 in The of NSE 10.00 26-Oct-22 4.18 a statement noted 0.10 30-Sep-24 that under 8.39 30-Sep-24 8.39 the15.44 initiative, the Exchange 7.90 29-Jul-30 9.52 would tag all listed companies 536.21 541.60 with a three character code that indicates the compliance status 9.40 of the listed 10-Oct-20 company 2.54 at any9.40 particular point in time. 9.21 This compliance code will enable investors make in12.00 11-Feb-18 formed decisions whilst1.76 en12.95 01-Feb-21 2.98 suring a transparent market 24.95 24.40 by timely information. guided Outstanding Value the Exchange plans In all, Bid Yield (%) Maturity Date ($’mm) to review the codes currently existing in X-Compliance to 500.00 28-Jan-21 7.43 make them more robust and 500.00 12-Jul-18 5.59 informative as well as include 500.00 12-Jul-23 7.70 new codes to provide investors 1,500.00 with timely information such 1,445.82 as Below Listing Standard (BLS), which 19-May-16 comprises all de373.41 32.62 ficiencies regarding continu350.00 25-Jul-17 8.79 300.00 02-May-18 21.17 ing400.00 listing standards. 08-Nov-18 8.03 Delisting Watch-list (DWL) 500.00 22-Apr-19 8.61 200.00 17.64 has300.00 been put 21-May-19 on hold because 07-Aug-20 13.69 24-Jun-21 13.86 of 400.00 a stay of action from the 450.00 23-Jul-21 14.53 Exchange for14-Aug-21 a defined period 250.00 12.23 3,523.41which they undertake to during 3,092.89 cure the issues that led to the isOutstanding suanceValue of theMaturity delisting notice. If DTM Date (₦’bn) they fail to cure the issue within

13.75

2.77

29-Jul-16

the defined period or any extension thereof, the hold on the delisting process will be lifted. Delisting in Progress (DIP) 1.00 9.43 101.29 are companies that are in the 1.34 10.24 101.74 1.00 10.58 102.96 delisting process, mandatory 5.49 16.96 99.58 5.25voluntary 17.08 99.34 or . The delisting pro1.88 13.81 98.97 cess commences with104.75 a notice 1.88 12.84 14.98 of3.15 intention to delist 100.99 from the 6.35 18.26 99.60 1.00 12.91 Exchange to an issuer103.53 (manda1.17 13.52 100.92 tory) or to16.37 the Exchange 4.42 99.20 from 6.11 18.09 99.82 an issuer (voluntary), among 3.28 15.32 100.89 4.47 16.86 96.48 other codes. 1.00 14.11 103.70 According to the 98.47 General 3.55 16.16 2.51 15.73 94.65 Counsel and Head of Regula1.00 14.23 108.38 1.00 tion at the14.25NSE, Ms. 108.79 Tinuade 2.77 15.84 100.42 Awe, “the 14.31 revision of the 1.00 109.44 exist1.00 14.31 94.87 ing codes 14.26 and introduction of 1.00 103.15 new CSI codes complement existing compliance structures of the Exchange and it will work in with the X-Compli3.37tandem 15.78 97.95 ance Report which we publish weekly on our website. This initiative of the Exchange, which 11.29 98.26 is1.00 in line with global best prac1.00 12.34 97.38 tices, is designed to maintain market integrity and protect the Offer Yieldinvestors.” (%) Bid Price Offer Price Speaking on the developPrices & Yields ment, the97.31 Executive Director, 7.19 98.24 Market Operations and Tech5.20 99.05 99.84 nology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, 7.51 92.81 93.78 said: “We are implementing the CSI code to improve the quality of our market data as well as ensure transparency in -11.58 99.49 100.38 providing compliance100.25 related 7.02 98.25 19.95 77.70 79.33 information about listed com8.03 95.50 95.50 panies. The delivery of93.97 market 8.61 93.97 16.47 79.81 82.14 data and associated services is 13.69 82.25 82.25 13.86essential 83.00 building 83.00 an block in 14.53 76.00 76.00 the strategy 11.76 Exchange’s 84.88 86.63 as it seeks to reach a wider audience to improve market integRisk Valuation Yield rity and facilitate informed Discount Rate (%) Premium (%) (%) investment decision making.” #

2.77

12.71

9-May-16

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). not constitute professional, financial or Money MarketThe Information does **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) DTM We attempt to ensure the Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) on an “AS Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) investment advice. Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and AVAILABLE” basis and mayNIBOR not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance 10 19-May-16 0.28 0.03 0.28 OBB 3.17 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) or fitness for a particular purpose of any of 26-May-16 the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any1.48 action taken on the basis of the Information. 17 1.73 1.73 Tenor Rate (%)

24 31 38 FGN Bonds 45 52 66 Rating/Agency 73 80 87 94 101 115 122 136 150 157 164 171 178 192 NA 206 213 220 241 255 269 283 297 311 318 332 346 TOTAL OUTSTANDING

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

VALUE

4.02 3.84 4.74 4.11 4.33 5.60 Description 6.10 6.47 7.57 13.05 16-AUG-2016 7.43 15.10 27-APR-2017 7.28 9.85 27-JUL-2017 7.97 8.34 9.35 31-AUG-2017 8.27 10.70 30-MAY-2018 8.35 ^16.00 29-JUN-20198.50 8.61 7.00 23-OCT-2019 8.62 ^15.54 13-FEB-20208.67 ^16.39 27-JAN-20229.30 9.05 ^14.20 14-MAR-20249.49 ^12.50 22-JAN-20269.33 15.00 28-NOV-2028 9.08 9.72 12.49 22-MAY-2029 10.12 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.12 ^10.00 23-JUL-203010.38 10.20 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 10.16 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036 10.53 10.81

3.77 3.59 4.49 3.86 4.08 5.35 Issue 5.85Date 6.22 7.32 16-Aug-13 7.18 27-Apr-12 7.03 7.72 27-Jul-07 8.09 31-Aug-07 8.02 30-May-08 8.10 8.25 29-Jun-12 8.36 23-Oct-09 8.37 8.42 13-Feb-15 9.05 27-Jan-12 8.80 14-Mar-14 9.24 9.08 22-Jan-16 8.83 28-Nov-08 9.47 22-May-09 9.87 9.87 20-Nov-09 10.13 23-Jul-10 9.95 18-Jul-14 9.91 18-Mar-16 10.28 10.56

4.03 Bonds 3.85

4.76 4.13 4.35 5.65 Coupon 6.18 (%) 6.56 7.71 13.05 7.58 15.10 7.43 8.17 9.85 8.58 9.35 8.53 10.70 8.65 8.82 16.00 8.96 7.00 8.98 9.05 15.54 9.78 16.39 9.53 14.20 10.05 9.88 12.50 9.66 15.00 10.43 12.49 10.93 10.98 8.50 11.34 10.00 11.17 12.1493 11.15 12.4000 11.65 12.05

*for the Amortising the average life is calculated and not the TTM TOTAL MARKETbonds, CAPITALISATION

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Modified Duration Buckets

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

O/N Tenor Call 1M TTM 3M(Yrs) 6M

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

3.75

REPO

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 3.8435 27-Apr-17 5.0949 7.5795 27-Jul-17 9.1637 31-Aug-17 10.9270 30-May-18 11.2488

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

Rate (%) 4.03 4.70 Bid5.50 Yield 6.28

(%)

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

<3 3<5 >5 Market

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

0.27 7.65 7.11 NOTE: 0.97 11.59 11.43 :Benchmarks 1.21 11.85 11.72 * :Amortising Bond 1.31Bond 11.89 11.76 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 2.06 Management Corporation 12.21 12.12 FGN: Federal 3.14Government of Nigeria 12.66 12.55 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 3.46 12.85 12.73 IFC: International Finance Corporation LCRM: Local 3.76Contractors Receivables 13.03 Management 12.93 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 5.72 13.24 13.17 O/N: Overnight 7.84 13.34 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 13.28 WAPCO:West Cement Company13.19 9.71Africa Portland 13.25 12.55 13.45 13.41 13.03 13.49 13.44 13.53 13.52 13.46 14.20 13.57 13.51 18.19 13.86 13.81 19.86 13.73 13.69

