Tuesday, may 19, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

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Vol. 2 No. 454

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

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@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

I won Abia North Senatorial election, ex-governor Kalu insists }15

Supreme Court stops sale of Chevron's oil blocks Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Supreme Court yesterday ordered Chevron not to take any step or action regarding the sale of the oil min-

ing assets OML52, OML 53 and OML 55 to Seplat Petroleum Development Company. The restraint was as a result of an appeal filed by a company, Britannia-U Nigeria Limited. Brittania-U Limited's appeal arose from the ruling of an Ap-

peal Court, which vacated an order of interlocutory injunction by a high court, restraining Chevron and Seplat from concluding any deal on the transaction. When the matter came up yesterday, the five-man panel

of the apex court, presided over by Justice Tanko Muhammad, held that "parties in the matter are ordered to maintain status quo. No party is allowed to take any step that will affect the res (subject matter) of the appeal." CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NEW TELEGR

APH TUESDA Y, MAY 19, 2015

Stewardship

LASPOTECH rector gives scorecard, bows out June 1

Scholarship

I’d have regrett Dentistry — ed studying FCE’s best grad

Education Schola 27

DEVELOPME NT

University egghe ads and experts, for the second time, conve rged Covenant Unive on the Ota, Ogun State rsity, to share thoughts on Africa’s developmen tal challenges Mojeed alabi

rs, ex for African perts rise developmen t

ne year after internationaits maiden ence, Coven l conferversity, Ota, ant Unitrial comm an induslast week, unity of Ogun State, assembled scholars, experts and renowned makers for key the second policy where partic edition, ipants conve to chart a rged new rican develo direction for Afpment. The threetagged: “Coveday conference, Internationa nant University l Conference African on Devel (CU-ICADI), opment Issues pants from ” drew partic ifessionals, the academia, provate Sector the Organised Pripolicy maker(OPS), experts and s across the to discuss globe ways to harne human and ss both natura l resources, which they claim are dance in the count in abunbenefit of ry, for the the The theme world. of the confer is: “Biote ence chnology, rials and ICT, MateRenewable Potential Energ y: Catalyst for Africa Development n Prof. Ayo present .” ing a plaque Worried to Prof. roth challenges by the myriad shortly after of confer facing Africa the latter’s tries, especi presentation ence includ n counsector, this ally in the health of the 2012 Nobel e the winner year’s cused mainl edition fo- nomic Science, Prize for EcoEmeritus y on the lems. statistics Proalarming fessor Alvin Roth of at the HarAccording cially Nigeri the Africans, espe- vard University, ready put United ans suffer yearly intern to him, with chronic kidney in place ing from a Professor of Comp States; the adequate the univer ational conference, facilities on groun the Unive disease (CKD) uting at who indee rsity sity is positio d, proval for of self as a ning transplant. d require kidne , United Kingdom, South Wales, the runni while apsolution y the Chief ng of the Andrew Ware; provider, it- programme one that will from the and Unive Statistical Scientists National eviden for Africa create the pathw Idalex Office ing to partic ce, accord Technologie r of ay will rsities Commission ’s - ration ipants, aboun be sought. global stage emergence on s Incorp (NUC) on daily basis , Colora the od of prospe To the vice-c tinents. many Nigerithat Valeriy Maiso do, U.S.A, Prof. rous condie from ans tsenko of the dream hancellor, part kidney-relate Buttressing tions. d condi- co-inventor of the ; Nigerian of the institu s and aspirations the Chanc position, Gelcasting Acqueous ellor’s Scholars tion’s foundi the Vice-C proces The thers and expert s unive Prof. Charle for formin complex-sha and strate hancellor, ng farsity s at the g gic s Ayo, said ped ceram muniqué ponents the com- attract the global plans was to is positionin at the Coven ic comproduced best brains various fields g at the confer versity Colleg ant Uniin by granti ence will the end of visitin itself as a ng them ated upon Prof. Ogbem e of Engineering be delibe r- part g professorship status , i to decisi and made availa of the ways Setting the Omatete. solut on ble of maker ion achieving as tone of institution’s s as part the unive ference, the of rsity’s contri the Chanc the conone of the vision of becom provider towards the Covenant ellor of bution ing best development country’s drive s sities by 2022. 10 global univerFounder University and the for of al As the best Bible Churc the Living Faith Meanwhile, change. university h Worldwide kayode olanr cessful hostin based on the suc- Africa sub-region Winners’ in West (aka by the intern ewaju and its impacg of the conference tional ranking Oyedepo, Chapel), Dr. David EDITOr, EDUCAT asaid the main body, the Covenant kayode olanrewa ION focus of development t on the strate the confer aim of ence of the univer gic that the University is to prove newtelegraphonlin ju@ as well as country benefi is to enable the ranking e.com part of moves sity, denta was not ter a health of experience t from the wealth l, but accito fos© Daily Telegrap deserving. one that was duly h Publishin relationship,y ‘Town and Gown particularly of the experts and g Company ’ the vice-ch Roth’s Roth, the Limited spoke of of econo ancellor Nobel Prize mic theoryapplication the ness to communiversity’s readi- nomic Scienc for Ecosolutions e and the for “real in finding ence progra speake world” probin medical mmes “Kidn r, whose paper keynote sciences. dwelt on: ey Diseas Towards e this in United Nigeri end, that the a and States: Possib managemenhe hinted ilities of Cot had al-

EIGHT pages of EDUCATION

}23

Stay away from Buhari, North warns Obasanjo CONTIN UED

ON PAGE 26

lSays blueprint to president-elect is ego trip

Quick Read

Editorial

Still on S'Africa's xenophobic }19 attacks EFCC arraigns ex-Gov Sylva for N2.45bn fraud }2

A cross-section of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) protesting the rampant kidnapping in Ekiti State, in Ado-Ekiti…yesterday.

How B'Haram raped hundreds of captives }2 lVictims recount ordeals lBuhari: It's shameful FG relied on South Africa to fight insurgents

News

TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

How Boko Haram raped hundreds of captives Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

ordid details on the ordeals of female victims kidnapped by Boko Haram have continued to emerge as some of them narrated how they were raped by the insurgents. In a report published online by New York Times yesterday, the victims gave account of how they were sometimes gang raped by the insurgents. The report, which did not specify when the victims spoke, came just as the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, described as shameful the fact that the Federal Government had to rely on South African mercenaries to degrade Boko Haram. Some of the victims said the insurgents seemed to have adopted rape as a deliberate policy to possibly even create a new generation of Islamist militants in Nigeria. In interviews, the women described being locked up in houses by the dozen, at the beck and call of fighters who forced them to have sex, sometimes with the specific goal of impregnating them. “They married me,” said Hamsatu, 25, a young woman in a black-andpurple headscarf, looking down at the ground. She said she was four months pregnant, that the father of her unborn baby was a Boko Haram member and that she had been forced to have sex with other militants who took control of her town. “They chose the ones they wanted to marry,” added Hamsatu, whose full name was not used to protect her identity. “If anybody shouts, they said they would shoot them.” Boko Haram, a radical Islamist sect that has taken over large stretches of territory in the North-East, has long targeted women, rounding them up as it captures towns and villages. Women and girls have been given to Boko Haram fighters for “marriage,” a euphemism for the sexual violence that occurs even when unions are cloaked in religion. Now, dozens of newly freed women and girls, many of them pregnant and battered, are showing up at a sprawling camp for the displaced in Dalori, outside Maiduguri, the Borno State capital while troops try to push Boko Haram out of Sambisa Forest. More than 15,000 people have sought shelter at the camp, at an abandoned federal office-worker training

centre, most of them women, relief officials said. Over 200 have, so far, been found to be pregnant, but relief officials believe many more are bearing the unwanted children of Boko Haram militants. “The sect leaders make a very conscious effort to impregnate the women. Some of them, I was told, even pray before mating, offering supplications for God to make the products of what they are doing become children that will inherit their ideology,” said the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. As the group has lost control of towns and thousands of people have fled in recent weeks, a grim picture of Boko Haram's inhuman treatment has emerged: hundreds of women and girls as young as 11 subjected to systematic, organised sexual vio-

lence. Yahauwa, 30, used her green headscarf to wipe away tears as she clutched a plastic bag full of medicine. She had just tested positive to H.I.V. “Is it from the people who forced me to have affairs with them?” she asked a relief worker, tears streaming down her face. Later, she explained that she and many other women had been “locked in one big room.” “When they came, they would select the one they wanted to sleep with,” she said. “They said, ‘If you do not marry us, we will slaughter you.’ ” As the women spoke, two trucks crammed with more people arrived at the rudimentary camp guarded by watchful soldiers. Many of the residents of the camp spend the day outside, as they dare not

return home. The humiliation of what the refugees have been through led many of the women interviewed at the camp to deny being abused by the militants. But relief workers said when they arrived; many acknowledged that they had been raped. Fanna, a delicate 12-year-old who had arrived at the camp three days before, crouched on the floor, clasping her knees, and insisted in her thin child’s voice that Boko Haram had not touched her. Relief officials said that in her camp entry interview, she, too, had said she was raped by the militants. Now, many officials worry about the long-term health effects of the abuse. Yana, a young woman wearing sparkling golden bangles, said the fight-

ers had “parked” her — a word many women have used to describe their imprisonment — with about 50 other women in a house in Bama, Borno State’s second city, with a population of several hundred thousand. Bama was occupied by Boko Haram last September. Inside the house, “If they want to have an affair with a woman, they will just take her to a private place, so that the others won’t see,” said Yana. She could not recall her age; a relief worker at the camp here said she had been raped so often by Boko Haram that she was “psychologically affected.” Yana said the militants had forced her to have sex with them. Her feet and stomach were swollen and the relief worker said she was likely pregnant, though her test

results had not come back yet. Other workers said many of the women had signs of physical and psychological trauma from being raped repeatedly. Officials and relief workers said the organised nature of Boko Haram’s sexual violence appeared to point to a deliberate, selfperpetuation plan. “It’s like they wanted to have their own siblings, to take over from them,” said Abba Mohammed Bashir Shuwa, a senior official in Maiduguri. A relief official at the camp, who is working closely with the abused women, echoed that thought. “We are going to have another set of Boko Haram,” said the official, Hadiza Waziri. “Most of these women now, they don’t want these pregnancies. You cannot love the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Mr. Rumundaka Wonodi; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala; member, NBET, Alhaji Haruna Sambo and Director, Power, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ibrahim Babagana, at NBET’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja…yesterday.

EFCC arraigns ex-Gov Sylva for N2.45bn fraud Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, before the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, over an alleged N2.45 billion fraud. The court, however, admitted him to bail after an oral application by his counsel. Sylva was alleged to have committed the offence between October 2009 and February 2010 when he was in office. When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty to all the six counts preferred against him. Sylva had earlier plead-

ed not guilty to the same charges when he was first arraigned before a retired judge of the court, Justice Adamu Bello in 2012. When Justice Adamu retired, the case file was sent back to the Chief Judge who re-assigned it to Justice Evoh Chukwu for fresh hearing. The prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, alleged that Sylva committed offences, including conversion of various sums of money belonging to the state with the aim of concealing their illicit origins. Sylva was also accused of inducing Union Bank Plc. to fraudulently grant him a N2 billion overdraft facility under the pretext of using the money to augment workers’ salary. He was alleged to have committed the offences in

conspiracy with other unnamed persons said to be at large. The anti-graft agency also alleged that between October 2009 and February 2010, the former governor conspired with other unnamed persons to convert “property and resources amounting to N2 billion belonging to Bayelsa State Government derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount.” The EFCC also alleged that on January 22, 2010, Sylva converted N380 million, property of the Bayelsa State Government, “through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a bureau de change operator with Account No. 221433478108, in FinBank Plc., which sum you knew represented the proceeds

of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act." It also accused the former governor of converting N50 million belonging to his state “through the account of one Enson Benmer Limited with Account No. 6152030001946, in First Bank Plc., which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act.” The prosecution also alleged that the accused, on January 5, 2010, converted N20 million belonging to Bayelsa State, “through the account of one John Daukoru with Account No. 04800250000418, in United Bank of Africa Plc., which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal

act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act." The anti-graft agency submitted that the offences are contrary to provisions of Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004. It said that the offence violated section 8(a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2004 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act. After the plea was taken, counsel to Sylva, Israel Olorundare (SAN), moved an oral application for bail. The application was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel. The court consequently admitted the accused to bail and adjourned till May 25.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, May 19, 2015

SPECIALonREPORT The 8th Senate’s Fresh Generation Godswill Akpabio

Aliyu Wamakko

Jonah David Jang

Stella Adaeze Oduah

Samuel Egwu

Rabiu Kwankwaso

Theodore Orji

Mao Ohuabunwa

Uche Lilian Ekwunife

Buruji Kashamu

Jeremiah Useni

Abubakar Kyari

Ben Murray Bruce

Peter Nwaoboshi

Biodun Olujimi

Dino Melaye

Monsurat Sunmonu

Bayero Usman Nafada

Bala ibn Na’Allah

Isiaka A. Adeleke

Abubakar Danladi

Adeola Olamilekan

Binta Masi Garba

Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim

Mustapha Bukar

Duro Samuel Faseyi

Fatimat O. Raji-Rasaki

Shehu Sani

Mustapha Bukar

Philip Aruwa I Gyunka

Buhari Abdulfatai

Suleiman O. Hunkuyi

Osinakachukwu Ideozu

Danjuma La’ah

Bassey Albert Akpan

Olanrewaju Tejuoso

Mohammed A. Ohiare

Nelson Asuquo Effiong

Achonu A. Nneji

Sabo Mohammed

David Umaru

Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi

Barau I Jibrin

Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Clifford A. Ordia

John Enoh Owan

Mathew A. Urhoghide

Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka

Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi

Gbolahan Dada

Abdul-Aziz M. Nyako

Francis A. Alimikhena

Olaka Johnson Nwogu

Ogba Joseph Obinna

Tijjani Yahaya Kaura

Donald Alasoadura

Rose Okoji Oko

Yele Omogunwa

Ogola Foster

Gershom H. Bassey

Suleiman M. Nazif

Malam Ali Wakili

Abdullahi A. Gumel

Marafa Bashir Abba

Yahaya Abdullahi

Abdulrahman Abubakar

Salihu Hussain Egye

Mohammed Garba

Ighoyota Amori

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

Ahmadu Abubakar

Mohammed Hasan

Isah Hamma Misau

Ibrahim Abdullahi

Muhammad Ubali Shitu

On June 4, 2015, the eighth Senate of the National Assembly will be inaugurated. Of the 109 Senators who will be taking their seats, 75, representing 68 per cent will be fresh in the upper chamber. Who are these fresh Senators? What are their backgrounds and antecedents? What quality of debate and contributions are we likely to see from them? These and more will be the kernel of a special report by New Telegraph on that day. The report presents a unique opportunity for family, friends and associates of these fresh Senators to felicitate with them. For enquiries and participation: Call Biodun: 0802-301-5582, Taiwo: 0803-304-2915, Onwuka: 0803-733-9843, David: 0810-759-1663

Travel Advisory

TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

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

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

AEROCONTRACTORS

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

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

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

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, May 19, 2015

Stay away from Buhari, North warns Obasanjo Donald Ojogo Abuja

orthern leaders are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with former President Olusegun Obasanjo's closeness to the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, and have asked him to stay away from the incoming president. The Northern leaders, speaking against the backdrop of last week's submission of a blueprint on the state of the nation, based on a report commissioned by Obasanjo to Buhari, said in separate interviews with New Telegraph yesterday that the former president was just embarking on an ego trip. Besides, it was learnt that the leadership of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) was not happy with the manner Obasanjo carried out the job. Details of the document are yet to be made public just as Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, told New Telegraph that he was not privy to the contents of the document either. “I haven’t seen the details myself,” he said in a response to an inquest on the blueprint. Reacting to the development, convener of the Coalition of Northern Businessmen, Politicians and Professionals, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, described Obasanjo’s move as ‘strange and funny’. He said the former president should rather return to the presidential villa to run the government. “That is strange and funny; there are better

ways to offer advice, not in this suspicious manner. To me, that is not how statesmen should behave. He should rather return to the villa and run the government himself. “The APC has a manifesto to follow. Is he saying the party’s plans on those sectors are inadequate? For General Buhari, he has to be careful with this man even though he has the right to either reject or accept. In fact, whatever suggestion is subject to the various heads of agencies like ministers and the rest. So, inasmuch as Obasanjo has the right to do what he did, the government should be more careful in whatever step it takes along that line,” he said. Also, former Publicity Secretary of the North’s apex body, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr.

Anthony Sani, berated the former president. “Former President Obasanjo is in a position to advise the incoming government on all matters of national importance. This is because of his vintage and vantage positions from which any Nigerian president can tap for the benefit of the country. “What seems disagreeable is his tendency to make his advice public always as if he is on an ego trip, which is not neces`sary,” Sani said. Last Thursday, Obasanjo presented comprehensive reports on five key sectors to serve as a guide to Buhari. Areas covered by the report are the economy, security, power, education and infrastructure. Vice Chairman of the committee and a former Minister of Finance, Dr.

Idika Kalu, presented volumes of the report to Buhari during a closed-door meeting in Abuja. Chairman of the Governing Board, Centre for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said the committee had been working on some critical issues for the development of the country. He added a delegation of the committee members, involved in the preparation of the policy documents, was sent to present the reports to the president-elect. Kalu said: “We have looked at education, security, economy, power and infrastructure. Those are the areas we have made recommendations and which we hope the new administration will be able to work on.” But a chieftain of the APC confided in New Telegraph that although it was not out of place for former presidents to make suggestions to the incoming administration under Buhari, the public show of it was “not pleasant in the

eyes of the leadership of the APC.” “When we were campaigning, we had a road map which was unveiled; we also prepared a wellthought out manifesto and programmes of action that will raise the standard of living of Nigerians. “I personally do not think any of the issues raised in the said document were left out; that is not to say that as a Nigerian leader, Chief Obasanjo does not have the right to make suggestions or even inputs into critical areas. “The only area where the move was not pleasant in the eyes of the leadership was the way it was done as if he was boxing the president-elect into the public court; he did not need to do that. No doubt, we need him like we need all Nigerians for the success of the incoming government, but it is a bit absurd for him to have done his that way,” the party chief said. However, APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, neither answered calls nor replied text messages sent to him on the issue.

B'Haram's victims recount ordeals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

President, International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), Mr. Peter Maurer (left), being received by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ugo Buzugbe, during a visit to the army headquarters in Abuja…yesterday

Illegal withdrawal: Court orders GTBank to refund N5.3bn to law firm Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

n Abuja High Court yesterday ordered the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) to refund the sum of N5.3 billion illegally withdrawn from a lawyer's account, Dr. Ted Edwards of Edwards and Partners Lawfirm. The court in a judgement delivered by Justice Valentine Ashi held that GTB was without any defence to its action and ordered the bank to pay the money – N5,240,516,186.21k – back to the owner through his Zenith Bank Plc account. The court also ordered that the N5.3 billion should attract 10 per cent post judgement interest, and

another 21 per cent interest from December 12, 2015 when GTB illegally withdrew the money. The court, however, struck out the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla; Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; Anaocha Local Government Area and the Incorporated Trustees of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from the suit as defendants on the ground that they were not necessary parties. Edward had initiated the suit marked FCT/HC/ CV/939/2015 in January after GTB carried out the illegal withdrawal of the money on December 12, 2014. The money was paid

into Dr. Edwards' law firm's account with GTB on January 2, 2014 by the AGF as a settlement of a judgement got by his clients, Impecca Services Limited and His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Ezekwo, against ALGON for the consultancy services they rendered to the 774 local government. The plaintiff had submitted in his originating processes that shortly after the money was paid into his account on behalf of his clients, GTB made some disbursements from the account as directed, but that he was only informed on December 12 by an official of the bank that the Central Bank has withdrawn the N5.3 billion. The plaintiff informed the court that when he inquired from the bank why

it made deduction from his account without his consent, he said GTB only insisted that the withdrawal was made in obedience to CBN directive, which it could not disobey. In its judgement, the court faulted GTB for betraying the banker/ customer relationship between it and Edwards. Justice Ashi noted that it was wrong for GTB to have made withdrawal from the customer's account without his knowledge and consent. The judge further held that GTB's claim that it was helpless and that the withdrawal was at the instance of CBN was of no moment. He wondered whether GTB would have obeyed a similar directive even if it was illegal.

child.” The militants’ fixation with capturing, hoarding and “marrying” the women allowed some to witness central elements in their military strategy. Meriam, 36, who had just arrived at the camp in Maiduguri from Gwoza, a Boko Haram headquarters town, spoke of being imprisoned with dozens of other women, including some who were being trained as suicide bombers. Increasingly over the last year, the terrorists have used women and children to carry out suicide bombings against civilian targets like markets. “The Boko Haram would recite the prayer for the dead,” Meriam said. “Then they would put on the hijab,” covering the suicide belt. After they had prepared, “They said, ‘God will forgive us,’” she said. “Then, they would enter the vehicles, and they would send the women away.” Meriam said she had seen a few of the Chibok village girls at the hospital in Gwoza, and said the Boko Haram appeared to give them a special status. Meanwhile, Buhari has said it is a shame that the military had to rely on South African mercenaries before it started getting limited success in the war against Boko Haram. Buhari, who lamented

the state of the military yesterday when members of the National Executive Committee of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) paid him a courtesy call, said it was saddening that the military was unable to quell the insurgency that ravaged only 14 out of 774 local governments in the country. According to him, the military has never been so incapacitated, describing the situation as "shameful and unacceptable." "My administration will concentrate on three major areas on assumption of office that is insecurity, the economy/unemployment and corruption. We will ensure we nip the insecurity in the bud,’’ Buhari stated. He also promised to ensure that every Nigerian lives within his economic earnings, adding that "a situation where people live above their earnings will not be tolerated." Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the ACF, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, told the President-elect that Nigerians voted for him because they believed in his integrity, knack for transparency, accountability, honesty and commitment to security of lives and property. Coomassie said Nigeria had never experienced the level of decay, collapse of moral values and the high level of corruption, crime, unemployment impoverishment of the citizenry like it had done in the last six years.

News

TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC Transition Committee submits interim report this week Geoffrey Ekenna and Johnchuks Onuanyim

he All Progressives Congress Transition Committee will this week submit an interim report to the PresidentElect, General Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of May 29 handover date. But New Telegraph reliably gathered that the committee will only be submitting to the President-elect, a report on the direction his government is expected to go in the next 100 days. The report to be submitted will be based on the fifth and sixth terms of references of the committee, which dwells on quick fixes and what the incoming government can do within the first 100 days. The 19-man Committee was inaugurated on April 29 to liaise with the Presidency’s Transition Committee on the activities of government in the last four years. It was charged among others to develop a clear framework for liaison with the out-going administration for the purposes of a smooth handover and to receive handover documents from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and itemise

the most important or most urgent issues confronting the in-coming government. But as at yesterday, New Telegraph gathered that the committee was just focusing on what the President-elect would do in the first 100 days. A member of the committee, who spoke with one of our correspondents on the condition of anonymity, said that the committee limited itself to the fifth and sixth items on its terms of references because it did not receive anything from the Federal Government or its MDAs in terms of handover notes. He stated that since Buhari set up the committee and charged it with liaise with the presidential committee, it was only logical

that the President-elect had also not received any notes on the state of affairs of the nation. The committee member said: “You know we have about six terms of references. We have done nothing on items 1 to 4, which has to do with the state of affairs of the economy, handover notes on revenue, indebtedness of Nigeria and other serious issues. But as I am talking to you now, we received nothing from the Federal Government in terms of handover notes. So, what we did was to work on quick fixes that the President-elect could embark on for his first 100 days. We have invited professionals and experts from different segments of the society, who have given us enough information on

what to do. So, we will be submitting the report on those firsts.” Asked about other issues on the terms of reference, he said that those other terms of references would come after the President Jonathan hands over to Buhari on May 28. He said: “When we receive the report on May 28, we will start working on that. That is when the main work will be done. It is also obvious that Buhari relies on us to produce the report on the state of affairs of the nation. When he is sworn in on May 29, he will only have a vague view of affairs from the executive summary he will get on May 28. But, as at now, we have nothing from the Federal Government.” At the floor 02 of the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja

where the secretariat of the Committee is located, works were at high level as some people were visiting for one assistance on the other. The activities of the Transition Committee had in the last two weeks made the hotel a beehive of activities. Many prominent politicians and technocrats were seen moving in and out of the hotel. According to source at the Secretariat, the Transition Committee was divided into subcommittees among which are Research, Governance and Social Issues. The source further revealed that 15 out of the 19 members were divided into the Subcommittees with four members exempted from the Subcommittees.

The members who are not part of the Subcommittees are: Alhaji Ahmed Joda (Chairman), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Dr. Ogbbonnaya Onu and Governor Rotimi Ameachi. The Subcommittees’ works and findings would be harmonised in the plenary, which the four other members would play important role in. When the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mohhamed, who is also a member of the Transition Committee was confronted on findings of the committee so far, he said the committee members were not to speak to the media on their activities. Mohammed had earlier in statements alleged that Presidency was not cooperating with the APC Transition Committee.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

ABUJA

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KANO

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ONITSHA

32o C 26oC Thunder Storms L-R: Wife of the Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Mrs. Ibidun Ighodalo; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce, Chief Abimbola Ashiru and Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, during a special thanksgiving service in honour of Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife in Lagos…at the weekend. 33oC 24oC Partially Cloudy

Supreme Court stops sale of Chevron's oil blocks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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The order for status quo was sequel to a request by Rickey Tarfa (SAN) to argue the appellant's application for mandatory injunction seeking to reverse steps taken by Chevron to sell the disputed oil bloc to Seplat. Tarfa had reminded the court that at the last hearing of the case on March 24, the court fixed yesterday to hear arguments on the application for mandatory injunction. Although counsel to Seplat, Damian Dodo (SAN), agreed with Tarfa's submission, he said the appeal was ripe for hearing and prayed that energy be committed to arguing the appeal and not an interlocutory motion. Counsel to Chevron Nigeria and BNP Paribas Securities Corp, Uche Nwoye (SAN), submitted that "the position as stated by Mr. Dodo is an accurate account of the history of this matter. And I'm bound by all he has said."

Counsel for Chevron U.S.A Inc. and Mr. Hermant Patel, A. V. Etuwewe said: "Both senior advocates for the respondents have said it all. I have nothing to add. I agree with them." In his response to the respondents' counsel submissions, Tarfa explained that it was necessary to hear his application, which seeks not only to reverse steps being taken by the respondents and to stop any further step that they may wish to take concerning the subject matter. He said there might be nothing to benefit from the appeal if an injunction to protect the res was not issued. Following Tarfa's submission, the court called on respondents' counsel to know if they were issuing any undertaking regarding the res. In his response, Dodo said all actions taken by his clients were done before the appeal was instituted. "Counsel have a duty to the court and indeed

themselves to ensure that the dignity, majesty and authority of the court is paramount at all times. That is my principle and practice. And that has been the conduct and practice of the first respondent. And we shall continue to do so,” he stated. Nwokedi and Etuwewe, on behalf of their clients, said Dodo had stated their own position not to take any step and they were bound by his position. In the unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the appeal. The court later adjourned further hearing in the suit till October 6. The court had, on March 23, adjourned till yesterday to hear the application for mandatory injunction because the respondents needed time to file their counter affidavit to the appellant/applicants' motion and supporting affidavits. Consequently, the court allotted time to all parties

to file their affidavits and written briefs of argument relating to the mandatory application and fixed May 18 for definite hearing of the application. But before the adjournment, Tarfa had expressed concern that the respondents were taking steps concerning the subject matter and had fixed next month to conclude the deal by awarding the oil assets to Seplat. Although Dodo and Nwokedi denied Tarfa’s claim, the Supreme Court warned parties against taking steps, which could affect the subject matter. “Parties know better than to do anything to affect the res (subject matter). It is trite law that when a matter is pending, nothing should be done by any party to affect the res. "This case is even stronger now that you have an application for mandatory injunction before us. Any party that does anything to a res, know what will be visited upon him,” Justice

Muhammad warned. The dispute arose after Chevron had offered for sale OMLs 52, 53 and 55 and, as usual, invited bids from interested firms. The sale of the assets became controversial after Chevron, in a bid to ensure transparency, which put the assets up for sale through a public bidding process, failed to make public the winner, a reserve bidder and unsuccessful bids. It then allegedly turned its back on the highest bidder, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, and began to deal with Seplat behind the scene. Brittania-U went to court to contest Chevron’s action of not declaring it winner after it posted a $1.67 billion bid for the three assets, an amount later revised to $1.015 billion after both companies’ officials met in Houston, United States. Seplat posted a bid of $630 million for the same assets.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

News

NATIONAL

IGP launches 259 patrol vehicles for states, FCT

lPolice arrest 109 suspected cultists in Edo Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has launched the Safer Highways Patrol Scheme, with the distribution of 259 patrol vehicles to the 36 states and Federal Capital Ter-

ritory (FCT) police commands. The initiative, according to the IGP, is to serve as an alternative to police roadblocks, which have since been abolished. This is as the Force Headquar ters announced the arrest of 109 suspected cultists from Edo State, 11 of whom were shown to

journalists yesterday in Abuja. According to Arase, “The new scheme which is tagged ‘The Safer Highway Patrol’ is an alternative to roadblocks. It will ensure the deployment of patrol vehicles along major highways across the country and at points considered as high-security risk where roadblocks were

hitherto mounted as a deterrent to criminal elements. “The selection of the highways, in the first phase of this launch, was premised on a national highway risk assessment undertaken by the Force leadership. “Subsequent phases will witness the deployment of more patrol teams to additional

highways. It will also witness the integration of Information Technology systems to their operations,” he said. The police boss added that: “Already, the Force is engaging the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), with a view to securing authorised access to their Motor Vehicle License Data Base to support the crime detection functions of the Force. “The vehicles being deployed are branded for each state and highway, and they are provided with dedicated phone numbers for ease of contact by informants or citizens in distress.” Meanwhile, the IGP’s crack team deployed in Edo State, to stem the tide of cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, has arrested

a total of 109 suspected cultists. Out of the number, 11 were shown to journalists at the Force Headquarters. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, who addressed the press after presenting the suspects, accused them of playing “ignoble roles in acts of terror, vicious inter and intracult conflicts, that have led to avoidable loss of lives and destruction of property in Edo State.” However, two of the suspects, who were asked questions, denied the allegations levelled against them, as they claimed that prior to their arrest, they had helped the police in Edo State, to round-up some criminal elements.

FG signs new air pact with UK, Portugal lMedview to operate London, nine foreign routes Wole Shadare

n a bid to address the lopsidedness in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) beL-R: Managing Director/CEO, Air Peace Airline, Mrs. Toyin Olajide; Chairman, Mr. Allen Onyema and President, Independent Pan-African tween Nigeria and other Youth Support Forum (IPAYF), Comrade Obinna Sixtus Nwoke, at the presentation of award to Onyema in Lagos. countries, the Federal PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE Government has designated Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Medview, on the lucrative Lagos-Lonwhich also confirmed that text message sent to their after fuel importers began don route. Adeola Yusuf no tanker driver had load- units’ chairmen and ex- to halt importation of the This development anker drivers yes- ed petroleum products as ecutives, a copy of which commodity due to the Fed- would lead to Nigeria terday made good at 1.30 p.m, stated that the was obtained by New Tele- eral Government’s non-pay- fully reciprocating the their threat as they situation would worsen graph. pact which stipulates that ment of subsidy to them. grounded to a total halt, product scarcity in the New Telegraph gathAlthough the PTD did countries can designate loading activities in Apa- country. ered on Monday that the not state any reason for its same number of carriers The National President industrial action was ef- action in the text message, to each other’s territory. pa, Lagos and all depots While Britain desigin the South West Nigeria. of Petroleum Tanker Driv- fective. an executive of the union The depots in South ers (PTD), Chief Saliman “The tanker drivers who craved anonymity told nated Virgin Atlantic West-Lagos, Mosimi and Oladiti, said that more stuck to their words today,” this newspaper that the Airways and British AirIbadan, supply about 80 per than 6,000 trucks that a tank farm owner told this union was enraged by the ways to Nigeria with 21 cent of fuel consumed on thronged Lagos to load fuel newspaper, adding “they alleged clamp down on its frequencies, only Arik daily basis in Nigeria due based on the information grounded loading activities members and their trucks Air operates to London to inefficiency of the four by the Nigerian National in all depot in Apapa today by officials of Lagos State with a daily flight to Lonrefineries in the country. Petroleum Corporation and my fear is that if this ministry of transportation. don Heathrow Airport. Aside the London Marketers said that that it had 1.2 billion litres continues, all the filling President, NUPENG filling stations in Nigeria of fuel in stock complied stations that have supplies South West, Alhaji Tokun- route, other designated now will run out of fuel in bo Korodo, confirmed yes- routes are those in Europe may run dry of fuel in days with the strike. terday that no tanker driv- and Africa. In total, Medif the strike continues He had earlier an- a matter of days.” Nigeria has been facing er had loaded petroleum view was given 10 new while the National Union nounced plans to embark of Petroleum and Natural on the emergency indus- shortage of commodity products as at 1.30 p.m on foreign routes. The approval was Gas Workers (NUPENG), trial action through a terse for the last three months Monday.

Tanker drivers ground fuel loading in Apapa

Nigeria’s first sugarcane bio-factory begins operations T

he Federal Government, yesterday, inaugurated Nigeria’s first Sugarcane Bio-factory in Zaria as part of efforts to achieve national self-sufficiency in the nation’s sugar requirements. In a statement, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the inauguration of the one-million seed-

ling per annum capacity bio-factory was the first in the series of bio-factories to be established in the next five years, with combined capacity estimated at 12.5million cane seedlings per annum. Aganga spoke while declaring the Sugarcane Bio-factory open for operations at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,

Kaduna State. He said, “The provision of high grade and quality seedlings of sugarcane is essential for the attainment of the set goals of the National Sugar Master Plan. A bio-factory is a facility where disease-free crop seedlings are rapidly micro-propagated under controlled laboratory environment for planting

in the fields. “This facility is designed to address a critical constraint facing Nigeria’s sugar industry – timely provision of high quality and clean seeds to sugar estates and farmers across Nigeria. We expect that, in four years, five of this kind of facility would have been established across Nigeria with ca-

pacities of between 2million and 2.5million seedlings per annum each.” The minister explained that the projection in the NSMP was that at least 250,000 hectares of sugarcane fields would be required for processing in about 28 mills of varying capacities to produce 1.79 metric tons of sugar in the first phase of the Master Plan.

contained in a letter addressed to the airline management dated April 23 by the Ministry of Aviation. The letter which was signed on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, by the Deputy Director, Air Transport Management in the ministry, M.S. Noibi listed the new designated routes as: London in United Kingdom, Lisbon in Portugal, Douala in Cameroun and Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo. Other routes are: Abidjan in Cote D’Ivoire, Bamako in Mali, Monrovia in Liberia, Conakry in Guinea and Freetown in Sierra Leone. The letter, however, gave the airline deadline within which to commence operations to the affected routes or lose the right. “You are advised to comply with all the rules and regulations of the aeronautical authorities of Nigeria and the respective countries. “Also, failure to operate any of the routes mentioned above for more than six International Air Transport Association (IATA) seasons will lead to revocation of the designation in accordance with extant policy on designations,” the approval letter stated. When New Telegraph visited the airline, preparations have been set in motion by the management to put all logistics on ground for the commencement of operations to the foreign routes.

News

tuesday, may 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

Jonathan sacks NIPC executive secretary Amadi Nnamdi Abuja

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday relieved Ms. Saratu Umar, of her duties as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

This development, many believed, is not unconnected to the series of workers' protests witnessed at the commission in recent times. The sack of Umar was quickly followed by the appointment of Uju Hassan-Baba, as the new executive secretary of the commission. Hassan-Baba, who un-

til her appointment was a Director in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, will now oversee the affairs of NIPC in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive executive secretary for the commission, whose main mandate is to attract foreign direct investments. The days of Saratu

Umar, a former senior manager at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), became numbered when members of staff and unions of the commission started staging series of protests to demand her outright sack. The striking members of staff accused her of many things, among which include high

L-R: First civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Mrs. Abimbola Jakande, during Ambode’s thank you visit to Jakande in Lagos…at the weekend.

Lagos funds research with N142.2m Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Florence Oguntuase, yesterday said that the state government has disbursed N142.2 million to some universities in the country to fund research in various fields. Oguntuase made the disclosure at the first exhibition of the Lagos State Research and Development Grants (LRDG) projects organised by the Lagos State Research Development Council (LRDC) held at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos. The commissioner, who said that Governor Babatunde Fashola approved the fund to aid research and development, added that N126.2 million has been disbursed to the benefitting tertiary institutions out of the N142.2 million approved. Noting that the remaining money would be disbursed after the exhibition, she said the benefiting universities are the Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Pan African University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Caleb University, Imota-Ikorodu and Yaba College of Technology.

Senators, Reps move out belongings from N'Assembly time up!

Legislators comply with directive, move belongings out of National Assembly

Chukwu, Abuja

n compliance with the directive from the National Assembly management, some senators and members of the House of Representatives yesterday intensified effort at removing their personal items from their various offices in the legislative complex. However, prior to the official directive, members of the apex Assembly, particularly those who lost

their bid to return to the parliament in the general elections, had started packing their personal property from their offices. Meanwhile, the National Assembly management has issued a ‘procedural’ directive to the lawmakers to remove their personal belongings in order to prepare the offices for re-allocation to the members of the incoming 8th Senate. New Telegraph observed that some lawmakers brought their vehicles to carry items such as books, refrigerators, television sets, tables, chairs, rugs, portraits, computers and other electronic items. Some of the legislative aides, with the assistance of some contract staff

in charge of cleaning the complex, were busy packing their principal's belongings to the utility vehicles parked in front of the new Senate and House of Representatives' wings. Investigations by our correspondent indicate that most of the 301 House of Representatives members and the 76 senators who lost their bids to return to the two chambers in the next political dispensation, had since been removing their personal effects, after the elections. Some National Assembly workers were seen with souvenirs given to them by the lawmakers while the cleaners had a busy day, conveying loads of unwanted items to dump sites.

handedness, corruption, incompetence and subjection of staff to poor working condition. Addressing the media at one of the protests, the Vice-Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Comrade Oluwatosun Adamson Ayinde, accused her of negligence of duty. He said: “She has piles of unattended files on her table, staying for over two to three months and they were not attended to. Members of staff have endured enough hardship under her. They are made to travel with their personal money without being reimbursed,” he said. Other allegations leveled against the NIPC boss include issuing queries to over 50 members of staff in one day, furnishing her office with N30 million and arrogating power to herself. Although, Umar came out to debunk the claims, she issued a statement where she said some key directors in the agency, indicted by the recently concluded audit of the agency’s account books, were behind the protest and calls for her removal.

Umar said the audit’s findings showed that monies running into hundreds of millions of naira were misappropriated by the directors. She said it was the fear of being exposed and prosecuted that gave the directors the vent to resort to stirring up the staff of the agency to protest and ask for her removal. She also debunked the accusation of furnishing her office with N30 million as unfounded. The sacked executive secretary said some of the staff members allegedly queried by the director in charge of Human Resources, Mr. Mutawali Kukawa, were actually those found to be perpetual late comers, pointing out that no management would condone any act of indiscipline by its workers. Umar was appointed May last year to head NIPC after the tenure of Engr. Mustapha Bello. Her removal, according to some quarters, means that the panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the allegations found her guilty as charged.

Speakership: Gbajabiamila, Dogara divide North-East Reps’ caucus Philip Nyam Abuja

he speakership ambition of Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) and Chairman, House Services Committee, Hon. Yakubu Dogara (APC, Bauchi), is causing ripples in the camp of the members of the House of Representatives from the NorthEast geo-political zone. While a faction of the 48-member caucus, led by Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan had, at the weekend, claimed that 36 of its members were in support of Hon. Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno) for the speakership posi-

tion, should the position be zoned to the NorthEast. The group said if the position is ceded to the South-West, it will vote for Gbajabiamila and support Monguno to emerge as deputy speaker. But another faction led by Hon. Binta Bello (PDP, Gombe), yesterday in a counter press briefing, said 10 of them whose names were listed amongst the 36 are not part of the endorsement. The lawmaker said none of them was consulted before the announcement, adding that the list paraded by Lawan and his group was the attendance list for one of their meetings.

Xenophobic attacks: TAC cautions volunteers against local politics Philip Nyam Abuja

he Directorate of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) has charged volunteers to Rwanda on good conduct to avoid a repeat of the recent xenophobic attacks in neighbouring South Africa.

Director-General of the agency, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, gave the advice yesterday in Abuja at the send forth organised for 19 volunteers who are going on a two-year programme in the South African nation. The Director-General told the volunteers: ‘I appeal to you to be also friend-

ly in that environment. Some people believe that since you are going to offer technical assistance, you can look down on them, in your own interest do not do that because when you go somewhere and treat them well, be very certain that most human beings will reciprocate and treat you very well.”

Represented by the Director of Programmes, Dr. (Mrs.) Oladele Abiodun, the Director-General reiterated that; “You know what is going on in South Africa, we do not want a repeat of that in any other country. So the way you present yourself is the way you will be taken.” Advising the volun-

teers, who are mostly medical doctors, on how best to handle issues that might pitch them against locals, Osunyinkanmi said they should always endeavour to be in contact with desk officers at the embassy and also report difficulties to officials in their primary place of assignments.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, may 19, 2015

REDAN set to weed-out quacks — Lufadeju Yusuf Shuaib ABUJA

he Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) yesterday vowed to flush out quacks from the real estate sector of the economy to ensure the development of quality and affordable housing in Nigeria. Chairman, Membership, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of REDAN, Prince Oluseyi Lufadeju stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists on the plans to entrench professionalism in the housing sector. Lufadeju who is the Managing Director/CEO, Shelter Initiatives Ltd., lamented that quacks in the estate sector have given real estate developers a bad image through their engagement in some unwholesome practices. According to him, most of the quacks who have neither training nor experience in the profession, were either retired teachers or people from other fields of endeavors who think that having access to land is a license to become an estate developer. "This is something that needs to be addressed. Soon, we would be writing to confirm if such persons are members of the organization or not because what we have now are people carrying bags around claiming that they are builders, simply because they have access to land," he said.

Group charges Buhari to appoint women beyond party affiliation Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

group known as Women in Politics has charged the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to look beyond party affiliation in appointing women into his cabinet. The group gave the charge at a press briefing in Abuja. According to the group, Nigeria is one of the countries that have least women representation in governance. The leader of the group, Mrs. Ebere Ifendu, said the Buhari led-administration must ensure equitable representation of women in its Inauguration and Transition Committee. She said that the current spread of appointments shows the new governments posture on selection and appointment.

News

national

Nigeria, France sign pact on teaching of French Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

igeria and France have signed funding agreement for the support of the teaching of French Language in the Nigerian higher

institutions under the Nigeria French Language Project No 2014 – 15. The Project, which is valued at 500,000 euros, has a completion period of six months, beginning from the date of the signing agreement, and has three components, namely: support to the

pre-service and continuous training of teachers of French in Nigeria; the diversification of French courses in higher education; and project management. Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja yesterday, Minister of Education, Malam

Ibrahim Shekerau, who signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, said that the partnership was part of effort to transform the education sector. “In the 21st century, to be multi-lingual is an essential asset, as it helps one to operate more effectively in a society that is

L-R: Former President, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere; President, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; past President, Senator Felix Bajomo and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, at the institute’s 50th anniversary lecture and book launch, entitled “Indelible Footprints, The ICAN Story” in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Elumelu to speak on Climate Change in New York

ollowing his advocacy for entrepreneur led development for Africa at the White House and Georgetown University, African business leader and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu is billed to speak on African energy issues at the Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL) Global Advisory board meeting in New York, on May 19. The event will be co-chaired by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim. Mr. Elumelu, who is the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa and the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is on the Advisory Board of SE4ALL along with global leaders such as US Secretary of State John Kerry, and the Directors General of the UNDP and UNIDO. The initiative brings together leaders from all sectors of society to collaborate to help increase energy access and build a more prosperous and safer world. “I have a strong interest in ensuring that Africa has reliable access to power for all citizens,”

Elumelu said. “I look forward to sharing my thoughts on sustainable energy with global leaders at the SE4ALL meeting.” Following the energy meetings, Elumelu will be in Paris, France at the invitation of French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on May 20 to take part in a global business dialogue focused on influencing the agenda for the 2015 Conference of the Parties (COP 21), the leading annual negotiating summit on climate issues. Mr Elumelu, the only business leader invited from West Africa, has been invited along with an exclusive group of 40 Global Business leaders, including Jack Ma, the Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. “It is important for Africa’s private sector to be represented at high level discussions on energy and climate change. There’s still a lot to be done to increase Africans' access to energy while simultaneously mitigating the risks of climate change.

becoming more and more fraternal. It is for this reason that, as part of our goal of transforming the education sector, we endeavour to adopt a curriculum that encourages the study and mastery of other languages. This will give our graduates the opportunity of greater mobility in the international labour market,” the Minister said. Shekerau expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the French Government and French partners for their immense contributions to the development of the Nigerian education system. He said that Nigeria and France have come a long way in their relations, built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared interests, adding that this initiative will further reinforce the cordial relationship between the two countries. In his remarks, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, who signed on behalf of Government of France, commended Nigerian Government for the successful execution of the two previous projects on teaching of French. He said that this project, unlike the two previous ones, plays emphasis on the development of manpower at the higher education system.

NMA, NANS back UI on annual medical screening of students Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

he Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have described the decision of the management of the University of Ibadan to have students undergo mandatory annual screening as a laudable project that will go a long way in preventing unnecessary casualties. The University’s deci-

sion followed a protest that trailed the death of Mayowa Alaran, a 200-level student of the Department of Health Education and Human Kinetics, Faculty of Education of the institution about two weeks ago. In separate interviews with New Telegraph yesterday in Ibadan, the Chairman, NMA in Oyo State, Dr. MuideenOlatunji and the Vice Chairman of the NANS in the state, Comrade Toheed Abidemi Niniola respectively, submitted

that the annual medical screening policy, if well executed, would go a long way in determining the health status of students and keep them fit at all times, thus preventing unnecessary casualties. While maintaining that there was nothing wrong with the policy, the NMA chairman specifically remarked that the best form of health service delivery was the promotion of preventive medicine which he considered better to prevent than treating or managing.

Elections uncertainty, depressed oil price slow capital importation to $1.232.96 m — NBS Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

igh level of uncertainty in general elections, coupled with depressed oil price experienced in first quarter of 2015 has declined capital importation inflows to the country to $1.232.96 million or 31.58 per cent,according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data released

last night. The report the put total capital importation during opening quarter of the year at $2,671.59million indicating the lowest value observed over the last two years of review. On a quarterly basis, the report revealed an acceleration of downward trend observed since the fourth quarter of 2014 , with a further drop of $1,828.15 million or 40.63

per cent. On state by state capital importation ranking, Lagos State remains the destination of majority of capital imported pooling $2,646.00 million representing 99.04 per cent of the quarterly total. "Naturally, Lagos State also drove the negative growth in capital imported, declining by $1,112.07 million or 29.59 per cent from Q1 of 2014."

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

How convicts bribed their way out of prison –NDLEA

ABOVE THE LAW Several convicts have compromised the country’s justice system by bribing court and prison officials to avoid serving their jail terms Taiwo Jimoh

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday disclosed that 197 convicted drug traffickers avoided serving their sentences with connivance of court clerks and prison wardens. The NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, made the disclosure during the public destruction of 18,791.5953kg of illicit drugs at Bereko, Badagry, Lagos State. He said: “The plot was uncovered when a drug convict who ought to be in prison was re-arrested while attempting to smuggle drugs at the Kano airport. “That was how a cartel of about 197 convicted drug traffickers supposed to be serving their sentences was detected by our agency. The investigation was conducted by the police. It was confirmed that the convicts were left off the hook with the connivance of some court clerks and prison wardens.” Giade said NDLEA had no

Lilian Okafor

man almost lost his life when about 20 armed robbers invaded his house at former National Electric Power Authority Cooperative Estate (NEPASCOOP) at Olajumoke, Akute, Ogun State. The victim (name withheld) drew the ire of the robbers because he had no money at home. The angry robbers slammed

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

business taking care of an accused, once the person had been arraigned and remanded in prison custody. He added: “We discovered that the criminal act took place between the court and the prison after an accused had been sentenced.” The chairman said this was a wake-up call for stakeholders to remain sensitive and prevent any act capable of undermining the criminal justice system. “We must continue to discharge our responsibilities without compromise from the time a case is reported, to when a convict completes serving the prescribed punishment by the court,” he said. Speaking on the exhibits set ablaze, Giade said the drugs weighing 18,791.5953kg were seized by the NDLEA Lagos State Command, Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command and Seme Border Command. The drugs included 18,420.71kg of cannabis, 268.9533kg of cocaine, heroin and 101.932kg of methamphetamine/ephedrine. Giade noted that before the drugs were destroyed, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos gave the NDLEA an order to dispose and destroy them. The chairman said that illicit proceeds from smugglers were mostly used in funding acts of terrorism and insurgency, add-

The drugs on fire

ing that drug control must be given priority attention by all countries. He said: “This is a war that must be fought and won both internally and externally. Officers that contravened the regu-

lations had been appropriately sanctioned. There are no exceptions to the rule. “In serious cases of compromise, erring staff had been dismissed and in addition made to face court trial.”

While urging parents to be vigilant where their kids were concerned in case of drug abuse, Giade implored them to cultivate the habit of reporting suspected drug dealers to the nearest NDLEA office.

Robbers eat victim’s food, slam pestle on his head a pestle on the victim’s head. The Chairman of the estate, who gave his name simply as Alabi, said the robbers inflicted the injury on the man after eating his food. According to him, they apparently got angry because they did not find money in the victim’s home. “The victim was rushed to the hospital after the robbers left. If not, maybe he would have bled to death,” Alabi added. Although the incident happened a few weeks ago, many of the residents said they were yet to get over their fear. According to them, the attack was the second in the estate. On that fateful day, the robbers were said to have gained entrance into the estate by scaling the fence around 2am. They robbed for two hours without interruption, moving from one building to the other.

IGP,Solomon Arase

Before the robbers left, they had inflicted machete cuts on a man, flogged another with belt before slamming pestle on his head. The bandits had also gone to another apartment and attempted to rape a lady. Most of the residents, who spoke with our correspondents, refused to disclose their identities, for the fear of the men of

the underworld. One of them said: “After robbing a particular apartment, they would lock the family in a room. They apparently did not want them to call for help or alert other neighbours. Then they would move to another apartment. We heard they robbed four buildings.” A female resident said she was asleep while the operation lasted. She said: “It was the sound of a gunshot that woke me. Two men were injured and rushed to the hospital. They entered the apartment of a man, ate his food and slammed a pestle on his head when they did not find money. He started bleeding. They also beat him with belt. “In the case of the second man, they inflicted machete cuts on his hand. In one of the buildings, they wanted to rape

a lady, but left her when they realised she was having her menses.” Alabi said nobody notified the security guards in the estate because the clever robbers caged each robbed family in a room. They were later rescued by neighbours. According to him, after the operation, the robbers jumped through the fence and went to the neighbouring community. He said: “Two members of the gang were arrested by policemen when the gang stopped and tried to rob a woman of her valuables. The woman screamed for help. It was her shout that alerted the policemen. Others escaped, but two were not able to.” The suspects were taken to Ajuwon Police Station, Ogun State and later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Abeokuta.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Couple collects N7m for fake land deal

The couple

Juliana Francis

man and his wife have been arraigned for collecting N7 million from a victim for a nonexistent land. The couple, Mr Edmund Opara and his wife, Amarachi, were arraigned by the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday before Justice O. O. Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. However, they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the accused allegedly collected money from one Okechukwu Ogbonna to the tune of N7 million for a phony land deal situated at Federal Low Cost Housing Estate 11, Umuguma, New Owerri.

It was gathered that the said land sold to Ogbonna does not belong to the couple. Count one reads: “That you Opara Edmund Acho and Opara Amarachi on or about the 9th March, 2012 at Owerri within Owerri Judicial Division conspired between yourselves to commit an offence to wit: obtaining money by false pretence from one Okechukwu Ogbonna and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offence Act 20.” In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Ifeanyi Agwu, applied for a date for the commencement of trial but the defence counsel, Umunna Nwaorgu, orally presented a bail application and urged the court to admit his clients to bail. Oguntoyinbo adjourned the case till May 22 for hearing of the bail application. The judge also remanded the couple in prison custody.

Four policemen detained for killing pipeline guard Taiwo Jimoh

Abeokuta for further investigation. It was gathered that immediately the policemen shot and killed Mufutau, they fled the scene. In their haste to leave, they abandoned their patrol vehicle with registration No NPF 8976 C. The General Manager of Global Concept Limited, Femi Ekundayo, where the late Mufutau worked as a guard, said: “We want the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into the

our policemen have been arrested for killing one Jimoh Mufutau, a member of local security guards protecting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines at Arepo, Ogun State. The detained policemen are attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit. One of the policemen reportedly killed Mufutau at Sagamu Junction, after he ordered the victim to release seven impounded vehicles loaded with stolen fuel. Apart from Mufutau, one Temitope Odunsi also sustained bullet wound injuries from the trigger happy cop. The policemen, who were arrested on Sunday evening by the Police Command Headquarters, Iperu Road, Sagamu, were transferred to the Homicide Section of the command, Eleweran, The police van

incident. “The policeman who killed Mufutau should be made to face the full wrath of the law. I don’t know how to explain this. I cannot call this jealousy. They are certainly working for the pipeline vandals and that is not good for this country. “We have always expressed our willingness to work with the police and other security agencies, but

Two of the suspected vandals

this is not the way to cooperate with us to fight vandals.” Contacted on the phone, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Emeka Ojukwu, confirmed the incident and arrest of the policemen. Ojukwu said the matter had been brought to the attention of the police hierarchy, adding that investigation had already commenced into the killing.

City Briefs Five men plan trek to Saudi Arabia for Buhari

he craze to trek for political actors in the just-concluded general election has taken another dimension. Five persons residing in Bauchi State have disclosed plans to their plans to embark on a three-month trekking from Bauchi to Saudi Arabia in honour of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. Their announcement came after several others have trekked from one part of the country to the other in honour of Buhari, President Goodluck Jonathan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor, Muktar Yero, among others. The five persons - Dahiru Aminu, 33, Kabiru Saleh, 35, Abdullahi Hussaini, 36, Abubakar Daguma, 45 and Mohammed Yawale, 45 - said they were motivated to trek from Bauchi to Saudi Arabia because of Buhari’s victory in the March 28 presidential election. Yawale, who is the group’s secretary, said they wanted to trek to Saudi Arabia to identify with Buhari because of his persistence in the last 12 years. The secretary said Buhari had contested the presidential election on three previous times before he won in his fourth attempt. According to him, he and his colleagues are ready to sacrifice their lives for their mission.

Lagos moves against flood Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government has intensified dredging of primary channels and desilting of secondary collector drains to reduce flooding. Inspecting maintenance and cleaning works, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Ayodeji Adenekan (an engineer), expressed satisfaction over the level of works been executed. He, however, urged contractors to ensure speedy completion. According to him, ongoing works consist of massive dredging of primary channels in areas like Badagry, Ibiye, LUTH, System 1, Iju Ajuwon, Gbolagas, Gedegede, Ikota, Ibeju-Lekki, Kemberi/ Afromedia, Ojo, Mercy Eneli, Jalupon, Ijeododo, Alimosho, etc are currently being dredged to contain flooding. Adenekan added that the ongoing maintenance dredging was part of the mid-year de-flooding programme of the government. The permanent secretary also disclosed that over 100 secondary desilting works were ongoing to prevent flood. Some of the areas currently undergoing massive desilting works are Moshalshi/Egbeda, Okunola, Governor Road, Isheri/Igando, Orelope, Egbeda Akowonjo, Sasha in Alimosho area.

Anxiety in Enugu over cult clashes Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

T The suspects

ension has enveloped Enugu, the Enugu State capital, over incessant clashes between rival cult groups which have claimed several lives in the last one week. Sources said yesterday that two persons were killed on Sunday evening by the rampaging cult members. One of the victims was killed at

Secretariat Quarters while the other was killed on More House Street near Ogui Police Division in the metropolis. This is as policemen attached to Uwani Division in the state have arrested six suspected armed robbers said to have been terrorising the residents of Enugu and its environs in recent times. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Ebere Amaraizu,

yesterday gave the names of the suspects as Monday Ojah, Chibuike Duhu, Onyeka Nweke, Ibe Ifeanyichukwu, Malachy Ugo and Chinonso Eze. Giving details of the arrest of the six hoodlums, the PPRO said they were nabbed on May 12 by the operatives following a tip-off about their nefarious activities, ranging from armed robbery to cultism, among others.

12 News

Amosun sets up 49-member transition committee Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday inaugurated a 49-member transition committee to ensure a befitting second term inauguration for his administration. It comprises seven subcommittees, including media, programme content, protocol, entertainment, logistics, security and venue management. The committee, which is headed by the state Deputy Governor-elect, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, has Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, and Chief of Staff, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunde, as members. A statement issued yesterday noted that the governor will performed the inauguration at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Amosun was quoted as charging the committee members to leverage on their professional capacity to come up with a ceremony that would be a reference point. He said, "I want you to leverage on your professional capacity to ensure a befitting but not elaborate ceremony such that would be a template for the future.

Kidnapping: IGP deploys special squad in Ekiti Adesina Wahab

he Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has assured people of Ekiti of rapid response to the spate of kidnappings in the State. Arase, while playing host to the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, in his office, promised to deploy a special team into the duo of Ekiti and Kogi states within the next 48 hours to curb the

Abeokuta

undreds of residents of six communities in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State yesterday appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, to halt the proposed demolition of over 2,000 houses by the state government. The residents, who staged a protest to Amosun's office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta were drawn from Akute, Onala, Ilupeju, Unity Estate, Araromi and other communities in Agbado Oke Aro, a border area between Lagos and Ogun states. The protesters said they had come to appeal to the state government to be compassionate and shelve the demolition of the affected houses planned for today. New Telegraph learnt that the protesting residents had built houses and other property on the right of way of water pipeline, prompting the government to consequently give them seven days ulti-

stem. The IGP, who noted that the police would do everything possible to ensure that all states of the Federation were rid of people with criminal tendencies, assured the governor that Ekiti State, would soon become safe for all residents and economic activities. Governor Fayose lamented that the dimension of kidnapping in the state has assumed strange dimension, not-

ing that about eight people have been kidnapped in the last three weeks. He, therefore appealed to the IG to deploy experts especially from the headquarters, to the state to nip the menace in the bud, saying people were becoming agitated and the government is very much concerned. Meanwhile, lecturers at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti have given the state government a four day ulti-

matum to rescue their members that were kidnapped in various parts of the state or risk an indefinite strike. The lecturers, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who protested in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, decried the incessant abductions of their colleagues in recent time. They lamented that five of their members had been kidnapped at various locations in the state within the last two weeks, out of which two had been released to look for the sum of N210 million being demanded as ransom for the release of other three hostages.

L-R: One of the beneficiaries of Homeowners’ Charter 7th Edition, Ogun State, Mrs. Beatrice Chibuzor Fadiya; Ogun State Deputy Governorelect, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, at the presentation of Certificate of Occupancy to Fadiya in Abeouta…yesterday

Residents urge Amosun to halt demolition Kunle Olayeni

tuesday, may 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

south-west

matum to vacate. Spokesperson for the affected communities, Ademola Olojede, said the residents were victims of land speculators who collected huge sums of money from them 25 years ago after convincing them that the land was safe. Olojede, however, pointed out that previous governments had collected ratification fees from them in order to regularise the documents of their houses and property. But addressing the protesters, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, said a new team would visit the affected communities to ascertain how adjustments can be made. Adeoluwa, who spoke on behalf of the governor, noted that many of the houses in the communities were constructed on water pipeline. He said though the present administration was compassionate about citizens' welfare, it would not condone illegality such as building houses in unauthorised places.

Fayose chides Falana over comments Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has faulted Mr Femi Falana's claim that his government was providing cover for armed gangs to operate in the state, saying such comment was not only ridiculous but unexpected from a personality like Falana.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor lamented why the Lagos-based lawyer's statements always fall short of the truth. The governor, while reacting to a comment by Falana in a national daily that the governor was the one sponsoring armed hoodlums to operate in the state, described

Falana, as a hypocritical political merchant, who always keeps silent whenever the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was in jeopardy. He said; "Is this not hypocrisy? Why is Falana not asking the APCcontrolled states what they have done with their workers' salaries if truly he is a human rights activist as he claimed to be."

Money laundering: Aregbesola’s son seeks newspaper’s apology on front page Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he son of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Mr. Kabiru Aregbesola, yesterday described, the apology tendered by the Vanguard newspapers over news of his alleged money laudering and arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos as unacceptable, saying the retraction and apology must be published on the front page of the newspaper. Speaking through his Counsel, Mr. Bashiru Ajibola, Kabiru further demanded for fresh apology to be published in two other national newspapers within seven days, failure which would lead to legal action being taken against the company. Kabiru argued that the earlier apology was done in an obscured manner which, he said, was obviously not intended to mitigate the damage done to him. "The apology carried by the newspaper was limited to the tabloid and the defamatory publication was published both on its tabloid and on-line portal." Kabiru through his counsel however rejected the apology in totality saying, it was not directed to him, whose reputation has been injured and reduced in the eyes of the public as a money launderer. The statement added, “we are not unaware of the belated half-hearted apology in your Vanguard edition of Saturday 16th May, 2015 in an obscure location. The said apology fell short of the remedy for the damage which your publication had caused out client."

Chancellor tasks university on Gov calls for vigilance against national development house levy fraudsters Babatope Okeowo Akure

ormer Nigeria Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Oladele Akadiri, has said that moral education should be accorded prominence in the agenda of building a virile university culture in the country. Akadiri, who is the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Adekunle Ajasin University, stated this during a three-day workshop on University Culture titled "Build-

ing a University culture "organized by the institution . Akadiri said honesty and integrity must find a permanent home in the university environment urging the authorities of the university to be known as the hallmark for transparency, honesty and absolute integrity. His words "in these days of universal corruption and pervasive indiscipline in our country, moral culture ought to feature equally prominently on any agenda of building a university culture in contemporary Nigeria."

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday warned residents of the state, especially property owners, to be wary of fraudsters who go about collecting money under the guise of homeowners charter scheme. He gave the warning in Abeokuta while presenting Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents to 1,000

beneficiaries under the scheme. Amosun, who expressed concern that fraudulent people have cashed in on the homeowners charter programme, said the state government would not hesitate to deal with anybody caught circumventing the scheme. He revealed that the fraudsters even approached his mother-inlaw recently and asked her to pay cash to expedite the processing of title documents.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

May 29

National Assembly

General elections

Power tussle

APC unveils policy roadmap for Buhari

I’m fit, competent to lead the Senate, says Lawan

Impunity, greed caused PDP’s defeat –Kalu

APC, PDP battle over Rivers LG polls

Politics

Crises rock PDP, APC in Ekiti Recent happenings in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State are not pleasant. ADESINA WAHAB examines the situation

he general elections have come and gone. Despite the overwhelming victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in most parts of the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) still confirmed its superiority in Ekiti State. However, before the general elections, the APC appeared still dazed by its woeful loss in the June 21, 2014 governorship poll in the state and got fragmented into factions. The PDP, despite its success, also developed some political headaches, leading to the removal and counter-removal of the state chairman. Success they say has many relatives and failure being an orphan, shortly after last year’s gubernatorial poll, Ekiti APC got factionalised into different groups. This was as a result of the blame game by leaders and members as to what actually led to the party’s poor outing in the election. Groupings in APC Various groups such as the Ac-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Fayose

tion Group, Ekiti Network Alliance, Ekiti Restoration Group, Omoluabi, Irewolede and the Justice Forum have emerged from the APC. The Action Group consists of party stalwarts such as Senator Femi Ojudu, Dr. Bayo Orire, Chief Mrs Ronke Okusanya, a former commissioner under Fayemi among others. The spokesman for the group, Segun Dipe, while explaining the objectives of the group, said it came into being to keep the APC alive in the state. “We have saddled ourselves with the task of keeping APC alive in the state and to also engage the PDP-led government of Ayo Fayose in robust opposition. We are not going to fold our arms and watch the governor desecrate that exalted office and the state in general. “We are not cowards or ungrateful. We don’t want to be politicians that would ride on the party to public offices and later abandon it. Or people who just want to use the party to achieve an end,” Dipe said. For the Ekiti Restoration

Fayemi

Action Group, Ekiti Network Alliance, Ekiti Restoration Group, Omoluabi, Irewolede and the Justice Forum have emerged from the APC

Group (ERG), it has four outgoing members of the House of Representatives namely Bamidele Faparusi (Ekiti South Federal Constituency II), Ife Arowosoge (Ekiti South Federal Constituency I), Bimbola Daramola (Ekiti North Federal Constituency I). Daramola served as the director general of Fayemi Campaign Organisation last year. The other member is Ojo Oyetunde (Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I). Oyetunde is also an in-law to the National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Tinubu. The group called for urgent mobilisation of resources towards strengthening the party and motivating stakeholders within the party with a view to re-activating its formidable election winning machinery in the state. In a recent press statement, the group said it was out to ensure that the APC clinches the governorship election in the state come 2018. ERG reaffirmed its determination and commitment to working with all party stakeholders to address once and for all, all con-

tending issues within the party, so that the APC could bounce back to reckoning in the state. The Justice Forum, it was gathered, is led by former Governor of the Old Ondo State in the Third Republic, Chief Bamidele Olumilua. Olumilua was among party leaders who tacitly supported the ambition of Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele to contest the governorship ticket of the APC with Fayemi. When Bamidele’s move eventually led to a crisis in the party and Tinubu had to come over to Ado-Ekiti for a peace parley, Olumilua stunned Tinubu, Fayemi and other party leaders who were inside Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, when he openly accused Fayemi of arrogance and not heeding advice from others. The Irewolede group is made up of supporters of former Governor Segun Oni who defected from the PDP. Though members of the group are lying low as they don’t want to be seen as coming to take over a house they CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC unveils policy road map for Buhari Wale Elegbede

ith days to the May 29 inauguration of the All Progressives Congress-led government in the country, the in-coming ruling party is set to unveil a road map on the policy direction of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration at a two-day Policy Dialogue holding in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday. The policy dialogue with the theme: “Implementing Change: From Vision to Reality” is being organised by the Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

lTony Blair to deliver keynote address Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is the Head of the Directorate. Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Deputy Head of the Directorate and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the President-elect would declare open the dialogue which would be chaired by Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (SAN). Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has been pencilled down as the Keynote Speaker at the dialogue where input to the roadmap for the actualisation of the policies of the incoming adminis-

tration would be made by experts drawn from different fields and members of the public. Abdullahi identified the core areas of focus in the two-day dialogue to include the economy, governance, job creation and security in line with the APC manifesto for change. He added that topics for discussion include: “Improving the national economy for shared prosperity; “Repositioning agriculture for job creation and economic prosperity”; “Developing infrastructure for national development”; “Achieving sustainable reforms on

oil and gas sector”; “Reducing inequality and achieving sustainable human development”, among others. Some of the speakers and discussants expected at the dialogue include former chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ms Ifueko Omogui-Okauru; former Minister of Power, Dr. Rilwan Babalola; former Country Chair, Nigeria –Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority, Dr. Tajudeen Umar; President, International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy, Prof. Niyi Ayoola Daniels; Vice Chancel-

L-R: Bicycle riders: Somalia Mohammed; Nasiru Yau and Nuhu Ibrahim, who rode from Bauchi to Sokoto in nine days to congratulate the Governor-elect, Aminu Tambuwal, in Sokoto …yesterday

lor Federal University, Otuoke, Prof. Bolaji Aluko; Resident Representative UNFPA, Ghana, Mr. Tunde Ahonsi; and MajorGeneral Ishola Williams

(rtd), amomg other dignitaries. The event will also mark the winding down of activities of the Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Campaign Council, Abdullahi added.

Group sues for peace over Abia guber petition Felix Nwaneri

s legal fireworks begin at the Abia Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), a nongovernmental organisation, has admonished the people of the state to remain calm pending the determination of the suit. The South-East chairman of the group, Mr. Chima Anyaso, who made the call during an interaction with journalists in Lagos, advised Abians to trust the judicial process and be prepared to accept its outcome. The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the election, Dr. Alex Otti, who is challenging the victory of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed that he won the poll, which was concluded with a supplementary poll on April 25. Anyaso, who said the legal tussle would have been avoided if there was a level playing ground during the poll, urged the people of the state to see the suit as part of the electoral process and be ready

to accept its outcome. “Abians, irrespective of political leaning should remain calm and believe in the judiciary. There is nothing to be afraid of in the matter as we believe that the judiciary will ensure justice at the end of the day. We also appeal to all parties in the matter to accept the outcome of the suit,” he said. He recalled efforts made by his group in sensitising the people before, during and after the election, adding: “Now that the matter is in court, we advise all interested parties to sheath their swords, advice their supporters to remain calm and wait for the decision of the tribunal.” He disclosed that his organisation volunteered to independently monitor the elections in the SouthEast and would be willing to appear before the tribunal should it be called upon to give evidence in the Abia governorship petition. Absolving NYPF of partisan politics, Anyaso emphasized that the group did not endorse any of the candidates in the last elections.

I’m fit, competent to lead the Senate, says Lawan Wale Elegbede

s the race for the Senate Presidency for the in-coming eight Assembly gathers steam, the lawmaker representing Yobe North on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has stated that he is fit and competent to succeed out-going Senate President David Mark. The ranking senator, who has been in the National Assembly since 1999, said the North-East would have a sense of belonging if the zone is allowed to fill the slot of the Senate Presidency in the next dispensation. He said: “I have what it takes to be the President of the Senate. Coming from the North-East is also an advantage. The North-East has gone

through severe troubles; it has been ravaged and marginalised. The Senate Presidency will bring back the North-East to Nigeria. At a time, we were taken out of Nigeria by Boko Haram, which declared a Sultanate.” While unveiling his vision for the Senate, Lawan, who holds a doctorate degree in Geographical Information Science, said: “I want to provide a 21st century Senate Presidency; a leadership that will ensure that we have a bi-partisan approach to legislative business. I will bring incorruptibility and credibility to the administration. General Muhammadu Buhari was elected based on three issues – anti-corruption, fight against insurgency and economic revival. I can complement the anti-corruption stance of the President.

“Nigeria needs a serious anti-corruption fight. If we don’t fight corruption, the resources will go into private pockets. We need to block leakages. My public accounts background will be of help. The judicious financial management of our resources is a priority. We are coming to power at a time of dwindling resources. Those who pillage the treasury will have to be brought to book.” While noting that public expectation about the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari is high, he said the country deserved a Senate President who can assist the next President to accomplish his roadmaps in anti-corruption, economic revival and security. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts said he

has acquired experience in the National Assembly in the last 16 years as a member of the House of Representatives for eight years and senator for another eight years before his recent re-election into the Upper Chamber. Lawan ruled out the possibility of emerging as a rubber-stamp Senate President, stating that he would only be a partner in progress with the executive in an atmosphere of cooperative governance. The lawmaker maintained that he is qualified to serve as the Senate President because he has the pedigree, competence and experience. He said: “I have worked in the two chambers. I know the sentiments, tendencies, and sensibilities of the two Houses. The 16 years of experience have enabled me to work with

three Speakers – Salisu Buhari, Salisu, Ghali Na’Abba and Aminu Masari. I have learned to be a team player. I like to work on the basis of consensus. This is required to build a bridge of understanding among political parties in the National Assembly. Good governance must be supported by the National Assembly. There must be service delivery. The 20 per cent capital expenditure and 70 per cent recurrent expenditure ratio is not acceptable to Nigerians. We must balance the budget and reduce recurrent expenditure to have a pro-people budget. “We need to enforce our oversight functions. We should have statutory or mandatory period for oversight for every committee to go and monitor the usage of funds allocated to all sectors. This

will curb embezzlement. We need a Senate that is focused. We need a propoor Senate leadership.” On zoning, Lawan said it is up to the APC leadership to decide, adding that the North-East will also try to convince the party to zone the slot to the region. On his chances, Lawan said the endorsement of North-West and SouthWest APC Senate caucuses has brighten his chances, adding that he also has a good rapport with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from other zones. The senator rejected the notion that he was being sponsored by the President-elect and the APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu. Lawan, however, said that their backing is crucial because they are respected leaders of the party.

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Kalu

Wale Elegbede

ormer Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the just-concluded general elections because of greed and impunity. Speaking yesterday on a live programme, View From The Top on Channels Television, Kalu said he remains the elected senator of Abia North from the March 28 National Assembly elections, adding that his people are solidly behind him to retrieve his stolen mandate. He said: “PDP is bound to lose the election because the people there were very greedy, there is impunity, people felt they are little gods and when you feel that the Almighty is no longer God that you are the new ‘God’, then you are bound to fail and that is what happened. The party felt anything money can buy then they can buy it.” Answering questions on his quest to retrieve his mandate, Kalu said: “The lawyers are in court as I am speaking to you and it wasn’t only me stating it that the result was tampered with. “You can also see what the Returning Officer said that he wasn’t the one who called the result but the result was thoroughly tampered with. I give God the glory that we are alive to talk about it. “I won the election squarely. If there is election in the South-East, apart from the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, there is no Igbo man living today that can pull the crowd I pull and that the poor Igbo people trusted like they trust me in speaking for them, in speaking for unity of the country and in speaking generally.” Explaining why he formed the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2007, he stated that, “I am one of the steadfast politicians. I never wanted to do PPA. What brought PPA was because former

Impunity, greed caused PDP’s defeat –Kalu

lI won Abia North Senatorial election, ex-gov insists President Olusegun Obasanjo deregistered most of us in PDP when the third term issue came up and that is the truth. “He (Obasanjo) is a statesman I respect and have good thoughts about but you don’t treat people the way he treated us. We fought for him and were there for him when he needed us the most but in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean he capsized the ship. So, I hold no bitterness against him but things must, I believe, be properly done and it was in the process of doing that that we decided to float the PPA.” Describing the current change of leadership in the country as a premeditated effort, he said: “What you saw happened today in the country was planned by me and Bola Tinubu; he is alive and you can ask him. He planned to go with the Action Congress (AC) and I planned to go with the PPA and we said at the same time we will come back to the centre stage. “But my brothers, the two governors we had from South-East in PPA were not as forthright as Babatunde Fashola. There was only one governor in the South-West then which is Fashola until they got the rest.” Dismissing insinuation that the Igbo played a politics of naivety by putting all their eggs in one basket of the PDP, the astute businessman said the votes churned out for the PDP in the South-East were rigged because there are interest about some states from the Presidency.

PDP is bound to lose the election because the people there were very greedy

“In the presidential election, the result they showed in Abia did not reflect the voting pattern of the people. In Aba, I can tell President Goodluck Jonathan that he did not win election there; APC won but when I saw the election result it was a different thing. The people were angry because of the attitude of the governor, T.A. Orji and the occasional interference of the wife of the president, Patience, into our state.” While noting that he did not regret installing Governor Orji of Abia State, he noted that Abia people are very bitter with him. Explaining why he continues to participate in politics despite flourishing businesses all over the world, Kalu said his forthrightness is needed to move Nigeria forward, adding that he cannot stop politics because his tribe and Nigeria need someone who speaks the truth like him. “In the next four to eight years, I would be working on a project to do six-year of one term, we might start with Buhari. Look at the amount spent on politics in the name of running for re-election of the president. Look at the amount of time and this economy nearly collapsed because people are seeking re-election. “My immediate task is to talk about six-year of one term and it might start with Buhari. My non-governmental organisation (NGO), Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, has stepped out and we are going to confer with some people from the North on who is going

to be the Chief Executive Officer. We are going to float private bills to ensure that we extend the tenure of the president to one term of six years because the country cannot afford pouring billions of naira on re-elections that means nothing to us.” Orji noted that the only mistake he made while serving as governor of Abia State was the annihilation of the elite in his programmes as governor. “The only mistake I made was ignoring the elites. I was only thinking about the masses on the streets and not the comfort zone of the elites. The greatest mistake I made was ignoring the elites. I would have formed a committee comprising the elites to bring them on board,” he stated. Putting the record straight on circumstances surrounding his decision not to go back to the University of Maiduguri where he was expelled alongside others but later recalled, he said: “I did not drop out of the University. I was the President of the Students Union’s Caretaker Committee, I was in the 400 level and I had only two papers left when that problem happened. I was called back by the University authorities. I had just two courses to write in the final year. I was called back and some people were not called back. I cannot betray anybody. I felt since the other leaders that were called back did not go back, why should I go back. I cannot betray anybody in my life, if I stand with you, I stand with you.”