6,407.46

197.33 199.07 199.66 201.00 201.51 206.27 Bid Price 214.72 221.39

197.43 199.58 199.98 Price 201.32 201.85 206.95 Offer 215.77Price 224.17

101.38 103.11

101.53 103.26

109.23 93.93 69.17 77.71 88.68 90.95

109.53 94.23 69.47 78.01 88.98 91.25

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

NA :Not 97.75 Applicable 97.90 ^ : Market Prices 96.96 97.11 # : Floating Rate Bond 97.31coupon bonds 97.46 ***: Deferred DTM: Days-To-Maturity 108.38 108.68 TTM: Term-To-Maturity 84.06 84.36 ‡ : Bond rating under review †: Bond107.22 rating expired 107.52 N/A :Not112.30 Available 112.60 {r} :Issuer in receivership 104.07 104.37 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United 95.94Bank for Africa 96.24

6362.457269

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Agency Bonds Nil

3.9583 8.3788 10.6592 12.0757

6,237.88

# Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

O/N 1M 3M 6M

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn)

999.34 1,429.06 1,413.82 3,842.22

Total Outstanding Volume (₦’bn)

03-Apr-12 Weighting by Outstanding Volume

928.23 1,325.30 1,667.49 3,921.02

23.67 33.80 42.53 100.00

30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12

17.25 Weighting by Mkt Value 26.01 37.19 36.80 100.00

14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50

1.20

Bucket Weighting

1.20 1.23

1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 23.44 4.22 10.98 8.14 21.68 12.55

0.24 0.34 0.43 1.00

03-Apr-17 % Exposure_ Mod_Duration 12.91 29.58 57.51 100.00

30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19

0.48

Implied Yield

12.90 13.30 13.77 13.52

0.14 0.14 0.95 0.67 1.64 1.46 1.47 1.44 1.44 1.62 2.05

Risk Premium (%) 2.94 Implied Portfolio Price 135.1071 148.1682 110.4225 129.0241

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02

11.94

INDEX

1,229.16 1,284.53 1,331.25 1,228.65

9.64 8.66 12.47 15.73 14.42 12.96 12.96 15.77 15.51 15.85 14.22

102.39 YTD Return (%) 10.9503 26.8581 32.1981 16.4391

100.55 100.90 97.84 98.76 99.35 101.28 101.29 98.44 98.14 99.46 102.09

NEWS News|NATIONAL

TuesDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

N840m campaign funds: Fani-Kayode quizzed Emmanuel Onani Abuja

former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, yesterday, was grilled by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The development followed an invitation for “interview” with opera-

52,400

tives of the anti-graft agency, over an alleged N840 million campaign funds. The former minister, who was the Director of Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation for the 2015 presidential election, alighted in front of “Idiagbon House”, in a convoy of a Toyota Camry, a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked GWA 182 SJ, as well as a white Hilux van with security

The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy in the Caribbean in December 2009. Source: Who.int

escort. The former minister, who spotted a blue kaftan dress, looked cheerful and unruffled, as he exchanged pleasantries with a few people, before entering the building. Though, the EFCC sent a letter of invitation dated May 6 for Monday’s appearance, Fani-Kayode had cried out last Friday, that Operatives had laid siege to his Aso Drive, Asokoro Residence in Abuja.

0.036%

The capital importation percentage share of Consultancy of Nigeria in 2007. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

New Telegraph’s investigation revealed that as at 7:10pm yesterday, the former Aviation minister was still a guest of the EFCC. Fani-Kayode, who was the spokesman of the PDP campaign organisation, was invited to answer questions on the N840 million campaign. Prior to his invitation, the Commission had interrogated a former Director of Finance of the PDP campaign organisa-

£18m

The total amount spent by Arsenal in the whole 2015-16 season. Source: 101greatgoals.com

tion and former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Esther Nenadi Usman. In the letter of invitation signed by Mr. Mohammed Umar Abba on behalf of the Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC said: “This Commission is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Fraud and Money Laundering involving Joint Trust Dimension Ltd in which you featured prominently.” The anti-graft agency

NIMASA: Witness relives role in N754m fraud

lOmatseye knows fate May 20 Akeem Nafiu

L-R: Former President, Institute of Directors (IoD), Alhaji Umar Abba Gana; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Sen. Isa Galaudu and President/ Chairman, Governing Council, IoD, Mr. Samuel Yemi Akeju, during their courtesy visit to Saraki in Abuja… yesterday

Fashola tasks DISCOS, others on regular power supply Dan Atori Minna

he Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has tasked Hydro Electric power stations and distribution workers in the country not to wait continuously for government in resolving issues of interest but to form formidable clusters to improve power supply. Fashola made the disclosure yesterday in Shiroro, Niger state when

Appolonia Adeyemi

he Federal Government has directed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to commence full investigation of the alleged misappropriation of Global Fund Grants Nigeria received from 2010 – 2014. Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, who disclosed the plan yesterday, said, “President Muhammadu Buhari gave the directive as part of government’s effort and

he declared open the meeting of participants of hydro power stations and distributions in the country. According to him “the objective of achieving success of stable power would be achieved if you all unite together and not wait on the federal government. “Hydro electric power stations and distribution should form clusters not to continue to wait for government in resolving issues of interest but hold meetings constantly just as to take leadership

into your hands in decision making.” Fashola applauded the Niger state government for its proactive support and understanding over the community issues that had slowed down works at the ongoing Zungeru dam project. The Executive Director of Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) Research and Advocacy, Mr Sunday Olurotimi Oduntan said that the company inherited over 5,000,000 deficit nonmetre customers from

record of 6,159,775 estimated metre customers in the entire country. Oduntan said: “Presently 40% of customers have so far been metered, the company has a deficit of 2,876,375 after installing 3,283,602 for customers in the country since it took over the distribution of power in Nigeria. “In the last meeting, N10.4 billion revenue was generated by the fifteen DISCOS and other off takers in the country while the three hydro dams in Niger state generated over N1 billion.”

FG to investigate global fund grants commitment to fight corruption in the country.” According to a statement from the Director Media and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Mrs Boade Akinola, Buhari has also directed the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) to review earlier audit reports from the Office of Inspector General (OIG)”. Thus, the SGF has set-up two high-powered

investigative panels to look in to the affected programmes and the financial transactions. The first panel headed by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole will conduct in-depth review of all programmes while the second panel chaired by Auditor General of the Federation – Mr Samuel Ukura - will review all financial transactions during the period. The two committees were ex-

pected to submit their reports within four weeks. “Mr President assured members of the international community that all funds received by Nigeria would be well utilised and accounted for under his watch to avoid national embarrassment,” he said. He further said that all indicted officials would be given fair hearing and those found guilty would be sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others.

added that “This request is made pursuant to section 38 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.” The ex-PDP campaign spokesman, who was asked to appear at 10:00am prompt, however, appeared at the Commission’s headquarters about twenty-two minutes ahead ahead of time.

urther hearing continued yesterday at a Lagos High Court in the trial of the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others over alleged N754.7million theft with a Bureau-de - Change operator, Wakili Dauda, revealing his role in the matter. Dauda who is the fifth prosecution witness told Justice Raliat Adebiyi that in one transaction with the 5th defendant, he converted the sum of N93, 394,680 million to dollars. He disclosed that the money was paid into his account by the agency without him bidding for any contract.

The witness said he came in contact with the agency through one, Mohammed Darlington who collected his account number and told him that his customer, Captain Ezekiel Agaba (2nd defendant) wanted to change some money into dollars. Meanwhile, Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos will on May 20 deliver judgement in a N1.5billion fraud case filed against a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Omatseye was charged with a 27 count charge bordering on ‘bid rigging’ and ‘contract splitting’ by the anti-graft agency.