16 Politics

Ojudu

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daramola

Olatunde

Parties no longer at ease in Ekiti C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

recently moved into, the appointment of Oni as Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, pointed to the fact that they were favoured by top leaders of the party. This is because there is another former governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who could have been given that position. Adebayo and his supporters make up the Omoluabi Group in the APC. Certainly, one fact that can be deduced from the aims of these different groups is that they are all involved in the power game of controlling the machinery of the party in the state. The development contributed to the dismal performance of the party in the recent general elections, as there were accusations and counter-accusations that funds meant for mobilisation during the polls only got to a few hands. The money, was therefore, not well circulated among party members, as the few people who were mobilised only reached out to people in their respective caucuses. With the victory of the APC presidential candidate in the March 28 election, General Buhari, the battle for supremacy among the contending factions became intense. This is because of the jostling for the expected patronage from the Federal Government in terms of appointments and others. For instance, it is believed that whoever among the party leaders is picked as minister from the state may influence the choice of people to fill other slots in agencies and other federal bodies. Just recently, an article in a national daily by somebody perceived as close to Tinubu, Segun Ayobolu, sparked off another round of controversy. Ayobolu, who took a swipe at Fayemi, for trying to play nation-

al politics without commensurate acceptance at the local level, canvassed the nomination of a real politician cum technocrat as the minister from the state. The battle for supremacy in the APC is also affecting the move by the party’s 19 members in the House of Assembly to impeach Governor Ayo Fayose. Despite the public show of oneness, keen observers of happenings in Ekiti APC know that there is a battle for the soul of the party going on between Fayemi, Oni, Adebayo, Bamidele, Ojudu among others. The situation may be exacerbated when Buhari makes his choice of a minister from the state from among the leaders.

The PDP crisis For the PDP, it initially started as a rumour that the acting state chairman, Chief Idowu Faleye, was having issues with the state secretary, Dr. Tope Aluko, but both later said there was no rift. Not quite a week after, the bubble burst, as the state vice chairman (North), Mr Olatunde Olatunde, announced at a press briefing that the State Working Committee (SWC) had removed Faleye and appointed him in his stead. He levelled allegations of incompetence, improper appointment into office among others against Faleye. “When we had our state congress in March 2012 during which the SWC led by Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe was elected into office, Faleye was in the Labour Party. After the elevation of Ogundipe to the position of National Vice Chairman (SouthWest), Faleye was asked to lead the party in acting capacity. “Since then, he never called any meeting of the SWC not to talk of the State Executive Committee. His appointment was not ratified at any level and he is not fit to lead our party.

“When we found out all these anomalies, we decided to right the wrong. We won’t allow anything that is against the constitution of our great party to continue to happen in the party,” he said.

I am the State Chairman, Faleye remains suspended. The body of elders has no place in our party’s constitution

PDP chair fights back Faleye, in company with elders of the party such as a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Clement Awoyelu, former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Paul Alabi, faulted Olatunde’s claim. He said: “They were asking that I pay them accumulated honorarium to the tune of over N11.2 million and I told them that the party does not have that kind of money now and said I would have to get to the leaders of the party to seek the way out, but they were adamant. It is a lie that my position was not confirmed by the leadership of the party. “The state secretary wrote the appropriate letter to Abuja about the matter and he got the necessary reply. I remain the authentic state chairman of the PDP in Ekiti.” Few days later, the PDP Elders’ Forum said it was “absolutely wrong and unexpected” of Olatunde to have declared himself chairman after a meeting held with the aggrieved members where it was resolved that the matter would be resolved amicably. While passing a vote of confidence on the Faleye-led executive, the Elders’ Forum warned Olatunde-led faction to tread softly and avoid anything that could witch-hunt the “legally installed party chairman.” While admitting that the bone of contention was the controversial N11.2 million unpaid honorarium to the SWC members, the elders promised to meet Fayose on the need to assist the party financially. They agreed with Faleye that

the governor, as the leader of the party, should be briefed on all activities of the party, including its financial matters. Factional chair remains adamant In his reaction, Olatunde said the body of elders had no “locus standi” in the PDP constitution, adding that there was no going back on Faleye’s removal. He said: “I am the state chairman, Faleye remains suspended. The body of elders has no place in our party’s constitution. It is only the SWC that can give the elders assignment to do and they have not been given any.” Root cause of PDP crisis The crisis in the PDP is mainly about non-patronage of party leaders and executive members by Fayose. It was gathered that since November last year, the honorarium of SWC members have not been paid. Also, few political appointments have been made so far by Fayose and the patience of many members is running out. Though Fayose has set up a committee on appointment into public offices, until the people are given their appointment letters, many may not be convinced that they have any stake in the administration. Fayose had earlier promised to fill vacant slots after the general elections, (he is currently running the government with three commissioners and few advisers), but a month after the elections, party leaders are asking what is happening. The APC even issued a statement accusing Fayose of playing on people’s intelligence with his appointment committee. If Fayose does not handle the crisis in the PDP in a matured and amicable manner, he risks a ‘civil war’ in the party and that, with his ongoing battle with the opposition APC, is not what a calculating politician should ask for now.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

APC, PDP battle over Rivers LG polls The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State are locked in battle over the conduct of local government poll, six days to the May 29 handover date. EMMANUEL MASHA, in Port Harcourt, reports on the unfolding scenario

rom the way things stand, there is nothing stopping the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting local government election on Saturday, May 23; exactly six days before Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi hands over to his former Chief of Staff, and now Governorelect, Barr. Nyesom Wike. Before now, the crisis in the state, which has led to countless deaths, and attracted the interest of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as well as the police, revolved around the just-concluded general elections. Before and during the elections, some lives were lost, with both parties making claims and counter-claims. On the day of the presidential election, a soldier was killed, while cases of violence were recorded in some places. On the day of the governorship election, there was another round of violence in some places where electoral violence on election day has become a tradition. In one place, a man was beheaded by suspected political thugs, while a few others were killed and place in other incidents. Now that the election has ended, and candidates and parties are piling their evidence to back their claims at the tribunal, the looming crisis over the conduct of the council election, could surpass the damage on ground if the two main political parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decide to lock horns, rather than allow the state’s interest to override their ambitions. While the APC-led government wants council elections to hold, the PDP strongly opposes it. For APC, there is nothing to fear about a mere council election because if the heavens did not fall during the presidential and National Assembly elections, and the governorship/assembly elections, a mere local election should not be an issue. The party also feels that if indeed the PDP is popular as it claims, it should not nurse any fear in testing its popularity at the grassroots.

Amaechi

Wike

Obuah

Ibiamu

APC says it wants to prove that the PDP manipulated the last general elections, and backs RSIEC’s bid to organise council elections, not because the electoral body would manipulate the election in its favour, but feels that it is more popular than the PDP. But the PDP, alleges that members of RSIEC are card-carrying members of APC. For that reason, it does not have faith in the body. The PDP finds it puzzling that Amaechi found it normal to run the councils through caretaker committees, headed by chairmen, for almost two years now; but wants election to hold less than one week before he hands over to Wike. The party equally feels that it has nothing to fear in a council election, having demonstrated its popularity at the previous elections. The PDP insists that Amaechi wants to impose his loyalists as council chairmen in order to maintain some level of influence in the state irrespective of the role he gets in the coming government of Major General Muhammadu

The plan... is a deliberate ploy by the APC-led government of Rotimi Amaechi and RSIEC to loot the state’s treasury

Buhari. It is very difficult not to link the local government to the crisis rocking Rivers State, because it is all started from there. In April 2013, the outgoing state lawmakers suspended Hon. Timothy Nsirim, the chairman of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area for alleged breach of security. The House also suspended his deputy, Mr. Solomon Eke, and removed temporarily 17 councillors, and ordered that the council account be frozen immediately. Nsirim was suspended based on a petition from Obio/Akpor stakeholders led by one Amadi Echeonwu, who alleged that Nsirim spent public funds recklessly without due process. Soon, crises erupted in the House as some lawmakers kicked against the suspension, alleging that Nsirim was being witch-hunted by the governor for refusing to be part of the New PDP, which was later declared illegal by the court. It will be recalled that the crisis in Obio/Akpor was the first major sign that things had fallen

apart between Amaechi and Wike, considering that the lawmakers who stood against Nsirim’s suspension were the ones who later spearheaded a failed impeachment move against Amaechi. What some did not know was that politicians in the state had started plotting the graph for 2015, as the relationship between Amaechi and Wike further deteriorated. The first real sign of crisis was the change in the leadership structure of the PDP, from Amaechi’s grip to Wike as Felix Obuah took over from Chief Godspower Ake after a court in Abuja ruled against his emergence as PDP chairman. In an interview after his suspension, Nsirim, the former Obioo/Akpor council boss said that he was suspended by the House on the order of Amaechi, because he refused to dump the PDP with him. “The problem I have with Amaechi is that he wants me to leave my brother, Chief Barrister E.N Wike, the Minister of State for CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Soyinka: Between creativity and platitudes (2) Ethelbert Okere C O N T I N U E D F R O M Y E S T E R D AY

y advice to the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB), is that he should be very mindful of the antics of elements like Soyinka who, as he has just confessed, can work for two contending sides at the same time. More important, GMB (by the way, what title is the Presidentelect going to take – General, Alhaji or Mallam?) should be mindful of the likes of Soyinka who have become preoccupied with fanning the amber of ethnic hatred rather than write more literature. As I noted in an earlier article – Igbo Did Not Make A Mistake On 2015 – GMB should have nothing to do with anybody, including Igbo themselves, who would remind him that some sections of the country did not vote for him. It is blackmail on him not even on the Igbo. As I noted in that article, all the talked about the Igbo lacking in vision and which made them not support the Buhari

(APC) project is bunkum. As far as I am concerned, the decision to support Jonathan more than they did for Buhari is in itself a vision; so that even as it did not go the way they had envisaged, I think the Igbo have what it takes to face whatever consequences. It is not for the likes of Soyinka to abuse the Igbo the way he did in his infamous lecture in America. As has been seen since after the election, Igbo have shown that they have nothing against Buhari. They have accepted his ascendancy as President of their country and contrary to insinuations by Soyinka and his ilk, Buhari will soon discover that his strongest supporters will be the Igbo when the chips are down. General Buhari is, of course, in a better position to know that Soyinka represents a tendency that is intolerant of contending ideas, and which has refused to get used to the nuances of a plural society like Nigeria. If what was reported in the media was indeed what Professor Soyinka said about the Igbo on the 2015 election, then I dare say that the gains of the past 16 years of democracy have been wiped away; and that Nigeria has been taken 45 years back. Said Soyinka in his lec-

ture: “Igbo remained unrepentant and resolute towards their strategic objective of secession at worst or a Nigerian president of Igbo extradition at best”. Habba! Igbo “unrepentant” on secession in 2015? Was the script written for Soyinka? Or to put it in the Nigerian parlance, how much was he paid to make such an allegation? Was Soyinka hearing of the clamour for president of Igbo extraction for the first time? And pray, did not his ethnic group, the Yoruba, clamour for a president of Yoruba extraction in 1998/99, to the extent that the only two political parties that contested the presidential election in 1998/99 fielded only Yoruba – Olusegun Obasanjo, (PDP) and Olu Falae (APP)? Soyinka showed his lack of grasp of Nigerian issues when he said at the ‘lecture’ attended by, I am sure, those versed in both historical and contemporary Nigeria Issues thus: “The climax of MASSOB’s war against the Nigerian state was the call for sit-ins and civil disobedience that shut down markets and public services as Igbo stayed at home in a symbolic gesture to assert Biafran Independence. The call was honoured by governors in the two principal Igbo

states though without fanfare”. What a blatant disinformation to the world by one of Africa's ‘best’. One, what date did MASSOB wage the “war against the Nigerian state”? Two, what date did it (MASSOB) agitate for Biafran independence? By Soyinka’s own admission, the call for sit-ins was a mere “symbolic gesture”. So, how does he want the world to compare that symbolic (peaceful) gesture to Boko Haram insurgency in the North that has destroyed thousands of lives and the militancy in the Niger Delta that destroys the economic life wire of the country? Soyinka said only two governors in the Igbo states attended the sit-in saga he so absent-mindedly narrated. There are five Igbo states, why did only two governors attend if the Igbo were waging a “war against the Nigerian state…”, as he claimed. Because the professor sounded so ordinary in his lecture, let me summarize this article also in an ordinary street language that is now in vogue in Nigeria: Soyinka why, Soyinka?!!. Concluded • Okere (etmensa59@gmail.com), sent in this piece from Lagos.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Amaechi no longer dances alanta? WHEN Governor Chibuike Amaechi put protocol aside and did alanta dance to the admiration of the unsuspecting crowd whilst the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) acting National Chairman, Dr. Bello Mohammed in 2011, handed him with the party's flag to fly in the April 26 of that year’s election, he never believed that a day would come when somebody like Barr Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike would pinch the show of the alanta dance. Just as Amaechi is deafening our ears today, saying that over his dead body would Wike rule Rivers State or is it succeed him, so also he kept deaf ear when the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Rivers State said that the April 9 2011 National Assembly (NASS) elections in the state were marred by massive electoral fraud, and called for the cancellation. Amaechi’s men were declared winners of all the elective positions in that year, just as Wike’s men were declared winners of the elective positions in 2015, in Rivers State.

They say, what goes around, comes around. Even though that Wike may not be a better option for Rivers State, it behoves on all residents of Rivers State to advise Amaechi to cover his face in disgrace and stop crying foul. He is no longer dancing alanta because he feels that someone who knows the game better than he had thought he knew outsmarted him and took the trophy. It is a joyous thing today that Amaechi has seen how it pains when humiliated. He has seen that the socalled power of incumbency no longer plays a major role in Nigerian politics; unlike in 2011 when it guaranteed the incumbent Amaechi to‘re-elect' himself into office, even when the electorates did not actually want to elect him. In the 2011 election in Rivers State, the APGA, shortly after the NASS election, fingered certain individuals that allegedly perpetrated irregularities and violated electoral laws during the elections. •Odimegwu Onwumere, Port-Harcourt

Chukwumerije: A tribute ONE must give kudos to the contributions of comrade Uche Chukwumerije’s robust journalism practice, Public service and good governance in Nigeria. Comrade Uche came, he saw and conquered. He left a legacy of professionalism and ethical conduct by abstaining from all appearance of evil. Always clad in his comrade Marxist attire from Adam, he was an Igbo nationalist with friends across Nigeria who explored realities and logics for political constructs. My path never crossed his until he became the national publicity secretary of Peoples Redemption Party PRP of the late political sage, Aminu Kano. I knew of his student union activities at the University of Ibadan where he graduated in 1961 the very year I started work as a cub reporter on the Nigerian Tribune at Ibadan. Comrade Uche after graduation moved to the Daily Times features desk at Kakawa street where he dished out Marxist ideas. 1963 Western region crisis of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Action Group

Leader and Chief S.L.A Akintola- then premier of the Region which began with Justice Coker public enquiry and subsequent treasonable felony trial made me to join the Daily Sketch as a pioneer staff reporter because during the trials, source of money to sponsor Tribune dried up by the stoppage of fund from Western Nigeria Development Corporation WNDC to finance the Newspaper. Salaries of workers were not paid. Most of its editorial staff were later employed by the Ministry of Information under Alhaji Ade Thanni including my humble self and were taken to Lagos Investment House where the Daily Sketch started publishing in 1964. The Daily Times at Kakawa Street was contracted to print the Sketch. There I met comrade Uche on the features desk of Daily Times. Staff of both companies interacted particularly those in the editorial. On the Sketch we had Remi Ilori, Goke Ajiboye, Kayode Awe, Dosu Oyelude, Philip Adedeji, Kola Adebayo, Tokunbo Fashogbon, Peter Ajayi, Eddy Obasa with Chief Olu Akinsoroju. • Ajayi Memaiyetan, Kano.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day LAST Sunday May 17, the global community celebrated the 2015 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). In November 2006, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during its plenipotentiary conference held in Antalya, Turkey decided to celebrate both the World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day collectively on a day instead of celebrating them separately or individually; on that note, they called on the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare May 17 of every year as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. May 17 was chosen owing to the fact that it marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is aimed at raising awareness on the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can yield powerful

societies and economies, and also help to bridge the digital divide. Telecommunication can be defined as the science and activity of sending signals and messages over a long distance, by the use of electronic or electrical equipment such as radio, television, telegraph, telephone, computer, cable, and satellite. The word/term is often used in its plural form – telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies. Telecommunication occurs when the exchange of information between two entities includes the use of technology. Communication technology uses channels to transmit information as electrical signals, either over a physical medium such as signal cables, or in the form of electromagnetic waves. Ancient means of communicating over a distance included visual signals namely, beacons, smoke signals, semaphore telegraphs, signal flags and optical heliographs. A revolution in wireless communication began in the first decade of the 20th century. •Fred Nwaozor, Owerri

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

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Still on South Africa's xenophobic attacks

ecently, South Africa was gripped by a wave a violence in which some citizens of that country launched attacks on foreign nationals and destroyed their businesses. It is called xenophobic attacks and is borne out of a deep rooted hatred and fear for strangers. It has gradually become a regular feature in South Africa since the end of apartheid about three decades ago. Unfortunately, the attacks are usually perpetrated by black South Africans against fellow Africans from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Mozambique, Kenya and other countries. The sole motive of these attacks is to kick out these foreigners whom the South Africans believe have taken over their jobs and become a negative influence on the country. Most migrants are perceived as either oppressors or common criminals on the streets of South Africa. Several Nigerians living in South Africa have been wounded in these attacks; their shops looted and properties set ablaze. The total loss is estimated to be about 1.2 million Rand or N21 million. For a nation whose citizens were once victims of the worst form of racial discrimination on account of the colour of their skin, it is absurd that South Africans are now the ones discriminating against other Africans. Curiously, research has shown that there might be some misconceptions

It is very sad that these unfortunate incidents have been remotely linked to the utterances by some tribal and political leaders in South Africa about the size of the migrant community in South Africa and their impact on the labour market. Much of the attacks seem to have been based on unfounded rumours about how the natives have been rendered jobless and poor by the migrants who live and do business in South Africa. It is very sad that these unfortunate incidents have been remotely linked to the utterances by some tribal and political leaders in South Africa. Such negative utterances that tend to incite the natives against migrants is a negation of the African Charter and the lofty goals of the African Union. We therefore call on the President Jacob Zuma and the African National Congress (ANC) to take full responsibility of the situation. They must take practical steps to stem the tide of violence and guarantee the

safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other nationals living in South Africa. . We enjoin all well-meaning world leaders to condemn this disgraceful attacks on migrants as they portend grave dangers to the unity and economic integration among African countries. Africans and indeed all citizens of the world must be allowed to visit, live or work in any part of the continent without fear of discrimination as long as they possess the statutory requirements of entering the country. We appreciate the level of restraint exercised by the Nigerian government in the face of the clamour in some quarters for retaliation which could have in turn provoked a bitter diplomatic row between us and South Africa. However, we urge our President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the incoming government enthroned a new economic order that would create millions of jobs for Nigerians in Nigeria thereby reducing the number of our citizens traveling to South Africa to earn a living. As Africa's largest economy, Nigeria must demonstrate that she has the capacity to cater for its citizens instead of making them economic refugees and easy preys to xenophobes in other countries. No word will be too strong in condemning the Zulu King who instigated the attacks in the first place. In the 1990s, it was Black on Black violence involving Zulu and Xhosa. As we condemn South Africa, Nigerians should also look at themselves in the face. What

irritates us must also not be played out in our country. It is a free world even if many did not want to accept it. No man is an island. No country lives in isolation. Driving others shows an alarming sense of insecurity. It is unAfrican to maltrat your guests, for no non-South African sees himself as host, from Pretoria to Durban. And many of them have valid Immigration papers. We must also not lose sight of the fact that the same people who are attacking fellow Africans, have many of their compatriots elswhere doing business and earning money. Gen. Buhari must indeed show Africa and the World that Nigerians are not going to be sacrificed on the ground of our Afro-centric foreign policy.

It is a free world even if many did not want to accept it. No man is an island. No country lives in isolation. Driving others shows an alarming sense of insecurity

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Politics

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC, PDP battle over Rivers LG polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Education to join them. But I cannot leave my brother. He is my biological brother. The governor, because of this, has suspended me,” he had said. Presently, the planned council election has pitched the chairmen of the PDP, Obuah and APC counterpart, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya. While Obuah has pointed out that the decision by RSIEC to conduct council election on May 23, as “undemocratic, provoca-

tive and illegal,” Ikanya of APC said the election was “long overdue” and that the PDP was only afraid of losing the election because of its unpopularity. Obuah argued that RSIEC should have given the parties 90 days’ notice before the election, according to the law in order for them to make preparations. He also noted that the state government intends to use the election to cause crisis in the state, because the election was unnecessary at

this point in time. He said: “The so-called Governor Amaechi’s announcement to that effect is rather a wishful thinking, because it is illegal, and he knows it. It is not only illegal, but retrogressive, provocative and a colossal waste of the state’s resources. “We will challenge the illegality in the court, and we will stop it there. Amaechi has always taken our people for a ride, ruling the state like his own private estate. He has no respect for the rule of

law, but we will floor him at the floor of the courtroom.” But Ikanya, who noted that all the political parties had long been informed by the RSIEC and had expressed readiness for the election, said that the PDP was merely afraid of losing the election. He said: “The PDP is not popular in the state, which is why they are jittery. If they are on ground as they claim, let them come and test their popularity.

“We cleared the polls in the elections, but for the connivance of the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dame Gesila Khan, with PDP.” “The RSIEC under Prof. Austin Ahiazu has the capacity to conduct free, fair and credible election, and we urge all Rivers people and political parties to support the election.” A few days ago, Ikanya alleged that the PDP has

hatched a plan to assassinate APC members because of Amaechi’s resolve to ensure that council election take place. He said the party was yet to recover from the killings of members during the general elections, and was not ready for a fresh round of killing. The PDP, which went to court and secured a judgement against the conduct of the election, has urged RSIEC not to proceed with it, warning that its conduct would amount to disrespecting a court of competent jurisdiction. “The plan to hurriedly hold the election without recourse to the law is a deliberate ploy by the APCled government of Rotimi Amaechi and RSIEC to loot the state’s treasury,” the party said. Based on the positions of both parties on the general elections and the planned council polls, it is clear that while the PDP is at peace with INEC, it is uncomfortable with RSIEC. For APC, the major cause of its unimpressive performance in the general elections was INEC, but the party still remains confident of winning the council polls with the RSIEC. APC has accused INEC of refusing to release some vital documents it needs to make a strong case at the tribunal, which is sitting in Abuja. Ikanya, and the governorship candidate of APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, have faulted the approach of the REC, Khan, accusing her of not cooperating with the party in providing needed documents. They also alleged that the party’s lawyer was beaten up on the order of a top public official. “They have released only one of the documents that we requested for, despite appeals from various quarters, and petitions to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. They know that our petition has timeline,” Peterside said. But Khan has denied the allegation, accusing the APC of lying. “The parties and candidates send their lawyers to come and collect the same documents from us, thereby complicating our duties,” she said. Similarly, RSIEC has denied receiving any court order restraining it from conducting the election, stating that 27 registered political parties have shown interest in the election. The party also dismissed PDP’s allegation that most of its members are registered APC members.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY MAY 19, 2015

Arts

Tony Okuyeme

ot even the heavy traffic along Ikorodu road leading to Apapa this bright Wednesday afternoon, having spent hours in the traffic, could dampen the mood of the Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Mr. Akin Adejuwon, as he explains the socio-cultural and economic benefits of the troupe’s recent trips to Egypt. “I will say that except for finances, that tour to Egypt and Brazil was fruitful; they were so rewarding,” he says, upbeat of the gains of the trips, and its cultural implications. “While we are trying to get our local audience, Nigerians informed about the role of the performing arts in national development by bringing to their awareness what the National Troupe represents, we need also to engage ourselves with the other part of our role which is being Nigeria’s cultural face to friendly foreign nations. “Therefore, when we had the opportunity through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, to go and represent Nigeria at the third Conference of the Drums in Egypt organised by a private organisation and the government of Egypt, we were obliged though circumstances really were counter to our attending. The major one was funding,” Adejuwon said, noting however, that because the idea was muted by the ministry and they were thought to be the most appropriate organisation to represent Nigeria, he thought whatever it takes they have to go. He said, “We did all kinds of gymnastics, financial and otherwise, and got ourselves aboard the aircraft to Egypt. We got to Egypt and discovered that it would have been a big miss for us if we hadn’t attended. The Troupe gave a very good account of itself. We discovered at the opening that we were the only sub-Sahara Africa representative present.

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

CULTURE

Gains of our trip to Egypt, Brazil, by Adejuwon

National Troupe in performance

Most participants were from Europe and the Americas. As usual, our performance was energetic, so African and powerful that on the opening, we were virtually drafted to be carrier of the anthem because there was an anthem which involved beating of very heavy drums. “We took a lot of drums and very colourful costumes that we kind of stole the show and without us asking for it, the organisers arranged some extra performances for us outside Cairo which was not included in our itinerary. By the second to the last day, I had gone over to Brazil but there was such frantic effort to get the National Troupe of Nigeria to extend their stay so that they would be able to perform for the President on the closing day. “Sadly, the closing day happened to be the day we were booked to return and it was such a frantic communication between me and the organisers in Egypt. They volunteered to pay for the extension; give us extension of stay and accommodation for three extra days but because I had left and the communication was bad, that fell through. It really was a wonderful, exhilarating stay in Egypt and they are looking forward to having us back. And sincerely, I’m looking forward to going back to Egypt because as you know, Egypt is a very historical place and in things of arts and artefacts; vi-

sual and performative, we share a lot of similarities.” Adejuwon also spoke on the benefits of his trip to Brazil and what Nigeria stands to gain from it. According to him, “the Brazilian trip was also premised upon invitations that we had received in the past and which was also hinged upon an MOU that had been signed between the Brazilian Culture Ministry and the Nigerian culture Ministry in 2010. It stipulated that we would have cultural exchanges, educational and artistic collaborations amongst others. “My former employer, the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife had done quite a lot to service the MOU in the academic arena in the past and through the linkage officer, Dr Felix Omidire who I had book appointments and further the relationship by talking to the Ministry of Culture in Brazil, they extended invitations to us. “They were looking forward to me bringing the National Troupe of Nigeria, which I would have loved to do but we virtually tip-toed out of Egypt and there was no place for me to take 17 artistes over to Brazil. Arrangements were made for us to meet the government and the very important performing arts bodies in Brazil, particularly Salvador. We were able to have meetings and agreements towards working with the National Theatre of Brazil,

Adejuwon

bringing our troupe and for them to also collaborate with us on performances and taking productions that emanate from such collaborations into the Americas and some other parts of the world sometime next year. “I was also able to visit the Museum of Anthropology at Salvador. Having been a curator, I found that aspect also an extra because everywhere I went, you couldn’t really separate the performing arts from the visual arts. So I took the opportunity to see the curators and Professors in charge of the Museum of Anthropology and also discovered CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Arts

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerians should patronise local music –Annjay The contemporary Nigerian music has been termed ‘watery’ by many, in terms of content, when compared to music in the 80s and 90s. However, in this interview with EBERE AMEH, upcoming music sensation, Angela Chioma John, popularly known as Annjay, who recently released her fourth single, Pada, disagrees, insisting that Nigerians should encourage and be appreciative of their own musicians

W Annjay

Adejuwon: Gains of our trip to Egypt, Brazil CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

that they had plans of touring the United States and Europe with art materials and artefacts, most of which had their origin in Yorubaland. “The Orishas of Yorubaland which are very well represented by some carvings by a very prominent Brazilian carver. They also had artefacts that had been collected over the years, in the early 50s and 60s and when I discussed with them about what I was in Brazil about, they readily extended hands of fellowship and couldn’t wait for me to give them a schedule which of course would have meant me committing myself on finances which we do not have. “So I will say that except for finances, that tour to Egypt and Brazil was fruitful. They were so rewarding that if I had the personal money, I would be planning taking my troupe to Brazil now because everything that is Yoruba, especially in Salvador, is so very important to both the people and the government. The patrimony of Brazil is about 45 per cent influenced by Yoruba

culture.” Apart from seeking new areas of cooperation, the artistic director of the National Troupe also explored existing ones including the Nigerian House donated to the Nigerian government by Brazil. In fact, Adejuwon corroborated a recent Sunday Tribune story chronicling the neglect of the edifice launched with fanfare by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and other officials some years ago. “The state in which I met the house was very unpleasant and I also tried to reach my colleagues, the Directors General that matter and discussed it with the Permanent Secretary when I arrived and I am hoping that the National Troupe of Nigeria can get to do something about the Nigerian House. We had meetings also with very notable private performing arts institutions in Salvador including Ballet du Imale and the Olodum. These are the very interesting things we were able to do and which I hope I will develop upon as the environment permits as time goes on,” Adejuwon said.

ith her fruity and modulated voice that could make anyone ask for more, Angela Chioma John, aka Annjay is poised to take the music industry by storm. A model and journalist turned musician, she writes, composes and sings to the delight of her numerous fans. Talking with the New Telegraph about Pada, her latest single, Annjay who expresses gratitude to God for its success said she wrote it herself. “The song was written and composed by me. It’s a love song sung in Yoruba language and Pidgin English. Titled Pada, it was dropped on the 1st of January this year. “It took a long time to write, arrange and pass to my producers Jody and Donada to check it out before making the beat, as we all know that beat is the music. To the glory of God the song came out well and my fans like it.” Between Pada and her previous songs, Annjay said that her songs get better by the day. “New things come out every day and the more you do this job is the more you get it right. No established artist can tell you that this song was not better than the other ones. Even if he or she says it’s not better fans will disagree with such artist. All my songs are cool but I think I like this Pada so much because of its lyrics and the professionalism employed in its production.” Annjay explained. Talking about the presumed watery lyrics of the contemporary Nigerian music, Annjay said: “Let me be honest with you, for one to get that thing they say ‘it’s nothing to go for,’ is not easy. Besides, that is what Nigeria music markers want. “Unfortunately, the same people who criticize us are the same people that will use their money to buy a song from some foreign musicians where you hear all sort of trash. Why do they buy that one; because it is not made in Nigeria, or by Nigerians? The truth is that some Nigerians don’t appreciate what they have because if they do, they will not be saying all those things. “The same music they call ‘watery’ made people who are hope-

less, homeless and without good background great people today and I’m happy to hear their stories and see them succeed in their career. So, if for nothing, it has transformed lives, and to that extent, it is something to go for. What contemporary Nigerian musicians need is encouragement, not condemnation.” Annjay who hails from Ohaukwu local in Area of Ebonyi State said that the acceptance of her single – Pada has been encouraging. “The acceptance of my single has been high because both downloading, playing on the air waves and the positive messages I receive each day tells how much people like it. My fans demanded for a new song and I gave it to them and I’m happy they like it.” Though an excellent musician, Annjay did not study music in school. She however hopes to further her education and expand her horizon. “Music is a talent planted in me by the living God. I read mass Communication in Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Communication and Writing in Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). I started working as a Journalist at age 16 with some famous media outfits before I went into music and modelling. I will still go back to school soon because you can never finish studying,” she explained. Annjay described her kind of music as Hip Hop, RnB, and Dance-hall, adding that she can do other genres of music too. With many talented Nigerians roaming the street, the multitalented artist who said that if she were not a musician, she would have been a great Journalist with her own organization thinks that music can be the solution to unemployment. “Music can be a solution to unemployment if one is hardworking, has support from the government, family and or record labels. In music, you are your own boss and music is you and your money. If you don’t have anything doing, to support yourself, have no support from the government, have no sponsors or supportive Family; and is not signed on by Record Label, I am sorry for you,” the sultry musician disclosed.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Stewardship

Scholarship

LASPOTECH rector gives scorecard, bows out June 1

I’d have regretted studying Dentistry — FCE’s best grad

Education DEVELOPMENT

University eggheads and experts, for the second time, converged on the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State to share thoughts on Africa’s developmental challenges

Scholars, experts rise for African development

Mojeed Alabi

ne year after its maiden international conference, Covenant University, Ota, an industrial community of Ogun State, last week, assembled renowned scholars, experts and key policy makers for the second edition, where participants converged to chart a new direction for African development. The three-day conference, tagged: “Covenant University International Conference on African Development Issues (CU-ICADI),” drew participants from the academia, professionals, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), experts and policy makers across the globe to discuss ways to harness both human and natural resources, which they claim are in abundance in the country, for the benefit of the world. The theme of the conference is: “Biotechnology, ICT, Materials and Renewable Energy: Potential Catalyst for African Development.” Worried by the myriad of challenges facing African countries, especially in the health sector, this year’s edition focused mainly on the alarming statistics of the Africans, especially Nigerians suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), who indeed require kidney transplant. Statistical evidence, according to participants, abound that on daily basis many Nigerians die from kidney-related conditions. Scholars and experts at the

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

Prof. Ayo presenting a plaque to Prof. Roth shortly after the latter’s presentation

conference include the winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Economic Science, Emeritus Professor Alvin Roth at the Harvard University, United States; a Professor of Computing at the University of South Wales, United Kingdom, Andrew Ware; the Chief Scientists Officer of Idalex Technologies Incorporation, Colorado, U.S.A, Prof. Valeriy Maisotsenko; Nigerian co-inventor of the Acqueous Gelcasting process for forming complex-shaped ceramic components at the Covenant University College of Engineering, Prof. Ogbemi Omatete. Setting the tone of the conference, the Chancellor of Covenant University and the Founder of the Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide (aka Winners’ Chapel), Dr. David Oyedepo, said the main aim of the conference is to enable the country benefit from the wealth of experience of the experts and particularly Roth’s application of economic theory in finding solutions for “real world” prob-

The university is positioning itself as a solution provider

lems. According to him, with the yearly international conference, the university is positioning itself as a solution provider, and one that will create the pathway for Africa’s emergence on the global stage of prosperous continents. Buttressing the Chancellor’s position, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, said the communiqué produced at the end of the conference will be deliberated upon and made available to decision makers as part of the university’s contributions towards the country’s drive for developmental change. Meanwhile, based on the successful hosting of the conference and its impact on the strategic development of the university, as well as part of moves to foster a healthy ‘Town and Gown’ relationship, the vice-chancellor spoke of the university’s readiness to commence programmes in medical sciences. Towards this end, he hinted that the management had al-

ready put in place adequate facilities on ground, while approval for the running of the programme from the National Universities Commission (NUC) will be sought. To the vice-chancellor, part of the dreams and aspirations of the institution’s founding fathers and strategic plans was to attract the global best brains in various fields by granting them visiting professorship status as part of the ways of achieving the institution’s vision of becoming one of the best 10 global universities by 2022. As the best university in West Africa sub-region by the international ranking body, the focus of Covenant University is to prove that the ranking was not accidental, but one that was duly deserving. Roth, the Nobel Prize for Economic Science and the keynote speaker, whose paper dwelt on: “Kidney Disease in Nigeria and United States: Possibilities of CoCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24 Education

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Uduaghan commissioning the Mass Communication building shortly before the convocation ceremony. He is flanked by the SSG, Comrade Ovuozuorie Macaulay (3rd right); Mr. Emetulu (2nd left); and the Rector, Dr. Sogbaike (1st left) and other princial officers of the polytechnic.

Uduaghan tasks poly graduates to be change agents Dominic Adewole ASABA

“Y

ou have been fully empowered to become instruments of sustainable development and to impact on a larger society. Remember that only those who dare to dream and care to achieve it have seen their destiny fulfilled.” With these words, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, tasked the over 10,000 graduating students of the Delta State Polytechnic,

Otefe-Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state. The governor, who had earlier commissioned some of the projects, completed in the polytechnic, including the Mass Communication Building complex, charged students of higher institutions of learning in the country to be agents of change, growth and development, if the country must unlock its vast potentials. Uduaghan gave the charge during the first convocation ceremony of the institution, Since the polytechnic was established by former Governor James

Ibori, over a decade ago, it has graduated 10 sets of students, but had never organised a convocation ceremony for its graduates. According to the governor, the graduating students have the opportunity of becoming instruments of sustainable growth for the nation going by the state’s developmental programmes for its youth and provision of quality education. The govenor said: “This polytechnic has become a success story among higher institutions of learning in the country with a social objective to bring home quality engineering and

EKSU students get scholarship for outstanding performance Kayode Olanrewaju

or their outstanding academic performance, two students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti have become recipients of scholarships, awarded to them by Cameroon-American Company (CAMAC), a Nigerian-based allied energy firm. One of the beneficiaries of the scholarships are Adebayo Abiodun Samuel, a 400-Level undergraduate of Geology Department, leading his class with a Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) of 4.08, which he has maintained consistently since his 100-Level. The other recipient, Aderemi Adebayo Ayobami, a 200-level student in the Mechanical Engineering Department is also the best in his class. Presenting the students to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Prof.

Aina

Ibiyinka Ogunlade, the duo of the Heads of the Department of Geology, and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. O. C. Ademilua and Dr. I. O. Oluwaleye respectively described them as focused and brilliant, who gave extraordinary attention to their studies. The Executive Director, Corporate Services of CAMAC, Mr. Olayide Olufemi, in his remarks

said Ekiti State University was one of the selected universities in the country for their academic track record across all disciplines, especially Geology and Mechanical Engineering. Olayide recalled that the petroleum company has awarded similar scholarship to students of the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), adding that Ekiti State University is the fourth institution to benefit from the initiative. The Assistant General Manager, Legal Services of the company, Miss Gbemi Bamigboye presented N100,000 cheque to each recipient of the scholarship. Responding, Ogunlade on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and the entire members of the university community expressed gratitude to the company for its benevolence, even as he added that students have distinguished themselves in various international and national competitions.

management education for the benefit of our youth, thereby addressing equity and digital divide.” He urged the polytechnic management to as a matter of priority organise convocation yearly for their graduating students, saying the ceremony is vital in institutions of higher learning as it encourages students to strive towards competitiveness and completing their academic work on time. While congratulating the students, Uduaghan challenged them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater by contributing positively, as agents of change, to the growth of the society. He paid glowing tribute to Ibori, whose vision led to the founding of the institution and other polytechnics across the state, he pointed out the polytechnic’s awards of Special Recognition bestowed Ibori; the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru; Senator-elect for Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Ighoyota Amori; Dr. Elizabeth Uvo-Gardner; Prof. Solomon Okobiah, among others for impacting positively on the institution saying these were strong indications that their contributions did not go unnoticed. The Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Charles Emetulu, however, congratulated the students, restating the state government’s commitment to the development of education. He said: “It is important to state that polytechnic education is the hallmark of technology development as well as the harbinger of scientific development, and it is for this reason that any society that is desirous of technological breakthrough should invest in technical education. “Indeed, it is against this backdrop that this administration accorded utmost priority to polytechnic education being a training ground for middle level technical and vocational manpower in the state.” The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Clara Sogbaike hinted that over 10,000 graduating students received their scrolls for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) for 2002/2003 - 2013/2014 academic sessions.

Don blames poor education standard for nation’s woes Musa Pam Jos

Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos (UNIJOS), Etannibi Alemika has described the poor standard of education as the worst security challenge ravaging the country. The don, who disclosed this while delivering the maiden edition of a public lecture organised as part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the university stressed that the sliding fortune of the country’s education sector, is worse than the current insurgency being experienced in the NorthEastern part of the country. Alemika, whose public lecture was entitled: “Emerging Security Challenges and Implications for Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” said a nation’s economic power is the quality of its education system.

“No technology thrives on ignorance. Knowledge, not weapons, is at the centre of security. We need functional education as the enduring insurance against insecurity,” he said. Tracing the history of the institution, he recalled that the University of Jos which took off as a campus of the University of Ibadan in 1971, transformed to a full-fledged university in September 1975. The lecturer said the activities marking the 40th anniversary of the university, which kicked off with the public lecture on Wednesday last week, will be climaxed in September, when the university will turn 40. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, in his welcome address said that the university has gone far in the delivery of quality university education with the establishment of no fewer than six new faculties last year.

Education 25

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

LASPOTECH rector gives scorecard, bows out June 1 BOW OUT

After four years in the saddle as the ninth Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal, who gave his administration’s scorecard last week, will on June 1, bow out of the system. Kayode Olanrewaju

efore the entire congregation of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos, the Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, for almost three hours last week, took stock and presented the scorecard of his four-yearold administration and the developmental strides of the over 30-year-old institution. It was at the seventh Congregation of the institution, which turned out to be the last meeting with the workers and valedictory session for the outgoing rector, who is expected to bow out of office on June 1 as the ninth rector of the polytechnic. Lawal, who said the congregation availed him the platform to highlight the collective and notable achievements of his administration, as well as examine the challenges and suggest the way out as the institution plans for greater successes in the years ahead. Besides, the congregation, which took place at the New SM&BS Auditorium, according to him, offered a unique opportunity for the workers to exchange views on issues germane to the peace, stability and progress of the polytechnic. Basking in the euphoria of the landmark achievements of the polytechnic in the last four years, Lawal noted that LASPOTECH has emerged as one of the high priority destinations for all prospective students. The rector traced the high-ranking of the institution to the over three decades of hard work of its successive administrations. Setting the tone of the congress, Lawal recalled the liabilities inherited by his administration, on assumption of duties in 2011. These, he said include the arrears of increment on CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, outstanding claims on invigilation, lecturing and marking, arrears of pension/gratuities, dilapidated structures on Isolo campus, outstanding promotion/conversion for academic and non-academic staff and absence of mechatronic workshop. Faced with these problems, the rector noted that the challenges had to be addressed if the polytechnic’s march towards excellence was to be realised. “In fact, the situation in the polytechnic prior to the advent of this administration was complicated by the 100 per cent increment in staff salary, without corresponding adjustment in the state government subvention to the polytechnic,” he said. Despite the numerous challenges arising from paucity of funds, Lawal

said his four-year administration was able to pay all outstanding salary arrears of staff on CONTENDISS 1-6; paid 17 and half months arrears for other levels of staff; arrears of pensioners; payment of contractors and outstanding lecturing, marking, invigilation and conference marking claims. The rector listed other achievements of his administration to include construction of toilets, as well as renovations of several projects including the Auditorium I, provision of furniture at Isolo campus of the polytechnic. At the Surulere campus, he said his administration apart from renovation of existing student toilets and procurement of 100 KVA generator, it constructed two of observatory towers. While adding that the projects were funded through the polytechnic Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and special grants from the state government, Lawal hinted that his administration constructed Block A, F and G of School of Technology complex; digitalization of the library through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants; rehabilitated the laboratories and workshops in the Schools of Technology and Engineering, sports Lawal complex under construction; as well as purchase of official cars for deans and directors, and additional buses for staff and students. Lawal, however, noted that the polytechnic has been able to access TETFund allocations from 2008 to date, and for which it has been lauded by the agency, saying some of the projects executed with the funds include procurement of high-calibre chemical

engineering equipment, construction of two one-storey buildings at SM&BS complex; Banking & Finance block; state-of-the-art lecture theatre for School of Agriculture, one-storey block of classroom for School of Engineering; construction of entrepreneurship development centre, insurance department building, quantity surveying department building, estate

‘I have no hand in new rector’s appointment’

s stakeholders await the state government’s announcement of a new rector for the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, the outgoing Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal for the second time in the last three weeks, has distanced himself from any complicity in the appointment of his successor. The rector, in a special media session on current state of affairs at the polytechnic, which was addressed by the spokesman for the institution, Mr. Olanrewaju Kuye, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, said the dust raised by the appointment is not only baseless but also unnecessary. Lawal, who said he was at no time member of the interview panel, would have influenced or manipulated the process as alleged in a petition that he and the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor Babatunde Fashola, Otunba Fatai Olukoga colluded to manipulate the appointment and to ensure that their crony emerged as the 10th rector of the polytechnic. He said the Governor of the state and Moderator of the polytechnic appointed reputable people of honour and integrity to conduct the interview. On the interview panel, according to him, were Philip Consulting, a reputable consulting firm hired to conduct and chair the panel, two state commissioners, two Special Advisers (Education and Parastatal Monitoring Office), three Rectors of other polytechnics, as well as representative of the polytechnic Aca-

demic Board, while the rector was never a member. In the petition entitled, “Flagrant abuse of due process and gang ups in Lagos State Polytechnic to suppress quality leadership in order to cover up dirty deals,” signed by one Adelaja Waheed Aderibigbe, who Kuye said is fictitious as there, is no staff with the name in the unit claimed by the petitioner, the Rector and the Special Adviser on Education were alleged of complicity in defrauding the polytechnic. But, to Kuye, the allegations were untrue and merely concocted to smear the integrity of the rector, who was said to have run the polytechnic in the last four years transparently and prudently with the resources of the institution. “I am sure you are all aware of the petition flying round the state and I wish to categorically state that the content of the petition is totally unscrupulous,” Kuye said. On the allegation of high-handedness of the rector, Kuye explained that the affected staff members mentioned that were demoted, as contained in the petition, were queried for various misdemeanors, interrogated by panels and they were found guilty. The reports were considered by Senior Staff Appointment and Promotion Committee (SESAPCO) and recommendation made to the then Governing Council which approved that they were punished according to laws of the polytechnic.

management department complex, 700-capacity lecture theatre, establishment of water treatment plant in the School of Technology, and establishment of LASPOTECH bakery on commercial basis. The rector, who said his administration, has over the years kept faith with the vision and mission of the polytechnic: “to be a polytechnic of Excellence offering world-class education services,” and “to produce skilled manpower for commerce and industry using modern facilities and competent personnel for the benefit of all,” developed a five-year strategic plan and a two-year operational plan that guided the continued development of human and material resources in order to achieve the aims of the institution as a polytechnic of first choice. As a polytechnic of excellence, the Rector insisted that it has continued to produce practical and talented graduates capable of excelling in all spheres of national development. Under the TETFund academic staff training and development programme, Lawal’s administration in the last four years has sponsored no fewer than 65 academic staff for their Masters and PhD programmes within and outside the country, while another 200 staff had sponsored to various conference locally and internationally. In the area of research development, the management is currently sponsoring 12 research projects under the TETFund grants. The polytechnic, which is Information Technology (IT) compliant, according to the Rector, had less than one year of his administration collaborated with its technical partners to strengthen its digital centre to function to its maximum capacity. Under academic development, Lawal, however, hinted that the Academic Board had secured approval to establish and commence programmes in the Distance Learning Institute. This, according to the Rector, was a response to the deadline given by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the agency supervising polytechnic education in the country, that the polytechnic should close all its annexes this month. Piqued by problem of non-clearance of backlog of certificates, Lawal recalled that on assumption of office in 2011, he created the Results Processing Unit in the Directorate of Academic Planning to process students’ results and certificates. Towards this end, he said: “In fact, the new e-certificates issued to graduating students effective from 2012/2013 session is being produced by a reputable security and printing firm in the United Kingdom.” On the accreditation status of the polytechnic’s academic programmes, the rector explained that all its 48 programmes had full accreditation by the NBTE, while his administration had in the last three years introduced additional five courses at the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. Lawal, who reiterated that his administration placed high premium on staff promotion, stressed that over 88 senior academic staff, 96 junior and senior non-academic staff, 28 technical staff were promoted accordingly with the state government’s approval. Despite the fact that the government’s monthly subvention was grossly inadequate to meet the worker’s monthly wage bills or take care of the institution’s pressing development needs, he said his administration was able through its funds generation drive to pay their salaries promptly.

26 Education

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Scholars, experts rise for African development C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

operation and Mutual Aid,” discussed remedies to the growing incidences of kidney disease, among several other challenging issues facing the continent and retarding its growth. According to Roth, as sophisticated as the United States of America’s health sector is, over 100,000 renal disease patients are annually on the waiting lists for transplant and are in dire need of kidney donors. While expressing dismay over the rising cases of kidney problems in the United State, the Emeritus Professor said surprisingly America on an annual basis successfully carries out more than 11,000 kidney transplants, with the percentage of black Americans suffering from the health challenge far higher than that of their white counterparts. “The same is recorded for the blacks in South Africa,” Roth recalled. Following the alarming statistics, Roth believes that as the most populous black nation in the world, Nigeria must be habouring countless number

of renal-related diseases patients that are in dire need of transplant. Confirming Roth’s position, the Chief Medical Director of Ace Medicare Clinics, Ota, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, who said with the increasing figure of Nigerians whose gory tale of battle with kidney disease and their quest for public financial support continue to stare the country in the face on the television screens, there is no need for any soothsayer to say that many Nigerians are at risk of the disease. Kukoyi, however, added that most of the medical conditions that could lead to renal failure, especially hypertension and diabetes, among others are rampant in the country. However, as disturbing as the case might be, Roth said statistical evidence has shown that 143 kidney transplants had been carried out in Nigeria in the last one decade, in which most of the cases were carried out in the last five years and in private hospitals. This, according to him, would further confirm the various challenges confronting Nigeria and other African countries, saying this is why stake-

holders especially research centres, innovators, policy makers and government at all levels should rise to tackle the challenge and save the people. According to Roth, despite the numerous transplants carried out or conducted by the United States of America, the country is still regarded as a failure in addressing the renal kidney scourge. To address this challenge, he, therefore, recommended key issues to be tackled and these, include infrastructural challenges, enabling legislation, financial challenges and poor awareness issue, among others. He said: “There are so many things that are being shared by Nigeria and the United States. In terms of population, we are relatively the same and in terms of endowment. But, if only 143 transplants had been done in Nigeria in 10 years, when 11,000 were being carried out in America yearly, this could be said to be inadequate, while there is much to be done in that direction to save the people.” While challenging the government to be more proactive about the health

of its people, the conference urged that “Nigeria must invest in modern health infrastructure particularly biotechnology while adequate awareness should be carried out to sensitise the citizenry on the need to donate kidneys to those suffering from Kidney-related sickness.” To this end, Roth made a case for relevant legislations to back up the efforts of caregivers, while government must set aside special funds in the national budget for transplant needs. While refocusing on other relevant fields that could grant Nigeria victory over its multi-faceted challenges, Prof. Ware, in his paper: “Enabling Development in Africa through Research in ICT and Computing,” spoke on the relevance of technology and innovation in addressing some of the health challenges confronting African nations. Other speakers were Dr. Nteranya Sanginga of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), who spoke on: “Biotechnology as a Catalyst for Development in Africa,” while the representatives of the Organised Private Sector (industries) at the conference were the Managing Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical, Nigeria, Mr. Lekan Asuni and Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo of WAPCO-Lafarge Operations, a cement-making company. Representing the government and its agencies were Dr. Peter Jack of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, Nigeria, Prof. Lucy Ogbadu.

Akwa Ibom wins NNPC quiz competition Clement James Calabar

A Pupils of the Innercity Mission for Children Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, during the demonstration session of the E-Learning Centre donated to the school by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company.

Bells varsity partners industries to establish resource centre Mojeed Alabi

owards fulfilling its mandate of bridging the existing gap between tertiary institutions and the industries, and foster ‘town and gown’ relationship, the Bells University of Technology (BELLSTECH), a private university located at Ota, Ogun State, has introduced series of crash programmes on skill acquisition and research innovations. The programmes, which are being put in place in conjunction with some selected manufacturing companies and service providers, will be coordinated by the university’s Skill Development and Resource Centre (SDRC) established by the institution for that purpose. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, while inaugurating the board of directors for the centre, said the initiative was a product of series of discussions between some industrial icons in the country and senior academicians towards developing a model for joint working relationship between the university and the industries. According to Adeyemi, the much needed reengineering the country is earnestly craving for requires the middle-level skilled manpower that will

run the nation’s engine of progress. He explained: “The local content policy in the country can only work if conscious and adequate attention is paid to the training and retraining of technicians and middle-level manpower, who are the real drivers of the economy. This is what the centre sets out to adequately address.” Also speaking, the Director of the centre, Dr. Adeoye Ojo, listed some of the programmes to be offered by the centre to include Automotive Mechatronics, Welding and Fabrication, Naval Architectural Draftmanship, and Computer-Aided Fashion Technology, among several others.

Adeyemi

On the duration of the courses, which would lead to issuance of internationally recognised certificates, Ojo said it would take between three and nine months, even as he added that the caliber of members on the centre’s board is a reflection of the quality of result to expect. He noted: “The Chairman of the board, Emeritus Prof. Adebayo Sanni, has the record of starting the first Chemical Engineering Department at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), which is also the first of such department in any Nigerian university, while Retired Rear Admiral Emeraku Ijioma, who retired last year as the Chief of Naval Engineering is one of the board members. “Representing the industry on the board is the Chief Executive Officer of Hull Engineering and Inspections Limited. This is to tell you how prepared we are on this project and we are excited about it.” Ojo added that the programme will soon become the model for identifying those technical skills which will match the skills for the business strategies of the future and that it will reengineer the academic curriculum of engineering and technology and the delivery of teaching in Nigerian universities.

kwa Ibom State representatives in this year’s edition of 2015 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) National Quiz competition have emerged winners of the SouthSouth zonal contest. The state emerged winners among the six states in the geo-political zone which participated in the competition. Represented by Ini Ebehe Okoho and Onyekpe Chidubem both pupils of Top Faith Secondary School, Uyo, the state came first by scoring 55 points to defeat Cross River and Rivers State representatives, who scored 50 points apiece to place second, while Delta State came third with 45 points while Edo and Bayelsa States scored 40 points each to place fourth respectively. The science-based competition tested the contestants in the four core science subjects of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, which the organisers said is aimed at encouraging the study of sciences in secondary schools. In his remarks, the state Education Commissioner, who was the special guest at the event said: “No country can advance technologically without the core science subjects so this competition is a tool for enhancing science education in the country, equipping students towards their examinations and to build friendship among students.” He noted that the competition, which was instituted in 2001, has benefitted secondary school education immensely as students look forward yearly to the competition with the hope of winning scholarship to any Nigerian university being sponsored by the NNPC to study science courses of their choice.

Education

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Mojeed Alabi and Rachael Ayeyemi

f not for her sickness, 23-year-old Elizabeth Temitope Adelakun, the best graduating student of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Technical, Akoka, Lagos, would have been a Dentist. But, today, she has no regret attending college of education for the award of the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), where she led the pack as the best graduate during the college’s convocation ceremony held last week. With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.86, Adelakun led more than 3,000 students in the combined graduation ceremony for the 2011/2012, 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic sessions as the overall best graduating student. The graduate of the Department of Integrated Science/Chemistry recalled how she enrolled into the college in 2013, when an illness denied her of the opportunity to resume to the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State in 2009, where she had been offered admission to study Dentistry. “But today when I look back and I could picture my natural being and the path designed for me by God I would not have been happy studying Dentistry because teaching to me is inborn,” she said. Adelakun, who is a current 200-level student of the University of Lagos, where she is pursuing a degree in Chemistry at the Faculty of Education, expressed determination to repeat the same feat at her department. Speaking on her achievement and

I’d have regretted studying Dentistry — FCE’s best grad how she attained the feat, Adelakun thanked God for His mercies in her life, saying she did not do anything unusual as a student, but that focusing on her study really paid off. She said: “Apart from class work, my next point of call on campus was the church and fellowship. I am a member of the Christ Apostolic Church on the campus, and I have very few friends.” On how she was able to cope with advances from male students, Adelakun said it was a matter of principle and that in polite manner, without resulting to insults she was able to ward off their entreaties. The Akoko in Ondo State-born student, praised her parents for their guidance and support, saying despite coming from a family of 11, and as the second to the last born, her parents took her education more serious and that she never lacked anything. Her words: “We live in Ijora, Lagos but we never allow the environment to influence our growth and deprive us from excelling. I am grateful to my parents and other siblings for their support and I want to commend the college for instilling discipline in us and for equipping us with vocational skills in addition to the class work.” Adelakun, in her valedictory speech,

Adelakun

however, pledged on behalf of her colleagues to remain good ambassadors of the college and see teaching as a noble

profession that must be upheld with dignity. She urged the government to give more attention and respect to teaching not merely as a career, but the builder of the nation and the future of the society. No fewer than 3,682 graduating students received their scrolls for the award of the Nigerian Certificate in Education and the Professional Diploma in Education at the event. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has spoken of plans of making teaching profession occupies its pride of place, earns it deserved honour, respect and reward, by taking up the regulation of all institutions offering teacher education nationwide, including universities. The NCCE Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Alex Maiyanga, who disclosed this at the ceremony in a chat with New Telegraph, said the commission was already calling for the review of the Act establishing it and that the proposal would soon be sent to the National Assembly for endorsement. Maiyanga, who insisted that no nation could develop above the quality of its teachers, added that the need to make teaching profession an enviable one requires a special attention and focus from its regulatory agency.

VC makes case for adequate funding of varsities Dan Atori MINNA

R-L: Chairman, Governing Council, Federal College of Education, Technical, Lagos, Alh. Kabir Maska; Representative of the Education Minister and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala with one of the graduating students at the 36th convocation ceremony of the college.

Proprietor eulogises school for changing education face Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

rilled by the outstanding performances of his school in various competitions, the Proprietor of JOFEGAN International School, Bida, Niger State, Wing Commander Jonah Sheshi Gana (rtd), has said that the academic excellence in the six-year-old school has changed the face of education in the state. This was as he charged parents to play active role in the academic activities of their children. While urging students to be more committed to their studies and make academic excellence their watchword, Gana, who presented

the laurels and awards won by the school to journalists in Abuja, said the school has won more than five different awards in less than six years of its existence. According to him, the school recorded its first academic excellence in its second year of operations when its students in 2009/2010 came second in a debate organised by Power FM Radio station, Bida for all secondary schools in Zone A of the Senatorial District. The school, he said, has not looked back in achieving outstanding performance at public competitions, describing the 2013/2014 school year as the school’s year of breakthrough. “We presented students for all state and national competitions and the results were overwhelming,” Gana added.

he Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna ViceChancellor, Prof. Musbau Adewumi Akanji, has made a case for adequate funding of Nigerian universities,. This, according to him, has become necessary to boost research and infrastructural development in the institutions, as well as position them adequately for the challenges of the 21st Century. Akanji made the call when members of the Senior Executive Course 37 of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State visited him in his office. The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), Prof.

Akanji

Abdullahi Bala noted that funding has been the bane of the development of the nation’s universities. While insisting that the challenge of funding has continued to stagnate the nation’s university system, particularly in the areas of research output, infrastructural development and quality of graduates, he therefore appealed to corporate organisations and wellmeaning individuals to support the development of the education sector. Akanji lauded the efforts of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for their support to the tertiary education sector in the area of research and infrastructural development. He lamented the dwindling fortunes in the quality and standard of education at the primary and secondary school levels, saying this was as a result of leaving their operations and management in the hands of state and local governments. The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, solicited massive funding of the sub-sector, which according to him is the bedrock and the foundation of the child’s education. Speaking earlier, the leader of the team, Air Cdr. Emmanuel Jekada (rtd) said the purpose of the visit was to interact with the university management in order to acquaint themselves with the problems confronting the university system and the strategies to reposition the education system for global competitiveness.

28 Education | Campus

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Research is panacea to innovation scarcity’ Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN

“R

esearch is key to the survival as a nation. Research does not only favour the researchers as they only derive joy for concluding the process and broaden their knowledge, but research benefits the society since the solutions proffered by the process help to improve the standard of living of the people.” This was the main thrust of the maiden research seminar organised by the Pharmaceutical Research Club (PRC), University of Benin (UNIBEN), which took place at the Faculty of Pharmacy Lecture theatre III. The event was organised by the club to enlighten students and younger lecturers on the benefits that would be derived from spending time on productive researches. The Chairman of the club, Greg Emokpai, reminded participants the need to carry out research on any topic using some set principles and standards. Reflecting the topic to the survival

Campus free sketch thrills UNIBEN students

R-L: Prof. Omozuwa, Dean of Postgraduate School, UNIBEN; Mrs. Akabogu-Chinwuba; Dr. Iloh; Prof. Raymond Elaho; Prof. Adebisi; Prof K.O Echenim and others at the event.

of women in contemporary times, one of the speakers, Dr. E. Bafor, a lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology encouraged the female students to key into research activities, saying that is one of the ways of ensuring the continuity of the female specie. She, however, recounted her experience about her conscious efforts in carrying out cutting-edge research that earned her a PhD in Pharmacology. Her words: “Women need to be more involved in research activities. There are so many interesting parts of the body of female gender, which ordinarily men researchers might not want to delve into as a result of religion, morality or other personal

reasons, but which, as female scholars you might not find as disturbing to research into them because you are familiar with such parts of the body. During my PhD programme only a handful of researchers had done studies on the uterus and by so doing I encountered a lot of difficulties but I never gave up. Through my research efforts I was able to isolate 16 compounds that affect the uterus in which six of them are new.” She, therefore, urged the students not to relent as they could go into research during holidays, even as Bafor lamented, saying that “research is beautiful, but the irony is that it is not being fully utilized in the country.” The don, while unveiling her plans

to introduce a research scheme, tagged: “My Summer Research Programme,” restated that the scheme would enable students to carry out productive research work during vacations. Also, Prof. Ray Ozolua encouraged the students not to give up in their efforts towards research activities, saying though research could be expensive; there are research areas the students can actually engage in without spending so much money. The University Librarian, Mr Obaseki, in his remarks told the students how they can source for journals in the library. Emopkai, while thanking participants, noted that the club was set up to create room that would enable students to express their curiosity as well as put up a better translation to their serendipitous discoveries that were mostly ignored. Meanwhile, he added that the club was poised to set the pace on research efforts in the university, saying the club has concluded plans to carry out a comprehensive research on the causes of Ulcer in the people. He said: “We all know that ulcer is a rampaging ailment on our campus, we are set to carry out a research on the causes and the possible solutions to the ailment, especially among the students, and it is high time we made the university community feel the presence of pharmacy students on campus. We are about to give the school a pharmaceutical touch.”

Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

tudents of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City will never forget in a hurry, last week celebration of the maiden edition of Campus Free Sketch (CFS) which almost brought their campus to a standstill. The event was organised by Magnum Arts in collaboration with Flash news blog. Despite their first semester examination around the corner, the students were said to have abandoned their lectures as they thronged the Hall 2 Car Park, venue of the event to witness one of the biggest celebrations on campus. The Chief Executive Officer of Magnum Arts, Osemudiamen Etiobhio, a final year student of Medicine and Surgery at the university, in his opening address, noted that Campus Free Sketch, a drawing competition and exhibition is a live art exhibition on Nigerian campuses. According to him, the event is aimed at promoting the best artistic minds by creating a professional platform to showcase and groom young talents with a twist of fashion, music, dance, exhibitions and other creative genres to make an electrifying show piece. While stressing that the event was a reawakening of Nigeria’s art scene from grassroots, he hailed the students for turning out in their large number to witness the show despite the upcoming semester examinations. He noted that “over 60 students submitted portrait paintings which were uploaded on Instagram in which only 14 were elected and 11 of them are being presented at this event for the grand finale.” The show was flagged off with a red carpet by the hosts - Jabbal Momoh and Precious Omoregie - who appeared on stage with their creative outfits made by Magnum Arts.

Prof. Okunna flanked by the staff and students shortly after inauguration ceremony

Department institutes dress code for students Emeka Onwudinjo

UNIZIK

tudents of Mass Communication, under the aegis of the Association of Mass Communication Students (ASOMACS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have launched a new dress code for students in the department. The dress code, which is an orange colour T-shirt with black designs, was launched at the special interactive forum between members of staff and students of the department. The Head of Department, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, in her welcome address, said the essence of the forum was to serve as a platform for the management to acquaint the students with the numerous developments and progress made so far by the department as well as for students to discuss their problems or challenges with the lecturers. According to her, this would go a long way in boosting the existing relationship

between the staff members and the students of the department. Okunna, who re-affirmed that her administration would sustain the open door policy it runs, described the members of staff as friendly and who are always willing to attend to students’ needs. The head of department, while reminding the students of the need to dress in their new association’s branded T-Shirt on black trousers or skirts on Mondays and Wednesdays assured the students in the annex of the department’s readiness to ease the problems of inadequate lecture halls confronting them. Speaking earlier, the guest speaker at the event and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State, Mr. Sule Momodu, urged the students to join the fight against drug abuse by identifying and reporting drug addicts to the law enforcement agents. Momodu listed the various kinds of drugs abused engaged in by students to

include among others cannabis, monkey tail, cocaine and heroin. According to him, drugs do not only affect vital organs of the body, but also lead to poor academic performance among students, as well as rape, stealing and aggressive behavioural disposition. “Many promising students have lost their lives owing to drug abuse. I want to implore you to shun drug abuse, but to work hard with determination and zeal to attain maximum heights in your academics”, he advised them. In his remarks, the President of the association, Macdonald Ifeme noted that the need for a dress code had become imperative to identify the students of the department with their peculiar dressing habit. While expressing gratitude to the management of the department for approving the project and dress code, Ifeme explained that the dress code will go a long way in making the students stand out among their counterparts from other departments and faculties on campus.

Education | Campus 29

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Depravity, a key challenge of poison control in Nigeria –Don Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK

he harmful effects of poison as substance and pollutants were the focal points of the 25th inaugural lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. The lecture, entitled: “Poisons in the Nigerian Environment: Within our Reach, Beyond our Control,” was delivered by Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, a lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry. The inaugural lecturer described poisons as substances that could cause disturbances to organisms, through chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when absorbed in sufficient quantity by the organism. Ezeonu, who for almost two hours held his audience including the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke; a former Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, and principal officers of the university spell bound, recalled that traditional African societies enjoyed healthy life and safe environment, but contending largely only with natural hazards arising from animal poisons and plant toxins. He said: “European contact with the continent has over time increased African burden of poisons through man-made hazards. Global trends in industrialization and consumerism have imposed enormous strain on traditional habits and practices leading to a large dependence on foreign imports of drugs, foods and food chemicals associated with growth in the petrochemical, agro-chemical, textile, military, mining and food industries.” The Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology noted that processes associated with modernization and industrialization have undermined Africa’s safe environment. The don, who further pointed out that there are emerging risks from chemical wastes, herbicides and pesticides usage, heavy metals, chemical fertilizers, oil pollutants, environmental hormones, alien organisms from imported second hand products and illegal dumping of toxic wastes, added that the overlapping existing environmental is-

sues include disease and pestilence arising from poor sanitation, poor solid waste management, pollution, soil degradation, loss of crop and aquatic life among others. He argued that this has continued to endanger public health and raise serious concerns on their short and long term effects. On the issue of poor poison control in the country, the environmental

toxicologist linked it to depravity, which according to him, has suffocated the educational system and removed the ivory from the tower. He said: “Nigerian universities are poorly rated, largely because they lack the necessary tools and equipment for cutting-edge research. Our laboratories are poorly equipped and lack the requisite equipment and tools for identifying

poisonous substances. As a consequence of depravity, Nigerian educational and research institutions are not sufficiently equipped to meet the challenges of regulating poisons in the 21st Century and this is a cause for concern.” Ezeonu called on scholars to rise up to the challenge of being part of the discourse that will change the universities and the society at large.

Ezeonu

30 Education

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Adebutu donates N60m swimming pool to Lagos school Mojeed Alabi

rom his deep pocket, a business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Kessington Adebutu has donated a swimming pool valued at N60 million to Saint Saviour’s School, Ebute Meta. This is even as he pledged to set aside another N100 million to any other project in the basic school. The donation, according to him, is part of his contributions towards expanding the frontiers of quality education in the school, which he said had contributed immensely towards moulding the lives and shaping the future of some of his children and grandchildren. On the donation of the swimming pool, Adebutu, who pointed out that sports contributes significantly to physical and mental fitness of the children, explained that by exposing them to swimming in their tender age, the children’s talents and skills could be harnessed. He said: “It is my strong belief and trust that incorporation of physical ac-

tivities in the school’s daily activities cannot be overemphasised. Swimming is a healthy, recreational activity for people of all ages; which I am sure the pupils will derive the benefit in good time. “Many of my children were privileged to pass through the studentship of this school and as one of the numerous parents, I am glad they did.” While thanking the donor on behalf of the school, the wife of the Lagos State Governor and special guest at the event, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Adebutu’s gesture by investing in the education sector, which she described as the fulcrum of national development. She lauded the school management for sustaining the vision of the school and for proper maintenance of the facilities, saying after more than 60 years in existence, the school has been continued to wax stronger. The Chairman of the school’s Board of Management, Mr. Tom Ogboi, thanked the parents, staff and students for their contribution towards the smooth administration of the school.

L-R: Chairman, committee in charge of the pool’s construction, Mr. Austin Onaro; Kesington; Ogboi and Mrs. Fashola at the commissioning ceremony

RUN to name library after Emeritus Professor Tanumo Shadrack Yusuf

RUN

ew months after his death, the management of the Redeemers’ University (RUN) has unfolded plans to name the university main library after the great Historian and Chancellor of the university, the late Emeritus Professor Tekena Tamuno. The decision to name the facility Tekena Tamuno Library, was said to have been reached at a Special Senate session in honour of the academic icon, who said Tamuno’s death did not pass as an ordinary episode in the academia. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Debo Adeyewa, who disclosed this during the commendation service held in memory of the deceased at the university auditorium, described the late don as “an industrious academic and humble personality bound with virtues.” While extolling his virtues, he added: “Mummy Tamuno actually served as the first Librarian in the university and during those months and years she never collected a dime. The husband and the wife actually served the university.

Daddy Tamuno was ever so grateful for little things. I pray that the Lord will give us a library that will be visited virtually and in reality, from all over the world.” Prof. Tamuno died on April 11, 2015 in Ibadan at the age of 83 years. Until his death, the great Nigerian historian was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and the President of the Board of Trustees of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Prof. Tamuno, who was known for Historiography, attended St. Peter’s School, Okrika his hometown for his primary school education; and Okrika Grammar School. Between 1953 and 1958, he attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied History, before leaving the country in 1960 to continue his further studies at Brubeck University of London and the Columbia University, United States. In 1962, he joined the Department of History at the University of Ibadan, where he rose to become a Professor Emeritus. In addition to his administrative and teaching career, the late Tamuno was an author and has chaired several public service commissions.

EDUPEACE

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

Balanced education is the solution

here is a lot of crisis in our society nowadays that the nagging question borders on the type of education that our youth receive. Why is there so much depravity among the youth, including students of higher institutions of learning? Evils of unimaginable proportions are what we daily witness from those who are supposedly educated. In our misguided attempt to grasp at modernity, we have unwittingly limited education to the ability to speak and read and write in English. Then, this ability must ultimately end in a “good life”, in purely material terms, where the dominant philosophy is “me, myself and I”. We toil and labour on children that do not share our values and ideals, children who are strangers to all that define us as a people. This is where the rain started to beat us till it led us to this cold dark forest. For instance, anytime I stumble on the cacophony of “sound and fury signifying nothing” that goes for contemporary music and the depravity of the youngsters who spew it out, I shudder in horror. Everything that is “trendy” in music is all about the glamorisation of material wealth, excitation of sexual feelings and promotion of obscenity. Unfortunately, these misguided youngsters are considered role models and there are many young ones who “follow” them, online and offline. Since they are materially successful, anything they do is “cool” and anything contrary to theirs is “old school”. A boy told his parents the other day that he should stop bothering his life about school and that what matters is money. He added that it was nobody’s business how he would make it. Parents invest huge sums of money in providing education to their children with a view to making them successful but the education fails from the beginning. Modern education is good but it is not enough to produce the type of future leaders we deserve and desire if the cultural foundation is lacking. Home education is the foundation and if it is missing, the subsequent education collapses in qualitative terms. Broadly, balanced education consists of three rings, which are the traditional, the religious and the modern. The same way that balanced diet is the best for the health of individuals, balanced education is the ideal for the harmonious development of one’s mental, emotional and psycho-motor domains. Balanced education is an all-embracing model of education that equips a learner with spiritual, material, moral, physical, emotional and intellectual knowledge. It combines

As rich as it is, it does not provide us with the balanced diet that is required of a balanced body

quantitative education mainly provided at home with the qualitative one that is given at school, with a view to achieving a truly balanced personality. Traditional education, which includes home education, is dying because parents have no time again for their children. The parents are the first school a child attends but when the teachers in the school are not available, the whole system is ruined. Many young people grow up without having learnt anything from their parents who are too busy to attend to them especially in our cities. Traditional education serves to develop character, inculcate respect for elders and those in authority and imbue children with a sense of belonging to the society and culture. It is taught at home and every parent is supposed to be a teacher who teaches the child what is right and wrong. Religious education imbues learners with the fear of God and the virtue of accountability. When children are brought up to know and appreciate the religious values of honesty, kindness, love, cooperation, justice, charity and the likes, they are aware that their goodness to their fellow beings is part of obeying their Creator. They become conscious of sins and avoid harming and hurting others. Unfortunately, our new education curriculum has undermined religious education such that the two subjects representing our two major religions have been collapsed to topics within an omnibus subject. If students are not properly taught the virtues of religion, how will then not be hoodwinked by those whose vices are attributed to religion? The last ring is modern education on which we put a lot of emphasis. As rich as it is, it does not provide us with the balanced diet that is required of a balanced body. The education that is needed is that one that fuses the traditional and the religious together within a comprehensive modern educational system that is not focused on speaking a foreign language or imbibing a foreign culture alone. Let’s give balanced education a priority.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Energy

Fuel scarcity: A recurring nightmare

Property

Aviation

Housing: War over foreigners’ incursion

Is Africa’s single air transport market realistic?

Business What's news

2030 energy goals: Nigeria, others off target Nigeria is far-off the 2030 target on universal access to sustainable energy, the World Bank has said.

p.32

Four travel agencies rake in N36b revenue Four travel agencies in Nigeria - Touchdown Travels Limited, Finchglow Travels Limited, Dees Travels and Tours Limited and Quantum Travels Limited, have coalesced to launch the first travel consolidation in Nigeria under a new body, Travel Investment Company (TICO) to generate a combined revenue of N36 billion in 2014.

p.32

L-R: Second Vice President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Uche Olowu; Deputy Director, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Evelyn Afemikhe; President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Mrs. Debola Osibogun; Former President, Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola and Managing Director, ZATIVA Nig. Limited, Mrs. Stella Avbuluimen, after CIBN’s Annual General (AGM) meeting in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nigeria’s bearish crude sale to linger, says US SURPLUS

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Oil-producing countries pump more than the world consumes

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Adeola Yusuf

he United States (US) has predicted that the bearish crude sale facing Nigeria at the international market may linger until the market gets rid of oversupply. A data from the US energy watchdog, the International Energy Agency (IEA), showed that Nigeria and other oil-producing countries are pumping

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude more than the world consumes. The agency revealed that around 80 million barrels of Nigerian and Angolan crude oil are in the market with at least a dozen May-loading cargoes still unsold. Africa’s biggest crude exporter, Nigeria, depends largely on proceeds from crude to service over 80 per cent of its budget. The US, which was hitherto the biggest consumer of Nigeria’s crude, has successfully squeezed the country’s oil from its market. The United States’ five-year plan to squeeze Nigeria out of its oil market was achieved in six months. The country, which began to record zero import

from Nigeria, is also targeting 1.9 million barrel per day export by 2019, according to EIA. With over 85 per cent of Nigeria’s budget serviced by the crude oil revenue, other export options are Asian countries that may switch to the US export by 2019. “Indian refiners, which had bought large quantities of Nigerian oil in March and April, are now turning to cheaper Iraqi Basra and Venezuelan crude,”

80m

Total barrels of Nigerian and Angolean crude oil that has remained unsold at the international markets

the report revealed. Meanwhile, crude traders have stated that there is still a palpable glut in the physical crude market, different from the illusion of strong demand in the futures market. Near term oil market fundamentals continue to look dire, particularly in the Atlantic Basin, with Nigerian, Mediterranean and North Sea differentials all weak, analysts said. Other oil traders affected are those in Azeri and North Sea crude. Azeri Light crude traders, which usually is one of Europes favourite grades due to its high quality, said about 10 cargoes from the May tanker CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2015................................8.7% March 2015.............................8.5% February 2015.........................8.4%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at May 15)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N222 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N338 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N247.50

l Foreign Reserves – $29.786bn as at 14/05/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at May 15)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

MURKINESS

1.1 billion people worldwide live without electricity Adeola Yusuf

igeria is far-off the 2030 target on universal access to sustainable energy, the World Bank has said. The global bank, in its latest report that tracks the progress of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative, noted that Nigeria and other affected countries of the world, must move faster. The study, titled “Progress toward sustainable energy: Global tracking framework 2015,” finds that 1.1 billion people in the world still live without electricity and almost three billion still cook, using polluting fuels like kerosene, wood, charcoal and dung. About 100 million Nigerians or over 60 per cent of the country’s population, have no access to electricity. Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who confirmed these statistics, noted that most of the affected Nigerians live in rural communities. Director, International Centre for Energy and Environment Development, Mr. Ewa Eleri, had also said that about 100 million Nigerians have no access

‘Nigeria’s bearish crude sale to linger’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

loading programme are struggling to find buyers, just two days before June volumes are due to go into the market. As a result, the Azeri price premium to benchmark dated Brent is the weakest since December, when it hit a five-year low. In the short-term, futures prices do not necessarily reflect accurately the physical market. Benchmark Brent oil futures prices more than halved between June 2014 and January 2015 after OPEC refused to cut output and instead chose to undercut more expensive producers, including a booming US shale oil sector. But since January’s lows of $46 per barrel, prices have risen back to $69 per barrel (as at last Wednesday) on fears the output in the United States would fall deeper than expected and on signs of a faster-thanexpected demand rise across the world.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

2030 energy goals: Nigeria, others off target to electricity. Eleri said at a one-day workshop on renewable energy organised by Winrock International in Abuja, that only about 18 per cent of the Nigerian population had access to power. He also shared the view of other stakeholders on renewable energy, stressing that Nigeria plans to

actualise government’s 75 per cent connection target by 2020. He regretted that unlike Kenya and South Africa where government policies had promoted the development of renewable energy, Nigeria had yet to put in place policies that would work towards the actualisation of its 75 per cent target on use of

renewable energy. The SE4All initiative report, however, said that the world is heading in the right direction to achieve universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, but must move faster. In all, 222 million people gained access to electricity during the review period (between 2010 and 2012,) higher than the

population increase of 138 million people. These gains were concentrated in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and mainly in urban areas. The global electrification rate increased from 83 per cent in 2010 to 85 per cent in 2012. And, while picking up steam, renewable energy

generation and energy efficiency improvements will need to accelerate dramatically, the report said. The study is the second in a series that tracks the world’s progress toward SE4All’s three goals of universal energy access, doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix - all to be met by 2030. While the first edition, released in 2013, measured progress between 1990 and 2010, this edition focuses on 2010 to 2012.