Drama as DSS storms HURIWA Press Conference Amadi Nnamdi Abuja

here was a mild drama yesterday as some operatives of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) stormed the venue of a Press Conference organised by Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) in Abuja. Some of the invited Journalists who arrived at the National Headquarters of the frontline Rights group ahead of the 12pm slated time for the Press conference became anxious as conference did not take off as scheduled. However, their worries were confirmed shortly after HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko announced

the presence of the DSS officials in the hall. He said: “A couple of minutes ago, some officials of DSS came visiting us, they said they want to attend the Press Conference, so they are here with us. When they came I thought they have come to arrest us. We are not afraid of arrest, we are not even afraid of dying. They said they came to familiarise and know how we are working, so they are welcome.” With that, he kickstarted the event with his presentation wherein he made scathing remarks about government’s insufficient effort at holding people responsible for the spate of violence across the country and the most recent Enugu state case.

south-west | news

tuesday, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FUNAAB advocates waste products as alternative source of power Esther Bakare

n a bid to maximise the use of waste products, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has advocated the use of biogas and hydroponics as alternative source of energy for the country’s power sector. This was disclosed at a training programme on the use of biogas and hydroponics, which also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with educational developers in the university. Speaking at the occasion, the Director of CENTS, Professor Adewale Dipeoplu, described waste products as those generated from kitchens, bathrooms, farms, markets and other places, which could be utilised as alternative sources of energy. Dipeolu noted that if Ni-

geria should move forward, its populace must open its eyes and take cognisance of the many unusual entrepreneurial innovations lying around in empowering the people. He said that unavailability of hydropower was one of the major challenges the nation was facing today so as to drive the much-needed development. He charged students of the university to endeavour to learn a skill from the centre and avoid channelling their energy into non-profitable and illicit ventures. The Director, FUNAAB Zoological Park, Dr. Moses Oyatogun, who was also a resource person at the training, had described FUNAAB Zoo as a place to visit while assuring the participants that they had a lot to take home by learning how biogas technology could provide light for 24-hours in a day.

Ekiti doctors seek IGP’s protection

Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

octors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI) have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase over their insecurity, urging him to provide adequate security in view of the recent crisis resulting from the death of six doctors from the state in an auto crash. Workers in the hospital had recently called for the removal of the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Lawrence Majekodunmi, staging protests and disrupting activities in the hospital for days. This followed the death of three of the hospital's doctors in an auto crash on April 24 along AbujaKaduna Road. The doctors, under the

umbrella of the Medical and Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), at its extra-ordinary meeting which was held yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said they would return to work only if their security was guaranteed. The dead doctors included Chief Surgeon of the hospital, Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi and Alexander Akinyele of the Department of Community Medicine. A letter issued by MDCAN dated May 9, 2016 and signed by the General Secretary, Ido-Ekiti arm, Dr. Adewunmi Bakare, informed the IG that some of their colleagues were physically assaulted during the protest. The letter read: “This is to inform you that the security situation of our hospital is not conducive for our members to carry out their duties.

N119.4m tax evasion: Lagos seals 53 hotels

he Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed 53 hotels and eateries for failing to remit about N119.41 million occupancy and consumption taxes to the State Government. The Head of the Distrain Unit of the LIRS, Mrs. Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

She said the sealing was carried out by two enforcement teams set up by the LIRS. Oshodi-Sholola, who led the enforcement teams, said the teams sealed 23 companies for not remitting over N66.07 million, while 30 firms were sealed for not paying taxes, amounting to N53.34. She said the sealing of the firms was carried out earlier this month.

Ajimobi orders relocation of Ibadan plank market Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

gainst the backdrop of health hazards to residents being constituted by the plank market located in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday ordered hundreds of traders at the popular Temidire Plank Market at New Ife Road, Ibadan, to be relocated immediately. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the

governor told journalists at the Press Centre of the Government Secretariat that the directive became imperative based on the petitions on the environmental pollution and the health hazards being constituted by the market to residents in the area. He noted that the plank sellers had plied their business in the area about 50 years ago, when no house was built in the area but the location of the market now constitute health hazards to the residents of the denselypopulated area.

Lawmakers want Ambode to repair Ikorodu-Sagamu Road Wale Elegbede

he Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to repair the IkoroduSagamu road to alleviate the suffering of over 42 communities, estates and industries along the axis. This followed a mo-

tion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and seconded by Hon. Tunde Braimoh, under matter of matter of urgent public importance. The House also called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to wake up to its responsibility on federal roads in the state.

The LIRS official said that not up to 70 per cent of hotels and hospitality companies operating in the state were paying tax. ``The essence of the three-day consecutive sealing exercise is to ensure that large numbers of the hospitality firms owing occupancy and consumption taxes to the State Government paid their taxes. ``LIRS has, therefore,

resolved to frequently embark on such enforcements until tax payers and corporate organisations in the state imbibed the culture of paying tax voluntarily.’’ Oshodi-Sholola noted that a large number of the affected hotels had rushed to LIRS offices to pay their taxes during the sealing enforcement, adding that the firms had since reopened shops.

PUBLIC NOTICE

VICTORIOUS CITY FOR ALL NATIONS CHURCH

2. Grace Bede Iwuoha. 4. Micheal Edet Effiong. 6. Akudo Stephen .

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of Christ to all Nation. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Udiong Luke Akpan

PUBLIC NOTICE

WAY OF SALVATION EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part "C" of the Companies and allied Matters Act of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Sunday Adediwura. 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Bola Adediwura 3. Deacon Wale Akinpelu 4. Deacon Abraham Ogunronbi. 5. Deaconess Abike Olajuyigbe. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and Liberate the world. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Founder

“We therefore request your assistance to provide adequate security within our hospital and its environs so that our members can resume their lawful duty”, he said. Also, a communiqué at the end of the meeting, read by it’s the Chairman, Dr. Timothy Ola-

jide, revealed that the atmosphere of violence in the hospital was making legitimate operations impossible. According to him, the manners through which their colleagues were being prevented from duty could affect the patients adversely.

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME Ajayi: I, formerly known and addressed as Olufunke Olawunmi Ajayi also in my other documents I am bearing Olufunke Olawunmi Oyinlola and Olufunke Olawunmi Ruth now wish to be known and addressed as Olufunke Olawunmi Oyinlola Ruth Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

Waheed

I formally known and addressed as Juma Waheed now wish to be known and addressed as Waheed Agboola Juma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Olukemi

I formally known and addressed as Comfort Jadesola now wish to be known and addressed as Comfort Jadesola Olukemi. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank and general public take note.

Abdullahi

This is to confirm that Abdul Raufu Wasiu and Abdullahi Wasiu Oluwagbenga is the same person. I wish to be known and addressed as Abdullahi Wasiu Oluwagbenga. All former documents remain valid. GTB and general public take note.

Adomi

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Fasina

I formerly known as Fasina John Omotoso Alabi now wish to be known and addressed as Fasina John Omotoso. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Etim

This is to confirm that Emmanuel Asuquo Etim is the same person as Jude Asuquo Etim. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as Jude Asuquo Etim. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public take note.

Goddy

I formerly known as Akagbisa Jolly Royal now wish to be known and addressed as Goddy Lokson. All former documents remain valid. FCMB, Union bank, Sterling bank Plc and the general public please take note.

Iniwarikpoemi

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Remigius

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Akubueze

I formerly known as Akubueze Ezenia Beto now wish to be known and addressed as Akubueze Okechukwu Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Diamond bank Plc, First bank Plc and the general public please take note.

Mubaraq

I formerly known as Mubaraka Oluwakemi Bola now wish to be known and addressed as Mubaraq Oluwakemi Bola. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

Arewa

I formally known and addressed as Oliver Esther Chinonso now wish to be known and addressed as Arewa Esther Ayomide. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Ebena

I formally known and addressed as Afesuku Ekpedengha now wish to be known and addressed as Ebena Ekpedengha All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Aladetoun

This is to confirm that Deborah Olabisi Olaniran and Deborah Olabisi Olaniran Aladetoun is the same person. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Isaac

I formally known and addressed as Isaac Comfort Mercy now wish to be known and addressed as Isaac Comfort Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Awoke

Awoke: I formerly known as Chima Ogechi Nnachi and Ama Ogechi Awoke now wish to be known and addressed as Ogechi Chikezie Awoke. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and general public please take note.

Frances

I formerly known as Ibekwe Blessing Onuwa now wish to be known and addressed as Frances Blessing Onuwa. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

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Onwuegbuchinam

I formerly known as Patrick Chijioke now wish to be known and addressed as Livinus Okoye Onwuegbuchinam. All former documents remain valid. Access bank Plc and the general public please take note.

Perekeme

Perekeme: I formerly known as Ekpuke George now wish to be known and addressed as Ekpuke George Perekeme. All former documents remain valid. Unity bank Plc and the general public please take note.