L-R: Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Cyril Akhananhe; Globacom’s Group Business Director, Kunle Akanmu and Lagos NYSC Camp Director, Belinda Faniyi, during the welcome party for corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, in Lagos.

MERGERS

Decesion by the concerned travel agencies to consolidate was more of a natural decision

Four travel agencies rake in N36bn revenue Launch first travel consolidation in Nigeria

Wole Shadare

our travel agencies in Nigeria - Touchdown Travels Limited, Finchglow Travels Limited, Dees Travels and Tours Limited and Quantum Travels Limited, have coalesced to launch the first travel consolidation in Nigeria under a new body, Travel Investment Company (TICO) to generate a combined revenue of N36 billion in 2014. The combined entities represent 20 per cent of the market share. Managing Director of the Board and Managing Director of Quantum Travels Limited, Mr. Michael Otubu, made these known in Lagos during the formal launch of TICO - a body that midwifed the consolidation of four of the biggest travel companies in Nigeria. He said that TICO intends to grow by 15 per cent year-on -year, putting their share capitalisation at N100 million. Otubu said that their deci-

sion to form the consortium was not made from the comfort of their financial success, but from the depth of their experience in the market. He explained that together, they poolled a wealth of experience, skill and competence that gives TICO the competitive advantage and its drive to work towards building a brand that will become a foremost leader in the global travel industry. Otubu hinted that their objective is to diversify their operations by adding TICO cargo and airports drop off services as part of their operations by putting together travel finance options. He said: “The decision by the concerned travel agencies to consolidate was more of a natural decision, given the competitive nature of the industry. So, in that regard, this is not a new business model. “However, given the circumstance of the industry changes and looking at the prospects consolidation presents, it is a

welcome development to explore other means of revenue generation.” Speaking on how the individual agencies hope to bury their ego in a business of such magnitude, Managing Director of Touchdown Travels Limited, Dayo Adeola, stated that ego is a personal thing and has no place in the duty of making business decisions. He noted that TICO’s principals are, indeed, very successful in their own rights, but in the face of a common industry challenge, they’ve drawn from their experience to come together with a collective vision, which can only benefit them as a consortium and as individual companies as well. Adeola noted: “Consolidation is widely adopted in Europe, South Africa and USA. We can say it started in mid90s in the USA in the face of stiff competition in the American travel industry. Europe caught on not too long after.” Asia, he noted, picked up on

it within months and now the rest of the world is seeing it as a viable strategy for costreduction and profit-making. He added that Nigeria is not exempted from the pressures characterised in global business operations and has no option but to tow the line. Chief Executive Officer of TICO, Mrs. Irene Uti-Egbeogu, the brain behind this initiative, noted that consolidation is desirable at this point in time. She stated that the travel industry in evolving and consolidation is an extract from that evolution. “Consolidation is sweeping the global travel industry and bringing about tighter affiliations and stronger brands. In Nigeria, I believe that it will bring about efficiency in terms of the operations aspect. TICO has looked into the future and seen that there is strength in number, not just by statistic, but also by strength in competence and negotiation standpoint.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Nebo: Why N9bn pipeline surveillance deals failed p.34

Energy petroleum products to Katsina, Bauchi, Sokoto and Jigawa, amongst others. These states actually consume petroleum products from the refinery located at Zinder, some 900 kilometres east of the capital of Niger, Niamey. As the fuel crisis worsens, the Republic of Benin and other neighbouring countries have also begun to suffer the backlash. “Towns like Cotonou, Tube, Ajashe and others in Benin Republic have, for a long time, been depending on supplies from Nigeria through Idiroko border and now that Nigeria is not able to even satisfy itself, these towns are in serious mess,” a tyre merchant in Owode-Yewa, a border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic, Ade Qudus, told this newspaper by phone.

Nigerians may have to live with the on-going fuel scarcity until after May 29, following the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan to end the shortage, which first began about three months ago, writes ENERGY EDITOR, Adeola Yusuf

igeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter, has, for the past three months, been faced with scarcity of refined crude product. The scarcity of premium motor spirit (PMS) rocking the country has defied solutions, despite several meetings and promises by the Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) and oil marketers, to improve on the supply system. Given these scenarios, residents of the country have become the victims whose heads are used to break the proverbial coconut. The prevailing price of petrol at the international market is currently around N115 per litre, while it sells at N87 per litre in Nigeria, amounting to a subsidy of N28 per litre. This has compelled the independent oil marketers to sell the product at between N125 and N135 per litre. The scarcity has continued to take a toll on business activities across the country. While queues have persisted in filling stations, which dispense in Lagos and Abuja, others who shut their gates against customers are selling to the black marketers at a price between N120 and N140 per litre. The black marketers in turn are reselling to motorists at between N160 and N250 per litre. The prolonged scarcity has also brought in its wake, a hike in transport fares, commodities and services. Lost of control New Telegraph’s investigations showed that the president might have decided to leave the matter to the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari instead of tackling the crisis, which has crippled socio-economic activities nationwide. Oil marketers, it was learnt, had cut down on fuel importation out of the fear that the Buhari administration might not honour debt obligation arising from the fuel subsidy scheme. They are now waiting for a pronouncement on subsidy from Buhari to end the fuel scarcity rocking the country. Africa’s biggest crude exporter, Nigeria, depends largely on importation of refined products due to inefficiency of its four refineries to meet the 40 million litres daily consumption requirement. Added to this is the halt of importation by private concerns, which have thrown the country into a major fuel crisis that is expected to continue even after the president-elect assumes office. Nigeria is now at the mercy of Niger Republic, which is supplying about two million litres to the Northern region. A Niger Republic official, who is on vacation in the United States, told New Telegraph

Buhari

Okonjo-Iweala

Fuel scarcity: A recurring nightmare that the Soraz Refinery in Niger was catching in on the scarcity in Nigeria. Importers, who have stopped fuel importation, have said only a “pronouncement and assurance” from Buhari can make them resume importation. The Federal Government, through the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had called on the marketers to resume imports after a partpayment of about N165 billion was made to them. But the Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Thomas Olawore, said that government, which has made them go insolvent, was not in the best position to ask them to import. He said: “Our operations are facing a serious threat owing to the debts government owes us and the banks are still not helping matters. They have stopped to honour our requests for loan facilities. Now, tell me, what do you do in this kind of situation?” It was gathered that the importers were more confused with the stance of the president-elect on payment of subsidy and many of them believed that it would make no economic sense for them to import on credit for a period, which will not be controlled by the out-going government. “We are afraid of going ahead to import because we are neither sure that the next government will pay the backlog of subsidy nor honour a new fuel import contract,” a management staff of one of the major marketing firms told our correspondent by the telephone. Meanwhile, Niger Republic is catching

in on the fuel scarcity in Nigeria to boost sales. Niger to the rescue A Niger Republic official said that his country had a huge surplus of product refined from about 13,000 barrels per day and the larger chunk of premium motor spirit (PMS) from this volume is consumed majorly in Nigeria. He said: “Although the optimum capacity is 20,000 barrels per day, the Soraz Refinery is refining an average of 18,000 barrels of crude daily. Our domestic requirement from this is less than 5,000 bpd and you should know that the scarcity in Nigeria is a major market advantage for our products.” The oil installation is close to the Nigerian border. The 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) Soraz Refinery, located in Niger Republic, is now a major supplier of

The prevailing price of petrol at the international market is currently around N115 per litre

Marketers, outstanding debt Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Olufemi Adewole, at the weekend, alleged that the current petrol scarcity across the country have been aggravated by the refusal of the Federal Government to accede to the demand of the oil marketers for the issuance of sovereign debt notes (SDN) for their outstanding subsidy claims. A sovereign debt note, which serves as a security against any delay in payment of subsidy for imported cargoes, can be discounted for cash. With it, the marketers that do not get their payments within the stipulated 45 days can take the instruments to their creditor banks as cash to pay for their loans. The Federal Government had said last March that SDNs of N100 billion were issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) to settle part of the subsidy arrears owed the marketers during a meeting between government, represented by Okonjo-Iweala and marketers to ascertain the balance of the subsidy debt due to the marketers. Adewole said: “We tried to convince her that if they gave us post-dated SDNs in February, which matured in April, she should also give us post-dated SDNs for what is on the ground. But she refused bluntly. Unfortunately, our banks have told us that we have exhausted our credit lines. What some of us have received now and what some of us are still expecting is simply to block the big hole of credit that we have with the banks.” He added that the banks had asked the marketers to sort out the outstanding subsidy debt with government before they would give new credit lines. He said: “So, we have a dilemma now that we don’t even have the product to sell. We are appealing to government to pay us our money and, at the same time, pleading with the banks for understanding. But the banks are saying that they have reached the ceiling of the credit line to the oil industry. If the product is here, we will supply. If the money is paid to us, we will return it to the banks; and then, they can roll it over and we can bring in cargoes. “All the transactions we do are through banks, both local and foreign. “If the payment of the outstanding subsidy debt is made today, it will take at least 17 days for the product to get into the country as it takes at least two weeks for cargoes from North-west Europe to get to Nigeria. “You know that the NNPC keeps saying that they have some volumes of product. So, the NNPC gives it to them and they distribute. But the major marketers CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Business | Energy

COMPETENCE

NIPP accounts for 2,600 MW of power generation capacity Adeola Yusuf

ome contracts awarded for crude and gas pipeline surveillance failed because some “extremely unpatriotic Nigerians” are hell bent on attacking the installations for “political and economic reasons,” Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has said. He said this in an interview at the commissioning of the biggest power transmission station in Nigeria built by Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) in Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun states. President Goodluck Jonathan had awarded multi-million dollars contracts to companies belonging to ex-militants and host communities. The media was, in the build up to the general election, awashed with news that the out-going president awarded a surveillance contract estimated at about N9 billion to the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC). Despite the contracts, the installations continued to suffer attacks, which had effects on power generation and others. Enraged by the incessant attacks on pipelines, particularly the gas pipelines, Nebo advocated a digitalised surveillance of the facilities. “Yes, there are existing contracts for pipeline surveillance, but we have some Nigerians that are extremely unpatriotic,” he said. These unpatriotic elements, according to the minister, attacked pipelines for reasons, which, he said, “could be economic or political.” He said: “Some people have actually been arrested and convicted, but they still continue. What we should do is to digitalise surveillance. “As we speak, we can conveniently generate over 5,000 Mega Watt of electricity as a nation, but these saboteurs have persistently been ensuring that the capacity is not generated because they kept vandalising the gas pipeline that carry gas to thermal stations.” Meanwhile, the contracts have continued to generate ripples. While the Presidentelect, Muhammadu Buhari, warned that his government will not allow such contracts and will not “tolerate an army within the army or a police within the police” in the country, the House of

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nebo: Why N9bn pipeline surveillance deals failed Representatives continuously threatened to probe the contracts. The incoming administration is to further equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the

Army and Navy, as well as the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and hand them the job of protecting the oil pipelines and other installa-

tions, both onshore and offshore. The implication of this, however, is that Buhari’s government would stop the contract with some former Niger-Delta

militants or groups such as the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) in the Southwest region, which the Jonathan’s administration had awarded such contracts.

The contracts to ex-militants to police Nigeria’s waterways runs into billions of naira, the money, experts say, should have been invested in the Navy to perform the role.

L-R: Government Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Mr. Steve Okwosa; Public Affairs Officer, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, Mrs. Tolu Derin-Adefuwa and Head of Operations, Innercity Mission for Children, Mr. Kaycee Kanu, at the handover of the NNPC-Shell E-Learning Centre to the Mission’s Primary School in Ikeja. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

themselves don’t have cargoes that are brought in under the petroleum subsidy scheme.” NNPC insist 1.2bn litres available Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, reiterated that the corporation had sufficient petrol to service the country, but that the marketers could only lift the product from their depots after making payment. He said: “If payment is not made, nobody can lift. It is a business. If you go to the depots to lift, you must pay.” After the end of the fourhour meeting between marketers and government, OkonjoIweala had said that the issues that led to the scarcity had been resolved without disclosing the outstanding subsidy debt. But the scarcity of the product has yet to abate as fuel queues continue to grow in some of the filling stations selling the product, with most of them dispensing petrol at between N140 and N200 per litre instead of the regulated price of N87. Oil workers’ call for ceasefire However, oil workers have called for a ceasefire between government and oil importers. The workers, under the aegis of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of the National Union Petroleum and Natural

Fuel crisis Gas Workers (NUPENG), said that government and marketers should resolve their differences in the interest of Nigerians. President, NUPENG PTD, Lagos unit, Tokunbo Korodo said: “The major marketers and independent marketers are the ones that shut their depots from tanker drivers due to their subsidy outstanding. The queue in filling stations across the nation is because it is not all of them that have fuel. The few that have need to cater for the entire nation. “In fact, bridging is the inthing now; tankers are coming from different parts of the country to Lagos to lift fuel.” Crack in their house Earlier, the Federal Government had infiltrated the marketers’ rank. A crack, allegedly caused by the Federal Government penultimate week, occurred among marketers of PMS, as some independent marketers abandoned the majors in fuel loading technical strike. The technical strike, which began last Wednesday by all marketers, was used to halt fuel loading in Apapa, a move, which a government source said, was “expected to worsen the fuel shortage if not quickly checked.” The MOMAN had, last week,

issued a two weeks ultimatum to government to pay the balance of the subsidy debts. But some independent marketers, who considered the decision to embark on a strike before the expiration of a twoweek ultimatum “too harsh and uneconomic,” have started loading products. The source told our correspondent that officials of the Federal Government had since been talking to some marketers to consider the pains, which the strike had inflicted on Nigerians and work together with government. “It is true that we have been talking to them, but the decision by some independents to begin loading should be seen as personal,” the source said by phone. Meanwhile, the 1.2 billion litres of PMS, which the NNPC said they had in stock, translates to 31 days sufficiency going by the 40 million daily consumption of the product in the country. The Managing Director of PPMC, Prince Haruna Momoh, said that 21 additional vessels laden with petroleum products are offshore Lagos, waiting to berth. He said that the NNPC had made adequate arrangements to ensure energy sufficiency in the country and reassured motorists that the noticeable queues at the filling stations would thin out in the

days ahead. Momoh noted that the NNPC has 21 days sufficiency of automative gas oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel and 18 days sufficiency of dual purpose kerosene (DPK), otherwise known as kerosene. He announced that as part of efforts to ensure petroleum products’ sufficiency and distribution, the NNPC embarked on aggressive reception depots’ rehabilitation in 2011. He added: “As at today, 18 depots out of the 23 depots have been fully recovered with the exception of Makurdi, Yola and Maiduguri due to the activities of pipeline vandals.” The PPMC MD disclosed that the Corporation suffered petroleum products losses worth N40.8 billion through pipeline vandalism in 2014, stressing that no business could survive such a loss and still remain a going concern. Conclusion The suffering and pains, which the on-going fuel scarcity has inflicted on Nigerians, are unwarranted. Consequently, government-both the out-going and the incoming - must work together to end the acute shortage of the product. The incoming government must take a step further by ensuring that refineries in Nigeria work to meet the local needs of the populace and put a halt to the subsidy regime.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Cornerstone partners foreign investors, expands operations p.36

Property&Environment

Housing: War over foreigners’ incursion CAPITAL FLIGHT Over N9bn is being lost annually to foreign artisans Dayo Ayeyemi

igerian professionals in the housing/construction sector have drawn the battle line. They can no longer fold their arms and allow the foreign firms to take over their jobs after the latter have partially displayed the indigenous artisans in the sector. This resolution was arrived at, at the weekend, during the Lagos Architects Forum (LAF 2015), organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos chapter. The event attracted professionals in the built environment in the country, including policy makers. Nigerian housing/construction industry is among the fastestgrowing in the world and is expected to create thousands of jobs for the youths and become a major source of revenue for government, but the opposite is the case. As at the last count, no fewer than 5.3 million youths are jobless in Nigeria, while another 1.8 million graduates enter the labour market every year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). It is estimated that over N9 billion is being lost annually by Nigeria to foreign construction artisans. While the country is struggling for a way out of this dilemma, artisans from West African neighbouring countries of Togo and Benin Republic have taken over the so called ‘technical’ jobs such as tilling, carpentry, block-laying, plastering and furniture-making in the housing industry, no thanks to special skills being displayed by these foreigners to outwit the locals. Also, professionals and artisans from China, India and Lebanon, among others, have joined the league without any regulation restricting them. It is estimated that over 500,000 Chinese artisans currently work in various countries on the African continent, including Nigeria. Despite various plans by the Federal Government to reposition the technical schools in the country to enhance capacity training of artisans, such efforts have not yielded the desired result as parents no longer send their wards for vocational training. A few craftsmen in the sector have also abandoned the trade for the now popular motorcycle (Okada) riding business, which brings quick cash. Worries As built environment experts are groaning about this, the latest worry is the incursion of foreign architects into the country without restriction.

A model of Heritage Place, Lagos.

ties available in Lagos.

President Jonathan

Awobodu

New Telegraph’s findings showed that most of the new high-rise office developments and hotels in Lagos were designed by foreign architects to the detriment of their Nigerian counterparts. A source disclosed that three high rise residential and office developments going on in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos were designed by foreigners. Worried by this development, the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has vowed to challenge the situation it described as ‘affront’ to the profession. ARCON is the regulatory body overseeing the training and practice of architecture in Nigeria. The body warned that it would not stand by and watch the rights of its members trampled upon, alleging that sources of livelihood of its members have been eroded through the illegal engagement of foreign architects. ARCON President, Mr. Aliyu Umaru, cautioned those who engaged in what he called “unwholesome practice” to desist from it or face the full wrath of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. International best practices Umaru emphasised that the International Union of Archi-

Over N9 billion is being lost annually by Nigeria to foreign construction artisans

Aliyu

tects (IUA) has mandated foreign firms undertaking architectural services on projects in any country in which it is not registered to collaborate with a local draftsman to ensure that proper and effective understanding is given to legal, environmental, social, cultural and heritage factors. Aliyu urged architects to continue to work with ARCON in establishing the business of architecture in an appropriate manner with best practices and internationally accepted modes and codes of operation. To checkmate the incursion of foreign firms with affiliation, the ARCON boss said that the body has introduced the Architect Project Registration Number, which is a number assigned by the council to each architectural project in any part of the country to ensure that only fully registered architects submit architectural drawings for developmental control/implementation and receive the approval from relevant approving authorities. Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos State chapter, Mr Ladipo Lewis, said that the aim of the association was to strive further and achieve greater heights by taking advantage of the immense opportuni-

Experts’ views President of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Mr. Kunle Awobodu, a builder, said that it was alarming that foreigners have taken over jobs belonging to indigenous architects, builders, engineers, surveyors and town planners without passing through normal channels. Due to this illegal practice, he noted that the construction industry has suffered in the area of manpower development. He alleged that government was the first culprit in the act as it was in the habit of awarding contracts meant for indigenous firms to foreigners. “This action of government is not given us (local professionals) the respect will deserve. This lead to nothing but capital flight,” he said. Competency question Government has argued overtime that local professionals are still lacking capacity to cope with some special projects that are time bound. A source from government’s quarter who did not want his name mentioned, said that preference for foreign firms was due to the required capacity to cope with some big jobs with deadline. The source stated that most engineering jobs are equipmentbased, noting that only a few Nigerian firms can boast of the array of equipment that are being paraded by their foreign counterparts. According to him, in the area of paying more attention to details in road construction and modern multi-storey building designs, foreign firms have shown, over time, that they are better. Awobodu, however, disagreed with the above notion. He emphasised that that Nigerian built enviCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Business | Property & Environment

LEVERAGE Success and quality of projects attract foreigners Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

essrs Cor nerstone Real Estate Limited (CREL) has entered into fresh deals with Messrs Aesbus Knowledge Solutions, an American firm, to increase the nation’s accommodation stock and, as well, expand its services overseas. Consequently, the developer of Cornerstone Housing Estate, CREL, is now in a position to buy, sell, lease or manage properties for Nigerians seeking such services in any part of the United States of America (USA). The company’s chairman, Mr. Lanre Okupe, disclosed this during the tour of Cornerstone’s Oregun Housing Scheme, Ikeja, Lagos, by the investors. Representatives of Aesbus Knowledge Solutions, led by Mr. Earl Castor, Cornerstone’s Chairman, Mr. Lanre Okupe and his Director, Dr. Solomon Olatoye, toured the estate. The visitors were impressed with the quality of finishing at the Oregun site. Okupe told the visitors that the success recorded by the company over the years was largely due to the efficient and prudent management of

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Cornerstone partners foreign investors, expands operations materials and manpower by professionals within the organisation, coupled with the provision of quality products at competitive prices. Speaking after the tour, Castor commended the developer for the quality workmanship displayed in the estate, expressing the commitment of Aesbus Knowledge Solutions to partner with CREL in many areas of endeavour. Castor said: “This is one of the best workmanship that we have seen around during our short visit to Nigeria.’’ Aesbus Knowledge Solutions is an investment company based in USA, with interests in manufacturing, telecommunications and real estate-related businesses. The Cornerstone Oregun Phase II Housing Project, which is nearing completion, is on a five-acre land, located at the Ikeja end of Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun. The Phase II, which consists of 14 units of various duplex types, comprise two units of three bedroom detached houses with one room boys’ quarters; six units of 4-bedroom semi-detached houses with one room boys’ quarters and six units of

3-bedroom terrace house. Okupe, said each duplex sits on an approximate land area of 350 metre-square to 400 metre-square each with four bedrooms are all en-suite, while the ground floor space area includes the entrance lobby, foyer, main living room, dinning, kitchen, visitors’ toilet, guest room en-suite. The first floor space area include the family lounge with balcony, two bedrooms and the

master’s bedroom, all en-suite, spacious living and dining areas with exquisite wood work, well-finished wardrobes and kitchen cabinet as well as PoP ceiling. It also comprises stainless steel aluminium railings, among others. The terrace will also be finished with PoP ceiling, stainless steel aluminium railings, well-finished wardrobes and kitchen cabinet, among others. The Cornerstone boss dis-

closed that instalment payment is allowed for interest buyers, with 30 per cent down payment, while the balance is spread over a 12-month period. The price for the duplexes is N85 million per unit, while the Terrace costs N75 million. The Phase 1 of Oregun Housing Project comprising of 12 units of duplexes has since been sold off and occupied with just one unit available for re-allocation.

War over foreigners’ incursion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

ronment experts can compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world, having been trained and possessed the requisite skills in various specialties. He stated that news abound about the performance of Nigerian professionals both in the country and abroad. Missing link Unlike legal and medicine professions where it has become compulsory for anyone (either local or foreigner) that wants to practice in the country to go through the Nigerian Law School and Nigerian Medical Association, Awobodu noted that the built environment sector has become an all comers’ affair. He noted: “You cannot come from anywhere to practise as a lawyer in Nigeria without going through the Nigerian Law School. Likewise, you cannot practise as a medical doctor without being certified by the Nigerian Medical Association, but in the housing/construction sector, foreigners come in and practise without being examined by any professional body.” The BCPG boss stressed that time has come for various professional bodies in the sector to unite against the problem. “We need legal backing to address this aberration,” he said. Past events This is not the first time

that Nigerian professionals are kicking against the habit of awarding their jobs to foreign firms by government. In 2008, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) castigated the Lagos State government for contracting the development of a Comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan for Lekki sub-region to Messrs Dar al-Handasah Shair and Partners, foreign company. The grouse of the institute was that it has enough town planners in the country who are qualified for the job. The town planners’ association decried the attitude of government for disowning its own professionals for foreigners. Despite the professionals’ outcry, their plea fell on deaf ears as government went ahead with the project. President, Nigerian Institute of Building (BIN), Mr. Tunde Lasabi, described the situation as “worrisome,” seeing the rate of unemployment rising, while the nation is losing billions of naira in foreign exchange. Lasabi lamented that many artisans from neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Ghana and Togo have besieged Nigeria to take up jobs belonging to locals. The NIOB boss said that his institute has been empowered by the National Board of Technical Education to train some artisans in requisite vocations in the industry.

L-R: General Manager, Corporate Services, Alpha Mead Facilities & Management Services Ltd. (AMFacilities), Mrs. Wale Odufalu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Femi Akintunde and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Bob Daglish, at the official press briefing of the annual Nigerian Facilities Management Roundtable, in commemoration of the World Facilities Management Day in Nigeria.

Govt tasked on facilities management

overnments at various levels have been tasked on the need to put facilities management issues on the front burner to improve the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). Speaking during the briefing on the 2015 Nigerian Facilities Management Roundtable, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AMFacilities, Mr. Femi Akintunde, said that the call has become imperative following the dwindling government revenue and the need to maximise the nation’s assets for future gains. To really put the issues of facilities management in the right perspective in Nigeria, Akintunde hinted that his company has concluded plans to hold the fourth edition of FM roundtable in commemoration of the World FM Day on June 10, in Lagos. Themed: “Building resilience for the future,” the AMFacilities boss said that the event would stimulate a standard-driven facilities management sector that

will sufficiently support Nigeria’s growing real estate and infrastructure market to contribute to the nation’s GDP. Justifying the theme, Akintunde noted that it was apt judging by the role facilities management would play in helping businesses hedge against risk and downtimes, adding that top executives and professionals within the nation’s business environment have been carefully selected to deliberate on how the sector can continue to help business stay resilient in the face of global realities. He said: “The key objectives of this day are to recognise and celebrate achievements of facility managers around the globe, present a platform for the improvement of standard practices of the profession, develop agenda for the improvements of FM practice globally and address identified challenges being experienced at the local levels in order to be able to meet global best practice and standards.

“Here in Nigeria, the objectives are not different. We have sufficiently drawn from the global agenda for this day to form the basis of our discussions for the past three editions and this year is not different.” On the successes of the previous editions, he said that it was fulfilling to see that the industry has been gaining the required momentum and that private individuals, government and the media have come to terms with the critical role FM can play in sustaining the Nigerian built environment. He noted that the sector was witnessing an unprecedented rise in profile, while the private sector has begun to acknowledge the key role that FM plays in their quest for improved productivity and profitability. Besides, he pointed out that government at the federal and state levels are increasingly buying into the Public-Private-Partnership paradigm, especially in terms of public assets utilities and facilities.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

NAHCO, ANCLA raise cargo tariff by 20% p.38 While many air markets within and outside Africa have been liberalised to a significant extent, most intra-African aviation markets remain largely closed, subject to restrictive bilateral pacts. Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE who was at the just concluded Air Finance for Africa summit on “Open Skies Africa” in Johannesburg, writes that this has limited the potential for aviation to be an engine of growth Poor infrastructure In Africa, where poor roads, ports and railway infrastructure often constrain the rapid and efficient transportation of goods and passengers, air transport holds both a potential for growth and a role for the economic development of the continent by fostering trade and foreign investments. It would be recalled that after independence, most African states created their own flag carriers, which primarily served a few intercontinental routes, while the domestic market remained thin. Several early attempts to unite various small African airlines did not bear fruits. Consequently, the domestic air service market remained inefficient, under-developed and uncompetitive. In order to address these shortcomings, on November 4, 1999, African Ministers responsible for civil aviation adopted the Yamoussoukro Decision on the liberalisation of access to air transport market in the continent. This pan-Africa treaty widely liberalises air services on the African continent, and most African countries are bound to it. Implementation failure Sadly, more than 15 years after adopting formal liberalization of air services, full implementation of the liberalisation has not been achieved. Nevertheless, in certain regions, and on various bilateral relationships, liberalisation of African air services has indeed done significant progress. While many air markets between Africa and countries outside of Africa have been liberalised to a significant extent, most intra-African aviation markets remain largely closed, subject to restrictive bilateral agreements, which limit the growth and development of air services. This has retarded the potential for aviation to be an en-

Aviation Is Africa’s single air transport market realistic?

Participants at the just concluded Air Finance for Africa Conference and Exhibition, tagged, “Open Skies Africa”, New Alliance Strategies and Funding Solutions held recently at Emperors’ Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa.

gine of growth and development. The challenges faced by the failure to liberalise air transport market in Africa led experts across the continent to converge on Johannesburg, South Africa to discuss the way forward for the airlines that are reputed to be small and fragmented with none of them able to compete with the smallest airlines in Europe or Middle-East. Advantages of liberalisation South Africa’s passenger traffic, according to a study, could gain 54 per cent if the Yammoussoukro decision were implemented. Consumer benefits are estimated at $183 million, 14,500 additional jobs and an economic contribution of $283.9 million. Same for Nigeria and countries such as Senegal, Ethiopia and Ghana. In many cases, travel times would be more than halved, making both business and leisure travel more attractive, the report found. It cited other studies, which have demonstrated a link between increased air traffic and growth in employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). An earlier InterVistas study estimated that each 10 per cent increase in international air services led to a 0.07 per cent increase in GDP, which can then translate into millions, or even billions of dollars of incremental (GDP). “Market access [in Africa] is still defined by a spaghetti-bowl of bilateral air transport agreements between individual states,” said Linden Birns, the managing director at aviation consultancy Plane Talking and publicist for Iata. As first step in tackling the problem, African Ministers of Transport/Aviation reiterated their full support for the African Union Commission’s proposal for the establishment of a single African air transport market by 2017. Establishing a single air transport market will create an extra 155 000 job opportunities in the key markets of Nigeria, South Af-

rica, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Guinea, Namibia, Tunisia, Chad, Kenya, Senegal and Angola.

Travel times would be more than halved, making both business and leisure travel more attractive, the report found

Experts seek solution This emerged last week in far away Johannesburg, as South Africa’s Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters spoke at the Air Finance for Africa Summit 2015, with theme, “Open Skies Africa-New Alliance Strategies and Funding Solution.” Peters, who was represented by Chief Director for Civil Aviation in the National Department of Transport, Pule Selepe, said South Africa recently hosted the meeting of the African ministerial working group on the establishment of a single air transport market in Africa. She said air travel was essential to the prosperity of Africa, as it opened up opportunities that did not exist before. “Fostering the African aviation industry may be one of the driving forces of regional integration on the continent. Better connected African countries and regions, through a viable air transport industry, could be the catalyst that can boost intra-African business, trade, tourism as well as cultural exchanges,” she said. Speaking in the same vein, the convener of the summit, Mr. Nick Fadugba, lamented that the performance of the African aviation industry still lags behind the rest of the world. He stressed that the demand for air transport has increased steadily over the few years, with passenger numbers and freight traffic growing by 45 per cent and 80 per cent respectively. Fadugba stated that said this trend is expected to continue in the coming years due to a number of factors such as robust economic growth, demographic boom, increasing urbanisation and the emergence of the middle class.. “Air transportation contributes directly to economic growth through the creation of direct and indirect jobs in the industry. It also

contributes positively to other auxiliary sectors such as tourism. “The expansion in air transport also creates market opportunities for local entrepreneurs by creating regional and global economic centres”. He stated that Nigerian and indeed African carriers have been suffering, owing to losing market share on the long haul sector, which he said, has diminished. Fadugba said African airlines are under threat of predatory European, American and Gulf carriers, just as he called upon the continent’s leaders to open up their skies like they have committed themselves to do. In Africa, the industry is being hampered by constraints such as a poor record of safety and security, lack of adequate resources and infrastructure, distance and limited connectivity, lack of regulation and government actions. Experts at the annual summit admitted that these constraints add to the competition and high operating costs. Addressing these challenges they opined could significantly unlock the industry’s potential for future growth. Other constraints to note in the African air transport industry are poor airport infrastructure, lack of physical and human resources, limited connectivity and lack of transit facilities. Lacklustre attitude Despite the growing awareness of the role that the aviation industry could play in the development of the continent, the industry is still not a priority of most African governments. Peters and others lamented the reluctance of African countries to liberalise their air transport market. They said some African governments are still hesitant to open their skies amongst each other but yet open to non-African countries through the Open Skies and Horizontal Agreements.

Business | Aviation

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NAHCO, ANCLA raise cargo tariff by 20% The pact means that NAHCO would revise the initial 30% increase Stories by Wole Shadare

fter days of dispute over appropriate pricing for cargo, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and the Association of Nigeria Customs Licensed Agents (ANCLA) at the weekend reached a consensus on the issue of adjustment in air cargo tariff. They settled for a 20- percent increase. The groups had been embroiled over what the cargo tariff should be before they eventually settled for 20 per

cent increment. The new agreement means that NAHCO would have to revise downward the initial 30 percent increase it had started implementing while ANCLA would move up from zero to 20 per cent. In a meeting at the head office of NAHCO in Lagos, the negotiating team of ANCLA led by the Vice – Chairman, Bola Ashiru – Balogun, with the Treasurer, Afolabi Azeez and the Financial Secretary, Obanla Alex, said that they reached the agreement with NAHCO in the interest of the overall development of the industry and in realisation of the fact that both sides were in this tough economic situation together. The Managing Director, nahco aviance, Mr. Norbert Bielderman, said what happened was in

the best spirit of give and take. He thanked everyone involved in the negotiations for their maturity while particularly thanking the ANCLA representatives for their professionalism. He said, “I would like to thank you all for the professionalism you brought into these negotiations. You guys have been very professional. I appreciate that.” Bielderman urged the Association leaders to always feel free to approach NAHCO whenever issues that concern both parties arise. On his part, Bola Ashiru – Balogun said this is the first time in a long while that NAHCO would get its act right; and that the push by the Company for the tariff increase was so organised. Ashiru – Balogun said although NAHCO called the

L-R: Managing Director, Finchglow Travels Limited, Mr. Bankole Bernard; Chief Executive Officer, Travel Management Company (TICO), Irene Uti-Egbeogu; Chairman, Board and Managing Director, Quantum Travels Limited, Mr. Michael Otubu; Managing Director, Dees Travels and Tours Limited, Mr. Daisi Olotu and Managing Director, Touchdown Travels Limited, Mr. Dayo Adeola, at the launch of first-ever consolidation in the travel industry in Nigeria, held at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently.

Emirates slashes Lagos, Abuja-Dubai fares

mirates Airline, a global connector of people and places, is offering its customers the opportunity to see more of the world and experience the award-winning onboard services, at reduced fares for a limited period only. Available on selected return Economy Class and Business Class tickets to numerous destinations across Asia, the US, Europe, and the Far East; the sale is valid for booking until 30 May 2015. To avail of this offer, outbound travel must commence on or before 15th June 2015. According to the manage-

ment of the carrier, fares start from as low as $800 for a return ticket from Lagos or Abuja to Dubai. Other destinations included in this special offer are: London $962, New York $1228; Beijing $1201, Delhi $921, Hong Kong $941, Kuala-Lumpur $922, Bombay $887, Seoul $1508, Guangzhou $991 and Shanghai $1149. Return ticket for Business Class fares from Dubai starts from at $3557. Others include London $3301, New York $4185, Beijing $3633, Delhi $2366, HongKong $3619, Kuala-Lumpur $3406, Bombay $2331, Seoul $4465, Guangzhou

$3318 and Shanghai $3634. Emirates operates twice daily flights on Lagos route; making a total of 14 airlifting of passengers a week served by a Boeing B777-300 ER. It also operates a daily flight to Abuja and a Cargo flight to Kano. The airline operates services to 144 destinations in 81 countries across the six continents of Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and AsiaPacific. It flies over 230 modern, wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has orders for an additional 279 aircraft.

Bi-Courtney floats online competition

ollowing the successful inauguration of its state-ofthe-art check-in facilities and other technology innovations, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) has concluded arrangements to launch an online competition, titled: MMA2KIARace.

The MMA2KIARace, which is Instagram-driven, can be accessed by fans at its new corporate website. The firm has concluded arrangements to launch a marketing communications company, aimed at further encouraging the general public to embrace available online resources to conduct their busi-

nesses and social interactions. Participants are expected to follow the MMA2KIARACE handle on Instagram, repost and simply follow the given instructions. The competition, according to a statement, is inspired by the conviction that Nigeria can no longer afford to swim against the tide.

agreement a win-win situation, it is to the Association and their teeming members a lose – win situation. He explained that NAHCO won this time and should be con-

gratulated. He, however, said that ANCLA would win the next time even as he called for an even stronger relationship between the two partners.