Ngadi

I formerly known as Miss Eberechukwu Stella Okoye now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eberechukwu Stella Ngadi. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

NEWS | south-east

MASSOB to FG: You can’t Islamise South-East Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday accused the Federal Government of plans to Islamize the South-East and Christian minority areas in the Middle Belt through Fulani herdsmen’s incessant invasions. In a statement issued in Abakaliki by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, MASSOB alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari had refused to call Fulani herdsmen to order to stop attacks on Igbo and Christians in some parts

of the country. It noted that if other regions can be converted to Islam, it will not work in the South East. The statement reads in part: “We will not take it; it will not work in Biafra land. We are warning Fulani herdsmen on these senseless attacks they have been unleashing on our people. “There is a limit to what we can endure and let the Nigerian government and the herdsmen know this because we have endured enough. “Igbos have suffered a lot, we have been marginalized and treated like slaves by the Buhari’s administration through his appointments so far, and

now Fulani herdsmen have come out to compound our suffering. “MASSOB wishes to expose more northern Islamic agenda against our people, which includes the forceful islamisation of eastern region and Christian minorities of middle belt through Fulani herdsmen invasion and forceful seizure of our lands. “Today, the world see Nigeria as an Islamic country with the attributes showcased on the cultural and native attires of her lawmakers and executives members of the cabinet, and implementation of the Sharia law through the Nigeria constitution.” It listed key appointments made by the Federal

government which favours a particular zone without the south east and other zones to include: President – North, Senate President – North, Speaker House of Reps – North, PDP National Chairman – North, Head of Service – North, INEC Chairman – North, Chief Justice of the Federation – North, President Court of Appeal – North, EFCC Chairman – North, President Federal high court – North, National Security Adviser – North, Chief of Defense Staff – North, Chief of Naval Staff – North, Controller, Customs Service – North, Defence Minister-North, MD Port Authority- North, MD NDIC – North and Controller Prison Services-North.

tuesday, may 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Return schools to church, Obi tells govts

ormer governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called on state governors across the country to return the running of schools to religious bodies that are their original owners, and play only supportive roles. The call was contained in his speech at the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland Pre-Synod breakfast fellowship, where he said the success his administration recorded in education was made possible by the churches. Obi explained that during his first two years in office, the state’s rating in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) was

very poor. He said: “I could remember that our state was number 25 in WAEC and NECO, while Oyo State was 26. The following year, we would alternate. “I looked at it critically and ordered that every school must be returned to the church. I said any money meant for education should be given directly to the bishop. “Between 2011 and 2013, Anambra State was number one in NECO. Religious bodies are the only thing that is saving us in this country; we need to support them, and Nigerians also need to be prayerful for everyone in office, that they use public money for the public good.”

£15.7m

The net amount of money spent/received by Arsenal in the whole 2015-16 season. Source: 101greatgoals.com

Enugu killings: Group sues FG, demands N100bn compensation Okegwo Kenechukwu ONITSHA

A L-R: Ebonyi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Uchenna Orji; Special Assistant to the Governor on Donors, Grants and Partnerships, Chidiebere Ibe; Managing Director/CEO, Union Dicon Salt Plc, Mr. Chuka Mordi; Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. David Umahi; his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe; Head of Service, Dr. Chamberlain Nwele and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Rt. Hon. Augustine Nwankwegu, during a courtesy visit by Chuka Mordi to the governor in Abakaliki…yesterday.

Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

own unions in the South-East geopolitical zone operating under the aegis of the Association of South East Town Unions (ASETU) have called on the Federal Government to take steps towards assisting the Enugu State Government in compensating affected families of the recent attack on Nimbo community by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The association, which

Town unions seek compensation for victims of herdsmen attacks

expressed its position through a statement jointly signed by its Zonal Chairman and Secretary, Chief Emeka Diwe and Mr. Paully Eze, respectively, commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for “the maturity he exhibited in handling the attack, which was capable of triggering off a national crisis”. The unions condemned in its entirety, the Nimbo at-

Anambra stakeholders differ on grazing bill Okegwo Kenechukwu ONITSHA

ormer governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has said that the grazing bill now before the National Assembly, is an impossible mission and an exercise in futility, and called on members of National Assembly to vote massively against it. Ezeife warned that the

bill is frivolous and intended to cause a breach of peace capable of disintegrating the country, and as such should not be considered at all in the face of the present insecurity challenges. He called on lovers of peace in Nigeria and other stakeholders in the country, particularly in the South East, SouthSouth, South-West, to challenge the bill and make sure that it did not see the light of the day.

tack and other “unwarranted killings, kidnapping, raping and wanton destruction of farm crops in the North Central and southern parts of Nigeria” by the suspected herdsmen. While commiserating with the Enugu State Government and families of those who lost their lives in the carnage, the unions warned that they will “no longer tolerate further

attacks on our people by these terrorists who disguise themselves as herdsmen”. They said the landmass in the northern parts of Nigeria is enough to accommodate the herdsmen, and that the Federal Government should build grazing reserves in the north and resettle the cattle rearers in those reserved areas.

FG releases mineral buying centre to Ebonyi Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he Federal Government yesterday announced the release of a mineral buying centre to Ebonyi State to assist in curbing the activities of illegal miners in the state and formalise it with genuine miners. Minister of Solid Mineral Developments, Dr. Kayode Fayemi stated

this in Abakaliki during a courtesy call on Governor Dave Umahi on his two-day working visit to the state. He said the buying centre which has been completed, will enable the state realise what belongs to it in the mineral sector, and that the Federal Government is determined to develop the resources of the country that are not necessarily in the oil and gas sector.

group, Human Rights and Empowerment Project has sued the Federal Government over the recent killings of innocent citizens at Nimbo, in the Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by some Fulani herdsmen. The group is demanding N100 billion as compensation on behalf of the victims. Joined as respondents in the suit are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police. The suit which has been fixed for hearing on May 16, before Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie, of the Federal High Court, Enugu, is supported by a paragraph affidavit.

It seeks among other things, a declaration that the killing of innocent citizens of Nigeria at Nimbo in Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on April 25, by Fulani herdsmen amounts to a violation of the right to life of all those who died in the murderous rampage; a declaration that the failure of the respondents to protect the lives of the innocent victims of the attack by the Fulani herdsmen, amounts to a direct liability on the part of the respondents for the violation of the right to life of the victims guaranteed under section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); and an order compelling the respondents to identify all the victims of the attack on April 25, 2016 for purposes of paying compensation to their families.

Congress: Imo PDP stakeholders demand Uzodinma's sacking Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

eaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State have called for immediate suspension of the Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu and Senator Hope Uzodinma from the party for allegedly endorsing and masterminding, respectively, the hijack of congress materials. The party chieftains accused the Deputy

Governor, who is the Imo State congress committee chairman and Senator Uzodinma, representing Imo West at the Senate, of sabotaging collective party interest for perceived personal gains. They described the conducts of Chief Chukwu and Senator Uzodinma in the course of the ward and local government congresses of the PDP in Imo State as ‘inimical to party progress and internal democracy”.

News|SOUTH-SOUTH 43

TuesDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Anxiety as Fulani herdsmen threaten to attack Delta community Dominic Adewole ASABA

here was panic yesterday in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State over a letter of imminent attack sent to the community by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The letter was said to have been an offshoot of the alleged killing of a herdsman by an indigene of the town about a month ago. Consequently, the traditional ruler of Okpanam, the Ogoani, Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, has raised the alarm that his kingdom

may soon come under attack, following the content of the letter. He called on relevant security agents to be at alert before the matter assumed a dangerous dimension. He said Fulani herdsmen have constituted a serious threat to farmlands and crops in the last two years in the community, forcing farmers to abandon some areas to other suitable places. The Ogboani said herdsmen living in nearby communities of Umuomake and Obodogwugwu planned to unleash attack on Okpanam. In a letter to the Delta State Police Commissioner, Alkali Baba Usman, dated

£80.57m

The total aggregate payments received by Everton for the English 2014/2015 season. Source: Goal.com

April 28, 2016 and titled; the ‘Menace of Fulani Herdsmen In Okpanam Kingdom,’ the traditional ruler said because of the fear of possible attack and the nefarious activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area, Okpanam residents now sleep with only one eye closed. He said: “Independent investigation has revealed that the area the suspected Fulani herdsmen occupy was allegedly sold by Unuomake village to the Delta State post-Primary Education Cooperative Society and in the course of foraging, their cattle destroyed their farmlands and wield sophisticated

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of developing countries in 2006. Source: Itu.int

weapons to harass harmless Okpanam residents. The Ugoani, who recalled again that sometime in October 2014, he wrote a letter to the then state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and copied the state police commissioner, drawing their attention to the wanton destruction of Okpanam farmland and incessant attacks against Okpanam farmers and indigenes by Fulani extraction, explained that from time immemorial, the main occupation of Okpanam people is farming, but unfortunately, the invasion of herdsmen on the farm lands has made farming difficult for the people.