AIR RAGE

WITH

U-TURN

Wole Shadare

Saving Nigeria from shame

t is a sad tale each time you pass through most Nigerian airports, especially, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos terminal. You weep for a terminal that was modeled after one of Europe’s biggest airports, Schipol, Amsterdam over 30 years ago. Travellers are daily confronted with experiences of having to go through one of the worst terminals in the world. The decay at the Lagos airport is indescribable. Even with the much publicised remodeling that reportedly gulped over N600 billion, not much has changed to justify the waste of public funds. Aside the expansion of the terminal to make room for security checks, which was poorly done, what you see does not justify the claim that several billions of naira was spent. What was claimed that was spent could give the country some of the best airports in Africa. Every day, users of the terminal curse and abuse whenever they go through the area with so much pain, as passenger facilitation takes more than two hours to be completed. At the airport, the conveyor belt that transports luggage from the check-in counter to baggage area had stopped working, forcing baggage handlers from the two major aviation handling companies, Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) to carry bag manually to throw them into the dug-out. The arrival hall of the terminal is travellers’ nightmare as they are hot as ovens, newly bought air conditioners strapped to the walls could barely solve the heat that is enough to roast a cow. The newly acquired carousels at the arrival hall of the terminal are not working maximally as some parts of the equipment get cut off. These are the reasons the Lagos airport is not rated among the best 20 airports in Africa and it is deservedly so, going by the rot that pervades the aerodrome. We dare not try to compare with airports outside Africa. As soon as you descend from the plane to go through the immigration point, the feeling is as though you were being punished for daring to travel to Nigeria – if you

are a foreigner – or you were being punished for daring to leave the country-if you are a Nigerian. Such is the extent of the decay that pervades most of the airports in Nigeria, which has made air travel far from being pleasurable. Less than two years after work was done to give it a facelift, no one would have thought that the terminal would degenerate so soon to this embarrassing level of decay. Not only is the decay starring you in the face, it has become a metaphor for the decay of infrastructure in the country. It has also become a scary antiquity of sorts because everything about the airport is obsolete. In other climes, it takes less than 10 minutes to check in passengers, go through security and still have time to shop in duty free shops or relax before boarding their flights. But at the airport and most Nigerian airports, the presence of State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, Aviation Security (AVSEC) and others who deep their hands into travellers luggage in the name of manual screening makes Nigeria a laughing stock all over the world. It is not done anywhere in the world. As rich as the country is, one finds it extremely difficult to procure equipment to detect carriage of dangerous goods. In most cases, these officials ask for tips or outright bribe from travellers. Such actions damage Nigeria and destroy the fabric of its image in the comity of nations. The irony is that a foreigner, who witnessed such disgraceful things 15 years ago, would witness a worse scenario, if he travels back to Nigeria today. One is forced to conclude that in other serious countries, those who were saddled with the responsibility of re-building and remodeling of the nation’s airports are called to answer charges of grand deception, corruption and ineptitude. The Lagos airport is outdated. The government needs to take a cue from Senegal and build a world class, modern terminal, not like the one under construction by the Chinese at Lagos airport, which has been described as a rip off on Nigeria.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESday, MAY 19, 2015

Photo | News

L-R: Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi; his wife, Dame Judith; Hon. Dakuku Peterside and his running mate, Mr. Asita Asita, during a Special Thanksgiving Service by the Greater Together Campaign Organisation in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Fasso, Ambassador David Bala; Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu and Representative of Gombe State Governor, Dr. Sani Sule, at the inauguration of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Bogoro LGA of Bauchi State. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, Christ’s School (Ado Ekiti) Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, Mr. Yemi Akeju; Chief Ayo Adebanjo and award winner/satiric poet writer, Prof. Niyi Osundare, at the Alumni Association’s lecture in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Bishop of Isuikwuato Umenneochi Diocese, Abia State, Rt. Rev. Manasseh Okere; Chancellor, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Justice Babasola Ogunade (rtd); Bishop of Lagos West Anglican Communion, Bishop Olusola Odedeji, his wife, Mrs. Lydia Odedeji; Bishop of Ife Dioceses Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odunbogun and Bishop of Ijebu Dioceses, Rt. Rev. Ayo Awosoge, during a thanksgiving service of the first session of the 6th Synod of Dioceses of Lagos west Anglican Communion at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: Director, Revenue, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Bappa Isah; AccountantGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla and Minister of State, Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, at the Federal Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja.

National Chairman, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh (second right), consoling the sisters (Umuada) in Azikiwe family, over the death of the first son of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, in Onitsha. PHOTO-NAN

District Governor, Rotary International, Mr. Tola Omotsola (right), with the Guest Speaker, Prof. Yusuf Obaje, during the opening ceremony of 6th District Conference of Rotary International District 9125 in Jos.

L-R: Editor, School Tips and More Magazine, Mrs. Flourish Ayowale-Ezekiel; Managing Director, EDUMARK CONSULT, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; E-Learning Manager, Chips, Bits and Bytes, Mr. Ogunfatimi Oluwaseun and Editorial Executive, EDUMARK CONSULT, Mr. Daniel Iyam, at a press conference on the 7th school support seminar/exhibition held in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

FRC cancels public hearing on Corporate Governance Code

EMBARGO

Court injunction stops event Tony Chukwunyem

iting a court injunction, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has cancelled the public hearing on the National Code of Corporate Governance originally scheduled to hold today. The FRC’s Board Chairman, Hajia Maryam Ladi Ibrahim, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos yesterday. She explained that although every arrangement had been put in place to ensure that the public hearing went ahead as planned, the Council had to comply with the court injunction. The chair expressed surprise that some interested parties went to court to obtain an injunction stopping the public hearing when they still had the opportunity of commenting on the exposure draft of the National Code of Corporate Governance. The FRC boss emphasised that the FRC has followed due process in putting together the Code of Corporate Governance, pointing out that the process was quite long and would not be concluded even if the public hearing had held today. She said: “We are now at the exposure draft

Cites court injunction

stage. But it began when the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment constituted a steering committee, which followed due process in carrying out its activities. The process has been on for about two years. We

have about 23 regulatory agencies involved and each one of them was supposed to take the code to their organisations. We also have the big four accounting firms. Apart from the steering committee, there is also the technical com-

Skye Bank posts PBT of N6bn in Q1

kye Bank Plc has announced a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N6.2 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, representing an increase of 82 per cent over the N3.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2013. Similarly, the bank’s Profit After Tax (PAT) grew to N5 billion during the review period compared with N2.7 billion achieved during the corresponding period in 2013. This indicated a rise of 85 per cent. According to the unaudited result submitted on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, the bank in a statement made available to New Telegraph, also recorded strong growth in all the performance indicators. Reflecting the bank’s inclination towards feebased transactions, its fee

mittee. The code would not become law at the end of the public hearing but would have to be sent back to the board for approval. So, it is a long process.” She restated the Council’s determination to ensure that the country

and commission income, which was N6.2 billion in 2013, increased to N10.2 billion in the first quarter of 2014, representing a growth of 64.5 per cent. The expanded business activities of the lender also manifested in a big rise in its gross earnings, which rose to N42.3 billion from N34.3 billion in 2013, appreciating by 23 per cent. The shareholders’ fund also rose to N137.3 billion from N132 billion. The result also showed the bank’s total assets hitting N1.43 billion as against N1.42 billion during the same period in 2013. Similarly, its total liabilities, including total

deposits, stood at N1.3 trillion as against N1.2 trillion in the preceding year. Commenting on the first quarter result, Skye Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, said the lender was set to deliver superior value and returns to the shareholders as the institution enters its new strategic growth phase. Oguntayo said the bank would leverage on the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank to take its services closer to its customers – current and prospects - and expand its bouquet of value adding offerings to meet the diverse needs of its stakeholders.

Economic Indicators As at

As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8.7 0.0000 13

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 May, 2015 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 Source: CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$29,808,779,751

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

NITTY

11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 15/5/2015

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

She said: “When the board members saw some of the publications they were surprised. There is no problem at all among the board members. I think what happened was that there were some arrears that needed to be paid to some categories of staff but you know this is a young board and eventually they were paid. Some staff also needed to be promoted but it has to follow due process.”

421 banks, others deploy Remita, says CEO Kunle Azeez

he Chief Executive Officer of SystemSpecs, one of Nigeria’s leading software houses, Mr. John Obaro, has said that about 421 banks currently run on the company’s e-payment platform. The adopters comprise all 21 commercial banks and over 400 micro-finance banks in the country as well as federal, state and local governments, corporate organisations and individuals, who have deployed the e-payment solution for receiving and making payments. Obaro stated that this year’s Remita Corporate Championship Cup (RC3) football tournament, which kicked off over the weekend with UBA, MTN, Etisalat and others commencing battle for football supremacy in the prestigious event. He said: “Remita, is an electronic platform designed to make it very

easy for organisations and individuals to receive and make payments through many channels such as website, Internet banking, local and international cards, Point of Sales (PoS), mobile devices, bank branches and electronic wallets.” Obaro noted that that the championship, which continues to attract giants of corporate Nigeria and has the 2015 finalists as MTN, UBA, Leadway Assurance, Nestle, Swipha Nigeria, Etisalat, Ecobank and Unilever, represents one of the company’s social responsibility initiatives. “The need for corporate executives to cultivate a healthy lifestyle through active participation in sports is the focus of this year’s Remita Corporate Championship Cup football tournament. Obaro explained that it was pertinent for corporate executives to maintain healthy lifestyles that can position them to be part of “healthy companies”.

CBN reviews guidelines on Commercial Agric Credit scheme Tony Chukwunyem

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

has a National Code of Corporate Governance, stressing that it was in line with global best practices and that some countries on the continent such as Mauritius already had theirs. She dismissed allegations in some newspapers (not the New Telegraph) about in fighting on the Council’s board, pointing out that the reports came as a surprise to the FRC’s board members.

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revised guidelines on the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). In a circular posted on its website yesterday, entitled, “Amendment to pricing of Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS)”, the apex bank explained that it reviewed the scheme to sustain the public’s interest in as well as enhance the operations of the scheme. According to the revised scheme, “Payment of interest on CACS facilities shall not exceed

9.0 per cent, inclusive of all charges. These charges shall be shared in the ratio of 7 per cent to the participating banks and 2 per cent to the CBN. “Section 8.0 subsection (ii) of the CACS guidelines has been amended accordingly to reflect the revised interest sharing ratio. The revised fee sharing formula shall take effect from the date of the revised guidelines.” The amendment also stated : “Funds shall be released to participating banks at 2.0 per cent interest rate after a confirmation of its intent/ readiness to disburse the funds.”

Business | Financial Market News

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

18-May-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 118.31 600.00 573.14 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 299.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,670.90

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,360.56

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

1.25 1.94 2.19 2.29 3.03 4.12 4.43 4.74 6.70 8.82 13.53 14.01 14.51 15.18 19.17

13.82 13.79 13.74 13.74 13.72 13.72 13.66 13.64 13.58 13.50 17.23 17.85 18.59 15.54 13.62

13.69 13.71 13.66 13.66 13.59 13.62 13.55 13.56 13.52 13.44 17.17 17.78 18.49 15.47 13.57

99.09 102.14 92.80 91.59 92.70 106.96 78.37 106.40 112.02 103.49 88.43 72.69 49.83 68.00 90.01

99.24 102.29 92.95 91.74 93.00 107.26 78.67 106.70 112.32 103.79 88.73 72.99 50.13 68.30 90.31

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.02 1.00 1.56 1.92 2.14

2.63 2.27 2.00 2.66 2.85

15.96 16.76 15.76 16.41 16.59

99.67 100.49 100.29 101.41 97.71

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

322.76

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.29

4.44

17.18

98.61

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.37

3.23

16.79

98.62

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.64

4.46

19.21

97.00

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.64

3.48

18.22

98.38

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.92

1.00

14.75

92.28

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.19

1.00

15.22

98.46

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.62

1.79

15.52

96.77

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.00

1.80

15.55

97.45

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

2.02

1.00

14.75

98.71

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

1.99

1.00

14.75

99.57

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.00

4.78

18.53

93.04

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.19

1.00

14.74

101.25

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 25.70

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

2.62 4.52 2.59

1.00 1.00 1.00

14.73 14.66 14.73

101.49 99.49 100.02

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.13

1.00

14.72

100.06

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.53

1.00

14.59

95.94

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.62

1.00

14.59

101.50

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.28

1.44

15.15

98.40

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.31

1.00

14.71

100.65

99.15

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 441.86

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.25

1.00

13.40

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.31

1.00

13.98

99.40

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.39

2.63

16.42

99.13

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.37

1.00

14.96

97.62

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.44

1.34

15.19

98.80

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.37

1.00

14.74

96.58

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.39

1.88

15.80

103.38

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.64

1.00

14.75

101.69

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.81

1.00

14.75

104.76

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.81

1.00

14.75

101.80

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.35

3.00

16.71

93.21

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.92

2.29

16.04

99.49

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.00

6.11

19.86

97.16

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.62

2.16

15.89

100.16

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.49

2.76

16.36

96.09

BBB/GCR

FCMB

14.25 FCMB I 6-NOV-2021

07-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

06-Nov-21

6.47

1.80

15.33

95.65

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.62

2.14

15.66

103.13

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.37

1.00

14.73

85.97

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.37

1.00

14.73

92.58

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

187.53

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

182.72

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.74

1.00

14.73

90.05

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.64

86.19

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.45

5.24

106.30

107.33

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.34

4.07

102.29

103.09

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.69

5.55

104.41

105.36

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,564.97

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.44

4.37

101.00

103.01

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.34

99.80

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

9.78

9.28

92.66

93.88

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.27

6.81

96.17

97.53

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.40

96.13

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.35

9.85

94.87

96.42

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

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

8.74 10.13 9.33

8.74 9.88 9.33

97.21 96.13 93.00

97.21 97.25 93.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.21

9.75

92.50

94.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,513.21

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 17 24 38 45 52 59 66

FIXINGS Maturity 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15

Bid Discount (%) 12.09 12.70 12.82 12.55 10.30 10.87 11.73

Offer Discount (%) 11.84 12.45 12.57 12.30 10.05 10.62 11.48

Bid Yield (%) 12.16 12.80 12.99 12.75 10.45 11.06 11.98

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 23.7500 14.9112 15.9494 16.8274

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

26.50

O/N Tenor Call

29.00

REPO

Rate (%) 27.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

198.14 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24

198.24 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31

10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

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

10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

300.00 351.30 233.90 118.31 600.00 573.14 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 299.50

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,670.90

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

4,360.56

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

3.03 4.12 4.43 4.74 6.70 8.82 13.53 14.01 14.51 15.18 19.17

13.72 13.72 13.66 13.64 13.58 13.50 17.23 17.85 18.59 15.54 13.62

13.59 13.62 13.55 13.56 13.52 13.44 17.17 17.78 18.49 15.47 13.57

92.70 106.96 78.37 106.40 112.02 103.49 88.43 72.69 49.83 68.00 90.01

93.00 107.26 78.67 106.70 112.32 103.79 88.73 72.99 50.13 68.30 90.31

Business | Financial Market News #

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.02 1.00 1.56 1.92 2.14

2.63 2.27 2.00 2.66 2.85

15.96 16.76 15.76 16.41 16.59

99.67 100.49 100.29 101.41 97.71

Stock market opens with N121bn gain

Agency Bonds

FMBN

***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

ing appreciable demand ed the losers’ table. by investors. The twin market inSub-National Bonds The twin market perdicators, the All-Share Market ends 31-Aug-10 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 A/Agusto KADUNA 30-Sep-10 formance measures, the Index rose by 342.06 basis 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 A-/Agusto *EBONYI northwards aided*BENUE by 30-Jun-11 BBB+/Agusto 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 NSE ASI and market cappoints or one per cent from 30-Jun-09 ‡ /Agusto *IMO 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 blue chips italisation,10.00 firmed up by 34,439.40 last Friday, to close 19-Apr-10 A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS LAGOS 19-APR-2017 30-Jun-10 ‡ /Agusto *BAYELSA 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 one per cent on the back at 34,781.46, while the mar30-Dec-10 ‡ /Agusto EDO 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 of blue chip14.00 companies. ket capitalisation appreci30-Sep-11 ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA DELTA 30-SEP-2018 04-Oct-11 Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 The market had also ated by N121 billion09-Dec-11 or one Stories by Chris Ugwu ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 last Friday closed on the per cent from N11.696 tril12-Dec-13 Bb-/Agusto *NIGER 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 14-Feb-12 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO 15.50 ONDO rading activiupward trend, as14-FEB-2019 mar- lion to N11.817 trillion. 02-Oct-12 BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 floor ket speculators took adFurther analysis22-Nov-12 of the Aa-/Agusto; ‡ties /GCR on the LAGOS 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 12-Dec-12 BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *OSUN 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 of the Nigerian vantage of low prices of day’s trading showed that 10-Oct-13 BBB-/Agusto *OSUN 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 Exchange the stocks to position fu- Skye Bank Plc topped 27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡Stock /GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS for 27-NOV-2020 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; KOGI (NSE) BBB+/DataPro yesterday opened ture gains. 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 day’s gainers’ table with 31-Dec-13 ‡ /Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 At the close of trading, the week on the green ter9.68 per cent to close at 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 TOTAL VALUE ritory,OUTSTANDING as local bourse sus- 38 stocks appreciated, N2.38 per share, while TOTAL CAPITALISATION tainedMARKET confidence follow- while 18 others constitut- Forte Oil Plc followed

BLUE CHIPS

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

322.38

with 9.10 per cent 322.76 to close at N189 per share. Nem Insurance Plc gained 12.50 8.50 13.00 cent to close 2.16 8.82 per at 14.00 4.86 74 kobo per share. 15.50 5.73 On10.00the flip 57.00 side, 13.75 25.73 Tranex Plc led the losers’ 14.00 25.00 chart14.00 with a drop 30.81 of 4.72 14.00 9.00 per cent to close at N1.01 14.50 13.73 per share, while CAP 14.00 10.20 Ni27.00 geria15.50 Plc shed 4.65 per 15.50 15.09 cent 14.50 to close at N41.00 80.00 14.75 25.70 per share. Vono Products 14.75 10.78

Champion Breweries reports N13m profit

13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

Nigeria, S’Africa, Kenya plan more cross-listings *UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

10.00

25-Oct-13

II 22-SEP-2018 22-Sep-11 UBA an Stock Exchange. The outh Africa, Nigeria has rallied14.00 8.9UBA per cent 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 18-Oct-13 *LA CASERA West African nation now and Kenya are planthis year in the best perMPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 17-Feb-12 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 01-Apr-14 Nil *DANA has four ETFs, while the ning to cross-list formance after Botswana 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 14-Nov-13 NAHCO more exchange-traded JSE has 45, according to among 14 14.25 sub-Saharan FCMB I 6-NOV-2021 BBB/GCR 07-Nov-14 FCMB UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 30-Dec-14 tracked by Freemantle. The Nairobi funds on their stock UBA mar- Exchanges16.45 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC Bloomberg. Nigeria’s Securities Exchange is kets to boost liquidity of 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC awaiting regulatory apthe main index has dropped TOTALsecurities, OUTSTANDING accordVALUE proval to offer the asset ing toMARKET the Johannesburg 0.6 per cent, while the NaiTOTAL CAPITALISATION Stock Exchange (JSE). class, said head of market robi all-share measure is Supranational Bond up three per10.20 cent. product and development, According to BloomIFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P 10-Jul-14 Donald Ouma. berg News, BusinessAfDB De“There is11.25 a clear need TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE “Once we have the ETF velopment Manager of for them to join forces to TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION framework, we will be the South African bourse, respond to the need of Afready to have the gold Tamsin Freemantle, said Issuer rican companies to raise Description Rating/Agency Issueand Date platinum ETFs by Absa in an interview in Ke- funds on a pan-African FGN Eurobonds cross-listed in Nairobi,” nyan, “We reached out to basis. Entrepreneurs, 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 he said by phone on May East Africa and West Af- companies and funds are BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018He didn’t say whether 12-Jul-13 15. rica. The JSE is working going from a regional to BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; other funds would be conclosely with those mar- a continental approach,” 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 BB-/S&P sidered. kets to develop this cross Paris-based partner and TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE listing.” Calls made to Oscar Africa expert at law firm, TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Onyema, chief executive African Exchanges are Eversheds LLP, Boris Corporate Eurobonds officer of the Nigerian looking to increase coop- Martor, said yesterday by 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 e-mail. bourse, didn’t connect on eration as companies 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 25-Jul-12 May subfrom B/S&P Botswana to Nigeria In 2011, Johannesburg6.88 MAY 09, 2018 15. The JSE is B/Fitch; FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLCbased Absa Capital, a unit 08-Nov-13 Saharan Africa’s biggest list their shares on other 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 Exchange by market valbourses. The JSE with a of Barclays Africa Group 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 ue followed by Namibia, market value of 10.7 trilLimited, listed its New8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II ETF on the Nigeria and Kenya.24-Jun-14 lion rand ($902 billion), Gold Nigeri8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 #

#{r}

FIRST BANK LTD

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

23-Jul-14

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

5.53

1.00

14.59

95.94

31-Dec-20

5.62

1.00

14.59

101.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.28

1.44

15.15

98.40

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.31

1.00

14.71

100.65

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.25

1.00

13.40

99.15

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.31

1.00

13.98

99.40

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

9.33

93.00

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.21

9.75

92.50

94.50

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

27-Nov-20

5.00

hampion Breweries would soon 0.42 06-Jan-16 Plc has0.39 cated that 2.63 the company 16.42 99.13 13.00 15.00 29-Sep-16 1.37 overcome 1.00 its challenge 14.96 returned to profitability of 97.62 capital 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.44 1.34 15.19 98.80 with after tax of 2.37 inadequacies with planned 96.58 recapi13.00 20.00a profit 30-Sep-17 1.00 14.74 18.00 N13.400 million 0.64 30-Nov-17 1.88 exercise. 15.80 103.38 for the first quar-1.39 talisation 16.00 5.40 09-Apr-18 14.75 101.69 ter ended March 31, 2015. The1.64 The 1.00 recapitalisation, according 18.00 2.54 09-Sep-18 1.81 1.00 14.75 104.76 company had recorded a loss of to the management, will enable 16.00 0.70 09-Sep-18 1.81 1.00 14.75 101.80 14.00 35.00 22-Sep-18 3.35 3.00 16.71 93.21 N391.503 million in 2014. the company maintain and sus15.75 2.10 18-Oct-18 1.92 2.29 16.04 99.49 The company’s turnover grew2.00 tain the 18.00 0.36 17-Feb-19 6.11production 19.86 of premium 97.16 16.00 from N174.180 4.50 01-Apr-19 15.89non-alcoholic 100.16 million in 2014 to2.62 quality2.16beer and 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 5.49 2.76 16.36 96.09 million during that meet internation14.25 N245.62726.00 06-Nov-21 the re-6.47 beverages 1.80 15.33 95.65 16.45 view period 30.50 of 2015, 30-Dec-21 2.14 15.66 103.13 the accounting6.62 al brewing standards through 11.93 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.37 1.00 14.73 85.97 for growth of 41 per cent. deployment of cutting-edge tech13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 9.37 1.00 14.73 92.58 Champion nology and application of human 187.53 Breweries had also posted a182.72 loss of N754.523 million capital. during the financial year ended Raysun Nigeria Limited, a whol31, 2014. 11-Feb-18 10.20 December 12.00 2.74 ly owned 1.00 subsidiary 14.73 of Heineken 90.05 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 1.00 86.19new BV14.64 , became the The brewing company in a filing4.75 International with the 24.95 Nigerian Stock Exchange core investor in Champion Brew21.97 (NSE) said it recorded a loss after eries following the sale of 513 milOutstanding Value tax of 754.523 million at Date the 2014lionOffer ordinary shares of Offer 50 Price kobo Coupon (%) Maturity Bid Yield (%) Yield (%) Bid Price ($mm) each by Consolidated Breweries year end from a loss position of Prices & Yields N1.178 billion in 2013, indicating Plc, the previous core investor in 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 5.45 5.24 106.30 107.33 Champion Breweries. a drop of 35.9 per cent. 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 102.29 Similarly, the company also4.34 The 4.07 shares were crossed103.09 to Rayposted a loss before tax of N1.071 sun on the floor of the NSE. As 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.69 5.55 104.41 105.36 billion in the Q4 of 2014 from a loss a result, Raysun now owns a 57 1,500.00 position1,564.97 of N1.703 billion reported per cent equity stake in the total in the same period of 2013, repre- issued share capital of Champion senting 38.1 per cent. Breweries. 7.50 500.00 19-May-16 6.44 4.37 101.00 103.01 Gross earnings also dropped Chairman, Consolidated Brew7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.34 7.34 99.80 99.80 billion compared with9.78 eries Plc, Odutola6.88 to N3.302 300.00 02-May-18 9.28 Prof. Oyinade 92.66 93.88 6.00 N2.133 billion 400.00 sale of its 97.53 equity a year 08-Nov-18 ago, translat-7.27 Olurin,6.81said the 96.17 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.40 7.40 96.13 96.13 ing to a fall of 47.9 per cent. stake in Champion Breweries was 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 10.35 9.85 94.87 96.42 The management of Cham-8.74 meant8.74 to provide 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 97.21 the company 97.21 9.25 pion Breweries 400.00 9.88 96.13 97.25 had 24-Jun-21 in 2014 indi-10.13 with better financing opportunity .

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

B-/S&P

12.00

14.00

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

87.50

452.88 441.86

Corporate Bonds

BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

Plc trailed with a loss of Plc. 4.26 per cent to close at 90 Other financial serkobo per share. vices sector boosted by 31-Aug-15 0.29 4.44 17.18 98.61 30-Sep-15 0.37 chart, 3.23 the activities 16.79 98.62 the On the activity on 30-Jun-16 0.64 4.46 97.00 the banking sub-sector shares19.21 of FBNH Plc 30-Jun-16 0.64 3.48 18.22 98.38 dominated in volume followed with some 46 19-Apr-17 1.92 1.00 14.75 92.28 30-Jun-17 1.19 1.00 15.22 98.46 terms with 186.3 milmillion units worth 31-Dec-17 2.62 1.79 15.52 96.77 million 97.45 in 769 lion shares worth N1.6 1.80 N290.515.55 30-Sep-18 2.00 04-Oct-18 2.02 1.00 14.75 98.71 billion in 1,550 deals. deals. 09-Dec-18 1.99 1.00 14.75 99.57 The sub sector was 4.78 In all, 12-Dec-18 2.00 18.53investors 93.04 ex14-Feb-19 2.19 1.00 14.74 101.25 enhanced by activities changed a total of 305.7 02-Oct-19 2.62 1.00 14.73 101.49 in22-Nov-19 the shares 4.52 of UBA 1.00 million shares 99.49 worth 14.66 12-Dec-19 2.59 1.00 14.73 100.02 Plc and Diamond Bank N2.9 billion in 4,694 deals. 10-Oct-20 3.13 1.00 14.72 100.06

3,650.00

18-May-15

3,513.21

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^ FIXINGS Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot professional,DTM financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, theBidInformation is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE”Tenor basis and mayRate not(%) be accurate or up to date. We do & notForwards) guarantee Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Yield (%) NIBOR the accuracy,17timeliness, 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. 4-Jun-15 12.09 11.84 12.16 Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) OBB 26.50 Tenor 24 38 45 52 59 66 73 Rating/Agency 80 87 101 108 115 129 136 150 164 178 199 213 NA 234 241 248 255 262 269 276 283 290

11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 Issuer 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 29-Oct-15 12-Nov-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 NA 7-Jan-16 14-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 28-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 11-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 25-Feb-16 3-Mar-16

304

17-Mar-16

FGN Bonds

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 311

12.70 12.82 12.55 10.30 10.87 11.73 11.48 Description 11.25 11.71 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 11.90 11.34 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 13.05 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.10 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.06 13.05 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.53 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.84 7.00 23-OCT-2019 12.99 12.94 15.54 13-FEB-2020 12.55 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.05 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.16 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.96 13.33 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.61 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.67 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 14.00 13.58 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.31

12.45 12.57 12.30 10.05 10.62 11.48 11.23Date Issue 11.00 11.46 16-Aug-13 11.65 11.09 27-Apr-12 12.80 27-Jul-07 12.85 31-Aug-07 12.81 12.80 30-May-08 13.28 29-Jun-12 13.59 23-Oct-09 12.74 12.69 13-Feb-15 12.30 27-Jan-12 13.80 14-Mar-14 12.91 28-Nov-08 13.71 13.08 22-May-09 13.36 20-Nov-09 13.42 23-Jul-10 13.75 13.33 18-Jul-14 13.06

12.80 12.99 12.75 10.45 11.06 11.98 11.75 (%) Coupon 11.53 12.05 13.05 12.31 11.74 15.10 13.61 9.85 13.74 9.35 13.73 13.79 10.70 14.41 16.00 14.84 7.00 13.98 13.99 15.54 13.64 16.39 15.48 14.20 14.45 15.00 15.47 14.74 12.49 15.13 8.50 15.24 10.00 15.70 15.23 12.1493

Bonds

14.96

24-Mar-16

13.46

13.21

15.20

7-Apr-16

13.43

13.18

15.26

13.39

13.14

15.29

353 5-May-16 13.17 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

12.92

15.09

325

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 21-Apr-16 339 #

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums Rating/Agency Issuer **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Description

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 23.7500 14.9112 15.9494 16.8274

O/N Tenor Call

Outstanding Value Maturity Date (N'bn) NITTY 581.39 Tenor 1M 476.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 9M 300.00 12M

16-Aug-16 Rate (%) 12.7663 27-Apr-17 12.9271 27-Jul-17 13.3401 31-Aug-17 13.9759 14.5512 30-May-18 14.7649

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 118.31 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 573.14 199.0000 75.00 28-Nov-28 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 299.50 18-Jul-34

29.00

REPO

1M (Yrs) TTM 3M 6M

Rate (%) 27.50

Bid27.75 Yield (%) 28.00 29.00

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

1.25 13.82 13.69 1.94 13.79 13.71 NOTE: 2.19 13.74 13.66 :Benchmarks 2.29Bond 13.74 13.66 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 3.03Bond 13.72 13.59 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 4.12 13.72 13.62 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 4.43 Mortgage Bank13.66 13.55 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria IFC: International 4.74 Finance Corporation 13.64 13.56 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 6.70 13.58 13.52 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 8.82 13.50 13.44 O/N: Overnight 13.53 17.23Company 17.17 UPDC: UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 14.01 17.85 17.78 14.51 18.59 18.49 15.18 15.54 15.47 19.17 13.62 13.57

198.14 198.24 201.81 201.93 202.13 Price 202.28 202.87 203.37 204.24 205.31 205.60 207.21Price Bid Price Offer 206.28 213.47 220.29 226.27

99.09 99.24 102.14 102.29 92.80 92.95 NA :Not Applicable 91.59 91.74 ^ : Market Prices # : Floating Rate Bond 92.70 93.00 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 106.96 107.26 78.67 ‡ : Bond78.37 rating under review †: Bond106.40 rating expired 106.70 N/A :Not112.02 Available 112.32 {r} :Issuer in receivership 103.49 103.79 88.43 88.73 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United Bank for Africa 72.69 72.99 49.83 50.13 68.00 68.30 90.01 90.31

4,670.90 4,360.56

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Buckets Modified Duration

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

24-May-12 0.00 24.56 BOND INDEX 2.40 03-Apr-12FMDQ FGN 17.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 112.22 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Bucket 116.70 Weighting Outstanding Vol Value 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 66.49

1,438.79

1,409.48

41.39

43.50

3<5

1,215.09

1,124.68

33.03

36.74

>5 Market

Sub-National Bonds

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

322.380.41

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

0.02 1.00 1.56 1.92 Implied Yield 2.14

2.63 2.27 2.00 Implied 2.66 Portfolio Price 2.85

15.96 16.76 15.76 16.41 INDEX 16.59

99.67 100.49 100.29 YTD 101.41 Return (%) 97.71

19.06

13.77

105.3216

1,180.02

6.5143

0.33

38.71

13.54

112.0722

1,118.27

10.4383

42.23

14.75

78.5602

1,104.17

9.6477

100.00

14.10

100.7055

1,137.96

7.8451

653.83

871.07

25.58

19.77

322.760.26

3,307.72

3,405.23

100.00

1.00

A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.29

4.44

17.18

98.61

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.37

3.23

16.79

98.62

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.64

4.46

19.21

97.00

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.64

3.48

18.22

98.38

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.92

1.00

14.75

92.28

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.19

1.00

15.22

98.46

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.62

1.79

15.52

96.77

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.00

1.80

15.55

97.45

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015

Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

Business | Capital Market

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at May 18, 2015 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 3 30 44 77

Current Price 0.50 28.20 32.55

Quantity Traded 500,200 275,183 801,847 1,577,230

Value Traded 250,100.00 7,765,069.34 25,045,745.83 33,060,915.17

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 35 35

Current Price 2.40

Quantity Traded 2,250,456 2,250,456

Value Traded 5,462,692.71 5,462,692.71

3,827,686

38,523,607.88

Quantity Traded 319 2,271 10,843,053 259,347 11,104,990

Value Traded 274.34 9,583.62 34,089,345.78 10,646,995.60 44,746,199.34

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Diversified Industries Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

112 Symbol JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 4 3 141 55 (Equities) 203

CONGLOMERATES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC

Current Price 0.90 4.44 3.18 41.90

203

11,104,990

of 15 Value Traded 74,983.23 2,844.18

No. of Deals 9 3 12

Current Price 0.81 14.46

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 14 2 16

Current Price 51.70 6.29

Quantity Traded 49,653 9,732 59,385

Value Traded 2,563,478.71 64,231.20 2,627,709.91

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 10.40

Quantity Traded 565,387 565,387

Value Traded 5,887,227.05 5,887,227.05

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

717,340

8,593,764.37 Value Traded 610.50 610.50

CONSTRUCTION/REAL Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015ESTATE Totals Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers

ActivityCHAMPION SummaryBREW. on Board PLC.EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Brewers/Distillers

GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 UNION DICON SALT PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

Activity Summary on Board NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Food Products--Diversified Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products--Diversified Totals

92,468

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,221 1,221

Symbol CHAMPION

No. of Deals 36

Current Price 7.00

Quantity Traded 1,329,601

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page Quantity Traded 694,742 59,234 59,240 526,894 2,669,711

77,827.41

Current Price 158.50 20.00 1.92 156.99

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 178.00

Quantity Traded 62,066 62,066

Value Traded 10,986,345.30 10,986,345.30

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 34 40 158 10 58 3 3 1 307

Current Price 4.64 6.55 34.90 3.64 8.07 18.05 11.84 0.50

Quantity Traded 170,779 736,883 2,062,406 297,900 2,638,816 35,148 21 550 5,942,503

Value Traded 766,350.93 4,799,760.56 72,359,285.22 1,079,826.50 20,454,536.70 650,238.00 236.25 275.00 100,110,509.16

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 75

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 198,778

Traded 15 3Value of 73,742,440.76

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 36 48 84

Current Price 29.25 45.11

Quantity Traded 4,558,058 645,195 5,203,253

Value Traded 132,188,449.76 29,096,350.07 161,284,799.83

17,579,288

566,324,859.19

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 GOODS Totals Printed CONSUMER 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

846 Symbol ACCESS

No. of Deals 152 83 60 103

Daily Summary (Equities) DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK

Quantity Traded 12,775,279 45,506,852 1,468,678 7,957,754

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 44 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 27 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 3 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR 1 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GNI 2 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS 1 Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 INTERNATIONAL INTENEGINS 11 Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION 2 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC LINKASSURE 4 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 7 Daily Summary (Equities) MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 1 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 25 Activity Summary on Board EQTY NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS 3

Current Price 1.01 0.99 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.55 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.50 0.74 0.50

Quantity Traded 3,933,337 3,809,585 11,211 100 5,000,000 100 2,315,918 850 2,101,000 314,175 100 3,147,046 167,927

Value Traded 3,946,244.07 3,751,798.30 5,605.50 50.00 2,500,000.00 50.00 1,218,536.54 425.00 1,050,500.00 942,809.00 50.00 2,299,769.76 83,963.50 5Value Traded of 15

Quantity Traded Page 29,266 805,014 87,600 350,961 22,074,190

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 1.27

Quantity Traded 1,267,900 1,267,900

Value Traded 1,613,804.00 1,613,804.00

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 UBA CAPITAL PLC Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 60 22 460 68 8 45 106 769

Current Price 3.04 4.00 9.20 3.10 0.50 29.92 1.49

Quantity Traded 1,337,211 2,773,596 21,902,391 10,641,653 107,100 950,205 8,288,922 46,001,078

Value Traded 4,035,166.95 11,257,331.52 201,443,026.34 32,949,801.65 53,550.00 28,506,064.74 12,334,179.67 290,579,120.87

255,663,972

1,982,746,787.90

Quantity Traded 4,863

Value Traded 8,412.99

PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies Activity Summary on BoardPLC. EQTY MORISON INDUSTRIES HEALTHCARE Published byMedical The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Supplies Medical Supplies Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

2,495

Current Price 1.82

No. of Deals 3

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 4,863

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

No. of Deals 4 12 22 15 11 2 66

Current Price 1.99 3.30 44.20 1.68 1.10 6.32

Quantity Traded 17,866 86,576 49,542 632,265 59,339 136 845,724

Value Traded 33,945.40 282,692.96 2,132,881.63 1,061,701.48 65,887.75 817.36 3,577,926.58

850,587

3,586,339.57

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

69 Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Page

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 49,700 49,700

Value Traded 24,850.00 24,850.00

168,152

114,774.04

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 27 16 23 42

Current Price 21.00 10.00 41.00 10.48

Quantity Traded 690,828 56,560 221,097 947,201

Value Traded 14,509,267.95 540,890.94 9,056,312.10 9,748,730.74

Symbol DANGCEM DNMEYER FIRSTALUM IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 30 4 4 3 1 1 45 196

Current Price 178.49 0.83 0.50 0.50 1.33 3.64 98.20

Quantity Traded Page 50,613

8Value Traded of 15 8,973,866.70 3,752.50 2,273.50 631.50 2,757,449.10 381.00 52,061,524.85 97,655,080.88

Symbol CUTIX NIWICABLE

No. of Deals 3 2 5

Current Price 1.58 0.50

Quantity Traded 40,000 16 40,016

Value Traded 63,900.00 8.00 63,908.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 33.00

Quantity Traded 89,097 89,097

Value Traded 3,087,041.80 3,087,041.80

Symbol NIGROPES

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 7.46

Quantity Traded 142 142

Value Traded 1,006.78 1,006.78

4,721,023

100,807,037.46

ASHAKACEM Daily Summary (Equities) BERGER CAP CCNN

Daily Summary (Equities)

4,750 4,547 1,263 2,073,270 100 541,539 4,591,768

218

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 5.11

Quantity Traded 3,484 Page 3,484

Metals ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals

Symbol ALEX ALUMACO

No. of Deals 3 3 6

Current Price 10.43 7.75

Quantity Traded 36 9 45

Value Traded 356.76 66.33 423.09

Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 300 300

Value Traded 150.00 150.00

3,829

17,505.33

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,200 1,200

Value Traded 600.00 600.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 238 238

Current Price 18.00

Quantity Traded 4,816,119 4,816,119

Value Traded 86,588,319.60 86,588,319.60

Current Price 41.91 2.65

Quantity Traded 286,563 872,882

Value Traded 11,903,425.26 2,263,398.32

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals CONOIL ETERNA

32 18

OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES

Daily Summary asNigerian of 18/05/2015 Published by The Stock Exchange Employment Solutions Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

No. of Deals 114 13 9 31 217

Current Price 189.00 151.30 50.54 156.90

Quantity Traded 338,616 11,561 14,559 61,360 1,585,541

Value Traded 63,292,689.59 1,748,181.04 699,123.18 9,450,736.84 89,357,554.23

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 387.00

Quantity Traded 123,922 123,922

Value Traded 47,970,975.00 47,970,975.00

6,526,782

223,917,448.83

Symbol AFROMEDIA

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 350 350

Value Traded 175.00 175.00

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.92

Quantity Traded 9,292 9,292

Value Traded 8,176.96 8,176.96

Symbol

No. of Deals 13 24 37

Current Price 4.90 1.01

Quantity Traded 628,700 393,410 1,022,110

Value Traded 3,081,504.00 415,487.20 3,496,991.20

No. of Deals 40 40

Current Price 0.68

Page Quantity Traded 2,291,683 2,291,683

Current Price 3.79

Quantity Traded 27,110

Daily Summary (Equities) REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

Symbol CILEASING

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 6

11 of 15 Value Traded 1,563,880.83 1,563,880.83 Value Traded 100,694.40

Symbol TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 1 7

Current Price 9.63

Quantity Traded 10,000 37,110

Value Traded 91,500.00 192,194.40

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 5 9 18

Current Price 1.00 1.15 6.03

Quantity Traded 10,181 36,000 53,698 99,879

Value Traded 10,057.76 45,300.00 311,044.10 366,401.86

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.58

Quantity Traded 258,327 258,327

Value Traded 147,129.66 147,129.66

Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 6 42 48

Current Price 2.21 6.00

Quantity Traded 177,467 552,059 729,526

Value Traded 392,202.07 3,313,906.75 3,706,108.82

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 3.70

Quantity Traded 4,551 4,551

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Transport-Related Services Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CAVERTON

EQTY Board Totals

Symbol FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

474

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Value Traded 16,932.24 of 15 16,932.24

Page

Page 4,452,928

171

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 16,019.52 16,019.52

Page

305,616,577

2,978,875,452.16

Quantity Traded 96,600 96,600

Value Traded 138,462.00 138,462.00

4,667

139,497,128.25 of 15

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 7 7

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

ASeM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

8,412.99

Value Traded 380.00 31,397.31 471.73 32,249.04

SERVICES Hotels/Lodging TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

6 Value of Traded15

Quantity Traded 100 2,709 293 3,102

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC

14,633.00 402,507.00 43,800.00 186,469.33 16,447,211.00

Symbol

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 4.00 12.19 1.69

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 3 5 9

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011 R T BRISCOE PLC.

Value Traded 612,155,013.62 4 5,910,218.18 of 15 4,091,991.75 390,600,071.31 8,197,015.76 9,244,907.86 924,280.72 314,708,438.33 1,674,106,652.03

Current Price 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

Symbol CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC Advertising Totals

Quantity Traded 20,568,096 2,508,308 Page 1,901,683 73,999,715 778,935 4,100,988 933,964 13,820,552 186,320,804

No. of Deals 2 1 3 23 160

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded 79,168,997.07 202,630,079.12 31,385,818.37 15,089,819.94

Symbol PRESTIGE SOVRENINS UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Value Traded 175.00 175.00

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Current Price 30.00 2.38 2.13 5.46 10.50 2.26 1.00 22.81

Quantity Traded 350 350

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary

No. of Deals 374 57 33 240 55 56 26 311 1,550

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Symbol GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Current Price 6.28 4.65 21.60 1.88

Current Price 0.50

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol

Value Traded 3,023.00 18,025,116.41 533,502.00 18,561,641.41

No. of Deals 2 2

Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

Value Traded 4,684,041.78 69,058,398.98

Quantity Traded 100 2,908,876 592,780 3,501,756

Symbol OMATEK

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Daily Summary asEquipment of 18/05/2015 Energy and Services Totals

Quantity Traded 122,158 76,620

Current Price 31.82 6.24 0.90

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 39.90 901.00

No. of Deals 1 114 4 119

Value Traded 57,500.00 57,500.00

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY

No. of Deals 23 52

Symbol ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

Quantity Traded 115,000 115,000

Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC Tools and Machinery Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Current Price 0.50

Packaging/Containers Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 BETA 15:24:11.011 GLASS CO PLC. Printed 18/05/2015 Packaging/Containers Totals

Value Traded 9,459,110.96

No. of Deals 53 19 6 116 230

No. of Deals 2 2

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

2 of 15 Value Traded 108,758,057.08 1,184,040.75 108,409.20 82,128,894.24 201,638,512.23

Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

Symbol COURTVILLE

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Totals 15:24:11.011 Printed ICT 18/05/2015

44,746,199.34

Page Quantity Traded 92,261 207

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Daily Summary as of 18/05/2015 Printed 18/05/2015 15:24:11.011

Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

Current Price 1.50

96,600

138,462.00

96,600

138,462.00

4,674

305,713,177

2,979,013,914.16

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD

No. of Deals 1 2

Current Price 10.82 2,329.00

Daily Summary (ETP)

Page

Exchange Traded Fund

Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol VETGRIF30

Quantity Traded 5 70

No. of Deals 4 7

Current Price 16.03

Value Traded 54.10 163,294.00 14

Quantity Traded 17,910 17,985

Value Traded 290,140.60 453,488.70

ETF Board Totals

17,985

453,488.70

ETP Activity Totals

17,985

453,488.70

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Features

For the love of winners and losers Despite the cloud of doubts over the modalities employed and authenticity of their claims, the craze to trek from one part of the country to the other in support of major actors in the general election is spreading like wild fire, writes ABIODUN BELLO

t all started like a rumour but it soon first took over the media. But soon enough, the newspaper were awash with the story of a man trekking from Lagos, the country’s former capital, to Abuja, the seat of government. The man, Suleiman Hashimu, a native of Katsina State, said he had promised to trek from Lagos to Abuja if General Muhammadu Buhari, won the presidential poll. The man said he was in Lagos when Buhari was announced the president-elect. Hashimu said he left Lagos about 5am the next day after the announcement and arrived in Ibadan around 6pm. Hashimu said he vowed two years ago to trek from wherever he was to the country’s capital if Buhari emerged the winner of presidential poll in 2015. The man said he went to get a police report to give him an unrestricted journey but because he could not wait, the divisional police officer (DPO) gave him his telephone number. After Ibadan, Hashimu said he went on to Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ilorin, Kwara State. Along the route, he said the people showed him great hospitality. According to him, at Ilorin, some people walked with him for several kilometres until Oloru. He also moved from there to Jebba from where about 20 people walked with him for more about 20 kilometres. Hashimu said the journey was not all smooth sailing. He said he had a close shave with armed robbers near Mokwa. But, according to him, luckily he had met one of the men of the underworld at Jebba. The robber ended up giving him N200. Although mixed reactions trailed the story of Hashimu as many people doubted the authenticity of his claims. However, a tumultuous crowd welcomed him on arrival in Maitama, Abuja. Buhari, in whose honour Hashimu trekked, hosted the man in Abuja. The president-elect congratulated

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Sea of heads during Hashimu's arrival in Abuja.

him on his achievement and courage. He said: “I want to congratulate you for making it. You are a young man and you are lucky that your health did not fail you. I heard many stories about you. I understand you wore many shoes. I also understand that there were many people who were generous to you.” Hashimu replied that he made a promise about two years ago to trek from Lagos to Abuja, if Buhari emerged the winner in the presidential election. He said: “I made the promise because of the love I have for you. I thank God that I made a promise and I fulfilled it.” The man said it took him 18 days to trek from Lagos to Abuja, covering a distance of about 12 hours daily. He added: “I passed through Kwara and Niger states. I was trekking from 6am to 6pm everyday. “I made this promise two years ago. I am based in Ibadan and I started my journey from Lagos because Lagos is the most popular city in Nigeria and I started from the Berger Junction in Lagos. I’m not bothered about what the people say. I have made it.” As if taking a cue from Hashimu, 43-year-old Mallam Abubakar Umar also embarked on a journey on foot to show his love for the Presidentelect. Umar started trekking from Yola, Adamawa State on April 26 to Abuja.

Like the former, he too hopes to meet Buhari. The man had a brief stopover at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu on May 2nd. He was received by the Emir and some members of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Umar, he has in his possession more than 300 letters from people from the North appealing to the President-elect to do everything within his power to end the activities of Boko Haram. After his brief stopover, he continued his journey to Abuja. He said that most of the requests he received from the people were urging the President-elect to address insecurity and rebuild the region. Umar, popularly known as African Duduwalle, said some women had also asked him to appeal to Buhari not to scrap the office of the First Lady. According to him, the women said the office provided them opportunity to benefit from empowerment opportunities, appointments and other benefits. He added: “My bag is full of letters and requests from people who said I should give Buhari. “Women also told me that I should appeal to the President-elect not to scrap the office of the First Lady, which affords women the opportunity to air their views as well as benefit from the government.

“Some people also told me to appeal to the President-elect to do something on the issue of Boko Haram; they even said they would bring photographs of the insurgency.” Umar said he was an ardent supporter of Buhari since 2003 when he was a youth leader on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He added that he was happy to hear that Buhari won the presidential poll. The man explained that his walk to Abuja was also to identify with notable Adamawa indigenes such as the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha; and wife of the President-elect, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, among others. Umar said he had earlier planned to ride a bicycle to Abuja, but was encouraged by Hashimu’s trekking from Lagos to Abuja. The man thanked Nigerians who gave him water, food and other assistance on his way. When he got to Bauchi, the man paid a courtesy visit on the Emir, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu, at his palace before moving on with his journey to Abuja. A woman, identified simply as Hajiya Talatu, according to reports, also started trekking from Kaduna to Abuja to in honour of Buhari. On his part, Mohammed Jafaru, C O N T I N U E D on PA G E 4 6

FEATURES

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Trekking for democracy

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

decided to congratulate the vicepresident-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, by riding his bicycle from Kaduna to Lagos. The trekking option is catching on like a fad. Many young Nigerians are catching the bug almost on a daily basis. Another man, Adamu Abdullahi, announced his intention to walk from Maiduguri to Abuja to honour Buhari. Still in celebrating the successful conduct of the general election, another man, Oladele Nihi, has started to trek, this time not to Abuja or Lagos. It is also neither to pay homage to Buhari. Nihi said he was trekking to Otuoke, Bayelsa State for President Goodluck Jonathan. Nihi is twitting his trekking progress on his Twitter page According to him, he needs to get to Otuoke between May 24 and 28 so as to help the President in cleaning his house when he arrives Otuoke. The President’s staunch supporter twitted he now had for company a pretty lady who decided to join him for the trip. Using his Twitter handle to update the development, he reported that the lady simply called Gloria, joined him at Abaji, a suburb of Abuja and vowed to go with him on the journey. Apart from the lady, Nihi said he had been receiving great support, money, free food and accommodation from Nigerians as he moved from one village to the other. Like Nihi, another Nigerian, Paul Tankwa, who hails from Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, is also said to be trekking to meet Jonathan. Tankwa told journalists at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi on May 11 that he took off from Jalingo a week earlier and was heading to Abuja to appreciate Jonathan for the peace witnessed in the country after the general election and for honourably conceding defeat to Buhari. He said: “What actually motivated me is the manner President Jonathan conceded defeat and congratulated General Muhammad Buhari on his victory. This singular act brought peace to the northern part of the country, and such a person deserves the sacrifice. “As a result of that, the Taraba youth have designed an award to be given to the President for that rare patriotism he exhibited.” Tankwa flayed the insinuation that the trekking might be for pecuniary interest, saying he had no ulterior motive except to appreciate the President for saving lives of many people in the North. He disclosed that the journey from Jalingo was smooth until he got to between Zaki Biam and Katsina-Ala when some youths threatened him, but had to run away when he pretended calling security operatives. The 35-year-old man added that he used to walk for 70 kilometres each day but had to reduce it to 50 kilometres when he had problem with his toes. According to him, he survives on little gifts from Good Samaritans on the way. But a 28-year-old man, Adamu Ndabagi, has added another dimension to the craze for trekking. Ndabagi told journalists on May 10 that he concluded plan to trek from Abeokuta to Lagos to honour

Ndabagi

Buhari (right) receiving Hashimu

Tankwa

former Lagos State governor and APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, over Buhari’s electoral victory. The fashion designer based in Sabo area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, added that the journey would take him four days, saying that he had already mapped out some major spots where he might stop and pass the night. Ndabagi explained that the trekking was imperative for him to publicly acknowledge Tinubu for spearheading a political revolution in the country without bloodshed. According to him, it was the political revolution of the former governor that led to the victory of the APC presidential candidate during the March 28 poll. He said: “If you recall, Suleiman Hashimu trekked from Lagos to Abuja to congratulate General Muhammadu Buhari on his election as the president-elect. “I want to emphasise that I will be trekking to Lagos from Abeokuta to meet Tinubu for his immense contribution to the enthronement of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. “Tinubu spearheaded the political revolution which brought Buhari to power; a political revolution without any bloodshed. He deserves to be tagged as one of the heroes of the current democracy we are enjoying in the country. “Eventually when I meet in Lagos, maybe at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, I will repeat the same

Talatu

Women also told me that I should appeal to the Presidentelect not to scrap the office of the First Lady

Nihi

thing I have told you.” The Bida, Niger State-born fashion designer said he would commence his journey the following at 6:30a.m. starting from OPIC Roundabout, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta and passing through Ita-Oshin area, from where he would connect the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway. The man also said he would visit the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at his office and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. Ndabagi, who said his late father was the leader of Nupe community in Ogun State, disclosed that his mother hails from Abeokuta. Asked whether he was embarking on the trekking to obtain favour or get publicity for himself, the man said he was not bothered about what people might say. He said: “From Ita-Oshin, I will connect Obada-Oko, Wasinmi, Itori, Ewekoro, Ifo, Ota till I cross over to Lagos. “I don’t want to be bothered by what people might say; I remained focused on what I want to do. That is my concern for now. Though my mother is worried about the whole thing, I have told her not to be worried; all she could do is to assist me with prayers.” However, the trekking frenzy is not only about presidential candidates and major players in the March 28 poll. Two persons also trekked from Makarfi to Kaduna to sympathise with Kaduna State Governor Muk-

tar Yero, who lost the April 11 gubernatorial election to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The men are Malam Rabi'u Sarkin-Musulmi and Malam Abdulmuminu Dakare. Sarkin-Musulmi told journalists in Zaria on May 10 that they started the journey about 2am the same day. He said: “We started the journey from Makarfi, headquarters of Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, about 2am and we expect to be in Kaduna by 1pm on Monday, May 11. “The essence of our trekking is to go and sympathise with Governor Muktar Yero over his defeat during the governorship election. “We want to show him love, concern and encourage him not to give-up on his political ambition.” On his part, Dakare said as bona fide members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they believed that power comes from God Almighty, which, according to him, is what Yero is preaching. He said: “Yero always believes that nobody can give you power except God Almighty, the giver and taker of all powers.” According to him, he and his co-traveller embarked on the journey to satisfy their urge and to convey a message of succour and relief to the governor.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Ihedioha challenges Okorocha’s victory at tribunal Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship candidate in the April 11 poll and the out-going Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has filed a petition before the state elections petitions tribunal in Owerri, challenging the re-election of Governor

Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for a second term. Ihedioha had told the tribunal, in his petition, that the people’s votes did not count, alleging conspiracy between the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a suit number EPT/ IM/GOV/3/2015 filed by Ihedioha and the PDP against Okorocha, APC and 35 other respondents,

they claimed that the election was flawed by violence, intimidation, widespread malpractices and partisanship. They also stressed that the process was fraught with substantial non-compliances particularly the extensive infringement of paragraph 28 of the guidelines for the 2015 election by declaring results on votes obtained without accreditation or in ex-

cess of accredited voters, and the total breach of the principle of neutrality embedded in the Electoral Act, as flagrantly perpetrated by INEC staff and agents. The claimants cited the alleged arrest of more than a dozen personnel of INEC in Imo, who they alleged conspired with the APC to manipulate and change the results of elections already declared in fa-

vour of the PDP. They, through Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), leading seven other counsels, prayed the court to declare Ihedioha winner of the election or alternatively cancel the said election and conduct a fresh governorship poll in Imo State. Declaring that the election was invalid for reason of acts of non-compliance with provisions of the Elec-

toral Act in its conduct, Ihedioha and his party prayed the tribunal to also order Governor Okorocha to return the certificate of return issued to him. Responding, Sam Onwuemeodo, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Okorocha, dismissed Ihedioha’s petition as inconsequential, saying, “we shall meet him at the tribunal.’’

Obiano swears in five new commissioners he governor of Anam- giance and the Oath of the T bra State, Chief Willie Office of Commissioner, Obiano, yesterday ap- Obiano told the new ap-

Anamabra State Governor, Willie Obiano (left), with a cross-section of newly appointed commissioners taking the oath of office in Awka …yesterday

Elechi regrets frosty relationship with Assembly Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

overnor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has expressed sadness over the frosty relationship between his administration and the legislature at the twilight of his government, stating that the development has had a serious negative impact on the state. Elechi lamented that despite his effort to ensure healthy relationship with the Assembly members

till the last minute of his government, such effort has remained in vain as members of the Assembly have continued to frustrate the effort. He accused the members of being used by his opponents to run down his administration which, he said, has retarded the progress of the government. He was speaking at a thanksgiving service organized in his honour at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki and appreciated the people for their support and urged them

to continue to engender peace in the area. The governor noted that his greatest legacy in office was upholding the rights of the people to exercise their freedom and to criticize his administration without fear of favour. Elechi, who described the event as a moment of deep reflections, recounted the challenges and achievements of his administration in the last eight years and expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve humanity in that capacity.

He explained that no government’s decision was accepted by all and emphasized the need for Nigerians to give priority to public interest. In a homily, the Chaplain, Government House Chapel, Abakaliki, Reverend Father Livinus Obijiofor challenged Christians and Nigerians to accept the truth of God’s word. Reverend Father Obijiofor urged Christians to love one another and intensify prayers to overcome the challenges confronting the nation.

MASSOB urges Jonathan to release 22 detained members Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to release 22 members of the organization being held in Awka and Onitsha prisons in Anambra State in the last eight years before he leaves office on May 29. The group has also appealed to the out-going

president to extend the same gesture to 13 members of Biafra Zionist Federation, who have been in detention in the Enugu Prison, saying the gesture should be considered in the spirit of forgiveness, love and reconciliation being preached by the President as his administration winds up. In a release in Enugu yesterday signed by its national director of information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, the

Igbo pressure group informed that the 22 members of MASSOB have been in detention since 2007, while the proBiafra group held in the Enugu prison have been in custody for eight years, on what it claimed as frivolous charges of treasonable felony. The group urged the president to use his powers to free the detainees before the formal handover to the in-coming Buhari’s administration. It said, “The 22 de-

tained MOSSOB members still being detained include a disabled person and two females. They have been abandoned in the prison with about 15 of them needing serious medical attention. “Their case has been dogged by several court adjournments, transfer of judges all calculated method to frustrate their release at Federal High Court, Awka, State High Court, Ogidi and the Federal High Court, Enugu’, Comrade Madu said.

pointed five new Commissioners. The five Commissioners who were sworn-in at a brief ceremony held at the Governor’s Lodge Amawbia include: Hon Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Mrs. Mary Imelda Obinuju Nwogu; Hon Commissioner for Finance, Sir Okey Moka; Hon Commissioner for Housing & Urban Development, Mr. Franks Chukwuemeka Offor; Hon Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister (Mrs.) Uzoamaka Gladys Ilobi, and Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Afamefuna Chinedu Mbanefo. Speaking shortly after the news commissioners took the Oath of Alle-

pointees that they came highly recommended for the jobs because of the value they would add to the administration. According to him, “serving in this administration is an honour to you and I expect you to live up to the challenge as members of my cabinet. As you already know, we are moving well and we have brought you on board to help move Anambra State forward.” Speaking further, Obiano charged the five new members of his team comprising of three men and two women to justify the confidence he reposed in them in their areas of appointment. “You can see that among the forms you have with you is your Job Specifications.

Support education, Obi tells wealthy Nigerians

he former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on wealthy Nigerians to give support to the rebuilding of the education system through financial assistance to the rebuilding of educational institutions all over the country. Obi was speaking when he visited Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Adani in Enugu State at the weekend. Explaining the objective of his visit, Obi who was visiting the school the second time this year, said that during the send forth service for the New Year at the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary at Nkpor, they brought to his attention the unfortunate fire incidence in one of their schools at Adani, where their students hostels were burnt down. He said that at that point, he made up his mind to visit the school, stating, that he gave N1 million for the renovation of the burnt hostels. The former governor

said after he was conducted round the hostel to access the progress of rebuilding by the principal, Rev. Sr. Jane-Mariette Onuoha, he presented another cheque of N1million to the school. Expressing satisfaction at such visits, Obi said that since he left office, he had been raising money from individuals and corporate organizations to donate to schools as part of his social responsibility, as a way of paying back to the society that had been kind to him. “I do this because as a former governor, I recognize that government would not do it alone,” Obi said. The principal of the school commended Obi for his support and numerous supports for worthy causes, assuring him that the school would continue to remember him in prayers. Obi, who has been visiting an average of one school per month, has donated to schools in all parts of the country.

News

PDP summons former deputy governor, seven others Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State yesterday summoned the former acting governor of the state, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu and seven others to appear before a disciplinary committee set up by the leadership of the party over alleged cases of anti-party activities during the last state

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

and National Assembly elections. Also shortlisted was a former Chairman, Ekeremor Local Government, Hon. Robinson Etolor and the personal assistant to incumbent Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Hon. Osomkime Blankson. Others are Hon. Leghemo Kaizer, Hon. Stephen Kayama, Hon. Ebikapadei Dibiya, Hon. I. E Brigidi and Hon. Benimor Conliff Fiebai. But some loyalists of the summoned party

members alleged that the summon is a clear case of witch-hunting and desperation on the part of Governor Seriake Dickson to ruffle the camp of his perceived political enemies, particularly those from the central senatorial district of the state. Others, however, claimed that those targeted by the summon and subsequent probe are those not in support of the second term bid of the governor. But the Chairman of

the PDP Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Cleopas Moses, said the shortlisted members are expected to appear before the committee today, to defend themselves over their alleged involvement in antiparty activities. According to Moses, “All those shortlisted would be given fair hearing and that the party would not hesitate in taking disciplinary actions against whoever is found guilty of charges so preferred against them.”

Akpabio declares Science Park a failed project A kwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, yesterday described the Science Park in Uyo, inherited from the previous administration as a failed project. Akpabio, who stated this during his valedictory state executive monthly prayer meeting at St. John’s Chaplaincy, Government House, Uyo said: “The Science Park, to me, was not an abandoned project. The Science Park was a failed project. A failed project is a project that money has been paid for and the person neglected to do it. “The Science Park was contracted at about N5.6 billion and from the records about N5.3 billion had been paid upfront to the contractor, a South African company and nothing was done. But the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort and Akwa Ibom International Airport were, to me, ongoing projects and I went in and completed them,” he remarked.

The governor, who noted that his administration has not abandoned any project inherited from the previous administration, said all the projects inherited by his administration have been completed and delivered to the people except the Ibom Science Park. Governor Akpabio, who listed some of those projects he inherited from the previous administration to include the Ibom International Airport, Le Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, thanked the men of God for partnering with his administration in prayers and intercession for eight years, charging them to be courageous. In his homily, Rev. Prince Antai, who preached on the theme; ‘Thanksgiving,’ said thanksgiving was appreciation to God for what He has done, and advised leaders not to neglect the place of thanksgiving in whatever they do.

Delta APC files appeal against judgement on congress Gabriel Choba Ughelli

T L-R: Zonal Controller, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Sufiyan Mohammed; NYSC Coordinator, Rivers State, Mrs. Ngozi Nwatarali and Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Mr. Hadi Bircji, at the public awareness outreach at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers …yesterday. PHOTO-NAN

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and the State Executive Committee (SEC) led by Jones Ode Erue, have filed an ap-

Ikisikpo, others defection to APC, a relief, say Ogbia leaders

he leadership of Ogbia Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the senator representing Bayelsa East senatorial district, Senator Clever Iksikpo and some others, as a big relief. At an enlarged meeting comprising of leaders and executives of the party

from President Goodluck Jonathan’s constituency, the leaders said the existence of such characters as Ikisipko and his fellow defectors in the party was adversely affecting the fortunes of the party. It will be recalled that Senator Clever Ikisikpo, Hon. Nadu Karibo, the member representing Ogbia Constituency at the Federal House of Assembly,

Hon. Azibaola Omekwe, member representing Ogbia Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Innocent Kaku, a former chairman of Ogbia Local Government, all defected to the APC. The four, who defected to the APC on May 14, are all from Ogbia Constituency, the same as the out-going President, Jonathan Goodluck.

In a press statement made available to newsmen after the meeting and signed by Chief Gbalipre Turner, state Treasurer of the party, Mr. Budget Isaiah, Ogbia Local Government Chairman of the party, Mrs. Faithe Opene, the state Women Leader and two others, they said the movement of these persons to the APC did not come to them as a surprise

going by their antecedents. While calling on the APC not to rejoice about the development, the leaders said the defectors are nothing but wolves in sheeps’ clothing. The party leaders also noted that the actions of the four showed that they are a bunch of ingrates, who had ridden on the back of the party and its leadership to limelight only to turn back and stab them.

peal against the judgement by Justice Nduka Obi, of the High Court, Asaba, which ordered the conduct of a fresh congress to elect new officers. In the Notice of Appeal filled by the APC, counsel to the party, A. M. Mukoro, is asking the Appeal Court, Benin, to set aside the said judgement of the High Court, Asaba, on the ground that the decision of the high court occasioned a miscarriage of justice. According to Mukoro, the parties also filed a motion for stay of execution against the judgement. Meanwhile, the Delta State APC Chairman, Jones Ode Erue, yesterday commended Nigerians for supporting the APC and voting massively for President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Rivers Assembly’s quiz of commissioners stalled Farmers seek redress over impact of Kolo Creek spill Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday could not quiz the four commissioners that honoured its invitation to give account of their stewardship in their various ministries. The House’s inability to quiz the commissioners was due to its failure to serve members written accounts earlier presented by the commissioners. The account of the commissioners’ stewardship would have been used to

questions them on how they utilise the funds released to them by the executive. The House, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, had adjourned sitting to last Thursday, but could not resume because members and some of the invited commissioners had attended the book launch of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in Lagos. Like it was in last Tuesday’s sitting, only four commissioners honoured the invitation, they include Augustine Wokocha (Power), Emma Chinda (Agricul-

ture), Victor Giadom (Works) and Ibim Semenitari (Information). It will be recalled that the House invited nine commissioners for questioning over the running of their ministries. The deputy speaker excused the Commissioner for Finance and the AccountantGeneral, saying they were in Abuja on state assignment, just as the House Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, gave excuse for the absence of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samson Parker, who he said evacuated a patient to South Africa for treatment.

Chris Ejim Yenagoa

armers impacted by the April 15 oil leak incident from Shell’s Kolo Creek oil fields in Otuasega, Bayelsa State are seeking legal help over the spill impact. The farmers said that a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to probe the cause and impact of the spill excluded their farms despite efforts to draw the attention of the team to the impacted areas. A fish farmer, Mr. Aku Aseimo, whose three ponds were impacted, said

the affected farmers, numbering over 50, resolved to seek redress following the adamant posture of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). “This is a clear case of the strong and rich oil firms against the weak and poor farmers, they are claiming that the spill was caused by sabotage and while the organisation abandoned the polluted environment. “The regulations, which they rely on to absolve themselves clearly stated that the operator of the field where pollution occurs cleans up the site, irrespective of the

cause, but SPDC officials declined to capture the farms as impacted areas. “We have always believed that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and we shall tell the courts that the spill was as a result of negligence by SPDC surveillance contractors deployed to guard the facility. “We have decided not to resort to self-help, but to seek justice and we are appealing to public interest organisations to come to our aid, we are currently counting our losses,” Aseimo lamented.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

News 49

NORTH

Ortom, Akume, Gemade ready for reconciliation Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enue State Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Senators George Akume and Barnabas Gemade, and other political leaders in the state have subscribed to the reconciliation agenda put in place by religious leaders in the state. Catholic Bishops and the Synod of the NKST Church, at the weekend, organised separate thanksgiving services at St. John’s Cathedral Gboko, and Col-

lege of Health Technology, Mkar, to express appreciation to God for peaceful polls. The leaders offered prayers for the outgoing administration and the incoming one. They also urged all political leaders to put behind them the electioneering period and reconcile with one another so as to collectively chart a development course for the people of the state. Bishop of Gboko Diocese, William Avenya, appealed to those elected to utilise their positions to better the lot of the people, who he said are passing

through untold hardship. The Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Torkula, urged the leaders to embrace tolerance, accommodation, magnanimity and forgiveness, which according to him, are among the positive ingredients for peace, unity and peace. Also, the former Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, Prof. Akase Sorkaa, urged the incoming administration to place priority on health care, education, potable water and the rule of law. In a remark, Chief of Staff to Governor Gabriel Suswam, Prof. Saint Gbilekaa, urged the incoming

administration to place more emphasis on agriculture in its job creation agenda even as youths should be urged to abandon crime and embrace legal means of livelihood. Governor Suswam, represented by his Deputy, Chief Steve Lawani, expressed appreciation to the people for the opportunity to serve and regrets any mistake made in some areas, pointing out that no administration can record 100 percent achievements. Akume commended the initiative of the religious leaders and acknowledged the efficacy of prayers

while also urging all to contribute to the regeneration of the state even as he also appealed to Governor Suswam to embrace the healing and reconciliation process. Senator Gemade de-

scribed the thanksgiving services as a milestone to commence the healing process, saying the greatest lesson from what has happened is that man should allow God to take preeminence.

Ex-Kogi governor denies auto crash report Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

ormer Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, yesterday debunked the report making the rounds that he was involved in an auto crash. The former governor, in an official statement signed by his former Chief Press Secretary, Richard Elesho, said he was not personally involved in the accident. The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to reports in a section of the media (not New Telegraph) alleging that the immediate past governor of Kogi State,

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, was involved in a near fatal accident in which he sustained serious injuries that led to his being hospitalised on Sunday. “The reports claimed that the accident occurred at Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government, after the tyres of his Prado Jeep pulled out on motion. “The truth is that Alhaji Idris, who maintains a very small convoy, was on his way from a wedding ceremony when the driver of a Peugeot 404 pick-up van lost control and rammed into the only security van accompanying him. Four persons were in the security van,” he added.

Niger councillors protest over unpaid N1.7bn Dan Atori MINNA L-R: Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Abdul-Latif Busari; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, at the inauguration of Nigeria’s first sugarcane bio-factory in Zaria, Kaduna State ... yesterday

El-Rufai to probe spending of SURE-P funds Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

aduna State governor-elect, Malam Nasir Ahmad ElRufai, has vowed to punish anyone found culpable of diverting SURE-P funds, two weeks to the expiration of the tenure of the Muktar Yero administration. In a statement issued by Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the Governor-elect’s spokesman yesterday, ElRufai was reacting to the reported attempt by the outgoing government in

the state to secure approval from the House of Assembly to spend N2.744 billion SURE-P funds, which was resisted by the APC caucus last week. The statement quoted El-Rufai as saying; “I have been made aware of desperate attempts to secure approval to spend N2.744 billion Sure-P funds. Less than two weeks to its exit, the outgoing government of Kaduna State is seeking to pressure the outgoing House of Assembly to permit it to spend 50 per cent of the money on the Kawo Road project, while

the 23 local government councils will share the balance. “As Governor-elect, it is my duty to caution every official involved in these last-minute deals that the incoming government will ensure that there are consequences for illegal conduct, breach of trust and stealing of public assets. Our government will certainly insist on accountability, and no one should be in any doubt about our resolve, be it the instigators of any impropriety or those who facilitated and executed it.

NDE to train 70 graduates on finance Musa Pam Jos

he National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Plateau State is to train 70 graduates of tertiary institutions on finance and enterprise under its Enterprise and Finance Counseling Clinic (NDE-efcc) Director General of NDE, Malam Abubakar

Mohammed, who confirmed this yesterday, said the five-day training programme was borne out of the desire to ensure that unemployed graduates are exposed to the benefits of self-reliance through entrepreneurship. He said the clinic will also seek to guide them in their choice of business ideas and gives them solid business management

training that would instill in them self-confidence in managing chosen business ventures successfully. According to him, the training is also to ensure that participants recognise the great potential in them through counseling, writing bankable feasibility reports, as well as exposing them to available resources of funding facilities.

“Our transition committee is daily inundated with reports about the dire financial straits in which the outgoing government has placed the state. While I await the formal submission of the committee’s report, I am compelled to publicly affirm that we cannot and will not turn a blind eye to bad behavior,” El-Rufai said.

arely two weeks after the Niger State House of Assembly disagreed with Governor Babangida Aliyu over unpaid allowances, local government councillors in the state yesterday protested their unpaid N1, 746, 500, 000 between 2008 and 2014. The Niger State Councillors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Shehu, had invaded the office of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs at the state secretariat, Minna, carrying placards with various inscriptions. Speaking with journal-

ists during the protest, Shehu said the government only paid N1.1 million to each councillor for furniture allowance, saying that they are demanding for the remaining N1.4 million. Accordingly, he said: “We have 274 councillors, 175 supervising councillors, 25 vice-chairmen and 25 secretaries that are being owed, because the chairmen have been settled. “We were compelled to call an emergency meeting on April 27, 2015 over the impending balance of our severance and furniture allowances after many write ups and appeals, considering the terrible condition we are in.”

More relief assistance for North-East IDPs Mohammed Kawu Bauchi

nternally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the NorthEast part of the country have been assured of more Federal Government’s relief assistance to alleviate their sufferings. A representative of the Presidential Initiative for North-East (PINE) Committee, Dahiru Yusuf Abdullahi, gave this assurance at yesterday’s flag-off of relief distribution to victims of insurgency in Gamawa, Bauchi State. Abdullahi, who revealed

that over 700 households displaced by insurgency in neighbouring Yobe State taking refuge in Gamawa will benefit from the Federal Government’s gesture, said the relief is to alleviate their sufferings. He was supported in the exercise by the Gamawa District Head, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Dahuwa, who prayed God for quick end to the insurgency in the region and the country. The PINE representative also assured that the plight of unregistered IDPs in Gamawa council area of Bauchi State, number-

ing hundreds, will soon be considered by the committee for possible assistance. Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Search and Rescue Officer, Bala Yakubu, who represented his agency at the occasion, said both the state and Federal Governments will not relent in their efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims.

change of nameS

BIYI- OLUTUNDE

I formerly known as Mrs Sangosanya Olajumoke Omofemi now wish to be known as Mrs BiyiOlutunde Olajumoke Omofemi . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

WORLD | News

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

ISIS takes control of major Iraqi city

slamic State militants likely killed up to 500 Iraqi civilians and soldiers and forced 8,000 people to flee from their homes as they captured the Iraqi city of Ramadi, a provincial official said yesterday, while the extremists went door-to-door looking for policemen and pro-government tribesmen. Iraq's government and Iranian backed Shiite militias vowed to mount a counter offensive and reclaim Ramadi, the capital of the overwhelmingly Sunni Anbar province. Iran's Defense Min-

ister Gen. Hossein Dehghan flew to Baghdad on a surprise visit for urgent talks with Iraqi leaders. The fall of Ramadi was a stunning defeat for Iraq's security forces and military, which fled as the Islamic State extremists overwhelmed the last hold-out positions of progovernment forces, despite the support of US led airstrikes targeting the extremists. Online video showed Humvees, trucks and other equipment speeding out of Ramadi, with soldiers desperate to reach safety gripping onto their sides.

The figures could not be independently confirmed, but Islamic State militants have in the past killed hundreds of civilians and soldiers in the aftermath of their major victories. Some 8,000 people fled the city, Haimour said. It was not immediately clear how many people remain in Ramadi. Once a city of 850,000 that has been draining population for months amid fighting with the extremists besieging it. An enormous exodus took place in April, when the UN estimates some 114,000 resi-

dents streamed out of Ramadi and surrounding villages. Bodies, some charred, were strewn in the streets or tossed into the Euphrates river, said Naeem al-Gauoud, a leader from the Sunni tribes that fought against IS in Ramadi. Ramadi's streets were deserted yesterday, with only few people venturing out of their homes

200 arrested over Texas biker gang shootout

Iraqi security forces defending their headquarters against attacks by Islamic State extremists in the eastern part of Ramadi in Anbar province.

Burundi president fires defence chief after coup attempt

mbattled Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza sacked his defence and foreign ministers yeaterday, five days after surviving an attempted coup by generals opposed to his bid for a third term in office. In a decree seen by Reuters, Nkurunziza declined to give any reasons for the dismissals. "President does not have to explain," one of his spokesmen said in a follow-up text message. "Constitution gives him powers to do so." The sackings are the first signs of ructions inside Nkurunziza's administration after the attempted coup,

which intensified fears a political crisis may be spiralling out of control and pitching Africa's Great Lakes region towards another bout of ethnic conflict. Some 300,000 people died in a Burundian civil war that ended in 2005. Neighbouring Rwanda, which shares a similar ethnic mix between a Hutu majority and Tutsi minority, is still recovering from a 1994 genocide in which 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed. So far, however, there are no signs of supporters and opponents of Nkurunziza being divided along ethnic

lines. The constitution and a peace deal that ended the civil war both specify a two-term presidential limit. Nkurunziza is seeking a third term anyway, relying on a court ruling that his first term does not count because he was appointed by parliament, not elected. Although surviving the coup may have strengthened his position in the short term, the appointment of his main spokesman's brother as foreign minister suggests Nkurunziza may be running out of confidantes. Many of those behind the May 14 coup attempt are in custody.