The number of Premier League clubs of the 20 clubs that recorded profits in 2014-15. Source: Soccernet.com

Edo speaker, deputy sworn in ...House lifts suspension on Edoror Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

ewly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and member representing Uhunmwode Constituency, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Okonobo Justine, were yesterday sworn in to take charge of the House. The ceremony, which attracted a large number of people from the state, was performed by the Clerk of the House, Lawson Ugiagbe, amid heavy security presence, among which were riot policemen, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as well as members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). Also at the resumed sitting yesterday, the new speaker announced the sus-

Rivers Assembly clears 17 LG caretaker committees Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

A cross-section of Gakem community chiefs, women and youths, rallying support for the 260km super-highway in Cross River State

‘Fish out attackers of A’Ibom CNPP accuses NNPC Chevron facilities’ Accord Party chair of forgery Dominic Adewole ASABA

riticisms yesterday continued to trail last week’s attack on the facilities of the NNPC/ Chevron joint venture by Niger Delta militants. A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), yesterday urged the Federal Government to use the country’s military might to fish out the perpetrators of the crime. Suspected militants, in a multiple attack, blew up the pipeline facilities of the company, gave Gbaramatu Kingdom a bad name and subjected the indigenes of

the affected communities to fear of possible military invasion. The centre expressed displeasure at the spate of attacks on oil and gas facilities in Delta State and maintained that the cut in oil and gas production occasioned by the attacks and the attendant devastation of the environment has stigmatised the state. While the centre called on the militants to quickly lay-down their arms and embrace peace as their activities were antithetical to the genuine agitation of the people and the development of the region, it urged security operatives to fish out and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.

Tony Anichebe Uyo

embers of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) have condemned in strong terms, the antics of the state Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr. Joe Itiaba, who has been courting controversy by making scathing attacks on the Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Lawrence Udoh. They said Itiaba has been in the news for accusing the governor’s aide of siphoning funds allegedly released by Governor Udom Emmanuel to party

chairmen during the governorship rerun poll in the state. In a communiqué signed by 18 party chairmen at the end of the group’s general meeting in Uyo, Itiaba’s action was labeled a product of bitterness, gross envy and an indirect insult and confrontation to the government of the day. They described as laughable, claims by Itiaba and his loyalists that a vote-of-no-confidence was passed on the Special Adviser and challenged him to ‘publish the names, parties and signatures of those he masterminded to sign the purported vote-ofno-confidence.’

pension of the impeached speaker, Hon. Victor Edoror, representing Esan Central constituency. Ativie, however, commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers for reposing confidence in her leadership and promised to make their welfare top priority, while ensuring that the House works for the effective development of the state. According to the new speaker, the new leadership under the sixth Assembly would strive towards an open-door policy and enhanced welfare of members. She assued them that the House under her would work with other arms of government to promote peace and harmonious relationship for the overall growth of the state and its people.

he Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday cleared 17 caretaker committees to take charge of 17 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. Also screened was Mr. Harrison Bethel Iheanyichukwu, a civil engineer-cum-architect, as commissioner-designate. Most of the caretakers were asked to take a bow and leave the hallowed chambers after introducing themselves, while the Speaker, Hon. Dabotoru Dima, advised the caretaker committee

chairmen to work hard to bring the needed peace and development to their council areas. He said those in their councils expect them to perform. After the sitting, the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, said the remaining six councils will be screened when their nominations are brought before the House. He said: “We screened 17 caretaker committees and their members. That was what was forwarded to the Rivers State House of Assembly. When the remaining members are available, we will screen them.”

Buhari, wife to inaugurate Calabar garment factory, monorail project ross River State Gover“President Buhari will be C nor, Prof. Ben Ayade, commissioning the monoyesterday said that Presi- rail, which is the first in subdent Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, will commission the Calabar Garment and Textile Factory as well as the Calabar monorail in the coming weeks. While President Buhari will inaugurate the first monorail in sub-Saharan Africa, his wife, Aisha, will commission the garment factory located along the Goodluck Jonathan By-pass in the state capital. Ayade, who disclosed this after an on-the-spot inspection of ongoing work at the garment factory said: “The President was quite enthused with the project and has offered to be here in person in company of his wife, Aisha.

Saharan Africa, while his wife, Aisha, will be inaugurating the garment factory for the good of women and as part of her Future Assured Programme.” The governor hinted that the garment factory, which is the biggest in Africa, will be fully automated and expected to employ 3, 000 people with 80 percent of them women. He said skewing the employment in favour of women, especially widows, was informed by the fact that “these are people that have been neglected, they are people that have lost their loved ones, they have kids without income and they are the most vulnerable in our society today.”

News|north

TuesDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Zaria killings: Accused fail to appear in court Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

ustice Hanatu Balogun of Kaduna High Court has insisted that 34 persons, including boys and girls (all minors), and women who allegedly killed a soldier must be produced in court on July 20 to enable her take a decision on their matter. The accused were charged before the Court on the March 22 by the Kaduna State Government with five count offences in absentia, for killing Corporal Yakubu Dankaduna, during the clash between soldiers and Shittes last December in Zaria. According to the state government, the accused persons caused the death of Corporal DanKaduna

“on December 12th, 2016, at Zaria, while armed with dangerous weapons to wit: pistols, guns, dane guns, cutlasses, knives, capults, axes, clubs and sticks.” The prosecution alleged that DanKaduna was shot with guns when he alighted from the entourage of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, in order to disperse and clear the road which the Shiites unlawfully blocked. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, the Prosecuting Counsel, Barr. Dari Bayero, complained to the Judge that the sureties to the 34 accused have refused to produce them in court. He, therefore, pleaded with the court to decide whether or not to withdraw the accused bail.

Police nab four bandit commanders in Zamfara Idris Salisu Gusau

he Zamfara State Police Command said it has arrested four commanders of a bandit, who already had admitted their intimacy with the ring leader of the dreaded armed group, Muhammadu Buhari Lawali (a.k.a General), that have been terrorising the state and other neighboring states. Parading the suspects at the Command’s Headquarters in Gusau over the weekend, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Sanusi Amiru DSP, said a crack team of mobile policemen attached to the Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), patrolling Keta Forest

in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, engaged the bandits in a gun duel where four of them were arrested while others escaped into deep forest. “In the course of fire exchange, our men were able to arrest four leaders of the dreaded group, who operate closely with the ring leader, Muhammadu Buhari Lawali (a.k.a General),” Sanusi said. One of the arrested kingpins, Adamu Shehu, in his confessional statements, said he was in charge of feeding the stolen cows in possession of their leader, Lawali, while his other colleagues in crime identified simply as Saminu Jamilu and Ibrahim Musa, were the militants.

Dalong blames economic hardship on past blunders Idris Salisu Gusau

he Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalong has blamed the current hardship being experienced by the teeming youth population in the country on mismanagement of resources by the previous administrations. Dalong, who disclosed this yesterday while addressing the corps members undertaking their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Tsafe, Zamfara State, reiterated

that President Muhammadu Buhari’ administration has introduced various programmes that would address youth unemployment in the country. He further pointed out that as far as the programmes, which mainly focused on providing skills acquisition were concerned, the era of seeking endlessly for employment after graduation would become a history. This was as the minister expressed optimism that the corps members will become job providers after their service.

Houses, schools and the General Hospital destroyed by windstorm in Bauchi State…at the weekend

Ortom probes N44bn allegedly diverted under Suswam’s administration Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

ndications have emerged that former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State is facing more troubles bothering on financial impropriety. This was as Governor Samuel Ortom said the state government has commenced full investigation into the N44 billion said to have been allegedly diverted by the immediate past administration in the state. Ortom declared this dur-

ing the thanksgiving service and fund-raising ceremony for a modern church building for St. Ignatius Catholic Mission, Ukpo-Ayar, Mbalom in Gwer-East Local Government Area of the state, which was organised in honour of the member, representing the Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Stephen Tyochir. The governor, said the decision to commence investigation into the alleged missing funds followed the report and white paper of the Justice Elizabeth Kpojime Judicial Commission of

Inquiry, directing the state government to carry out further investigation into N44,721,553,457 in which preliminary checks indicated gross misappropriation by the immediate past administration. According to Ortom, the N450 million the state government requested the former governor to refund last week, which was said to have been inappropriately received as ‘overhead arrears’ was part of the N44 billion being investigated. The governor, who reaffirmed the commitment of his administra-

tion to transparency and accountability, noted that the battle against corruption would soon be won. Ortom, who commended Hon. Tyochir, whom he described as hardworking and diligent, assured the people of Mbalom that their road and other developmental projects would be executed. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, called for patience and understanding, even as he assured the people of the state that the APC government would not disappoint them.