Israel says no tanks for women soldiers

he Israeli army, which is distinguished by its strong integration of women in combat units, has decided not to let them serve in tanks, media reports said yesterday. News website Ynet and other outlets reported that after an inquiry, military chiefs had concluded the requirements for tank crew exceeded the physiological capabilities of most women. Women can join combat units only when those units do not require excessive physical abilities or

direct contact with the enemy, the daily Haaretz quoted the authors of the report as saying. The report also cited the close confines of a tank as being unsuitable for women to serve alongside men, as is already the case in the submarine service. A military spokeswoman refused to confirm to AFP that such a decision had been taken. "The army will continue to make every effort to integrate those women soldiers who

want in all units, according to their physiological and mental capabilities," she said. The spokeswoman said women are able to accomplish 92 percent of military missions and in recent years have been integrated in combat units. Military service is compulsory for Israeli men who serve for three years, while women do two. In 2000, parliament voted through an equality law forcing the army and security services to accept women in any position unless there was a valid reason not to do so.

to look for food, according to two residents reached by telephone. The militants, meanwhile, were storming the homes of policemen and pro-government tribesmen, particularly those from the large Al Bu Alwan tribe, of whom they detained about 30, the residents said.

early 200 people were arrested yesterday over a shootout between rival motorcycle gangs a day earlier where nine people were killed and 18 injured at a restaurant that law enforcement called a horrific crime scene. The bikers from at least five rival gangs attacked each other with guns, knives, brass knuckles, clubs and motorcycle chains at a Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill in the central Texas city of Waco. No bystanders or police were injured, police said. When the bikers began shooting, officers moved in, some of them also firing their weapons. When the shooting ended, bodies were scattered in the restaurant and across two parking lots. At least 50 weapons were recovered from the blood-soaked crime scene and 192 people had been arrested in connection

with the deadly brawl, Waco police said. "Yesterday's events was bad guys on bad guys. When our officers arrived, those bad guys turned their guns on our officers," Waco Police Sergeant Patrick Swanton told a news briefing. "Some of those (charged) may have been witnesses, many of those are going to be individuals involved in the shooting, and criminal charges may be applicable for that," he said. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is closing Twin Peaks located at a shopping mall by a busy highway for at least seven days "due to the ongoing danger it presents to our community," police said. Twin Peaks is a chain restaurant where scantily clad waitresses serve bar food. Police are worried about retaliation over the attack, saying officers and hospital staff have been threatened.

Guinea opposition vows more protests unless president backs down

uinea’s opposition leader pledged to continue the protests in which at least four people have been killed unless President Alpha Conde allows prompt local elections. Cellou Dalien Diallo said Conde had broken a 2013 UN brokered deal with the opposition to organize long overdue municipal polls before a presidential vote set for October. The opposition accuses Conde of packing local authorities with his supporters after the five year mandate of elected officials expired in 2010. Diallo said those officials are campaigning on Conde's behalf, making fair elections impossible. Before talks with Diallo on Wednesday, the presi-

dent has ruled out holding local elections before October, citing a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) that doing so would require postponing the presidential vote. Recent protests have sparked fears of a return to the violence of 2013. More than 50 people were killed then before legislative elections in which Conde’s RPG failed to win a majority. The violence deterred investors from the Guinea, a former French colony of 12 million people and the world’s largest bauxite exporter. “We will carry on with our demonstrations because it is illegal what Conde is doing and it is unfair,” Diallo said in a weekend interview.

US decries death sentence for Morsi

he United States believes the death sentence for former Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi is "unjust and undermines confidence in the rule of law," the State Department said yesterday. State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said Washington was also deeply

concerned about "yet another mass death sentence" delivered by an Egyptian court.The ruling against Mursi is not final until June 2. All capital sentences are referred to Egypt's top religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for a non-binding opinion, and are also subject to legal appeal.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY MAY 19, 2015

Sport News

International Sport

Basketball

I’m all about giving back – Oguche

Success ready for U-20 World Cup

Enrique: One down, two more to go

Fenerbache to replace Emenike with Ezekiel

Sport Ifeanyi Ibeh

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has stated that there would be no underrating of any of the national team’s opponents in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, beginning with the upcoming game against Chad in June. Besides the Chadians, the Super Eagles will also vie with Tanzania and Egypt for Group E’s sole qualification ticket. But after, against all odds, missing out on the last AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea, Keshi insists everyone associated with the Super Eagles have learnt their lessons and have set their sights on ensuring the Super Eagles make it to the next tournament, holding in Gabon, in 2017. “I cannot stop apologising for what happened. We all wanted to be there [in Equatorial Guinea] but it wasn’t to be and that is now in the past,” said Keshi. “We have learnt our lessons though and we now have another opportunity to be at the next AFCON. “It wasn’t like we underrated the teams we played [during the 2015 AFCON qualifiers] but a lot of things happened away from the pitch which contributed to our inability to defend our title. “We have learnt our lessons and we will do all in our power to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Interview

Did you know? That Former Manchester United coach, David Moyes and current coach Louis Van Gaal both attended the same Tactical Management School

AFCON: Eagles have learnt lessons – Keshi The immediate task ahead of Keshi though is the game against Chad on June 13 in Kaduna and he insists there will be no room for complacency when the Chadians come calling, adding Nigerians should expect to see a Super Eagles team willing to “fight from start to finish” at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. “We want to start on a good note by winning our next game,” continued the former Mali and Togo coach. “You know I am not the type to predict [score lines] but what I can promise is that whoever gets to wear the greenwhite-green on that day will fight from start to finish.” The Nigeria Football Federation recently released a list of players plying their trade in the domestic league ahead of the game against the Chadians. And keshi insists every one of those 26 home-based players has an equal chance of getting into the team as their overseas counterparts. “There will be no disparity between them [home-based and overseas-based players]. There would be no special treatment for anyone,” he said. “They all have to prove they are worthy of wearing the green-white-green. “I have always gone for the best and it’s not going to be different this time.” With so many leagues in Europe coming to a close before the end of the month, Keshi is hoping any player called up

Kenneth Omeruo (left) celebrating with Steven Keshi

from overseas for the upcoming AFCON qualifier would report to camp at the earliest opportunity.

“They have to report to camp as soon as they can; that is all I expect from them. They deserve their holidays but

the country also needs them, and as far as I am concerned, country must come first before their holidays,” he added.

LMC demands probe of three refs, six assistants

he League Management Company has lodged a complaint with the Nigeria Football Federation Referees Committee against three centre referees and their assistants for poor officiating in some of the Match Day 9 fixtures played on Sunday. The LMC asked the referees committee to remove the officials’ names from further games should they have been appointed pending the out-

come of investigations. The match officials are facing allegations of poor officiating, questionable calls and lack of diligence. Centre Referee Henry Ogunyamodi of Ondo State and his assistants are being investigated for the match in Nnewi between hosts Gabros International and Sharks of Port Harcourt. The assistant referees are O. O Awosakin of Ondo and Justin Takyun of Nasarawa State.

Also to be investigated are the referees that handled the Wikki Tourists against Lobi Stars match in Bauchi. They are Centre Referee Ahmed Dan Zaria from Kaduna State and his assistants Alfa Abdulganiyu from Jigawa and Muktar Ismail from Kano State. The other match under investigation is the fixture in Lafia between Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars which had Patrick Nworie from Enugu as

Centre Referee and Iriabor A of Ebonyi and Ubani Andy from Imo as assistants. The LMC Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar said later that the LMC will continue to monitor match officials to protect and ensure the integrity of the outcomes of the games. He appealed to the host clubs to refrain from acts of intimidation and other possible acts that might diminish the spirit of the game.

Sport

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fenerbache to replace Emenike with Ezekiel

Ezekiel

enerbache are set to move for on-loan Standard Liege forward Imoh Ezekiel to replace unsettled Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike. Emenike has battled a goal-drought this season which has resulted in a poor relationship with the fans and it made the Nigerian almost walk off the pitch after being booed. Twenty-one-year-old Ezekiel was reportedly

scouted by Fenerbache scout Müjdat Yetkiner over the weekend in their playoff game against Anderlecht where the Nigerian scored his side’s lone goal in the 1-1 draw but also got sent off. It is reported that despite his sending off Yetkiner was impressed by what he saw of the Nigerian and although they lead the race for his signature they will have to fend off interest from the likes of Galatassary and Tra-

bzonspor with German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 and Borrusia Monchengladbach reportedly eyeing him as well. He is valued at 12 million Euros by his parent club Al-Arabi but clubs willing to snap him off permanently in the summer can reportedly get him for a price of 8 million euros as the player’s willingness to stay in Europe as opposed to returning to the Middle East will work in their favour.

WJC: Oribamishe, Ogini lead Team Nigeria to Egypt CBN Tennis: Babalola qualifies for second round Ajibade Olusesan

ational junior champion, Tosin Oribamishe, and African Youth Games champion, Olasunkanmi Oginni, top the list of male and female players that will represent Nigeria at next month’s International Table Tennis Federation World Junior Circuit taking place in Egypt. ITTF Lagos Open revelation, Nurudeen Hassan, as well as teenage sensation, Abayomi Animashaun, are the other boys in the team. Oribamishe, who won the Aso Tournament recently in Abuja, will be joined by Halimot Ayinla, Muibat Bello and two others in the girls’ event. Nigeria junior players will be returning to the world stage after missing the Mauritius Open last

April and their presence in Egypt will surely give teams like Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria a tough challenge at the competition which takes place between June 8 and 12. However, the President, African Table Tennis Federation , Khaled El-Salhy, has said that this event would serve as a platform to unearth new stars for the continent. “This kind of ITTF sanctioned event for sure is the main factory to build up our African players and to present them to the world. I have to thank the African countries hosting such events this year (Nigeria (world tour), Tunisia (junior circuit), Mauritius (junior circuit) now Egypt (junior circuit) while in the previous years we had also Morocco and Algeria ,” he said. “Egypt and Nigeria could present some good players, and I have

Shell Cup: Feyenoord coaching clinic begins • Edo, Kano, Imo, Kastina in semis

his year’s Shell Cup competition enters its crucial stage as the coaching clinic to be handled by Feyenoord technical officials from Holland starts today (Tuesday) in Lagos. The Feyenoord team of three officials- Mike Obiku, Melvin Boel and Gido Vader- arrived Lagos on Sunday evening and the officials have met the organisers of the competition on the expectations for their visit. Obiku, a former Nigerian international, said about 50 coaches are expected to be at the National Stadium, Lagos for the programme. “We have a record of producing young talents. Robin Van Persie is one of the products of Feyenoord. We are going to teach the coaches how best to handle young players. It is important to teach coaches and players simple ways to learn football” Obiku said. Four teams at the

weekend qualified for the semifinals and they will benefit from the programme which is aimed at exposing the players and coaches to modern training in football. The four schools are Rezheight High School, Benin; Government Secondary School, Gwale; Rochas Foundation College, Ogboko; and Government Day Secondary School, Kofar Yandaka. The organisers have said there will be a draw on Thursday night for the pairing of teams for Friday’s semifinal matches scheduled to take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The final comes up on Sunday. “We are committed to make this competition bigger with every edition and that is why we introduced some innovations this time. There will be so much glamour in the final stages,” said SPDC’s Sustainable Development and Community Relations

Ifeanyi Ibeh

Oribamishe

my eyes on Youssef Abdel-Aziz of Egypt in Cadet Boys and Tosin Oribamishe of Nigeria in Cadet Girls,” he added.

Abia Warriors get ultimatum Charles Ogundiya

anagement of Abia Warriors has warned the coaches and players of the team to perform or get the sack. According to a release signed by the Media Officer of the team, Igwe Onuoha, the management has given the team an ultimatum to win their next three league matches or be ready to have their salary halved. The ultimatum was coming at the heels of

the Warriors’ second home loss of the season as champions, Kano Pillars won 1-0 in Umuahia at the weekend. During an emergency meeting which was convened at the club’s secretariat in Umuahia, the club Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama, said Abia Warriors have no reason not to do well since the welfare of the players and officials have been properly taken care of. “As we speak, we are not owing any of you,” Inyama addressed the players.

he defending men’s singles champion of the Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Open Tennis Tournament, Abdulmumuni Babalola, on Monday got off to a fine start by defeating Uche Oparoji 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the second round of the tournament. The tournament’s fifth seed, Henry Atseye, also beat Joseph Iyoroube 6-2, 6-1 to also progress to the round of 32. Atseye will next meet Augustine Nwokedi on Tuesday after the latter defeated Ayuba Dauda 6-0,6-3 to progress to the round of 32. Speaking after his

match, Nwokedi stated that he struggled to win his game as he was not at his best. He nevertheless promised to improve in Tuesday’s game against the tournament’s fifth seed. Men’s singles third seed, Thomas Otu, also justified his high rating by defeating Taiwo Owolabi in straight sets 6-4,6-4, just as Edward Christopher progressed to the next round after his opponent, John Henry, retired in the second set with the scoreline at 6-0,3-0. The Wheelchair category will serve off on Wednesday with 32 players respectively competing in the men’s and women’s events.

Babalola

Veterans task Buhari on new Sports Minister

here is need to appoint a technocrat in the sport business industry as Minister of Sports by the incoming administration, says the Association of Sports Veteran, Nigeria. Speaking at a well-attended Annual Get-together of the Association in Lagos over the weekend, the President of the body, Chief Jonathan Ogufere, said such a move would arrest the present slide in sports. The Association of Sports Veterans Nigeria is an umbrella organisation of sportsmen and

women who have made their marks in the various segments of sports such as participation, coaching, officiating, supporting, management, administration and sport writing. President Ogufere said: “The Ministry of Sports in the past has been used by past administrations as a dumping ground where it takes incumbents years to understand the intricacies of present day sports administration and leadership at that level. This development accounts for the decline of sports over the

years.” Ogufere pointed out that, “Sports should be recognised as a veritable goldmine both for the country and its youth which requires administrative leadership comparable to most corporate or commercial set-ups. “With the potentials which Nigeria have and considering the strides taken over four decades ago, Nigeria ought to be in the elite class in the world of sports like Boxing, Athletics, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Football, Table Tennis and Swimming”.

International Sport

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY MAY 19, 2015

Enrique: One down, two more to go

uis Enrique is celebrating a Primera Division title with Barcelona in just his first season in charge but does not want to speculate about his future with much still at stake this campaign. Barca won 1-0 at defending champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday to clinch their 23rd Spanish crown. Lionel Messi’s goal fired the Blaugrana to their seventh league title in the last 11 years. Barca have won 30 and lost just four of their 37 league games under Luis Enrique, who became the ninth Barca coach to lift the title in his first season in charge. “It’s a big satisfaction for all

of us to win La Liga,” he said. “It’s a title that rewards persistence, which indicates that we’ve had a great season in a year where, moreover, Real Madrid were at a very high level. “We are more than satisfied to have won it.”We have struggled at times but it has been a very good campaign.” His club takes on Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on May 30 at the Nou Camp before facing Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6 in Berlin. “There are still two titles we are hoping to win,” he said. “We have three games left to play and two of them are finals.”

Rodgers: Liverpool lack leaders, quality Rodgers

B Messi moving with the ball

rendan Rodgers admits that there is a lack of quality and leadership within the Liverpool squad and says that the departure of Steven Gerrard will leave a huge void at Anfield. The Reds were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace in Gerrard’s final home game on Saturday, with the former England international set to join LA Galaxy this summer.

Although Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season, Rodgers admits that there is currently a shortage of quality at Anfield. “That’s what we have to find – the answers to that,” he said. “You have to find the solutions. It is an incredible lot of experience, game management and quality gone out of the team but it is

something we will find I am sure. “Stevie has a huge influence in the changing room and a star quality. Of course it is something that will be missed, but if you want to be the big player at a club like this you have to step up and make the contribution in the big games. “That is the idea next season. I am sure that will be the case.”

Pogba not a superstar – Platini

ichel Platini refuses to consider Paul Pogba a “superstar”, claiming that such status can only be given to prolific goalscorers. In three seasons at Juventus, Pogba has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, and will have the chance to showcase his talent further in next month’s UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona. However, compatriot and UEFA president Platini believes the France international is

Real drop to pot two in Champions League seedings

arcelona’s La Liga title victory means Carlo Ancelotti’s side will fall out of pot one for the first time in five years Real Madrid will be in pot two of the Champions League group stage draw for the first time since 2010-11 thanks to their failure to win the competition or La Liga this term. Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to defend their European crown, with Juventus eliminating them 3-2 on aggregate at the semi-final stage.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were confirmed as Primera Division winners on Sunday and, under UEFA’s new system, Madrid will not be among the top seeds. In previous years, the pots were decided by each team’s coefficient ranking but the governing body has ruled that winners of the top seven leagues and the European champions will now fill pot one. As Juventus and Barcelona, the two Champions League finalists, have already won their domestic titles, one spot

will be granted to the Eredivisie - the eighthranked league in 2013-14. The drop means Madrid could end up facing the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus or Paris Saint-Germain in the group stages next season. Other pot one regulars who will have to make do with a place in pot two include Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Porto and Arsenal. The final for the 201516 Champions League takes place at San Siro in Milan on May 28.

a long way from being compared to the likes of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. “Pogba isn’t a superstar,” Platini told RTL. “A great footballing star is someone who scores a lot of goals. “I don’t know if Paul Pogba is someone who can be on the same level as Messi or Ronaldo, as they both score 50 goals a season. “It’s interesting to notice that when he loses the ball and his teammates suffer, they yell at him straight away.”

Pogba

Rankings: Sharapova regains second spot

Sharapova

ussia’s Maria Sharapova on Monday regained second place in the WTA world rankings after winning the Rome Masters on Sunday while Spanish finalist Carla Suarez moved to her highest ranking ever at eighth. Romania’s Simona Halep, who lost in the semi-finals against Suarez, moved down to third while American Serena Williams continues to lead the pack with 9,361 points. 1. Serena Williams

(USA) 9,361 points 2. Maria Sharapova (Russia) 7,710 3. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,360 4. Petra Kvitova (Czech) 6,760 5. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 4,940 6. Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) 4,167 7. Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) 3,655 8. Carla Suarez (Spain) 3,645 9. Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) 3,510 10. Andrea Petkovic (Germany) 3,315

Ennis-Hill to make decide on heptathlon return

J Ennis-Hill

essica Ennis-Hill will decide on Tuesday whether she is ready to compete in her first heptathlon after almost two years out of the sport. The Olympic gold medallist was set to hold talks with her coach after turning in a solid performance at the Loughborough International Athletics on Sunday, which followed a

third-placed finish at the Manchester Great City Games almost a fortnight ago. But she has been hampered by a long-term Achilles problem and admitted she would have to take advice from coach Toni Minichiello before reaching a decision on competing in Gotzis. “I thought I’d struggle to jump six metres [in Loughbor-

ough] because of the training and what I’ve been able to put together, so it’s a start,” EnnisHill said. “I’m still finding my way and I’m happy to compete and get rid of that rustiness so I can’t be too disappointed. “I’ll sit down and have a chat with my coach Toni and we’ll make a decision once we’ve seen how I come out of this.”

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FIFA U-20 World Cup special Mali players in disarray in France Success ready for

U-20 World Cup

ranada of Spain striker, Isaac Success, has expressed readiness to give his best for the Flying Eagles when the U-20 World Cup begins in New Zealand. The former Eaglets star rued his inability to attend the Flying Eagles camp in Germany despite the relatively short flight distance between Andalusia and Bavaria. ‘’I did not attend the training camp in Germany because my club Granada is fighting to escape from relegation,’’ Success told SL10.ng. ‘’I feel very, very happy to be named for the FIFA Under

20 World Cup. I was expecting it to happen because I was in touch with the coaches always. ‘’I can blend with the team because I am a professional player playing in one of the best leagues in the world. I am equal to the task of playing against any opponent at the World Cup, including Brazil,’’ the Granada number 29 added. There had been doubts surrounding his fitness but that disappeared on Sunday evening, with Granada manager Jose Sandoval including him in the 18-man squad that travelled to Estadio Municipal de Anoeta to face Real Sociedad.

ali under-20 national team is currently in the French city of Toulouse preparing for the upcoming Under-20 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand. Working conditions have been very difficult according to the team’s coach, Fanyeri Diarra, who says the situation is affecting their groundwork. An initial camp schedule to be held in Mali’s capital Bamako was cancelled after the football federation said funds were not available for

Hungary boost squad with Serie A players

Success

lying Eagles first round foes Hungary have named three players based outside their shores for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. Defenders Akos Kecskes and David Forgacs are with Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, while midfielder Zsolt Kalmar is with German second division outfit RB Leipzig. Also, Erik Bukran

Bulbwa eyes glory in New Zealand

A Bulbwe

fter making the final list of players to the U-20 World Cup, Flying Eagles forward, Bernard Bulbwa, has said the World Cup will be his stage to shine. The 18-year-old scored a spectacular goal to help Nigeria beat Senegal 1-0 in the final of the last African U-20 Championship in March to help Nigeria lift the trophy, and says this is his opportunity to make a bigger statement.

“I thank God for what I did at the African U-20 Championship but the World Cup is obviously a bigger stage and a bigger opportunity for me to showcase my talent. “This is my stage to shine and I believe I will not let Nigerians down by the grace of God. My teammates and I have worked really hard to get to this stage and hopefully we will go on to win the World Cup,” he said.

Basketball Flakes I’m all about giving back – Oguche

ormer Nigerian national team star, Samuel Oguche, has declared that he will continue to do all that he can to ensure that young Nigerians get to fulfil their potentials in the game of basketball. The former Dodan Warriors player, who made this declaration on Monday in Abuja, at the end of the opening day of his pet project, the Samuel Oguche Basketball Camp, sponsored by Bullet Energy drink, said basketball gave him the opportunity to “become somebody”, hence the need to give back to young kids in the country. Oguche, who expressed his amazement at the sheer number of talented youngsters in the country,

said: “While I was young, I never had the opportunity [to be at a training camp such as this] and now I feel it is good we invest in grassroots basketball so that the future of basketball can be brightened in Nigeria.” Reacting to the issue of age limit as a yard stick for entry into the basketball camp which has over 300 youngsters in attendance, Oguche said: “We want to invest our time in kids we can help to junior colleges and prep schools in the United states because if we get them out at that tender age their prospects will be a lot better and that is why we added age limit to the camp this year.” The former Nigerian Premier League All Star thanked United Kingdom-

based Bullet Energy for fulfilling their promise to support his pet project after speaking to them on the need to give back to Nigeria, which happens to be the outfit’s largest market in Africa. He also ruled out monetary motivation as the primary reason for the annual basketball camp because mere seeing these kids getting the opportunity to go to school, either in Nigeria or overseas, gives him so much happiness. “This is not about money; it’s about giving back to the society and fulfilling a lifelong dream,” said Oguche, who also thanked the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their support and enthusiasm towards the basketball camp.

FIBA releases draws for 3x3 World Championships

he pools for the 2015 FIBA 3x3 U-18 World Championships, taking place in Debrecen, Hungary from June 4 to 7 have been announced by the world body. Reigning men’s champion Argentina will have to be ready from the opening day in Pool D with

USA, seeking to win its first-ever 3x3 tournament with a male team; Puerto Rico and Spain, who both reached the quarterfinals of the last edition in Jakarta, Indonesia two years ago, as well as Georgia and Indonesia. In the women’s tournament, reigning cham-

pions USA will look to maintain their supremacy after winning the last two editions and the 3x3 U-18 event at last year’s Youth Olympic Games. This would mean a historic third straight 3x3 gold medal for the dynamic Nigerian-born Arike Ogunbowale.

the project. Diarra says some of his players including the captain are still stranded in Mali because of passport and visa issues. Friendly matches lined up as part of preparations have been cancelled, and it is too late to organise other meetings, according to an official. Mali will open their campaign against Mexico on May 31 before subsequently facing Uruguay and Serbia in Group D.

from EPL side Hull City has been placed on standby. The 21-man squad was whittled down from an initial shortlist of 26 and includes several from the current Under-19 squad, two from the Under-18 age group and even one, Patrik Demjén, who is still eligible for the Under 17 national team. The Flying Eagles face Hungary on June 7 in New Plymouth.

with Ifeanyi Ibeh 08054175662

Sarah Ogoke of Nigeria driving to the basket at the 2013 AfroBasket

Ugoka, Ogoke to lead Tigresses to Abidjan

taly-based Uju Ugoka and Angola-based Sarah Ogoke will lead Nigeria’s quest for a ticket to this year’s African Women Championships after the Nigeria Basketball Federation included both players and 14 others in the squad ahead of the 2015 AfroBasket qualifying tournament taking place from June 4 to 6 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso - who have not yet confirmed their participation - will also serve as qualification for the 11th

All Africa Games. But Nigeria’s D’Tigresses are already assured of their place at September’s event in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo following their third-place finish at the 2011 edition. If Burkina Faso decides not to play in the three-team competition, the qualifier will become a two-game series between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Nigeria’s focus will be on booking a place at the AfroBasket, which will be held in Yaounde, Cameroon from Septem-

ber 24 to October 3. To that end, the NBBF has invited 16 players to take part in a camp in Abuja, with head coach Scott Nnaji and his assistant Adewumi Aderemi looking on. Should D’Tigresses expectedly secure a ticket to the 2015 AfroBasket, they will play in Group B, alongside reigning continental champions Angola, Senegal, Algeria as well as the yet-tobe determined qualifier from Zone II and a team that will receive a wild card.

Barthez: Goalkeeping has helped my motor racing career Following a trophy-laden career, former goalkeeper, Fabien Barthez, in this exclusive interview with FIFA.com reveals why he now devotes his considerable energies to motor racing. Do you feel that the art of goalkeeping has evolved over the last few years? It hasn’t evolved enough. There are a lot of keepers in Europe’s major leagues who aren’t very good with their feet, for example. The likes of Manuel Neuer, Thibault Courtois and Hugo Lloris all play pretty high up but most keepers still lack depth in their game. We’re almost going backwards. In the 1980s keepers had to be big. They had to take up as much space in the goal as possible, and we’ve gone back to that a little bit. Obviously, for me personally, that’s not how I see the job of goalkeeping. I think it’s a little bit more important than that. Manuel Neuer played a big part in Germany’s FIFA World Cup win. Were you disappointed he didn’t win the FIFA Ballon d’Or? It didn’t really surprise me. The fact is that goalkeepers are always in the background. They’re not in the limelight that much. I’ve often heard coaches saying that to build a team you need a good keeper and a good striker and that you create everything else around them. Coaches aside, though, it’s not a position that gets that much recognition. Keepers have been undervalued for as long as people have been playing football. Think about it – when kids have a kickabout, it’s always the worst players who go in goal. Don’t tell us that’s how you started out. No, I was a decent outfield player, and I’m not being big-headed about it. I’m just talking in general. In the 1980s and 90s, you didn’t have goalkeeping coaches, which also says a lot about the lack of recognition the position has always suffered from. But that’s the way it is! People prefer the guys who score goals to the ones who stop them. It’s more entertaining. Which of today’s keepers do you admire? I like Hugo [Lloris] a lot, and not just as a goalkeeper. I like him as a person too. Then there’s Thibaut Courtois. To my mind, he’s the goalkeeping great of the future. And I think he’ll maintain that status for a few years too. Who did you dream of emulating when you were young? Joel Bats (France keeper from 1983 to 1989). He was a left-footer like me, and he was very neat and tidy in everything he did. He came out a lot too at setpieces. He was always my role model. Is there one match that you’re especially proud of from your career? (Pauses) The UEFA EURO 2000 semifinal against Portugal is among my happiest memories. It was a very intense match and the pressure was really on. The game went into extra time and Zinedine Zidane scored a golden goal. Then there was the 1998 World Cup Final and the 1993 Champions League final with Olympique Marseille. There were quite

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Barthez

a few nice games. Did you feel invincible with Laurent Blanc, Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram and Bixente Lizarazu in front of you? It wasn’t so much invincibility as feeling at ease. We really worked well together. That was our strength. We read each other’s games and we knew exactly how each of us played. Which forwards gave you the biggest problems? Pauleta and Ronaldo. On the international scene it was more or less equal, but it was a different story at club level. I remember two very painful games for Manchester United against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final in 2003 where Ronaldo really hurt me. You’re a racing driver now. What are the things you’ve learned from football that have helped you at the wheel? As an elite sportsman, I’m able to listen and I’m grounded. They’re the kind of attributes you need to perform when you play a sport. And there are reflexes and anticipation too, of course. What do Barthez the driver and Barthez the goalkeeper have in common? They both take calculated risks. I thought about every dribble I went on in the penalty area and the same was true every time I ventured outside the box. I never did things just to entertain. It’s the same with racing. And then there’s the passion of it all. Is there one that holds sway over the other? Yes. Driving is a huge passion of mine but football comes first. Football is my life.

Imperative of new Productivity Paradigm C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 6

and too few doing too much. The second concern at the administrative level has to do with the costs incidental on the primitive leveraging of the public sector for solving problem of unemployment. This has directly led to an institutionalised employment/wage policy which supports a system where recruitment of 1000 mediocre is favoured over recruiting well-remunerated 200 administrative/technocratic experts. This tradition is not made better within an adversarial industrial relations framework wherein collective bargaining agreement yields more to militancy in labour agitation totally outside of rational model of wage fixing or concessions to workers based on productivity. The last level of concern generated by the logic of institutional multiplication derives from the unconscionable practice whereby every federal agency, irrespective of costs implication, must have offices in all the states of the federation and some in all the LGAs, without consideration for 'joined up' cost saving institutional networking like the one-stop shop managerial system and sometimes outsourcing in the context of expanding PPP practices and business models. One critical point from which waste immediately infests all the institutional manifestation adumbrated above derives from the uncoordinated implementation of the concurrent schedule of constitutional function that ties the Federal Government and the states together. This makes it impossible to avoid unnecessary duplication of programmes and projects which could have been facilitated by either. All these should be properly conceived as the fallout from a managerial tradition which lacks critical benchmarks like ratio of capital to recurrent budgets as well as the reasonable proportion of personnel cost thereto, and so on. For instance, payroll cost is so large that there is nothing left over for training. The consequence is that the differentials between the cost of hiring staff with expert skills or training those with talents in the workforce is paid out to consultants who invariably help to make up for the huge skills and competency gaps in the MDAs as well as the overall distorted IQ of the public service itself. Thus, because we have often failed to measure labour productivity and the entire productivity quotient in the public service, we are left with the trivial task of treating the symptoms without any understanding of the real cause. It seems to me, in fact, that this is one of the key reasons why the reform of the civil service system in Nigeria has been unnecessarily protracted since 1954. Yet, all is not gloom and failures. Nigeria’s reform effort is too constant and too focused for it not to have yielded some serious reflections about where we are and what we urgently need to do to undermine our administrative predicament. Government has for instance, taken some steps to confront the productivity challenge that could be deepened, consolidated and scaledup. In 2012, the FGN approved a new national policy on productivity. The philosophy behind the NPP is to

have ‘a systematic and comprehensive programme of implementation on improving productivity of labour, machine, material, capital, environment, technology, attitude, energy and any other definable inputs of production of goods and services for various sectors of the economy.’ In the wings of that policy, the FGN instituted the Oronsaye Committee on the restructuring and rationalisation of Federal Government agencies, parastatals and commissions. The rationale for the Committee is very instructive; it is ‘to meet the global socio-economic challenges which have rendered it inevitable for the Government to cut the cost of governance while ensuring accountability.’ Its ultimate objective is on how to empower the MDAs to do more for less, thereby jumpstarting a productivity trajectory which can transform the Nigerian socioeconomic profile. We can therefore say that with the implementation of the Oronsaye Report already commencing, the drive towards cost containment has begun. With respect to the much talked about bloated and skewed budgetary structure that lean more to the recurrent, there is a compelling need to set target benchmark for capitalrecurrent budget that government is seen to assiduously pursue based on timelines. This would imply also that, in terms of industrial relations, wage concessions would no more be due to blackmail or unbridled union militancy but be seen to be managed, conscientiously on principles and in the nation’s best interest, to depend highly on negotiated productivity agreements. The interventions required to move from policy to action will focus on key areas such as a) getting the critical sectors of the economy to articulate their productivity plans based on agreed national benchmark; b) strategic integration of the various productivity plans and targets into the national plan by the National Planning Commission; c) launch of productivity metrics and tools to be deployed to enable employers and employees to begin to sign on to productivity bargaining and gain sharing contracts, to institutionalise a new performance-driven compensation system and skills-based workforce pricing; d) value system reorientation; e) national waste reduction strategy that is linked to a new national maintenance management policy and a new asset efficiency scheme around redefined guiding principles; f) a new national qualification framework aligned to education, training, certification and skills pricing policies; g) input structure including capitaloverhead-personnel benchmarks and local content policy; h) SME expansion programme and new regional industrial benefits policy; i) research, development and innovation; etc. The goal of national productivity in Nigeria is possible. It just requires a huge dose of political willingness, administrative creativity and collective courage. We have begun the journey; it only requires some few more steps to get it done. This is the most critical challenge of the new administration. • (Being Remark made by Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Perm. Sec, Fed Ministry of Communication Technology as Chairman of the NISER Research Seminar Series on ‘Productivity in the Nigerian Economy: Issues & Challenges’ held in Ibadan on the 12th of May, 2015)

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Imperative of new Productivity Paradigm Tunji Olaopa

his edition of the NISER Research Seminar Series (NRSS) could not have come at a better time. The focus on ‘Computing National Productivity’ brings to the fore, at this critical point in our national life, the challenge of calibrating a new productivity paradigm around which the task of good governance can be projected. We are in the middle of a significant political transition that we all hope will affect our governance trajectory, and the NISER team seems to have rightly inserted itself, in a fundamental manner, into the preparation at a most theoretic and practical levels. The choice of productivity measurement as the theme for this seminar to interrogate is in a sense rooted in a deep sense of history. It brings to mind the NISER Conference of 1968 that was called to discuss post-war reconstruction and development. That Conference was significant for two reasons. The first was that it came at a period when Nigeria was faced with the prospect of reconstruction after the terrible horrors of the Civil War. The second reason is that the Conference presaged the evolution of the Second National Development Plan, and its vision for a post-independence Nigeria caught in the complexity of postcolonial existence. Forty-seven years after that Conference and at moment of another critical historical transition, NISER has, with this seminar, recaptured the challenge of Nigeria of the 70s, which Prof. Wolfgang Stolper summed up as the tragedy of a nation that plans without fact. The glaring absence of a national productivity paradigm around which Nigeria’s governance trajectory can be computed as a strategy for mitigating a nascent culture of institutionalised waste in resource management merely today restates the predicament of the Nigeria of the ‘60s that plans without fact. Indeed, over three decades ago, Peter Drucker called our collective attention to the managerial truism that what is not measured cannot be managed. This implies that with this seminar, NISER is redirecting our attention to the critical missing link that must be confronted if we are to overcome the infrastructural gaps critical to national transformation. But the bigger worry is that the challenge, which has been with us for so long in our journey as a nation, is still protracted. Productivity, or the lack of it, which is rooted in statistics is still a daunting national issue close to thirty years after NISER and Stolper raised the warning about its spectre. National productivity cannot even begin to take off positively until and unless we begin from the root issue of national planning which in itself requires deep-seated rethinking

Jonathan

Omobola Johnson

as a corollary of the budgetary process and fiscal federalism. If productivity is the average measure of the efficiency of production and resource use in any nation, then we should really begin to worry about Prof. Stolper’s prophetic assessment. Planning without vital productivity measures complicates Nigeria’s governance predicament. Good governance is premised on the capacity of the Nigerian state to efficiently and effectively provide adequate goods and services that will constitute the dividends of democracy for Nigerians. But then the task of governance itself has a subtle way of undermining the possibility of an effectively calibrated national productivity framework that affects governance, which raises the critical question: What are the challenges of national productivity that Nigeria faces? There are four major indices of our productivity palaver: a) the challenge that Nigeria faces as a resource dependent mono-cultural economy being one

of harnessing resource efficiency to accelerate growth in the economy; b) the fact that it is not the quantum of government spending that is at issue, the challenge is one of balancing rates of investment with returns on investment; c) the reality, that the average output of the Nigerian workforce reflects, unarguably, low marginal productivity of labour even as national productivity is much more than just labour productivity; and d) the indisputable truism, that given the relationship between productivity, performance and service delivery on the one hand, and the fact that government consumes considerable tax resources as perhaps the single largest employer of labour and provider of services in the economy on the other, Nigeria will hardly advance beyond the capability and productivity of its public service and the level of its overall national productivity, which unfortunately we don’t care to measure. The long and short of the summary is that, within the Nigerian context, the cost of governance undermines the efficiency of national productivity. And this unbridled cost automatically generates institutional waste of such enormity that it multiplies and invades every aspect of the Nigerian governance institutions and processes. The real problem begins with the philosophy and perception of the role of the state in the developmental process. As a carry-over from the oil boom years, the state was conceived as occupying the ‘commanding height of the economy’ where it dictates the critical nuts and bolts of the developmental process. This understanding of the state effectively preclude an institutional architecture that is rationalized to fit into emergent integrated model of managerialism and deregulation/ liberalization of the economy with the private sector as the engine of growth

Planning without vital productivity measures complicates Nigeria’s governance predicament

in the national economy. The unfortunate consequence is that the state becomes the focal point of institutional waste. This is close to what Brooks Stevens, the American industrial designer, calls ‘planned obsolescence’; the kind of waste that generates redundancies and pointless cost. It is in this sense that Nigeria is far from being a developmental state capable of facilitating effective and efficient governance paradigm that is conducive to delivering goods and services to its citizens. There are at least three levels of institutional manifestations that illustrate this obsolescence and redundancies. First, there is the issue of the cost and redundancies generated by Nigeria’s presidential system of government perceived as a kind of spoil system that multiplies appointments and offices as means for compensating party loyalists and cronies. This system invariably emasculates the state’s development budget because of the huge pressure generated by the wage bill. There are also costs incidental on an expensive electoral system and nation-wide campaign requirements, as well as the need to maintain party offices in all states and LGAs. On the other hand, Nigeria possesses a large chunk of states which, in governance terms, are not just viable. This is because these states depend on life-support budgetary allocations from the Federation Account. These allocations are then drained down the black hole of recurrent expenditures. Yet, the depressing fact is that there are still clamours for more and more states and local governments. At the third level is the cost generated by the logic of representativeness that motivates the implementation of a grossly abused Federal Character principle which undergirds Nigeria’s federalism. More often than not, representativeness not only undermines meritocracy as the basis for institutional appointments, but it also generates costs and obsolescence. This unproductive logic of unguarded institutional multiplication made possible at these three levels of course extends critically to the conception of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the powerhouse of administrative efficiency in Nigeria. The Nigerian state runs on the effectiveness of the MDAs. Yet, Nigeria’s anti-developmental institutional practices just as effectively stifle the optimal performances of the MDAs. The first reason for concern has to do with the number of MDAs created without any supporting policy of winding them up. And where the government is able to manage a level of political courage to do this, staffmembers are rather offloaded on the established line ministries. What results is an incredible level of redundancies in workforce composition with too many people doing too little, too many doing nothing C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5 5

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