PDP congresses conducted amid tight security in Jos South Musa Pam Jos

he Jos South Local Government Council congress of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) earlier postponed as result of violence that marred the congress last week, has finally been conducted amid tight security. The congress was conducted ahead of the state congresses, which is slat-

ed for today at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos, the Plateau State capital. In the Jos LG congress, which was conducted at the PDP State Secretariat in Jos, amid tight security, yesterday, the anointed candidate of Senator Jonah Jang, Hon. Dung Mwantep Tari, emerged the elected PDP Chairman for the council, with a total 62 votes. He defeated Hon. Dalyop Pam, the candidate of a member

of Jos South/Jos East Constituency in the National Assembly Hon. Edward Pwajok, who polled 34 votes. When New Telegraph visited the venue of the congress on Sunday, the atmosphere was said to be tensed as security operatives had to control the protesters from Giring and Zawan B Ward, whose delegates were said to have been excluded from the elections.

A special delegate at the congress and member of Jang’s camp, Senator Davou Zang, expressed delight over the outcome of the congress. Also speaking on the outcome of the congress, a member representing Jos South Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Nyam Dareng said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated that PDP is still very strong in the state.

Zamfara asked to lift embargo on health workers’ recruitment Idris Salisu Gusau

takeholders on routine Immunization Programme in Zamfara State have called on the state government to lift the embargo on the recruitment of health workers at Local Government Councils level in order to ensure and engage qualified health workers to provide pri-

mary health care delivery service to citizenry. The appeal was contained in a communiqué signed by Namadi Muhammad and made available to journalists at the end of a one-day round-table meeting, organised to commemorate this year’s edition of the World Immunization Week by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Save

the Children International. Participants noted with concern the persistent gross shortage of health workers in various Primary Health Care facilities, which according to them, has created a vacuum in ensuring that children under five are fully immunized in the state and the country in general. However, the stakehold-

ers in the communiqué indicated that the state government had since 2011, when the present administration assumed office, placed an embargo on recruitment of workers in Local Government Council, including health workers, a development that has brought about gaps that needed to be addressed so that every woman and child to be immunised.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Sport

CAF fines Nigeria over Kaduna crowd problem

Leicester City hold the record of most appearances in the FA Cup without winning any despite qualifying for the final four times

International Klopp eyes victory as Chelsea visit Anfield

46 47

African living legend award excites Oshonaike

ational table tennis star, many other Nigerians from Funke Oshonaike, was at various fields staying in Europe the weekend honoured including some Nollywood perwith an African heritage award sonalities. I thank God for this in far away Germany. award, I do appreciate because Oshonaike received the it simply means many people sports category of could be taking the “African Diasnote of the progpora Living Legend ress one is makRecognition’’ award ing without you for 2016. knowing,” OshoTop companies in naike said. Europe supported The table tenthe project which is nis queen is exbasically for Africans pected to be in from various fields Lagos next week who reside in Europe. for the Nigeria “It was a big honOpen Table Ten(left) with Nollywood our for me. I was so Oshonaike nis Championstar Femi Adebayo elated to be given such ship while she recognition. When they called is also one of the five players me I asked many questions al- who have qualified for the forthmost wondering why me? coming Olympic Games in Rio, “That evening I also met Brazil

San Antonio Spurs player against Oklahoma City Thunder player Kevin Durant (Centre) going for the basket against in the second half of their NBA Western Conference semifinal game four at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA...on Sunday. Photo EPA

FIFA CONGRESS

Pinnick, Giwa to clash in Mexico

Club owner vows to travel Police beef up security at Glass House NFF adamant as Giwa fails to show up Monday

Pinnick

Adekunle Salami

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

he leadership crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation is set to take a devastating form this week outside the chores of of the country because two personalities may be present at the forthcoming Congress of the Federation of International Football as NFF President. While the NFF President Amaju Pinnick, his vice Seyi Akinwunmi and General Secretary Muhammed Sanusi are on their way to Mexico for the meeting billed for Friday, it was reliably learnt that club owner, Chris Giwa, was also going for FIFA’s 66th Congress as NFF boss. Giwa who is claiming legitimacy courtesy of an injunction from a Jos High Court, has concluded arrangements to also be at the meeting of football chiefs all over the world. Only on Friday, Giwa and some members of his group attempted to take over the operations at the Glass House but the

Jos-based club owner was whisked away by the police. As early as 5am on Monday, it was learnt that more policemen arrived the secretariat of the NFF following the promise Giwa made to resume on Monday (yesterday). “We are sure that the people occupying the secretariat have been served letter on Friday to quit. The President (Giwa) is going for the Congress in Mexico. All arrangements have been concluded on that,” one of the Giwa group members said on Monday However, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said: “Every FA President of the 209 members of FIFA is presently on the way to Mexico City. They are specially invited by FIFA alongside their Vice President and General Secretary. Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, Seyi Akinwunmi and Mohammed Sanusi have left for the

Giwa

meeting.” The FIFA Congress will start at 9.30am Mexico time on Friday, at the Centro Banamex. The Congress will bring all 209 Member Associations up to speed on governance reforms approved by the Extraordinary Congress of February 26, 2016 and FIFA’s plans to enhance football development. Friday’s Congress will be the first to be presided over by new FIFA president Gianni Infantino

SPORT NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Flying Eagles tackle Kaduna Utd Azeez Ibrahim

igeria U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, will battle National League team, Kaduna United, on Wednesday at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja as part of preparations for the upcoming African U-20 Cup of Na-

tions qualifiers against Burundi. The team on Monday resumed training after defeating Katsina United 3-1 on Friday. Ahead of the first leg tie against the East Africans, there are no injury worries in camp, with the likes of skipper Kelechi

Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen all taking part in Monday’s workout. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his technical crew will be hoping to correct the gray areas in the team before the Kaduna United friendly on Wednesday.

Obaje leads Nigeria’s league goals race Azeez Ibrahim

ikki Tourists striker Godwin Obaje, who is wanted by Enyimba for the CAF Champions League, has taken over the leadership of the Nigeria Professional Football League top scorers’ chart after his two goals helped his team beat Nasarawa United 2-1 in a Week 15 game at the weekend. Obaje is leading the chart with eight goals. He is closely followed by the quartet of Ismaila Gata (Niger Tornadoes), Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars), Mustapha Ibrahim (El Kanemi Warriors)

Nwakali (right)

CAF fines Nigeria over Kaduna crowd problem

Emmanuel Tobi

he Confederation of African Football on Monday fined Nigeria $5,000 for poor security and overcrowding during the Super Eagles 1-1 draw against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Kaduna State gover nment had thrown open the doors of the venue to allow fans to watch the crucial qualifier free. More than 40,000 spectators crammed into the 15,000-capacity Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on March 29 with fans climbed onto any available space, including floodlight scaffolding to watch the match, which ended in a 1-1

draw. But CAF, rising from a disciplinary meeting on Monday in Johannesburg,

South Africa, warns that Nigeria will face further sanctions if the incidence reoccur.

NPFL match commissioner found dead in hotel

he Match Commissioner of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Match Day 15 clash between Kano Pillars and Ikorudu United was found dead in his hotel room on Monday morning. The deceased was Mallam Tanko Nuhu who hailed from Nasarawa State. The chairman Nasarawa State Football Association Mohammed Alkali and the chairman of Nasarawa United Isaac Danladi as well as Kano Pillars boss Alh. Kabir Baita have all confirmed the mysterious death of the late Nuhu.

Already, tributes have been flowing in from all quarters as the Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers Austin Popo prayed for the repose of the soul of the late match commissioner. “On behalf of all Nigeria footballers, we express our condolence to the family of late Mallam Tanko Nuhu, may his gentle soul rest in peace” Popo told fcnaija.com. The Kano Pillars vs Ikorodu United game which took place at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday ended with the home side winning 2-1.

Cheprot targets Okpekpe race record in 2017 Charles Ogundiya

imon Cheprot of Kenya has promised to break the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race record when he returns next year for the fifth edition of the IAAF Bronze Label event. Cheprot won the men’s title at the fourth edition of the race last Saturday in Okpekpe, Edo state in 29 minutes, 48 seconds but believes

Football fans at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

he could have run faster if he had taken in the weather factor. “The sun was too much. I arrived here on Thursday and could not acclimatise well enough before the race today (Saturday). I came in from a

Adeniji-Adele: We lost a rare gem, says Ogba

and Okiki Afolabi (Sunshine Stars) who are all on seven goals. Chisom Egbuchulam (Rangers), Stephen Odey (MFM FC) and Wasiu Jimoh (3SC) have six goals each. With five goals are Esosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa United), Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors), Friday Ebong (Akwa United)and Kingsley Eduwo (Lobi Stars). However, Rabiu Ali, Prince Aggrey (Kano Pillars), Pascal Seka ( FC IfeanyiUbah), Ebong (Akwa United), Bernard Ovoke (Rivers United) and Godwin Aguda (Rangers), all have netted four goals each.

he sports family in the country has lost a rare gem in late Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, has submitted. The remains of the late Adeniji-Adele is expected in the country today (Tuesday) from India where he passed on last Thursday (May 5) after a brief illness and Ogba who was still in shock over the death of the former Lagos State Sports Commissioner said the exit of the 60-year-old was a big loss to Nigerian sports family. For Ogba, Adeniji-Adele’s re-

markable life as a sports enthusiast and successful administrator attest to his doggedness and commitment to endeavours that he was involved in. “The death came as a big shock to the sports family; especially we at the AFN,” Ogba stated. He continued: “Prince Adeniji-Adele was really a nice man, a workaholic who did a lot to improve sports in Lagos and even Nigeria; he will deeply be missed by the sports family. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and his family the strength to bear this great loss.”

As stated by the family, once the remains of late Prince Adeniji-Adele arrive from India on Tuesday, there would be lying-in-state overnight at the deceased residence at No 712 Road, A Close, House 29, Festac Town. There will be similar lyingin-state at the family house, 9 Idiomo Street, Isale Eko, the following day, Wednesday, between 9am -11am before a prayer session at Lagos Central Mosque at about 2.30pm, while interment follows by 4pm at Abari Cemetery, Lagos Island.

Simon Cheprot of Kenya

cold region and would have run faster here if I had arrive a week before the race,” he further said and promised to train in similar conditions to that of Okpekpe for next year’s race. “This is a very important race and I want to come back not only to win but to also break the 28 minutes,35 seconds All-Nigeria and Course record (held by Ethiopia’s Teshome Mekonnen).’’ Meanwhile, reigning Miss Nigeria, Pamela Peter-Vigboro, is delighted the Okpekpe race has proved a successful vehicle for raising awareness about breast cancer. “I am really thrilled to be a part of an important cause as that of fighting breast cancer in Nigeria, raising awareness about it and helping to treat those diagnosed with it. I am confident sports will now become the biggest platform to propagate causes or projects.’’ said the 22-year-old computer science graduate from the University of Port Harcourt.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

WORLD \ NEWS

Brazil crisis: Rousseff ‘s impeachment vote ‘annulled’

T Action between Liverpool and Chelsea

Klopp eyes victory as Chelsea visit Anfield

urgen Klopp hopes Liverpool can continue to build a big-game culture at Anfield when Chelsea visit in the Premier League on Wednesday. The Reds are eighth, but still harbour hopes of European qualification via the league and will go above sixthplaced Southampton with a victory over the Blues. Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 home games under Klopp, a run that has featured dominant wins over Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton, as well as their enthralling Europa

League successes against Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal. A Europa League final meeting with Sevilla has dominated discussion on Merseyside and Klopp is keen to build his players’ mental toughness, starting with a game against the deposed champions. “It’s how it is when you are at home, really strong and don’t give points away,” Klopp said after Sunday’s 2-0 win at home to Watford. “I want to be, in the future, really consistent in all the games. For this we need a little bit of time.

Rio: Venus, Serena eye fourth doubles gold medal

erena Williams plans to team up with her older sister, Venus, for a fourth Olympic doubles gold medal, which would be a record. “Obviously we would love to play in the Olympics. I love playing with Venus. She’s the best partner, and hopefully she feels the same about me. We make a great team,” Serena said on Sunday. “Hopefully we’ll be able to at least win a couple of matches here, just shake off the dust and keep playing.” The Williams sisters won doubles gold at the 2000, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Serena missed the 2004 Olympics due to a knee injury and Venus was paired with Chanda Rubin. Williams and Rubin failed to advance out of the

Another Cameroonian player dies

he goalkeeper of a Cameroonian women’s side has died after collapsing during a warm-up session, the Cameroon Football Federation has said. Jeanine Christelle Djomnang, 26, became ill before a Femina Stars Ebolowa match in southern Cameroon on Sunday, and died on her way to hospital. The federation says initial reports suggest she died of a heart attack but it is now awaiting a medical report. It comes days after Cameroon player Patrick Ekeng died in Romania. Djomnang complained of chest pains as she prepared to take on Louves MINPROFF Yaounde in the Cameroon elite league and was taken to hospital. Cameroon’s African Women Footballer of the Year Gaelle Enganamouit, said,“It’s with sadness that I have learnt of the death of Djomnang.”Jeanine Christelle of Femina Stars Ebolowa, may her soul rest in peace,” she wrote on Djomnang social media.

first round and did not medal in Athens. Serena has won the last two Olympic singles titles. Venus was the 2000 Olympic singles champion.

he impeachment process against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has been thrown into doubt. The acting speaker of Brazil’s lower house, Waldir Maranhao, has annulled a vote in the lower house on 17 April that allowed the proceedings to go on to the Senate. The Senate was scheduled to vote on whether to start an impeachment trial on Wednesday. It is not currently clear if that vote will now happen. But the president of the Senate impeachment commission (in Portuguese) said the vote would take

Platini to resign as UEFA president

ichel Platini is to resign as UEFA president after the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision not to overturn his ban from football activity. Platini did have his ban - which was related to a $2 million (£1.3m) disloyal payment made by then FIFA chief Sepp Blatter in 2011 reduced from six years to four by CAS’ three-man appeal panel. CAS also reduced his fine from £70,000 to £55,000, but maintained he was right to be punished and had taken into account “the absence of any repentance” and the impact of the saga on FIFA’s reputation. “Michel Platini announces that he will resign as president of UEFA at the organisation’s next congress,” read the statement from the Frenchman’s legal team. UEFA’s Executive Committee will now meet on May 18 to begin the process of replacing Platini.

place as scheduled. In his decision, Mr Maranhao said there had been irregularities during the lower house session in which its members overwhelmingly voted in favour of the impeachment process going ahead. He said members of the lower house should not have publicly announced what their position was prior to the vote, and that it had been wrong of party leaders to instruct their members how to vote. Mr Maranhao called for a new vote in the lower house, but it is not yet clear whether the senate will agree to return the proceedings

to the lower house. It is also not known whether Mr Maranhao’s decision can be overruled. When I sat down for an extended interview with Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia last week, she was fully prepared for and anticipating her likely suspension as president. She assumed, like just about everyone else in Brazil, that the country’s Senate would vote in favour of a full impeachment trial. Indeed, Ms Rousseff told me she would fight to clear her name after her expected suspension from office later this week over charges that she illegally hid the scale of the budget deficit.

A riot policeman lobs a teargas canister to disperse supporters of the opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenyan police fire tear gas at protest over electoral body

K Williams sisters

enyan police fired tear gas and water cannon yesterday at stone throwing protesters in Nairobi who had gathered to demand that a body supervising next year’s elections resign, a Reuters witness said. The presidential and parliamentary polls are more than a year away but politicians are already lining up for what could be a bruising battle in a nation where violence erupted after the 2007 vote and the opposition disputed the 2013 result. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered

near the university and the offices of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The opposition have accused the IEBC of bias in favor of the government, demanding it be disbanded. The IEBC has dismissed the charges and says its members will stay on. A few demonstrators hurled stones at police standing near the gate of the IEBC offices. “IEBC must go,” protesters shouted in the center of Nairobi, where dozens of police with support vehicles had been mobilized. When stone throwing

began, police fired tear gas canisters and trucks shot water cannon. Protesters dispersed after that. Members of the opposition Coalition of Reform and Democracy (CORD), which unsuccessfully sought to overturn the 2013 result, staged a street protest last month. The 2013 vote, which brought President Uhuru Kenyatta to power, proceeded calmly despite the opposition challenge. Raila Odinga, the CORD leader who has lost previous presidential bids, accepted the court ruling. He is expected to run again.

Panama Papers affair widens as database goes online

he Panama Papers affair has widened, with a huge database of documents relating to more than 200,000 offshore accounts posted online. The database became accessible from 18:00 GMT at offshoreleaks.icij.org. The Panama Papers have shown how some wealthy people use offshore firms to evade tax and avoid sanctions. The papers belonged to Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca and were leaked by a source simply

known as “John Doe”. The company denies any wrongdoing. Last week it issued a “cease and desist “ order to prevent the database being made public but the organisation that has the documents, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), appears to be going ahead. The documents have revealed the hidden assets of hundreds of politicians, officials, current and former national leaders, celebrities and sports stars. They list more than

200,000 shell companies, foundations and trusts set up in more than 20 tax havens around the world. Among those whose affairs have come under scrutiny include UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine and Mauricio Macri of Argentina, along with Argentinian football star Lionel Messi, Hong Kong film legend Jackie Chan and Spanish movie director Pedro Almodovar.

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The Long Beach Peninsula is known for its continuous sand beaches on the Pacific Ocean side, 28 miles (45 km) in extent, claimed to be the longest beach in the United States and the world’s largest drivable beach, however is second to Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh.

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Employment crisis and Humanities (HSS) graduates in Nigeria Tunji Olaopa

‘Y

outh,’ says William Pitt the Elder,‘is the season of credulity.’ This sums up the tragedy of the Nigerian youths who grew up believing that they are the leaders of tomorrow. Credulity is not a vice. Every human being has the right to dream. And so a child growing up, and along the way picks up a dream—of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, a manager, a professor, a top business executive, a civil servant, and so many other lofty status that makes one a success in life. On the strength of that singular dream, a child labours through schools, burns the midnight oil and eventually makes it to the university. Out of those who eventually graduate from Nigeria’s many universities, only very few, say, 30% ever get close to realizing their dreams. Graduation draws them right into the reality of the Nigerian condition. If you doubt my assessment of dream truncation, consider some critical but grim data. First, Nigeria is demographically a youthful country. That translates into some optimistic prognosis about how that youth bulge could become the opportunity for development planning that would be premised on youth empowerment and employability. Unfortunately, we have to contend with the global phenomenon of unemployment, and its specific Nigerian horror. As at 2015, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate is over 50%. This figure might even be larger as the CBN hinted in 2014 that over 80% of Nigerian youths are jobless. Factor Nigeria’s lack of an impressive data culture in policy intelligence and analysis into the unemployment and education equation, and you get an understanding of how depressing the reality is. No doubt, Nigeria has a serious development deficit. There is no developed nation in the world that does not recognize the significance of the youths to national progress. The youth constitutes a critical mass of national capital which is then converted into a workforce that could move the machinery of development. When this fails to happen, unemployment is transformed into a debilitating malaise that wastes the vitality of the nation. This is the stage at which Nigeria stands in terms of the employability of its youth. And we only need scrutinize the root cause of the Arab Spring, and the sacrifice of Bouazzizi, the Tunisian youth who was forced by the shame of acute unemployment to set himself ablaze, to realize what chronic unemployment portents for a nation of over 190 million people with a significant youth component. While this is the dire consequence of unemployment, what is the cause? Here we examine two corollary variables whose combine effects are undermining Nigeria’s development capacity. I have in mind the Federal

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige

Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian tertiary education system. The Nigerian Policy on Education (NPE) is a document fabricated within the context of a paradox. On the one hand, the government recognizes that human capital development plays a huge role in driving development planning. Hence, the essence of having a policy on education is meant to push that recognition to the point of policy implementation. On the other hand, however, the very policy document that is founded on the critical role of human capital development undermines its own rationale by cutting its potential output by a radical half ! In other words, by its avowed pursuit of 60:40 ratio in favour of the sciences over the humanities and the social sciences (HSS), the government undermines the potentials of the HSS contribution to national development. Suffice it to add that the critical issue really is not the 60:40 ratio which in some sense is self-justifying, it is the import of that policy as a totality of attitude of policy makers borne out of some intellectual laziness or partial blindness. The ratio, I suspect, is borne out of the government’s belief that the HSS are not development-useful. And that seems perfectly logical. I mean, what possible role could history or religious studies or modern European studies or philosophy play in the nation’s attempt to create a science and technology framework that could launch Nigeria’s development initiatives? It therefore seems to make equally perfect sense that the sciences ought to be promoted and funded over the HSS. This development reasoning is not purely Nigerian. The HSS all over the world are under siege, especially

in the wake of the rise of the STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These four forms the hard core of development education that any nation urgently requires. And so, several departments of the non-development disciplines have been forced to rationalise their staff, brutally merged to save cost or forced to close shop. Beheading therefore became the cure for a severe headache! And the Nigerian tertiary education system only makes the matter worse. Because this system is essentially tertiary, its foundation is built on what we can call a ‘certificate illusion.’ In other words, the thousands of youths entering the universities every year hold the false hope that it is their certificates that would earn them a lifelong meal ticket. They are cured of this illusion after four or so years in the ivory towers. And so over the years, the Nigerian universities, the intellectual sites for the generation of national intelligence and competences, have become grim industries that churn out graduates who will eventually be unemployed or unemployable. And the graduates of the HSS are the worst hit in this unemployment equation. It would make for a rather enlightening statistics to know the proportion of HSS graduates that make up the unemployment data. Most Nigerian universities are complicit in this depressing predicament. At one end, there seems not to be any publicized and sustained series of concerted efforts, intellectual and political, to outline the critical role of the HSS in national development. Except maybe the universities themselves are indifference to the possible roles the HSS can play in the development equation of Nigeria. If universities are centres of competences, then there is a lot that needs to be done to ensure that there is really a genuine attempt to deliver on that mandate to boost Nigeria’s chance of ever achieving a wholesome development profile. When compared with other disciplines, the HSS constitute a set of disciplines whose value significance to the society and the nation ought to be critically revisited, or precisely updated. The slogan of the humanist scholars is that the humanities humanize. True. In the inculcation of a sense of beauty and values, an awareness of the divine, the internalization of the elements of critical thinking, etc., a human individual is weaned off terrible subhuman attitudes and beastly tendencies that compromise the essence of harmonious human relationships in what we call the human society. Yet, the HSS graduates must compete with other well-endowed and competently prepared graduates in the age of global competitiveness. The critical questions therefore are: In what sense can the HSS humanize in the age of capitalism? How can the humanizing advantage of the HSS inflect the Nigerian development challenge, and transform it radically? What more do the

HSS graduates require to become functionally adequate? These questions are critical and the right answers to them not only becomes the leeway the HSS require to be saved the looming threat of rationalization, these answers are equally significant in integrating the HSS graduates into the development equation in Nigeria. It does not serve any purpose to recraft the National Policy on Education to achieve a 50:50 ratio balance. On the contrary, what is needed is a concerted rethinking process that can impact policy intelligence and implementation. Put in other words, the policy hand of the Nigerian government must be forced to see why rationalizing the HSS or starving it of funds would not be in the national interest, in the final analysis. There is a tendency that the global trend in the diminution of the relevance of the HSS would eventually trickle down to Nigeria. As it is, the first manifestation of that trend is the NPE and its lopsided ratio, fuelled by the strange belief that it takes only science and technology to develop Nigeria. Unfortunately, government and its policy makers are not looking at the issues from the other side—that science and technology themselves pose significant threat to Nigeria’s development objectives in several critical senses. For instance, the emerging technologies have become the convenient avenues by which fundamentalism and terrorism have run out of control in the human society. It therefore seems that the establishment of the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) becomes a timely catalyst that can independently jumpstart the conversations around the urgent need to rethink and rehabilitate the HSS not only to be in tune with its own mandate, but also to facilitate a genuine and necessary dialogue with the Nigerian development needs and objectives. The ISGPP is initiating these intellectual and policy conversations in the recognition that the HSS constitute a critical mass of disciplines whose development values have been lost in the jaundiced perception of what development is, and who and what they can contribute to it. But as a first condition for that possibility, the Nigerian universities owe the Nigerian youth a radical intervention that would be conducive to employability. It seems to me that that is one fundamental development dividend that any nation owe its youths. And the employability of the HSS graduate is a function of how entrepreneurial skill can complement the humanizing mandate of the HSS. In that, I see the marching order for the Nigerian universities: the immediate and urgent implementation of a thriving entrepreneurial education compulsory for students, and shorn off all overly theoretical ambition. •Olaopa (tolaopa2003@yahoo.com) is the Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP), Ibadan.

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